Philip Werner

Philip Werner quit his corporate job in 2010 to become a full-time hiker, guide, and outdoor writer. Since then he's hiked over nine thousand miles, become an adept fly fisherman, XC skier, and written over 3000 backpacking and hiking articles for SectionHiker.com.

50 Best Backpacking Gifts Under $50 (2023)

50 Best Backpacking Gifts Under $50

It can be difficult to pick good backpacking gifts if you’re not a backpacker or hiker. That’s why we’ve pulled together this list of great backpacking gifts for $50 or less to help you get your backpacking friends gifts that they’ll appreciate. …

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10 Best Winter Hiking Pants of 2023-2024

10 Best Winter Hiking Pants

The best winter hiking pants are highly breathable softshell pants that prevent the accumulation of perspiration when hiking, snowshoeing, climbing/mountaineering, or even ski touring in winter. They’re made with woven nylon or polyester that is warmer and more windproof than normal three-season …

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10 Best Backpack Accessory Pockets of 2023

10 Best Backpack Accessory Pockets

Many hikers and backpackers like to attach extra accessory pockets to their shoulder straps and hip belts to provide extra storage and help organize their gear so it can be accessed quickly without removing their backpacks. Extra water bottle sleeves, camera bags, …

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Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra Review

The Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra is a winter traction aid compatible with all types of shoes: trail runners, hiking boots, insulated boots, and mountaineering boots.

The Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra is a winter traction device that has 18 half-inch stainless spikes connected to an elastomer harness compatible with all hiking boots, shoes, and trail runners. They’re essentially tire chains for your feet, designed to give you better traction for …

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Rab Borealis Jacket Review

Rab Borealis Carter Dome Full

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 …

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Best Dyneema Ultralight Backpacking Gifts (2023)

Dyneema Ultralight Backpacking Gift Guide

Super-strong, super-light, and waterproof, Dyneema has revolutionized ultralight backpacking gear in the past decade and has spurred widespread innovation in its application as well as the development of materials that compete with it. Here’s our take on the most desirable and useful …

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Hillsound Trail Crampons Review

Hillsound Trail Crampons Review

Hillsound Trail Crampons are a winter traction aid that’s tailor-made for hiking on inclined trails covered with hard ice or packed snow where you need longer and sharper spikes to penetrate the surface and give you a good grip.  They’re compatible with insulated …

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