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 nice thousand miles, become an adept fly fisherman, XC skier, and written over 3000 backpacking and hiking articles for SectionHiker.com.

10 Best Ultralight Backpacking Tents under $300

10 Best Ultralight Backpacking Tents Under $300

Ultralight backpacking tents have become increasingly popular, particularly those made with an ultralight material called Dyneema DCF. Unfortunately, they’ve also become very expensive, putting the lightest weight tents out of reach of most people. But many high-quality ultralight backpacking tents are available …

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Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Backpack Review

Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Backpack Review

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 …

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Lightweight Backpacking Double Wall Tent Guide

Lightweight Backpacking Double Wall Tent Guide

Lightweight double-wall backpacking tents are making a comeback amongst ultralight backpackers with gear weights that rival their single-walled competitors. Double-wall tents have many advantages over single-walled tents, including: Less internal condensation Less drafty because they don’t have to be wind tunnels to …

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REI Co-Op Flash 3 Tent Review

REI Flash 3 Tent Review

The REI Flash 3 is a freestanding, double-wall 3-person tent that’s lightweight and compact enough for backpacking but spacious enough for car camping. While REI rates it for 3 people, I think it’s on the small size for three full-grown adults unless …

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10 Best Backpacking Chairs of 2023

10 Best Backpacking Chairs of 2023

A lightweight backpacking chair is a luxury item that can make the camping portion of a backpacking trip much more enjoyable and relaxed. If you like to sit around a campfire to socialize at night or read outdoors while sitting upright, bringing …

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My Wife and I Had This Game

Terry on the AT

My wife and I had this game whenever I’d go hiking or backpacking. I’d take a stuffed animal, one of the 90 or so we owned, pose them on my hikes, and take pictures of them to share with her. My wife …

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10 Best Men’s Hiking Pants of 2023

10 Best Men’s Hiking Pants

Men’s hiking pants are an important piece of hiking gear but many people take for granted. They have to be highly breathable, durable, quick-drying, and easy to vent when you get too hot, but warm when the temperature drops. Fit, freedom of …

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NEMO Kayu 15 Sleeping Bag Review

NEMO Kayu 15 Sleeping Bag Review

The NEMO Kayu 15 is a down-insulated mummy sleeping bag designed for three-season backpacking and camping. Weighing 2 lbs 3 oz, the Kayu is not the lightest weight sleeping bag in its class, but it has several features that differentiate it from …

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