The Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoodie is a surprisingly warm and breathable mid-layer fleece jacket that’s perfect for cold-weather hiking and backpacking. It has two zippered handwarmer pockets and a chest pocket, a snug-fitting under-the-helmet hood, and stretch wrist cuffs that …
Read More »Gear Reviews
Helinox Speed Stool Review
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 …
Read More »Enlightened Equipment Convert Quilt Sleeping Bag Review
The Enlightened Equipment Convert is a hoodless, quilt-style sleeping bag with a full-length zipper and drawstring footbox that allows it to be completely closed like a hoodless sleeping bag, completely open like a down comforter, or partially zipped up like a backpacking …
Read More »Enlightened Equipment Enigma APEX Quilt Review
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 …
Read More »Hyperlite Mountain Gear WayPoint 35 Backpack Review
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Waypoint 35 is a Dyneema DCF daypack designed for rugged adventure hiking, peak bagging, and backpacking with very low-volume ultralight loads. The Waypoint is a classically designed roll-top backpack with a stretch mesh front pocket, side water bottle …
Read More »Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket Review
The Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket is a synthetic insulated jacket with a hood, chest pocket, and hand warmer pockets. It has body-mapped insulation: more on the torso and less along the sides for better thermo-regulation when active. I’ve been using …
Read More »Norrona Falketind Flex1 Softshell Pants Review
Norrona’s Falketind Flex1 Softshell Pants are technical mountaineering pants ideal for winter hiking and climbing. They’re stretchy, wind-resistant, and highly breathable to keep your legs cool and dry during high-exertion activities. Feature-wise, they have four zippered pockets, two long hip-to-knee side vents …
Read More »Osprey Mutant 52 Winter Backpack Review
The Osprey Mutant 52 is a winter backpack suitable for four-season overnight hiking, climbing, or backcountry ski trips. It’s the big brother to the Osprey Mutant 38 which I reviewed at the beginning of the winter which has less volume and is …
Read More »Artilect Boulder 125 Crew Jersey and Leggings Review
Artilect’s Boulder 125 Crew Long Sleeve Jersey and Leggings are made with Nuyarn, an engineered blend of merino wool and nylon fiber that is more durable than straight merino wool, dries faster, and is more elastic without requiring the use of stretch …
Read More »Granite Gear Crown3 40 Eco Backpack Review
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 …
Read More »A Comprehensive Guide to Hyperlite Mountain Gear Backpacks
Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) specializes in making rugged multi-sport backpacks and shelters with Dyneema Composite Fabrics. Their distinctive white and black backpacks are quite popular and easy to spot on National Scenic Trails and in the backcountry. One of the things that …
Read More »NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
The NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is an inflatable air mattress with an R-value of 5.4 that is suitable for year-round backpacking and camping. It rolls up very small and thin making it very easy to pack in a backpack, …
Read More »REI Trailmade Trekking Poles Review
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 …
Read More »Mountain Equipment Ibex Softshell Pants Review
Mountain Equipment’s Ibex Softshell Mountain Pant is a highly breathable technical softshell pant designed for winter hiking and mountaineering. The women’s model of the same pant is called the Chamois Pant. They’re made with a double-woven softshell fabric that breathes well and …
Read More »