The NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 is an ultralight double-wall semi-freestanding tent that is highly packable for bikepacking and backpacking, more so than a tent made with Dyneema DCF because it’s made with conventional fabrics that stuff more compactly. Weighing 34 oz, it …
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Wiggy’s Waders Review
Wiggy’s is a cottage manufacturer that makes a variety of products ranging from cold weather sleeping bags to insulated outwear for the wilderness hunting/military market. Their claim to fame is insulation they call Lamilite, which is a popular synthetic insulation called Climashield …
Read More »Big Agnes C-Bar 2 Tent Review
The Big Agnes C-Bar Two Person Tent is a surprisingly affordable backpacking tent with a trail weight of 3 lbs 9 oz. Fully featured, this double-wall tent is easy to set up and made with heavier and more durable materials than Big …
Read More »10 Best Winter Hiking Boots of 2024
Today’s winter hiking boots are waterproof, insulated, and compatible with traction aids such as microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes. While 200-gram Thinsulate insulated mids are fine for commuting and short local walks down to about 10-20 degrees (F), we recommend buying boots with …
Read More »Water Bottle Insulation for Winter Hiking
An insulated water bottle sleeve is one of the ways you can keep your water from freezing on a winter hike. Most are designed to fit 32 oz (1 liter) bottles, including wide-mouth Nalgene bottles, which are better for winter use because …
Read More »NEMO Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad Review
The NEMO Switchback is an accordion-style closed-cell foam sleeping pad that can be used as an ultralight pad by itself or to augment the warmth of a second sleeping pad when sleeping outdoors in colder weather. It’s quite similar to the Therm-a-Rest …
Read More »Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoodie Review
The Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoodie is a surprisingly warm and breathable mid-layer fleece jacket that’s perfect for cold-weather hiking and backpacking. It has two zippered handwarmer pockets and a chest pocket, a snug-fitting under-the-helmet hood, and stretch wrist cuffs that …
Read More »Winter Hiking and Weather Forecasting in the White Mountains
If you plan to hike in the White Mountains in winter, it’s important to pay careful attention to the weather forecast so you can avoid hiking in dangerous conditions. High winds, cold temperatures, or deep snow can compromise your safety but can …
Read More »How to Attach Snowshoes to a Backpack
There are many ways to attach snowshoes to a backpack, although some of them are more energy-efficient and comfortable than others. How you go about doing this depends on the characteristics of your backpack and the places where you can attach or …
Read More »Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1 Tent Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1 Tent is an ultralight single-wall Dyneema DCF tent that weighs 16.8 oz. It has a pyramid shape with steep walls and a very long bathtub floor that makes it ideal for tall backpackers or those desiring more …
Read More »Mystery Ranch Blitz 30 Backpack Review
The Mystery Ranch Blitz 30 is a great day pack for hiking, work, travel, school, and commuting. It is bomber tough like a lot of Mystery Ranch Packs and has a multitude of functional pockets and PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) attachment …
Read More »Danner Trail 2650 GTX Hiking Shoes Review
Danner Trail 2650 GTX Hiking Shoes are a good alternative to mesh trail runners when you want footwear that’s more durable or provides more moisture protection. They run narrow but they’re also available in wide sizes. This same model is also available …
Read More »Lightweight Backpacking: What is the Big 4?
The goal of lightweight backpacking is to reduce the amount of gear weight you carry on backpacking trips without compromising on comfort and safety. The best way to approach this is to weigh your existing gear on a postal or kitchen scale …
Read More »What to Wear for a Day Hike
Day hiking is a great way to get some fresh air, exercise every muscle in your body, and spend quality time with friends or family. Wearing the right clothing for a hike will help keep you comfortable and safe, so you can …
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