The Warbonnet Stash Jacket is available as a rain jacket or a non-waterproof windbreaker (see review), depending on the fabric you order. This is a review of the rain jacket made with the 30 Denier siliconized nylon which Warbonnet uses to make …
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Katadyn MicroPur MP1 Water Purification Tablets Review
Katadyn MicroPur MP1 Chlorine Dioxide Tablets are a convenient water purification method for treating backcountry water sources. They’re ideal for day hikes, overnights, or international travel to augment a water filter or as a standalone solution. I’ve been using them for close …
Read More »Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack Review
The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is a multi-day backpack with an adjustable length torso and hip belt, so you can get a personalized fit. Weighing 3 lbs, the Blaze 60 is optimized for hauling heavy and bulky gear, including the ability to …
Read More »Granite Gear Crown3 60 Backpack Review
The Granite Gear Crown3 60L is an affordable ultralight backpack with a modular design that can be easily configured for ultralight backpacking, thru-hikes, and winter hiking. The things that set this roll-top backpack apart from other ultralight-style packs, besides its very reasonable …
Read More »Hiking Clothes for Hikers: Rethinking Rain Jackets
The vast majority of hiking clothes, including rain jackets, used by hikers and backpackers aren’t actually made for hiking or by people familiar with hikers’ needs, but for skiers, climbers, runners, and suburban dads and moms. So it’s no wonder that most …
Read More »NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
The NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is an inflatable air mattress with an R-value of 4.2. It is available in a wide range of sizes and shapes including mummy and rectangular shapes and long and regular lengths. While it is a …
Read More »Suunto M-3 D Declination Adjustable Compass Review
The Suunto M-3 D Compass is a baseplate style adventure compass with a declination adjustment that is optimized for use in forested or mountainous terrain where you can rarely see your destination. I’ve been using mine for 10 years, ever since I …
Read More »Patagonia Houdini Jacket Review
The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is an ultralight jacket designed to help you stay warm in cool windy weather. It’s not waterproof or insulated but provides a windproof layer to prevent the cold air from stripping away the heat trapped in your baselayer …
Read More »Olicamp Hard Anodized XTS Aluminum Pot with Heat Exchanger Review
The Olicamp XTS Anodized Aluminum pot has built-in heat exchange fins that reduce the amount of fuel required to boil a pot of water by about 40%. The pot, which has a 1 liter capacity, is large enough that you can fit …
Read More »La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Review
La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX boots are lightweight waterproof/breathable hiking mids with mesh uppers, a soft and sticky sole like a trail runner, Vibram lugs like a hiking boot, and a lacing system like a mountaineering boot. While I normally shun …
Read More »REI Lightweight Base Layer Bottoms Review
REI’s Lightweight Base Layer Bottoms are long johns that have many uses on a backpacking trip. They can be used as sleeping clothes to keep your quilt/sleeping bag free of salt, body oils, and bug dope; as a base layer under rain …
Read More »Montbell Rain Trekker Jacket Review
The Montbell Rain Trekker Jacket is a 2-layer Gore-Tex Infinium rain shell that’s loaded with features but still exceptionally lightweight and affordable. Weighing just 7.8 oz in a men’s XL (6.9 oz in a size medium), it’s a great seam-taped jacket for …
Read More »Gregory Deva 60 Women’s Backpack Review
The Gregory Deva 60 is a women’s internal-frame backpack that’s specially designed to carry heavy loads up to 50 pounds in comfort. It’s ideal for long backpacking trips, multi-sport adventures, and international travel when you want a backpack that’s loaded with features, …
Read More »Gossamer Gear Liteflex Hiking Chrome Umbrella Review
The Gossamer Gear Liteflex Hiking Chrome Umbrella is an 8 oz full-size trekking umbrella that provides sun and rain protection on the trail. It became a game-changer for me on my Pacific Crest Trail hike and it still reigns as one of …
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