Oboz Sawtooth X Mids are agile waterproof/breathable hiking boots that are lighter weight than full-on hiking boots, but still provide loads of protection and support for your feet and ankles. The Sawtooth X is the 10th anniversary edition of the well-loved Oboz …
Read More »Philip Werner
What is the Best Backpacking Tent for the Appalachian Trail?
What is the best backpacking tent or camping shelter for thru-hiking or section hiking all or some of the Appalachian Trail? Running over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail travels across heavily forested and mountainous terrain, with widely varying …
Read More »Superfeet Carbon Insoles Review
I’ve developed a case of Plantar Fasciitis in my left foot this summer, a painful repetition injury often caused by hiking or running that presents itself as chronic heel pain. The pain is caused by the inflammation of the ligament that connects your heel …
Read More »Ultralight Tents and Shelter Guide: Pros and Cons
Ultralight backpacking tents and shelters come in all shapes and sizes, but each type has pros and cons for different camping conditions. It’s best to understand these before you waste money on a tent or shelter that doesn’t suit your needs or …
Read More »How to Safely Cross Rivers
River and stream crossings can be intimidating for many hikers, even on small streams where the consequences of getting wet or falling are minor. Here are 9 expert tips for river and stream crossings that can help you master this important wilderness …
Read More »Hiking to Mt Isolation in January
Mt Isolation is a White Mountain 4000-footer located in the Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness south of Mt Washington, with outstanding views of Washington, the Southern Presidential Range, the Oakes Gulf Headwall, and the Dry River Valley. It’s a potentially difficult hike in …
Read More »Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie Review
The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoodie is a warm mid-layer fleece that’s ideal for use in very cold weather when worn by itself over a baselayer or under a hardshell jacket. It’s made with recycled polyester fleece and has a unique textured …
Read More »Gregory Paragon 58 Backpack Review
The Gregory Paragon 58 Backpack \is a lightweight multi-day backpack weighing just 3.5 lbs with an adjustable length torso and an adjustable length hip belt. It’s a top-loading backpack with a floating lid, a separate sleeping bag hatch, sleeping pad straps, and …
Read More »MSR Guardian Water Purifier Review
The MSR Guardian is a first-class water purifier that removes viruses, bacteria, protozoa, dirt and silt from backcountry and international water sources. Weighing just 17.3 ounces, the Guardian has a self-cleaning filter that constantly purges itself while you filter water so you …
Read More »Outdoor Research Alti II Gore-Tex Mitts Review
Outdoor Research’s Alti II Gore-Tex Mittens are seriously warm double-layer mittens designed for extremely cold weather, well below 0 degrees (F). They have a waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex outer shell with a soft leather palm, polyester fleece lining, long wrist cuffs, an …
Read More »MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes Review
MSR’s Lightning Ascent Snowshoes are best-of-breed snowshoes that are ideal for winter hiking and backpacking in mountainous terrain. They’re designed with a unique 360-degree traction system that allows you to walk up slopes or laterally across them without losing your grip. The …
Read More »Atom Packs “The Mo” 50 Backpack Review
The Atom Packs “The Mo” 50L is a beautifully crafted internal frame backpack made across the pond in England. Weighing 32.1 oz (910g) and made with waterproof Ecopak EPX200, it’s a roll-top backpack that’s loaded with features and pockets that will appeal …
Read More »Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Socks Review
Spring hiking means trudging over wet, mud-covered trails and lingering snow for many of us. But choosing the right footwear is challenging since it’s too warm to wear waterproof winter boots and too cold to wear lightweight trail runners and hiking shoes. …
Read More »How to Backpack in the Rain
One of the most important backpacking skills is learning how to take care of yourself if you have to hike in sustained rain. Foot care, campsite selection, thermoregulation, pacing, layering, cooking, hydration, packing, and gear selection are all factors in learning how …
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