Section Hikers Backpacking Blog Hiking and Backpacking for Beginners and Experts

The REI Flash 45 (2017) is a lightweight backpack with an adjustable, ventilated frame that’s perfect for weekend backpacking trips or more technical day hikes. Weighing just 2 lbs 14 oz in a size L, it’s a surprisingly comfortable and functional backpack capable of carrying 25-30 pound loads. If you’re …

Howe Peak (2966′) is a New Hampshire 200 Highest Mountain in the Wild River Wilderness, near Shelburne Moriah Mountain. It’s a trail-less peak, so the only way to get to the summit is to use your navigation wits and brawn to bushwhack to the top. More brawn was needed on …

Warbonnet Outdoors has quite a large selection of hammock tarps, enough to suit anyone’s preferences. They recently launched another tarp called the Minifly, a 132″ x 91″ hex-style tarp with “short” doors that weighs 11.75 oz (2000mm, 20D silpoly). It’s basically a stripped down and lighter weight version of their …

Hiking pants are an important piece of hiking gear but one that we often take for granted. They have to be highly breathable and quick drying, easy to vent when you get too hot, but warm when the temperature drops. Fit, freedom of movement, and pockets are also key factors.  What …

The REI Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad has an R-value of 3.7 and weighs just 15 oz. It rolls up incredibly flat and requires just 10 breaths to inflate, while deflation takes just seconds through a separate deflation valve. Priced just under $100, it’s a great value for a three …