Most backpackers use inflatable sleeping pads because they’re thicker and more comfortable than ones made out of closed cell foam and lighter weight than self-inflating pads. While each of these sleeping pad types has different pros and cons, the immense popularity of …
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The Most Important Backpacking Backpack Features
What makes a great multi-day backpack? Which features and capabilities are the most important to look for when purchasing a new backpacking backpack?
Read More »Ursack Bear Bag Adoption Rate – Survey Results
The Ursack is a bear-proof bear bag made out of bulletproof Spectra fabric that is lighter weight than hard-sided bear canisters and requires no training to use, making it a convenient and more reliable alternative to hanging a bear bag from a high tree …
Read More »Backpacker Use of Satellite Messengers, PLBs, Cell Phones, Radios, and Satellite Phones – Survey Results
There was a time not too long ago when the majority of backpackers and hikers didn’t carry their cell phones on trips and the use of satellite communication was beyond the financial reach of most backpackers. Those times have changed and the vast …
Read More »Backpacking Pillow Preferences – Survey Results
What do inflatable sleeping pads, backcountry bed-style sleeping bags, mini-LED lanterns, and two-door backpacking tents have in common? If you step back and look at product and technology innovation in the backpacking and camping industry, a lot of it has been focused …
Read More »Hiker Smartphone Navigation App and GPS Device Use Trends
Digital Smartphone Navigation Apps and GPS Devices have eclipsed the use of physical maps and magnetic compasses in terms of usability although their full scale adoption is still hindered by lingering battery life and network connectivity limitations. But how widespread is their use? …
Read More »Hiking Hydration Systems vs. Water Bottles – Survey Results
Hydration reservoir pockets and drinking tube ports are a common feature on most daypacks and overnight backpacks. But as far as we know, no one has ever studied how prevalent their use is and whether using a hydration reservoir and hose is …
Read More »Backpacking Quilt Adoption Rate – Survey Results
Have you ever considered switching from a sleeping bag to a backpacking quilt? Backpacking quilts are lighter weight than sleeping bags, they pack up smaller, and they’re much more comfortable for side sleepers since they don’t have a hood. We recently surveyed …
Read More »Best Backpacking Water Filter and Treatment Systems
What are the best water filter and purification options for backpacking? We put that question to 565 backpackers in a recent survey on SectionHiker.com to get an updated view into the types of solutions that backpackers use today. Most Popular Water Treatment …
Read More »Reader Poll: Compass Use
Reader Poll I’m conducting an informal reader poll here (leave a comment). When was the last time you used a compass in the backcountry? Do you carry one with you whenever you go hiking or backpacking? Have you ever had to rely …
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