SectionHiker.com Backpacking Gear Reviews and FAQs

The Exped SynMat Winterlite insulated sleeping pad is a very lightweight, high R-value sleeping pad (R-Value = 4.9) that is warm enough for camping on snow, in addition to three season use. See Sleeping Pad R-Values. Mummy-shaped, the SynMat Winterlite is filled with a synthetic …

Winter Trip Planning My co-leader Bill and I had been carefully monitoring the weather all week for an above-treeline hike over Mt Pierce (4312′) and Mt Eisenhower (4779′) in the Southern Presidential Range of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Our planned …

Last weekend I went on a difficult 2 night backpacking trip that involved a 19 mile traverse of the Presidential Range in New Hampshire, including 15 miles of fully-exposed, above-treeline hiking. We had great weather, but you never know what is going …

There is nothing more enjoyable than hiking with friends in the backcountry. However, preparation is essential for any wilderness trek.  When hiking in a group, it’s important for everyone to be on the same page regarding our navigation.  Agree in advance to some …