How to Choose

Many backpackers carry camp shoes or water shoes with them on backpacking trips for relaxing and for stream crossings to keep their boots dry. But how do you choose between the most popular camp shoes available like Crocs, Sockwas, Vivobarefoot Ultras, or flip flops? Here are the most important features to consider. light …

Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) specializes in making backpacks and shelters with Dyneema Composite Fabrics (formerly called cuben fiber.) Their distinctive white and black colored backpacks are quite popular and easy to spot in the backcountry. One of the things that sets Hyperlite off from other cottage ultralight gear manufacturers is their …

Granite Gear backpacks are popular packs for long distance backpacking in the United States and are a common sight on the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. I really like Granite Gear’s packs because I think they strike an excellent balance between weight and function, many have adjustable length frames and hip belts, and because they’re quite …

Backpacking cook pots are available in titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel but there are significant differences in the cost, performance, and durability between them. What are the pros and cons of each material and other factors that you should consider when choosing a backpacking and camping cook pot? Titanium Backpacking …

The Sawyer Squeeze Point One and Sawyer Mini Water Filters are the most popular water treatment and purification systems used by backpackers today (approximately 40% use them according to a recent survey). The Sawyer Squeeze Water Treatment System (which includes 2 x 32 oz. water reservoirs, a cleaning syringe, etc.) …

Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) is one of the oldest and most respected ultralight backpacking gear manufacturers. Their backpacks are quite popular with long distance backpackers and weekend warriors in the United States and are a frequent sight along our National Scenic Trails and in the backcountry. I like ULA’s backpacks because they’re very durable …

Shrink it, pink it, call it unisex. That’s the approach taken by many backpack manufacturers who want to sell backpacks originally designed for men to women. But women have narrower shoulders, breasts, wider hips, and different proportions than men and need backpacks that more anatomically appropriate for their sex. S-Shaped Shoulder …

Backpacking rain pants are designed to keep you warm when you’re hiking in rain, snow, or a cold breeze. They do this by trapping your body heat and by preventing cold precipitation, rain, or wind from stripping it away. While it’d be great if they also kept you dry in …

If you’re thinking about buying a camping hammock or looking to upgrade, the length of a gathered-end hammock can make a big difference in your comfort. The 4 foot rule of thumb Most hammock experts recommend getting a hammock that is 4 feet longer than your height so you can …

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 all three products similarly in a confusing and …

Bivy sacks were first developed as solo shelters for mountaineering and climbing where participants were interested in light weight and highly compressible gear.

Many backpacking-style hammocks come in double layer or single layer models. How do you decide which hammock to get and what are the consequences of choosing one type over the other? Double Layer Hammocks A double layer hammock is so-called because the part you lie on has two layers of fabric. …

A lot of SectionHiker readers contact me asking for advice about which ultralight shelter they should buy. These purchases are almost always driven by weight reduction desires, but often in the absence of any considerations about the environmental conditions they need the tents or shelters to perform in, interior size, …

Packrafting with an inflatable raft is a fun way to enhance your backcountry adventure by giving you the ability to travel over water, not just overland by foot. However, water-based travel introduces a new set of risks and the need for additional gear, including a personal flotation device (PFD), to …