Gear Reviews

Pike Trail High Gaiters are polyester gaiters with a unique fitting system and design that overcomes the sizing deficiencies of most high gaiters, including and especially Outdoor Research Crocodiles, which are the most popular high gaiters sold today. In addition to a …

The REI Trail 40 Backpack is a multi-purpose backpack that can be used for long day hikes, peakbagging, travel, or short overnight trips. It’s an internal frame pack with a U-shaped zipper that provides complete access to the main compartment when unzipped, …

If you’re gearing up for winter hiking and backpacking, it’s worth asking yourself if you want a backpack that’s designed for winter use, or whether you can get by using the backpack you use the rest of the year. Personally, I prefer …

The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Insulated Boots are 200g mid-height waterproof hiking boots that are good for winter hiking. I like them because they are shaped like a regular mid-hiking boot with a curved forefoot rocker which makes them easy you walk …

The Yaktrax Summit is a burly winter traction system that’s in the same league as Kahtoola’s Microspikes and Hillsound’s Trail Crampons. Compatible with soft-soled winter boots and hiking shoes, the Summits have 12 triangular spikes that attach to the underside of your footwear …

The Mountainsmith Zerk 40 is a multi-purpose backpack with vest-style shoulder straps that can be used for backpacking, thru-hiking, or long day hikes. I hesitate to call it a fast-pack because its utility extends far beyond that narrow style of use. Weighing …

KEEN’s Revel IV High Polar Boots are insulated waterproof/breathable winter hiking boots rated to -40F/-40C. Available for both men and women, these boots come up to mid-calf for maximum heat retention and feature metal lacing hardware for maximum durability, a gaiter ring …

The Merrell Thermo Overlook 2 Tall WP is an insulated 400g waterproof/breathable winter hiking boot rated to -40F/-40C. These unisex boots (w/ men’s sizing) come up to mid-calf for maximum heat retention, they have a seamless wraparound waterproof rand, fleece lining, and …

The SlingFin CrossBow 2 Four-Season Tent sports an impressive balance of light weight, durability, and overall sturdiness. It’s made for winter adventures, alpine climbing, and backcountry ski touring, but is also marketed as a sort of quiver-killer. It’s light enough for 3-season …

The Rab Borealis Jacket is a lightweight windproof softshell jacket that’s great for winter hiking but lightweight enough that it can be used year-round.  It has an under the helmet hood, a full length zipper, and two zippered Napoleon chest pockets that …

The NEMO Dragonfly 2 Person Tent is a lightweight (2 pounds, 10 ounces) tent with fantastic ventilation, large vestibules, and a convenient gear loft. It’s quick to set up and a trustworthy shelter in wind and rain. It’s cozy with two people …

The Tarptent Rainbow Li is a one-person, wedge-shaped UL Dyneema backpacking tent (21.8 oz | 619 g) that is pitched with two carbon-fiber tent poles instead of trekking poles. Yes, that’s right. It uses tent poles instead of trekking poles, thereby increasing …

For winter snowshoeing on hiking trails and in the backcountry, you want a winter hiking snowshoe that is durable, with aggressive crampons for traction and a secure binding system that locks your boots to the snowshoes. If you’re interested in getting off …

The ULA Catalyst Backpack is the largest volume backpack in ULA’s line of ultralight style packs with 75 liters of capacity. Weighing 44.4 oz (1259 g), it’s a durable backpack that can carry an enormous amount of gear and food, packed inside …