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 …
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REI Trailmade 60L Backpack Review
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 …
Read More »Possum Down Gloves Review
I got my first pair of Possumdown Gloves eight years ago and have been wearing them year-round ever since. Imported from New Zealand, possum down gloves are made using a blend of brushtail possum fur and merino wool which makes them super …
Read More »REI Flash 3 Tent Review
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 …
Read More »REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Review
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 …
Read More »Paria Outdoors Thermodown 30 Down Quilt Review
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 …
Read More »Paria Carbon Cork Folding Trekking Poles Review
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 …
Read More »REI Flash 22 Backpack Review
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, …
Read More »prAna Stretch Zion Hiking Pants II Review
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, …
Read More »Gossamer Gear Backpack Guide
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 …
Read More »Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie Review
The Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie is a very lightweight nylon jacket that’s designed to keep the wind from robbing your body heat. It has an adjustable hood with a small brim, a zippered chest pocket, stretch cuffs, and an elastic hem …
Read More »Deuter AC Lite 24 Backpack Review
The Deuter AC Lite 24 is a lightweight ventilated day pack with a suspended mesh frame that’s great for warm weather day hiking and general outdoor use. It has five pockets in addition to the main compartment and comes with a rain …
Read More »Gossamer Gear Loris 25 Backpack Review
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 …
Read More »REI Flash Windbreaker Jacket Review
The REI Flash Jacket is a 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 only …
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