Gear Reviews

The REI Traverse 32 is a versatile daypack designed for longer day hikes with features that lend themselves to four-season use. It is a top loader with a floating lid, a front stretch pocket, a side zipper in the main compartment, and …

Superfeet Run Support Low Arch Insoles are replacement insoles designed for use with low-volume shoes like trail runners. Formerly called Superfeet Carbon, I’ve been using them for the past decade to prevent plantar fasciitis, a common condition among hikers that causes pain …

The NEMO Coda 10/20 is a mummy sleeping bag insulated with 800 fill power, water-resistant down. It has a beefy draft collar, a ventable zippered footbox, and a “thermogill” zippered vent on the chest that lets you release trapped warmth and extend …

The REI Big Haul 90 Duffle Bag is a robust high-capacity duffle with hidden backpack shoulder straps and organizational pockets that’s great for adventure travel when you need to transport and protect a backpack, trekking poles, or a lot of clothing on …

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 …

The REI Trailmade 60L is a high-quality, affordable, and lightweight multi-day backpack that’s great for beginner backpacking or backpackers on a budget. Priced at just $125 (on sale), it is a best buy with an adjustable length torso, so you get a …

The REI Flash 3 is a freestanding, double-wall 3-person tent that’s lightweight and compact enough for backpacking but spacious enough for car camping. While REI rates it for 3 people, I think it’s on the small size for three full-grown adults unless …

The REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Jacket provides an excellent balance between warmth, features, cost, and durability. Insulated with highly compressible premium goose down, it’s an ideal insulation layer for cold-weather camping and hiking when you need a warm jacket to enjoy …

The Paria Outdoors Thermodown 30 Quilt ($160) is an affordable down camping and backpacking quilt insulated with 700 fill power goose down that costs 50% less than the premium ultralight quilts sold by companies like Enlightened Equipment or Katabatic Gear. Featuring a …

Paria Outdoors Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are adjustable-length, folding (z-style) trekking poles that fold away for easy packing or travel. They’re much more affordable at just $60/pair than other folding carbon trekking poles with cork handles and are a great alternative …

The REI Flash 22 is a frameless daypack for easy day hikes, commuting, and travel. It is loaded with features, including a fold-over top pocket, a laptop-compatible hydration sleeve, internal organizational sleeves, a hidden side security pocket, trekking pole holders, daisy chains, …

prAna Stretch Zion II hiking pants are abrasion-resistant recycled nylon hiking pants that are great to wear on rugged or brushy trails when you want more leg protection. They have an integrated waist tightener that lets you wear them without a belt, …

Gossamer Gear is one of the original ultralight backpack manufacturers. They have continuously refined their products to adapt to the needs of lightweight backpackers, thru-hikers, and, more recently, day hikers, fast packers, and urban commuters.  I started using their packs in 2008 …

The Gossamer Gear Loris 25 is a frameless daypack with vest-style shoulder straps with stretch mesh pockets. Weighing 19.5 oz, it’s a great pack for day hikes and travel with a front zipper that lets you access the content of the main …