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.

Hillsound Trail Crampon Guide: How to Choose

The Hillsound Trail Crampon Family Compared

Hillsound makes three different types of winter hiking traction aids, which unlike traditional mountaineering crampons, are primarily designed for use with flexible-soled winter boots and shoes. Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra Hillsound Trail Crampon Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro Unfortunately, Hillsound chose to name …

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REI Trail 25 Backpack Review

REI Trail Backpack Review

The REI Trail 25 is a multi-purpose panel-loading backpack good for day hiking, urban use, and travel. While it’s easy to discount it as a hiking pack, it’s surprisingly functional for just that purpose with lots of strategically located pockets, trekking pole …

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MSR Evo Ascent Snowshoe Review

MSR Evo Ascent Snowshoes Review

The MSR Evo Ascent is a bomber snowshoe that excels in mountainous terrain both on trail and off. Its unibody plastic decking makes it extremely rugged with aggressive crampons for purchase on snow, ice, and rock. It has a snowshoe binding that …

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Six Moon Designs Wy’east Daypack Review

Wyeast Daypack Review

The Six Moon Designs Wy’East Daypack is a 30-liter daypack that’s good for all-day hikes, commuting, and travel. While it’s made by a company that specializes in ultralight rolltop backpacks for thru-hiking, it has a top-lid pocket and internal security pocket that …

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NEMO Sonic 0 Sleeping Bag Review

NEMO Sonic 0 Sleeping Bag Review

The NEMO Sonic 0 is a down-insulated sleeping bag that can be comfortably used from zero degrees Fahrenheit up to 40 degrees. (This is the 2022 version which has been significantly updated from previous models.) While the Sonic 0 can be used …

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Osprey Stratos 36 Backpack Review

Osprey Stratos 36 Backpack Review

The Osprey Stratos 36 is a ventilated and adjustable length backpack that is suitable for long day hikes, multi-sport adventures, and even lightweight backpacking trips. It has a suspended mesh back panel and seamless wrap-around hip belt that make it cool and …

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Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody Review

Arcteryx Squamish Hoody Review

The Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody is a lightweight windshirt (wind shell or windbreaker) that can be used for multiple sports from hiking and mountaineering to climbing and trail running. It’s very barebones, with a one-way adjustable hood, stretch cuffs, a zippered chest pocket, …

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