Gear Reviews

The REI Flash Jacket is a very thin nylon jacket that traps your body heat and prevents the wind from stripping it away. Also called a windbreaker or wind shirt, it’s much more breathable than a raincoat or a hardshell jacket, it …

The Jetboil MiniMo backpacking stove is a canister-based camping stove system that can simmer, so you can actually cook ingredients on a smaller flame, in addition to a full-on boil like Jetboil’s other personal or group stoves systems. Specs at a Glance Volume: 32 oz (1 …

Don’t throw away the plastic cap that comes with an isobutane canister and don’t lose it. When the valve rusts, it can start to leak gas or rust the inside of your cookpot when stored inside. I had this happen to me …

Topo Athletic’s Terraventure 3 Trail Runners are moderately cushioned trail runners designed for use on rugged trails. They have a 3mm drop and wide toe box that provides plenty of room for your toes to splay out naturally. Vibram Megagrip outsoles with …

If you’re looking for innovative new ideas and products for your hiking and backpacking habit, Etsy is a craft-oriented shopping site that hosts the shops of many up-and-coming ultralight backpack gear manufacturers. There are about 30-40 companies actively making backpacking gear today …

The MSR MiniWorks EX Water Filter is a pump-style backcountry water filter that removes bacteria and protozoa from hard to reach water sources. It’s also compatible with wide mouth water bottles and hydration bladders from Nalgene and MSR. If you need additional …

The Zpacks Bagger Ultra 40L Backpack is a versatile frameless backpack suitable for day hikes, peakbagging, travel, commuting, and even ultralight backpacking. Weighing 12.1 ounces (342g) it’s made with a waterproof and highly abrasion-resistant fabric called Ultra which has been almost universally …

The Warbonnet Stash Jacket is available as a rain jacket or a non-waterproof windbreaker, depending on the fabric you order. This is a review of the windbreaker made with the 20 Denier high-thread count nylon which Warbonnet uses to make their backpacking …

Fjallraven Abisko Lite Zip-Off Trekking Trousers are lightweight, ventilated pants for use in warm climates or during the hotter summer months. Zipping off just above the knee and with two front-thigh cargo pockets, these pants are versatile enough for extended use when …

The Exped Lightning 60 Backpack is a four-season multi-sport backpack that’s equally at home on the long trail, hauling climbing gear to the local crag, or pulling a pulk in the backcountry. Featuring an adjustable torso, full-body compression, and numerous external attachment …

PocketMonkey is a surprisingly useful multitool for its minimal size and weight. It weighs 18 grams, is slightly smaller and thicker than a credit card, and is designed to fit into a card slot in your wallet. The PocketMonkey is USA made, …

The Outdoor Research Bugout Brim Hat (formerly called the Sentinel Brim Hat) is well suited for summer hiking and backpacking, rain or shine. It has a wide brim to protect your face from the sun, a UPF 50 rating,  mesh side vents, …

The Feathered Friends Murre EX 0 Sleeping Bag is a mummy-style down bag specifically designed for women. Weighing 2 lbs 13 oz, it has 25.5 oz of 900+ fill power goose down with cold-weather features that include a draft collar, continuous baffles, …

The Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket is a minimalist waterproof/breathable rain jacket and a long-time favorite with thru-hikers and section hikers because it is so lightweight. Weighing a mere 6.8 ounces in a men’s size X-Large,  it is best used in warm …