The Zpacks Super Nero 50 is a high-capacity frameless backpack with a modular and interchangeable shoulder strap system that lets you swap between fastpack-style vest shoulder straps or conventional shoulder straps using the same pack bag (See this video for instructions). We …

The Mammut Rime Light IN Flex Hooded Jacket is a lightweight synthetic insulated jacket with stretch side panels that run up the torso’s sides and arms. The stretch panels wick perspiration astonishingly well and are perfect for dynamic activities like hiking with …

Today’s winter hiking boots are waterproof, insulated, and compatible with traction aids such as microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes. While 200-gram insulated mids are fine for commuting, half-day hikes, and snowshoeing down to 10-20 degrees (F), we recommend buying boots with higher calf …

When purchasing a lightweight insulated jacket for hiking or backpacking, should you get a down or synthetic jacket with or without a hood? This is a valid question since many companies make both, and each has pros and cons. Hoods Add Warmth …

The best winter hiking and snowshoeing pants are highly breathable softshell pants that prevent the accumulation of perspiration when hiking, snowshoeing, climbing/mountaineering, or even ski touring in winter. They’re made with woven nylon or polyester that is warmer and more windproof than …

The Zpacks Free Zip 2P is a two-person ultralight freestanding tent that weighs 31.6 oz and costs $899. It’s a single-wall tent with two mesh rainbow doors and two vestibules that can be rolled open and secured with magnets instead of toggles. …

I was back at Mt Mansfield again to hike more trails on my quest to hike all of the side trails (also known as blue blaze trails) to Vermont’s Long Trail. With winter on the horizon, I’m making a big push to …

The Helinox Speed Stool is an ultralight folding stool that’s easy to carry on day hikes and backpacking trips. Weighing 14.6 oz (414g), it folds up compactly, making it easy to pack in a backpack’s side or front stretch pocket. With a …

Mt Mansfield is the tallest mountain in Vermont, and in addition to the Long Trail, it’s crisscrossed by two dozen smaller trails from all four corners of the compass. Some of these trails are very steep, and some are short, but all …

The Enlightened Equipment Enigma Apex Custom Sleeping Quilt is a synthetic-insulated quilt with a closed footbox. Custom-made, it can be insulated for different temperatures and is available in multiple widths, colors, and shell fabrics. It is insulated with Climashield Apex, a synthetic …

Windbreakers and wind shirts are ultralight lightweight jackets, running shells, pullovers, or anoraks weighing 2 to 8 ounces, that hikers and backpackers wear as a barrier to prevent winds from stripping away their body heat. They’re usually made of highly breathable and …

The Granite Gear Crown3 40 Eco is an affordable ultralight backpack with a modular design that can be easily configured for multiday backpacking or winter hiking. Its three-sided compression and gear attachment system and optional floating top lid pocket set this roll-top …

REI Trailmade Trekking Poles are sturdy three-section aluminum trekking poles with oversized, self-adjustable lever locks and contoured EVA foam hand grips with adjustable wrist straps. They have carbide tips and come with extra-large trail baskets to prevent tip entrapments that can lead …

The Mountainsmith Zerk 25 is a backpack with vest-style shoulder straps for day hiking and fastpacking. Numerous open mesh pockets on the shoulder straps and backpack exterior make it easy to store frequently accessed gear and food, so you don’t have to …