Suspended-mesh backpacks (also called Ventilated backpacks) have a large gap behind the mesh that encourages airflow to help your shirt dry faster if you perspire. They’re much more comfortable than conventional backpacks when you’re hiking in hot and humid weather or when …
Read More »Philip Werner
10 Best Hiking Daypacks of 2024
The best hiking daypacks are functional, fit well, and durable. They have to be because they’re your home away from home, carrying all of your essentials including outdoor gear, food, water, and survival gear. Many daypacks are also good for multiple sports …
Read More »Altra Timp 5 Trail Runner Review
The Altra Timp 5 is a highly-cushioned zero-drop trail running shoe with a wide toe box that’s popular with hikers and backpackers. They have thick Vibram soles made with Megagrip rubber (new) that provide excellent traction on dry and wet surfaces with …
Read More »Why do I get wet inside my rain jacket?
The leading causes of wetness inside your rain jacket are condensation and perspiration. Condensation occurs water vapor encounters a colder surface and changes from a gaseous form into a liquid one. When the air is humid it has a lot of water …
Read More »La Sportiva Wildcat Trail Runner Review
The La Sportiva Wildcat is a moderately cushioned trail runner that provides excellent stability for hiking and trail running in rugged terrain. It has a mesh upper that drains water and dries quickly with nylon molded shanks and external thermoplastic stabilizers for …
Read More »10 Best Ultralight Backpacking Tents Under $300 (2024)
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 …
Read More »10 Best Backpacking Rain Jackets under $100 (2024)
You don’t need to buy an expensive rain jacket for hiking and backpacking because an inexpensive one will work just as well as one costing an arm and a leg. In fact, most backpackers use rain jackets that cost $100 or less …
Read More »Adjustable Torso Length Backpacks 101
There are two kinds of backpacks you can buy: ones with fixed-length torsos and one with adjustable-length torsos. Fixed-length packs tend to be a little lighter weight than packs with adjustable lengths, but they either fit you or they don’t. Adjustable length …
Read More »REI Flash Stretch Rain Jacket Review
The REI Flash Stretch Rain Jacket is a reasonably priced ($169) 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable raincoat loaded with features that hikers will appreciate, particularly for winter hiking an shoulder-season use. It has a two-way adjustable hood with a front bill, pit zips, zippered …
Read More »How to Pitch a Tent on a Wooden Platform
Many state parks, national forests, and national parks have campsites with wooden tent platforms. If you’ve ever tried to set up a tent on one of these, you know what a challenge can be if you have a tent that’s not freestanding …
Read More »What is a Single Wall Tent?
There are two types of backpacking and camping tents: single-wall tents, which are popular because they’re lightweight, and double-wall tents which are heavier but provide more protection for their occupants. The best way to describe the pros and cons of a single-wall …
Read More »Raffle: Enter to Win a Sea-to-Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Sleeping Pad
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme is a very warm and comfortable sleeping pad for year-round camping adventures. The extra thick (XT) construction provides deep cushioning, perfect for side sleepers. Individually conforming air-sprung cells allow uniform distribution for bed-like comfort …
Read More »Hiking Mt Abraham in Vermont in March
I’ve been exploring Vermont this winter with the intent of hiking and backpacking in the Green Mountains this summer and autumn (2024). The last time I spent time in Vermont was in 2008 when I section hiked The Long Trail. Now I …
Read More »Ultralight Tents: Common Pitfalls and Complaints
While ultralight tents are easier to carry because they weigh less, you usually have to sacrifice something in terms of comfort, ease of use, or weather protection to use one. The weight reduction doesn’t come for free, even if the tent is …
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