Sure, your backpack, boots, tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, and other backpacking gear matter a lot, and you should put serious thought into your choices when buying any of them. But little things matter, too. Various necessary accessories, convenience items, and small comforts accompany me on backcountry trips. Nearly three decades of field-testing gear—including the 10 years I spent as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog—has refined my sense of what I like on certain types of trips and what I will not do without anytime.

Here’s my freshly updated list of essential backpacking accessories, ranging from basics like the best stuff sacks, bladders and water bottles, camp kitchen gear, water filters, tent stakes, and bear canister, to my go-to trekking poles, great values in a headlamp, camp stove, sport sunglasses, and knife, and what I sit on and slip my feet into in camp and lay my head down on every night I sleep on the ground.

I’ve tested this gear extensively on numerous backpacking trips from the Teton Crest Trail and Wonderland Trail, Yosemite, and the Wind River Range to Idaho’s Sawtooths, the Grand Canyon, Glacier, and countless other places.

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I don’t carry everything on this list on every trip, of course. Some, like a bear canister, solar panel and power bank, I bring only when needed; others, like a utensil, mug, and inflatable pillow, I always have with me. But what follows represent the best I’ve found of each type of accessory. You’ll find links below to good prices on many of them right now and you can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by making purchases through the affiliate links in this review. Thanks for doing that.

I think you may find some things in this list that you can’t go without. See also my picks for the best backpacking gear of the year.

I’d appreciate any of your observations about the gear reviewed here, or suggestions on favorite accessories of yours that I’ve overlooked; share them in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Inflatable Pillow

Call me soft (or smart), but an inflatable pillow goes into my pack on all backcountry trips, because these lightweight and compact models help me sleep better at an inconsequential cost in weight and bulk. Why wouldn’t you take one? These are the best I’ve found.

After using it on multiple backpacking trips, including a nine-day hike of about 130 miles through the High Sierra, mostly on the John Muir Trail, trips in the Wind River Range (including the Wind River High Route), in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, and on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier, I have a new favorite. The Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow ($60, 2.8 oz./79.4g) weighs under three ounces but doesn’t compromise comfort: Inflated, it measures 15x11x3 inches. Made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled PrimaLoft synthetic insulation, it inflates with two strong puffs and the soft, jersey blend cover fabric is machine washable. An integrated stuff sack (read: you won’t lose it) packs the Fillo Elite to the size of a tennis ball (4×3 inches).

Another longtime go-to head rest on countless backpacking trips, including in Glacier National Park, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and many more, has been the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow ($50, 2.5 oz./70.9g, large 13x17x5.5 ins.) because of its ample size and cushion and soft fabric, and it stuffs down to the size of my fist.

Yet another I like a lot is the Therm-a-Rest Air Head Lite Pillow ($55, 2-2.8 oz./56.7g-79.4g), which comes in two sizes that inflate to 18×12.5×4 inches or 15.5x11x4 inches, while packing down smaller than a tennis ball, and the stretch-knit polyester fabric feels soft against your cheek.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow at backcountry.com or rei.com, a Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow at backcountry.com, seatosummit.com, or rei.com, or a Therm-a-Rest Air Head Lite Pillow at backcountry.com.

Two favorite products pull double duty as a pillow and stuff sack—and both weigh less than all but the very lightest inflatable backpacking pillows.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow ($63, 1.7 oz./48.2g, 12×17 ins.) consists of highly durable, waterproof (although the zipper is not waterproof) DCF8 shell fabric—which will keep contents dry if heavy rain penetrates a backpack or the sack is exposed for a short time to rain—with a soft, Polartec 100 fleece lining. A perfect size for storing extra clothing and small camp items while on the trail, it can be turned inside-out to function as a pillow at night.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

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Stuff Sacks and Packing Pods

Stuff sacks protect clothing and gear from any water that penetrates a backpack, and make organizing and loading a pack easier and faster by compartmentalizing clothing and smaller gear items, giving you fewer things to transfer in and out of a pack. They also provide a more effective way of keeping stuff dry inside your pack than a rain cover, which doesn’t fully cover a pack, can blow off, and will wet through in a sustained downpour. I always use stuff sacks, and these are the best I’ve found.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema Composite Fabrics Roll-Top Stuff Sacks ($53-$83, 3.7L to 43L, 1-2 oz./28.4g-56.7g) are incredibly light, waterproof, and tough enough to withstand virtually any kind of abuse. Using the 43-liter Hyperlite Mountain Gear Roll-Top stuff sack ($79, 2 oz./56.7g) as a partial pack liner has kept my pack contents completely dry through steady, wind-driven rain on the Tour du Mont Blanc, Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail, and elsewhere. While they’re not intended to be used as dry bags (they’re not submersible), they keep clothing and gear dry through wet conditions short of full immersion in water. HMG’s Drawstring stuff sacks ($31-$58, multiple sizes) are made with the same waterproof fabric but have drawstring closures that are not watertight; still, they’re adequate for the needs of most backpackers and offer a lighter, more compact alternative to the roll-top sacks.

But the coolest are the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods ($60-$70, 1.2-1.4 oz./34g-39.7g, 6.8L to 12.3L), which I’ve used many times, including on a five-day hike in the Wind River Range, a nine-day hike of over 120 miles through the High Sierra, mostly on the John Muir Trail, and a seven-day hike in Glacier National Park. Stackable, flexible, super light, zippered units also made of waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric with a water-resistant zipper, pods are shaped and sized to slip inside a pack wall to wall, leaving no gaps. Convenient for organization with their clamshell design and spacious enough to fit a surprising amount of stuff, they come in small and large sizes for two capacities—2400/3400 for 40-55L packs and 4400 for 70L packs—and fit inside HMG’s packs perfectly but other pack models as well.

I’ve also become a fan of a few other HMG accessories. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa ($85, 0.2 lbs./90.7g, 2.25x6x9 inches) will attach to your pack at the sternum, hipbelt, daisy chains, or on top of the pack secured by compression Y-straps, or you can wear around your waist in front using its low-profile belt. Incredibly light and compact, made from waterproof, very tough Dyneema Composite Fabrics DCH50, it’s hardly noticeable when I’m hiking but highly convenient when I want to quickly pull out my Nikon Z50, a map, or another small item from its water-resistant main compartment or second, zippered pocket.

The regular Hyperlite Mountain Gear Camera Pod ($125, 2.7 oz./76.5g, 7×5.5×3.75 inches), made with Dyneema Composite Fabrics and easy to attach to a pack’s shoulder straps, holds my Nikon Z50 body with a small zoom lens mounted on it (dimensions 5×3.7×3.7 ins.), but get the large ($145, 3.7 oz./104.9g, 9.5×6.5×4.25 ins.) for extra capacity.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these links to purchase Hyperlite Mountain Gear Roll-Top or Drawstring Stuff Sacks and Pods at hyperlitemountaingear.com, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa at hyperlitemountaingear.com, or the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Camera Pod at hyperlitemountaingear.com..

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On a four-day August backpacking trip in the Wind River Range, Sea to Summit’s 3L Ultra-Sil Dry Bag ($23-$40, 3L/183 c.i. to 35L/2,136 c.i., 1.1-2.6 oz.) kept my puffy jacket dry, and the brand’s Evac Compression Dry Bag UL (see below) kept my sleeping bag dry through an afternoon thunderstorm and a torrential downpour that soaked through my backpack in the Winds—even leaving a small puddle of water in the bottom of the pack. Those two sacks saved me from a cold, wet, miserable night then and easily fended off a more-typical morning rain on a seven-day hike in Glacier National Park in September.

I also used both dry bag models while backpacking the three-day, 22-mile Boulder Mail Trail-Death Hollow Loop in southern Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which includes a descent of several miles in water in Death Hollow, with pools that came to mid-thigh.

For their low weight, durability, water resistance, and price, it’s hard to beat the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bags. These bags also kept my down jacket dry inside my pack throughout four February days of backcountry skiing in the Sierra mountains around Lake Tahoe, much of the time in heavily falling snow; and most impressively, kept my clothing dry while paddling an inflatable kayak on Idaho’s class III Payette River, even though the boat filled with water numerous times. Ideal for backpackers, the 30-denier, high-tenacity Ultra Sil Cordura nylon, siliconized for durability and packability, has a hypalon roll-top closure that doesn’t wick moisture, plus fully taped seams and reinforced stitching.

The more affordable Six Moon Designs Pack Liner ($20, 50L, 3 oz./85g) has also kept my gear and clothes dry when rain pounded my pack; and I used it to ensure everything inside stayed dry in case I slipped and fell in any deep pool in the canyon Death Hollow while backpacking the three-day, 22-mile Boulder Mail Trail-Death Hollow Loop in southern Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. A roll-top, 50-liter sack that’s treated to repel water, it’s made of 40-denier ripstop nylon with taped seams.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these links to purchase Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bags at rei.com or seatosummit.com, or the Six Moon Designs Pack Liner at sixmoondesigns.com.

Planning your next big adventure?
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Compression Sack

As I mentioned above, on a recent backpacking trip in the Wind River Range, the Sea to Summit Evac Compression Dry Bag UL ($40-$60, 2-3.9 oz., 5L to 20L) kept my sleeping bag dry through an afternoon thunderstorm and a torrential downpour that soaked through my backpack. The dry bag sat in water pooled at the bottom of the pack for an hour before I unloaded the pack in camp—and my sleeping bag was perfectly dry.

The compression straps make it as compact as possible and this dry bag kept my sleeping bag dry on the wettest backpacking trips—including a nine-day, 130-mile hike through the High Sierra, mostly on the John Muir Trail, when an hour-long rainstorm one afternoon soaked through my pack (I didn’t use a pack cover—see tip no. 1 in this story); and trekking hut-to-hut for six days on Iceland’s 33-mile Laugavegur Trail and 15.5-mile Fimmvörðuháls Trail, when we hiked through precipitation on most days. The Ultra-Sil 30-denier Cordura nylon and waterproof-breathable eVent fabric will pass air, so you can squeeze the sack down smaller even after closing the roll-top opening (which you can’t do with traditional dry bags). But like the above stuff sacks, these are not designed for full immersion because water will eventually penetrate the roll-top closure.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these links to purchase Sea to Summit Evac Compression Dry Sacks at rei.com or seatosummitusa.com.

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Trekking Poles

The folding, 100 percent carbon fiber Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ ($240, 12.7 oz./360g, pair 95-140cm, three sizes) hit a sweet spot for versatility, falling on the cusp between the most ultralight and packable poles and models that are heavier and less packable.

Quickly deployed thanks to an internal Kevlar cord, and adjusted using BD’s reliable FlickLock levers, they have extended EVA foam grips and partly mesh nylon wrist straps. I’ve frequently grabbed them from a large quiver of poles I own for outings ranging from hikes and runs on local trails to backpacking trips of 77 miles on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier and 47 miles in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park.

For lightweight and ultralight backpackers, hikers, and runners, and adventure athletes looking for the lightest and most packable adjustable poles, you need look no further.

Read my complete review of the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles and my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles.”

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to buy the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

Gear up right for your trips with the best backpacking gear of the year.

Headlamp

Hold the rechargeable Black Diamond Spot 400-R ($80, 2.6 oz./73.7g) up against any ultralight headlamp and try to convince yourself to buy something else. It has all the power most users need at 400 lumens with a range of 100 meters; that’s bright enough to hike off-trail, search for your route in the dark, or identify the large animal going for your cached food. And a full charge lasts four hours at max power.

Then consider the arguably unbeatable feature set, starting with three white and red modes with dimming capability, plus intuitive two-button operation, BD’s cool PowerTap technology, lockout mode, and it’s waterproof up to a little over a meter underwater for 30 minutes. But most of all, at just 15 bucks more than BD’s Spot 400, the rechargeable Spot 400-R soon pays for itself through the money saved not buying (and throwing away) batteries. Besides, why wouldn’t you buy a rechargeable headlamp today?

Read my complete review of the Black Diamond Spot 400-R and see my picks for “The Best Headlamps.”

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a rechargeable Black Diamond Spot 400-R at blackdiamondequipment.com or backcountry.com, a battery-operated Black Diamond Spot 400 at backcountry.com or blackdiamondequipment.com, or the Storm 500-R or any BD headlamp at backcountry.com or blackdiamondequipment.com.

Serious adventures demand serious gear. See “The 12 Best Down Jackets”
and “The Best Rain Jackets For Hiking and Backpacking”.”

Solar Charger and Power Bank

Let’s face it, portable power has become an essential backpacking accessory for countless wilderness foot travelers. I carried the BioLite SolarPanel 5+ ($100, 13 oz./368.5g) on a nine-day, 130-mile hike through the High Sierra, mostly on the John Muir Trail, with some off-trail segments, to keep my smartphone charged so I could regularly check my mapping app. With direct exposure to peak sunlight, the five-watt SolarPanel 5+ fully charges its on-board 3200 mAh battery in three hours and can recharge a smartphone in as little as two hours, a BioLite Headlamp 200 in 2.5 hours, or the BioLite Charge 20 PD battery in 5.5 hours.

Hiking with it on my backpack and plugged into a device, with its sun exposure constantly changing and sometimes in forest, I found it would often recharge my depleted Android phone to around 50 percent and boost my iPad charge by about 20 percent during the day. The 360-degree kickstand enables positioning it at any angle, while the integrated sun dial allows you to aim the panel optimally for maximum sun exposure—useful when it’s stationary in camp or during breaks. It features a micro-USB input port and USB A output and comes with a USB A to USB C cable. At 13 ounces/368.5 grams and measuring 10.2×8.2×0.9 inches/25.9×20.8×2.3cm, this slim unit is packable and light enough for extended backpacking trips. The IPX4 weatherproof rating means it’s resistant to water splashes from any direction—fine in a light rain but put it away in significant precipitation (when it’s useless, anyway).

I use the BioLite Charge 40 PD power bank ($70, 9.4 oz./266.5g) to augment a solar panel in the backcountry—or instead of the panel when I don’t need more power in reserve than the Charge 40 PD holds. It was all I needed to keep a couple of my family’s phones powered up on a six-day, hut-to-hut trek on Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails, where we rarely saw the sun. And it’s ideal for long travel days.

Rated to recharge 2.5 smartphones—though that performance will vary between phone models—it would, when fully charged, bring my Samsung smartphone (2550mAh battery) from around 20 percent to 100 percent three to four times. The 10,000 mAh battery can be recharged plugging into a wall outlet for 2.5 hours using the USB A-to-USB C cable that comes with the unit. It has a USB-C PD port (up to 18W) and two USB-A quick charge out ports. BioLite advises using and recharging it at least once every four months.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase BioLite SolarPanel 5+ at rei.com or bioliteenergy.com, or a BioLite Charge 40 PD power bank at bioliteenergy.com.

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Sunglasses

Everyone needs eye protection from bright sunshine and UV light. But high-performance, well-fitting, and stylish sunglasses for outdoor sports are not often well-priced. Tifosi has broken that rule. The Tifosi Crit wrap-around sport sunglasses ($50, 1 oz./28.4g), ideal for everything from hiking to running, cycling, and more, have photochromic Clarion red lenses that adjust to shifting ambient light from nearly clear to a red mirror with a smoke tint—wearable in conditions from cloudy to the brightest, shadeless, sunny days of mid-summer. The Crit features an aerodynamic, ventilating design, shatterproof lenses, a light and durable Grilamid TR-90 nylon frame, hydrophilic rubber to grip well even when sweaty, adjustable arm and nose pieces for customizing the fit, and UVA and UVB protection. I wore them every day on adventures as wide-ranging as trekking hut to hut on Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail in July, backpacking nine days through the High Sierra, mostly on a section of the John Muir Trail in August, and on a five-day hike in the Wind River Range the week before Labor Day.

Want to save even more? The Svago ($30), made with shatterproof and scratch-resistant, polycarbonate smoke-tinted lenses, also have hydrophilic rubber, a Grilamid TR-90 nylon frame, and UVA and UVB protection.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the Tifosi Crit, Svago, or any other sunglasses at tifosioptics.com.

Time for a better backpack?
See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and the best ultralight backpacks.

All-Purpose Knife and Multi-Tools

The Swiss Army Climber Knife ($45, 2.9 oz./82.2g) provides a basic set of tools that will meet the needs of most backpackers in a light, compact unit just 3.6 inches/9.1 centimeters long, including large and small blades, scissors, bottle and can openers, screwdrivers, wire stripper, reamer and punch, toothpick and tweezers, corkscrew, and a multipurpose hook. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better value in a small, folding knife.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Swiss Army Climber Knife at backcountry.com.

If you need the ultimate multi-tool, I like the Leatherman Wave+ ($130, 8.5 oz./241g). Just four inches long when closed, this updated version of Leatherman’s long-popular Wave boasts a robust set of 18 tools that all lock quickly into position, many of which get frequent use in the backcountry: two knives (straight and serrated), a saw, spring-action scissors, can and bottle openers, a medium screwdriver, regular and needle-nose pliers, and wire cutters.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Leatherman Wave+ at backcountry.com.

Hydration Bladder

It may sound silly to get excited about a bladder, but while Gregory’s original 3D Hydro was exceptional, they’ve improved on it with the Gregory 3D Hydro Trek 3L hydration bladder ($63, 3L/100 oz./2.83kg, 10 oz./283.5g). Wider and shorter, it fits most backpacks and daypacks (some have a bladder sleeve that’s too narrow for it) and is easier to fill completely and screw the cap on without spilling, thanks to the molded handle-spine. A strap enables hanging from a branch as a base camp bladder to dispense water through the valve, which is capped by a dust cap when in a pack.

With a hose that disconnects, a soft, three-dimensional body, and removable mouthpiece, it dries out fully after use as readily as a hard-sided bottle—helping to prevent the buildup of mildew that degrades a bladder. The magnetic bite valve, which locks to prevent dripping, sticks to a magnet on the sternum strap of Gregory packs; and the bladder’s crescent-shaped plastic top handle clips securely onto the mating piece in the bladder sleeve in the brand’s packs. That’s a bladder worth getting excited about.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Gregory 3D Hydro Trek 3L hydration bladder at backcountry.com or any 2L or 3L Gregory 3D Hydro bladder at backcountry.com.

Keep your hands warm on your adventures.
See “The Best Gloves for Winter,” including lightweight gloves for three-season use.

The new Camelbak Fusion 3L Reservoir with Tru Zip Waterproof Zipper ($66, 5.5 oz./155.9g) represents a technological step up. Using the Fusion 3L on spring backpacking trips in Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon and along a section of the Arizona Trail, I noticed right away that, besides the typically durable Camelbak construction, I was most impressed with how the integrated handle and pinch grip allows for much easier, one-handed filling compared to some bladders. Hydroguard inhibits bacterial growth in the reservoir and tube, which are also easy to dry and air out to prevent that, anyway. The valve delivers water quickly and has an on-off switch to prevent leaks. The waterproof zipper is predictably a little sticky but absolutely reliable.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these links to purchase a 2L or 3L CamelBak Fusion 3L Reservoir with Tru Zip Waterproof Zipper at backcountry.com.

Want a more affordable bladder? From a four-day, 25-mile backpacking trip on the Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop off the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, to a three-day, 40-mile hike in the Wind River Range and numerous other backpacking trips and dayhikes, I’ve found the CamelBak Crux 3L Reservoir ($42, 3L/100 oz., 8 oz./227g) as tough and utilitarian as they come.

The self-sealing mouthpiece valve delivers water quickly and never leaked or dripped when I left it unlocked, and the cap reliably screwed on tightly and leak-free every time. The valve locking mechanism shifts easily using one hand. It has a baffle to minimize sloshing, a push-button release of the hose for cleaning, and Hydroguard antimicrobial treatment in the reservoir and tube to inhibit bacterial growth. Plus, you’d have to make a concerted effort to puncture or damage this polyurethane bladder.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these links to purchase a 2L or 3L CamelBak Crux Reservoir at rei.com.

Packable and Collapsible Water Bottles

I prefer water bottles in various common situations, like sitting around in camp or hiking in freezing temps, but hard-sided, heavy bottles are soooo 2015. The HydraPak Flux Bottle (1.5L/50 oz., $60, 4.3 oz./122g, and 1L/32 oz., $29, 2.7 oz./76.5g) has taken the packability and low weight of a soft bottle and married it to the convenience of a hard bottle’s rigidity for standing up and refilling.

Developed with mutual goals of creating an alternative to single-use plastic and reducing the bulk and weight of hard bottles, the Flux is constructed with a dual-layer TPU film laminate that lends it the rigidity to stand on its flat base—full or empty. The spill-proof twist cap’s valve lets you squirt water into your mouth one-handed (like a bike bottle), doesn’t leak when closed, and the wide opening is compatible with all 42mm threaded filters (like the Katadyn BeFree). Embossed RF-welded soft walls are easy to grip.

Best of all, it’s half the weight of a hard-sided plastic bottle—and when empty, the Flux flattens, rolls and stows into its bail handle, compressing to one-quarter of its full size (smaller than a fist) to slip easily into any pack’s side, lid, or other external pocket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a HydraPak Flux Bottle at rei.com.

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Water Filter and Water Filter Bottle

It’s hard to beat the speed, convenience, and packability of the collapsible Katadyn BeFree Microfilter soft bottles, available in a 0.6L bottle ($45, 2.5 oz./70.9g), 1L bottle ($50, 2.5 oz./70.9g), and 3L bottle ($65, 3.5 oz./99.2g).

The 0.6L bottle measures just 9x3x3 inches and weighs under three ounces and filters up to two liters per minute just by squeezing the collapsible, BPA-free flask, delivering a strong stream of water. It will even pour through the mouthpiece—albeit more slowly than squeezing, of course—by just tilting it upside-down, even when the bottle is nearly empty.

The Katadyn BeFree Gravity Filter (10L $145, 10 oz./283.5g, 6L, $120, 9.3 oz./263.7g, and 3L, $80, 6.8 oz./192.8g) spares you the work of squeezing the bottle, filtering two liters per minute into another bottle or a bladder.

The .01-micron BeFree microfilter protects against harmful organisms like bacteria and cysts and has a projected life of 1,000 liters. Replacing the filter is easy—it pops out and a new one pops in. No backflushing or tools needed. Clean it occasionally by swishing the EZ-Clean Membrane around in water. For long-term storage, clean the filter by squeezing a flask full of clean (tap) water containing either one Micropur tablet or four drops of bleach through the filter.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase any of the Katadyn BeFree bottles or gravity filter at backcountry.com or rei.com.

The convenience factor of the LifeStraw Go bottle (22-oz./623.7g, $45, 7.8 oz./221.1g, or 1L, $50, 8.6 oz./243.8g) has lightened my pack weight by letting me carry less water—and it’s not because I drink any less. The ease and quickness of dipping, filling, and immediately drinking from the 22-ounce Go bottle—and not having to take time to treat water with a traditional filter—means that, wherever there are fairly frequent water sources along a hike, I can chug some water at the creek, top off the bottle or even leave it half-full if the next water isn’t far, and resume hiking. Consequently, I don’t treat more water than I’ll need and my pack’s lighter.

On my most-recent trip on the Teton Crest Trail, I rarely carried water in my pack’s bladder. The LifeStraw Go’s two-stage, hollow-fiber, 0.2-micron filter membrane with activated carbon removes virtually all bacteria, protozoa like giardia and cryptosporidium, and organic chemicals like pesticides and herbicides.

See my complete review of the LifeStraw Go bottle With 2-Stage Filtration.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a 22-oz. or 1L LifeStraw Go water bottle at rei.com or backcountry.com.

Got an all-time favorite campsite?
See “Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites.”

Of course, there are times when you need a pump water filter in the backcountry, such as when dealing with silted water, or when you have to treat a large amount of water (for a group of three or more people or when water sources are far apart). The MSR Hyperflow Microfilter ($160, 9 oz./255.1g) stands out for its speed and compact size. Measuring just 7×3.5 ins., and lighter than many competitors, this hollow-fiber filter pumps three liters per minute, removing protozoa, bacteria, and particulate matter (though not viruses or chemicals), and leaves no taste. It comes with a Quick-Connect Bottle Adapter for pumping directly into a variety of containers, including all MSR hydration bladders and Nalgene bottles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these links to buy an MSR Hyperflow Microfilter at backcountry.com or cascadedesigns.com.

On a 40-mile, mid-September backpacking trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, I pulled out the pocket-size MSR TrailShot Microfilter ($70, 5 oz./141.7g) frequently to sate my thirst within seconds, enabling me to carry less water on my back. Small enough to stuff inside a side pocket on a daypack, it cranks out a liter in a minute. It’s ideal for one or two people on a fast-paced outing where time efficiency and minimizing weight are top priorities, like an ultra-dayhike, an ultralight backpacking trip where water sources are frequent, or a long trail run or adventure race. You have to get down low to the ground to place the input end of the hose in a stream or other water source and drink directly from the filter’s spout, or use the TrailShot to pump water into a bottle or bladder. It removes bacteria like E. coli and protozoa like Cryptosporidium. MSR projects its life at up to 2,000 liters.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to buy an MSR TrailShot Microfilter at backcountry.com or cascadedesigns.com.

Camp Stove

Simplicity often reigns supreme in the backcountry, and that’s typically how I feel about a cooking stove: keep it simple, efficient, and above all, light.

The Jetboil Flash ($145, 13.1 oz./371g) has become my go-to stove for trips with a small group when we just want to boil water fast, most recently including in Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon, southern Utah’s Escalante region, the Wind River Range, and Glacier National Park. Cranking 9,000 BTUs, itboils a liter of water in under three-and-a-half minutes in a controlled environment, according to Jetboil. With the insulated FluxRing cooking pot’s fill line limiting each boil to just two cups/0.47 liter—basically just enough to cook for one person at a time—it was fast enough to satisfy for our group of five people on windy mornings in Aravaipa Canyon.

The high fuel efficiency translates to less fuel weight in your pack: Planning our fuel based on Jetboil’s estimate that the Flash will boil 10 liters per 100g JetPower fuel canister, we hiked out of Aravaipa with a little unused fuel. The coolest feature? Jetboil’s thermochromatic color-change heat indicator on one side of the pot shows you how close the water is to boiling. A reliable push-button igniter fires up the stove every time.

See my complete review of the Jetboil Flash.

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The MSR Pocketrocket 2 ($60, 4 oz./113.4g with plastic case, included) boils water fast, has precise flame control for simmering, holds pots of two liters or larger stably, always fires up, and packs small. That’s why it ends up in my pack on many trips. It’s only shortcoming is that the unprotected burner isn’t nearly as fuel-efficient as stoves with a protected burner.

See my complete review of the MSR Pocketrocket 2.

BUY IT NOW You can support this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these links to buy an MSR Pocketrocket 2 stove at rei.com or cascadedesigns.com.

Get the right tent for you. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents”
and “5 Expert Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent.”

But when it’s time to cook for four or more people—especially in a windy campsite—nothing beats the MSR WindBurner Group Stove System ($260, 1 lb. 5 oz./595.3g). Pressure-regulated to produce consistent heat output, with an enclosed burner, the WindBurner Group System loses virtually no fuel efficiency—it basically performs in wind as if there was no wind. Cooking at elevations up to 11,000 feet, with wind at times and mornings down to around 40° F, I used less than two full, 16-oz. MSR IsoPro fuel canisters in six days cooking five breakfasts and dinners for four people—and barely more than one 16-oz. canister for basically the same number of meals for three people (all just boiling water). Plus, good flame control goes from boiling fast to a low simmer for backpackers who want to do more than just boil water. And the pot has a folding handle and strainer lid with a locking latch.

See my complete review of the MSR WindBurner Group Stove System.

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Camp Kitchen

On backpacking trips where I want to carry the lightest stove and pot combo plus have the versatility of a pot that I can cook a meal in and eat out of, I’ll pair MSR’s Pocketrocket 2 stove (above) with the MSR Titan Kettle 1400ml ($75, 5.4 oz./153g). The incredibly light but durable, one-liter pot with silicone-coasted folding handles and a secure lid with a silicone gripper on top for lifting off without burning your fingers, it’s big enough to cook for two, light enough for solo trips—and doubles as a bowl and (giant) mug. Internal graduated markings in 0.2-liter and eight-ounce increments take the guesswork out of measuring water. I like the silicone hanger under the lid to keep it out of the dirt.

You can fit a tiny canister stove and an eight-ounce fuel canister or nest other MSR Titan collection products inside, including the Titan Kettle 900ml ($65, 4.4 oz./126g), a good alternative for serious ultralighters; and the nicely sized Titan Double Wall Mug 375ml ($55, 4.1 oz./116g), which has a very secure sipping lid, with a tab for easy removal, and keeps 12 ounces of liquid hot in cool campsites, as it did for me on cool mornings in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase an MSR Titan Kettle 1400ml and/or Titan Kettle 900ml at rei.com, a Titan Double Wall Mug 375ml at backcountry.com, or those and other MSR Titan products at rei.com or cascadedesigns.com.

When cooking convenience and packability take priority over going absolutely minimalist—as it has on many family backpacking trips—I grab the Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible One-Pot Cook Set ($140, 19 oz./527g, for two to four people). The 2.2-liter/74-ounce pot (10.5 oz./297g by itself) is made with collapsible, food-grade silicone walls and a hardened alloy aluminum base, and the pot’s lid fits securely enough to avoid spills when pouring hot water. The stainless-steel Click Safe Handle attaches to the pot with an audible click and carries any food or liquid weight without loosening; reversing the handle secures the nested and packed set. 

The medium bowls and 400ml cups are small enough to remain packable but most hungry backpackers will refill them at mealtime. I’ve boiled water, cooked pasta, rice, mac ‘n’ cheese and other messy dinners and found the pieces all easy to wipe clean. The walls of every piece lock into place when in use—nothing collapses with hot food or liquid inside—and stack neatly together when collapsed, packing down to 7.8×2 ins./19.7×5.1cm. The set is also PFOA-, PTFE- and BPA-free and the various pieces are also sold individually.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to buy the Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible One-Pot Cook Set at seatosummit.com or rei.com, other Sea to Summit Frontier cook sets (including non-collapsible, which are less expensive), or a Frontier pot, bowl, mug, individually at backcountry.com, seatosummit.com, or rei.com.

A good two-way radio makes your adventures safer.
See my review of the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio.

Utensil

You gotta eat, and I extend my preference for carrying the bare necessities in gear right down to my utensils. Here are. my top picks.

With hot breakfasts and dinners in the backcountry, I’m virtually always using just a spoon to eat from a bowl or dig into a dehydrated meal packet, so I prefer a long handle like you get with the ultralight, titanium MSR Titan Long Spoon ($18, 0.7 oz./19g), which measures 8.4 inches/21.2 centimeters long and clips onto a mini-biner.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase an MSR Titan Long Spoon at backcountry.com, rei.com, or cascadedesigns.com.

And the very packable Jetboil TrailWare Utensil Set ($17, 1.5 oz./46.7g for all three pieces), which includes a collapsible spoon, fork, and knife.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Jetboil TrailWare Utensil Set at rei.com.

Water Bag

No one likes carrying a large amount of water very far in the backcountry, but when I have to do it, I turn to a reliable standby—as I’ve done many times backpacking in the Grand Canyon, including on my most recent trip on the Utah Flats Route and Clear Creek Trail. The MSR Dromlite Bag ($45-$50, three sizes 2L-6L, 4.6-5.7 oz./130.4g-161.6g), the brand’s lighter (and cheaper) but still tough version of its Dromedary, collapses to its cap size. Made with abrasion-resistant Cordura, these tough bags have a temperature threshold from freezing to boiling, a secure cap that ensures effortless filling and pouring, and a sturdy, low-profile handle that enables easy refilling and hanging it in camp.

The classic MSR Dromedary ($52, three sizes 4L-10L, 7-10 oz./198.4g-283.5g), although heavier, offers one larger size (10 liters). These stout sacks have never sprung a leak inside my backpack, thanks to BPA-free, 1,000-denier fabric and a tight seal on the screw cap. Strong perimeter webbing makes it easy to carry or hang in camp, and when empty, they roll up fairly compactly for storage in your pack.

Every backpacker should own one or two of these bags—and two bags give you both a large capacity and the option of carrying less weight when large capacity isn’t needed. There will come a day that you’ll need it—whether you like it or not.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these links to buy an MSR DromLite at cascadedesigns.com, or an MSR Dromedary at backcountry.com or cascadedesigns.com.

Bear Canister

A bear canister is required in an increasing number of public lands, among them California’s High Sierra (including the John Muir Trail, Yosemite, and Sequoia-Kings Canyon national parks) and in some campsites in Olympic and Grand Teton national parks.

A canister also provides convenient, infallible food storage anywhere.

Made from an impregnable, transparent polycarbonate, the Bear Vault BV500 Journey ($100, 3 gallons/700 c.i./11.5 L, 2 lbs. 9 oz./1.16 kg) stores up to a week’s worth of food for one person (with judicious packing). It has clear walls for finding items, is built to make it hard for a bear to grasp and damage with its jaws or claws, and has two tabs in the screw-top lid to provide redundant protection against a bear getting into it.

It has also earned the approval of both the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Bear Vault BV500 Journey bear canister at rei.com.

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Ultralight Camera Carrier

As a photographer who likes to shoot people in motion outdoors and perfect light situations—circumstances that are often fleeting—I’ve long sought a way to carry my camera where I can instantly grab it and shoot. Well, I’ve found it. The Peak Design Capture ($80, 3 oz./84g) offers a method of carrying your camera where it’s secure, stable, and always within easy reach on a pack shoulder strap during activities like hiking. Unlike camera packs, with their zippers, when using the Capture, I simply depress a button to pull it off my pack’s shoulder strap, point, and shoot.

The Capture consists of a metal clip that attaches to any pack strap, belt, or bag via two screws you can turn with your fingers (no tool required), and an Arca tripod-compatible plate that screws into your camera’s base. At just three ounces/84 grams and measuring just 3.3×1.6×0.8 inches/8.3x4x2 centimeters, it’s virtually unnoticeable on a pack strap, yet can hold far more weight than you’ll ever attempt to attach to any pack (over 200 pounds/90 kilos, according to Peak Design).

I found it comfortable enough with my Nikon Z50 mirrorless DSLR and a 50-250mm zoom on it, but certainly less obtrusive with the smaller and lighter 16-50mm lens on the camera. Caveats: I found the Capture will twist slightly when not positioned well on a shoulder strap, causing one end of the metal back plate to dig into my shoulder. Also, the screws can loosen over multiple days of use; check it regularly to ensure those are tight (and your camera won’t suddenly drop to the ground—and mine did not).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Peak Design Capture at backcountry.com, peakdesign.com, or rei.com.

Tent Stakes

Bent stakes suck. Stakes should be extremely light and strong and never fail. Adhering to those simple truths, the Nemo Airpin Ultralight Stakes ($20, 1.4 oz./39.7g, set of four, or $10, 0.7 oz./19.8g, set of two) demonstrated their mettle (or metal, if you will) on various trips, including a six-day traverse of over 90 miles in Glacier National Park. Made of aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum, they have three notches in the head, two facing downward and one facing upward. Run the tent’s stake cord under the first downward notch (labeled “O”), then over the second, upward notch (“OO”), and finally under the other downward notch (“OOO”), creating friction on the cord as you drive the stake into the ground—which is easier thanks to the stake’s tapered shape. No more bent tent pegs or stake cord popping off stakes.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these links to purchase a set of four or two Nemo Airpin Ultralight Stakes at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com.

Lightweight First-Aid Kit

A first-aid kit can seem like something that just adds bulk and weight to a pack without getting used—but when you really need one, you don’t want to be without it. The compact but well-designed Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .9 Medical Kit ($64, 12 oz./340.2g) resolves questions of utility versus weight. Contained in two layers of waterproof packaging in this kit are various wraps and bandages, a trauma pad and wide elastic wraps, blister treatment, an irrigation syringe and wound closure strips, medications for diarrhea, stomach issues, pain, and inflammation, and, of course, a mini roll of duct tape. I suggest adding a small tube of antibiotic ointment, but otherwise, this is a complete first-aid kit that doesn’t occupy excessive pack space.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this link to purchase an Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .9 Medical Kit at rei.com.

Low Gaiters

For three-season backpacking—as well as dayhiking and trail running—low or mid-height gaiters (not high ones, like you’d use in winter) are indispensable for keeping stones, debris, rain, and splashed water from puddles and wet trailside vegetation out of your footwear.

The DWR-coated, very breathable, stretch-woven nylon and polyurethane Kahtoola Renagaiter Low ($54, 2.5 oz./70.9g) and Renagaiter Mid ($64, 3.3 oz./93.6g, both in two sizes), both available in two sizes, have become the low gaiters I grab for most outings. They easily zip over hiking shoes and boots, fitting snugly to protect against dirt, stones, debris, and water getting inside your shoes. Excellent breathability means they don’t make your feet sweat on hot days—as I’ve found on local trail runs and on a nine-day hike of about 130 miles through the High Sierra in August, mostly on the John Muir Trail and on mornings with wet vegetation overhanging trails on a weeklong September hike in Glacier National Park. The adjustable and tough DuraLink instep strap tucks into any shoe or boot lugs and its rounded shape prevents it snagging on rocks or roots; it also won’t get chewed up by rocks like some lighter nylon straps. While the Renagaiter Low is best for low-cut, lightweight shoes and the Mid for mid-cut boots, both adjust to fit a range of footwear, making them ideal for all backpacking, dayhiking, and trail-running uses.

I wore the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid Gaiters ($39, 2.5 oz./70.9g, two sizes) while trekking hut-to-hut for six days on Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails, when it rained for parts of almost every day and we hiked at times over muddy trail; while backpacking and dayhiking from a base camp for three days in the first week of April in Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon, frequently walking in the shallow river and using the gaiters to keep stones and sand out of my boots; as well as hiking through wet trailside vegetation while backpacking in the Wind River Range and on local trail runs and hikes when wet snow covered the trails. Stretchy, breathable, wind- and water-resistant Ferrosi fabric kept my feet dry and is rated UPF 50+ for maximum UV protection. A tough, hypalon instep strap, hook-and-loop attachment for the shoe’s heel, and a drawcord cinch at the top hold the gaiters in place.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these links to purchase the Kahtoola Renagaiter Mid or Renagaiter Low at rei.com, or the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid Gaiters at backcountry.com or outdoorresearch.com.

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Camp Chair

Light and small enough to carry into the backcountry, the Helinox Chair Zero ($140, 1 lb. 1 oz./481.9g, not including 1-oz. stuff sack) will force you to ask yourself why you’d ever tolerate squatting on a rock or log in camp again. The chair consists of a fabric seat that slips over a shock-corded pole structure that forms the chair’s back and legs; and it assembles quickly, like a hubbed tent pole system.

The result is a comfortable seat that’s 20 inches wide, 19 inches deep, 25 inches tall, and whose bottom rises 11 inches above terra firma—unlike chair kits that, while less bulky, are often no lighter, and place your butt at ground level. It also, impressively, has a carrying capacity of 265 pounds/120.2 kilograms, although 200-pounders might find the chair a little tippy, and packs down to 14x4x4 inches, roughly the dimensions of a lightweight backpacking air mattress. Unless you’re ultralight backpacking or thru-hiking, having a comfortable chair in camp may seem well worth the effort of carrying 17 ounces/481.9 grams.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Helinox Chair Zero at backcountry.com, or various Helinox chairs and other products at backcountry.com.

Want an even more comfortable camping chair? While too bulky and heavy for backpacking, the Helinox Sunset Chair ($170, 3 lbs. 8 oz.) will be the envy of your friends when car camping.

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Camp Shoes

I generally consider camp shoes superfluous weight: I often hike in low-cut shoe and just wear them like slippers in camp, with the laces quite loose and the tongue flipped up. But when I need or want footwear for backpacking campsites, water fords, and paddling trips, two different types of footwear have become my go-to picks, depending on the trip.

For cooler backcountry trips, especially when hiking in midweight boots in wet climates, where I want warm, dry footwear in camp, I like the Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners ($110, 17 oz./481.9g, pair US men’s 10). For backpacking in the Wind River Range and elsewhere, on hut and yurt trips, and for river fords, these lightweight, packable, comfortable, warm shoes were perfect. The uppers and insoles are made from super fine Merino wool—keeping feet warm even if wet—and instead of the EVA foam traditionally used in footwear, Allbirds uses SweetFoam, made from sugarcane, and calls it “the world’s first carbon-negative green EVA.” Sizing runs small; buy up one full size in men’s and women’s models. Allbirds.com.

Rhamani sandals ($80, 14 oz./396.9g, pair US men’s 9) come in one style with multiple configurations, thanks to the removable heel and forefoot straps and retractable toe loop—and the strap system is secure enough that I took hikes from campsites, walking faint use trails and splashing through creeks, on a six-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. The contoured footbed feels plush and the outsole grips well on a variety of ground surfaces—packed-dirt trails, pebbly riverbanks, scrambling on rocks. Best of all: They weigh about half of many sports sandals. Sizing is standard whole sizes. rhamani.com.

Sun Hat

On hot days from the Grand Canyon in spring and fall to the intense alpine sun in mountains like the High Sierra, I always wear a wide-brim hat to keep my squash from baking—which makes a big difference in how I feel over the course of hours hiking in such heat. But sun protection isn’t the only performance feature that matters.

In unusually strong winds that blew for three straight days in the Wind River Range, the Patagonia Quandary Brimmer wide-brim hat ($65, 4 oz./113g) stayed put on my head, keeping the alpine sun off it. The semi-rigid, wide brim completely shades your face and neck and resists getting flattened against the side of your head by strong gusts while also having enough flexibility to fold up for stuffing into a pack or exterior pocket. The toggle adjustment in the back enables a snug fit that, along with the adjustable chin strap, prevents the hat from taking flight in wind. The light, 96 percent recycled nylon fabric, breathable crown, and soft, wicking headband keep it comfortable in the heat.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Patagonia Quandary Brimmer hat at backcountry.com.

Windproof, Waterproof Emergency Matches

The UCO Titan Matches ($13, 3 oz./85g). will fire up in any downpour, no matter how wet. Each thick, four-inch-long match provides 25 seconds of wind and waterproof burning; they even relight after being submerged in water. The kit includes 12 matches, three replaceable strikers, a waterproof case that floats, and a cord that attaches to a lanyard.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this link to purchase UCO Titan Matches at rei.com.

See also my recommended backpacking gear checklist and menus of all of my reviews of backpacks, backpacking boots, hiking shoes, tents, and sleeping bags. And don’t miss my picks for “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

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You’re out on an all-day hike or a long climb or trail run or ride in the mountains. The weather forecast looked pretty good before you set out—but no one shared that memo with the wind that just started hammering your summit ridge, or the spitting rain and hail now pelting you as you contemplate the sudden drop in temperature and the miles between you and shelter. The question now is: What’s in your pack?

If you’re smart, it’s an ultralight jacket that takes up little space, but is about to gift you with just the right amount of weather protection when you need it.

This article offers my expert tips on how to choose the best ultralight shell for your needs, followed by my freshly updated picks for the best models on the market today, based on real-world, backcountry field testing and my 30 years of experience reviewing outdoor gear and apparel, including more than 10 years running this blog and previously the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years.

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Ultralight Jackets Explained

What is an ultralight shell jacket? There’s no consensus definition, and considerable variation among today’s models. But basically, the term “ultralight jacket” explains their primary advantage: They weigh under about 10 ounces—and some a fraction of that—and are very packable, often stuffing down to the size of a fist. In other words, they are usually less than half the weight and bulk of a standard waterproof-breathable jacket. While a few may be partly or even fully waterproof, many are water-resistant and windproof, providing a minimum level of protection from the elements.

While these jackets, also known as ultralight wind shells, are marketed primarily to runners, they are often a better choice than a heavier, bulkier rain jacket for dayhikers, climbers, and lightweight/ultralight backpackers who don’t expect to encounter heavy rain. I’ve used many of the models reviewed here for lightweight dayhikes and some of the more durable models for backpacking and climbing when the forecast threatened no more than light showers.

Although they certainly look very minimalist, they deliver all the protection you need from wind and light rain—the conditions many of us often encounter far more often than full-on storms. Some of them are partly or fully waterproof-breathable, and kept me dry in steady rain; but they lack the full hood coverage, features, and degree of waterproofing that a heavier rain jacket provides, and I don’t recommend ultralight jackets for hours or days of sustained rain.

The truth is, because standard, heavier, waterproof-breathable shells are, by definition, not as breathable as shells that are simply water-resistant, they are not the best choice for activities where you sweat a lot, like running or rigorous uphill hiking with a pack on, because they often cause you to get soaked from perspiration. Waterproof-breathable shells have their place, for sure. But they are heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than an ultralight jacket, in addition to being generally less useful in the situations we commonly encounter in the backcountry.

The notion seems counterintuitive, but it’s possible to have too much of a jacket. If you rarely pull on a rain jacket because it’s too much for most circumstances you encounter, then you need an ultralight jacket.

Whether you’re a dayhiker, backpacker, ultra-hiker, runner, or climber, when you choose the right ultralight shell for your activity and climate, it will probably become the jacket you grab and actually wear most often—and possibly the most versatile piece of outerwear you own, useful in a layering system tailored to any season and multiple outdoor sports.

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How to Choose an Ultralight Jacket

While many ultralight shells are similar in appearance and weight, they can vary significantly in functionality.

Simply put, the best ultralight jackets for trail running may be different from the best models for cool-weather hiking, climbing, or ultralight backpacking, and your choice will also depend on the typical weather you encounter.

Here’s what to look for:

• Breathability vs. weather resistance. Ultralight jackets generally trade off fully waterproof protection for better breathability. However, models in this category can vary greatly in how each balances breathability and wind protection, and some have partially or completely waterproof fabrics while remaining ultralight and packable. But “waterproof” in an ultralight jacket doesn’t generally equal the protection of a two-layer or three-layer, heavier waterproof-breathable jacket (like Gore-Tex); sustained hard rain can cause it to wet through.

• Hybrid vs. uniform shell. “Hybrid” in this context refers to the shell blending some fully waterproof-breathable fabric—usually in the shoulders, torso, and hood—with more breathable, non-waterproof fabric in the sides and underarms, allowing the jacket to release body heat and moisture in areas not likely to receive much direct precipitation. These jackets are versatile for a wide range of conditions and activity levels. By “uniform” shell, I mean either a water-resistant soft-shell fabric or a waterproof-breathable fabric—but one or the other, not a hybrid combination of both.

• Insulated or not. While it’s not usually the case, ultralight jackets occasionally feature a light amount of strategically placed insulation—typically in the torso—making them more of a cool-weather, fall through spring garment, but also versatile for everything from climbing bigger mountains in summer to aerobic activities like running, Nordic skiing, or hiking and snowshoeing in winter.

• Hood or no hood. For the most part, I find a simple, uninsulated shell hood almost essential in an ultralight jacket—it provides a noticeable boost in warmth and weather protection at very little cost in terms of weight, bulk, or dollars. Many ultralight shells, but not all, have a hood or a hooded version, and this comes down to personal preference as well as typical usage: If you need a shell simply for local runs of an hour or two in wind or cool temps, with a chance of a light shower, you may not need a hood. If you’re heading into the mountains for hours or days, you probably want a hood.

The Best Ultralight Jackets

I’ve listed the following jackets in order from lightest to heaviest.

My advice: Look at each of the reviews below to narrow your choices to the two or three that sound best for your needs, and then go to the complete reviews of those jackets to help you make your pick. You will support my work on this blog by purchasing any of these jackets through the affiliate links provided here or in the complete reviews, at no cost to you; in fact, you’ll usually find the best prices at those links. Thanks for doing that.

I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with any of these jackets, or another ultralight shell that you like, in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Stay dry, happy, and safe. See my “5 Expert Tips For Buying a Rain Jacket for Hiking”
and all reviews of rain jackets at The Big Outside.

Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell
Why it’s special: Lightest and most packable protection from wind and light rain.
$199, 3.5 oz./99.2g (men’s medium)
blackdiamondequipment.com

The more I wore the Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell—the lightest and most packable hooded shell in this review—the more I liked and used it. Those outings ranged widely, including running the Grand Canyon 42 miles rim to rim to rim in one day in early October, a five-day June trek through Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains, a September weekend of rock climbing in cool temps and gusty wind at Idaho’s City of Rocks, and mountain biking through a sudden downpour. And not only does this shell perform well, but it may be the greenest ultralight wind shell on the market.

The Distance Wind Shell has a basic suite of features found in other ultralight shells: It stuffs easily into its one zippered chest pocket, packing down tosmaller than a baseball, and has elasticized cuffs, an adjustable hem, and an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood. But it replaces a traditional DWR (durable, water-resistant) fabric treatment with a PFC-free, water-repellent finish that gets permanently hyper-fused to the fabric fibers, making it more durable and greener than DWRs. Best of all, of course, its breathability and weather resistance compare with the best in this category.

See my complete review of the Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell.

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Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Hoody
Why it’s special: Great balance of high breathability, low weight, packability, weather resistance, and durability.
$165, 5.1 oz./145g (men’s medium)
backcountry.com

After sweating hard on a hot and humid June morning hiking up the brutally steep headwall of Huntington Ravine on Mount Washington, we hit the cool wind in the mountain’s alpine terrain—so I pulled on my Kor Airshell Hoody and it tamed that wind while breathing so well that the wet sun shirt against my skin dried out quickly. And that pattern of sweating and hitting wind continued throughout that two-day hut trek in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range.

A midweight ultralight wind shell at a hair over five ounces,the highly packable Kor Airshell Hoody balances its two superpowers of low weight and excellent breathability with respectable weather resistance and durability, as I also found wearing it running hilly trails and hiking from the Boise Foothills to early spring backpacking trips on a section of the Arizona Trail and in Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon. Besides its breathability, the ultralight, recycled, 20-denier Pertex Quantum Air ripstop nylon fabric lends the Kor better durability than the lightest ultralight shells.

With a comfortable fit and soft fabric, an elasticized hood with a low-profile brim that provides decent coverage, elasticized hem and cuffs, and two zippered hand pockets—more than found on many competitors—it’s a great choice for dayhikers, trail runners, climbers, and others who mostly need good breathability but may encounter a range of weather conditions short of sustained, hard rain.

See my complete review of the Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Hoody.

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Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie
Why it’s special: Combo of high breathability and comfort, weather resistance, packability, and durability.
$140, 5.8 oz./164.4g (men’s medium)
backcountry.com

We expect a lot of our ultralight wind shells: We want them to breathe well when we’re hiking or running uphill while, of course, blocking the wind effectively—and feel good. On trail runs, dayhikes, and a backpacking trip from southern Utah’s canyon country in spring to the mountains of Southwest Idaho, in a wide range of weather that challenges any outer layer to keep you comfortable, the Shadow Wind Hoodie did just that quite well.

The Shadow’s distinguishing component is its lightweight but durable, 20-denier, stretch-woven fabric: Impressively breathable and resistant to light precipitation, it feels softer against skin than most ultralight shells—especially the lightest out there, which can feel a bit like a plastic petroleum product.

But it offers so much more, too. The trim fit provides space for a couple of base layers plus light insulation and very good stretch lets this jacket move with you—great for hiking, running, climbing, and other activities. The close-fitting, under-the-helmet hood is adjustable—uncommon in an ultralight shell—protects your face well and stows inside the collar. The Shadow also has three zippered pockets. Just an ounce or two heavier than the lightest hooded wind shells, it stuffs inside the chest pocket to about the size of a softball.

See my complete review of the Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie at backcountry.com, rei.com, or outdoorresearch.com.

Get the right pack for you. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
and the “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks.”

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
Why it’s special: Very light and packable waterproof-breathable shell.
$170, 6 oz./170.1g (men’s medium), $180, 6 oz. (women’s medium)
backcountry.com

In the world of waterproof-breathable outerwear, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket pushes the extreme low end in weight and packability—very appealing to hikers, ultralight backpackers, and trail runners. I’ve worn this six-ounce hooded shell on trail runs and hikes in my local foothills, in weather ranging from biting wind and temps in the 30s to heavily falling, wet snow for over two hours. I also wore it at times on an early September, five-day backpacking trip on the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, where it fended off heavy mist and cool winds, and through cold wind and some light rain showers on a five-day hike in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park in early March—and for trips with no serious rain in the forecast, it saved me from carrying twice the weight and bulk in a standard rain jacket.

Constructed from 30-denier ripstop nylon, waterproof-breathable Pertex Shield, it employs Diamond Fuse technology, which uses yarns with diamond-shaped filaments that lock together, lending it relatively good durability and snag-resistance for a fabric this light. It fought off dumping wet snow while I ran and hiked and didn’t build up too much moisture inside; but breathability is not exceptional. It has an adjustable hood, comfortable fit, and one zippered chest pocket that the shell stuffs inside. For anyone needing a just-in-case ultralight shell for wind and rain, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket delivers waterproof protection in a compact package at a good value for its performance and low weight.

See my complete review of the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Helium Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com, or a women’s Helium Rain Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Which puffy should you buy? See “The 12 Best Down Jackets” and
“How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is.”

Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket
Why it’s special: Lightweight and packable waterproof-breathable shell.
$165, 7.7 oz./219g (men’s medium)
backcountry.com

This ultralight rain shell kept me dry while backpacking through wind-driven rain and hail in a thunderstorm on the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. At just 7.7 ounces/219 grams and packing down to the size of a softball, it was also a perfect choice for wind protection and just in case of rain (which only fell early one morning, before we got up) while backpacking the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route.

Rab’s 20-denier, 2.5-layer Proflex stretch-woven waterproof nylon fabric also breathes well, and the adjustable hood offers decent face protection. If you generally avoid severe weather, the Downpour Light delivers all the protection you need in a lighter, more packable design that’s far less expensive than that high-end rain shell that’s overbuilt for your needs.

See my complete review of the Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Planning your next big adventure? See “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips”
and “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes.”

Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody
Why it’s special: Warmest ultralight jacket with good weather resistance and breathability.
$280, 9 oz./255g (men’s medium)
rei.com

The warmest and only insulated shell in this review, the Atom SL Hoody has been a go-to piece for me in situations as varied as backpacking in August in Canada’s Kootenay National Park and in October in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains; scrambling a 10,000-foot peak in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and hiking to the very windy summit of 10,243-foot Mount Washburn in Yellowstone National Park in September; and numerous times Nordic skate-skiing in temps in the 20s and 30s.

Essentially an ultralight wind shell with some strategically placed insulation, it delivers just enough warmth for being active in cool temps without causing you to overheat. Credit the fleece under the arms and 40 grams of insulation in the torso, but no insulation in the hood or on the outside of the sleeves, where there’s just windproof shell fabric that breathes reasonably well. Arc’teryx’s Coreloft synthetic insulation is very compressible, retains heat when wet, and dries quickly. The adjustable hood stays put on your head, with or without a helmet. Whether I was standing on a windblown 10,000-footer, carrying a backpack through the mountains in conditions that shifted frequently between warm sunshine and overcast with cold wind, or perspiring profusely while skate-skiing, the Atom SL keep me warm but didn’t make me too hot. It’s ideal for cool to cold temps or anyone who gets cold easily in moderate temperatures.

See my complete review of the Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody at rei.com or arcteryx.com.

See all trail-running gear reviews and outdoor apparel reviews at The Big Outside.

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Here’s an axiom of outdoor layering systems that will never change: No piece of outdoor apparel offers more versatility than a highly breathable, midweight insulation layer. It’s very possible that the only “layer” you will wear more is your skin. Find a highly breathable midweight hoody or jacket that’s soft and fits like it was custom made for your torso and you have something that may spend more time on your body than in your closet—and few compare with Patagonia’s R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody’s versatility for almost any outdoor user, from hard-core backpackers, climbers, and backcountry skiers to the average dayhiker or fitness walker, as I have found time and again wearing it backpacking, dayhiking, various forms or skiing, and camping, as well as countless days around town.

At 12.5 ounces/354 grams (men’s medium), this midweight fleece is designed for wearing as an outer or middle layer in a huge range of cool to cold temperatures, including activities and seasons as diverse as hiking or climbing in virtually any mountains in any month of the year, southern climes from fall through spring, or for any winter activity—skiing, hiking, running, walking, you pick.

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To spotlight some examples of the many times and ways I’ve used this hoody, it kept me warm without overheating—rarely even breaking a sweat—wearing it:

• Hiking in chilly, very strong wind on three-day hikes on both the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park and the Nigel, Cataract, and Cline Passes Route in the White Goat Wilderness of the Canadian Rockies in the first week of August;
• Over one base layer while hiking with a full pack, uphill and downhill, on cool, generally calm mornings and windy afternoons during a weeklong, nearly 70-mile September backpacking trip in Glacier National Park;
• On early January hikes in Idaho’s upper Wood River Valley on days with temperatures in the low to mid-20s Fahrenheit and strong gusts at times. It did not, of course, block the wind, so I pulled a light shell jacket over it when the wind blew hard.
• On breezy, cool evenings in the 50s between waves of thunderstorms while camping in June at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve.
• On winter days of backcountry and Nordic skiing.

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On those backpacking trips, I also wore it in camp both as an outer layer and, when temps dropped, under a down jacket—meaning the R1 Air Hoody doubled as an on-trail layer and a camp layer that allowed me to bring a lighter puffy and forego a midweight, long-sleeve shirt. To frame it another way: The R1 Air Hoody cut my layering system weight by replacing or reducing two other layers. Few pieces of apparel offer more versatility while reducing your pack weight.

In short, it has become a go-to outer and middle layer for a variety of situations year-round.

The secret sauce is the 100 percent recycled polyester jacquard fleece with hollow-core yarns and a unique zigzag pattern that wicks moisture, dries very quickly, and is about as breathable as any piece of outerwear you’ll find short of much lighter and less-warm base layers. Boosting warmth without compromising breathability means you wear it more.

Cold tolerance varies greatly between individuals, of course. But people who get cold easily will find more situations and reasons to pull on the R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody; and people who don’t get cold easily will simply wear it in a bit lower range of temperatures. Nonetheless, thanks to its breathability, virtually anyone will find a variety of uses for it.

The flip side of that superior breathability, of course, is that wind cuts right through it. That works in your favor whenever you need to dump excess heat because your body is producing it faster than the ambient temperature, wind, and precipitation conditions are sucking it away (and that can certainly include very cool, windy conditions when you’re working hard enough). When ambient conditions draw more heat from your body than you’re producing, there’s a simple solution to the R1 Air’s lack of wind protection: It’s called a shell jacket.

I felt its versatility is more limited in a sport like Nordic skiing, where you create wind against the front of your body when going fast downhill, but also exert at a high level going uphill. Example: On a calm December day in the high 20s Fahrenheit that was overcast when I started skate-skiing but the sun came out before I finished, I sweated the usual amount going uphill—the R1 Air’s warmth eclipsed the benefit of its breathability in that combination of ambient conditions and exertion level—and I felt at the edge of comfort skiing fast downhill (even with the hood up) due to no wind protection.

The feel of the jacket may hold more appeal than the performance properties for many people. The close fit almost emulates that of a moderately snug sweater while creating space for one or two base layers—and, from a performance perspective, enabling more efficient heat retention and moisture movement from inside to outside. Off-the-shoulder seams avoid lying directly under pack straps. The quick-drying woven binding at the rear hem and cuffs add stretch and enhance the fit. The sleeves don’t ride up when lifting your arms overhead and the hem extends below the waist.

Plus, the full-length front zipper not only permits easier on and off than a pullover and enables venting, it also smoothly integrates with the close-fitting, non-adjustable hood, which layers easily under helmets and shell jacket hoods. That means the R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody closes to your nose with the hood up—and the hood remains in place on your noggin in wind or when you turn your head even with the jacket completely unzipped and flapping open. That translates to significantly more comfort and better performance than so many insulated jackets that seem designed with little thought to how the hood interacts with everything below the neck.

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Another versatility detail not to underestimate: The fleece hood punches above its weight in terms of how much it boosts warmth while adding nominal ballast. I think the hood is one of the R1 Air’s best features.

The two zippered hand pockets have a solid fabric lining to provide a little extra warmth by cutting wind a bit and space for a pair of three-season gloves in one pocket or one warm, winter glove in each pocket. The zippered chest pocket will hold small items but is strangely just slightly too small for a smartphone. The jacket doesn’t stuff into any pocket but will roll easily into its hood, packing down to the size of an American football.

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Patagonia has long excelled at insulation and base layers and its R1 line has remained at the top of the field since it revolutioned insulation with its introduction way back in 1999—and I vividly remember wanting to get my hands on one of those early R1 tops. (Fun fact: Tommy Caldwell made the first ascent of the Dawn Wall on El Capitan in an R1.)

See R1 Air models at patagonia.com/shop/favorites/regulator-fleece. And for the cold-weather warriors, check out the Patagonia R1 Air Beanie and the Patagonia R1 Daily Beanie.

The Verdict

With midweight warmth, supreme breathability, and excellent comfort, the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody delivers four-season versatility for many outdoor activities, including backpacking, dayhiking, all forms of climbing and skiing, running, and fitness walking.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody at backcountry.com, rei.com, or patagonia.com; a women’s Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody at backcountry.com, rei.com, or patagonia.com; or a kids’ Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody at backcountry.com, rei.com, or patagonia.com.

Or see all of the Patagonia R1 Air models at patagonia.com/shop/favorites/regulator-fleece.

See all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, including “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Gloves for Winter—and All Seasons,” “The Best Mittens for Winter,” plus “12 Pro Tips for Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter.”

NOTE: I reviewed gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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If you’re super fit and strong, hike with a pack of any weight 50 or more days a year, and have never known any sort of injury or ache in your body, then don’t bother reading this article. But for everyone else, knowing how to find the right pack for backpacking and other outdoor activities—and for your body—will make a world of difference in your enjoyment when carrying that pack for hours a day on a trail or up and down a mountain. This article will lead you through five steps to accomplish exactly that—helping to ensure that you spend your gear money smartly.

These tips reflect what I’ve learned from field testing all kinds of packs for backpacking, dayhiking, climbing, trail running, and backcountry skiing over more than a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear—formerly as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for about 10 years and for even longer running this blog.

Follow these tips in chronological order and you will find the pack that’s right for you.

Please share any tips of your own or your questions in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

#1 Decide What It’s For

It’s tempting, especially when you’re on a budget, to want to buy one pack that will serve every possible need for which you can imagine using a pack. While that approach is understandable, unfortunately, setting such broad expectations takes you in exactly the wrong direction in this important first step toward finding the right pack.

Don’t sweat the fact that your diversity of interests demands a larger quiver of packs than you can afford; in time, when you can, you will get another pack. (We all do.) Your goal here is to focus down and narrow choices.

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The profusion of pack choices is largely the result of specificity in pack design—companies pursuing customers by making packs intended to be perfect for one purpose or another. Decide the one primary activity for which you’re buying this pack. Backpacking? Dayhiking? Climbing? Backcountry snow sports?

Sure, you can find packs that are more generalist and all-purpose—for example, tough enough for climbing, but with adequate organization and capacity for backpacking, or big enough for weekend backpacking and not too big or heavy for dayhiking, and that may serve you just fine. But if you want a pack that’s ideal for, say, backpacking, then look for a pack primarily designed for backpacking.

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and the best ultralight backpacks.

#2 Decide on Capacity and Weight

Are you a lightweight or ultralight backpacker, or carrying most of the gear and food for your young kids, or somewhere into between? Are you a weekend backpacker, or planning to take weeklong trips as well, or planning a long thru-hike? Do you dayhike or backpack only in dry, mild climates in summer, or go out in colder and wetter climates, in shoulder seasons (spring and fall), or even in winter, too?

Capacity and maximum weight you’ll carry are two distinct but overlapping considerations. A mid-size pack, for instance, may still be lightweight and intended to carry only a maximum load of 30 or 35 pounds.

Tips:

•    Consider the total weight and the bulk of the gear and food you’ll typically carry, so that your pack has enough space for your needs, can comfortably handle the weight, and isn’t more pack than you really need.
•    Don’t buy the lightest pack if you intend to carry more weight than it’s designed for.
•    If you’re unsure between two backpack capacities—say, 50L or 60L—ask yourself whether you’re ready to size down some bulky gear (like a sleeping bag or tent), or go with the larger pack.

I usually roll my eyes when I see a reviewer suggest that a lightweight or even mid-size pack can carry 50 or 60 pounds. First of all, many people—probably most backpackers—simply cannot carry that much weight with any pack (and don’t want or need to). Don’t trust any suggestion that a minimal frame and suspension system can carry a large weight, or you’ll set yourself up for some painful disappointment.

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How I use packs based on volume and approximate pack weight (there’s overlap between these categories):

•    Packs 65L/3,965 c.i. or larger, weighing four to five pounds or more (empty)—family or gear-intensive backpacking or climbing trips carrying loads of 40-50 pounds or more.
•    Packs 50-65L/3,356-3,967 c.i., weighing three to four pounds—longer trips carrying 30-45 pounds, including several days’ food, when I’m carrying some weight for a partner, or extra clothing and a larger sleeping bag for colder temperatures.
•    Packs approximately 50L/3,051 c.i. or smaller, weighing under three pounds—weekend to multi-day, lightweight/ultralight backpacking with 30-35 pounds or less and lightweight or ultralight, compact gear.
•    Packs 30-45L/1,831-2,441 c.i., weighing 2.5 to four pounds—ultralight weekend trips and gear-intensive activities like climbing and backcountry skiing day trips or hut/yurt trips carrying 30 or more pounds.
•    Packs 20-30L/1,220-1,831 c.i. weighing 1.5 to 2.5 pounds—dayhikes carrying 15 to 25 pounds.
•    Packs under 20L/1,220 c.i. weighing under 1.5 pounds—longer trail runs and dayhikes carrying under 15 pounds.

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#3 Get the Fit Right

For starters, measure your torso correctly in order to know your pack size. While many hydration packs and daypacks come in only one size, most mid-size and large backpacks come in two or three sizes, each fitting a specific range of torso lengths, or they’re adjustable. Some pack makers offer customization of fit such as different sizes in hipbelts.

How to measure torso length:

Stand straight and have someone use a soft tape measure (or a string which that person can hold against a stiff measuring tape afterward) to measure your spine. Find your iliac crest, which is the shelf-like top of your hipbones on your sides; place your hands there and your thumbs will point to the spot on your spine where your helper should place the end of the tape measure. Have that person run the tape measure along your spine to your C7 vertebrae, which is the knobby bone at the base of your neck when you tilt your head forward. That’s your torso length.

I’ve often found that if a pack model’s sizing is such that my torso length falls on the line between sizes, then either size could be a little small or a little big for me. If I really want that pack, the smaller size often fits me better. But you’ll probably find a more comfortable fit when your torso length falls closer to the middle of a pack’s fit range.

Planning your next big adventure? See “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips”
and “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes.”

See my reviews of “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs,” “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” and the best ultralight backpacks, and my “Video: How to Load a Backpack” at The Big Outside.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-book versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of gear reviews and expert buying tips.

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Are you looking for gloves that keep your hands warm and dry in all seasons—yes, in winter, of course, but also models for spring through fall—and are made to last for years? As a professional gear reviewer who gets cold hands easily and spends many days outside year-round, from resort, backcountry, and Nordic skiing in the deep cold of winter to hiking and backpacking, trail running, biking around town, and working outside in cool temps at any time of year, I’ve used many types of gloves and learned a lot over the past three decades about how to select the right gloves for a variety of uses.

This review covers the best gloves for a wide range of purposes and temperatures in all seasons, from the 40s and 30s Fahrenheit to far below freezing. I’ve tested them in snowstorms, icy wind, every kind of frozen precipitation, and raw, rainy days; and through countless days of various modes of skiing and many types of multi-day backcountry trips, from chilly outings in the mountains to yurts in winter—as well as shoveling snow and doing yard work in the cold.

I bring to this job three decades of experience field-testing and reviewing outdoor gear and apparel, including the 10 years I spent as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog.

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

I’ve learned to identify the large and small differences between excellent, mediocre, and poor gear—and even more importantly, to help readers understand what activities or uses a piece of apparel or gear is best for.

Besides coming in a range of prices and styles, the gloves reviewed below have different strengths and weaknesses, making each better for varying activities and circumstances, which I specify in each review. I’m confident you’ll find a pair (or more than one) here that meets your needs—and you’ll find the best prices at the affiliate links in each review below. You can support my work by making purchases through those links (at no cost to you). Thanks for that.

See also my picks for “The Best Mittens for Winter.”

If you have a question for me or a comment on this review or any gloves in it, or other gloves to recommend, please share it in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Scroll past the tips on how to choose gloves if you want to jump directly into the glove reviews.

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Two Types of Gloves

For purposes of organizing this article simply, I divide the reviews below into two types of gloves—under-the-cuff and over-the-cuff—rather than seasonal categories (three-season versus winter gloves).

That’s because, while all over-the-cuff-style gloves are designed strictly for winter temperatures and weather—which can certainly occur in late autumn and early spring—some under-the-cuff gloves cross over between three-season and winter use. In fact, you could say that any under-the-cuff gloves could be worn at any time of year—it simply depends on ambient temperatures and conditions.

I believe these simple distinctions will help you identify what you need more easily and quickly.

The two types of gloves:

1.    Under-the-cuff gloves have shorter, closer-fitting gauntlets designed to be worn under a jacket cuff. They vary in degree of warmth and dexterity, but with very few exceptions, are usually less warm, less expensive, and more dexterous than over-the-cuff gloves. They are typically used for high-intensity activities like running and Nordic skiing on groomed trails, but depending on your needs and temperatures encountered, can be used for winter and three-season hiking, climbing, ski touring, and snowshoeing in moderate temperatures from the 20s to 40s Fahrenheit.

2.    Over-the-cuff gloves have longer, adjustable gauntlets designed to be worn over a jacket cuff. They have more insulation and often better water resistance than under-the-cuff gloves—or are fully waterproof-breathable—and usually cost more. “System” gloves, with removable liners, are more versatile for activities like backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, ski touring, climbing, or winter hiking and backpacking, where temperatures and your exertion level often vary greatly. Over-the-cuff gloves that lack removable liners are designed for activities involving moderate exertion levels, like resort skiing and working outside.

How to Choose Gloves for Any Season

How do you find the gloves that are right for your needs? Consider these factors:

• Your activity’s intensity.

• Your usual range of weather conditions and temperatures.

• How easily your fingers get cold.

• Glove weight is a broadly good indicator of warmth, but less reliable when comparing models that are very close in weight but made from different materials.

• Under-the-cuff gloves that are thin and light and have a short gauntlet—the gloves extend basically to the wrist—are designed for temps no colder than slightly below to above freezing, most commonly encountered in spring and fall or cooler environments, like higher mountains late spring into fall. In short, they are primarily three-season gloves but also work well on relatively mild winter days.

• Any gloves that are thicker, heavier, and warmer and have a gauntlet that extends beyond the wrist are usually designed for below-freezing temperatures and wetter environments, more typical of winter, late fall, or early spring.

• Warmer gloves are also overkill for high-intensity activities like running and Nordic skate skiing, except in frigid temperatures.

• Waterproof-breathable and/or windproof gloves are obviously better for inclement weather but also tend to be designed for keeping hands and fingers warm and dry in colder temps and a broader range of weather conditions.

• Under-the-cuff gloves are usually best for outings of a few hours or less.

• Over-the-cuff gloves are usually best for multi-hour or all-day activities, especially when your hands are repeatedly in snow, such as resort or backcountry skiing or riding or snowshoeing.

I’ve listed the products below in ascending order by weight within the two types and pointed out the pros and cons of each and what they’re best for.

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Under-the-Cuff Gloves

Black Diamond Midweight ScreenTap Liners
$45, 2 oz./56.7g (unisex medium)
Sizes: unisex XS-XL
blackdiamondequipment.com

Pros: Very lightweight and breathable stretch fabric, excellent dexterity, touchscreen sensitivity in all fingers and palm.
Cons: Minimal warmth, no weather resistance, unisex sizing.
Best For: Running, hiking, backpacking, walking, and similar activities in mostly dry weather and temps in the 30s and 40s.

No matter how easily your hands get cold, you will encounter conditions at any time of year (not just winter) when you need a light glove. I found this featherweight model ideal for trail runs and hikes in winter sunshine, little wind, and temps in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit. These liners kept my hands warm and breathed so well my hands rarely got sweaty, even on hard runs and fast-paced hiking uphill; and when they did get damp, the fabric dries super quickly, minimizing the conductive cooling that causes hands to rapidly get cold.

The MidWeight ScreenTap liners combine a lightweight stretch fleece on the back with UR Powered conductive material on the palm and fingers, which creates superior touchscreen sensitivity throughout all five fingers and the front of the hand. Suede goat leather palm patches improve grip. The unisex sizing is average for men and some women, with a comfortably close, stretchy fit that helps accommodate different hand types.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Black Diamond MidWeight ScreenTap Liners at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

Enjoy your cold-season activities more.
See “12 Pro Tips For Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter.”

Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves
$30, 2 oz./56.7g (unisex medium)
Sizes: unisex XS-XL
blackdiamondequipment.com

Pros: Lightweight, very breathable, excellent dexterity, touchscreen fingertips.
Cons: Minimal weather resistance and warmth, unisex sizing.
Best For: Being active in temps from the 30s into the 40s.

Whether for high-exertion activities like running or Nordic skiing in temps around freezing to well above, hiking in cool weather, or long ultra-runs and hikes—BD designed this model with the ultra-race of the Tour du Mont Blanc in mind—these very lightweight gloves are a good pick, although not quite as warm as BD’s Midweight Screen Tap Gloves. With my typically cold fingers, I found them perfect for hiking and trail running in temps in the 30s and 40s, but not warm enough for high-speed skate-skiing in temps in the 30s, because you create your own wind; but my wife, whose fingers don’t get cold easily, found them ideal for skate-skiing in those temps.

A weather-resistant shell fabric on the back of the hand and digits sheds light precipitation and blocks some wind, while the stretch palm and cuff release perspiration and dry quickly; and the cuff seals snugly around the wrist. A silicone grip pattern covers the entire palm and grabbing side of the digits, for easily holding onto poles and bottles. And the thumb and forefinger tips have excellent touchscreen sensitivity. Sizing is average, with a skin-tight fit that doesn’t feel too tight because of the stretch, which also helps accommodate different hand types.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves at rei.com, backcountry.com, or blackdiamondequipment.com.

Get the right synthetic or down puffy to keep you warm.
See “The 12 Best Down Jackets.”

Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Gloves
$45, 2.5 oz./70.9g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s S-L
backcountry.com

Pros: Lightweight, warm liner, excellent dexterity, breathable, touchscreen finger and thumb tips, men’s and women’s sizes.
Cons: Not weatherproof, too warm for milder temps.
Best For: Moderate- to high-exertion activities when dexterity is needed in temperatures from below to around freezing.

From cold-weather hiking and trail running to ski touring and Nordic skiing, I have worn these lightweight but remarkably warm gloves repeatedly. OR’s toastiest fleece liner glove, the Vigor sport ActiveTemp thermo-regulating technology, which OR says adjusts to your body’s release of heat to keep hands comfortable during high-exertion activities. Plus, the Vigor Gloves have a double-layer fleece construction, with 265g weight exterior fleece and 100g weight on the interior. They extend slightly beyond the wrist to insulate blood vessels in the wrist that help keep fingers warm.

My hands, which get cold very easily, remained comfortable in temps down into the 20s when ski touring, trail running, or hiking in little to no wind and did not overheat until temps rose into the upper 30s in warm sunshine—partly because these gloves are highly breathable, wick moisture, and dry quickly. Still, people whose hands do not get cold easily may find them too warm for temps around or above freezing, especially for high-exertion activities, and ideal for somewhat colder conditions than I used the gloves.

They have excellent dexterity, with a very close fit and abundant stretch—they’re a little difficult to pull the cuff over my somewhat thick hands, but comfortable when wearing them. With silicone dot grip on the two middle fingers and upper palm and thumb, touchscreen sensitivity in forefinger and thumb tips, and a clip to keep them together when stored, the Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Gloves are the warmest gloves for their weight and ideal for moderate to high exertion in cold temperatures.

One caveat: These gloves don’t block wind, which can make hands much colder (absent a shell glove or mitten over them)—as happened to my chronically cold hands when skate-skiing, which creates its own wind, in temps in the upper 20s; and on a January hike with temps just above freezing but a steady wind on an exposed ridgeline that made it feel much colder.

OR’s lighter options are the men’s and women’s Vigor Midweight Sensor Gloves ($39) and Vigor Lightweight Sensor Gloves ($35).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Gloves, Vigor Midweight Sensor Gloves, or Vigor Lightweight Sensor Gloves at backcountry.com or outdoorresearch.com.

Need serious warmth? Check out “The Best Mittens for Winter.”

Outdoor Research Sureshot Softshell Gloves
$50, 3 oz./85.1g (unisex medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s S-L
backcountry.com

Pros: Lightweight, excellent dexterity, very breathable, touchscreen finger and thumb tips, men’s and women’s sizes.
Cons: Not weatherproof, less warm than gloves of comparable weight.
Best For: Moderate- to high-exertion activities when dexterity is needed in temperatures from slightly below to above freezing.

Skate-skiing in temps from the mid-20s Fahrenheit to around freezing, moving between sunshine and pockets of shaded, chillier forest—conditions that can quickly make my fingers achingly cold in light, breathable gloves—I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable my hands remained in OR’s Sureshot Softshell Gloves. They’ve also kept my fingers entirely warm on winter trail runs in temps in the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit. And when I wore them through three days of torrential rain on New Zealand’s Milford Track, while they soaked through—they’re not waterproof—they still kept my wet hands warm in strong wind and temperatures in the 40s Fahrenheit.

The Sureshot have all the dexterity of light, close-fitting gloves, as well as touchscreen sensitivity in the fingertip and thumb, goat leather overlays in the palm for added durability, and a stretch cuff that wraps snugly around the wrist and extends a good inch behind the wrist bones—longer than many gloves this light—insulating the blood vessels that help keep fingers warm. The fit is borderline tight for my slightly chubby hands and fingers.

The water resistant, two-way stretch-woven fabric breathes quite well—after high-exertion Nordic skiing, only the wrists of the gloves were slightly damp from sweat, and they had been underneath my jacket sleeve. That high breathability also means more cold wind passing through compared to some (usually heavier) models, resulting in my hands getting cold in the Sureshot in any combo of wind and cold temps that feels below the high 20s (though people whose fingers don’t get cold as easily may find these gloves good in the low 20s). These aren’t as warm as OR’s Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Gloves.

OR’s Sureshot Pro Gloves ($65, 5 oz.) add a waterproof Ventia insert. Winter lovers with chronically cold fingers may want to consider OR’s Sureshot Heated Softshell Gloves ($269, 7.4 oz.). With the AltiHeat technology, which offers three heat settings and rechargeable battery life ranging from 2.5 to eight hours (according to OR—I have not tested these gloves), the Sureshot Heated Gloves provide a rare combination of dexterity and assured warmth in breathable, water-resistant handwear. OR’s Prevail Heated Gore-Tex Gloves or Mittens ($339, 11.5 oz.) add waterproof-breathable, windproof protection.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Outdoor Research Sureshot Softshell Gloves, Sureshot Pro Gloves, or Sureshot Heated Softshell Gloves at rei.com, backcountry.com, or outdoorresearch.com, or OR’s Prevail Heated Gore-Tex Gloves or Mittens at rei.com, backcountry.com, or outdoorresearch.com.

Gorewear Men’s Windstopper Thermo Gloves
$90, 3.2 oz./90.7g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-3XL
backcountry.com

Pros: Lightweight and warm for their weight, excellent dexterity, very breathable, broad range of sizes that will accommodate many women, too.
Cons: No touchscreen sensitivity.
Best For: Moderate- to high-exertion activities when dexterity is needed in temperatures from below to well above freezing.

The temperature sat at 33° Fahrenheit and a relentless, frigid wind blew hard as a friend and I started an 8.5-mile, nearly 4,000-vertical-foot, late-November hike up and down a steep, open ridge in our local foothills. I assumed my fingers would turn white and painful because they typically do in conditions like that. (It takes a while for my hands to warm up because of my severe Raynaud’s.)

But that never happened, thanks to my Gorewear’s Men’s Windstopper Thermo Gloves: My fingers remained warm for the entire hike—including the downhill, when my body produced much less heat in that cold wind. And they didn’t overheat once the temp rose to around 40° F, with warm sunshine, and the wind largely died down. These gloves also kept my hands comfortable on chilly fall trail runs and biking around town in temps in the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit.

The Windstopper Thermo Gloves are clearly made for cold, windy days. Gore Windstopper makes them completely windproof—my fingers never felt that frigid wind on our November hike—while keeping them impressively breathable and somewhat water-resistant (although they wetted through pretty quickly in a light rain). A soft, brushed thermo lining and an elasticized cuff that extends slightly beyond the wrist make them warmer than other models of comparable weight.

They also provide the dexterity of light, close-fitting gloves, fabric reinforcements in the palm for a bit more protection and durability, and a nose wipe on the back of both thumbs. The fit is comfortable for my slightly chubby hands and fingers.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Gorewear Men’s Windstopper Thermo Gloves at backcountry.com or gorewear.com.

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Seirus Soundtouch Xtreme All Weather Gloves
$70, 3.5 oz./99.2g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s and women’s S-XXL
rei.com

Pros: Lightweight, waterproof-breathable, warm, excellent dexterity, touchscreen fingertips, and great value.
Cons: Too warm for some users for high-intensity activities in temps above freezing.
Best For: High-intensity activities in temps below freezing or moderate activity in temperatures above freezing.

Through waves of heavy rain and thunderstorms in chilly temperatures on a mid-September backpacking trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, these lightweight gloves kept my hands warm and absolutely dry. They also proved plenty warm enough for a morning near freezing while backpacking in May in Utah’s Dark Canyon Wilderness, as well as chilly mornings of spring backcountry skiing and on frosty days cycling and hiking at home.

With a light fleece lining and a stretchy cuff that extends about two inches behind the wrist bones, these gloves felt quite warm in temps in the low 40s Fahrenheit; even with my cold fingers, I could wear them in temps down into the 20s, so they’re as warm as some bulkier fleece gloves. But unless you get cold fingers easily, they’re too warm for hiking in temps in the 40s or running in temps much above freezing. A waterproof-breathable Pro-Fit insert kept my hands dry through heavy rain during thunderstorms in the Winds, and even when I ran tap water over them; they’ll certainly repel snow. The soft-shell outer fabric’s four-way stretch affords a close fit with excellent dexterity. Soundtouch sensitivity in the thumb and forefinger allowed me to easily tap out text messages and select icons on a phone screen, and PVC in the palm adds durability.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the men’s or women’s Seirus Soundtouch Xtreme All Weather Gloves at rei.com, or the lighter Seirus Soundtouch All Weather Gloves at rei.com.

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Black Diamond Tour Gloves
$100, 4 oz./113.4g (men’s/unisex medium)
Sizes: men’s/unisex XS-XL
blackdiamondequipment.com

Pros: Lightweight, waterproof-breathable even when repeatedly immersed in snow, windproof, good fit and dexterity, durable materials.
Cons: Not warm enough for deep cold, no touchscreen sensor.
Best For: Temps from below to above freezing while skinning uphill in the backcountry, snowshoeing, bike commuting, or working outside.

Black Diamond’s Tour Gloves have kept my hands warm most of the time and absolutely dry on days of ski touring in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, in temps from the low 20s into the 30s Fahrenheit. Not unusually for me (my fingers are typically colder than anyone’s I ski with), my fingers started out cold on the skin track one morning, partly because we began in flat terrain in temps in the low 20s; but these gloves otherwise kept my digits warm for uphill travel. (I always switch to warmer gloves for the downhill.)

They also kept my hands dry even when getting them in snow a lot, thanks to the waterproof-breathable and windproof Pertex Shield shell fabric in the gauntlet and water-resistant goatskin leather throughout the hand. (I applied leather treatment for water repellency before wearing them.) A fleece lining and a gauntlet extending slightly beyond the wrist, with a hook-and-loop strap to provide a snug closure, makes them respectably warm for gloves this light and dexterous. The goatskin leather’s suppleness, a close but not tight fit, and quality construction lend these gloves good dexterity, enabling me to easily manipulate everything from pack buckles to climbing skins to ripping the wrapper off an energy bar. A clip keeps them together.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase the Black Diamond Tour Gloves at blackdiamondequipment.com or rei.com.

Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite
and other flagship parks using my expert e-books.

Outdoor Research Extravert Gloves
$85, 5 oz./141.7g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s S-L
backcountry.com

Pros: Versatile balance of warmth, weather resistance, and dexterity and a good value.
Cons: Not warm enough for deep cold, no touchscreen sensitivity.
Best For: Moderate cold while hiking, backcountry skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing, climbing, bike commuting, or working outside.

The Extravert has become a go-to glove for me on days of backcountry skiing both uphill and downhill in temps in the 20s, at times in heavily falling, wet snow, or just for the up track in deeper cold.

Snow slides off the tough, wind- and water-resistant, stretch nylon shell and the durable goat leather palms, which also lend good grip to the hands and textured fingers. The wool blend lining strikes a good balance of warmth for the snow pit avalanche-hazard assessment, skinning exposed ridges in cold wind, and skiing downhill in moderate temps while wicking moisture and keeping hands from overheating when cranking up the skin track.

The pre-curved fingers are comfortable without feeling at all stiff. The fit runs true to size and is just right: snug enough for good dexterity without choking off circulation to the fingers. A big loop makes pulling them on easy and the hook-and-loop closure and beyond-the-wrist gauntlet lock snow out and fit over the cuff of an insulated jacket or under the adjustable cuff of a shell. They have a carabiner loop on the middle fingers for hanging to dry and a buckle to clip them together.

The Outdoor Research Extravert Gloves hit a sweet spot for warmth, weather protection, and dexterity that makes them useful for everything from backcountry skiing, hiking, and climbing in moderate winter temps to bike commuting and clearing snow—at a good price for this level of performance.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Outdoor Research Extravert Gloves at backcountry.com, outdoorresearch.com, or rei.com.

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Smartwool Ridgeway Glove
$90, 5.5 oz./155.9g (unisex medium)
Sizes: Unisex XS-XL
backcountry.com

Pros: Very durable, water-resistant, lightweight, good dexterity.
Cons: No women’s sizes or touchscreen sensor.
Best For: Everything from high- and moderate-intensity activities in temps below and above freezing to all-around, everyday use, including working outside.

For high-speed Nordic skate-skiing in temps down to the mid-20s as well as biking around town, these gloves kept my chronically cold fingers happy, thanks to the warm and soft, Merino wool and nylon lining. And yet they’re low bulk, fitting easily in pole straps and offering good dexterity. With goat leather everywhere but on the back of the hand (to make that area more breathable and the glove more flexible), and a double layer of leather reinforcing the thumb and forefinger, the Ridgeway is an excellent all-around winter glove for everything from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to bike commuting and working in the yard and elsewhere.

The cuff lacks a closure strap or elasticity, leaving it slightly open, but fits easily under any jacket cuff to keep snow and cold out. They’re not warm enough for downhill skiing, except on sunny, warm early-spring days. Sizing runs slightly small, probably to accommodate women’s hands (since these are unisex); men on the cusp between sizes will probably need to size up. But I almost always wear men’s medium, and the medium Ridgeway fit my hands well.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Smartwool Ridgeway Glove at backcountry.com.

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Black Diamond Legend Gloves
$160, 8 oz./226.8g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-L
blackdiamondequipment.com

Pros: Waterproof, all leather, padded, very warm.
Cons: Too warm for moderate temps, minimal dexterity for under-the-cuff gloves.
Best For: Moderately cold days backcountry or resort skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, ice climbing, and mountaineering, or working outside.

BD’s Legend Glove achieves a successful marriage of the warmth of an over-the-cuff glove with the fit of an under-the-cuff glove. With 170g of PrimaLoft Gold insulation on the backs of the hands and 133g of PrimaLoft Gold Eco in the palms, these are among the warmest under-the-cuff gloves I’ve ever used—and they come loaded with high-end features.

Shoveling out our tent after a night of wet, heavy snowfall, and taking the tent down later—with my hands repeatedly in heavy, sloppy snow—I found the Gore-Tex-lined Legend Gloves lived up to their fully waterproof claim. Ditto when I shoveled about a half ton of wet snow off the deck of a backcountry yurt in Idaho’s Boise Mountains. They’re built for hard use, with goat leather construction, Kevlar stitching, and compression-molded EVA padding on the backs of the hands. The soft suede nose wipe on the thumbs and a neoprene cuff with hook-and-loop closure close out a rich feature set.

Not surprisingly, I also found these gloves too warm for highly aerobic skate skiing in temps around freezing. They’re best for moderate-exertion, cold-temperature activities like ice climbing, resort skiing, skiing downhill in the backcountry (or skinning uphill in very cold temperatures), or hiking, snowshoeing and ski touring in temperatures well below freezing.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Black Diamond Legend Gloves at backcountry.com, blackdiamondequipment.com, or rei.com.

Over-the-Cuff Gloves

Rab Khroma Freeride GTX Gloves
$180, 9 oz./255.1g (medium)
Sizes: unisex XS-XXL
backcountry.com

Pros: Very warm, waterproof-breathable, fully featured, decent dexterity, durable, superior construction.
Cons: Too warm for relatively mild temps or spring skiing, no removable inner glove.
Best For: Resort and backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking and backpacking in deep cold.

On numerous days of backcountry skiing from Idaho’s Boise Mountains and Boulder Mountains to Utah’s Wasatch Range, I faced weather that translates to great powder skiing but frequently create discomfort in my chronically cold digits: temps ranging from the single digits to the teens Fahrenheit, with periods of cold wind and snow falling heavily much of the time. But through long days out, these gloves kept my hands warm and dry, even when digging into snow pits while evaluating avalanche hazard. They also kept my fingers warm on multiple days resort skiing in temps in the single digits—and have become one of my go-to gloves for the coldest days.

Credit goes to the hydrophobic PrimaLoft Gold insulation—which delivers warmth even when wet from precipitation or sweat—and the three-layer, waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex Plus Warm technology. That Gore-Texmembrane not only kept moisture out when skiing downhill, it breathed well enough that my hands never became sweaty, even when I wore the gloves skinning uphill in the coldest temps, keeping my hands toasty when they likely would have gotten too cold if I had switched to a lighter glove (as I would in relatively warmer but sub-freezing temps).

The high loft pile lining feels comfortable against the skin. I found the unisex medium Khroma fit my hands like men’s medium gloves from other brands: Roomy enough to not inhibit blood circulation in my thick fingers and just the right length. The fit helps create good dexterity for such a warm and beefy glove, enabling me to easily manipulate helmet and boot buckles and food packaging.

An adjustable gauntlet extends well past the wrist to fit over a jacket sleeve and cinches tight and loosens with a one-hand drawcord. Pittards Armortan goat leather provides excellent grip in the palm and abrasion resistance on the backs of the fingers and knuckles, pairing effectively with a stretch Matrix nylon shell fabric through the back of the hand and gauntlet. The Khroma Freeride also come with all the features you should expect from high-performance gloves, including a removable wrist leash with a wide band for security and durability, pre-curved fingers for comfort gripping poles, and nose-wipe pads on both thumbs.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the Rab Khroma Freeride GTX Gloves at backcountry.com.

Planning your next big adventure? See “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips”
and “Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites.”

Mountain Hardwear Boundary Ridge Gore-Tex Glove
$190, 10.5 oz./297.7g (unisex medium)
Sizes: unisex XS-XL
backcountry.com

Pros: Warm, waterproof-breathable, fully featured, very durable, superior construction.
Cons: Too warm for relatively mild temps or spring skiing, no removable inner glove.
Best For: Resort and backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking and backpacking in deep cold.

As often happens to me, the best days of backcountry or resort skiing typically correspond with cold temperatures and conditions that make my hands cold. But these gloves kept my hands warm and dry in overcast, snowy weather in the backcountry when the temps plunged low enough that I sometimes had to wear these gloves even skinning uphill (when I’d often wear lighter gloves).

Thanks to PrimaLoft Gold insulation fused with a NASA-developed aerogel technology that blocks heat transfer—keeping your hand warmth on the inside—plus a fleece lining, the Boundary Ridge gloves warmed my hands quickly when I pulled them on after my digits had gotten chilled when the air temp dropped while I wore lighter gloves for skinning uphill. The waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex membrane means hands stay dry through the even wettest conditions, even with your hands in the snow a lot.

Pittards leather on the palm, fingers, and back of the hand—basically, the entire hand except for the soft nose wipe on each thumb—ensures great durability through many days of hard use. Foam padding protects the knuckles. I found the touchscreen compatibility didn’t really work for me in the forefinger but worked well in the thumb: I could actually tap out texts, although very slowly with gloves this big.

The adjustable gauntlet extends well past the wrist to fit over a jacket sleeve and cinches tight and loosens with a one-hand drawcord; it also features a leash with an elastic forearm band, a bit more comfortable and secure than a simple cord, and a big grab loop for using a gloved hand to pull on the other glove. A carabiner loop on the ring finger enables hanging them fingers-up from a pack, so falling snow doesn’t get inside. I normally fit many men’s medium gloves and the unisex sizing medium Boundary Ridge gloves fit me a bit tightly in the pre-curved fingers, which may inhibit circulation for people with bigger hands; but sizing up doesn’t work unless you also have long fingers.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the Mountain Hardwear Boundary Ridge Gore-Tex Glove at backcountry.com.

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Black Diamond Guide Gloves
$190, 11 oz./311.8g (unisex medium)
Sizes: unisex XS-XXL
blackdiamondequipment.com

Pros: Very warm and durable, waterproof-breathable, removable liner glove, fully featured, nice fit and dexterity, superior construction.
Cons: Hard to find any complaints.
Best For: Resort and backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking and backpacking in moderate to deep cold.

For several straight days of backcountry skiing around Idaho’s Galena Summit and upper Wood River Valley in late December and early January, the temperatures stayed stuck in the single digits and low double digits Fahrenheit, with wind chills around zero—and we stayed out for hours skiing blower powder. Wearing BD’s Guide Gloves, I suffered only occasional periods of my fingers feeling uncomfortably cold—when, say, I had cooled off during a short break and they wouldn’t warm up again until I had resumed moving for a while (a common scenario for me and many people in winter).

BD rates the gloves as warm to -15 to 0° F/-26 to -18° C; with chronically bad Raynaud’s, I found the upper end of that rating was my comfort limit. These gloves are among the warmest in this review and have quickly become my go-to for cold days in the backcountry and sometimes for resort skiing (although I’ll often choose mittens on really cold days riding lifts).

The warm, removable inner glove featuring Primaloft synthetic insulation, with a lining that combines soft, boiled wool and 200g fleece, gives the Guide Gloves much more versatility than models that lack this modularity: In warm sunshine and temps in the 20s, I wore only the shell or inner glove skinning uphill. The waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex membrane kept my hands completely dry while skiing in heavily falling snow.

Construction and durability get a superior grade, thanks to the abrasion-resistant, woven, four-way stretch nylon from the wrist through the extended gauntlet and at the middle knuckle on the fingers—which also provides a closer fit that improves dexterity for such a warm glove—and goat leather throughout most of the shell above the wrist. I’ve used few gloves with removable inner gloves that have such good fit and warmth. The adjustable gauntlet extends well past the wrist to slide easily over a jacket sleeve and has a one-hand drawcord; it lacks a leash. Foam padding on the knuckles and back of the hands protects against impact and there’s a soft, suede leather nose wipe on the thumbs.

BD’s Guide Finger Gloves ($190) differ largely in their split-finger design, with the forefinger free for dexterity while the other three fingers share a mitten-like space for better warmth.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Black Diamond Guide Gloves at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com, or the Black Diamond Guide Finger Gloves blackdiamondequipment.com or backcountry.com.

Finding a sleeping bag that’s right for you may be the most confusing gear-buying task. Getting the right one is critical to sleeping comfortably in the backcountry—and in an emergency, your bag could save your life. But with the myriad choices out there, how do you tell them apart, beyond temperature rating and price? This article will explain how to evaluate the key differences between bags to make your choice much more simple.

I’ve slept in many, many bags of all types over three decades of testing gear—including the 10 years I spent as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog. I’ve zipped inside bags in all seasons, in temperatures from ridiculously warm to -30° F. (Ridiculously warm is more tolerable.)

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about picking out a sleeping bag—or more than one bag—that will be ideal for your body and your adventures.

I’d love to read what you think of my tips or any of your own. Please share them in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments. Click on any bag photo below to read its review.

General Tips For Buying a Sleeping Bag

•    Know your own body. Do you get cold easily or are you a furnace? Women tend to get cold more easily, and this is a simple function of physics: Women often have a higher ratio of body surface area to mass compared to men, so their bodies lose heat more readily. Those women are more comfortable in a bag made for women, which is shaped differently than a men’s bag and typically has extra insulation in areas like the feet. However, it also comes down to body metabolism.
•    If you get cold easily, get a bag rated 20 to 25 degrees colder than the coldest temperatures you plan to sleep outside in.
•    If you don’t get cold easily you may be more comfortable in a bag rated about five to 15 degrees below the coldest temperatures you plan to sleep outside in—and possibly even a bag rated right around the coldest temp you’ll encounter, provided you have extra clothing to put on, just in case. (I’ve spent many nights around freezing perfectly warm enough in a bag rated 30-32° F.) Being too hot is not really any more comfortable than being too cold and having a bag much warmer than needed means you’re carrying superfluous weight and bulk. (See “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.”)

See “10 Pro Tips for Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

Down Vs. Synthetic Bags

Down has traditionally been lighter, more packable, and warmer than many synthetic insulations; but once wet, synthetics still kept you fairly warm, while down feathers become all but useless at retaining heat. Today, the lines between down and synthetic have been blurred somewhat with the development of high-quality, lightweight and compact synthetic insulations like PrimaLoft, and water-resistant down, which retains its ability to trap heat even when wet. 

Down is more packable and very durable, so it still holds an advantage as the insulation of choice if you don’t expect to get that bag wet; and water-resistant down enhances your bag’s performance in common circumstances where it may get damp, such as when condensation builds up inside a tent. Still, even water-resistant down, once saturated, loses much of its ability to keep you warm, and drying out any bag is extremely difficult, if not impossible, in prolonged, wet weather. Synthetic insulation remains the best choice for extended trips in wet environments.

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High-quality down (rated from 800- to 900-fill or higher) is the warmest, lightest, most packable insulation out there, but expensive, while lower-quality down (usually 600- to 700-fill) still has the advantages of down and makes a bag less expensive but also heavier and bulkier. Manufacturers use lower-grade synthetic insulation in bags priced cheaply, making them much heavier and bulkier than better synthetic and down bags—typically too heavy and bulky for backpacking (unless you’re on a very limited budget and don’t mind carrying a big pack).

So the down vs. synthetic choice still comes down to pocketbook issues and the likelihood of your bag actually getting wet.

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Temperature Rating

In the past, bag manufacturers decided on temperature ratings for their own bags; the outdoor industry lacked a standardized method for measuring that. In recent years, though, the industry widely adopted the EN (European Norm) temperature rating system, internationally considered the most reliable and objective standard.

Found on most new bags, the EN rating typically includes three temperature ratings:

•    Comfort rating, or the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average woman warm (based on the premise that women usually get cold more easily than men).
•    Lower-limit rating, or the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average man warm.
•    Extreme rating, or the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep someone alive, albeit not comfortable, in unexpected, extreme conditions.

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See all of my reviews of sleeping bags and air mattresses and sleeping pads that I like at The Big Outside.

See also my related stories:

5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack
10 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear
5 Expert Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent
A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking
5 Smart Steps to Lighten Your Backpacking Gear

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Let’s start with two truths about mittens: 1. We know they’re warmer than gloves. 2. We often choose gloves over mittens, anyway, for some reasons that make sense and some reasons that, well, don’t make much sense. Whether you need them for resort skiing or snowboarding, hiking, walking, snowshoeing, bike commuting, trail running, clearing snow, or something else, this review covers the best mittens for a wide range of temperatures and cold-weather activities.

As someone who gets cold hands very easily, spends many days outside in winter, and has been a professional gear reviewer for more than 25 years—formerly the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years and for even longer running this blog—I’ve used innumerable models of mittens and gloves and learned a lot over the years about how to select the right type of both for specific uses. See also my review of “The Best Gloves for Winter—and All Seasons.”

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The mittens reviewed below include models appropriate for a range of activities. I’ve tested them in temperatures from the 30s Fahrenheit to far below freezing, cold wind, snowstorms, and every kind of frozen precipitation, on numerous days of resort and backcountry skiing, cold-weather hiking and trail running on very chilly days, and shoveling snow and other yard work. I also offer tips below on how to choose the right mittens for your needs. Scroll past those tips if you want to jump directly into the reviews.

I’m confident you’ll find a pair of mittens in this article that meet your needs. You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by making purchases through the affiliate links in each review below. Thanks for doing that.

If you have a question for me or a comment on this review or any mittens in it, or other mittens to recommend, please make it in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

The Pros and Cons of Mittens

Mittens are generally warmer than gloves of a comparable weight, making them a better choice in colder temperatures when dexterity is not a top priority, which can include resort skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, walking, bike commuting, and clearing snow—although those activities often include moments when the poor dexterity of mittens becomes disadvantageous, such as when lacing up boots or shoes or dealing with some type of bindings.

Similarly, mittens are not an ideal choice for ski touring in the backcountry wherever you may need better dexterity to quickly handle snow-safety gear like a shovel and probe in an emergency. However, mittens can be preferred when in terrain that’s free of avalanche hazard and deep cold—or as backup handwear in your pack in case someone is immobilized due to an injury and deep cold could threaten frostbite in digits.

Still, while the warmest gloves certainly have better dexterity, it’s somewhat limited, and mittens will rewarm your hands much faster than gloves after you pull off handwear for a moment when you need to use your fingers.

Mittens take a back seat to gloves when you’re not dealing with extreme cold and you need or prefer having the use of your fingers.

The benefits of mittens include:

• Keeping hands and fingers warmer by enclosing all your fingers in the same space.
• They’re generally softer and less stiff than the warmest gloves, negating the need to pre-curve the fingers (as on heavier gloves).
• With fewer seams than gloves, mittens typically feature more insulation and better waterproofing and durability.

The drawbacks of mittens include:

• Minimal to poor dexterity and use of fingers.
• No touchscreen sensitivity.

See “12 Pro Tips For Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter.”

How to Choose Mittens

How do you choose between different models of mittens? While many styles can be worn for a variety of activities, consider these factors:

• Your activity.
• Your usual range of weather conditions and temperatures.
• How easily your fingers get cold.
• Sizing differentiated by gender matters somewhat less with mittens than with gloves, although it matters a bit more with larger and warmer mitten designs.
• Lighter mittens with less insulation and a shorter cuff or gauntlet are usually best for activities that don’t require good dexterity in temps ranging from around freezing to well below.
• Heavier, warmer mittens with more insulation and a long, usually adjustable gauntlet are typically best for activities that don’t require good dexterity and that last for several hours in cold to frigid temps, especially when your hands are repeatedly in snow, such as when resort skiing or riding or snowshoeing, but are overkill for moderate temps.

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What to Look For

• Leather thumb and palm for grip and durability.
• A pull loop big enough to grip while wearing a mitten on one hand, for pulling on mitts; or lacking a loop, cuffs or an extended gauntlet that’s easy to grab.
• An elasticized short cuff or some kind of one-hand closure on a gauntlet seals out snow and traps heat inside.
• Whether the mitten’s cuff or gauntlet layers under or over a jacket sleeve—or in some cases, can be worn either way—and its compatibility with the jacket(s) you’ll wear.
• A wrist leash prevents the mittens blowing away when you pull them off for short periods to use your fingers.
• A long gauntlet and more insulation for deep-cold or activities like skiing and snowboarding, where hands are often in snow.
• Durable materials and construction, particularly for activities where you’re using your hands more and mitts can get abused.
• Weight per pair often correlates with degree of warmth, features, and cuff or gauntlet length.

The mittens reviewed below are listed in ascending order by weight.

Active in the cold? See “The Best Clothing Layers for Winter in the Backcountry”
and “How to Dress in Layers for Winter in the Backcountry.”

The Best Mittens

Best Value

Flylow Unicorn Mitten
$70, 6 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: unisex XS-XL
backcountry.com

Pros: Warm, windproof, water-resistant, and durable.
Cons: Not quite as warm as other mittens, no wrist leash, mediocre dexterity.
Best For: Resort and backcountry skiing and snowboarding, hiking, snowshoeing, walking, bike commuting, and clearing snow.

From resort skiing to local trails, the Unicorn proved itself suited for a variety of activities in all but the most bitter temps. They’re built for durability, with high-quality pigskin leather pre-treated for waterproofing, and tough, upcycled canvas (leftover from Flylow’s pants production) on the back of the hand. A waterproof inner lining helps keep hands dry even in wet snow, while the silky interior lining against the skin and the leather exterior both feel soft on hands and your nose.

The 220g Spaceloft synthetic insulation on the back of the hand and 100g on the palm kept hands warm while resort skiing in the low 20s Fahrenheit and on winter hikes with temps from the 20s to just above freezing in steady wind, and quickly warmed my hands after they’d gotten cold in gloves during a snowstorm and I switched to these mitts. They’re not as burly or nearly as warm as heavier models like Flylow’s Super Mitten (see below), and lack a long, adjustable, weather-resistant gauntlet. But the elasticized cuff extends beyond the wrist, enhancing warmth and making the mitts easy to pull on and off while keeping the design minimalist—no pull tab needed, but there’s also no wrist leash, and it easily layers under the cuff of any jacket.

The unisex sizing falls between sizes for men and women: I normally wear men’s medium in mittens and gloves, but the unisex medium felt snug and the large fit me better.

The Unicorn delivers enough warmth for many resort skiers and riders on all but the most frigid days while being light enough for everything from walking and snowshoeing to clearing snow—at a very good price.

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Best Lightweight Mitten

Outdoor Research Stormbound Sensor Mitts
$110, 6.5 oz. (unisex medium)
Sizes: unisex XS-XL
backcountry.com

Pros: Warm for their weight, water-resistant, good wicking, outstanding construction.
Cons: Too warm for exerting in temps around freezing, mediocre dexterity.
Best For: Resort and backcountry skiing and snowboarding, hiking, snowshoeing, walking, bike commuting, and clearing snow.

Arguably the most intricately design, technical, and versatile mittens covered in this review, OR’s Stormbound Mitts covered my hands while skiing resort groomers, on backcountry ski tours, and on local winter hikes, in cold wind and temps and falling snow. They’re remarkably warm for their low weight, and yet my hands didn’t overheat in them until temps rose above freezing, and they stayed absolutely dry whether dabbing them repeatedly in snow or sweating while hiking steeply uphill.

OR’s warmest mitten for skiing combines three types of insulation: responsibly sourced, 800+-fill goose down surrounded by water-resistant, 340g PrimaLoft Gold synthetic insulation on the back of the hand and 133g in the cuff, plus 133g PrimaLoft Silver insulation in the palm and back of the thumb—meaning the Stormbound Mitts keeps hands warm even when wet. The polyester tricot lining at the back of the hand and moonlight pile fleece polyester with ActiveTemp technology in the palm lining wick perspiration, and individual finger slots inside the mitts seem to enhance wicking.

The breathable Pertex Shield+ shell provides waterproof protection and the palm consists of durable, water-resistant and grippy goat leather. The comfortable and secure rib-knit cuff seals in warmth and the extended gauntlet has a hook-and-loop wrist closure, a large pull loop, plus an adjustable wrist leash, and can be worn over the close-fitting cuff of an insulated jacket or under the adjustable cuff of a shell jacket. The unisex medium fits like men’s medium.

With a thoughtful design and high warmth-to-weight ratio, the Outdoor Research Stormbound Sensor Mitts offer great versatility for a variety of activities.

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Flylow Super Mitten
$135, 7.5 oz. (unisex medium)
Sizes: unisex XS-XL
backcountry.com

Pros: Exceptional warmth and durability, waterproof and breathable.
Cons: No wrist leash, too warm for moderate cold, poor dexterity.
Best For: Resort and backcountry skiing and snowboarding and snowshoeing.

While making downhill ski runs in the backcountry through hours of wet snow puking from the sky and wind chills in the low teens (wearing the mittens only when skiing downhill), the Super Mittens were more than warm enough and kept my hands absolutely dry. Flylow’s warmest mitten marries pre-treated fully waterproof cowhide leather on the palm side and thumb to tough nylon on the back and gauntlet and a durable, water-resistant treatment (DWR) to shed snow and water.

Breathable PrimaLoft Black Eco synthetic insulation—240g on the back and 120g on the palm (not quite as much as the BD Recon Mitts)—ranks them among the warmest mittens you’ll find: Like the other burly models, the Super Mittens warm freezing hands moments after you pull them on and are overkill for temps just below freezing, although they release moisture building up inside better than some heavy mitts.

Most uniquely, the adjustable gauntlet, worn over sleeve of any jacket,reaches halfway down your forearm, the longest of this bunch—helping keep hands warmer and drier. The fit runs true to size, not excessively bulky, and the soft lining and leather flexes quite easily; for such a toasty mitten, dexterity is good for basic tasks like handling zippers and buckles. But the Super Mittens have no wrist leash.

The Flylow Super Mitten is best for skiing and snowboarding on frigid days at the resort or going downhill in the backcountry—and they come at a good price for this quality. Flylow now has an updated version, the Super D Mitten.

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Gordini Polar Mitt
$143, 9 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s S-L
backcountry.com

Pros: Exceptional warmth and durability, waterproof-breathable.
Cons: Too warm for moderate cold, poor dexterity.
Best For: Resort and backcountry skiing and snowboarding and snowshoeing.

From days of below-zero wind chills resort skiing to backcountry skiing in heavily falling, wet snow, I pulled on the ultra-fat Gordini Polar Mitt and they kept my hands as warm and dry as if I were lying zipped up inside my fattest sleeping bag. In fact, I failed to find conditions too cold for these mitts, which are good for the frostiest outings that the rest of your body can tolerate.

The waterproof-breathable and windproof AquaBloc insert keeps moisture out, while the water-repellent, 700-fill Downtek feathers on the back of the hand combined with Megaloft synthetic insulation on the palm side retain heat even when damp. That’s likely to only come from perspiration, so the Polar Mitt also has possibly the plushest moisture-wicking lining you’ll find in any mitten. Not surprisingly, the Polar Mitt is much too warm for high exertion like skinning uphill—wear lighter gloves for that—and overkill for relatively mild winter days on snow.

Durability is assured by the deerskin and four-way-stretch nylon softshell. The mitts have a wrist adjustment strap and leash, soft nose wipe on the thumbs, textured palms for better grip, and an adjustable gauntlet that extends beyond the wrist and is worn over sleeve of any jacket. The fit runs true to size and feels spacious, with a soft flex that’s not at all fatiguing for hands the way the warmest and stiffest winter gloves are.

One of the burliest and warmest mittens reviewed here—and consequently, with poor dexterity, although that’s not the strength of any mittens—the over-the-cuff Gordini Polar Mitt is a great pick for those dead-of-winter frigid days resort skiing or riding.

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Outdoor Research Mt. Baker II Gore-Tex Mitts
$179, 9.5 oz. (medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL
backcountry.com

Pros: Warm, waterproof-breathable, two-piece system, glove dexterity with mitten warmth.
Cons: Too warm except in temps well below freezing, no women’s sizes.
Best For: Resort and backcountry skiing and snowboarding and snowshoeing.

Skiing in a wind chill around zero Fahrenheit at times during a four-day, January trip to a backcountry yurt in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, my fingers—which get cold very easily—stayed toasty in this two-piece system of removable, insulated gloves inside a Gore-Tex shell mitten.

The warmth comes from 170g PrimaLoft synthetic insulation in the glove insert, which has a soft, fleece lining. The fully seam-taped Gore-Tex mitten shell kept moisture out and is made with the same 70-denier taslan ripstop polyester used in OR’s tough gaiters. Fit and dexterity in the gloves is good enough to fuss with pack straps, boot buckles, and obviously better than mittens.

The Mt. Baker have smart details, like the one-hand gauntlet cinch on the shell mitten; adjustable straps at the wrist on both the mittens and gloves; an adjustable leash on the mitten shells; and the carabiner loop on the mittens for clipping them to a harness or pack wrist-down, to prevent precipitation from getting inside. AlpenGrip pads on the glove thumb and fingertip enhance grip.

While the Mt. Baker Mitts do not match the warmth of the BD Recon, Flylow Super Mitts, or Gordini Polar Mitt—because the insulation is a glove, not a mitten—the unique, two-piece system gives them superior versatility: You can wear the glove alone (useful for climbing uphill); the glove and mitt together going downhill or in deep cold; and because the mittens have no insulation, they double as three-season rain shells.

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Warmest and Driest for Skiing or Riding

Black Diamond Mercury Mitts
$140, 10 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XL, women’s XS-L
blackdiamondequipment.com

Pros: Superior warmth, weather protection, and durability, and year-round versatility with a removable insulated mitten and a waterproof-breathable shell.
Cons: No wrist leash, poor dexterity, too warm for moderate cold.
Best For: Resort skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, or hiking in deep cold.

On overcast, windy, January days resort skiing in falling snow and temps from around 20° F down to the single digits, with a wind chill that dipped below zero—conditions in which my fingers would quickly get cold even in the warmest gloves I own—the Mercury Mitts kept my hands abundantly warm on the lifts and the downhill runs in deep powder. Even as falling temperatures, wind, hunger, and exhaustion toward the end of those days made my body feel a bit colder, my hands and fingers never felt chilled.

That superior warmth results from the 90 percent recycled, 340g PrimaLoft Gold Cross Core insulation and a 100 percent recycled high-loft fleece lining, plus the added insulation provided by a gauntlet that extends halfway down my forearm. And my hands stayed dry for hours in a heavy, wet, nuking snowstorm while riding the lifts at California’s Palisades-Tahoe Resort, thanks to the 100 percent recycled waterproof-breathable BDdry insert. For most people, these mittens would only get too warm in temps above the low to mid-20s Fahrenheit, depending on weather conditions and exertion level.

BD calls the Mercury its “most versatile and popular year-round mitt” because its removable, insulated liner enables wearing the 100 percent recycled ripstop polyester shell as a simple overmitt in rain any time of year. The insulated liner mitt could be worn alone, although it lacks the elasticized wrist and gauntlet closure. Goatskin leather throughout the palm, thumb, and fingers boosts durability and grip. The PFC-free, molecular Empel DWR (durable, water-resistant treatment) uses no water while improving water repellency.

While the spacious fit doesn’t squeeze your thumb or fingers, the elasticized wrist prevents the mitt from slipping around on your hand—improving the fit while also helping to trap heat. The men’s and women’s models run true to size. The over-the-cuff, gauntlet drawcord helps trap heat and keeps snow out and is easily manipulated with one hand. But dexterity is predictably poor and the Mercury Mitts lack a wrist leash.

With superior warmth and durability and waterproof-breathable performance, the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are a top choice for cold days of resort skiing and riding or activities like snowshoeing and hiking.

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Over more than 30 years of climbing and skiing in the backcountry, I’ve had a few close calls, some directly due to the inability of my partner and I to hear or see one another. One of my most trusted partners—a longtime friend who once saved me from a potentially long lead-climbing fall by leaping down a steep hill at the route’s base to reel in many feet of rope—also once took me off belay before I reached the top of a pitch and anchored myself; fortunately, I didn’t fall. After relying on the sketchy low tech of shouting and rope signals for much too long, I’ve found a vastly more reliable, light, and inexpensive solution: the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio.

On days of ski touring in the backcountry—where you need to know the location of your partners after skiing separately down runs and confirm that all are safe, and you can often be too far apart to hear or see one another and wind can drown out or distort shouts—I’ve found the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio reliably provides clear communication, eliminating the need for often fruitless and frustrating shouts to one another.

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I’ve also used the Mountain Radio resort skiing at Northern California’s Palisades-Tahoe and Sugar Bowl resorts with my young-adult son, enabling us to discuss which runs to ski whenever we were too far apart to hear one another, or to locate one another when we took different runs. That’s particularly helpful when skiing unfamiliar resorts. (Radios are less necessary with a group who are all familiar with the resort and can plan where to rendezvous after a run and a phone call can usually clear up any miscommunication.)

And I used two of these radios and a third from another brand in a group of six friends on a six-day backpacking trip on one of the most remote trails in the Grand Canyon, where radios were useful when the group was searching for scarce water sources or even simply moving at different paces that spread us out.

The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio is simple enough for a young child to master—and skiing parents know how easily one can lose a fast, young kid on the slopes. Yes, many resorts have cell service. But a cell phone is usually buried in a pocket where its sound is muffled and you have to remove a glove or mitten to operate it, whereas you can clip a two-way radio to a shoulder strap of a small pack—near your ear—where you need only to reach over and press the talk button to speak to a partner and will hear them calling you.

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This two-watt radio’s claimed range of one to five miles in mountains or a half-mile to three miles in forested hills exceeds the range needed in most situations when backcountry or resort skiing, rock or alpine climbing, and off-trail hiking and scrambling, and certainly exceeds the range needed for climbers tied into a rope together. In practice, they’re occasionally (and rarely) limited by line of sight and terrain obstacles at close range: At one point, my son and I were at two different lifts at Sugar Bowl and could not hear each other despite being within a half-mile and at virtually the same elevation. Within minutes, though, we were able to hear each other.

Rocky Talkie gives an estimated range of 25 or more miles in direct line-of-sight circumstances—but the terrain we frequent rarely permits communicating across such distances; indeed, ideal conditions for that much range would almost never occur. Besides, few backcountry users will encounter the need for such range. In most backcountry situations, the realistic range is probably a mile or two in high power mode and a half-mile in low power mode (explained below).

The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio can connect with all other FRS or GMRS radios generally by using channels one through 22 and can sync with another radio’s privacy code. (While GMRS radio transmissions require a license because they are over two watts, FRS and GMRS radios both operate within the frequency range that overlaps on those channels, enabling them to communicate; but GMRS radios must operate at the lower, two-watt power level in that range of channels.)

The radio’s five buttons are each dedicated to specific functions, keeping operation simple and easy the first time you review the instructions or watch Rocky Talkie’s instructional video (at rockytalkie.com/products/mountain-radio). The recessed talk button audibly clicks when depressing it so that you know when it’s transmitting and it’s easy to use while wearing warm gloves.

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The small, recessed flipper button on top scrolls through the 128 channels. Holding it forward for two seconds locks and unlocks the radio, preventing, for instance, accidentally changing the channel; only the talk and volume buttons operate when the radio is locked. Holding the flipper backward for two seconds engages scan mode to search channels one through 22 for other users who are actively transmitting within range; press any button to stop scanning. The flipper is not easy to manipulate while wearing a warm glove, but you’d want to set the channel and privacy code at the outset of your day, anyway. Similarly, the plus and minus volume buttons on one side are too small for winter gloves, but those rarely need adjusting during an outing.

As with other two-way radios, privacy codes filter out transmissions from other nearby radio users who are not on the same channel and using the same privacy code as you and your partners; without using a privacy code, you will hear the transmissions of others on any channel within range. The LED screen displays “CT” or “DCS” to indicate a privacy code is on. Press the power button twice to check which privacy code is active. To select a privacy code to sync with a partner’s radio, hold the volume minus button for two seconds, then release that button and use the flipper to select a privacy code and press any button to set that code. The radio must be unlocked to change the channel or privacy code.

Holding the volume plus button for two seconds changes the radio between high power mode, which is two watts and recommended for normal use and maximum range, and low power mode, which drops the power by a factor of four to 0.5 watt, greatly reducing the radio’s range while saving power, mostly for multi-day outings. Hold the volume plus button to switch between high and low power.

The USB-C rechargeable, 1550 mAh lithium-ion battery runs for up to four days on a full charge, even in temperatures down to -20° F/-29° C. A shatterproof LED screen and thermoplastic housing protect it through very hard backcountry use. The IP56 waterproofing rating means it’s splash- and snow-proof but not immersible.

The Rocky Talkie consists of a single, compact unit that measures 6.4×2.3×1.1 inches/16.2×5.9×2.7 centimeters and weighs only 7.9 oz./224 grams (including carabiners and leash), easily fitting in the palm of your hand and almost unnoticeable attached to a pack.

Rather than a clip on the back of the radio, the Rocky Talkie employs a lightweight, climbing-strength carabiner clipped to a fixed, bomber D-ring on the back of the radio, for easily and securely attaching the radio to a pack shoulder strap or a climbing harness. The coiled leash can be clipped via its small carabiner elsewhere on your pack or harness to avoid dropping and losing it in deep snow, water, or off a cliff; and clipping the bottom end of the cord to your belt area with the radio at your shoulder places tension on the cord to keep the radio from flopping around.

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The Rocky Talkie has obvious limitations, first and foremost terrain: Trees, dense vegetation, mountain ridges, canyon walls, and other natural barriers reduce the radio’s range or completely impede communication. And the Rocky Talkie is strictly intended for communicating across short distances; it shouldn’t be compared to GPS-based transceivers like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 that can transmit your location and a short text message to family, friends, or emergency responders across any distance (and that are more expensive and require a service plan).

But the Rocky Talkie virtually always enables clear communication between partners who are out of sight and voice range, at the relatively short distances that typically separate climbers, backcountry skiers and riders, snowmobilers, off-trail hikers and scramblers, ultra-hikers and runners, and many outdoor users—potentially avoiding or quickly alerting you to any problems as well as making the routine actions of our sports easier and smoother. Whitewater kayakers and others in water sports would benefit just as much from radios, but would need the fully waterproof Rocky Talkie 5 Watt Radio ($165), which requires a license because it’s over two watts.

Having the ability to immediately and clearly speak with your partner(s) radically increases safety: You can confirm immediately, without doubt, that your partner is off belay, is safely at the bottom of a ski run—or is in a tree well or avalanche and needs help. My son shared with me hearing a ski guide opine that radios are as important as any backcountry safety gear—meaning your beacon, shovel, and probe.

Radios also deliver the perhaps surprising benefit of helping you move more efficiently and faster through the backcountry—which also increases your margin of safety.

The Verdict

You don’t have to wait years to greatly improve your safety margins and travel more efficiently in the backcountry. The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio provides a lightweight, reliable, easy-to-operate, and inexpensive means for backcountry and resort skiers, climbers, and others to communicate with partners who are beyond sight and earshot.

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NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

See all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, including “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Gloves for Winter” and “The Best Mittens for Winter.”

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—Michael Lanza

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Whatever you need an insulated jacket for, there’s a down or synthetic puffy for your needs, within your budget. And whether you want a puffy jacket for outdoor activities like backpacking, camping, skiing, climbing, and hut treks, or just to keep you warm around town or at outdoor sporting events, this review will help you figure out how to choose the right jacket for your purposes, and it spotlights the best down and synthetic insulated jackets available today.

I selected the jackets covered in this review after extensive testing on backpacking, camping, backcountry ski touring, climbing and other backcountry trips. I’ve field-tested dozens of insulated jackets over three decades of testing and reviewing gear, formerly as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog.

Technology has blurred the traditional lines between down and synthetics, with water-resistant down that traps heat even when wet—all but eliminating the weakness that had long been the Achilles heel of down—and synthetic insulation materials that approach the warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility of down.

If you’d prefer, scroll past my buying tips to dive immediately into the jacket reviews.

If you have a question for me or a comment on this review, please leave it in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

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How to Choose a Synthetic or Down Jacket

Insulated jackets today differ not only in type and amount of insulation, but also in water resistance, breathability, and as always, design features like the hood and pockets. When choosing between down and synthetic models, consider the usual conditions and temperatures in which you’ll use it—in other words, how wet and cold you expect to get, and your body type (how easily you get cold)—as well as the seasonal and activity versatility you require. Some questions to consider:

• Do you want one jacket for four seasons?
• Do you want it primarily for one or two activities like backpacking, camping, climbing, or skiing?
• Does it need to be breathable because you’ll wear it while on the move at times, or will you only wear it while relatively inactive in camp, when breathability doesn’t really matter?

And perhaps the most-important question: How warm an insulated jacket do you need for how, where, and when you will use it?

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Some performance aspects of puffy jackets you should understand include:

• Standard down feathers lose their ability to trap heat once wet, rendering down less practical in wet environments.

• The primary advantage of synthetic-insulation jackets is the ability to still trap warmth when wet—although the wetter the jacket, the less warm it will feel, especially once that dampness reaches your skin.

• However, some jackets are now made with water-resistant, or hydrophobic down feathers that greatly improve their ability to repel water, continue to trap heat when damp, and dry faster. And even those jackets that contain standard down often have a water-resistant shell fabric that repels light precipitation but isn’t designed to withstand a steady rain. (Read more on this below, under Which is Better, Down or Synthetic?)

• The down fill-power rating is a measure of the volume, in cubic inches, that one ounce of that down fills; in other words, an ounce of 800-fill power down will occupy 800 cubic inches of volume. Down feathers are separated during processing according to this measure.

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• Higher fill-power ratings translate to more warmth per ounce of down, so if two jackets contain identical amounts of down by weight, the jacket with the higher fill-power rating will probably be warmer and more compressible (and more expensive). That said, of course, an ultralight 800-fill power jacket may not be as warm as a 700-fill power jacket that contains more down. The price of down jackets usually correlates with the quality of the down.

• Similarly, while synthetic insulation traditionally was not as lightweight and compressible as down, the best modern synthetics—including those reviewed below—have a warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility that compares with mid-grade (700-fill) or better down.

• Some modern synthetic insulations are also constructed in a way that makes them more durable, although, for the most part, down retains the edge there.

Insulated jackets are usually sewn in one of two ways:

• So-called “sewn through” construction stitches the outer, shell fabric to the inner, liner fabric, creating pockets of down, but also potential cold spots at seams where there’s effectively no insulation. This method reduces a jacket’s weight and often its cost, and is practical in ultralight jackets for moderate temperatures (think summer in the mountains).

• The more-expensive method of creating so-called box baffles eliminates cold spots and makes a jacket look puffier, but adds weight and usually cost.

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How Warm a Jacket Do You Need?

As I write in my blog post “How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is,” an insulated jacket’s total weight offers a rough idea of how warm it is. But that’s certainly not precise. Warmth (and weight) will vary with factors like type, quality, and amount of insulation, the jacket’s construction, and whether it has a hood.

Still, with down and synthetic jackets, I look at the garment’s total weight as a general guideline to its warmth. Although I encounter exceptions to the following weight categories, they provide a starting point. These guidelines and temperature ranges also apply to my body’s metabolism (my tolerance for cold is probably a little higher than average), and they presume I’m wearing one or two base layers underneath the puffy that are appropriate to the season and temperatures.

• When I’m going ultralight on summer backcountry trips, and I expect temps no lower than around 40° F, I bring a down or puffy jacket weighing seven to 11 ounces. If the temp drops lower, I supplement with my other layers or get in my sleeping bag when necessary.

• For trips when the temp could dip below freezing, I want a jacket that’s 12 to 16 ounces.

• For colder trips and in winter in the backcountry, my insulated jacket weighs roughly 16 to 22 ounces.

Having a hood certainly keeps you warmer and is worth the additional weight and cost. You should consider whether other layers in your clothing system already have a hood, and make sure that any two hoods you’re wearing together pair up well.

I usually consider a hood mandatory in temperatures near and below freezing, but less important on milder trips, when I’ll pack a hoodless, ultralight puffy jacket to reduce pack weight and because I’m bringing a hat, anyway. However, I also consider the activities for which I’ll use the jacket; for high-speed activities in cold temps, I usually wear a lighter, hoodless insulated jacket.

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Which is Better, Down or Synthetic?

In my experience, if you compare a down and synthetic insulated jacket of the same weight and basic design—for example, assuming both have a hood—I still find that down feathers have the edge in pure warmth. I think that assessment bears out in the products listed below.

To simplify your choice between down and synthetic insulation, think of it this way:

• If you want a puffy jacket primarily for warmth when you’re inactive (say, in camp), and expect mostly dry conditions or to wear a rain shell over the puffy when needed, get a down jacket.
• Get water-resistant or hydrophobic down if it may occasionally have to endure a light shower. But many accounts and lab testing, hydrophobic down provides some water repellency and protection until it gets soaked—and most users will not encounter conditions where they would notice any difference in performance between hydrophobic down (whether in a jacket or a sleeping bag) and standard down. (See much more detail on this topic in a comment I posted at the bottom of this story, dated Sept. 13, 2022, responding to a reader’s question about hydrophobic down.)
• If you expect to often wear it in wet conditions, get a synthetic puffy.
• If you will wear it while active in wet conditions, get a synthetic puffy with breathable insulation.

I’ve ranked the following down and synthetic puffy jackets roughly in order from lightest to warmest in each of these two categories. Please share what you think of my review or any of the jackets covered here in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

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The Best Down Jackets

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody
$420, 8.8 oz./250g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
rei.com

When my goal is minimizing pack weight on summer trips with cool but not freezing nights, I bring this wispy jacket. The 800-fill goose down delivers beaucoup warmth for a puffy jacket that’s barely over a half-pound, and the hood boosts its versatility for nights dipping into the 30s Fahrenheit (for some people). It has been my go-to insulation for summer backpacking in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness, Nevada’s Ruby Crest Trail, the 96-mile Wind River High Route, and other trips.

When stuffed into one of the two roomy, zippered hand pockets, the jacket packs down to slightly larger than a liter bottle—and lofts up almost instantly. Even better, the 10-denier shell fabric consists of 100 percent recycled nylon ripstop, and the feathers are RDS-certified down—so this newest iteration of the Ghost Whisperer series is as light on the Earth as it is in your pack.

Read my full review of the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody.

Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody ($450, 6.7 oz./190g), whacks about two ounces/57 grams off its older sibling’s weight while excelling for many of the same reasons—and still has the hood and two zippered hand pockets. Read my review.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody at rei.com; a men’s Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody at backcountry.com; a women’s Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody at backcountry.com; or other versions of the Ghost Whisperer down insulation at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Get warmth that stands up to winter temps, water-resistant insulation, and a fit aided by stretch materials in the Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket ($290, 1 lb. 2 oz.). Hardwear’s 750-fill Q.Shield down repels moisture and retains loft when wet, and the unique, stretch-welded channel construction moves with you and traps heat more efficiently than jackets with standard stitching. You can support my blog, at no cost to you, but clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket or Hooded Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com.

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Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
$429, 10 oz./284g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Wearing BD’s Approach Down Hoody on cool, very windy evenings and mornings down to the 40s Fahrenheit backpacking in the Grand Canyon and similar temps backpacking in the Wind River Range, I stayed both perfectly warm and happy that I’d packed a very light puffy that didn’t compromise on warmth or features.

Barely more than an ounce heavier than Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer/2, the Approach bests it with features found in heavier down jackets, like a chest pocket and a hood that adjusts with a one-hand drawcord and stays in place when turning your head side to side. Stuffed with 800-fill power, water-resistant goose down, it has high warmth for its weight and won’t lose loft when damp—expanding its usefulness from three-season backpacking to active insulation in cold temps. Plus, it boasts green cred with fluorocarbon-free, RDS-certified down and a PFC-free and water-free DWR on the 10-denier by 7-denier nylon woven shell fabric that’s more durable than traditional DWRs.

Read my full review of the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Planning your next big adventure? See “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips”
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Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket
$409, 11 oz./312g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL
featheredfriends.com

If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. In updating its Eos Down Jacket, Feathered Friends made just two minor improvements. Testing the Eos on a windy and chilly June trip in Idaho’s City of Rocks and on cool, windy evenings and mornings in August on the John Muir Trail, I found it just as warm and comfortable as I found the previous version in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, Glacier National Park, and countless other wild places.

Stuffed with 900+-fill goose down and weighing just 11 ounces, the Eos has a warmth-to-weight ratio matched by few competitors. The 12-denier by 20-denier Pertex Quantum shell sheds light precipitation. The updated Eos placed the zippered chest pocket behind a flap and made the warm hood adjustable using drawstrings; it still features two zippered hand pockets, elasticized cuffs, and a drawcord hem. A great fit, superior warmth and packability make it an excellent choice for three-season trips.

Read my full review of the 2022 Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket at featheredfriends.com, or a women’s Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket at featheredfriends.com.

Looking for a more affordable down jacket?
Check out the REI 650 Down Jacket. Read my review.

Rab Mythic Alpine Down Jacket
$390, 11 oz./313g (men’s mediumSizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

A weeklong backpacking trip in Glacier National Park in mid-September presented a quandary: Trimming all superfluous weight from my pack (which began the hike with 14 pounds of food weight) and staying warm in temperatures dropping to near freezing. Rab’s Mythic Alpine Down Jacket achieved both goals—while weighing less than most comparably warm puffy jackets.

Stuffed with hydrophobic, 900-fill goose down, it has one of the highest warmth-to-weight ratios you’ll find in any down jacket—especially for a water-resistant model—as well as being highly packable. With an adjustable hood that really boosts warmth, and stitch-through baffle construction, it’s one of the lightest down jackets that can handle most three-season trips. The 10-denier ripstop, 100 percent recycled Pertex Quantum shell is the lightest shell fabric used in insulated jackets, but it’ll last, as long as you exercise reasonable care with it.

Read my full review of the Rab Mythic Alpine Down Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Rab Mythic Alpine Down Jacket at backcountry.com or a men’s or women’s Rab Mythic Alpine Light Down Jacket at backcountry.com.

Stay dry, happy, and safe.
See my review of “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking.”

Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody
$400, 12 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXXL, women’s XXS-XXL
rei.com

From unseasonably cold and windy mornings near freezing in southern Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon in mid-April to September campsites in Wyoming’s Wind River Range and mornings in the mid-20s in the first week of March in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, the Cerium Hoody has immediately warmed me in circumstances that push three-season conditions. While slightly edged out only by the Feathered Friends Eos and Helios in warmth-to-weight ratio, the Cerium adds another dimension of performance: It marries the high warmth-per-ounce and packability of 850-fill power down in the hood, sleeves, and torso, with lightweight, breathable, and compressible Coreloft synthetic insulation in areas like the shoulders and armpits, to keep it trapping heat even when wet.

A close-fitting, under-the-helmet, adjustable hood amps up the warmth. It has two zippered hand pockets, stuffs into a zippered inside pocket, and the shell fabric fends off light precipitation. With a comfortable, athletic fit that allows layering a couple of warm base layers underneath, the Cerium Hoody is a good choice for any three-season adventures or as a middle layer on winter adventures.

Read my full review of the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody at rei.com or arcteryx.com.

Start out right. See “10 Perfect National Park Backpacking Trips for Beginners”
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Himali Accelerator Down Jacket
$345, 12.5 oz./354g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
himali.com

On cool mornings and windy evenings in the low 40s Fahrenheit (4-6° C) in campsites while backpacking the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park and the Nigel, Cataract, and Cline Passes Route in the White Goat Wilderness in the Canadian Rockies in August, my Himali Accelerator Down Jacket kept me perfectly warm over just one or two base layers. By many measures, this midweight puffy hits the target for three-season mountain adventures in its balance of weight, packability, warmth, materials and features—all at a competitive price for a high-quality down jacket.

Stuffed with four ounces of RDS-certified, 850-fill, water-resistant HyperDry down, the Accelerator delivers a very high warmth-to-weight ratio that competes with the few very best down jackets at this or any weight. Mapped synthetic insulation in the armpits along with the water-resistant down and DWR-coated, 20-denier Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon shell fabric help the Accelerator continue trapping body heat in wet weather. An adjustable hood, three zippered pockets (one inside), and a great fit arguably make it the ideal puffy for many backpackers, climbers, and four-season adventurers.

Read my full review of the Himali Accelerator Down Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s hooded Himali Accelerator Down Jacket at himali.com, a women’s hooded Himali Accelerator Down Jacket at himali.com, a men’s non-hooded Himali Accelerator Down Jacket at himali.com, or a women’s non-hooded Himali Accelerator Down Jacket at himali.com.

Readers of The Big Outside get an exclusive 10 percent off any Himali purchase by using the discount code THEBIGOUTSIDE.

Need a super versatile fleece hoodie? See my reviews of the ultralight Himali Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie and the warmer, remarkably breathable Himali Men’s Endeavor Fleece Hoodie. Those jackets, like all Himali products, qualify for the exclusive 10 percent off any Himali purchase for readers of this blog, using the discount code THEBIGOUTSIDE.

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Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
$295, 15 oz./425g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XXS-XXL, women’s XS-XXL
backcountry.com

When rain and chilly wind whipped through our campsites on evenings and mornings around 40° F in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, as well as on a late-September backpacking trip in Yosemite, the Microlight Alpine Down Jacket passed the test, thanks to features designed to fend off wet and raw conditions.

The hydrophobic, 700-fill goose down traps heat even when damp and dries faster than standard down, while the micro and nano stitch-through baffle construction helps reduce the jacket’s weight and cost. With a stiffened brim and close fit around your head, the adjustable hood boosts warmth substantially. The 30-denier Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon shell sheds light precipitation; paired with the hydrophobic down, it makes this a better (read: warmer) choice for wet weather than many down jackets. Green creds: The Microlight Alpine Jacket has a fully recycled shell, insulation, and lining. At this price, it’s a great value.

Read my full review of the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com.

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Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie
$299, 15.4 oz./437g
Sizes: men’s S-3XL, women’s XS-XL, plus sizes 1X-4X
backcountry.com

On windy mornings and evenings in the deep shade of our camps in Owl and Fish canyons in southern Utah in early May, my Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie kept me quite warm in below-freezing wind chills—even when wearing only a lightweight wool T-shirt under it. This jacket’s 800+-fill down gives it a high warmth-to-weight ratio: At under a pound, it packs enough warmth to push the edges of peak seasons in the mountains and desert—or to keep people who get cold easily warm in typical morning and evening temperatures in the mountains in summer.

The wind-resistant Pertex Quantum nylon shell fabric gets a durability boost from Diamond Fuse technology. It also sets itself apart from many down jackets for the waterproof ripstop fabric at the hood, shoulders, and upper sleeves. The adjustable hood fits nicely and traps heat efficiently and three zippered external pockets plus two spacious internal stash pockets complete a rich feature set. All this at a price that’s hard to beat for this level of quality.

Read my full review of the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie at backcountry.com, outdoorresearch.com, or rei.com.

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Feathered Friends Helios Hooded Jacket
$489, 1 lb. 1 oz./482g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL
featheredfriends.com

On winter nights in the single digits outside a yurt in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, and raw, wet spring mornings camped in Idaho’s City of Rocks, this fat down jacket felt crazy warm—especially for its weight and surprising packability, spotlighting its versatility as an outstanding down jacket that’s light and packable enough for sub-freezing temps or people who just get cold more easily on three-season trips.

The Helios is stuffed generously with nearly eight ounces (men’s medium) of 900+-fill down, the highest-quality down you can find, which explains its stratospheric warmth-to-weight ratio. The comfortable, adjustable hood seals nicely around the face to trap heat and fits over a climbing helmet. The water-resistant, 20-denier Pertex Endurance LT shell fabric repels light rain, and the jacket has two hand pockets with overlapping stretch flaps in lieu of a zipper, plus one small, zippered inside pocket.

Read my full review of the Feathered Friends Helios Hooded Down Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Feathered Friends Helios Hooded Down Jacket at featheredfriends.com or other Helios apparel at featheredfriends.com.

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Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody
$399, 1 lb. 1 oz./482g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-3XL, women’s 2XS-2XL
backcountry.com

From backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies and Oregon, hut treks in New Zealand, and spring and summer camping and climbing trips to countless days of resort skiing at Oregon’s Mount Bachelor and in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, plus days of backcountry ski touring, my college-student daughter has stayed warm in Patagonia’s Fitz Roy Down Hoody in temperatures down to around freezing—while demonstrating this hooded jacket’s versatility.

The 800-fill-power down delivers good packability and warmth for the jacket’s weight; it’s warm enough for everything from sitting around camp on chilly nights while backpacking in the mountains in summer to using it as a layering piece for winter hikes or ski tours. The adjustable, helmet-compatible hood has a one-hand drawcord. The fitleaves room for a couple of warm base layers and/or light insulation. The jacket stuffs into one of the two zippered hand pockets and also has two zippered chest pockets and an internal drop pocket.

Read my full review of the Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody at patagonia.com or rei.com, or a women’s Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody at backcountry.com or rei.com.

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The Best Synthetic Jackets

Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
$329, 10 oz./283.5g
Sizes: men’s XS-3XL, women’s XXS-XL
patagonia.com

In cool, strong wind from Idaho’s City of Rocks to multiple trips backpacking in the Wind River Range, the Grand Canyon, and elsewhere, the Micro Puff Hoody delivered more warmth than expected, given that it weighs slightly more than a half-pound. Patagonia’s water-resistant PlumaFill insulation matches the warmth-to-weight ratio of high-quality (800-fill power) down, while trapping heat when wet. That’s because it’s constructed as a continuous strand, which, combined with the jacket’s quilted construction, creates internal spaces that trap heat—imitating how down delivers so much warmth per ounce of insulation.

The water-resistant, windproof, 10-denier Pertex Quantum shell with a DWR shrugged off a couple of hours of very light rain in one camp. The comfortable, well-designed, non-adjustable, elasticized hood clings snugly around your face and fits under a helmet. Appealing to ultralighters and anyone seeking one of the lightest, most packable puffy jackets, the Micro Puff excels for three-season backpacking and camping in moderate temps.

Read my full review of the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody or other Micro Puff models at backcountry.com or patagonia.com.

Want a synthetic puffy that’s warmer than the Micro Puff Hoody? Made with 55 percent recycled polyester, the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody ($289, 13 oz.) features water-resistant PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco, which has a warmth-per-ounce ratio similar to mid-grade down, and the jacket zips into its inside chest pocket.

And check out my go-to fleece, the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Fleece Hoody ($189, 12.5 oz./354g).

What touches your skin matters, too. See my picks for the best base layers for any season.

Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody
$299, 14 oz./397g
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
blackdiamondequipment.com

Temperatures around 40° F in campsites in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains proved the warmth of BD’s First Light Stretch Hoody. But this jacket’s synthetic stretch insulation makes it potentially the only insulated jacket you need for a variety of activities year-round, from summer backpacking trips in the mountains to backcountry touring, climbing, snowshoeing, resort skiing, and hiking in winter.

The packable, migration-resistant Primaloft Gold Active insulation offers some breathability during activity and traps heat even when wet from precipitation or perspiration—which becomes particularly beneficial when moving in temps well below freezing. The adjustable hood fits over a helmet, the stretch liner and shell and gusseted underarms provide excellent range of motion, with space for a couple of base layers and a lighter insulated piece, and the jacket stuffs inside one zippered pocket. Consider this a quiver-of-one puffy jacket for bridging three-season backpacking and winter days in the mountains.

The Black Diamond First Light Hybrid Hoody ($299, 12.7 oz./361g) replaces the Primaloft insulation throughout the jacket’s body with Merino wool in the sides and back, for more breathability.

Read my full review of the Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody or First Light Hybrid Hoody at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See all reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside. And don’t miss “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

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The Wind River Range, Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, and the Grand Canyon (all numerous times now). Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness, Montana’s Beartooths, and Colorado’s Weminuche. Glacier National Park and the Tetons. The Canadian Rockies. Southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons, Buckskin Gulch, and Paria Canyon. The John Muir Trail and Wonderland Trail. Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails. New Hampshire’s Presidential Range and New Zealand’s Milford Track, Routeburn Track, and Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

These are just some of the places where I’ve recently tested the backpacking gear and apparel that I’ve reviewed at The Big Outside—so that I can give you honest and thorough, field-tested opinions that help you find the best gear for your adventures.

And that’s exactly how I came up with the following picks for today’s best backpacking gear.

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

Three decades of testing outdoor gear and apparel—including formerly as the lead gear reviewer and Northwest Editor of Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog—have refined my ability to identify gear that’s truly outstanding, at the cutting edge technologically, and a good value.

In this freshly updated review, I share my top picks for a basic backpacking gear kit, from several of the best packs, tents, boots, and sleeping bags, including suggestions for backpackers on a budget—because everyone has different needs and preferences—to a favorite rain shell, the best trekking poles, down jackets, and air mattresses, the camp kitchen, and water treatment.

Much of the gear in this story links to my complete review of it, where you can get more details and find links to online retailers for purchasing it. Purchasing through the “Buy it now” affiliate links below or affiliate links in each complete review supports my work on The Big Outside, at no cost to you—in fact, you’ll usually find the best prices at those links. Thank you for doing that.

Please share your questions or thoughts on my gear picks in the comments section at the bottom of this story; I try to respond to all comments. And please forward this story to other backpackers you think might find it useful.

Want to read about the many places I’ve backpacked while testing gear? See my All Trips List or use the search box (main menu, above), and check out my e-books to America’s best backpacking trips, including the Teton Crest Trail and The Best First Backpacking Trip in Yosemite, and my Custom Trip Planning page to learn how I can help you plan your next great backpacking trip.

Click on any product name to read its review. Click any “Buy it now” link to purchase it.

Backpacks

Best Overall: Osprey Atmos AG 65 (buy it now) and Aura AG 65 (buy it now), both $370, 4 lbs. 11 oz./2.13kg.
Best Weight-to-Performance Ratio: Granite Gear Blaze 60, $300, 3 lbs. 4 oz./1.47kg. Buy it now.
Best Price-to-Performance Ratio: Gregory Paragon 60 (buy it now) and Maven 58 (buy it now), $270, 3 lbs. 12 oz./1.7 kg.
Best-Fitting Ultralight: Osprey Exos 58 (buy it now) and Eja 58 (buy it now), both $280, 2 lbs. 14 oz./1.3kg.
Best For Heavy Loads: Gregory Baltoro 65 (buy it now) and Deva 60 (buy it now), both $350, 4 lbs. 14 oz./2.21kg.

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Best Ultralight Pack

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider
$379, 1 lb. 15 oz./878.8g

Many ultralight packs lack the support for carrying more than about 25 pounds comfortably. HMG’s Windrider handles up to 35 pounds, its 55 liters deliver the capacity for a week between resupplies, and it weighs much less than some best-selling competitors. Its tough Dyneema Composite Fabrics is fully waterproof and built to survive the apocalypse. The fixed suspension comes in four sizes and the simple harness system works. Its minimalist design, durability, capacity, comfort, and low weight will appeal to many backpackers who prefer hiking over simply hauling.

Read my full review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider and see all of my picks for the best ultralight backpacks.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

I’ve helped many readers plan unforgettable backpacking and hiking trips.
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Tents

Best Two-Door Tent That Pitches with Trekking Poles: Slingfin 2Lite, $505, 2 lbs. 10 oz./1.19kg. Buy it now.
Best 2-Person Ultralight: MSR Freelite 2, $465, 2 lbs./907.2g. Buy it now.
Sturdiest and Roomiest 2-Person Ultralight: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2, $699, 1 lb. 2 oz./510.3g. Buy it now.
Best Solo Ultralight: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1, $599, 16.8 oz./476.3g. Buy it now.
Best Value Solo Ultralight: Gossamer Gear The One, $255, 1 lb. 2 oz./510g. Buy it now.

Great Balance of Space, Features, and Weight

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
$550, 2 lbs. 11 oz./1.22kg

For years, the Copper Spur HV UL2 has remained a leading choice for backpackers seeking an ultralight tent that doesn’t compromise on sturdiness or livability. While some would call it merely “lightweight,” semantics aside, it sports an abundance of features and space for a freestanding, two-door shelter well under three pounds, starting with the most conspicuous: two awning-style doors that can be set up in rain to allow cooling ventilation without getting wet inside or rolled up for maximum ventilation and stargazing. The DAC Featherlite hubbed poles create steep walls that make the tent feel roomier than its 29 square feet, 40-inch peak height, and 88-inch length. It pitches easily, the two vestibules are spacious and ventilation excellent, and the Copper Spur has abundant interior pockets. Very few freestanding, two-door tents strike such a space-to-weight balance.

Read my full review of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 at backcountry.com or another version of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL series at backcountry.com.

Get the right gear for your trips. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
and “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents.”

Shoes and Boots

Best Lightweight Shoes: Danner Trail 2650, $190, 1 lb. 7.5 oz./666.2g Buy them now.
Best Lightweight Backpacking Boots: Scarpa Rush Mid GTX, $199, 2 lbs./907.2g Buy them now.
Best Midweight Backpacking Boots: Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX, $250, 2 lbs. 5 oz./1.05 kg Buy them now.
Most Breathable and Sticky: La Sportiva TX3, $159, 1 lb. 9 oz./708.7g Buy them now.
Best Trail Running/Ultralight Hiking Shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 6, $155, 1 lb. 3 oz./538.6g Buy them now.
Killer Value: Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof, $180, 1 lb. 13 oz./822g Buy them now.

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Sleeping Bags

Best Down Bags: Feathered Friends Hummingbird and Egret UL, $549-$629, 1 lb. 5 oz.-1 lb. 9 oz./595.3g.-708.7g. Buy a Hummingbird UL 30 or 20 now or an Egret UL 30 or 20 now.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30, $510-$540, 1 lb. 6 oz./623.7g-669g. Buy a Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 now.
Marmot Hydrogen 30, $399-$419, 1 lb. 9.4 oz.-1 lb. 11 oz./720g-770g. Buy a Marmot Hydrogen 30 now.
Sea to Summit Spark Pro -9C/15F, $649-$689, 1 lb. 11 oz.-1 lb. 14 oz./765.4g-861g, and Spark Pro -1C/30F, $549-$579, 1 lb. 6 oz.-1 lb. 8 oz./619g-672g. Buy a Sea to Summit Spark Pro now.
Best Ultralight: Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 or Hyperion 20, $430-$580, 15 oz.-1 lb. 6 oz./425.2g.-623.7g. Buy it now.
Best Winter Bag: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0, $700-$740, 2 lbs. 7 oz.-2 lbs. 11 oz./1.11kg.-1.22kg. Buy it now.
Best Budget Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 20, $110-$120, 3 lbs./1.36kg. Buy it now. Or Kelty Cosmic Down 20, $170-$200, 2 lbs. 7 oz./1.11kg. Buy it now.

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Best Value Down Bag

Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30F/-1C
$265-$285, 1 lb. 12 oz./793.8g

When shopping for sleeping bags, it’s helpful to compare certain key specs: temperature rating, type and amount of insulation (or fill), total weight, and, of course, the price. Using those metrics, the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30F/-1C looks really good, with RDS-certified, flourine-free, 650-fill-power down, enough warmth for many backpackers on typical overnight temps of summer in most mid-latitude mountain ranges (except for people who tend to get cold more easily), and a cut that delivers more generous space than many bags—all at a weight south of two pounds and it packs down to 7×13.5 inches. Among down bags, this is a good price for a bag of this quality. It also comes in 15-degree and 0-degree versions.

Read my full review of the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30. 

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or a women’s Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30F at backcountry.com, or other versions of the men’s and women’s Bishop Pass bags at backcountry.com.

Click on any product name to read its review. Click any “Buy it now” link to purchase it.

Best Rain Shells

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell
$189, 10 oz./283.5g
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Full-Zip Pants
$179, 9 oz./255.1g

Few places test rain gear as brutally as New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, where rain is almost as prevalent as oxygen. In some of the heaviest and most relentless wind-driven rain I’ve encountered over four decades of hiking and backpacking, on two classic hut treks and one long dayhike—the Routeburn Track and Milford Track and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing—Black Diamond’s Fineline Stretch Shell and Full-Zip Pants performed impressively.

For two straight days and most of a third day on the Milford, the jacket and pants never left my body. While water did penetrate both layers in spots—and in fairness, I believe those conditions would overwhelm any high-quality waterproof-breathable shells (and companions with Gore-Tex shells suffered the same fate)—they prevented me from getting soaked and cold. Credit goes to BD’s 2.5-layer BD.dry waterproof/breathable/windproof technology, which also has adequate breathability for all but very warm three-season trips.

With a one-hand-adjustable, climbing-helmet-compatible hood, the DWR-sealed pit zip vents, a waterproof front zipper, tough 50-denier fabric, and two zippered hand pockets—all at just $180 and 10 ounces/283.5 grams (men’s medium)—the Fineline Stretch Shell is a full-on technical, three-season rain shell.

Read my complete review of the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell and Fineline Full-Zip Pants.

See all of the latest gear reviews at The Big Outside.

Down Jackets

Best Down Jacket: Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket, $409, 11 oz./311.8g Buy it now.
Best Synthetic Jacket: Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody, $349, 14 oz./397g Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Down Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody, $360, 8.8 oz./249.5g Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Synthetic Jacket: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody, $329, 9 oz./255.1g Buy it now.
Versatile Down Jacket: Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket, $295, 15 oz./425.2g Buy it now.

Which puffy should you buy? See “The 12 Best Down Jackets” and
“How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is.”

Trekking Poles

Best Overall: MSR Dynalock Ascent, $190, 1 lb. 1 oz./481.9g Buy it now.
Best Ultralight: Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ, $210, 12.7 oz./360g Buy it now.
Most Versatile: Leki Makalu FX Carbon, $230, 1 lb. 1.9 oz./508g Buy it now.

Need a good headlamp? See “The Best Headlamps.”

Air Mattresses

Best All-Around Air Mat: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated and XT Extreme, $219-$249, 1 lb. 1 oz.-1 lb. 9 oz./482-709g. Buy it now.
Best Comfort-to-Weight Balance: Nemo Tensor Insulated Air Mattress, $200-$230, 13 oz.-1 lb. 5 oz./369-595g. Buy it now.
Best Ultralight: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, $200-$240, 11.5 oz.-1 lb. 1 oz./326-482g. Buy it now.
Best Inflatable Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultra Light, $50-$55, 2.5 oz./71g. Buy it now.

What do you really need for backpacking?
See my “Essentials-Only Backpacking Gear Checklist.”

Camp Kitchen

Best Ultralight Pot: MSR Titan Kettle 1400ml, $70, 5.4 oz./153g, or Titan Kettle 900ml, $65, 4.4 oz./126g. Buy it now.
Best Cook Set: Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible One-Pot Cook Set, $146, 19 oz./527g. Buy it now.
Best Solo Stove: Jetboil Flash, $145, 13 oz./369g. Buy it now.
Best Family/Group Stove: MSR Windburner Group Stove System, $260, 1 lb. 4 oz./567g. Buy it now.
Best Bear Canister: Bear Vault BV500, $95, 2 lbs. 8 oz./1.1kg. Buy it now.

Buy smart with my pro tips on buying a backpack, backpacking tent,
hiking shoes or boots, a rain jacket, and a sleeping bag.

Best Ultralight Stove

MSR PocketRocket 2
$50, 3 oz./85g (4 oz./113.4g with plastic case, included)

Backcountry stoves come in a variety of designs these days. But in many respects, the simplest design remains the most versatile and reliable, and the PocketRocket 2 continues to embody everything a backpacking stove should be. It fires up easily every time, boils water fast, has good flame control for wilderness gourmands, weighs next to nothing, and costs less than many of its best competitors.

Whereas some types of stoves have limitations on what you can cook with them, you can use the PocketRocket 2 for cooking almost anything, almost anywhere, for any size party (or more than one stove for a large group). That may explain why it’s so popular.

Read my full review. The PocketRocket Deluxe ($85) adds a piezo push-button igniter, but as with that feature on other stoves, its performance can be erratic.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase an MSR PocketRocket 2 at backcountry.com or cascadedesigns.com.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.
Find out more here.

Water Treatment

Best Pump Filter: MSR Hyperflow, $150, 9 oz./255g. Buy it now.
Best Gravity Filter: Katadyn BeFree Gravity 6L or 10L Filter, $115-$145, 9-10 oz./255-284g. Buy it now.
Best Filter Bottle: Lifestraw Go, $35-$50, 650ml to 1L, 7.8-8.6 oz./221-244g. Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Personal Filter: Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System 0.6L, 1L, or 3L bottle, $45-$80, 2.5-3.5 oz./71-99g. Buy it now.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

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Join now and a get free e-book! ]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-backpacking-gear-of-2018/feed/ 23 27582 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-trekking-poles-of-2020/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-trekking-poles-of-2020/#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=38673 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

One of the most immutable truisms about hiking is this: Backpackers, dayhikers, climbers, mountain runners, and others who start using trekking poles almost never hit the trail without them again. No matter how much weight you’re carrying—from an ultralight daypack or running vest to a godawful heavy monster backpack—using poles will lessen your chances of an accidental fall and your leg muscles and joints, feet, back, and body will all feel better, thanks to the reduced strain, fatigue, and impact on them.

Consider this: I do not know a single experienced dayhiker or backpacker who does not use poles.

This review covers the best trekking poles available today. My picks are based on testing all of them (and many other poles) extensively on backpacking trips, dayhikes, mountain climbs and scrambles, backcountry skiing, and/or ultra-trail runs—including backpacking in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, Idaho’s Sawtooths, Utah’s High Uintas, Montana’s Beartooths, Colorado’s San Juans, southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons, and on the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route, plus dayhikes from Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion national parks to the Tetons and Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains, to name some places I’ve hiked just in recent months—as well as my experience ambulating thousands of trail miles over more than a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear, formerly as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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In the reviews below:

• The poles are listed in order from lightest to heaviest because weight best distinguishes them in terms of intended uses, making it effectively the key factor influencing your choice.
• I’ve given every pole an overall score—but keep in mind that, with poles, you should first figure out whether you need ultralight, lightweight, or heavier and sturdier poles, and folding versus collapsible/telescoping poles, and then compare the scores and details of the models in your chosen category (which is why I list the poles in order of weight, not score). You will see that some pole models reviewed below have a similar or identical overall score but are very different from one another.
• Traditional collapsible (or telescoping) poles, usually consisting of three sections, typically have a greater length-adjustability range than folding poles and are often (though not always) heavier and sturdier, but do not compress nearly as much as folding poles. Their effective adjustability range is essentially their collapsed length to their maximum length because they still function and can be used by small kids when fully collapsed. They are best for backpacking and dayhiking, and some models cross over to backcountry touring in winter.
• Folding poles, which typically have three but may have up to five sections, typically have limited or no length-adjustability range and are often (though not always) lighter than collapsible poles. They often come in multiple sizes. Most of all, their folding design makes them far more packable—shorter when folded—than collapsible poles. They are good for backpacking, dayhiking, and ultra-running when the goal is traveling very light and being able to store the poles on a small pack without them being obtrusive. They are rarely long and sturdy enough to use to pitch ultralight tents, and few models cross over to backcountry touring in winter.
• For reasons of comparison and intended uses, I categorize poles under 12 ounces (per pair) as ultralight, poles 12-15.9 ounces as lightweight, and poles one pound or more as the sturdiest, for hard use.
• Key point for backpackers who use an ultralight or lightweight tent: If you use a tent that pitches with trekking poles, many require poles that are adjustable and extend to at least 125 centimeters and sometimes 130 to 135 centimeters. (Check the specs and instructions for your tent.) Not all poles meet those specs.
• The capsule reviews below each include a link to my full reviews of the poles.

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I regularly update this review with new poles that belong on this list. I’m confident you will find at least one model of trekking poles ideal for your type of hiking on or off-trail—and you’ll usually find the best prices at the links to online gear retailers below. Those are affiliate links that support this blog at no cost to you when you make purchases through them, so thanks for doing that.

See also my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles” and these reviews of other top gear picks:

“The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year”
“The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
“The Best Ultralight Packs”
“The 10 Best Backpacking Tents”
“The 12 Best Down Jackets”
“25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories”
“The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks”

Please share your questions, opinions, and experiences with any of these poles or your own favorite model in the comments section at the bottom of the review. I try to respond to all comments.

The chart below compares key metrics and features of each pole covered below, including an overall score. But keep in mind that some models have similar or identical scores even though they are very different; look closely at the scoring categories and specific reviews—and use my expert tips for choosing trekking poles—to determine which poles are best for your purposes. That’s why I list them in order of weight, because that metric most clearly distinguishes the types and best uses of poles.

The Best Trekking Poles

Trekking Pole	Score	Price	Weight/Pair	Sizes/Adjustability	Collapsible/Folding	Packed Length
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z	4.3	$200	10 oz./ 283.5g	Five sizes, non-adjustable: 110cm/43.3 ins., 115cm/45.3 ins., 120cm/47.2 ins., 125cm/49 ins., and 130cm/51 ins.	Folding	33cm/13 inches (110cm poles)
Gossamer Gear LT5	4.3	$195	10 oz./ 283.5g	One size, adjustable: 105-130cm/41 to 53 ins.	Collapsible	60cm/23.5 inches
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ	4.4	$220	11-13 oz./ 311.8g-368.5g	Five sizes, adjustable: men’s and women’s 95-110cm/37-43.3 ins. and 110-125cm/43.3-49 ins., men’s 125-140cm/49-55.1 ins.	Folding	34-40cm/13.4-15.7 inches
Montem Ultralight 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles	4.1	$90	14 oz./ 396.9g	One size, adjustable: 105-135cm/41 to 53 ins.	Collapsible	61 cm/24 inches
MSR DynaLock Ascent	4.5	$190	1 lb. 1 oz./ 481.9g	Two sizes, adjustable: S 100-120cm/39-47.2 ins., L 120-140cm/47.2-55.1 ins.	Folding	36.2cm/14.3 inches (100-120cm poles)
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork	4.1	$230	1 lb. 1.5 oz./ 496.1g	Two sizes, adjustable: men’s 100-130cm/39.4-51 ins., women’s 95-125cm/37-49 ins.	Collapsible	61cm/24 inches
Leki Makalu FX Carbon	4.2	$230	1 lb. 1.9 oz./	One size, adjustable: 110-130cm/43.3 to 51.2ins.	Folding	40cm/15.7 inches
Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles	4.1	$160	508g	One size, adjustable: 100-135 cm/39.4-53 ins.	Collapsible	67cm/26.4 inches
Montem Ultra Strong	4.1	$75	1 lb. 3 oz./ 538.6g	One size, adjustable: 105-135 cm/41.3-53 ins.	Collapsible	61cm/24 inches

Ultralight Poles

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Score: 4.3
Best for: ultra-runners and -hikers and lightweight and ultralight backpackers.
$200, 10 oz./264g (per pair 110cm, with trekking baskets)
Five sizes, non-adjustable: 110cm/43.3 ins., 115cm/45.3 ins., 120cm/47.2 ins., 125cm/49 ins., and 130cm/51 ins.
blackdiamondequipment.com

Lighter gear can entail tradeoffs, but these ultralight, non-adjustable folding poles are strong enough for many users in most situations. BD’s Distance Carbon Z endured a mostly off-trail, two-day backpacking trip in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains, and a mostly off-trail, roughly 14-mile and 5,000-foot dayhike of 10,470-foot Horstman Peak in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, among many other hikes and long trail runs.

Quickly deployed to their fixed length (in five sizes), thanks to an internal Kevlar cord, these 100 percent carbon fiber poles have extended EVA foam grips and partly mesh nylon wrist straps. They fold to a tiny 33 centimeters/13 inches (for the 110-centimeter size). Yes, they are non-adjustable, but the broad size range covers most users and adjustability is a modest compromise for weight this loss and packability is more important to this category of users. One caveat: Under rare stresses, carbon will sheer or snap.

See my full review of the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to buy the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

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Gossamer Gear LT5
Score: 4.3
Best for: lightweight and ultralight backpackers and hikers.
$195, 10 oz./283.5g (per pair, without baskets)
One size, adjustable 105-130cm/41 to 53 ins.
gossamergear.com

Weighing (per pair) about as much as a lightweight down jacket—and less than five ounces of water—the minimalist, collapsible LT5 poles stand up to more abuse than they’d receive on many well-maintained trails, as I discovered on a 74-mile backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon, including a 15-mile day traversing most of the rugged Escalante Route; on a seven-day, 96-mile traverse of the extremely rugged Wind River High Route, two-thirds of which is off-trail; on a four-day, 45-mile hike through Yosemite; and trekking hut-to-hut on New Zealand’s Routeburn and Milford tracks in late spring.

The carbon shafts extend from 105 to 130 centimeters/41.3 to 51 inches, long enough for all but the tallest hikers; and while their collapsed length of 60 centimeters/23.5 inches isn’t very packable compared to folding poles, it’s a little better than most collapsible poles. Although the twist-lock mechanism doesn’t lock as securely as a lever, they have rarely failed me. The LT5 poles offer the performance needed by many hikers, backpackers—especially lightweight and ultralight—climbers, and others.

See my full review of the Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles at gossamergear.com.

Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite, Grand Teton,
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Lightweight Poles

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ
Score: 4.4
Best for: ultra-runners and -hikers and lightweight and ultralight backpackers.
$220, 12.7 oz./pair (105-125cm, with trekking baskets)
Five adjustable sizes: men’s and women’s 95-110cm/37-43.3 ins. and 110-125cm/43.3-49 ins., men’s 125-140cm/49-55.1 ins.
blackdiamondequipment.com

BD’s folding, carbon fiber Distance Carbon FLZ hit a sweet spot between the most packable, ultralight poles and models only marginally heavier and less packable and offer greater versatility through their adjustability. On dayhikes and trail runs of up to 15 miles in Idaho’s Boulder and Pioneer Mountains and Boise Foothills and a 10-mile, 3,600-vertical-foot dayhike on a trail strewn with wet, slippery rocks and mud in New Hampshire’s White Mountains—as well as backpacking trips on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier and in the Wind River Range and The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park—I found they perform very much like the Distance Carbon Z and are tough enough for backpacking.

Quickly deployed and adjusted using BD’s FlickLock levers, they have extended EVA foam grips and partly mesh nylon wrist straps. The five adjustable sizes will accommodate virtually any user. If you’re looking for the lightest and most packable adjustable poles, look no further.

See my full review of the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ trekking and running poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to buy the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

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Montem Ultra Light 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
Score: 4.1
Best for: many backpackers, hikers, and climbers.
$90, 14 oz./396.9g (per pair, with trekking baskets)
One size, adjustable 105-135 cm/41 to 53 ins.
montemlife.com

The biggest question with inexpensive gear is always: Will it work? And best way to answer that question is to field test it in places that are hard on gear. From six days on the Grand Canyon’s 60-mile Gems Route to backpacking Utah’s rugged Owl and Fish canyons loop, plus dayhiking in Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks and on two of the steepest, meanest trails in my local Foothills in Idaho, Montem’s Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles stood up to really hard hiking with only the loss of trekking baskets as a demerit.

Like Montem’s even less-expensive Ultra Strong Poles (below), the adjustability range—105 to 135 centimeters/41.3 to 53 inches—beats poles costing much more plus these have flick-lock levers, extended EVA foam grips, and adjustable straps; and the collapsed length of 61 centimeters/24 inches compares to the most packable telescoping poles. But these poles add the low weight and strength of carbon fiber.

See my full review of the Montem Ultra Light Trekking Poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the Montem Ultra Light 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles at montemlife.com.

Get 15 percent off any purchase at montemlife.com using the exclusive discount code BIGOUT15MOG.

Get the right pack for you. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
and the best ultralight backpacks.

Sturdiest Poles

MSR DynaLock Ascent
Score: 4.5
Best for: many backpackers, hikers, and climbers.
$190, 1 lb. 1 oz./481.9g (per pair, 100-120cm, with trekking baskets)
Two sizes, adjustable: S 100-120cm/39-47.2 ins., L 120-140cm/47.2-55.1 ins.
backcountry.com

These three-section, folding poles find a unique balance of three qualities: durability, exceptional packability, and adjustability in folding poles. In the backcountry, they stand out for being tough and stable, proving their value on outings from backpacking in the Wind River Range and a 20-mile, mostly off-trail peaks traverse in Idaho’s Sawtooths to a rim-to-rim dayhike across the Grand Canyon, a six-day hut trek on Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails, and some of the hardest miles on the Appalachian Trail.

The toughness owes to their bombproof, Kevlar-reinforced, all-carbon construction; I’ve never seen a hint of durability shortcomings. The adjustability range of 20cm in each of two sizes serves virtually all users. The packed length of a mere 36.2 centimeters/14.3 inches (for the small size) ranks among the most packable trekking poles. The sections lock rigidly with a simple pin and the Dynalock levers never slipped. There’s much to like and nothing to complain about with MSR’s Dynalock Ascent poles.

See my full review of the MSR Dynalock Ascent trekking poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the MSR Dynalock Ascent Trekking Poles at backcountry.com.

Want a pair of sturdy, four-season poles for just $90? Check out the MSR Dynalock Trail Backcountry Poles (1 lb. 5 oz./590g) at backcountry.com.

Get the right synthetic or down puffy to keep you warm. See “The 12 Best Down Jackets.”

 

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
Score: 4.1
Best for: many backpackers, hikers, climbers, and snow sports users.
$230, 1 lb. 1.5 oz./496.1g (per pair, with trekking baskets)
Two sizes, adjustable: men’s 100-130cm/39-51 ins., women’s 95-125cm/37-49 ins.
blackdiamondequipment.com

From a 94-mile traverse of Glacier National Park and a rugged, 74-mile hike in the Grand Canyon, among other backpacking trips, to backcountry skiing and scrambling off-trail up mountains, BD’s collapsible Alpine Carbon Cork poles have proved tough enough for any activity year-round.

The 100 percent carbon shafts have extended grips and provide good durability while keeping the weight modest. Adjustable from 100 to 130 centimeters/39 to 51 inches, they can effectively be used at any length basically down to their packed length of 61 centimeters/24 inches—a range comparable to many poles, serving all but very tall hikers (though not competing with poles offering the widest adjustability ranges). The FlickLock Pro levers are basically flawless. Two complaints: They’re not very packable and adjusting the lever tension requires a tiny Allen wrench, rather than a screwdriver head that would be found on many multi-tools or knives.

See my full review of the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles at backcountry.com, blackdiamondequipment.com, or rei.com.

Get the right tent for you. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents”
and “5 Expert Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent.”

Leki Makalu FX Carbon
Score: 4.2
Best for: many backpackers, hikers, climbers, and other users.
$230, 1 lb. 1.9 oz./508g (per pair, with trekking baskets)
One size, adjustable 110-130cm/43.3-51.2 ins.
backcountry.com

With their good adjustability, packability, durability, comfort, reliability, and especially versatility, I increasingly found myself reaching for the Leki Makalu FX Carbon folding poles for backpacking in places as rugged as the Wind River Range, High Sierra, Canadian Rockies, and High Uintas Wilderness.

These folding poles extend to a length range that will accommodate most users: 110 to 130 centimeters/43.3 to 51.2 inches, while also packing away to just 40 centimeters/15.7 inches, nearly as compact as the most packable folding poles. While the Makalu FX Carbon weigh 17.9 ounces/508 grams per pair, placing them in a category with the heaviest hiking poles, the comfortable, extended Aergon Air foam grips help the poles seem to feel lighter. Lastly, precious few folding poles—all sharing the advantage of being very packable—possess the adjustability to serve the needs of a wide range of user sizes and can be used with trekking-pole tents. That’s a rare degree of versatility.

See my full review of the Leki Makalu FX Carbon folding trekking poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Leki Makalu FX Carbon trekking poles at backcountry.com, lekiusa.com, or rei.com.

Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles
Score: 4.1
Best for: many backpackers, hikers, climbers, and snow sports users.
$160, 1 lb. 1.9 oz./508g (per pair, with trekking baskets)
One size, adjustable 100-135cm/39.4-53 ins.
backcountry.com

The price of these hiking sticks might catch your eye first—but their versatility is also alluring. And they performed solidly on steep hikes like Idaho’s high point, 12,662-foot Borah Peak, with 5,262 feet of vertical in 4.1 miles, as well as on dayhikes in places like Capitol Reef National Park and a backpacking trip in Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon, where I started out with about 40 pounds, including eight liters (17 pounds) of water.

The adjustability range of 100 to 135 centimeters/39.4 to 53 inches in these telescoping poles is as versatile as you will find, accommodating virtually every user and making them suitable for tents that pitch with trekking poles. The adjustment levers are reliable and extended cork and foam grips and easily adjustable straps are nice features. Bummers: The collapsed length of 67 centimeters/26.4 inches makes them among the least packable hiking poles; and aluminum shafts make them heavier than most poles—but also sturdier.

See my full review of the Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles at backcountry.com, lekiusa.com, or rei.com.

Montem Ultra Strong
Score: 4.1
Best for: many backpackers and hikers on a budget.
$75, 1 lb. 3 oz./538.6g (per pair, with trekking baskets)
One size, adjustable 105-135cm/41.3-53 ins.
montemlife.com

If cost is a barrier, these collapsible sticks are your answer. From the rugged, 25-mile Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop in the Grand Canyon to a four-day hike in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and other backpacking trips, Montem’s 7075 aluminum shafts suffered no damage—although the piece attaching the upper lever mechanism to the shaft broke on one pole after a few years (there’s a lifetime warranty).

The very good adjustability range—105 to 135 centimeters/41.3 to 53 inches—beats poles costing much more. Like pricier models, these have flick-lock levers, extended EVA foam grips, and adjustable straps. While the collapsed length of 61 centimeters/24 inches compares to the most packable telescoping poles, they are not, of course, nearly as packable as folding poles. Tradeoffs: The levers occasionally slipped—in rugged terrain, not on moderate trails—and the poles are heavy. But ask yourself: Do you want to pay a lot more to avoid such minor tradeoffs?

See my full review of the Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles at montemlife.com.

Get 15 percent off any purchase at montemlife.com using the exclusive discount code BIGOUT15MOG.

See all reviews of trekking poles, “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles.” and all reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-trekking-poles-of-2020/feed/ 21 38673 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-5-best-headlamps/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-5-best-headlamps/#comments Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=15691 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

A headlamp is unquestionably essential gear for hiking, backpacking, climbing, trail running, ultra-running and ultra-hiking, ski touring, and other backcountry activities that sometimes push into darkness (whether intentionally or not). But with so many to pick from, how do you choose which one to buy? Price? Brightness? Weight? Design and range of lighting modes? Go with a brand you know and trust? This review cuts through the information overload to help you pick the right headlamp for your adventures.

I selected the headlamps covered in this review based on extensive testing on backpacking, camping, long dayhikes, climbing, backcountry skiing, and other backcountry trips, and I’ve field-tested dozens of headlamps over more than a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear, formerly as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog.

The freshly updated picks below represent the best models for backcountry users.

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For dayhiking, backpacking, and similar pursuits, I favor models that meet five simple criteria:

•    Lightweight—no dayhiker, backpacker, runner, or climber needs a bulky light that weighs more than three to four ounces.
•    Versatile and bright enough for everything from reading in the tent and managing camp chores to hiking rugged trail in complete darkness—and if needed, for route-finding off-trail.
•    Intuitive and easy to use, so I don’t have to consult instructions more than once, take off my gloves to operate it, or use a tool to change batteries.
•    Projects a beam that’s focused and even, not blotchy and uneven.
•    Preferably rechargeable so I’m not repeatedly buying and throwing away batteries.

I apply those standards when choosing which headlamps I’ll review at The Big Outside, with the exception of being rechargeable, because some rechargeable headlamps cost more up front (although not over time), and this review covers a variety of headlamps at a range of price points.

The headlamps below are listed in order of weight. Please share your experiences with any of these models, or another you like, in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

The Best Headlamps

Model	Price	Weight	Max Power	Rechargeable
BioLite Headlamp 325	$60	1.8 oz./51g	325 lumens	Yes
Knog Bandicoot 250	$50	2.1 oz./59.5g	250 lumens	Yes
Black Diamond Spot 400	$55	2.5 oz./70.9g	400 lumens	No
Black Diamond Spot 400-R	$70	2.6 oz./73.7g	400 lumens	Yes
Petzl IKO Core	$105	2.8 oz./79.4g	500 lumens	Yes
Petzl Actik Core	$85	3 oz./85g	350 lumens	Yes
BioLite Headlamp 800 Pro	$120	5.3 oz./150g	800 lumens	Yes
Black Diamond Distance 1500	$220	7.5 oz./213g	1,500 lumens	Yes

BioLite Headlamp 325
$50, 1.8 oz./51g
backcountry.com

Look for an ultralight headlamp under two ounces and $40 or less and you’ll find very few choices—with the BioLite Headlamp 325, which I’ve used backpacking in the Wind River Range and elsewhere, arguably the best. It sports four all-you-need lighting modes—white spot and red flood LEDs, both with dimming capability, plus white and red strobe—and cranks out enough brightness (325 lumens) and lasts long enough on a full charge (three hours on high, 40 hours on low) for backpackers, dayhikers, trail runners, and others.

With its nearly weightless front housing integrated into the slender, easily adjustable, no-bounce head strap, the 325 goes almost unnoticed on your head—making it certainly among the most comfortable ultralight headlamps. Intuitive, single-button operation, lockout mode, four-position housing tilt, and an IPX4 waterproof rating complete a high-value package at a very good price.

Read my complete review of the BioLite Headlamp 325.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a BioLite Headlamp 325 at backcountry.com.

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and other parks using my expert e-books.

 

Knog Bandicoot 250
$50, 2.1 oz./59.5g
knog.com

I thought this headlamp’s predecessor, the Bandicoot, had the potential to upend this entire category. After using the more powerful and comfortable Knog Bandicoot 250 on a nine-day hike of nearly 130 miles through the High Sierra, mostly on the John Muir Trail, I still think this technology is a game changer.

The Bandicoot 250 is powerful, rechargeable, lighter than most competitors, and cheaper than many. Its unique, very light and durable silicone housing seamlessly merges the strap, body, and LEDs and adjusts to fit a huge circumference range of 30-70cm; you may forget you’re wearing it. Four LEDs—high beam, elliptical beams for broad ambient light, a red light for preserving your night vision, and downward-angled lights for reading—cover the needs of many users, including trail running and biking streets at night. It also has a lockout mode.

Read my complete review of the Knog Bandicoot 250.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Knog Bandicoot 250 at knog.com.

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Black Diamond Spot 400
$55, 2.5 oz./70.9g
blackdiamondequipment.com

In any direct comparison, the Spot 400 offers an impressive feature set, power, and versatility at a competitive price. That includes the three modes a backcountry headlamp should have—white beam, white peripheral, and red—and the latest update of the Spot jacks the max brightness up to a powerful 400 lumens. It’ll project a beam 100 meters and has dimming capability in all modes.

It features BD’s neat PowerTap technology that allows you to tap the right side of the casing to cycle between max brightness and the dimmed level you’ve already set—which is not only convenient, but so easy that you’ll power down more often, thus prolonging battery life. The lockout mode prevents accidental turning on in a pack. Plus, it’s waterproof up to a little over a meter underwater for 30 minutes.

Read my complete review of the Black Diamond Spot 400.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Black Diamond Spot 400 at backcountry.com, rei.com, or blackdiamondequipment.com.

Want a reliable, basic, easy-to-operate headlamp at a good price? See my review of the Black Diamond Astro 300 and rechargeable Astro 300-R.

Planning your next big adventure? See “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips”
and “Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites.”

Black Diamond Spot 400-R
$70, 2.6 oz./73.7g
blackdiamondequipment.com

Virtually identical to BD’s Spot 400, the Spot 400-R adds a feature that keeps on delivering value: it’s rechargeable. Powered by a 1500 mAh Li-ion battery with micro-USB charging port, the Spot 400-R throws a beam 100 meters at its maximum brightness of 400 lumens; that’s bright enough to hike off-trail, search for your route in the dark, or identify the large animal going for your cached food. And a full charge lasts for four hours at max power.

Plus, it sports all the versatility of the Spot 400: three white and red modes with dimming capability, intuitive two-button operation, PowerTap technology, lockout mode, and it’s waterproof up to a little over a meter underwater for 30 minutes. But most impressively, at just 15 bucks more than the Spot 400, the rechargeable Spot 400-R soon pays for itself through the money saved not buying (and throwing away) batteries.

Read my complete review of the Black Diamond Spot 400-R.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a rechargeable Black Diamond Spot 400-R at backcountry.com, rei.com or blackdiamondequipment.com.

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Click here now to learn more.

Petzl IKO Core
$105, 2.8 oz./79.4g
backcountry.com

When you compare max brightness, weight, and other features, few ultralight headlamps match the rechargeable IKO Core’s appeal to backpackers, dayhikers, climbers, trail runners, and backcountry skiers. From ski touring to a backcountry yurt on a dark, snowy winter night to backpacking in the Wind River Range and the Grand Canyon, its max brightness of 500 lumens—exceptional for a headlamp weighing under three ounces—illuminated objects 100 meters distant.

The IPX-4 rating means the headlamp is resistant to splashed water but not waterproof—not as good as the water resistance of other ultralight headlamps. But three brightness levels, a combined spot beam and proximity light in two of them, simple operation, the versatility to substitute AAA batteries in a pinch, a lockout mode, and the bendable, adjustable, hydrophobic headband’s comfortable and secure fit—all in a light weighing under three ounces—make the IKO Core one of today’s most unique headlamps.

Read my complete review of the Petzl IKO Core.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Petzl IKO Core at backcountry.com.

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Petzl Actik Core
$88, 3 oz./85g
backcountry.com

If you’re willing to spend more up front for a rechargeable headlamp—which eventually pays for itself—the Actik Core ranks among the very best. Equipped with white and red modes and spot and proximity beams, it stands out among rechargeables for two attributes: putting out an impressive maximum brightness of 350 lumens even when using the rechargeable battery and maintaining constant brightness over the duration of a charge—both of which you’ll appreciate on a long slog after dark.

On a September night in the Wind River Range, at max brightness, the Actik Core illuminated trees 300 feet away across a meadow. It’s easy and intuitive to use with one power button to click between modes and the dimming function. It also runs on three standard alkaline, lithium, or Ni-MH AAA batteries and the battery compartment is accessed by lifting a tab—no tool needed. A charge lasts up to 160 hours, long enough for most multi-day hikes.

Read my complete review of the Petzl Actik Core.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Petzl Actik Core at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Get the right gear for your trips. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
and “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents.”

BioLite Headlamp 800 Pro
$120, 5.3 oz./150g
backcountry.com

From an 18-mile, 13-hour, four-summit hike in Utah’s Wasatch Range to many evenings biking city streets after dark, I’ve found that BioLite’s rechargeable Headlamp 800 Pro stands out for a rare combination of ultra-bright power, a wide range of modes, and a modest weight for a backcountry headlamp that packs this much power and versatility.

For starters, its multiple lighting modes include dimmable white spot and white flood plus the two combined; white strobe; dimmable red flood, and on the battery pack, rear-facing red solid and red strobe visibility beams, for biking streets after dark (plus a lockout function). The max brightness of 800 lumens in 30-second burst mode exceeds that of virtually any ultralight headlamp—very useful for hikers, climbers, backcountry skiers, and others moving off-trail. For its complexity, operation is very intuitive.

Perhaps most uniquely, it offers a constant mode, an option for setting the headlamp to maintain its brightness level rather than dimming as the charge or batteries drain, which is called regulated power and common in most headlamps for the backcountry.

Read my complete review of the BioLite Headlamp 800 Pro.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a BioLite Headlamp 800 Pro at backcountry.com, rei.com or bioliteenergy.com.

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Black Diamond Distance 1500
$220, 7.5 oz./213g
blackdiamondequipment.com

Comparing any hiking-oriented headlamps to the rechargeable Black Diamond Distance 1500 headlamp feels rather like comparing a Honda Civic to a Bradley armored fighting vehicle. At 7.5 ounces/213 grams and putting out a supernova-like 1,500 lumens at max power, the Distance 1500 is at least twice the price, weight, and brightness of most of today’s best backcountry headlamps. Testing this beast hiking, climbing, mountain and road biking, and backcountry skiing demonstrated that, while it’s certainly overkill for many activities, it’s invaluable for both route-finding and high-speed sports after dark.

The headlamp achieves 1,500 lumens only for bursts of 15 seconds using BD’s Power Tap Technology, activated by double-tapping the side of the headlamp. Its maximum sustained power is 800 lumens—still very bright and useful in certain backcountry scenarios (in other words, when you really need a bright light). The Comfort Cradle, with the light on the forehead and a battery pack in the rear, is quite comfortable and works great with any headlamp-compatible helmet. Caveat: Expect to invest some time into learning its many modes and functions.

Read my complete review of the Black Diamond Distance 1500.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Black Diamond Distance 1500 Headlamp at blackdiamondequipment.com or backcountry.com, or the Black Diamond Distance Headlamp Battery at blackdiamondequipment.com or backcountry.com.

See all reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside. And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

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Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-book!

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can purchase the e-book versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-5-best-headlamps/feed/ 10 15691 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-kiro-24l-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-kiro-24l-daypack/#respond Sun, 26 Oct 2025 12:28:56 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=68624 Read on

]]> Daypack
Gregory Kiro 24L
$120, 24L/1,465 c.i., 1 lb. 12 oz./793.8g
One non-adjustable unisex size
backcountry.com

I can say this about Gregory’s Kiro 24L: I made a genuine effort to hike too far for its comfort limits, but I failed. From a 12-mile (19.3-kilometer), 4,400-foot (1,340-meter) dayhike in New Hampshire’s Southern Presidential Range in late May to a nine-mile (14.5-kilometer), more than 5,200-foot (1,600-meter) dayhike of 12,662-foot Borah Peak, Idaho’s highest, in July, and a roughly 19-mile (30.6-kilometer), 4,500-foot (1,370-meter) October dayhike and off-trail scramble up and down 10,716-foot Mount Cramer, the second-highest peak in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, the Kiro 24 had the capacity and all-day comfort for it all.

While I carried the Kiro 24 with up to about 15 pounds/6.8 kilos inside in the Presidentials and on the Mount Cramer hike, my 22-year-old daughter carried it starting out with about the same weight inside on Borah Peak—allowing us to compare notes on the performance of this pack that comes in just one unisex size.

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The most unique design feature of the Kiro 24 is the highly elastic CloudControl hipbelt, which stretches like a very wide and flat rubber band as you move. I confess to a skeptical initial reaction to it, wondering how a belt with zero rigidity and that much stretch can deliver the support and stability you’d typically look for in a daypack. But as I wore the pack more (and watched my daughter wearing it on steep trail and rugged scrambling on Borah Peak), the belt won me over: Its stretch results in the pack bag remaining relatively stable on your back, instead of bouncing around; and the more rugged and steep the terrain, the more pronounced the benefit. And as long as you don’t overload the pack (more on that below), its lack of rigidity isn’t detrimental.

The perforated, breathable, 3D foam back panel with gradient printed mesh and lightly padded shoulder straps provide adequate padding for light loads and breathe fairly well; but again, since there’s no rigidity in the hipbeltand no internal frame, just a back panel that easily folds in half, the design has inherent limits on weight capacity. Gregory says the pack carries 20 pounds/9.1 kilos comfortably. My daughter and I both found it comfortable with up to 15 pounds/6.8 kilos inside on big days (we didn’t load it any heavier), and I expect its comfort above 15 pounds would vary between users.

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Gregory says the Kiro packs fit torsos from 16 to 21 inches/40.6 to 53.3 centimeters and waists from 28 to 48 inches/71.1 to 121.9 centimeters. The waist measure seems accurate, and the pack fit my 18-inch/45.7-centimeter torso well; and my daughter, with a torso around 16 inches/40.6 centimeters, had no complaints on our big day hiking Borah Peak. Again, if you get this pack mostly for moderate dayhiking loads, the one unisex size will probably perform fine for many hikers whose torso length is not at either end of that fit range.

A clamshell zipper enables rapid access to the main compartment—supremely convenient and, I think, a smart design for a hiking daypack in this capacity and weight class. The pack’s 24-liter/1,465-cubic-inch capacity easily fit all the food and layers I needed for an October hike in the Sawtooths, where the temperature was 19° F when we started out and we had warm sunshine for most of the day.

The four external pockets are fewer than many daypacks of comparable capacity and weight, but the clamshell zipper access reduces the need for outside pockets, and the four on the Kiro are strategically placed and designed.

 

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The stretch-mesh front drop-in pocket has space for a jacket and other items. The stretch-mesh left side pocket holds a liter bottle, although it’s not easy to reach into that pocket while wearing the pack. The zippered top pocket is good for smaller items like keys and a hard case for sunglasses. The zippered right-side pocket provides additional secure external storage for electronics, gloves, hat, snacks, etc.—but short of having a double-jointed shoulder, it’s not possible to reach that pocket’s vertical zipper while wearing the pack.

That spotlights the only demerit regarding external pockets: With no hipbelt pockets, there’s just one pocket marginally within reach while wearing the pack.

The pack body is made with 210-denier, high-density, 37 percent recycled nylon and the bottom with 420-denier, high-density, 40 percent recycled nylon, all with a zero-fluorocarbon DWR (durable, water-resistant coating) and no PFAS.

As usual, Gregory is strong on the little details. The internal hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hanger is compatible with Gregory’s Hydro reservoirs (reservoir not included). Custom-molded ring zipper pulls are easy to grab wearing gloves. There’s also good side compression to reduce the pack when underfilled and trekking pole attachments on the front. Other models in the series are the Kiro 20L and Kiro 28L.

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Gregory Kiro 24L

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

With a unique, very stretchy hipbelt and easy access, the Gregory Kiro 24L stands out as an ideal daypack for a wide range of hikes—light enough for short outings and with adequate space and weight capacity for all-day hikes.

4

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Gregory Kiro 24L or another Kiro model at backcountry.com, rei.com, or gregory.com.

See my picks for “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks” and my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks) and all reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

You may also be interested in my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles,” and my story “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” which you can read in its entirety with a paid subscription to The Big Outside or click here to purchase separately.

NOTE: I reviewed gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite, Grand Teton,
and other parks using my expert e-books.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-kiro-24l-daypack/feed/ 0 68624 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-makalu-fx-carbon-folding-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-makalu-fx-carbon-folding-trekking-poles/#respond Tue, 16 Sep 2025 21:10:42 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=68209 Read on

]]> Trekking Poles
Leki Makalu FX Carbon Poles
$230, 1 lb. 1.9 oz./508g (per pair)
One size, adjustable 110-130cm/43.3-51.2 ins.
backcountry.com

What qualities are you looking for in trekking poles? How about good adjustability, packability, durability, comfort, reliability, and especially versatility? Those adjectives all describe the Leki Makalu FX Carbon folding poles—which I increasingly found myself reaching for when choosing poles for backpacking trips in places as rugged as the Wind River Range, High Sierra, Canadian Rockies, High Uintas, and more. In fact, I can point to just one drawback to them—although in this case, I question whether it can even be called that.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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I’ve used the Makalu FX Carbon poles on a six-day, 64-mile hike through the Wind River Range with an ultralight tent that pitches with trekking poles, and a previous five-day, 43-mile hike in the Winds; a four-day, 38-mile backpacking trip in Idaho’s Sawtooths, including several miles of off-trail hiking that involved a fair bit of large, loose talus and scree; a nine-day hike of nearly 130 miles through the High Sierra, mostly on the John Muir Trail with some off-trail detours off it, starting with 18 pounds of food and a pack tipping a bit over 40 pounds; a four-day, 60-mile hike in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness; three-day hikes on both the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park and the Nigel, Cataract, and Cline Passes Route in the Canadian Rockies, plus dayhikes in those parks; and on three-day backpacking trips on a section of the Arizona Trail and in Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon.

For starters, these adjustable, three-section, folding poles extend to a length range that will accommodate most users: 110 to 130 centimeters/43.3 to 51.2 inches. Length adjusts using a simple push-button mechanism to release tension on the pole and Speedlock 2 Plus lever locks that never failed, even in rugged terrain. The lever’s tension easily adjusts by turning a tiny dial with your fingers, no tool required.

Plus, their max length of 130 centimeters make them usable with many tents that pitch with trekking poles—and that is not the case with many trekking poles, which either are not long enough for those tents (which usually require a pole that reaches 130 to 135 centimeters), or they come in different adjustable sizes, with no size that accommodates both shorter or even average-height hikers and tents that pitch with trekking poles. I pitched my ultralight Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1 using these poles for five nights in the Winds and it remained very stable in strong gusts some evenings.

The collapsed length of 40 centimeters/15.7 inches ranks them only slightly longer than the most packable folding poles (which are all far more packable than telescoping poles). That means you can attach them to the outside of any backpacking pack or daypack without them getting in the way and they readily fit even in carry-on luggage.

Plan your next great backpacking trip on the Wonderland Trail, Teton Crest Trail,
in Yosemite and other parks using my expert e-books.

The weight of the Makalu FX Carbon—17.9 ounces/508 grams per pair—places them in a category with the heaviest hiking poles. But they are more durable than lighter poles, a selling point in rocky terrain and to backpackers who use trekking-pole tents. Backpacking in Idaho’s Sawtooths, I leaned hard on these poles during an off-trail crossing of a steep slope consisting of large, loose talus and scree, and they didn’t fail me. Also, the carbon shafts strike a balance between good durability while maintaining a lower weight than would be the case with aluminum (which is generally more durable).

Plus, the Makalu FX Carbon have such comfortable, extended Aergon Air foam grips—thanks in part to the oversized head (or top) of the pole, very helpful on steep and/or long descents—that they swing easily and seem to feel lighter than they are. I don’t think ultralight backpackers and hikers would be disappointed with these sticks (though I wouldn’t recommend them to mountain runners—too heavy for that). They also have easily adjustable wrist straps.

Lastly, a key point: Precious few folding poles—all sharing the advantage of being very packable—possess the adjustability to serve the needs of a wide range of user sizes and can be used with trekking-pole tents. Lighter folding poles may be more susceptible to breaking.

These poles also have the usual carbide tips found on all high-quality trekking poles.

The aluminum Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles weigh exactly the same as the Makalu FX Carbon Folding, but have a collapsible/telescoping design and cost $70 less.

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Leki Makalu FX Carbon Trekking Poles

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

While they’re among the heavier trekking poles out there, the Leki Makalu FX Carbon poles achieve a rare degree of versatility by combining the excellent packability of folding poles with an adjustability range that suits many users and the durability and length for using with trekking-pole tents. For that, these poles will appeal to a variety of backpackers, dayhikers, climbers, and others.

4.2

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Leki Makalu FX Carbon trekking poles at backcountry.com or lekiusa.com.

See my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

I’ve helped many readers plan unforgettable backpacking and hiking trips.
Want my help with yours? Click here now.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my stories “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-book versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-book!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-makalu-fx-carbon-folding-trekking-poles/feed/ 0 68209 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-makalu-cork-lite-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-makalu-cork-lite-trekking-poles/#respond Sat, 16 Aug 2025 13:57:03 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=67983 Read on

]]> Trekking Poles
Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles
$160, 1 lb. 1.9 oz./508g (per pair)
One size, adjustable 100-135cm/39.4-53 ins.
backcountry.com

The first detail to catch your attention with the Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles is likely going to be the price—it’s significantly lower than many leading models of hiking poles. But look deeper into the specs and these poles grow more appealing, including a broad range of adjustability and very good durability. From hiking Idaho’s highest peak and in my local foothills to dayhikes and backpacking in southern Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park and Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon, these poles performed and held up in ways that convinced me they may be the best value in trekking poles today.

Borah Peak, Idaho’s high point at 12,662 feet, put these poles to the test as much as my legs: The standard route ascends 5,262 feet in 4.1 miles from trailhead to summit (8.2 miles up and down), or almost 1,300 feet per mile, a relentlessly steep hike where I leaned hard on these poles going uphill and on the endless, quad-pounding descent. I used them on a very similar two-lap training hike of a favorite hike in my local Boise Foothills called Cervidae Peak, where the trail ascends about 2,000 vertical feet in just 2.2 miles; two laps made it about 8.5 miles and nearly 4,000 feet, and I had no slips on the steep descents of pebbly and sandy trail.

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I also used these poles on a 10-mile dayhike in Capitol Reef National Park (Grand Wash, Frying Pan Trail, Cohab Canyon) and an overnight backpacking trip in Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon, starting with about 40 pounds, including eight liters (17 pounds) of water.

For starters, these three-section, telescoping/collapsible poles extend to as broad a range of lengths for hiking as you will find in trekking poles: 100 to 135 centimeters/39.4 to 53 inches—accommodating virtually every user from adults well over six feet tall to young kids because the poles are useable even when adjusted shorter than 100 centimeters.

Plus, they are long enough to use with tents that pitch with trekking poles, which is not the case with many trekking poles, which either are not long enough for those tents (which usually require a pole that extends to 130 to 135 centimeters), or come in different adjustable sizes, with no size that accommodates both shorter or even average-height hikers and tents that pitch with trekking poles.

Plan your next great backpacking trip on the Wonderland Trail, Teton Crest Trail,
in Yosemite or other parks using my expert e-books.

The SpeedLock+ adjustment levers have proved very reliable, never slipping on me, even on long, steep descents like Borah Peak, and the tension on them is easily adjusted using fingers—no tool required (as with some other poles, which has always struck me as an annoying and unnecessary design shortcoming).

The Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles have two weak points. First, the collapsed length of 67 centimeters/26.4 inches ranks them among the longest telescoping poles when packed (which are much less packable than folding poles). Still, you can attach them to the outside of a backpacking pack without them getting in the way; and you can certainly throw them onto a daypack, but they will simply stick out above the top of most daypacks.

Second, their weight of 17.9 ounces/508 grams per pair ranks them among the heaviest hiking poles—but that also translates to high durability, thanks to the all-aluminum shafts.

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While these poles aren’t the likely choice of ultralight backpackers or dayhikers, that weight isn’t really a deal-breaker for many typical backpackers, hikers, and others.

Lastly, the ergonomic, Aergon Air Thermo cork grips feel comfortable, including the large knob on top for resting palms on when going downhill, and foam grips extend down the upper shaft, ideal for ascending very steep trails, off-trail terrain, or backcountry touring. The easily adjustable nylon straps are comfortable on my wrists for hours and the poles have the usual carbide tips found on all high-quality trekking poles.

I’ve helped many readers plan unforgettable backpacking and hiking trips.
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Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

Although not very packable and a bit heavy, the Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles have a broad and versatile range of adjustability, excellent durability—and a highly competitive price compared with many of the best models, making them an appealing choice for backpackers, dayhikers, climbers, and other users.

4.1

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles at backcountry.com, lekiusa.com, or rei.com.

See my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my stories “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-book versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-book!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-makalu-cork-lite-trekking-poles/feed/ 0 67983 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-ac-lite-16-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-ac-lite-16-daypack/#respond Wed, 06 Aug 2025 23:52:12 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=67934 Read on

]]> Daypack
Deuter AC Lite 16
$100, 16L/976 c.i., 1 lb. 14.7 oz./870g
One non-adjustable size in men’s and SL/women’s models
summithut.com

On dayhikes of up to several miles, including a hike up and down the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park and a peak in my local foothills with 2,000 feet of vertical in just over two miles, I found Deuter’s AC Lite 16 quite comfortable with the type of loads that many dayhikers do not exceed. Plus, this daypack has a design and basic feature set that will please many hikers as much as its price.

One of the latest versions in Deuter’s AC Lite series, at under two pounds, the AC Lite 16 is a middleweight among daypacks that offer the support for carrying up to about 15 pounds/6.8 kilos comfortably, thanks to a spring steel perimeter frame that gives the pack some rigidity and helps transfer most of the weight to your hips.

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The AC Lite packs stand out most distinctively for Deuter’s Aircomfort harness and suspension, which features a pronounced curve that creates enough separation to slip a fist in between the tensioned trampoline-style back panel and the back side of the pack bag. That’s about as much ventilation as you’ll find in a daypack, maximizing air flow over a sweaty back.

Deuter makes each of the AC Lite packs in just one fixed, non-adjustable size, designed to fit torsos measuring 17 to 21 inches/44-54 centimeters, and one size each in the AC Lite SL, built for torsos measuring 15 to 19 inches/38-48 centimeters—ostensibly for women, although some men will find a better fit in an SL and some women will be better off with a standard AC Lite pack. With an 18-inch torso, 38-inch chest, and 30-inch waist, I found the AC Lite 16 fits me well, even though I might wear a small or medium pack from other brands. Short story: The fit is determined by your torso size, not your gender.

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This top-loading pack’s main compartment closes with a drawcord and a one-buckle lid. The tradeoff of daypacks with a curved shaped to the frame is that it takes a bit of a bite out of the interior space. I found that using a two-liter bladder in the AC Lite 16—what it’s designed for—still leaves good space in the main compartment for what most hikers need on most dayhikes: Besides two liters of water, I fit all the food and layers I needed for hiking several miles up and down Zion’s West Rim Trail on a cloudy, cool, windy day, which delivered rain showers (as expected) on my descent, as well as my DSLR camera. But when I squeezed a full three-liter bladder inside—which barely fit in the bladder sleeve—that greatly limited cargo space in the main compartment.

The takeaway: The AC Lite 16 is designed for light outings that do not require a combination of three liters of water plus extra food and clothing or other gear. If you need ample space, size up to Deuter’s AC Lite 24 or AC Lite 22 SL.

The minimalist design features just three exterior pockets: a zippered lid pocket, a stretch-mesh side pocket large enough to fit a liter bottle, plus a zippered pocket on the other side that Deuter calls a cell phone pocket but can obviously be used for other small items. I like that you can reach those side pockets while wearing the pack. There’s another zippered pocket under the lid. But the AC Lite packs lack a front stuff pocket, hipbelt pockets, and side compression straps.

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There are convenient gear loops for attaching trekking poles to the outside of the pack and docking loops on the front to accommodate a mesh helmet holder (sold separately) for cyclists/bike commuters. The included detachable rain cover kept my pack’s contents dry through the rain showers in Zion.

The 210-denier polyamide fabric in the pack body and highly durable 600-denier polyester fabric in the bottom are abrasion-resistant, 50 percent recycled, and Bluesign approved.

Other models in the series are the AC Lite 24, AC Lite 14 SL and 22 SL, and the AC Lite 24 and 22 SL Hydro, which both come with a two-liter bladder.

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Deuter AC Lite 16

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

While there are lighter daypacks that carry as much weight comfortably and have more features, The Deuter AC Lite 16 and AC Lite 14 SL will appeal to many dayhikers who want a pack with quick access, superior ventilation, comfort, and durability, and don’t require high capacity.

4

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Deuter AC Lite 23, AC Lite 21 SL, or another AC Lite model at summithut.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See my picks for “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks” and my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks) and all reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

You may also be interested in my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles,” and my story “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” which you can read in its entirety with a paid subscription to The Big Outside or click here to purchase separately.

NOTE: I reviewed gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite, Grand Teton,
and other parks using my expert e-books.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-ac-lite-16-daypack/feed/ 0 67934 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-terravia-28l-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-terravia-28l-daypack/#respond Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:54:38 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=67808 Read on

]]> Daypack
Patagonia Terravia 28L
$169, 28L/1,770 c.i., 1 lb. 10 oz./737.1g (medium)
Sizes: unisex S-L
backcountry.com

On dayhikes from Capitol Reef National Park to bagging Borah Peak, Idaho’s highest, Patagonia’s Terravia 28L stood out for having the capacity for longer outings, along with good access and durability, while weighing just over 1.5 pounds—a level of capacity and versatility not often seen at that weight.

I carried the Terravia 28L starting out with about 16 pounds inside on a more than eight-mile, nearly 5,300-vertical-foot dayhike of Idaho’s highest peak, 12,662-foot Borah Peak, which is steep much of the way and involves some third-class scrambling. I also carried this pack starting with 12 pounds inside on a 10-mile dayhike in Capitol Reef National Park from Grand Wash to the bottom of Cohab Canyon via the Frying Pan Trail (one of several outstanding dayhikes in a park that gets overlooked by many hikers and national park lovers).

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Most distinctive about the 28-liter/1,770-cubic-inch Terravia is that it has the capacity for all-day outings where you need extra layers, water, food, and gear—an unusual amount of volume and versatility for a pack that weighs just one pound, 10 ounces/737.1 grams (medium). Hiking Borah Peak on a windy and cool mid-July day, I packed a sun shirt, light insulation, a wind shell, pants (and wore all but the insulated pullover on the upper mountain), and a bulky fleece for my partner, and started with three liters of water plus a few energy bars inside the Terravia 28L—and I still had space to spare in the main compartment.

When trimming weight from a pack’s design, the obvious place to accomplish that is where most of a pack’s weight (empty) resides: in the frame that provides support for carrying weight. That explains the major compromise in the Terravia series.

With just a simple, foam back pad/framesheet that’s flexible enough to fold the pack in half like a slice of bread, the Terravia lacks a rigid frame or stiffeners in the hipbelt to provide structural support for carrying 20 pounds/9.1 kilos or more—the kind of weight that is common for many 28-liter daypacks, which are also heavier.

For many hikers, the Terravia 28L will comfortably carry about 15 pounds/6.8 kilos. While strong hikers could certainly carry more than 15 pounds comfortably enough—and 16 pounds felt absolutely fine to me, in part because the wide hipbelt and harness design help distribute most of the weight onto the hips—the lack of rigidity in the suspension system results in the pack’s weight hanging off your shoulders more noticeably, and growing uncomfortable, as it approaches 20 pounds/9.1 kilos.

But that design also keeps the pack light and makes it more packable—and, seeing it through a different lens, a nice size for a carry-on bag when flying.

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The breathable, perforated mesh back panel, shoulder straps and hipbelt, made from 100 percent recycled polyester, helped release moisture and cool my back when working up a sweat hiking in Capitol Reef on a sunny and hot day in April.

Organization is quite good for a pack this light. Access to the main compartment is via a somewhat unique cinch closure employing a drawcord that closes that compartment and pulls the lid down over its mouth, with a small, metal hook fed through a fabric loop on the lid’s front side to hold the lid in place. While I find the design easy to use—no buckles to deal with, resulting in very quick access to the inside—and functional, I also found that the metal hook easily slips out of the fabric loop whenever the pack is underfilled (whereas a full pack creates tension that holds that hook in the loop). That’s hardly noticeable and doesn’t create a problems, other than sometimes exposing the small hole of the main compartment’s mouth when it’s cinched shut. But an integrated rain cover that deploys quickly from a pocket on the pack’s bottom eliminates any concern about pack contents being exposed to precipitation.

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The Terravia sports an exterior, six-pocket setup that’s become virtually the default system in lighter daypacks and ultralight backpacks. Two zippered hipbelt pockets, each spacious enough for a smartphone and one or two bars, and two stretch-mesh side pockets that swallow a liter bottle and that I can reach into while wearing the pack, offer quick access to snacks and small items; I kept bars and my Garmin inReach Mini 2 in the hipbelt pockets. A large front stuff pocket easily holds a wet rain shell. And the zippered lid pocket similarly can fit a headlamp, gloves, hat, and sunglasses case with room to spare.

Even on the longest, most rigorous, done-in-a-day adventures that require being prepared for any weather, the Terravia has abundant capacity for holding everything you want to keep within reach while moving.

The only other exterior feature is attachments for trekking poles, which enabled me to tuck those away quickly when I had to use my hands scrambling on Borah Peak.

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Other than the vulnerability to tears in the mesh side pockets—common in daypacks—the Terravia is built for hard use while keeping a focus on low weight, with 70-denier nylon ripstop in the pack’s body and 200-denier in the lining, all derived from 100 percent recycled material, plus a PU coating and PFC-free DWR (durable, water-repellant) treatment.

The Terravia’s three unisex sizes fit a wide range of users with torsos measuring between 14 and 21 inches, according to Patagonia (and my 18-inch torso falls near the middle of the fit range for the medium pack, so it naturally fit me quite well). While there’s no women’s-specific sizing, that matters less in a daypack, especially one not intended for heavier dayhiking loads.

Patagonia also offers the Terravia 14L, Terravia 22L, and Terravia 36L—and in some respects, the Terravia’s design makes the most sense in the 14L and 22L packs because most users would have no intention of loading more than about 15 pounds in daypacks that size.

Patagonia Terravia 28L

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

While it’s not really designed for carrying loads of much more than 15 pounds/6.8 kilos—or for some hikers, perhaps up to 20 pounds/9.1 kilos—the Patagonia Terravia 28L offers a simple, lightweight design with plenty of capacity and good organization for dayhikes of any length in any weather.

4.2

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Patagonia Terravia 28L at backcountry.com or patagonia.com, or other Terravia versions at backcountry.com, patagonia.com, or rei.com.

See my picks for “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks” and my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks) and all reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite, Grand Teton,
and other parks using my expert e-books.

You may also be interested in my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles,” and my story “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” which you can read in its entirety with a paid subscription to The Big Outside or click here to purchase separately.

NOTE: I reviewed gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-terravia-28l-daypack/feed/ 0 67808 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-sun-shirts/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-sun-shirts/#comments Sat, 14 Jun 2025 09:04:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=40207 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

Whether backpacking, dayhiking, climbing, trail running, fishing, paddling, or active outdoors in myriad other ways, sun protection becomes critical not only for preventing skin cancer, but also because the hot sun can wear you down and exacerbate the effects of heat, elevation, and dehydration—especially in the mountains and desert.

While there are a variety of styles of sun shirts, for active pursuits in warm to hot temperatures, nothing really beats a lightweight, breathable hoody for maximum protection and keeping you cool—while adding minimal weight and bulk to your kit. This review spotlights the best sun shirt hoodies.

I’ve tested these hoodies dayhiking, trail running, rock climbing, paddling rivers, backcountry skiing in spring, and on backpacking trips from trails around Idaho to Zion, the Teton Crest Trail and John Muir Trail, the Grand Canyon and Wind River Range, Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon and a section of the Arizona Trail, the High Uintas Wilderness and Ruby Crest Trail, Idaho’s Sawtooths, and many other places where the sun sometimes gets too hot. While they are designed to keep you cool under hot sun, the hoods can provide just the right amount of added warmth when moving in cool temps and wind, too.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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My experience includes over three decades of hiking, backpacking, climbing, trail running, and backcountry skiing, and more than a quarter-century of testing and reviewing outdoors gear and apparel as a past lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog.

Whatever your modes of play outdoors, I think you’ll find one of these sun hoodies ideal for you—plus you’ll find some at good prices now and links to online retailers below. The reviews are arranged from lightest to heaviest. Purchasing one of these hoodies through any affiliate link below supports my work on this blog (without costing you more). Thanks for that.

If you have a question for me or a comment on this review, please make it in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Two Most Breathable

Himali Eclipse Sun Hoodie
$90, 4 oz./113.4g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
himali.com

Nothing like honest-to-goodness New England humidity to test base layers. I sweated hard into the Eclipse Sun Hoodie hiking up steep, rocky trails on a two-day, 21-mile hut trek in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range, with about 6,000 cumulative feet of elevation gain and loss each day, and this shirt dried quickly and remained comfortable once we reached the breezy mountain tops.

I also wore it on trail runs up to 10 miles in my local foothills on sunny days in the high 70s F; on a nearly eight-mile dayhike to Lake Agnes and the Plain of the Six Glaciers in Canada’s Banff National Park on a hot, sunny afternoon; a six-day April backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon, with temps from the 40s to 80s F; and under a fleece layer for several hours of spring backcountry skiing in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, with temps from around freezing to the mid-30s and a hot sun reflecting off snow; after getting damp with sweat skinning uphill, the light, the wicking fabric dried quickly under a breathable shell jacket when skiing downhill.

The hood’s ideal depth provides good face shading without drooping over my eyes; it fits over a billed cap, never blew off my head, and kept me cooler in hot sun. The UPF 20 rating, while lower than that of heavier sun shirts, still means the fabric blocks 95 percent of UV light. The enveloping pocket, with an overlapping-flap closure, is good for a key or other small, light item, but a phone doesn’t fit and would be too heavy and bounce around.

Best For: The uber-light, fast-drying Himali Riverstone Eclipse Sun Hoodie is best for high-exertion activities like trail running and hiking in hot temps.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Himali Eclipse Sun Hoodie at himali.com or a women’s Himali Eclipse Sun Hoodie at himali.com. Readers of The Big Outside get an exclusive 10 percent off any Himali purchase by using the discount code THEBIGOUTSIDE.

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Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
$85, 4.5 oz./127.6g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XXS-XL
backcountry.com

While there’s no better sun protection than covering your skin, some sun shirts get too warm when you’re exerting in hot temps. Enter OR’s Echo Hoodie. I’ve worn it while backpacking in sweltering heat in the Grand Canyon, in warm sunshine dayhiking in Zion National Park, rock climbing under a hot sun in Idaho’s City of Rocks, on trails runs in intense sunshine—and on a 21-mile, 11,000-vertical-foot, one-day, rim-to-rim run-hike across the Grand Canyon.

It’s one of the coolest and fastest-drying sun shirts I’ve used, thanks to the super light, fast-wicking 100 percent recycled mesh polyester fabric with AirVent moisture management. The hood fits snugly around your head (and under a helmet). The flat-seam construction feels smooth under pack shoulder straps and thumb holes hold the cuffs over your hands for added sun protection. Plus, the fabric is treated to prevent odors. (The collar drawstrings shown in the above photo have been eliminated from the hoody’s latest version.)

While the UPF 15 rating isn’t nearly as protective as some thicker sun shirts, those other sun shirts are also too warm for high exertion in hot sun and temps.

Best For: The ultralight, fast-drying Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is best for high-exertion activities like trail running and hiking in hot temps.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Echo Hoody at backcountry.com, outdoorresearch.com, or rei.com.

Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite, Grand Teton,
and other parks using my expert e-books.

Two Light and Versatile Hoodies

Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Hoody
$79, 5.5 oz./155.9g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Wearing it under a hot sun from rock climbing and hiking with heavy climbing packs in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and City of Rocks National Reserve to backpacking Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness, Nevada’s Ruby Crest Trail, a five-day, late-summer hike in the Wind River Range, and on August hike on the 96-mile Wind River High Route, plus kayaking the whitewater of Idaho’s Payette River under a hot August sun, the Crater Lake Hoody kept me cool and comfortable even with the hood up much of the time.

Among the lightest hoodies on this list, its polyester and elastane fabric feels lighter than most and smooth and soft against skin. It also wicks moisture quickly: Hiking with a pack loaded with climbing gear under a hot sun, I sweated but the shirt never got very wet. With very stretchy fabric, this shirt fits closely and yet easily pulls over a short-sleeve base layer, and one of the deepest hoods on this list stays put even in strong wind—and helps this sun shirt protect me from annoying mosquitoes, as it did on a buggy, six-day backpacking trip in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness in mid-July. A UPF 50+ rating translates to maximum sun protection—impressive for this light fabric.

Arm gussets and dropped shoulders allow for maximum range of motion when reaching high while climbing. The men’s version has thumbholes at the cuffs and the women’s has drawcord ties at the hem.

Best For: Light, quick to dry, with great fit and comfort, ultimate sun protection, and a deep hood, the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Hoody offers great versatility for almost any activity in warm to hot temps.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Hoody at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Planning your next big adventure? See “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips”
and “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes.”

Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie
$115, 5.6 oz./159g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-3XL, women’s XS-2XL
backcountry.com

From hiking and rock climbing at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve in June, in the hot sun at times and temperatures ranging from the 50s with light wind to the 80s Fahrenheit, to trail runs of up to 15 miles, often with 2,000 feet of uphill and downhill under a hot sun at the City of Rocks and in my local foothills, I found OR’s Astroman Air Sun Hoodie comfortable in a wide range of conditions from warm to hot.

The lightweight and nicely breathable, 84 percent nylon and 16 percent Spandex stretch fabric hardly got damp even though I sweated a lot on long uphill climbs running trails and it dried quickly; it remained comfortable with the hood up running uphill under a warm sun, including on a 15-mile run on a day when the temp reached around 80. The Astroman is three ounces lighter than the one other sun shirt in this review that has a deep, venting front zipper (the Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody, below). The loose-fitting hood fits comfortably under a helmet and allows more cooling airflow when it’s up—preferable in a hoodie made for warm to hot temps—and it stays on my head when running into a slight breeze only with the front zipper closed nearly to the top.

The hoodie carries a UPF rating of 30 in the light colors and 50+ in the dark colors—which are, of course, warmer on sunny days, for better or worse. The zippered chest pocket is more than large enough for a smartphone.

Best For: Light, quick drying, with nice fit and comfort, a deep hood, and solid sun protection, the Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie offers excellent versatility for almost any activity, including dayhiking, backpacking, climbing, and fishing, in warm to hot temps.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie at backcountry.com, outdoorresearch.com, or rei.com.

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Soft and Affordable

Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody
$69, 6 oz./170.1g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-3XL, women’s XS-2XL
patagonia.com

On back-to-back, 21-mile and 23.5-mile, rim-to-rim dayhikes across the Grand Canyon over two days in October, and on a six-day backpacking trip elsewhere in the Grand Canyon, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody protected me from the relentlessly oppressive sun and kept me cool in temps into the 70s Fahrenheit.

The 100 percent recycled, loose-fitting, stretchy polyester fabric moved with my body, got damp but never wet with sweat, and stayed cool with the hood up when I hiked under a hot sun in the Grand Canyon. The hood shades your face and has a loose fit that causes it to get pulled off your head in moderate wind. But it doesn’t, of course, get blown off when under a climbing helmet or any kind of hat. Patagonia originally rated the Cool Daily Hoody UPF 50+ but has since reported that testing confirmed a UPF range of 17 to 45, averaging 34 UPF, and announced a recall of specific products. The sun shirt still blocks UV rays: A garment rated UPF 17 blocks 92 percent of UV.

The minimal seams reduce rubbing and chafing and the Polygiene odor control keeps the stink at bay. While it got a bit too warm when I was hiking uphill in temps in the 70s, especially with the hood up, it’s good for hiking in mild temps, and certainly for climbing, fishing, and paddling.

Best For: A super all-around sun shirt, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody and Patagonia Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Daily Shirt ($49) have the versatility and comfort for everything from dayhiking and backpacking to climbing and fishing.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody or Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt at backcountry.com, patagonia.com, or rei.com.

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A Versatile Sun Hoody

Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen Hoodie
$80, 7 oz./198.4g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
hellyhansen.com

Wearing the Solen Hoodie on local hikes and rock climbing at Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park under a hot spring sun, I immediately loved the athletic yet free-moving fit—especially the hood, which may have the best, closest fit of them all, moving with my turning head and staying in place even in wind, although that also prevents moving air from cooling your head.

The Solen’s stretch Lifa fabric wicks moisture away, dries very quickly, and feels comfortable alone or over a short-sleeve T-shirt in a wide range of temps, from cool and windy to sunny in the 70s; I only found it too warm when the thermometer bumped into the upper 70s. Conversely, because it’s a little heavier than many other sun shirts, it blocks cool wind a little better than lighter models and has proved itself on days of spring skiing under a warm sun in Utah’s Wasatch Range.

With a UPF 50+ rating, it delivers maximum sun protection. The fabric also resists building up a stink after multiple uses and launderings.

Best For: Slightly heavier and more durable than most sun shirts, and yet cool and comfortable, the Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen Hoodie offers superior comfort and a close-fitting hood for dayhiking, backpacking, climbing and other moderate-exertion activities in a wide range of temperatures.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen Hoodie at hellyhansen.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

Don’t Forget Anything Important!
See “An Essentials-Only Backpacking Gear Checklist.”

Best Overall

Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie
$95, 7.2 oz./204.1g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Picking a best overall sun hoodie admittedly seems dubious, given how similar they are. But I lived in this sun hoodie day after day on two trips that would prove or disprove the value of hot-weather layers like few environments can: for six sunny and hot days backpacking in the Grand Canyon in early April, in temps ranging from the 50s to the 80s F and rare shade, and backpacking nine days and about 130 miles, mostly on the John Muir Trail, under the wilting afternoon sun of the High Sierra in August. I also wore it under hot desert sun backpacking the three-day, 22-mile Boulder Mail Trail-Death Hollow Loop in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in early October and on several days of rock climbing and hiking around Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park in June, as well as other hot outings.

Although heavier than most, it’s one of the coolest and most comfortable. Carrying a backpack uphill under a blazing sun and temps in the 80s, I found the ActiveIce Hoodie comfortable enough to keep the hood up. The natural performance of the breathable, wicking, fast-drying, and stretchy 94 percent polyester fabric is amplified by the ActiveIce treatment, a USDA-certified biobased, vegetable oil-derived polymer that absorbs heat energy, producing a cooling sensation that continues as long as your body generates perspiration. OR reports the fabric cools by up to 5.4° F/3° C.

It’s rated UPF 50+—but just as critically, the shirt provides great coverage, with its deep hood that shades your face and long sleeves that don’t ride up when reaching overhead, plus thumb holes. The fit is comfortably loose and flat seams feel good under pack straps. Lastly, the heavier weight will likely prove more durable—especially for abusive activities like climbing.

Best For: Cool, comfortable, fast-drying and durable, with a nice hood, the Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie is ideal for dayhiking, backpacking, climbing, fishing, or paddling.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie at backcountry.com, outdoorresearch.com, or rei.com, and other ActiveIce apparel pieces at outdoorresearch.com.

Get the right gear for your trips. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
and “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents.”

Warm-to-Cool Weather Option

Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
$109, 7.5 oz./212.6g (men’s medium)
Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody
$149, 8.5 oz./241g (men’s medium)
Sizes (both): men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
blackdiamondequipment.com

From three full days backpacking a 36-mile traverse of the Teton Crest Trail in late August to backcountry skiing in under a hot spring sun reflected off the snow, and a 21-mile, 11,000-vertical-foot, one-day, rim-to-rim run-hike across the Grand Canyon (in temps that never got oppressively hot), the Alpenglow Hoody surprised me with how cool it feels for its weight, in temps as warm as the 60s Fahrenheit backpacking and the 70s hiking in the canyon. BD says the 87 percent polyester fabric reflects 71 percent of near-infrared rays and actually cools your skin.

The Alpenglow Pro kept me comfortable on various outings, including a seven-day, nearly 70-mile, mostly sunny backpacking trip in Glacier National Park; three days of backpacking the Skyline Trail in Canada’s Jasper National Park; dayhiking in Banff National Park, even under a hot sun hiking a steep 3,400 feet uphill on the Cory Pass-Edith Pass loop in Banff; and a weekend of rock climbing in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve, with moderate early-fall temps and warm sunshine.

On trail runs up to two hours in my local foothills on days when the temp climbed from the mid-50s in early morning into the 70s by the time I finished, with a blazing sun and virtually no shade, I liked opening the front quarter-zip to vent, although the light bouncing and wind generated by running is enough to push the hood off my head when the zipper is down because it leaves the collar wide open (not usually a problem when hiking). The hood stays up with the shirt zipped up. The 92 percent nylon stretch fabric never felt too warm for those temps even as I sweated heavily and is soft enough that I didn’t get any nipple irritation.

Both hoodies have a UPF 50+ rating for sun protection, a fit and sleeves that allow full range of motion for climbing, and odor-minimizing treatments. The Alpenglow’s loose-fitting hood fits under a helmet comfortably, while the Alpenglow Pro has an elasticized hood that fits over a helmet. Besides the quarter-zip, the Pro also adds underarm mesh panels, a concealed chest pocket, thumb loops, and an Empel environmentally friendly PFC-free water-repellant finish.

Best For: The BD Alpenglow Hoody and Alpenglow Pro Hoody are best suited to moderate- to high-exertion activities like trail running, hiking, and climbing in a range of temps from cool to warm but not excessive heat.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody or Alpenglow Pro Hoody at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See my picks for “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets,” “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks” and all reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-sun-shirts/feed/ 39 40207 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-micro-puff-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-micro-puff-hoody/#comments Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:02:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=28344 Ultralight Insulated Hooded Jacket
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
$329, 10 oz./283.5g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-3XL, women’s XXS-XXL
backcountry.com

Since getting my first Micro Puff Hoody when Patagonia rolled it out eight years ago, I have zipped into this lightweight, synthetic jacket in countless circumstances that include: sitting at campsites on cool, windy evenings and mornings while backpacking in the Wind River Range and on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim; wind blowing over 40 mph while belaying a climbing partner and in camp at Idaho’s City of Rocks; on winter days (wearing it under a shell) when skiing downhill in the backcountry; and at kids’ soccer games on blustery autumn and spring days.

Most recently, I wore the latest update of the Micro Puff Hoody on three mornings in the 40s Fahrenheit on an August backpacking trip in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains; and three mornings and evenings in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit, with strong wind at times, on a late March backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon—affirming again that it remains one of the lightest and most versatile insulated jackets on the market, and remarkably warm for its weight.

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The water-resistant, 65g PlumaFill synthetic insulation, made entirely from recycled polyester, doesn’t loft quite like high-quality down feathers, but it approaches the warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility of 800-fill down. It accomplishes that by essentially mimicking the structure of down in a continuous synthetic material. That gives it the warmth and packability of down, while retaining synthetic insulation’s advantage of continuing to trap heat when wet (traditionally the Achilles heel of down feathers, although there are now highly water-resistant forms of down insulation). The quilted construction, resembling a down jacket, helps to maximize the insulation’s heat retention and prevent it from migrating, which could create cold spots.

Plan your next great backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail, Wonderland Trail,
in Yosemite or other parks using my expert e-books.

 

The Micro Puff’s hood delivers an almost surprising boost of warmth, given how light it looks. Although not adjustable—again, every element of the design aims to minimize weight—the hood’s elasticized, under-the-helmet design clings snugly around your face, moving with you as you turn your head even with the front zipper fully open. The elasticized cuffs and hem similarly seal tightly enough to keep drafts out.

The regular fit is true to size and, for me, at five feet, eight inches and 155 pounds, it allows one or two light to midweight base layers and a light insulation piece underneath. Thelength extends well below the waist, another warmth-boosting detail that’s nice to find in an insulated jacket this light.

The ultralight 10-denier Pertex Quantum shell—made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop from recycled fishing nets (reducing ocean plastic pollution)—is water-resistant, windproof and treated with a DWR (durable, water-repellent coating) that contains no PFC or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often called “forever” chemicals).

When I’ve worn the hoody in light rain, letting the shell get damp to see what would happen, the fabric appeared to either keep the insulation dry or at least prevent it from getting damp enough to have any noticeable impact on warmth.

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The two zippered hand pockets warm up cold digits, and the jacket stuffs easily into the left pocket, packing down to a good size for a backpacking pillow. Two internal drop-in pockets are convenient for stashing items you want to keep warm or dry, like gloves. While lightweight, the front zipper appears durable—I’ve never seen one break, but again, a little extra care isn’t a bad idea.

We all want lighter gear—but only when it performs well. Beyond broad differences in amount and type of insulation, which dictates the temperatures and conditions they’re made for, many insulated jackets are similar. The models that break new ground do so in how much warmth they deliver relative to their weight and bulk. That’s what Patagonia has achieved with the Micro Puff Hoody.

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The Verdict

Whether you’re a backpacker or climber trying to trim ounces in pack weight without compromising on performance in your layering system, or you simply want one of the lightest, most packable, water-resistant puffy jackets for late spring through early fall, the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody ranks among the very best.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody or other Micro Puff models at backcountry.com or patagonia.com.

See my picks for “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” which includes synthetic models like the Micro Puff, and all reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I reviewed gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-micro-puff-hoody/feed/ 3 28344 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/why-and-when-to-spend-more-on-outdoor-gear/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/why-and-when-to-spend-more-on-outdoor-gear/#comments Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=16677 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

You need a new backpack, backpacking tent, rain jacket, boots, or a sleeping bag. You’ve read reviews. You’ve winnowed your short list to a handful of possible choices—with a significant difference in prices. That’s when you struggle with the question that pushes the frugality button in all of us: Why should I spend more?

This story will explain why some gear is more expensive and give you specific advice on buying five big-ticket items: packs, tents, rain jackets, shoes and boots, and sleeping bags.

Over the past three decades of reviewing gear, including the 10 years I spent as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog, I’ve learned what separates the expensive from the moderately priced from the cheap.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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Should you always spend more? Certainly not, and this story will explain why and when it’s worth spending more and when it’s not. The insights below will help you make smarter buying choices, stretch your gear budget farther, and feel better about it when you do spend more. And my “10 Tips for Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear” shares specific strategies for saving money—even sometimes without compromising on quality.

Before you spend another dollar, read on.

Like many stories at The Big Outside, this one is partially free for anyone to read, but reading all of the tips below is an exclusive benefit of a paid subscription to The Big Outside.

Please share your thoughts on my tips or your own, best gear-buying advice in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

I’ve helped many readers plan unforgettable backpacking and hiking trips.
Want my help with yours? Click here now.

What Makes Some Gear Expensive?

•    Lightweight: Lighter gear is often more expensive because of the materials used, like wafer-thin but strong fabrics in jackets, tents, and (sometimes) packs, and carbon fiber or high-grade aluminum tent poles.
•    Construction: Superior workmanship, materials, and technologies raise the price tag. Expect to pay more for, say, cutting-edge waterproof-breathable membranes in jackets and footwear, boots with one-piece or full-grain leather uppers, a super comfortable backpack suspension available in multiple sizes to achieve an optimal fit, or lamination used instead of stitching in jackets and footwear. But that also translates to high-level performance and, often, improved durability—which can save you money in the long run.

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•    Special Features: You want a rain jacket hood that stays in place in strong wind and when you turn your head? A pack with multiple backpacker- or climber-friendly features? Shoes with sticky outsoles? Or a sleeping bag or down jacket with the lightest and warmest insulation? Open your wallet.
•    Durability: Sometimes a higher price tag equates with materials and construction that translate to greater durability, but not always. Some lightweight materials are very strong and some are not. Especially with big-ticket items that receive heavy wear and tear—your pack, tent, shoes, and rain shell—low weight is sometimes achieved through, for example, the use of thinner fabrics that will tear more easily, or zippers that are less burly and will break sooner. Find out why one product is lighter than another and choose based on whether you’re willing to swap durability for lower weight.

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Packs

Why They’re Pricey The top pack makers—whose backpacks and daypacks generally cost the most—compete with one another primarily to make the most comfortable packs to carry. Beyond that objective, they try to distinguish their products through specialization (packs for specific purposes like climbing, ultralight backpacking, distance trail running or ultra-hiking, etc.), and through features, weight, and certainly superior construction that results in greater durability.

When They’re Worth the Price How important is comfort on the trail to you? How important is weight? How about specific features? Yes, you can make do with a pack whose fit is imperfect or that lacks a supportive hipbelt, a zipper offering quick access to the main compartment, or convenient, external pockets on the hipbelt and elsewhere.

But if you hike a lot of miles, the hours spent wearing and using a pack add up.

As anyone who’s upgraded knows, once you have a backpack that’s comfortable and designed for the way you use it, you’ll never go back to an inferior pack.

Get the right pack for you. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks.”

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Gear up smartly for your trips.
See the best-in-category reviews and expert buying tips at The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page.

 

Why Spend More?

If you can’t afford more-expensive gear, just get cheap stuff and get outside. You’ll be fine. If you can afford better gear later, you’ll appreciate it that much more.

But if you’re an avid outdoorsperson and you can afford good gear, why settle for less?

No, price does not always correlate directly with quality—but it often does. Whenever a friend who can afford good gear asks for my advice, I always say that he or she would be foolish to buy cheap, because they don’t need to put up with inferior comfort or performance.

And ultimately, if you’re out regularly and buy good gear, the cost per day of use over the life of that gear will be low, more than justifying the enjoyment you gained from it.

See all reviews of backpacks, daypacks, backpacking tents, outdoor apparel, rain jackets, hiking shoes, backpacking boots, sleeping bags, down jackets and insulated jackets, and backpacking gear and hiking gear at The Big Outside, plus “5 Smart Steps to Lighten Your Backpacking Gear.”

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

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]]> By Michael Lanza

Let’s admit it: We don’t always take our base layers as seriously and we do our outerwear and insulation—or packs, tents, boots and other gear, for that matter. But this under-appreciated first stage in a layering system for the outdoors really sets the table for how comfortable you’ll be. Base layers that don’t perform well probably won’t kill you, but misery isn’t a good companion. This is what we wear against our skin. It matters.

After much testing from the trails to the mountains to the gym year-round, the long-sleeve tops, T-shirts, shorts, underwear, and socks reviewed here are the best I’ve found for dayhiking, backpacking, trail running, climbing, and training. And over the course of a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear, including the 10 years I spent as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog, I’ve learned how to distinguish the mediocre from the excellent.

Light- and medium-weight T-shirts and long-sleeve tops are the most versatile because you can layer them in a wider range of temperatures to keep you drier and cooler, but fabrics and design features of tops and shorts also affect their temperature range and the activities for which they’re comfortable.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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Please leave any comments or questions about my picks for best base layers in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments. And you can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by making purchases through the affiliate links below—where you’ll also often find the best prices. Thank you for doing that.

What You Need to Know About Synthetic Versus Wool

We all know that synthetic fabrics wick moisture and dry quickly, while wool keeps you warm even once it’s wet. My experience with dozens of base layers is that both types keep getting better. Modern synthetics are getting lighter and more efficient at moving moisture. I wear lightweight synthetic base layers for high-intensity activities in warm temperatures, and midweight synthetics for moderate-intensity activities in cool temps. But synthetics can get sweat-soaked (leaving you cold on cool days) and stinky after many days of wearing and multiple washings.

Wool—which today usually means Merino wool—keeps getting softer and more comfortable, and I find myself wearing it more often, for virtually any activity, in a wider range of conditions than I ever did before. It breathes as well as any fabric; doesn’t dry as quickly as synthetics, but keeps you warm, anyway; and the lightest wool base layers today dry out impressively quickly.

The biggest takeaway I’ve had with the newest Merino wool T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts is how effectively they resist developing odors: I’ve worn wool tops for three, four, even five days straight of sweaty hiking and workouts without them getting stinky—and most surprisingly, they remain comfortable to pull on day after day. But the lightest Merino wool tops aren’t always as durable as synthetics.

Today you can also find base layers that combine synthetic fabrics with wool—often Merino for its softness—to combine the strengths of both materials.

Most Versatile T-Shirts

Ortovox 120 Tec Clean T-shirt
$90, 3.7 oz./106g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL
backcountry.com

The Ortovox 120 Tec Clean T-shirt feels like it redefines how light and cool wool can feel when it’s hot—and how much use you can get from a super light base layer. I have worn it alone for five hours through an 11-mile, 4,200-foot dayhike in the White Mountains and both alone and under a warmer wool hoodie in cool, strong wind dayhiking in Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks and in cool to warm temps with wind at times on a three-day hike in southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons in early May—and in my sleeping bag every night. It was my base layer every evening in camp and in my bag on a six-day, mid-April backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon, and hiking about nine miles and over 3,000 feet up the Hermit Trail on that trip’s last day.

It kept me comfortable sweating hard going uphill and while it was damp when hiking downhill in temps in the 60s Fahrenheit in the Whites, and it prevented me from feeling chilled on sweaty local spring hikes and trail runs where a cool breeze mixed with warm sunshine, drying out remarkably quickly and remaining odor-free afterward, which is the reason I also like it against skin under a warm Merino hoodie for resort skiing. Made with 52 percent, very fine, 17.5-micron Merino wool, 33 percent Tencel cellulose fibers for their cooling effect in warm temps, and 15 percent polyamide, and corespun for durability, this T-shirt will serve you well for almost any activity year-round.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Ortovox 120 Tec Clean T-shirt at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
$45, 4.5 oz. (men’s medium)
backcountry.com
Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt
$79, 4 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s and women’s XS-XXL
patagonia.com

From local trail runs of up to 20 miles in temps from 60 to 80 degrees and cool, wet days of camping and rock climbing, to a five-day, 78-mile backpacking trip on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier, four days of variable weather on Nevada’s Ruby Crest Trail and five cool, sometimes very windy and snowy days trekking in June through Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains, Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Trail Shirt has proved its value on countless days for virtually any kind of activity.

I lived in this T-shirt—waking and sleeping hours—under other layers and sometimes alone for three straight days in the Picos. It has the soft, comfortable feel and fit of your favorite cotton tee. Its polyester fabric wicks moisture and dries remarkably quickly: I’d sweat through it while hiking or running uphill, feel an icy wind blowing through wet fabric against my skin; and next thing I knew, within minutes after reducing my exertion level, the T-shirt was dry again. And the Polygiene permanent odor control treatment has prevented it from getting a perma-stink after many workouts, hikes, runs, and launderings.

The Capilene Cool Merino Shirt has become another staple base layer for me because it marries the benefits of the Capilene Cool daily Shirt with those of soft Merino wool—the ability to retain warmth once wet plus odor-resistance—as I’ve confirmed while trekking hut to hut on Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail in cool, often windy and wet days in July; on hilly dayhikes up to 12 miles in warm to hot August temps and little shade; on a 10-mile, 3,600-foot dayhike of 4,700-foot Mount Carrigain in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, on a dry October day with temps in the 50s and 60s with light wind; and on numerous local hikes and workouts.

Made from 65 percent Merino wool and 35 percent recycled polyester, it kept me cool—especially once damp with sweat—until the temp climbed into the 80s Fahrenheit, when it started getting too warm. I also like it for gym workouts.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt or other Capilene Cool Trail tops at backcountry.com or patagonia.com, or a men’s or women’s Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt or other Capilene Cool Merino tops at patagonia.com.

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Ibex Merino Tencel Short Sleeve Tee
$80, 4.5 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
ibex.com

Working up a sweat on dayhikes of up to 11 miles in my local foothills—including up and down one trail that rises 2,000 vertical feet in 2.2 miles—in August temps ranging from the 50s into the 80s Fahrenheit, the Ibex Merino Tencel Short Sleeve Tee got damp but never felt too hot and dried more quickly than an all-wool T-shirt of the same, low weight would. I also lived in it, day and night, for five straight days backpacking almost 50 miles through Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness, in September temps ranging from the 40s to around 60° F, alone as well as under one or two layers—and it remained comfortable. I’ve also worn it through sweaty gym workouts and mountain biking.

It blends two natural performance fibers—Tencel, derived from sustainably grown eucalyptus, and Merino wool—imbuing the lightweight, 19.5-micron fabric with exceptional moisture wicking, temperature regulating, and antimicrobial properties. That means you stay cool and dry and the shirt resists getting stinky after two or three days of use—although it did get a little funky after five days of backpacking. Ibex reports that its manufacturing partners produce the fiber in a closed-loop system, recycling over 99 percent of water and solvents that extract cellulosic fibers from wood pulp.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Ibex Merino Tencel Short Sleeve Tee at ibex.com, or a women’s Ibex Merino Tencel Short Sleeve Tee at ibex.com.

For high-speed workouts in damp weather, get a breathable, ultralight wind shell.
See my reviews of the best ones.

Most Comfortable T-Shirt

Beyond Clothing Todra L1 SS Crew
$30, 4 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL
beyondclothing.com

What are the things we don’t like about some base layers? The fabric feels rough or itchy against skin or the fit’s too tight or too loose—or it just costs too much. Then there’s the Todra, which feels like your favorite cotton T-shirt that you’ll pull on day after day at home but performs like a technical tee, as I’ve discovered wearing it on dayhikes in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and elsewhere, trail runs, gym workouts, trekking hut to hut on Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail, and backpacking a section of the John Muir Trail, four days in the Wind River Range, a six-day hike in the Grand Canyon (lead photo at top of story), and a seven-day, nearly 70-mile trip in Glacier National Park.

The standard fit feels neither silly-tight nor bulky—it drapes over your torso as if made for you. The lightweight, stretchy, 88 percent polyester and 12 percent Tencel knit fabric wicks moisture off your skin and dries fast while antibacterial treatment keeps it from getting stinky—I’ve worn it on consecutive days of hiking, running, and gym workouts without it getting funky. On a dayhike of the 13-mile Burgess Pass Loop in the Canadian Rockies, it got soaked with sweat on the 3,500-foot ascent in 4.5 miles to Burgess Pass, but dried out within about 15 minutes under my rain shell once we got above treeline—on a cool, overcast day with intermittent rain showers.

The low-bulk, wrinkle-resistant fabric packs small for stuffing inside a pack. It also meets textile standards for ecological safety and not containing harmful levels of more than 100 substances. And you can buy two of them for the cost of some technical tees.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Beyond Clothing Todra L1 SS Crew at beyondclothing.com.

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Most Versatile Long-Sleeve

Patagonia Capilene Midweight Zip-Neck
$99, 7.5 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XXS-XL
backcountry.com

If the ultimate proof of any garment’s value is how often and in what range of conditions you wear it, the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Zip-Neck has more than covered its price. I’ve worn it on innumerable days in a wide variety of conditions, from trekking through strong, cold wind in rain and falling snow in northern Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains, to cool evenings and mornings while backpacking a section of the John Muir Trail , in late summer in the Wind River Range, and in the Grand Canyon, as well as rock climbing and camping at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve. Whether hiking, climbing, on a winter trail run, or backcountry or resort skiing, I increasingly find myself grabbing it from a drawer full of tops for a variety of activities in all seasons.

Comfort is excellent thanks to flatlock seams and shoulder construction that allows full mobility without causing the top to hike up. The 100 percent recycled polyester fabric’s smooth face slips easily into fleece jacket sleeves. Thumb loops hold the sleeves over your hands. The Polygiene odor control has prevented it from getting stinky through many sweaty outings and launderings. All in all, you get a four-season, midweight top with Patagonia quality.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, when you click either of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Patagonia Capilene Midweight Zip-Neck at backcountry.com or patagonia.com.

Plan your next great backpacking adventure in Yosemite
and other flagship parks using my expert e-books.

Favorite Sun Shirt

Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie
$90, 7.2 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Picking a best overall sun hoody admittedly seems dubious, given how similar many are. But living in this sun hoodie for most of nine straight August days on a section of the John Muir Trail, in mostly dry conditions with temps from the 40s to high 60s and one rainstorm; six sunny and hot days backpacking in the Grand Canyon in early April—including carrying a backpack uphill under a blazing sun, in temps in the 80s, with virtually no shade; and backpacking under a hot sun on the three-day, 22-mile Boulder Mail Trail-Death Hollow Loop in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in early October, I found the ActiveIce Hoodie consistently comfortable with the hood up.

Although heavier than most, it’s one of the coolest and most comfortable. The natural performance of the breathable, wicking, fast-drying, and stretchy 94 percent polyester fabric is amplified by the ActiveIce treatment, a USDA-certified biobased, vegetable oil-derived polymer that absorbs heat energy, producing a noticeable cooling sensation. OR reports the fabric cools by up to 5.4° F/3° C.

It’s rated UPF 50+—but just as critically, the shirt provides great coverage, with its deep hood that shades your face and long sleeves that don’t ride up when reaching overhead, plus thumb holes. Plus, the heavier weight will likely prove more durable—especially for abusive activities like climbing.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie at backcountry.com or outdoorresearch.com and other ActiveIce apparel pieces at outdoorresearch.com.

Protect yourself smartly and comfortably with one of “The Best Sun Shirts.”

Two Versatile, Soft, Three-Season Wool Tops

Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew
$115, 7 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
ibex.com

The “in between” weather days, with moderate temperatures and perhaps some wind, can be hard to dress for when active outside: You’re too warm one minute, too cool the next. Wearing the Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew over a lightweight, short- or long-sleeve base layer and sometimes under a wind shell on winter and spring trail runs up to 11 miles in a wide range of conditions—sun and clouds, windy and calm, and temps from the 30s to the 50s—I stayed warm even after both base layers became moderately wet with sweat.

A midweight top comprised of 81 percent Merino wool with a nylon core for durability, it feels soft against skin and functions well as a bottom layer or over a lighter T-shirt or long-sleeve. At only 180gsm, this relatively light wool provides pretty good warmth for its weight and moved moisture well compared to warmer wool and synthetic layers, even as I sweated while running. But it’s generally too light and close-fitting for freezing temps and it lacks neck coverage. Consider it best for moderately to highly aerobic activities in cool temps.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these links to purchase a men’s Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew at ibex.com or a women’s Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew at ibex.com.

Make your hikes better. See “The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking”
and “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks.”

Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve
$90, 7 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Merino wool is soft, very breathable, warm even when wet, and doesn’t get smelly. But the lightest Merino shirts can wear thin and suffer small tears sooner than synthetic fabrics of comparable weight. With the Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve, Smartwool wrapped Merino fibers around a nylon core to make the fabric more durable, without compromising the soft-against-skin feel of Merino. The result is a top you can wear as a base or second layer in moderate temperatures, or layer over it in cold temps, without worrying about pack straps shredding it prematurely.

The flatlock, offset shoulder and side seams mean no bothersome seams directly under pack straps. And the super-soft Classic not only feels soft against skin, it’s light enough to dry quickly: On one three-hour, mountain bike ride on a mostly sunny day in the 50s Fahrenheit with light winds, I wore this top while pedaling two hours up more than 2,000 vertical feet—getting quite wet with perspiration. I pulled on an ultralight, breathable wind shell over it for the long ride downhill, and this base layer was almost completely dry when I got home. It’s also too light and close-fitting and lacks neck coverage for freezing temps.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve at backcountry.com.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.
Click here now to learn more.

Two Versatile, Cold-Weather Tops

Outdoor Research Vigor Quarter Zip
$99, 11 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

On many days skiing the backcountry, resorts, and very hilly Nordic trails from Idaho’s Boise Mountains to Utah’s Wasatch Range, in temperatures from single digits through the teens and 20s Fahrenheit, sometimes in dumping snow with a below-zero wind chill, OR’s Vigor Quarter Zip always struck a sweet balance between providing enough warmth for the chilly moments without causing me to get too wet on long ascents. When I sweated hard, the Vigor moved moisture so well that it never became more than damp and would dry within minutes of my exertion level dropping.

Similar to other tops, the Vigor consists of a light, soft, grid-back polyester fleece that moves moisture exceptionally well, its mechanical performance enhanced by ActiveTemp thermo-regulating treatment. You can wear it as a base layer—the flat-seam construction aids comfort—or as I frequently do, over a light, wool-poly T-shirt or long-sleeve base layer, with or without a jacket.

The 10-inch front zipper reaches to your sternum for good venting and zips up to your chin. The stretch fabric with thumbholes in the cuffs allow you to slip the sleeves up inside gloves or push sleeves up to the elbows. The zippered chest pocket fits a light hat or phone and breathes well enough to quickly dry something damp stuffed in there (like a light hat for skinning uphill when ski touring). The UPF 30 sun-protection rating protects skin year-round—just as useful in March as August in the mountains. Plus, the length extends to cover your entire butt, providing that much more warmth.

The Vigor Quarter Zip doesn’t have the mapped warmer and lighter fabrics of the Patagonia R1 and Beyond Celerus L2 or a hood—possibly appealing to users who already have an insulation and shell layers with a hood. Still, it offers fall-winter-spring versatility—at a good price.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Vigor Quarter Zip at backcountry.com or outdoorresearch.com, or other models in OR’s Vigor series, including the full-zip hooded jacket, at backcountry.com or outdoorresearch.com.

Get serious about the cold with “The Best Clothing Layers for Winter in the Backcountry.”

Patagonia Men’s R1 Pullover Hoody
$179, 10 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XXS-XXL
patagonia.com

Patagonia touts this pullover for climbing and skiing—for which it’s certainly ideal—but I find myself constantly wearing it year-round, in a range of temps. Besides days of backcountry skiing, I lived in this pullover—waking and sleeping hours—for three cool, wet days of camping and rock climbing at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve, and it was the only insulation piece I needed for a six-day backpacking trip in May in the Grand Canyon.

The versatility lies in the Polartec Power Grid fabrics, used exclusively by Patagonia. They have outstanding stretch and breathability and excellent warmth for their weight, making this top versatile as a layering or stand-alone piece in temps ranging from the 50s Fahrenheit to as far below freezing as you can bear. A midweight fabric is used on the front, back, and sleeves, while a slightly lighter, more breathable grid fabric comprises the hood, sides, armpits, and girding the waist. The pullover’s close fit has space for layering a lightweight T-shirt or long-sleeve underneath, or wearing alone and under other layers, and the extended length stays tucked inside a pack belt or climbing harness.

I frequently pulled the close-fitting hood over my head and felt an immediate and noticeable difference in warmth; but I also found it easy to tuck the hood under the collar, out of the way (with little bulk, it doesn’t interfere with another hood in a layering system); it also fits smoothly under any helmet. The front zipper plunges nearly to the belly button for superior venting and zips up to let the balaclava-style hood cover your nose when desired. The elasticized cuffs, with thumbholes for wearing the sleeves up to your fingers, have good stretch to both seal out cold air and slide the sleeves up to the elbows. The zippered chest pocket has enough space for a wool hat or light gloves, and is mesh-lined, so you can put a damp hat or gloves in there to quickly dry from body heat. Polygiene treatment controls odors.

The range of men’s sizes will fit many women. There’s also a women’s R1 Pullover ($179).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Patagonia Men’s R1 Pullover Hoody at patagonia.com, or a women’s R1 Pullover at patagonia.com.

Check out a lightweight, super breathable hooded jacket that performs like a warm top that has a hood and full front zipper, the Himali Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie.

Which puffy should you buy? See “The 10 Best Down Jackets”
and “How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is.”

Lightest, Best Wicking Long-Sleeve

Patagonia Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt
$59, 3.5 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XXS-XL
backcountry.com

On numerous, long trail runs in wide-ranging temperatures and weather in the Boise Foothills, this wafer-thin long-sleeve was stellar either alone in mild conditions or as a base layer under an ultralight shell or warmer long-sleeve top in wind or cooler temps. Even on runs where I perspired heavily, the Capilene’s wicking ability was never overwhelmed—it kept moving moisture as long as my body was producing heat, so it was never more than damp.

Thumb loops kept my hands partly covered when needed, or I could easily push the sleeves up over my elbows when temps rose. Treated for odor control, this top hasn’t gotten stinky after countless days on the trail. With UPF 35 sun protection and Fair Trade Certified, this crew top is better for training and aerobic activities like trail running than for wearing with a pack, which might wear out this light fabric quickly.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Patagonia Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt at backcountry.com or patagonia.com, or a men’s or women’s Patagonia short-sleeve Cool Lightweight Shirt ($49) at backcountry.com or patagonia.com.

Planning your next big adventure? See “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips”
and “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes.”

Two Favorite Hiking Shorts

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts 10-inch Inseam
$85, 7 oz. (men’s 30)
Sizes: men’s 28-42, women’s 0-18 (7-inch inseam)
outdoorresearch.com

On trips ranging widely from a sunny and hot six days backpacking in the Grand Canyon in early April (lead photo at top of story), plus September hikes of 50 miles through the Pasayten Wilderness and nearly 70 miles in Glacier National Park; dayhikes and backpacking the Nigel, Cataract, and Cline Passes Route in the White Goat Wilderness of the Canadian Rockies in August; backpacking the three-day, 22-mile Boulder Mail Trail-Death Hollow Loop in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in early October; and a 10-mile, 3,600-foot dayhike of Mount Carrigain in New Hampshire’s White Mountains on a breezy October day in the 50s and 60s, OR’s Ferrosi Shorts kept me comfortable and dry and never felt too warm.

The 86 percent nylon ripstop stretch-woven fabric, consisting of 46 percent recycled material, is very breathable, quick to dry, abrasion- and water-resistant, and rated UPF 50+ for maximum protection from UV sunlight—plus, the 10-inch inseam provides good coverage. The internal drawcord waist keeps them from slipping down and eliminates the need for wearing a belt under a pack hipbelt or climbing harness (although the shorts have belt loops). The two mesh-lined hand pockets have good depth to hold small items and the zippered right thigh pocket secures a smartphone and small map.

Other Ferrosi Shorts models include a men’s 7-inch inseam short, a women’s 5-inch inseam short and a skort, men’s and women’s 12-inch inseam Over Short, and women’s plus-size 9-inch inseam shorts.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Outdoor Research men’s Ferrosi Shorts 10-inch Inseam at outdoorresearch.com, the Outdoor Research women’s Ferrosi Shorts 7-inch Inseam at outdoorresearch.com, or other Ferrosi models at backcountry.com or outdoorresearch.com.

Need all-conditions, 3-season pants?
See my review of the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible Pants.

Beyond Clothing Eryx Ultralight K4 Short
$30, 7 oz. (size 30)
Sizes: 30-44
beyondclothing.com

One solid test of the day-after-day wearability of any base layer is a hut trip where you’ll sweat into your clothes all day—and then wear them in the hut, sitting next to other people in the dining room. The Eryx passed that test on a two-day, 21-mile hut trek in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range with about 6,000 cumulative feet of elevation gain and loss each day in no-punches-pulled New England June humidity. I also wore them on dayhikes and backpacking the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies in August.

The lightweight, four-way stretch, nylon and spandex fabric dried quickly on my body after I sweated heavily hiking uphill and remained perfectly comfortable to wear in the hut throughout the evening and next morning. They feel so good that I routinely wear them at home.

The 9.5-inch inseam makes them best suited for hiking and backpacking, with above-the-knee coverage for protection from sun and brush, while the low-bulk waist band, lined with brushed tricot, feels good under a pack belt. I think the durable front snap will last longer than I will. And there are five pockets: two hand pockets and three zippered, two spacious ones on the thighs and one rear.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this link to purchase the Beyond Clothing Eryx Ultralight K4 Short at beyondclothing.com.

Accessorize wisely. See “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories.”

Most Versatile Shorts

Patagonia men’s Terrebonne Shorts and women’s Multi-Trails Shorts
$79, 4.5 oz. (men’s small)
Sizes: men’s and women’s XS-XXL
Terrebonne: backcountry.com
Multi-Trails: backcountry.com

For everything from dayhiking or ultralight backpacking to trail running and gym climbing or bouldering, nothing beats a very light pair of shorts. But the Terrebonne stand out for marrying the light, cool feel of running shorts with the desirable style and features of hiking shorts. The 100 percent recycled polyester ripstop fabric has kept me cool on trail runs up to 10 miles in my local foothills on sunny days from the 60s to near 80° F and on a four-day backpacking trip in the Wind River Range in mid-August, in temps in the 50s and 60s F, and a six-day April backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon, with temps from the 40s to 80s F.

With barely more than half the weight and bulk of many hiking shorts, the Terrebonne’s 10-inch inseam provides the same coverage from sun while the loose fit provides a much cooler on-the-trail feel. And nothing beats the comfort of the very low-profile, drawcord waistband. Plus, unlike many running shorts, these have two mesh-lined hand pockets deep enough that items won’t pop out and a zippered rear pocket for essentials like a key. Tough enough for hiking, they even have a DWR (durable, water-repellent treatment) to shed light rain, like heavier hiking shorts, and no brief liner.

The comparable women’s Multi-Trails Shorts (3.8 oz.) have a 5.5-inch inseam, two zippered front pockets and one rear snap pocket, and a brief liner.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Patagonia men’s Terrebonne Shorts at backcountry.com, or the women’s Multi-Trails Shorts at backcountry.com or patagonia.com.

Got an all-time favorite campsite?
See “Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites.”

Favorite Socks

Choosing the best hiking socks can, admittedly, sometimes feel like choosing between ping-pong balls—they all kind of look alike. But I’ve hiked and backpacked in numerous models from just about every brand out there, and I’ve found a few models from Darn Tough that stand out for the qualities I like in socks: comfort against my skin; fast-wicking and quick-drying, to help my feet stay dry in footwear, even after many hours; a bit of padding at the heel and toes; and fabric that holds its shape and doesn’t get stinky, so I can wear them on consecutive days without washing.

Plus, as the name implies, these are durable socks.

The Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion ($25, 2 oz.) proved ideal for much of the dayhiking and backpacking I do, because they’re comfortable in the normal range of temps encountered in the mountains from late spring through mid-autumn or in milder climes like the Southwest in spring and fall, and are tall enough for any boots without being higher (and warmer) than I prefer.

The Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock ($25, 2.5 oz.) is similar but slightly taller and warmer, so it works nicely for me on backpacking trips when temps are getting cooler, like September in the mountains.

When I’m heading out backpacking in chillier temps and possibly wetter or even snowy weather, wearing sturdier boots, I’m all in with the Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Full Cushion ($30, 3.5 oz.)—which has held up well in hard use and keeps my feet warm without them getting too sweaty (although it’s too warm for relatively mild trips).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase these socks:

The men’s Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion Sock at darntough.com, or the women’s Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion Sock at darntough.com, or the men’s, women’s, or junior at backcountry.com.

The men’s Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock at darntough.com, or the women’s Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock at darntough.com, or the men’s or women’s at backcountry.com.

The men’s Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Sock Cushion at backcountry.com or darntough.com, or the women’s Hiker ¼ Sock Cushion at backcountry.com or darntough.com.

The men’s Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Full Cushion at backcountry.com, or the women’s Hiker Boot Sock Full Cushion at backcountry.com, or the men’s or women’s at darntough.com.

Most Comfortable Underwear

Ibex Men’s Natural Boxer Brief
$55, 2 oz. (men’s small)
Ibex Women’s Natural Brief
$35, 1.5 oz. (women’s medium)
Ibex Men’s Woolies Tech Boxer Brief
$70, 4 oz. (men’s small)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL

Full disclosure: I sometimes don’t change my underwear. With these Ibex boxer briefs, I don’t need to. Example: I wore the Men’s Natural Boxer Brief under soft-shell pants for three straight days trekking hut to hut on Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail in July, with temps from the 40s to 50s and far more wind and rain than sunshine; for three straight days in August on a section of the John Muir Trail and two days backpacking in the Wind River Range in early September, both trips in mostly dry conditions with temps from the 40s to 60s; and for five straight days of hiking, rock climbing, and camping at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve, in warm sunshine, sometimes chilly wind and passing rain showers, and temps from the 50s to the 70s. And never even thought about my underwear.

I’ve worn the warmer but equally soft Woolies Tech Boxer Brief on numerous days of Nordic, backcountry, and resort skiing and trail running in temps from the single digits to the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit, at a range of exertion levels—and they constantly felt comfortable and remained dry. I even did this: Purely for testing purposes, after wearing them for a rigorous workout skate-skiing, I took a shower… and these boxer briefs were so dry and non-smelly, I wore them for the rest of the day. Seriously, they felt great.

The breathable, moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial Merino wool in all three men’s and women’s skivvies destroys odors and is very soft against skin, with comfort enhanced by elastic waistbands that don’t slip and flatlock seams.

The 18.9-micron, 140gsm Pro-Tech Lite fabric used in the men’s and women’s Natural Briefs, Ibex’s lightest, stays cool in warm to hot temps—even day after day—without getting stretched-out or clammy or stinking up your sleeping bag. The Woolies Tech Boxer Brief uses ultra-fine 18.5-micron wool and holds its shape exceptionally well. At 180gsm (grams/square meter), this lightweight Pro Tech fabric is ideal on cool to cold days.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Ibex Men’s Natural Boxer Brief at ibex.com, the Ibex Men’s Woolies Tech Boxer Brief at ibex.com, or the Ibex Women’s Natural Brief at ibex.com.

More Breathable Briefs

Patagonia Essential Boxer Briefs
$35, 3 oz. (men’s small)
Sizes: S-XXL
patagonia.com

I’ve worn the Patagonia Essential Boxer Briefs on countless days on the trail—in all three-season conditions, hot to cool—including backpacking for three days on a section of the Arizona Trail along the Gila River in the first days of April, with virtually no respite from the intense sunshine and daytime temps from the 50s, which felt quite cool, to mid-70s Fahrenheit, which felt quite hot under the April Arizona sun—a range of temps that demands base layers that dry out fast and these underwear delivered.

Made with moisture-wicking, 95 percent Tencel fabric (and five percent Spandex for stretch), these briefs are very breathable, often drying on my body when my activity level dropped while wearing them—enabling two or three (or more) consecutive days of comfortable use. They have chafe-free seams, a contoured fly pouch, an anti-roll waistband and a leg design that’s pretty good at preventing them from hiking and bunching up. They’re available in both a three-inch and six-inch inseam.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the 3-inch Patagonia Essential Boxer Briefs at patagonia.com, or the 6-inch inseam version at patagonia.com.

Best for Dudes

Saxx Quest 2.0 Boxer
$45, 2.5 oz. (men’s small)
Sizes: S-XXL
rei.com

On numerous days of hiking and backpacking from Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail, the John Muir Trail, and the mountains of western North Carolina to an 80-mile, five-day backpacking trip in the North Cascades National Park Complex in Washington state—plus climbing, backcountry and Nordic skiing, and innumerable days at home—these boxer-briefs kept me wondering, “Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?” Through long days hiking—and sweating—for 15 or more miles, the Saxx boxer-briefs remained so dry and comfortable that I could wear the same pair in my sleeping bag that night and get a second day of use out of them (or more, if desperate).

Their distinguishing feature is a three-dimensional pouch that cradles and supports a dude’s package, which is not only vastly more comfortable than standard briefs, but prevents chafing and sweaty contact against thighs, no matter how many miles you’re going. Both have lightweight, wicking fabric that breathes very well, dries fast, and is anti-microbial, so you really can wear them more than one day between washings; and both have comparably sturdy waistbands that don’t roll over, slip down, or bunch up.

I expect this will mark the beginning of the end of the phrase “going commando.”

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the Saxx Quest 2.0 Boxer at rei.com.

See all of my reviews of outdoor apparel and trail-running apparel and gear. And don’t miss my picks for “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See the Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and my expert buying tips.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-best-base-layers-and-shorts-for-hiking-trail-running-and-training/feed/ 15 18449 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/how-to-choose-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/how-to-choose-trekking-poles/#respond Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=38716 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

You want trekking poles for backpacking, dayhiking, running mountain trails, ski touring, or other backcountry activities, but the abundance of models and designs out there can seem overwhelming. Collapsible or folding, ultralight or heavier and sturdier, adjustable or not—which style is best for you? Save yourself a lot of time and the expense of making the wrong choice. This article will explain the key differences between models of trekking poles and how to choose the right poles for your needs.

My tips come from thousands of trail and off-trail miles using every type of pole out there on backpacking trips, dayhikes, mountain climbs and scrambles, ultra-trail runs and dayhikes, and backcountry skiing over more than a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear, including 10 years as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer for this blog.

See my review of “The Best Trekking Poles” and my “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles.”

Like many stories at The Big Outside, part of this story is free for anyone to read, but reading all of it—including tips you may not find from other sources—is an exclusive benefit for readers with a paid subscription to The Big Outside.

Click on any photo below to read about that trip. Share your own tips or questions in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

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What to Look for in Trekking Poles

Look closely at trekking poles and you will see they are not nearly all the same. In fact, poles differ in many significant ways besides price and weight, including:

• Adjustable or fixed length (not adjustable)
• Adjustability range
• Collapsible or folding
• Collapsed or folded (packed) length
• Features like the length-adjusting mechanism, straps, and grips
• Materials used in the shafts, grips, and straps
• Durability
• Recommended uses

The poles you buy should match the type and style of activities for which you will use them.. Consider these factors when shopping:

Price

• From around $60 to well over $200, trekking poles come in a huge range of prices.
• Price is often driven by materials—you’ll pay extra for lightweight, strong carbon fiber shafts and soft cork grips.

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Weight

• While the weight of poles may not seem to differ much at first glance, it becomes noticeable the more miles you hike with poles in your hands.
• Their weight—as well as packed length—also matter when the poles are attached to your pack at times while hiking.
• Among the models reviewed here, the heaviest are about twice the weight of the lightest.
• Benefits of lighter poles include decreased arm fatigue and often better packability.
• Tradeoffs sometimes, but not always, include a higher price and less durability or strength for hard use and for pitching an ultralight tent using trekking poles.

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Materials

• Hiking poles are generally built with either aluminum or carbon fiber or a combination of both.
• Aluminum is heavier, less expensive, and more prone to bending under heavy pressure but not breaking—so they typically last longer.
• Carbon fiber is lighter and easier to carry, especially on longer days in the backcountry; but also more expensive, and in some ways stronger, but can also snap, although that occurs only in unusual circumstances.
• Heavier poles are generally more durable, especially for hard use; but I’ve had some ultralight poles for years of trail hiking without breaking them.

Collapsible

• Collapsible poles have two or three sections that telescope or collapse together for transport and storage and extend to a range of lengths for use.
• These typically employ a twist- or lever-locking mechanism or retractable, spring-loaded pin to lock the sections in place.
• Note the packed length of these poles: It can vary significantly, which matters when you’re attaching them to the outside of a pack—especially a small pack—or putting them in luggage.

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Matching Trekking Poles and Users

Type of Trekking Pole	Recommended Use
Ultralight, folding poles	Best for users who prioritize minimal weight and packability, including lightweight/ultralight backpackers, thru-hikers, dayhikers, and ultra-hikers and runners.
Ultralight, adjustable, collapsible poles	Best for backpackers, dayhikers, climbers, and others seeking a balance between reasonable strength, durability, and low weight, and lightweight/ultralight backpackers using tents that pitch with trekking poles.
Lightweight, collapsible poles	Best for many backpackers, dayhikers, and climbers who want one versatile pair of poles that balance strength and moderate weight.
Sturdier and heavier, collapsible or folding poles	Best for users who prioritize durability and crossover to multiple activities over low weight, including backpackers carrying moderate to heavy loads, dayhikers, backcountry skiers and split-boarders, snowshoers, and anyone climbing mountains and hiking off-trail.

See “The 10 Best Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” plus all reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear at The Big Outside.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-book versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips at The Big Outside.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/how-to-choose-trekking-poles/feed/ 0 38716 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/pro-tips-for-buying-the-right-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/pro-tips-for-buying-the-right-boots/#comments Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=11654 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

Boots are the most important piece of hiking or backpacking gear you will buy. You can live with a mediocre pack or a cheap tent (as many of us have), but poorly fitting boots are often a trip killer. Trouble is, boots are also the most difficult piece of gear to get right. (First tip: Don’t settle for a mediocre fit—if they don’t feel good, they aren’t good. That said, feeling good doesn’t necessarily mean they are good.) This article will go beyond the usual boots-buying tips you’ll find at countless sources to help you figure out how to find the right hiking footwear for you.

Thousands of miles of dayhiking, backpacking, trail running, and ultra-hiking, plus field-testing dozens of shoe and boot models of all kinds over a quarter-century of reviewing gear—formerly as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog—have refined my sense of how hiking footwear differs subtly in critical characteristics like design, weight, materials, performance, and fit. (I can now usually tell the first time I put on new shoes or boots whether they fit me perfectly and are appropriate for my feet and the kind of hiking or backpacking I’m planning.)

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Hikers make every kind of bad choice on footwear, from buying too much boot (which can result in blisters and chronic foot or lower-leg injuries) to getting shoes that are not adequately supportive for them (which can also result in—you guessed it—blisters and chronic foot or lower-leg injuries).

Gaining a better understanding of those differences will help ensure you buy the right footwear for your needs—and spend your money smartly.

Please share your questions or thoughts on my advice—or your own boots-buying secrets—in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments. And like many stories at this blog, part of this one is free for anyone to read, but reading all of my tips in this story is an exclusive benefit for paid subscribers to The Big Outside.

Gear up right for your hikes.
See my reviews of the best hiking shoes and boots and the 10 best hiking daypacks.

Types of Hiking Footwear

For the purposes of this article, I’ll divide hiking shoes and boots into three categories by approximate weight (per pair of men’s US size 9/Euro 42), noting that there’s overlap between these categories:

•    Lightweight—Low-cut (below the ankle) shoes or mid-cut (ankle-high) boots weighing roughly two pounds or less per pair;
•    Midweight—Mid-cut or higher boots weighing approximately two to 2.5 pounds per pair;
•    Heavy-duty—Mid-cut or higher boots weighing 2.5 to three pounds or more per pair.

(Purely for simplicity, my reviews divide footwear into two categories: hiking shoes and boots ideal for dayhiking and lightweight backpacking—overlapping the first and second categories above—and backpacking boots—overlapping the second and third categories above.)

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For many people, midweight boots are a good choice because they serve the needs of a broad cross-section of hikers and backpackers, offering a balance between being fairly light and yet moderately supportive; many are also relatively affordable.

There has also been an evolution in the category of hiking-approach shoes toward designs that make them more breathable and comfortable for hiking many miles—in other words, making them more of a hiking shoe with great traction and support, and thus more versatile for all kinds of hikers. They generally fall into the category of lightweight shoes and boots, and are often the type of low-cut shoe I prefer for dayhiking, especially models that are highly breathable.

Still, choosing the right boots for you comes down to understanding the type of hiker you are and considering the type of hiking you will do most often.

I’ve listed below criteria to help you figure out which type of footwear best suits your needs.

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Lightweight Shoes and Boots

Get lightweight shoes or boots if you fit any of these descriptions:
•    You are a dayhiker typically carrying a light pack (15 to 20 pounds or less);
•    You’re a fit, avid hiker, climber, ultralight or lightweight backpacker or trail runner and accustomed to hiking in light footwear, especially for hiking long distances daily at a strong pace;
•    You don’t tend to roll or sprain your ankles;
•    Or you’re hiking trails that are well maintained and not too rocky.

If you’re new to dayhiking or backpacking, I’d caution against getting very lightweight boots because your feet may not yet have the strength and resilience that slowly develops when you hike a lot, and inadequately supportive boots can be a fast way to a chronic overuse injury. Start out with a midweight, mid-cut boot with good support and protection for your feet. As you get more experience, you will know better how light a boot your feet can handle—right around the time you wear out your first pair and need new ones.

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Midweight Boots

Get midweight boots if you fit any of these descriptions:

•    You’re new to hiking and want a functional, all-around model for dayhiking and/or light backpacking;
•    You’re carrying a light or moderately heavy pack (35 pounds max) on trail;
•    You hike high-mileage days, generally on trails, with a light or moderately heavy pack, and want footwear that’s fairly lightweight and won’t make your feet overheat too badly (which can lead to blisters), yet with more protection and support than lightweight shoes;
•    Or you’re an experienced and fit hiker and backpacker and want footwear that finds a balance between moderate support and weight.

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Heavy-duty Boots

Get heavy-duty boots if you fit any of these descriptions:

•    You’re carrying a heavy pack (generally 40 pounds or more) on trails, or a pack weighing 30 to 40 pounds on rugged trails or off-trail, and find that midweight boots don’t offer the support you need;
•    You typically go hiking or backpacking in an environment that’s rugged, very wet, and cool or cold, and may involve some challenging, off-trail hiking;
•    Or if your feet simply need more support and protection than is provided by midweight boots.

Keep your feet happy with my “8 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters.”

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots and my “8 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters.”

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See also my stories:

“5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack”
“5 Expert Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent”
“Pro Tips for Buying a Backpacking Sleeping Bag”

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-book versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of gear reviews and expert buying tips.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/pro-tips-for-buying-the-right-boots/feed/ 26 11654 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-pro-tips-for-buying-the-right-rain-jacket-for-the-backcountry/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-pro-tips-for-buying-the-right-rain-jacket-for-the-backcountry/#comments Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=22704 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

Choosing a waterproof-breathable rain shell for hiking, backpacking, climbing, or other outdoor activities can seem daunting. Prices range from under $100 to over $500, and weights from less than half a pound to over a pound. Some are loaded with features, others so minimalist they may seem like just a step above a trash bag with arm holes. You’ll also find the full gamut of opinions on them from reviewers and consumers.

Here’s what I’ve learned from testing dozens of rain shells while hiking and backpacking through soaking rains all over the world over a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear, formerly as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog: The right backcountry rain shell for you depends more on you than on any jacket—and our needs as backcountry users vary as much as our budgets.

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Many hikers, backpackers, climbers, and others buy a rain jacket based on price, brand, the recommendation of a trusted reviewer, experienced advisor, or friend, or the consensus of several consumer reviews. That’s not a bad strategy, and it’s sometimes successful. But it’s really an incomplete strategy. As with almost any consumer product, buying a rain shell you will be satisfied with comes down to considering how and where you will use it and understanding the subtle differences between them.

Follow these tips and I think you will find the perfect rain jacket for your adventures. Please share your own tips or questions in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Ready to buy? See “The Best Rain Jackets For Hiking and Backpacking“
and “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets.”

No. 1 Decide What It’s For

This is the logical first step when buying any consumer product, but one nonetheless often overlooked with backcountry apparel. Ask yourself: How much of a rain jacket do I really need?

If you generally head out in warm, dry weather—common in many Western mountain ranges in summer—you may only need a less-expensive shell, or you might be better off with an ultralight rain jacket (which vary in price). On the other hand, if you routinely find yourself in sustained rain and widely ranging temperatures, especially on multi-day trips, you’ll be happier—not to mention more comfortable and safer—with a shell that delivers reliable protection from rain and wind as well as good or exceptional breathability (more on that below).

In short: Choosing the right jacket is, first and foremost, a question of how much time you expect to spend wearing it versus carrying it in your pack just in case of rain, as well as consideration of how extreme the weather could get.

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No. 2 What Does the Rain Jacket Weigh?

Weight matters, especially if you’re into ultra-hiking or ultralight backpacking, but for everyone else, too. Today, there’s no reason a three-season shell should weigh more than a pound, period. Jackets heavier than that are usually too bulky, taking up excessive space in your pack, and too warm when wearing them while on the move, causing you to overheat—resulting in you either getting soaked inside the jacket (negating its purpose) or shedding it completely. In fact, even most fully technical rain shells designed for use in any season now weigh under a pound. Jackets heavier than that are designed for winter or casual wear.

Still, don’t assume that the lightest shell is the best choice for your needs. Weight is just one important factor.

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No. 3 Speak the Language

To make an informed choice in rainwear, it helps to know some common terminology:

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of gear reviews and expert buying tips.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-pro-tips-for-buying-the-right-rain-jacket-for-the-backcountry/feed/ 1 22704 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-fitz-roy-down-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-fitz-roy-down-hoody/#respond Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:28:41 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=66443 Read on

]]> Down Jacket
Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody
$399, 15 oz./425.2g (women’s small; men’s medium is 17 oz./482g)
Sizes: men’s XS-3XL, women’s 2XS-2XL
backcountry.com

From backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies and Oregon, hut treks in New Zealand, and spring and summer camping and climbing trips in Idaho’s Sawtooth Valley and Oregon’s Smith Rock State Park, to countless days of resort skiing at Oregon’s Mount Bachelor and in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, plus days of backcountry ski touring, my college-student daughter has stayed warm in Patagonia’s Fitz Roy Down Hoody in temperatures down to around freezing—while demonstrating this hooded jacket’s versatility.

Stuffed with RDS-certified (Responsible Down Standard), 800-fill down, it has the good warmth for its weight and packability needed for backcountry use. And weighing around a pound (varying with jacket size), it delivers more warmth than lighter down jackets, enhancing its versatility for a wide range of activities like hiking, backpacking, climbing, camping, and backcountry ski touring in temperatures from below freezing to the 40s Fahrenheit.

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That’s ideal for someone who wants one high-quality insulated jacket they can use for basically everything, from sitting around camp on chilly nights while backpacking in the mountains in summer or the Southwest in spring and fall, to using it as a layering piece for winter hikes or ski tours or wearing it around town or at outdoor sports events.

People who get cold easily and find that they usually dress more warmly than other people they know will likely prefer this jacket over lighter models.

However, this is standard down, not water-resistant, so the Fitz Roy remains susceptible to the bane of down jackets: losing its loft and ability to trap heat if it gets wet.

The Pertex Quantum 10-denier nylon ripstop shell fabric, treated with a PFAS-free DWR (durable, water-repellent treatment), blocks wind and sheds light precipitation, but it’s also not very breathable; this isn’t an insulation layer intended for more than moderate exertion in temperatures from just above to well below freezing. This lightweight shell fabric is reasonably durable, but like many insulated jackets, try to avoid accidentally brushing against sharp edges, thorns, etc.

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The regular fit enables wearing a couple of warm base layers underneath and a summer or winter shell over it, and the hip-length hem helps minimize weight and bulk, although it will not feel as warm as a jacket of comparable weight and down fill quality that extends below the hips (the style of jacket that’s too heavy and bulky for backcountry use). The Fitz Roy also comes in a broader range of men’s and women’s sizes than many other insulated jackets.

The easily adjustable, helmet-compatible hood with a one-hand drawcord, and a collar that zips up over your chin, help the jacket trap body heat efficiently and enable the hood to turn with your head and stay put in strong winds. Elasticized cuffs and hem seal in warmth.

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The two zippered chest pockets are accessible while wearing a pack or climbing harness and there are two zippered hand pockets, plus a large, internal drop pocket with an elasticized opening that’s a good place to keep (or dry out) spare gloves or mittens or climbing skins. Pull the jacket out of the hand pocket that it stuffs into and it lofts up quickly.

Lastly, it’s very much worth noting that few companies or corporations of any size have demonstrated a commitment to protecting the environment that matches Patagonia, whose founder, Yvon Chouinard, voluntarily placed the company in a trust committed to supporting environmental causes. Every Patagonia purchase supports our planet.

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The Verdict

If you’re looking for a high-quality down jacket that’s light and packable for backcountry use, warm enough for temperatures below freezing (as part of a layering system), and versatile enough to be your one puffy for all seasons and a wide range of activities, the Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody checks all those boxes—and your purchase will do a small part to help save the planet.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody at patagonia.com or rei.com, or a women’s Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, including “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” “The Best Ultralight Jackets for Hiking and Running,” “The Best Sun Shirts,” and “The Best Base Layers for Hiking and Running.”

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-fitz-roy-down-hoody/feed/ 0 66443 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-himali-mens-endeavor-fleece-hoodie/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-himali-mens-endeavor-fleece-hoodie/#respond Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:57:14 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=66233 Read on

]]> Hooded Fleece Jacket
Himali Men’s Endeavor Fleece Hoodie
$180, 15.5 oz./439.4g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL
himali.com

On January days of backcountry skiing in Idaho’s Boise Mountains and Galena Summit area, moving constantly between cold shade and warm sunshine, with temps ranging from single digits to the high 20s Fahrenheit and a cool breeze at times, I wore this hooded, full-zip fleece jacket all day: both as my outer layer while climbing uphill and under a shell while skiing downhill. I never took this hoodie off—very unusual for me when skiing in the backcountry—and remained comfortable the entire time. That illustrates why the Himali Endeavor Fleece Hoodie ranks among the most versatile fleece hoodies and other breathable insulated jackets I’ve reviewed.

Its versatility crosses over to shoulder-season activities, too—in spring and fall as well as early and late summer in the mountains—as demonstrated by several days I wore the Endeavor on three different adventures in late spring in New Zealand.

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Dayhiking the 12.6-mile/20.2-kilometer Tongariro Alpine Crossing on the North Island of New Zealand in late November, on a day of heavy fog, moderate to very strong winds, and wind-driven sideways rain for our first few hours, I stayed mostly dry and comfortably warm wearing the Endeavor under a rain jacket, without overheating or even getting very sweaty (partly due to the cooling effect of the wind).

On a three-day hut trek of the Routeburn Track in New Zealand’s Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks in early December, where we had light to moderate rain and wind, the combination of this hoodie and my rain shell kept me dry and warm in wind and temperatures in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit.

I also wore this hoodie under a rain shell for most of a four-day hut trek of the Milford Track in Fiordland in early December, where we encountered strong winds and some of the absolute heaviest and most relentless rain I’ve ever hiked through in four decades of hiking and backpacking all over the U.S. and around the world. This jacket helped keep me warm even once the rain penetrated my rain jacket and pants in spots (which happened to my companions, who all wore high-quality shells—the rain was that heavy and sustained; see my review of the rain jacket and pants I wore, which actually performed quite well overall).

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To provide one final example, it struck the right balance of warmth and breathability as my outer layer over two lightweight base layers (one T-shirt, one long-sleeve) for a local trail run on a January morning in the teens (Fahrenheit), with no wind and very little solar warmth. Some fleece hoodies would be too light for that, others either too warm or too loose-fitting for running.

There’s nothing complicated about its design. Its versatility lies largely in the simple explanation that the weight of the four-way stretch, 157 gsm (grams per square meter) fleece fabric used throughout this hooded jacket gives it a balance of warmth and breathability that enables you to keep it on during periods of higher exertion—such as when I skied or hiked uphill in wind, only dropping the hood and opening the front zipper as needed, but never taking it off—and often not have to stop to pull another layer out of your pack once your exertion level drops.

That’s exactly what I was able to do on those three treks in New Zealand, all of which featured a significant amount of high-exertion uphill and cooling downhill. Still, the Endeavor remained on my body—and often with a rain jacket over it, meaning my outer layer had limited breathability (true of all waterproof-breathable layers), placing greater demand on the breathability of my fleece middle layer.

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Another fact to not overlook: When my base layers became damp with sweat on the uphill stretches (hiking and skiing), the Endeavor’s warmth and breathability helped quickly dry out those base layers on the downhill—which was critical to me remaining warm and comfortable.

I’m a big fan of fleece mid-layers for this reason, but they can differ quite a lot in warmth—some too light and some too warm for all the circumstances I’ve described wearing the Endeavor in. To compare it with three other favorite fleece hoodies I’ve reviewed, it’s warmer than Himali’s Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie, perhaps most comparable to the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody, and a bit more breathable than the Beyond Clothing Alpha Aura Jacket (mostly because of the wind-blocking shell fabric in the Alpha Aura’s hood and shoulders, which some users might like).

At 15.5 ounces/439.4 grams (men’s medium) and stuffing inside either of its interior drop-in pockets to a packed size of slightly larger than a liter bottle (basically identical to the packed size of the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody), the Endeavor Hoodie compares in weight and packability with many hooded fleece jackets designed for cool to cold temperatures.

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That excellent breathability also means, of course, that wind cuts right through this hoodie. That’s good whenever you need to dump excess heat and bad when it’s causing you to cool off too much. And there’s a simple solution to that down side: a shell jacket. But my point is: Don’t mistake this hoodie for a shell jacket.

The Endeavor’s athletic fit allows space for one or two base layers and you can easily layer a shell or even a warmer puffy jacket over it. The front zipper closes over your chin. The non-adjustable, very stretchy hood provides a comfortably close fit, not shifting at all when you turn your head and not getting pushed off by wind, even with the front zipper open; and it delivers a noticeable boost in warmth and layers under shell jacket hoods and helmets. That fit is another characteristic I like in this category of middle layer that adds to its versatility—and not all fleece hoodies have such a nice fit.

The zippered chest pocket is exactly the right size for a smartphone and the two zippered hand pockets are sized for a hat or medium-warmth gloves (not big ski gloves). Two deep drop-in pockets inside the jacket are ideal for warming/drying ski gloves. Lastly, thumb loops add a welcome touch, especially for someone (like me) whose fingers get cold quite easily; having the sleeves remain covering most of your hands boosts warmth significantly.

It’s not available in women’s sizes and I don’t see a comparable hoodie in Himali’s women’s line.

The Verdict

With a highly versatile balance of warmth and breathability, the Himali Men’s Endeavor Fleece Hoodie could become a go-to middle or outer layer for you for a wide range of activities like dayhiking, backpacking, running, climbing, Nordic and backcountry skiing, and walking.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Himali Men’s Endeavor Fleece Hoodie at himali.com.

Readers of The Big Outside get an exclusive 10 percent off any Himali purchase by using the discount code THEBIGOUTSIDE.

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See all reviews of Himali apparel and all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, including “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Base Layers, Shorts, and Socks for Hiking and Trail Running,” “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” and “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-himali-mens-endeavor-fleece-hoodie/feed/ 0 66233 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-clothing-layers-for-winter-in-the-backcountry/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-clothing-layers-for-winter-in-the-backcountry/#comments Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=25995 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

There’s one thing we can confidently say about the clothing layers we use in winter: We get our money’s worth out of them. While a rain shell or puffy jacket may rarely come out of our pack on a summer hike or climb, we almost invariably wear every article of clothing we carry when Nordic, downhill, or backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, trail running, or climbing in winter. That’s money spent wisely to make us more comfortable and safer.

Every winter, I test out new clothing layers doing many of those activities frequently—something I’ve been doing for three decades, previously as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog. This review spotlights the best shell and insulated jackets, base layers, and pants I’ve found for high-exertion and moderate-exertion activities in winter.

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In my story “How to Dress in Layers for Winter in the Backcountry,” I offer advice—based on four decades of backcountry experience—on how to choose a specific, personalized layering system for different exertion levels and body types in temperatures near or below freezing. Use the tips in that story, along with this review, to make the best choices in winter outdoor apparel for your activities, your climate, and your body.

Please share your experiences with any of these products in the comments section at the bottom of this review. I try to respond to all comments. And if you make a purchase through any of the affiliate links to online retailers in this story or other reviews at The Big Outside, you support my work on this blog at no cost to you. Thanks for doing that.

Don’t go out in the cold without my “12 Pro Tips For Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter.”

The Best Base Layers for Winter

Whatever your exertion level, you want next-to-skin tops and bottoms that perform two functions that become especially important in winter:

1. Wick moisture off your skin quickly.
2. Provide at least the minimum amount of warmth you need for the conditions and your body.

Here are the best base-layer tops I’ve found for various activities in winter as well as cooler three-season conditions.

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Patagonia Capilene Midweight Zip-Neck

$99, 7.5 oz./213g
backcountry.com

I routinely wear the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Zip-Neck while backcountry, resort, and Nordic skiing and on cool- to cold-weather trail runs. The 100 percent recycled polyester fabric delivers a lot of warmth for its low weight, breathes very well, and wicks moisture efficiently. A deep front zipper opens down to the pecs for good venting, while the collar reaches high enough to keep my neck covered when zipped up.

Comfort is excellent thanks to flatlock seams and shoulder construction that allows full mobility without causing the top to hike up. The fabric’s smooth face slips easily into fleece jacket sleeves. Thumb loops hold the sleeves over your hands. The Polygiene odor control has prevented it from getting stinky through many sweaty outings and launderings. All in all, you get a four-season, midweight top with Patagonia quality.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, when you click either of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s, women’s, or kid’s Patagonia Capilene Midweight Zip-Neck at backcountry.com, patagonia.com, or rei.com.

Check out “The Best Gloves for Winter” and “The Best Mittens for Winter.”

Outdoor Research Vigor Quarter Zip

$99, 11 oz./312g
backcountry.com

On many days skiing the backcountry, resorts, and hilly Nordic trails from Idaho’s Boise Mountains to Utah’s Wasatch Range and elsewhere, in temperatures from single digits through the 20s Fahrenheit, sometimes in dumping snow with a below-zero wind chill, OR’s Vigor Quarter Zip (usually with a wool-poly T-shirt underneath) had my back, striking a critical balance between providing enough warmth for the chilly moments without causing me to get too wet on long ascents. When I sweated hard, the Vigor moved moisture so well that it never became more than damp and would dry within minutes of my exertion level dropping.

Similar to other warm tops, the Vigor is made with a light, grid-back polyester fleece that feels soft against skin and moves moisture exceptionally well, its mechanical performance enhanced by ActiveTemp thermo-regulating treatment. You can wear it as a base layer—the flat-seam construction aids comfort—or (as I frequently do) over a lighter, short-sleeve or long-sleeve base layer, with or without a jacket.

The 10-inch front zipper reaches to your sternum for good venting and zips up to your chin. The stretch fabric and thumbholes in the cuffs allow you to slip the sleeves up inside gloves or push sleeves up to the elbows. The zippered chest pocket fits a phone and breathes well enough to quickly dry something damp stuffed in there (like a light hat for skinning uphill when ski touring). The UPF 30 sun-protection rating protects skin year-round—just as useful in March as August in the mountains. Plus, the length extends to cover your entire butt, providing more warmth when tucked into ski pants.

The Vigor Quarter Zip doesn’t have the hood or mapped warmer and lighter fabrics of the Patagonia R1—possibly appealing to users who prefer not having a hood on a pullover or already have an insulation layer with a hood in addition to a hooded winter shell. It offers four-season versatility for any snow sport, hiking, climbing, and running—at a good price.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Vigor Quarter Zip at rei.com, backcountry.com, or outdoorresearch.com, or other models in OR’s Vigor series, including the full-zip hoodie, at rei.com, backcountry.com, or outdoorresearch.com.

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Patagonia R1 Pullover Hoody

$169, 10 oz./284g
backcountry.com

For a huge range of activities and exertion levels in temps from just above to well below freezing, few base or insulation layers offer the versatility of the men’s Patagonia R1 Pullover Hoody (in a range of sizes that will fit many women) and women’s R1 Fleece Pullover ($139). Patagonia touts these pullovers for climbing and skiing—for which they certainly excel—but I have worn the R1 Pullover Hoody year-round while backcountry skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, and in my sleeping bag on cool to very cold nights; and as my only insulation piece for six days of backpacking in the Grand Canyon in May.

The versatility lies in the stretchy, recycled polyester and spandex Polartec Power Grid fabric, exclusive to Patagonia, which has outstanding breathability and warmth for its weight, making this top versatile as a layering or stand-alone piece in temps ranging from the 50s Fahrenheit to as far below freezing as you can bear. A midweight fabric is used on the front, back, and sleeves, while a slightly lighter, more breathable grid fabric comprises the hood, sides, armpits, and girding the waist. The close fit has space for layering a lightweight T-shirt or long-sleeve underneath—which gives the best performance—and the extended length stays tucked inside a pack belt or climbing harness.

The low-bulk, close-fitting balaclava-style hood gives a noticeable boost in warmth, fits under any helmet, doesn’t interfere with other hoods in a layering system—and it’s easy to tuck the hood under the collar, out of the way. The front zipper plunges nearly to the belly button for superior venting and zips up to let the collar front cover your nose. The elasticized cuffs with thumbholes have good stretch to both seal out cold air and slide the sleeves up to the elbows. The zippered chest pocket fits a wool hat or light gloves and is mesh-lined, so you can put something damp in there to quickly dry from body heat. Polygiene treatment controls odors.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Patagonia men’s R1 Pullover Hoody at backcountry.com, patagonia.com, or rei.com, or a women’s or men’s R1 Long-Sleeved Crew, R1 Fleece Pullover, or other R1 apparel at backcountry.com, patagonia.com, or rei.com.

See more of the best base layers for being active outdoors.

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The Best Insulated Jackets for Being Active

As I write in my story “How to Dress in Layers for Winter in the Backcountry,” for backcountry skiing or ski touring, snowshoeing, or hiking, you need a layering system with great versatility—and the critical piece is the middle, or insulating layer. It provides most of your layering system’s warmth, and it must breathe well, because your outer/shell layer provides the full weather protection. In moderate-exertion activities, the more breathable your insulating layer, the less frequently you have to make layering changes—a challenge that modern synthetic insulation has risen to meet effectively.

If your winter sport of choice involves sweating and breathing hard, like running and Nordic skiing or even power hiking, you may need only a lightweight jacket with some warmth, superior breathability to dump the copious moisture your body is producing, and enough water resistance to not soak through in light rain or snow—or in dry weather, perhaps just a very breathable insulated layer to function as your outerwear.

Here are the best middle/insulation layers I’ve found for moderate- and high-exertion activities in winter.

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Ibex Wool Aire Vest

$235, 7.5 oz./213g
ibex.com

The widely varying conditions I’ve worn the Ibex Wool Aire Vest in speak to its versatility. It was my only outer layer over the same two base layers on days of vigorous Nordic skiing ranging from sunny, calm, and mid-30s Fahrenheit to cloudy and below freezing with strong winds. And I’ve worn it as my sole middle layer under a winter shell in temps from around freezing to the mid-teens with a frigid wind on days of snowshoeing and backcountry skiing downhill and as my outer layer when skinning uphill.

The formula is warm Merino wool insulation, a shell with good wind resistance, and a comfortably athletic fit that helps trap heat in your core while enabling you to vent heat from your arms.

Read my full review of the Ibex Wool Aire Vest.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the men’s or women’s Ibex Wool Aire Vest or Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie at ibex.com.

Avoid getting too cold—or too hot—on your winter adventures.
Learn “How to Dress in Layers for Winter in the Backcountry.”

Himali Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie

$160, 9.2 oz./261g
himali.com

The evolution of fleece has traced an arc toward versatility that’s reaching its apex in lightweight fleece hoodies like Himali’s Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie. The breadth of activities, conditions, and environments where I’ve worn it (so far) speak to my point, from a 13-hour, four-summit, chilly October dayhike in Utah’s Wasatch Range to a short hike in southern New Hampshire, backpacking in southern Utah’s Escalante region, camping and climbing in Idaho, and a local trail run in the chilly, fading daylight of a November afternoon.

Warm for its low weight and fast-drying thanks to the 100 percent recycled Polartec PowerGrid fabric, with an athletic fit that has space for a base layer underneath, ample stretch in the fabric, a close-fitting, elasticized hood, one zippered chest pocket, and thumbholes in the cuffs, the Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie is basically a warm, midweight jersey with a full front zipper and a hood. It falls into a small category of the lightest, most breathable and packable hooded jackets you will find.

Consider this: It can serve as a warmer but not heavier replacement for a long-sleeve, midweight crew neck or zip-neck base layer, allowing you to bring a lighter down or synthetic insulated jacket—thus reducing your pack weight. A great outer or middle layer for dayhiking and backpacking, climbing, running, Nordic and backcountry skiing, walking—you name it. A caveat: Consider it best for cool but not very cold temps and keep in mind that it offers no wind protection.

Read my full review of the Himali Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Himali Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie at himali.com or a women’s Mindset ¼ Zip Fleece Pullover at himali.com.

Readers of The Big Outside get an exclusive 10 percent off any Himali purchase by using the discount code THEBIGOUTSIDE.

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Vest

$199, 8 oz./227g
backcountry.com

The Patagonia Nano-Air Light Vest’s breathable synthetic insulation makes this lightweight garment functional on outings year-round. I’ve regularly grabbed it instead of other vests in my closet for Nordic skate-skiing in “milder” temps above freezing and warm sunshine.

On an early-October backpacking trip in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains, it stayed on me not only through cool evenings and mornings in camp, but also while hiking with a full backpack uphill, off-trail, in temps in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit, with intermittent wind. 

Both the nylon ripstop shell and the insulation have four-way stretch.

Read my full review of the Patagonia Nano-Air Vest.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Nano-Air Vest at backcountry.com or the vest or other products in the Nano-Air line at patagonia.com.

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket

$249, 10 oz./284g
backcountry.com

I’ve worn the Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket for activities ranging from four straight days of backcountry skiing in the Sierra in winds gusting to 40 to 50 mph and heavily falling snow (with a shell over it when needed) to Nordic skate-skiing and snowshoeing in Idaho’s Boise Mountains on days both overcast and windy and in warm sunshine.

Its highly versatile hybrid design puts FullRange synthetic insulation, which stretches and breathes, in the front of the jacket, upper shoulders, and top sides of the sleeves, and a much more breathable, wicking, stretch, R1 Air waffle knit on the back of the sleeves, in the sides, and covering the entire back. The result is a jacket that offloads body heat about as fast as you produce it—while keeping you warm at varying levels of exertion.

There’s also a hooded version, the Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody ($299, 11.8 oz./338g).

Read my full review of the Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or a women’s Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket or Nano-Air Hoody at backcountry.com or rei.com or other products in the Nano-Air line at patagonia.com.

Which puffy should you buy? See “The 12 Best Down Jackets” and
“How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is.”

Beyond Clothing Alpha Aura Jacket

$180, 12 oz./340g
beyondclothing.com

On days of resort and backcountry skiing ranging from just below freezing to 10° F, Beyond Clothing’s hooded Alpha Aura Jacket demonstrated its versatility as a middle and outer layer for cool- to cold-weather activities year-round, with unique design features that improve its weather protection and durability.

The Alpha Aura distinguishes itself from similar jackets by using soft Polartec Alpha Direct loft-knit fleece, a very open, high-loft fabricthat lends the jacket good warmth for its weight while breathing supremely well—making it a good piece for hiking, walking, climbing, skiing, and similar activities year-round. It also features somewhat unique 20-denier micro ripstop nylon panels on the entire hood exterior (it’s lined with soft fleece) and the shoulders, front and back.

Without reducing the jacket’s breathability, those panels provide a significant warmth boost—especially in the hood—and durability in the shoulders for wearing a heavy pack. The full-length front zipper enables venting and zips up over your chin, while the close-fitting, non-adjustable hood stays put, turning with your head even with the jacket open. The two zippered hand pockets have a mesh lining to maintain breathability there, and they create two large, internal drop pockets—each of them spacious enough for a pair of three-season gloves or one warm, winter glove.

Read my full review of the Beyond Clothing Alpha Aura Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a men’s or women’s Beyond Clothing Alpha Aura Jacket at beyondclothing.com.

Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody

$179, 12.5 oz./354g
backcountry.com

Virtually no piece of outdoor apparel offers more versatility than a highly breathable, midweight insulation layer. Besides filling that bucket, Patagonia’s R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody feels soft and fits like it was custom made for your torso, as I found wearing it on summer backpacking trips of a week in Glacier National Park and two three-day hikes in the Canadian Rockies. On all three trips, it kept me warm without overheating, rarely even breaking a sweat, while hiking with a full pack, uphill and downhill, on cool mornings and in chilly, very strong wind—which speaks to how well it translates to winter activities.

The 100 percent recycled polyester jacquard fleece with hollow-core yarns and a unique zigzag pattern wicks moisture, dries lightning-fast, and is about as breathable as any middle or outer layer you’ll find. The two zippered hand pockets provide a little extra warmth and each has space for a pair of three-season gloves or one warm winter glove. The zippered chest pocket holds small items.

At 12.5 ounces/354 grams, this midweight fleece is designed for wearing as an outer or middle layer in a huge range of cool to cold temperatures, including all forms of skiing as well as snowshoeing, hiking, running, climbing, walking, and other activities.

Read my full review of the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s, women’s, or kids’ Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody at backcountry.com, patagonia.com, or rei.com, or any other piece in the Patagonia R1 Air line at backcountry.com, patagonia.com, or rei.com.

Beyond Clothing Dasche L3 Jacket

$190, 14 oz./397g
beyondclothing.com

Over several cold days of ski touring from Utah’s Wasatch Range to Idaho’s Boise Mountains, with temps in the single digits and teens Fahrenheit, snow falling, and a cold wind chill at times, the Beyond Clothing Dasche L3 Jacket rarely left my body, whether serving as a middle layer skiing downhill or an outer layer skiing uphill—a testament to its breathability and versatility.

The Dasche’s hybrid vest-jacket design combines water-resistant, 80g PrimaLoft Gold Luxe synthetic insulation in the core (front and back) and shoulders and very breathable, stretchy soft-shell fabric in the sides, underarms, and lower arms—creating a jacket that traps heat effectively where your body needs that but also releases heat and moisture, where many jackets with a similar hybrid design do either one thing or the other better. My base layer always dried within minutes after my exertion level dropped. The uninsulated, stretchy, close-fitting, adjustable and stowable hood moves with your head, fits under any helmet, provides excellent coverage, and cuts some wind while breathing quite well—an ideal middle-layer hood.

For backcountry skiing or riding, climbing, snowshoeing, or hiking, I find it best for temps well below freezing—for me, it only became too warm in sunshine, calm air, and temps around freezing. Maybe best of all, it comes in under a pound and under 200 bucks.

Read my full review of the Beyond Clothing Dasche L3 Jacket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Beyond Clothing Dasche L3 Jacket at beyondclothing.com.

Himali Men’s Endeavor Fleece Hoodie

$160, 9.2 oz./261g
himali.com

From trekking hut-to-hut in late spring through cool days of sometimes very strong wind and heavy rain on New Zealand’s Milford and Routeburn tracks and Tongariro Alpine Crossing, to January days of backcountry skiing in Idaho, both skinning uphill and skiing downhill while moving between cold shade and warm sunshine in temps ranging from single digits to the high 20s Fahrenheit, I wore this hooded, full-zip fleece jacket for hours a day, sometimes as an outer layer and much more often under a shell. I never took it off—despite sharp shifts in exertion level—and remained comfortable the entire time.

It’s one of the most versatile fleece hoodies I’ve ever used, mainly because the weight of the four-way stretch fabric gives it a balance of warmth and breathability that enables you to keep it on during periods of higher exertion without overheating, and not need to pull on another layer once your exertion level drops.

Plus, the Endeavor’s warmth and breathability helped quickly dry out my sweaty base layers—critical to staying warm and comfortable—and the athletic fit makes it a good choice for a wide range of activities like dayhiking, backpacking, running, climbing, Nordic and backcountry skiing, and walking.

Read my full review of the Himali Men’s Endeavor Fleece Hoodie.

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A Great Insulated Jacket for Extra Warmth

Feathered Friends Helios Hooded Down Jacket

$489, 1 lb. 1 oz./482g
featheredfriends.com

For really cold days of backcountry skiing, ski touring, snowshoeing, hiking and backpacking, and resort skiing, many of us need an insulation layer with extra warmth—to wear constantly in severe cold at low exertion levels; to pull on during brief rest breaks, at a belay, or while in camp or outside a yurt; or to have as an emergency piece in your pack. While it’s not made for breathability while being active, for incomparable warmth in a lightweight, packable puffy, I haven’t found anything that beats the Feathered Friends Helios Hooded Down Jacket.

On winter nights in the single digits outside a yurt in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, and raw, wet spring mornings camped in Idaho’s City of Rocks, this fat down jacket felt crazy warm—especially for its weight and packability, spotlighting its versatility as an outstanding down jacket for winter and a puffy that’s light and packable enough for chilly, three-season trips.

The Helios is generously stuffed with 900+-fill down, just about the highest-quality down produced, including in the comfortable, adjustable hood. The water-resistant, 20-denier Pertex Endurance LT shell fabric repels light precipitation, and the jacket has two hand pockets with overlapping stretch flaps in lieu of a zipper, plus one small, zippered inside pocket.

Read my full review of the Feathered Friends Helios Hooded Down Jacket.

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The Best Winter Backcountry Shell Jackets and Pants

For activities like hard-charging resort skiing in falling snow, backcountry ski touring and riding, snowshoeing, climbing, and hiking, when I’m working hard for hours in wide-ranging winter temps and weather, I want a shell jacket and pants with superior breathability—so that I don’t get soaked with sweat while exerting—that also repel hours of falling snow and block most wind. The jacket must have an adjustable, helmet-compatible, brimmed hood that keeps wind and precipitation off my face and must fit comfortably over base and middle layers, allowing full range of motion. The pants should have adequate pockets and ventilate well for moving uphill. Neither should be too heavy.

Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket and Bibs

Jacket: $429, 1 lb. 5.5 oz./610g
Bibs: $429, 1 lb. 9 oz./709g
backcountry.com

The waves of December snowstorms rolled through for days, dumping cold, dry, light powder in the mountains. In the backcountry, the skiing was epic—as were the weather conditions. That’s when high-quality shells demonstrate their value. On numerous days of ski touring through hours of heavily falling snow, temps ranging from the single digits to the teens and 20s Fahrenheit, and frequent wind, OR’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket and Bibs passed every qualifying exam to rank among the very best outerwear for winter.

The newest iteration of OR’s proprietary, three-layer, stretch AscentShell waterproof-breathable membrane performs like a hard shell but feels and moves like a soft shell. AscentShell’s impressive breathability enabled base layers to dry out completely after getting sweaty on long climbs—keeping testers comfortable in all conditions. I rarely even feel the need to open the deep pit zips, although those are a nice feature on warmer days of touring.

The jacket has four waterproof, zippered external pockets and two inside pockets, a helmet-compatible hood, and a fit that accommodates warm layers. The bibs have deep, ventilating front and side zippers, plus five zippered pockets, including two cargo and hand pockets and a smartly designed beacon pocket on the chest, as well as reinforced cuffs with a stretch-mesh internal gaiter.

Read my full review of the Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket and Bibs.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket and/or Skytour AscentShell Bibs at backcountry.com, rei.com, or outdoorresearch.com.

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Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell and Pants

Jacket: $365, 1 lb. 2 oz./510g
blackdiamondequipment.com
Pants: $325, 1 lb. 3.5 oz./553g
blackdiamondequipment.com

BD’s Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell and Pants have kept me dry and comfortable on countless days of backcountry skiing, in temperatures ranging from single digits with a below-zero wind chill through the high 30s, in falling snow, light rain mixed with wet snow, wind, and just plain calm, sub-freezing air. The hybrid design of both blends the brand’s proprietary BD.dry waterproof-breathable fabric with a PFC- and water-free DWR (durable, water-resistant treatment) in areas most exposed to weather—chest, hood, and shoulders in the jacket and the lower legs and seat in the pants—with highly breathable soft-shell fabric in places where our bodies dump heat and moisture, like the underarms and sides of the jacket and thighs and front of the pants.

Abundant stretch in both pieces let you move unencumbered both uphill and downhill. The jacket’s center front dual zipper features a built-in mesh panel for venting on the climb and a perforated panel on the collar for breathing through while still protecting your face. Features include two harness-compatible chest pockets that fit skins, an internal media pocket, pit zips, an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood, and hook-and-loop cuffs with a lightweight wrist gaiter.

The pants feature side zips for venting; two zippered thigh pockets, one with an internal sleeve for a beacon, and a smaller, zippered hip pocket; instep patches to guard against ski edges and crampon points; a stretch gaiter and cuffs with dual snap closures for different types of ski boots; an integrated belt for waist adjustment with internal loops for suspender compatibility; and an integrated RECCO reflector.

Read my full reviews of the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell and the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Pants.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell at blackdiamondequipment.com or backcountry.com, and the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Pants at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

Check out my stories “How to Dress in Layers for Winter in the Backcountry” and “12 Pro Tips For Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter,” and see all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-clothing-layers-for-winter-in-the-backcountry/feed/ 11 25995 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-6-trail-running-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-6-trail-running-shoes/#comments Thu, 31 Oct 2024 17:07:24 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=65380 Read on

]]> Trail Running/Hiking Shoes
Hoka One One Speedgoat 6
$155, 1 lb. 3 oz./539g (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-15, women’s 5-12
roadrunnersports.com

Hoka’s popular trail-running shoe, the Speedgoat, has passed through several updates since it first emerged on the scene in 2015, named for the American phenom ultrarunner Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer. The latest, the Speedgoat 6, builds upon that legacy again, with a more durable, breathable woven upper, a more responsive midsole, and even better traction—maintaining the Speedgoat’s standing amid an expanding field of copycats and its stature as a solid performer for trail ultra-runs and ultra-hikes, lightweight dayhiking, and ultralight backpacking.

I’ve worn the Speedgoat 6 on trail runs of up to about 10 miles in my local foothills—and previous generations of the Speedgoat trail running and hiking on many different adventures, including lightweight backpacking trips and one-day outings as long as running and hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim (42 miles and over 21,000 feet). While other trail-running shoes have beat up my feet and left them sore on runs of 15 miles or more, my feet emerge from the Speedgoat after huge days feeling and looking surprisingly good.

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As ever, the strongest suit of the Speedgoat 6 remains that it delivers excellent stability on the trail, thanks to solid torsional rigidity,giving runners confidence to push themselves on dirt and even more-rugged footpaths. And for hikers and ultralight backpackers who prefer very light, nimble, and breathable footwear, that stability and support, along with Hoka’s trademark enhanced cushioning underfoot, delivers the kind of performance desired for carrying a pack for many hard miles through mountains or desert canyon country.

The neutral-stability Speedgoat combines an aggressive late-stage rocker profile—moving the outsole’s curve closer to the toes and turbo-charging the shoe’s push-off—with a stack height (the combined thickness of the insole, midsole, and outsole, or the distance between your foot and the ground) of 40 to 35 mm (heel to forefoot) in the men’s shoe and 38 to 33 mm in the women’s. That’s a one-millimeter reduction in the stack height compared to the Speedgoat 5, the most significant impact of which is a somewhat lighter feel.

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With the Speedgoat 6, Hoka made its signature thick, compression-molded EVA foam midsole more durable, potentially extending the life of these shoes (which will vary depending on how and where you use them), as well as more responsive, probably most noticeable for runners and fast hikers. This while keeping the Speedgoat 6 the same weight as the Speedgoat 5, at one pound three ounces/539 grams per pair (US men’s 9, which was about an ounce/28 grams lighter per pair than the Speedgoat 4). That’s very light in the trail-running category of footwear and ultralight in the hiking and backpacking category.

The gusseted tongue and dynamic vamp contribute to a secure, slipper-like fit and good comfort; although, if I have one complaint in that department, it’s that the toe box may feel snug to some users, who may want to look at the wide sizes (particularly hikers who use relatively thicker socks). Still, the shoe provides incrementally more volume than other trail-running and even hiking shoes I’ve worn: As someone who uses custom insoles, which are thicker than stock insoles, in my trail-running and hiking footwear, I like that my Speedgoat 6 shoes fit well with my insoles inside. Hoka also resurrected a heel loop for more easily pulling the shoe on, very useful particularly when they’re sloppy with mud.

The comfortable, matrix-like, woven mesh upper constitutes one of the most visible improvements in the Speedgoat 6, improving its durability (although they are still very light trail-running shoes and not as beefy as heavier hiking shoes) and seeming to have remedied the tendency of the uppers on the Speedgoat 5 to stretch after 100 miles or less, thus compromising the fit—all while still providing the excellent breathability that’s always been characteristic of this shoe. The minimalist toe bumper and overlays around the forefoot help protect your feet and the shoes on the trail.

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Superior traction has long been a Speedgoat hallmark and generation 6 improves upon the Vibram Megagrip outsole with a more aggressive pattern (compared to the Speedgoat 5) in the multi-directional and multi-shaped, 5 mm lugs, designed to grip quite well in a variety of conditions and terrain. On trails I run regularly, which mostly consist of packed dirt, sand, and occasional small, loose stones, exposed bedrock, and very steep descents, I find the Speedgoat 6 gives me the confidence to run almost as if on smooth, packed dirt.

If you use them for hiking or ultralight backpacking, recognize that they lack the durability of beefier—and heavier—hiking shoes. The biggest weak point—as with many shoes in this category—is the exposed soft foam of the midsole outside the little toe; that’s where I’ve always seen the Speedgoat wear first and get chewed up more easily on rocky trails.

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Still, depending on how you use them—how much weight you’re carrying, the condition of trails (how rocky and wet), and other factors—they will last as long as similar shoes in this category. I expect to log 400 or more miles in my Speedgoat 6 before wear and tear in the outsoles and midsoles demand retiring them.

The Speedgoat 6 shoes are not waterproof, making them far more breathable than any shoe with a membrane and enabling them to dry out far more quickly when they get wet. For dayhiking and ultralight backpacking, stick to generally dry trails that are well-constructed and not littered with big rocks.

Hoka also offers these shoes in men’s and women’s waterproof-breathable low and mid-cut models, the Speedgoat 6 GTX ($170) and Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX ($180). Notably, Hoka has kept the Speedgoat 6 pricing the same as the Speedgoat 5.

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The Verdict

With improved traction, performance and durability in the midsole and uppers, and its trademark excellent stability and cushion, comfort, and breathability, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 remains a top shoe for trail running any distances, dayhiking, and ultralight and lightweight backpacking, especially for users who prefer very light, airy, and stable footwear.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 shoes at backcountry.com or rei.com, or the women’s Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 shoes at roadrunnersports.com, backcountry.com or rei.com, or other men’s or women’s Speedgoat 6 models at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See all reviews of lightweight hiking shoes and backpacking boots, my “Expert Tips for Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking” at The Big Outside.

You may also be interested in my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” which includes my expert buying tips, and all reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-6-trail-running-shoes/feed/ 2 65380 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-first-light-stretch-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-first-light-stretch-hoody/#respond Fri, 20 Sep 2024 19:21:23 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=64789 Read on

]]> Hooded, Breathable Insulated Jacket
Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody
$349, 14 oz./397g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
blackdiamondequipment.com

Campsite temperatures below freezing in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness in October and around 40° F in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains in August proved the warmth of BD’s First Light Stretch Hoody. But this jacket’s versatility goes well beyond warmth, owing to synthetic stretch insulation that’s breathable, packable, and warm for its weight, and traps heat even when wet—making it potentially the only insulated jacket you need for a variety of activities year-round.

Wearing the First Light over a lightweight fleece hoodie plus a light, long-sleeve synthetic top was all I needed on top for adequate warmth on three early mornings below freezing in the High Uintas in early October. And hiking for five days in late August in the Beartooths, the First Light Stretch Hoody kept me warm wearing it over only two light base layers (plus a warm wool cap) in camp on evenings and mornings in the low 40s Fahrenheit.

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At 14 ounces/397 grams (men’s medium), this hooded, insulated jacket functions as an outer or middle layer in a range of cool to cold temperatures. More specifically, it’s light, packable, and warm enough to wear as campsite insulation for three-season backpacking and it has a good balance of performance qualities for moving in winter, from hiking and snowshoeing to backcountry touring and climbing in temps well below freezing and as a middle layer for resort skiing.

For most people, though, it’s too warm and not breathable enough for high-output activities in temps only slightly below freezing, like skinning or climbing uphill, Nordic skiing, or running—although wind could alter that dynamic, requiring a jacket this warm.

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The jacket stuffs inside its zippered chest pocket, reducing it to about 1.5 liters in volume, and has a small loop for clipping it to a climbing harness. That compares with the packability of jackets insulated with down rated around 700-fill. But typical of synthetic-insulation jackets, the First Light is still noticeably bulkier, and offers less warmth per ounce or gram, than down jackets of the same weight that are rated at 800-fill or higher (and usually more expensive).

Where Primaloft excels over high-quality down is in breathability and warmth when wet.

The migration-resistant Primaloft Gold Active synthetic insulation offers some breathability during activity—although the 20-denier nylon ripstop shell fabric, of course, inhibits that breathability to some extent: It’s not as breathable as, say, a basic fleece jacket with no shell fabric. But this shell also blocks some wind, while that basic fleece offers no wind protection; and this hoody has the durability for hard use like backcountry touring and climbing.

Primaloft, like any synthetic insulation, also traps heat even when wet from precipitation or perspiration, which becomes particularly beneficial when wearing it while active in cold temperatures. The shell’s DWR (durable, water-repellant treatment), which contains no PFC/PFAS “forever” chemicals, helps repel light precipitation.

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Another advantage of this hoody is that you can forego a heavier puffy jacket in cold temps by simply augmenting the First Light with breathable base layers and a lighter insulation piece—potentially trimming your layering system weight and certainly making it more versatile than using a heavier and warmer puffy jacket.

The stretch liner and shell and gusseted underarms provide a nice fit and excellent range of motion, with space for wearing a couple of base layers and a lighter insulated piece underneath and an all-weather shell jacket over this hoody. The sleeves have good length, not riding up my forearms when reaching overhead.

The adjustable, climbing helmet-compatible hood fits over a helmet and, when you’re not wearing a helmet, adjusts to wrap closely enough to move with your head when looking to either side. The two zippered hand pockets and single zippered chest pocket have good space, although not enough for climbing skins for backcountry touring.

The Black Diamond First Light Hybrid Hoody ($275, 12.7 oz./361g) replaces the Primaloft insulation throughout the jacket’s body with Merino wool in the sides and back, for more breathability in those areas when moving in cold temps, which also means the hybrid version is less warm.

The Verdict

With respectable warmth, packability, and breathability, and the warm-when-wet benefit of synthetic insulation, the Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody is the kind of hooded, insulated jacket you can use year-round, from campsites in the mountains on summer backpacking trips to backcountry touring, resort skiing, climbing, and hiking in winter.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody or First Light Hybrid Hoody at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, including “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Base Layers, Shorts, and Socks for Hiking and Trail Running,” “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” and “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-first-light-stretch-hoody/feed/ 0 64789 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rab-downpour-light-waterproof-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rab-downpour-light-waterproof-jacket/#comments Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:09:11 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=64712 Read on

]]> Ultralight Rain Jacket
Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket
$165, 7.7 oz./219g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL (8-16)
backcountry.com

Two startingly loud, sharp, and sustained crackles of thunder and a flash of lightning gave us about a two-minute warning before the skies opened up while we hiked at well over 11,000 feet on the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains in mid-September. I got Rab’s Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket on and zipped up moments before the thunderhead began bombarding us with wind-driven rain and hail. And this ultralight rain shell kept me dry hiking through that storm and setting up our tent in steady rain and wind once we found a campsite.

I also wore this shell hiking in strong wind on days without rain on the CDT in southwestern Colorado, and during windy times, mostly on warm mornings and evenings in camp, while backpacking the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route in mid-April, where the only rain was early one morning before we got up.

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First of all, worth noting is the jacket’s appeal when not wearing it—and for most hikers, backpackers, and others, a rain jacket spends more time in a pack than on your back: At just 7.7 ounces/219 grams (for a men’s medium), and packing down to the size of a softball (although it doesn’t pack into one of its pockets), the Downpour Light represents one of the lightest and most packable waterproof-breathable rain jackets on the market.

The weather protection owes to Rab’s 20-denier, 2.5-layer Proflex stretch-woven waterproof nylon fabric plus a waterproof front zipper. That fabric provides a bit more durability than the very lightest rain shells or ultralight wind shells but does not compete with heavier (and more featured) waterproof-breathable jackets, some of which are legitimate four-season shells. While it’s not a choice for climbers or backcountry skiers and riders, it’s tough enough for the kind of use it receives in the hands of dayhikers, mountain scramblers, lightweight backpackers, and other three-season users.

Breathability is moderately good: It moved moisture out while I carried a full backpack uphill at elevations between 11,000 and over 12,000 feet, on partly sunny, quite windy days on the CDT in Colorado. While those conditions don’t challenge breathability as much they do as a jacket’s ability to block wind, I had other reasons to believe it has good breathability (enunciated below). Not surprisingly in a shell this light, it has no pit zips for ventilation.

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In the San Juans, my wife hiked in a heavier, Gore-Tex jacket without overheating, too, and that jacket likely blocked the wind better than the Downpour Light—meaning this jacket is more breathable and slightly less windproof than a Gore-Tex jacket: I could often feel some wind coming through the fabric. But in that rapidly shifting mix of sun, clouds, temperature, and wind—a common meteorological stew in the mountains from spring through fall—this jacket was precisely what I needed to maintain a balance of feeling neither too warm nor cold.

The fit is comfortable, with space for layering light insulation underneath and articulated sleeves that allow full freedom of movement without the jacket riding up. The fabric’s backer feels nice against bare arms, too.

Lastly, in a category of jackets that often sport very minimalist hoods, the Downpour Light’s one-hand adjustable hood has a brim that helped keep rain off my face during the thunderstorm, aided by a front zipper that comes up to just below the nose; plus adjustable, hook-and-loop cuffs, and a hem that extends about six inches below the waist. The two spacious, zippered chest pockets sit above a pack’s hipbelt, making them accessible while wearing a pack.

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To be sure, the Downpour Light will not steal the crown of supreme weather protection from heavier, more featured, 3-layer rain jackets—but it’s not designed for severe weather. Rab markets the Downpour Light as a just-in-case shell that’s best for dayhikes or one-day peak scrambles where you face the possibility of some precipitation. I would say it delivers enough protection for multi-day trips where thunderstorms or rain showers are possible, but hours or days of sustained rain is unlikely.

Look at it this way: If you’re generally avoiding severely wet weather, the Downpour Light gives you all the protection you need, in a lighter and more packable design that will be less likely to cause you to overheat than a heavier, more fully featured (and weatherproof) rain jacket—at far less expense than that rain shell that’s overbuilt for your needs.

Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

Weighing less than half a pound—or half the weight of one low-cut, lightweight hiking shoe—the Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket offers all the weather protection needed by many dayhikers, peak scramblers, and fair-weather backpackers. And at a price that’s less than half that of many high-end, fully featured rain jackets.

4.1

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets,” and all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rab-downpour-light-waterproof-jacket/feed/ 2 64712 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-shadow-wind-hoodie/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-shadow-wind-hoodie/#respond Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:25:16 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=63814 Read on

]]> Ultralight Wind Shell
Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie
$140, 5.8 oz./164.4g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XXL
backcountry.com

We ask a lot of ultralight wind shells, these wispy jackets that often weigh no more (and sometimes less) than your hiking shorts. We want them to breathe well when we’re hiking or running uphill while, of course, blocking the wind effectively—and not feel like a kitchen trash bag with sleeves and a hood. On trail runs, dayhikes, and a backpacking trip from the desert Southwest in spring to the mountains of Southwest Idaho, in a wide range of fall and spring weather that challenges any outer layer to keep you comfortable, I found that OR’s Shadow Wind Hoodie did just that, quite well.

It kept me warm and dry in cool, strong wind in early May dayhiking for hours in Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, where I encountered brief snow flurries, and in Zion National Park, where a thunderstorm produced a brief, light rain. It blocked wind quite effectively while breathing well enough to prevent sweat from accumulating inside on very windy mornings with the ambient air temperature around 40° F on a three-day hike on southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons loop in early May.

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I pulled it on for the downhill end of a hike in my local foothills on a very windy April afternoon, after sweating hard on a steep trail that rises 2,000 feet in just over two miles, and it kept the wind from making me cold while breathing well enough that my wet base layers dried in minutes. It performed similarly on an hour-long trail run in mid-November, in late-afternoon shade with a chilly breeze and temps in the mid-40s; and on a hilly mountain bike ride on an unusually warm January day, with temps in the low 60s but a strong wind cooling things down and virtually no warmth from the sun.

The Shadow’s distinguishing component is its lightweight, bluesign-approved, 20-denier, 90 percent nylon stretch-woven fabric: Impressively breathable while repelling light rain, it feels softer against bare arms than most ultralight shells—especially the lightest out there, which can feel a bit like a plastic petroleum product. This fabric offers better durability than the very lightest ultralight shells, good enough for most rock climbing, short of dragging yourself up a tight chimney. OR applies a DWR (durable, water-repellent) treatment that’s free of fluorinated chemicals.

The trim fit provides space for a couple of base layers plus a light vest or insulated jacket underneath and very good stretch lets this jacket move however you’re moving—great for hiking, running, climbing, and other active uses. The elasticized cuffs seal out drafts.

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The close-fitting, under-the-helmet hood is adjustable—uncommon in an ultralight shell—and it stayed in place on my head in strong gusts numerous times, while the low-profile brim provides decent face protection for a UL shell. The hood also stows inside the collar using a snap, keeping it from flapping around annoyingly in wind—a smart feature that might seem superfluous until the first time you use it—and it easily stuffs inside the zippered chest pocket, which is more than spacious enough for a smartphone. Each of the two zippered hand pockets is large enough to fit a pair of warm gloves.

At just 5.8 ounces/164.4 grams for the men’s medium, it comes in just above the median weight of hooded ultralight shells, and packs down to about the size of a softball—not quite as light and compact as the lightest hooded shells, but only a couple ounces/55 grams heavier.

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Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

Just an ounce or two heavier than the lightest hooded wind shells, the Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie stands out for its exceptional comfort, breathability, and wind protection, ideal for dayhikers, trail runners, climbers, backpackers who rarely encounter much rain, and other users.

4.2

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie at backcountry.com, rei.com, or outdoorresearch.com.

For a rain jacket that’s barely heavier than the Shadow Wind Hoodie, although less breathable, see my review of the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket.

See my picks for “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets” and “The 7 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” and all reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, trail-running gear, hiking apparel, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-shadow-wind-hoodie/feed/ 0 63814 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montem-ultra-light-100-carbon-fiber-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montem-ultra-light-100-carbon-fiber-trekking-poles/#respond Sat, 15 Jun 2024 12:25:37 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=63555 Read on

]]> Trekking Poles
Montem Ultra Light 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
$90, 14 oz./396.9g (per pair)
$One size, adjustable 105-135cm
montemlife.com

The biggest question with inexpensive gear is always: Will it work? And best way to answer that question is to field test it in places that are hard on gear. Backpacking six days on the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route, five days in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains, and three days on southern Utah’s rugged Owl and Fish canyons loop, and dayhiking in a couple of southern Utah national parks and on two of the steepest, meanest trails in my local Foothills, I found that Montem’s remarkably affordable Ultra Light 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles met virtually all the demands I placed on them through some very hard use and left me with only a couple of relatively minor critiques.

These poles helped me confidently carry a backpack up and down very steep and loose trails on a six-day, 60-mile hike on the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route in mid-April—starting with more than 40 pounds in my pack, including 11 pounds of food and over 10 pounds of water, on our first day descending the steep and frequently loose South Bass Trail. That was followed by going up and down more steep and loose sections of the Tonto Trail West where it dropped into and climbed out of tributary canyons; and finally, on our last day, ascending some 3,400 vertical feet up the Hermit Trail.

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The poles did the same for me on the route through Owl and Fish canyons in early May, which involves hiking and third-class scrambling very steep canyon walls, crossing sloping slickrock, walking over bowling ball-size rocks, and slogging across soft sand. In the Beartooths, we used these poles to pitch an ultralight tent, which held up quite well in strong winds in a couple of camps.

I also used them dayhiking about nine miles and 2,000 feet up and down the Navajo Knobs Trail in Capitol Reef National Park and the eight-mile, nearly 2,000-foot Fairyland Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park in early May; as well as on two steep dayhikes in my local Foothills: Mount Heinen, 10 miles with 4,000 feet of up and down, and Cervidae Peak, 4.5 miles with 2,000 feet of vertical.

For starters, the price is unbeatable for quality trekking poles—especially a pair made entirely of lightweight and strong carbon fiber. (Although carbon fiber can, under unusual stresses, sheer and break, something I’ve only seen happen two or three times over many years and miles using carbon poles.)

But the merits of Montem’s Ultralight 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles don’t stop at the 365-days-a-year clearance-sale price. These three-section, telescoping/collapsible poles extend to a wide range for hiking of 105 to 135 centimeters/41 to 53 inches—accommodating virtually every user from adults well over six feet tall to short adults and young kids because the poles are useable even when adjusted shorter than 105 centimeters.

They are longer than some telescoping poles—and long enough to use with tents that pitch with trekking poles. And they collapse to 61 centimeters/24 inches, comparable to the most packable telescoping poles (which are much less packable than folding poles).

Lightweight at 14 ounces/396.9 grams for the pair (15.2 ounces/430.9 grams with the rubber tips), they fall right in the middle of the weight range of trekking poles; their weight, relative strength, and the collapsible/telescoping design make them best suited to hiking and backpacking on or off-trail, fitness walking, and perhaps backcountry ski touring; they’re a bit on the heavy side and not compact enough when collapsed for mountain trail running or ultra-running.

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The Flick-Lock locking levers for adjusting the poles’ length required playing with a few times to get the tension right and prevent the poles from collapsing when weighted—they initially slipped a few times for me, but locked properly and didn’t slip again once I figured out the correct amount of tension. That tension is also controlled by tiny knobs easily turned with your fingers—no tool required (as with some other poles, which has always struck me as an annoying and unnecessary design shortcoming).

The ergonomic EVA foam grip extends down the upper shaft, ideal for ascending steep trails, off-trail terrain, or backcountry touring. The easily adjustable nylon straps are comfortable on my wrists for hours and the poles have the usual carbide tips found on all trekking poles of any quality.

Biggest demerit: I lost both trekking baskets on my first backpacking trip with them, in the Grand Canyon, one within the first two hours of the first day, simply because they’re not well fitted to the tips of the poles’ lowest shafts. All in all, though, I haven’t much noticed not having them (and you’d only notice their absence when hiking through soft ground, like a lot of soft mud). The poles also come with rubber tips for slickrock and mostly rocky trails; you’d need snow baskets to use the poles for backcountry touring.

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Montem Ultralight 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

Despite a couple of relatively minor flaws, for hikers, backpackers, and others on a budget—or who are simply loath to spend more when there’s a more affordable option that works perfectly fine—it’s hard to beat the value and cost-to-performance of the Montem Ultralight 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles.

4.1

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the Montem Ultra Light 100% Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles at montemlife.com.

Get 15 percent off any purchase at montemlife.com using the exclusive discount code BIGOUT15MOG.

See my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my stories “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montem-ultra-light-100-carbon-fiber-trekking-poles/feed/ 0 63555 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-down-hoodie/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-down-hoodie/#respond Mon, 27 May 2024 12:06:32 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=63410 Read on

]]> Water-Resistant Down Jacket
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie
$299, 15.4 oz./437g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-3XL, women’s XS-XL, plus sizes 1X-4X
backcountry.com

The wind blew strong and steady and the temperature sat just several ticks above freezing on our mornings and evenings backpacking the three-day loop through Owl and Fish canyons in southern Utah in early May. I was happy to have not brought an ultralight insulated jacket on that trip—as I often do in spring in the Southwest—because my Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie had the heft to keep me warm in that below-freezing wind chill. And it delivers rare protection from wet weather—at a price lower than most high-quality down jackets.

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Impressively, I felt warm wearing it over just a lightweight, short-sleeve T-shirt at our camps in Owl and Fish canyons—where, of course, tall canyon walls gave us hours of shade every evening and morning.

It also kept me comfortable on chilly mornings and evenings in camp on a four-day backpacking trip, partly along the Continental Divide Trail, in southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains in mid-September.

That’s because the Helium Down Hoodie is stuffed with 800+-fill down (responsibly sourced and sustainably processed), giving it a high warmth-to-weight ratio: At under a pound, it packs enough warmth for temps below freezing, enabling you to push the edges of peak seasons in the mountains and desert. People who get cold easily will like this jacket for typical morning and evening temperatures in the mountains in summer, too.

Pull the jacket out of the left hand pocket that it stuffs into—packing down to well under two liters—and it lofts up immediately, like an internal fan was inflating it.

The shell consists of wind-resistant, lightweight and packable, 41 percent recycled, 15-denier by 30-denier Pertex Quantum nylon fabric with Diamond Fuse technology for greater durability and snag resistance. And the jacket sets itself apart from many down jackets for the waterproof ripstop fabric at the hood, shoulders, and upper sleeves, giving it much more resistance to precipitation.

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The adjustable, under-the-helmet hood lets you find a comfortably snug fit to trap warmth efficiently and enable the hood to turn with your head and stay put in strong winds. The front zipper comes up to your chin and doesn’t tend to snag and the elasticized cuffs and adjustable hem seal in body heat.

The jacket’s trim fit provides enough space for a couple of base layers underneath, allowing full freedom of movement, and easily fits under a shell jacket. Good shoulder articulation paired with enough sleeve length prevents the cuffs from sliding up your forearms when reaching. And few brands offer as wide a range of men’s size and women’s sizes as OR.

The two zippered hand pockets feel quite warm and have space for three-season gloves and the zippered chest pocket easily fits a smartphone with room to spare. Plus, two wide and deep, internal stash pockets are spacious enough to warm up gloves inside them.

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Lastly, try to find a high-quality down jacket at this price point today. There are very few.

The Verdict

Warm for its weight and very packable, with waterproof fabric on the hood, shoulders, and upper sleeves, the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie is a versatile choice for backpacking, climbing, and other outdoor activities even when temperatures slip below freezing and as a layering piece for winter in the backcountry.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie at backcountry.com, outdoorresearch.com, or rei.com.

See all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, including “The 12 Best Down Jackets” and “The Best Clothing Layers for Winter in the Backcountry,” as well as “How to Dress in Layers for Winter in the Backcountry” and “12 Pro Tips for Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See the Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-book!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-down-hoodie/feed/ 0 63410 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-6-favorite-daypacks/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-6-favorite-daypacks/#comments Fri, 24 May 2024 09:05:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=16077 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

Choosing a daypack for hiking can seem overwhelming when you see the dozens of choices available today, which range all over the map in terms of volume, weight, carrying capacity, features, and cost—as well as fit and comfort. Look no further. This freshly updated review spotlights the best daypacks for hiking and offers expert buying tips that explain the subtle differences between packs to help you find the right one for your own adventures.

This article covers a wide range of daypacks, from 15 to 36 liters and 20 ounces to almost three-and-a-half pounds, each one a standout for different reasons and uses. My picks and buying tips are based on personally testing new daypacks constantly through thousands of miles of hiking and three decades of testing and reviewing gear—formerly for 10 years as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog.

I think this review will help you find a pack that’s perfect for you—plus you’ll usually find the best prices at affiliate links in this review (which support this blog when you make a purchase through them, at not cost to you, and thanks for doing that).

Please share your own experiences with any of these packs, suggest other daypacks, or ask questions in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

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Buying Tips

Before buying, consider what you need a daypack for. How much stuff will you carry? That partly depends on where, when, and how far you hike. What kind of pack design suits your dayhiking style: low- or high-capacity? Lightweight and minimalist, or with an assortment of pockets and features? Built to carry plenty of gear, clothing, food, and water, or a light load? Armored for hard abuse, or needed mostly for cruising good trails?

Here are some details to consider when choosing a daypack:

• Volume/Capacity For most three-season dayhikes where you’re carrying the usual stuff (clothing, food, water, some incidentals like a camera), a daypack between 16 and 24 liters has enough space, with the lower end of that range best for hikers who prioritize a streamlined, lightweight design, and the upper end of that range for hikers who sometimes need extra capacity. For outings that are unusually gear-intensive—or carrying stuff for another person—look to a pack that’s 28 liters or more. For carrying bare essentials in good weather, a 12-liter daypack may be fine; but for trekking hut to hut for several days, you may need a pack in the 36-40L range.
• Suspension We all have our own idea of how much weight is comfortable in a daypack, but how much weight a pack can comfortably carry largely depends on its frame (if there is one) and suspension (the shoulder straps and waist belt). Very light daypacks—under roughly 1.5 pounds—offer minimal support and putting more than 10 to 12 pounds inside may compromise their comfort, which simply means that your body will feel the weight more. Daypacks designed to carry 15 to 20 pounds or more typically have padded shoulder straps and waist belt and a metal wire frame and/or a plastic framesheet to maintain the pack’s shape and direct most of the weight onto your hips.

• Fit As with backpacks, fit is critical to carrying comfort, especially the more weight you’re putting inside the daypack. Low-capacity daypacks designed to carry no more than about 10 pounds often come in one size, while larger-capacity daypacks will come in two or three sizes and men’s and women’s models, to help you find a better fit. See my story “Top 5 Tips for Buying the Right Backpacking Pack” for instructions on how to measure your torso to fit a backpack or daypack.
• Organization Quick access to the main compartment—usually in the form of a clamshell-style zipper, or a vertical side zipper if the pack has a lid that buckles down—and multiple pockets on the outside offer great convenience. So do little details like attachments for trekking poles and an ice axe. Those features also add cost and some weight and bulk. Consider how important compartmentalization is to you and how much stuff you want to have within reach while wearing the pack.
• Materials Many daypacks for hiking are made with similar materials, from a reasonably durable body fabric and tougher fabric on the bottom to stretch-mesh external pockets that are more vulnerable to tearing and perforated, breathable foam in the back panel, shoulder straps, and waist belt. But some daypacks are built with tougher materials that will withstand hard use—sometimes (but not always) adding weight and cost. Again, this comes down to how you plan to use the pack.

The comparison chart lists the packs from lightest to heaviest and offers a quick look at features that distinguish these packs from one another; the overall ratings are based on criteria that tend to favor heavier daypacks, so they’re most helpful when comparing packs of similar weights. Each of the short reviews below the chart includes a link to my complete review of the pack.

The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks

Daypack	Rating	Volume	Price	Weight	Carrying Capacity	Features
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak	4.1	17L/1,040 c.i.	$229	1 lb. 4 oz./ 566.9g	12 lbs./ 5.44kg	* Waterproof * Highly durable * 3 unisex sizes * 4 pockets
Black Diamond Pursuit 15	4.1	15L/915 c.i.	$170	1 lb. 7 oz./ 652g	15 lbs./ 6.8kg	* 3 men's and women's sizes * Good comfort * Very lightweight * Running vest-style harness * Unique compression * 5 pockets
Patagonia Terravia 28L	4.2	28L/1,770 c.i.	$169	1 lb. 10 oz./ 737.1g	15 lbs./ 6.8kg	* 3 unisex sizes * Breathable back panel, shoulder straps, hipbelt * 6 pockets
Osprey Talon 22 and Tempest 20	4.2	22L/1,343 c.i.	$170	1 lb. 11 oz./ 765.4g (men's S/M)	15 lbs./ 6.8kg	* Men's and women's models * Ventilating back panel * Multiple features * 6 pockets
Deuter AC Lite 16 and AC Lite 14 SL	4	16L/976 c.i.	$100	1 lb. 14.7 oz./ 870g	15 lbs./ 6.8kg	* Excellent ventilating harness and comfort * Men's and women's models * 3 pockets
Arc'teryx Aerios 30	4.3	30L/1,831 c.i.	$190	2 lbs./ 907.2g	20 lbs./ 9.07kg	* Unique vest-like suspension * Men's and women's models * Breathable back panel * 7 pockets
Gregory Miko 20 and Maya 20	4.3	20L/1,220 c.i.	$150	2 lbs. 1 oz./ 935.5g	15 lbs./ 6.8kg	* Men's and women's models * Adjustable fit * Ventilating harness, hipbelt, back panel * 6 pockets
Gregory Zulu 24 LT and Jade 24 LT	4.5	24L/1,465 c.i.	$170	2 lbs. 5 oz./ 1.05kg	20 lbs./ 9.07kg	* Excellent ventilating back panel and comfortable hipbelt * Men's and women's models * 6 pockets
Mystery Ranch Coulee 30	4.8	29L/1,770 c.i.	$189	2 lbs. 9 oz./ 1.2kg	25+ lbs./ 11.3kg	* 2 men's and women's adjustable sizes * Unique 3-zipper access to main compartment * Balances weight, comfort, durability * 7 pockets
Deuter Trail Pro 36 and Trail Pro 34 SL	4.3	36L/2,197 c.i.	$185	3 lbs. 7 oz./ 1.56kg	25-35 lbs./ 11.34kg-15.88kg	* Men's and women's models * Large carrying capacity, multiple features * Very durable * 6 pockets * rain cover

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak

$229, 17L/1,040 c.i., 1 lb. 4 oz./566.9g
hyperlitemountaingear.com

Lightweight and tough don’t always go together when describing gear, but they both apply to the Daybreak, which I’ve used dayhiking and on multi-pitch rock climbs. The ultralight, waterproof Dyneema fabric (the zipper’s also waterproof) has suffered years of abuse on numerous outings and still looks almost new.

With a thin, flexible back pad and no frame to direct weight onto your hips, the Daybreak carries 12 pounds comfortably and some hikers will easily load it up with more than that. Although very lightly padded, the wide mesh belt distributes weight around the hips, and the mesh shoulder straps have some padding. This minimalist bag has four pockets—including a large, front, bellows pocket—and comes in three sizes. The frameless design also means you can roll the Daybreak up and strap it to the outside of a backpack.

Read my complete review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

Want a really ultralight, minimalist daypack?
See my review of the Black Diamond Trail Blitz 12 and REI Flash 18.

Black Diamond Pursuit 15

$170, 15L/915 c.i., 1 lb. 7 oz./652g
blackdiamondequipment.com

From dayhikes up to 16 miles with spurts of running in my local foothills to the steep, 13-mile, 3,500-foot Burgess Pass Loop in Yoho National Park and other trails in the Canadian Rockies, plus an 11-mile, 4,200-foot loop to Mounts Lafayette and Lincoln above Franconia Notch in the White Mountains, the Pursuit 15 struck an unusual but effective balance between traditional hiking daypacks and trail-running vests that may appeal to avid dayhikers and mountain scramblers who like to move fast and light.

Its non-adjustable harness consists of wide, unpadded shoulder straps with running-vest-style pockets and dual sternum straps to provide better stability and comfort when running, hiking fast, or scrambling. But it adds the kind of wide, lightly padded hipbelt typical of ultralight daypacks that imposes slight inhibition of movement as the price for more weight-carrying capacity than a running vest. It also has a compression system that’s much more efficient and versatile than you’ll find on many daypacks or vests. Three men’s and women’s sizes ensure a good fit.

Read my complete review of the Black Diamond Pursuit 15.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Black Diamond Pursuit 15 at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes”
and “Extreme Hiking: America’s Best Hard Dayhikes.”

Patagonia Terravia 28L

$169, 28L/1,770 c.i., 1 lb. 10 oz./737.1g
backcountry.com

On dayhikes from Capitol Reef National Park to a more than eight-mile, nearly 5,300-vertical-foot hike of Idaho’s highest peak, 12,662-foot Borah Peak, the Terravia 28L stood out for having the capacity for big days along with good access and durability that’s rare in a daypack weighing just over 1.5 pounds.

The 28-liter/1,770-cubic-inch Terravia has the capacity for all-day outings where you need extra layers, water, food, and gear. With just a foam back pad and no frame, the Terravia 28L will comfortably carry about 15 pounds/6.8 kilos, or more for strong hikers. Breathable shoulder straps and hipbelt and a mesh back panel keeps you cool when working up a sweat. A unique cinch closure quickly accesses the main compartment and pulls the lid down over its mouth, with a small, metal hook locking the lid in place. Hipbelt and mesh side pockets keep everything you want within reach while moving. As usual, kudos to Patagonia for the recycled and PFC-free materials.

See my complete review of the Patagonia Terravia 28L.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Patagonia Terravia 28L at backcountry.com or patagonia.com, or other Terravia versions at backcountry.com, patagonia.com, or rei.com.

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Osprey Talon 22/Tempest 20

$170, 20L/1,220 c.i., 1 lb., 11 oz./765.4g
ospreypacks.com

From a 14-mile, nearly 3,000-foot round-trip dayhike up 11,049-foot Telescope Peak, the highest in Death Valley National Park, to the rugged hike up Cerro Chato in Costa Rica and many other trails, the Talon 22 carried up to 15 pounds comfortably, thanks to a suspension featuring a flexible, plastic framesheet, and an adjustable harness with a seamless, foam hipbelt that forms one continuous piece with the nicely ventilated mesh back panel.

Unusually feature-rich for daypacks that weigh in well under two pounds, the men’s Talon and women’s Tempest sport easy access to the main compartment via a big clamshell zipper, and multiple pockets on the hipbelt, sides, top, and front, as well as handy attachments for trekking poles, a bike helmet, and a light. They’re among the most versatile multi-sport daypacks on the market.

Read my complete review of the Osprey Talon 22 and Tempest 20.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Osprey Talon 22 or another size at ospreypacks.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com, or a women’s Osprey Tempest 20 or another size at ospreypacks.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

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Deuter AC Lite 16 and AC Lite 14 SL

$100, 16L/976 c.i., 1 lb. 14.7 oz./870g
summithut.com

From the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park to a peak in my local foothills with 2,000 feet of vertical in just over two miles, I found Deuter’s AC Lite 16 quite comfortable with the type of loads that many dayhikers do not exceed. Plus, this daypack has a design and basic feature set that will please many hikers, and Deuter’s Aircomfort harness creates as much ventilation as you’ll find in a daypack.

At under two pounds, the AC Lite 16 delivers the support for carrying up to about 15 pounds/6.8 kilos comfortably, thanks to its spring steel perimeter frame. A top-loader with a main compartment accessed via a one-buckle lid and drawcord, the AC Lite has an attachment for poles and a rain cover, but just three exterior pockets (no front stuff pocket or hipbelt pockets). The 210-denier polyamidepack body and 600-denier polyester bottom rank the AC Lite daypacks among the most durable out there.

Read my complete review of the Deuter AC Lite 16.

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Deuter AC Lite 23, AC Lite 21 SL, or another AC Lite model at summithut.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

Planning your next big adventure? See “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips”
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Arc’teryx Aerios 30

$190, 30L/1,831 c.i., 2 lbs./907.2g
rei.com

Marrying elements of traditional daypacks and running vests, the Aerios 30 has bountiful capacity, an inspired design, and superior durability—all at a modest weight. With a light but impressively supportive framesheet, fixed (non-adjustable), wide, padded shoulder straps and hipbelt, and a highly breathable, mesh-covered Aeroform back panel with a slightly concave shape that allows good air flow, it has the support and comfort for carrying 20 pounds.

The voluminous main compartment, accessed by a deep, clamshell zipper, and seven external pockets deliver excellent organization. Despite one flaw, the Aerios 30 ranks as one of today’s most versatile daypacks.

Read my complete review of the Arc’teryx Aerios 30.

BUY IT NOW  You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the men’s or women’s Arc’teryx Aerios 30 at rei.com.

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Gregory Miko 20/Maya 20

$150, 20L/1,220 c.i., 2 lbs. 1 oz./935.5g
Miko 20: backcountry.com
Maya 20: backcountry.com

Gregory’s Miko and Maya, the latest updates of the classic, lightweight men’s and women’s Miwok and Maya daypacks, retain all that made their predecessors outstanding. That begins with the comfortable, close-fitting, very breathable, adjustable BioSync suspension, featuring an elasticized shoulder harness and hipbelt that provide a very comfortable, body-hugging fit and a dynamic carry that flexes with your moving body. These packs offer quick access to the main compartment, six external pockets, and a zippered bladder sleeve outside the main compartment.

Carrying the Miko 20 on all-day, rugged hikes—including nearly 10 miles and 4,700 feet up and down 5,774-foot Mount Adams in New Hampshire’s rugged northern Presidential Range, and a mostly off-trail dayhike-scramble of 11,330-foot Twin Peaks in Utah’s Wasatch Range that spanned eight hours with 5,200 feet of up and down—I found this versatile bag remains a favorite for three-season, done-in-a-day, lightweight adventures.

Read my complete review of the Miko 20 and Maya 20.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Gregory men’s Miko 20 or any Miko model at backcountry.com, gregory.com, or rei.com, or a women’s Maya 20 or any Maya model at backcountry.com, gregory.com, or rei.com.

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Gregory Zulu 24 LT and Jade 24 LT

$170, 24L/1,465 c.i., 2 lbs. 5 oz./1.05kg
gregory.com

This first thing I noticed carrying Gregory’s Zulu 24 LT on dayhikes of up to 10 miles in southern Utah parks was its exceptional comfort with 20 pounds. Credit the alloy steel wire perimeter frame and the seamless wrap of the hipbelt, which integrates with the Vaporspan back panel to feel like it was custom-built for you. The back panel’s open mesh and wide space between it and the pack bag creates nice air flow.

But the more I used it—pulling stuff out, stuffing stuff back in, using its various pockets and smart features, including dayhiking New Zealand’s 12.6-mile/20.2-kilometer Tongariro Alpine Crossing, with more than 2,100 feet of uphill and 3,600 feet down—the more I liked its design. Access to the Zulu and Jade 24 LT packs is easy, fast, and convenient, with a U-shaped zipper into the main compartment and six external pockets that include a large, zippered front pocket. They’re also more durable than many packs, with 400-denier polyester ripstop body fabric and 420-denier nylon in the bottom.

Read my complete review of the Gregory Zulu 24 LT and Jade 24 LT.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Gregory men’s Zulu 24 LT at backcountry.com, gregory.com, or rei.com, or a women’s Jade 24 LT at gregory.com or rei.com, or other versions of the Zulu LT at backcountry.com, gregory.com, or rei.com or the Jade LT at gregory.com or rei.com.

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Mystery Ranch Coulee 30

$189, 29L/1,770 c.i., 2 lbs. 9 oz./1.2kg (men’s S/M)
backcountry.com

Sure, every ounce of gear weight should be justified. But that doesn’t mean heavier is bad. As I discovered carrying the Mystery Ranch Coulee 30 on hikes from Idaho to the steep Cory Pass-Edith Pass loop in Canada’s Banff National Park, its modest weight is more than validated by a design, comfort, capacity, and durability that make it one of today’s best daypacks.

Most uniquely, instead of a traditional, separate lid, a Y-shaped, three-zipper system provides quick and complete access to the main compartment. The well-padded, adjustable harness and HDPE framesheet enable the Coulee 30 to carry 25 pounds or more comfortably. In fact, I had no complaints carrying about 30 pounds of rock-climbing gear—including hardware, harness, shoes, and helmet, all of which fit inside the pack—several bars and over two liters of water at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve. And seven external pockets—one on top and two each on the sides, front, and hipbelt—provide excellent organization.

Read my complete review of the Mystery Ranch Coulee 30.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Mystery Ranch Coulee 30 at backcountry.com or mysteryranch.com, a women’s Mystery Ranch Coulee 30 at backcountry.com or mysteryranch.com, or any other pack in the Coulee series at backcountry.com or mysteryranch.com.

Time for a better backpack?
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Deuter Trail Pro 36 and Trail Pro 34 SL

$185, 36L/2,197 c.i., 3 lbs. 7 oz./1.56kg
Trail Pro 36: backcountry.com
Women’s Trail Pro 34 SL: backcountry.com

Our second day on a five-day hut trek through Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains was steep and hard from the get-go. As snow fell, later changing to rain, we hiked for miles over snow-covered talus and scree, finishing with a descent of almost 3,000 feet through innumerable switchbacks. On that day and throughout that trek, the Trail Pro 36 demonstrated the worth of a high-quality, versatile, large daypack.

Deuter’s Trail Pro 36 and women’s Trail Pro 34 SL are high-volume, feature-rich packs—making them uniquely suited to carrying heavier loads and more versatile than most of today’s daypacks. A spring-steel suspension and plastic framesheet give the Trail Pro a weight-carrying capacity comparable to many lightweight, 50-liter backpacks, and the suspension’s design enhances comfort. This top-loader has a U-shaped zipper to access the main compartment and abundant pockets, a rain cover, utilitarian features like ice axe and trekking poles attachments and a carabiner/gear loop. And it’s bomber.

Read my complete review of the Deuter Trail Pro 36 and Trail Pro 34 SL.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Deuter Trail Pro 36 at backcountry.com, or a women’s Trail Pro 34 SL at backcountry.com.

See all of my reviews of daypacks I like and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-6-favorite-daypacks/feed/ 28 16077 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-zulu-24-lt-and-jade-24-lt-daypacks/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-zulu-24-lt-and-jade-24-lt-daypacks/#comments Wed, 22 May 2024 11:29:48 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=63273 Read on

]]> Daypack
Gregory Zulu 24 LT and Jade 24 LT
$170, 24L/1,465 c.i., 2 lbs. 5 oz./1.05kg (men’s Zulu 24 LT)
One size each for men and women, non-adjustable
Zulu 24 LT: backcountry.com
Jade 24 LT: backcountry.com

This first thing I noticed about carrying Gregory’s Zulu 24 LT on spring dayhikes of up to about 12 miles from southern Utah parks to New Zealand, with plenty of uphill and downhill and a bit of scrambling thrown in, was its exceptional comfort even when testing its maximum weight capacity: This daypack does not wilt under loads that push some daypacks beyond their “I’m still liking this pack” limit. But the more I used it—and actually interacted with the pack, pulling stuff out, stuffing stuff back in, using its various pockets—the more I liked how its design constantly rose to my demands.

Which leads me to a larger observation: Once in a while, a piece of gear comes along that just seems ideally designed for one broad purpose, and that’s the case with the men’s Zulu LT and women’s Jade LT daypacks: They are perfectly suited for dayhiking. That may sound a little silly at face value, but with the ever-increasing specialization in outdoor gear and hyper-focus on marketing low weight, a broader perspective on purpose sometimes gets lost.

From where I stand, it looks like Gregory stayed focused on purpose with the Zulu LT and Jade LT packs and that’s good news for dayhikers. My positive impressions of the Zulu LT were only reinforced the more I used it, including on a 17-mile, 6,000-foot dayhike of 11,253-foot Lone Peak in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains in November, starting out with upwards of 20 pounds include, including food and four liters of water plus layers for cold temps; and dayhiking New Zealand’s 12.6-mile/20.2-kilometer Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which involved more than 2,100 feet of uphill and 3,600 feet down, again carrying everything needed for a full day with wind-driven rain.

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Most obviously, the Zulu 24 LT felt extraordinarily comfortable carrying up to 20 pounds inside while dayhiking the 9.4-mile Navajo Knobs Trail in Capitol Reef National Park, with about 2,400 feet of uphill and downhill, and the 8.6-mile Fairyland Loop in Bryce Canyon National Park, with about 1,900 feet of uphill and downhill, in early May.

That comfort begins with the alloy steel wire perimeter internal frame with a stabilizing crossbar, which flexes enough to help the pack not feel heavy on your back while providing enough rigidity and support to keep most of the pack’s weight on your hips, not pulling against your shoulders.

Another distinguishing feature that you won’t find in daypacks that are even just a few ounces lighter is the seamless wrap of the hipbelt, which integrates with the back panel to enclose your hips so evenly that it feels like it was custom-built for your torso. I never felt any pressure points or sore spots from the hipbelt or the mesh shoulders straps. This harness helps distribute the pack’s weight evenly without feeling over-engineered or too bulky on my body or inhibiting movement.

And that Vaporspan ventilated back panel’s very open mesh and wide space between the tensioned panel and the pack bag creates excellent air flow that keeps your back cool on hot days while keeping the pack’s weight close enough to your spine to avoid the pack pulling against your shoulders, even when packed to the gills.

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Gregory rates the Zulu 24 LT and Jade 24 LT packs for carrying up to 20 pounds/9.1 kilos (and 25 pounds/11.3 kilos in the 28 LT models). I’m confident some stronger hikers would find the 24 LT fine with well over 20 pounds, while some smaller hikers might prefer keeping the weight to around 15 pounds/6.8 kilos.

That comfort helps greatly to compensate for the fact that the Zulu LT and Jade LT packs—available in volumes of 20, 24, and 28 liters—come in just one non-adjustable size each for men and women. Gregory says the men’s packs will fit torsos ranging from 16 to 21 inches/40.6 to 53.3 centimeters and the women’s packs will fit torsos of 14 to 19 inches/35.6 to 48.3 centimeters. (Torso sizing is the same for the Zulu 28 LT and Jade 28 LT Plus Sizes.) My 18-inch/45.7cm torso falls right in the middle of the Zulu’s fit range, so not surprisingly, it feels great on me. I often find that people at the extremes of a pack’s fit range will not find the fit as ideal; I suggest choosing the pack with the better torso sizing for you rather than based on the gender model.

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With a capacity of 24 liters/1,465 cubic inches, the Zulu 24 LT and Jade 24 LT have space for very long dayhikes, including adventures that require extra water, food, clothing layers, and gear—although these are definitely hiking packs, not to be mistaken for technical or climbing packs.

And for hikers who like to remain conscious of gear weight—and I do—for a pack with this much volume and weight-carrying capacity and features, its empty weight of two pounds five ounces/1.05 kilos is impressively light. Compare it against the best daypacks out there today and you may not find another that does this much and weighs less.

Access to the Zulu and Jade 24 LT packs is exactly what it should be in a daypack: easy, fast, convenient, and sufficiently abundant without superfluous excess. Rather than the multi-step process of opening and closing created by a traditional lid, a U-shaped zipper opens the main compartment up more widely than any lid—smart for a daypack.

Most useful of the six external pockets is a large, zippered, vertically aligned front pocket with space for a jacket or two and other lighter, bulkier items. Another, higher, smaller zippered front pocket replaces a traditional lid pocket, holding keys, sunglasses, sunblock, and such. Two stretch-mesh side pockets hold a liter bottle each and—worth noting—you can easily reach into them while wearing the pack. The two zippered hipbelt pockets will each hold four or five energy bars or a standard smartphone with room to spare.

Other nice details:

• You can run the bladder hose through a tiny loop or through a fabric tunnel, both positioned high on either shoulder strap, to control how the hose drops over your shoulder and how much it flops around; there’s also a clip at the sternum strap for the hose.
• You can easily grab the large, custom-molded pulls on all zippers with gloves on.
• The easy-to-adjust trekking poles attachment.
• The sternum strap’s one-hand buckle and easily adjustable fit.
• The internal hydration sleeve features Gregory’s SpeedClip hydration hanger that’s compatible with Gregory’s 3D Hydro and 3D Hydro Trek reservoirs.

Characteristic of Gregory packs, the Zulu LT and Jade LT are bomber, more durable than many packs (especially lighter ones) thanks to the 40 percent recycled, 400-denier polyester ripstop fabric in the body and 420-denier nylon in the bottom, all made without PFAS. As with many daypacks, the most vulnerable areas are the stretch-mesh side pockets, zippers, and seams; but Gregory has reinforced stress points and generally designed the pack to disperse weight evenly—good for the carrier and the pack’s lifespan.

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Gregory Zulu 24 LT and Jade 24 LT

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

If you’re a dayhiker who needs a pack with extra space and weight capacity and doesn’t need the absolute lightest pack out there, the Gregory men’s Zulu 24 LT and women’s Jade 24 LT deliver superior comfort with loads up to 20 pounds (or more) and a smart design that answers the needs of dayhikers. And, by the way, they don’t even weigh very much at all.

4.5

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Gregory men’s Zulu 24 LT at backcountry.com, gregory.com, or rei.com, or a women’s Jade 24 LT at gregory.com or rei.com, or other versions of the Zulu LT at backcountry.com, gregory.com, or rei.com or the Jade LT at gregory.com or rei.com.

See “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks), and all reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

You may also be interested in my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles,” and my story “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” which you can read in its entirety with a paid subscription to The Big Outside or click here to purchase separately.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See the Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-zulu-24-lt-and-jade-24-lt-daypacks/feed/ 2 63273 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-pursuit-15-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-pursuit-15-daypack/#respond Tue, 09 Apr 2024 08:36:38 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=62818 Read on

]]> Daypack
Black Diamond Pursuit 15
$170, 15L/915 c.i., 1 lb. 7 oz./652g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s and women’s S-L
blackdiamondequipment.com

From dayhikes up to 16 miles with spurts of running on trails in my local foothills to steep, hard dayhikes from Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the Pursuit 15 struck an unusually effective balance between traditional hiking daypacks and running vests that’s most useful to avid dayhikers and mountain scramblers moving fast and light.

Those dayhikes included the 13-mile, 3,500-foot Burgess Pass Loop in Yoho National Park—cranking up a steep 3,000 vertical feet in 4.5 miles to Burgess Pass and then trotting a fast-paced descent on the rocky and wet Yoho Pass Trail—and an even steeper and rockier, 11-mile, 4,200-foot loop to Mounts Lafayette and Lincoln above Franconia Notch in the White Mountains.

The pack’s design marries elements of ultralight daypacks and running vests, trading off some strengths and weaknesses of both to create a hybrid possessing laudable attributes of both pack categories—while keeping it simple, streamlined, and very light.

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The fixed, non-adjustable harness consists of wide, unpadded shoulder straps with running-vest-style dual sternum straps to provide better stability and keep the pack from bouncing around when either running, hiking fast, or scrambling in severe terrain. But it also adds the kind of wide, lightly padded hipbelt that’s anathema in the world of running vests but typical of ultralight daypacks. Unlike many hiking daypacks, though, this hipbelt lacks zippered pockets, which would add a bit of weight but especially more bulk to the belt; instead, the belt wraps snugly around your waist and, like the shoulder straps, has open mesh to maximize ventilation for users who anticipate sweating a lot.

The lower end of each shoulder strap anchors into the pack bag at two points—again, for maximum stability and comfort—and similarly, the belt adjusts via a nylon webbing strap that anchors into the wide part of the hipbelt at two points, creating a pulley benefit on each of the belt’s wide wings to better enable the flexible belt to mold itself to your waist. The thinly padded back pad—so flexiblethatyou can fold this daypack in half—also has breathable mesh for ventilation.

The overall design creates a pack that hugs your body nearly as inconspicuously as a running vest—the only difference being the hipbelt, for which you accept slight inhibition of movement for more weight-carrying capacity than a running vest.

True to the Pursuit 15’s focus on stability, thin straps threaded through the pack body and tightened and loosened via a drawcord on the front side create a compression system that’s much more efficient and versatile than you’ll find on many daypacks or vests. That, as much as any other feature, helps the Pursuit 15 stand out as a unique hybrid player in the evolving gray zone between traditional daypacks and running vests.

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The end result is that the Pursuit 15 carries about 15 pounds/6.8 kilos comfortably, which will probably satisfy many of the types of users who will be attracted to a pack this light and compact.

The three men’s and women’s sizes will allow most people to find one that fits comfortably. (The men’s medium fits my 18-inch torso well.) While the pack isn’t adjustable for torso length, you won’t find such adjustability in any packs this light.

With four vest-style pockets on the shoulder straps, three made with stretch-meshfor breathability and one of them zippered with a more dustproof outer fabric to protect a phone, fans of the Pursuit 15 likely won’t miss the lack of hipbelt pockets: The shoulder-strap pockets provide more storage that’s more easily accessible and carries your phone and snacks where they are least intrusive.

Hipbelt pockets on daypacks and backpacks are popular for good reasons, but those users are generally less bothered by having that weight and bulk at their waist—it’s still less than what’s on their back and they aren’t usually trying to maintain a fast pace with arms swinging poles quickly or the longer strides and greater range of hip and leg contortions that come with moving fast in all terrain, particularly steep and off-trail ground.

The Pursuit 15 also sports stretch side pockets that are easily reached while wearing the pack and can be clipped up against the pack bag to “compress” them to some extent. These aren’t deep enough for a liter bottle—again, for users who don’t want the bulk and weight of one or two liters of water on their hips; they want their water positioned close to the middle of their back, where it’s out of the way and least noticeable. These side pockets are for small items you might want handy: light gloves, a hat, maybe a sunglasses case, things you might put in the lid or a zipperd outside pocket on a traditional daypack.

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The thin compression straps on each side help secure trekking poles tucked into the side pockets, but that system will function best with folding poles (like BD’s Distance Carbon Z and Distance Carbon FLZ) and telescoping poles that pack small.

The pack bag has as simple a design as you’ll find on a daypack, with a deep, water-resistant clamshell zipper to access the main compartment, which has good space for a 15-liter pack, adequate for the layers, food, and some extras (I could always fit my DSLR and two lenses if I wanted both) for a full day’s outing in spring-summer-fall weather. A zippered, low-volume inside pocket holds small items. A deep, stretch-woven front pocket swallows a jacket and one or two other layers.

The hydration sleeve’s position behind the back pad, not inside the main compartment, enables refilling it without removing other pack contents; but the amount of water you carry unavoidably compromises the main compartment’s space for other stuff. The 100 percent recycled fabrics in the pack body look durable enough for the type of uses a pack like this is likely to see.

Black Diamond Pursuit 15

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

Marrying features of traditional hiking daypacks and trail-running vests, the Black Diamond Pursuit 15 strikes a nice balance for light-traveling dayhikers, peak scramblers, ultra-hikers and runners, and others who want a daypack that mimics a running vest while offering a bit more space and weight capacity.

4.1

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Black Diamond Pursuit 15 at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks), and all reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

You may also be interested in my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles,” and my story “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” which you can read in its entirety with a paid subscription to The Big Outside or click here to purchase separately.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See the Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-book!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-pursuit-15-daypack/feed/ 0 62818 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-distance-1500-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-distance-1500-headlamp/#respond Wed, 07 Feb 2024 20:41:50 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=61938 Read on

]]> Rechargeable Ultra-Bright Headlamp
Black Diamond Distance 1500
$220, 7.5 oz./213g
blackdiamondequipment.com

Comparing any hiking-oriented headlamps I’ve used to the Black Diamond Distance 1500 headlamp feels rather like comparing a Honda Civic to a Bradley armored fighting vehicle. At 7.5 ounces/213 grams, and putting out a supernova-like 1500 lumens at max power, the Distance 1500 is at least twice the price of all of today’s best headlamps for the backcountry and more than doubles most of them in weight and power. Over six months of testing this beast hiking, climbing, mountain and road biking, and backcountry skiing, I’ve concluded that, while it’s certainly overkill for many activities, it’s invaluable for both route finding and high-speed sports after dark.

First, full disclosure about its max power: the Distance 1500 can’t actually sustain 1500 lumens of power. According to BD, the maximum sustained power is 800 lumens—still very bright. The 1500-lumen Power Tap Technology is activated by double-tapping the side of the headlamp and it turns off automatically in about 15 seconds to prevent overheating; the cooldown period depends on the outside temperature.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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The Distance 1500 headlamp operates exclusively on BD’s rechargeable lithium-ion Distance Headlamp Battery ($65), which recharges via USB-C. BD claims a full charge will last for one hour 42 minutes at 800 lumens and for six hours at 300 lumens—the latter still more than bright enough for most activities, including hiking a trail in complete darkness. The headlamp has three modes: area, spotlight (in which max brightness also activates the area-mode LEDs), and color mode with three colors.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: The Distance 1500 is not for most users. It weighs too much, costs too much, and puts out an unnecessary amount of light for both camping and hiking on well-marked trails after dark. If you’re not doing any serious route-finding (ie losing a trail for more than 100 feet), a 300- to 400-lumen headlamp is plenty.

The Distance 1500 proved itself useful in faint or off-trail situations where I needed to see more than 100 feet/30 meters to determine where to go. The Power Tap mode seems designed for exactly this situation: when unsure of how to proceed, having a portable spotlight on my head allowed me to see distant trail indicators and even the general contours of the terrain around me, helping me figure out where I was. While climbing, even 800 lumens proved too bright for most use; it’s way brighter than a climber on the wall needs to see holds within reach. However, it can illuminate an entire 100-foot wall from the ground, which is useful in some situations.

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This headlamp isn’t a replacement for the sun: the range is severely limited in trees and foliage, of course, and it can’t illuminate the peaks and large-scale features that I use to orient myself in the mountains. I generally try to avoid off-trail navigation after dark, and I rarely find myself in situations where I need a headlamp this bright. But if I’m planning on being off-trail into the night, I’ll definitely throw the Distance 1500 in my pack.

While useful for navigation after dark, I obtained the Distance 1500 primarily for biking and skiing, activities where this headlamp really shines: 800 lumens of sustained output proved sufficient for both of these sports. While I’m not the fastest or steepest mountain biker, I found the Distance 1500 to be more than bright enough for all of the trails I ride, and the multifaceted optical lens seemed to do a pretty good job of preventing a confusing shadow: obstacles on the trail only had small dark outlines. I wouldn’t expect to be able to ride gnarly downhill trails at high speeds without more light, but the Distance 1500 provides more than enough illumination for cross-country mountain biking on blue- to black-difficulty trails. 

I’m way faster on skis than wheels and I found myself slowing down a bit when skiing at 800 lumens. Above roughly 20 mph, the beam would reveal smaller obstacles and fine snow details less than a second before I hit them, giving me little time to react. However, I think the average backcountry skier (who makes more turns than me) wouldn’t find themselves slowing down much, and the maximum comfortable speed at 800 lumens is more than enough for general backcountry skiing in the dark. I found the PowerTap mode very useful for scoping out small terrain features. While choosing the direction to skin uphill, it let me put in a safe up track with the accuracy that I do during the day. But the 15-second Power Tap boost doesn’t last long enough to ski anything at 1500 lumens.

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As long as I turned down the brightness for slower uphill segments, I only consumed 50 to 70 percent of a battery charge for one to two hours of after-dark skiing and biking. I purchased a spare battery for days where I planned on being out for longer, to avoid having to carry a spare headlamp. I’ve found it very fast and easy to switch batteries and have had no usability or durability issues with the battery attachment mechanism.

The Distance 1500 uses a Comfort Cradle and diagonal position on the head (with the light on the forehead, like normal, while the rear battery pack sits at the top of the nape of the neck. I found the Distance 1500 very comfortable and it works great with any headlamp-compatible helmet. I was even able to get it to work with my mountain bike helmet—which has no headlamp-compatible features and almost seems designed to not work with a headlamp—by placing the battery pack on the flat back of the helmet and the LED under the brim on my forehead in front. The band is both stretchy and adjustable and accommodates any size headlamp or helmet. 

One minor note: The Distance 1500 comes with a lot of modes and a lot of controls, including flashing options for lights on the back. I’ve found all the modes quite useful, except the blue and green colors in the color modes; however, the controls took a while to learn and I had to do some fiddling and experimenting on my first few times taking it out (despite reading the instructions, which occupy about four square feet of paper).

The Verdict

While overkill for most users, the ultra-bright Distance 1500 proves invaluable for off-trail navigation as well as high-speed activities like skiing and biking after dark—in other words, the circumstances when you really need a bright light.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Black Diamond Distance 1500 Headlamp at blackdiamondequipment.com or backcountry.com, or the Black Diamond Distance Headlamp Battery at blackdiamondequipment.com or backcountry.com.

See “The Best Headlamps” and all reviews of hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside. And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year and all stories with expert backpacking tips at The Big Outside.

—Nate Lanza

Note from Michael Lanza: An avid climber, backpacker, dayhiker, and backcountry and resort skier, Nate Lanza has been doing all of these since he was a preschooler; and as my son, he has nearly 20 years of experience on wilderness adventures. I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-distance-1500-headlamp/feed/ 0 61938 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-beyond-clothing-alpha-aura-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-beyond-clothing-alpha-aura-jacket/#respond Thu, 18 Jan 2024 23:46:30 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=61757 Read on

]]> Hooded Fleece Jacket
Beyond Clothing Alpha Aura Jacket
$180, 12 oz./340g (men’s medium)
beyondclothing.com

On days of resort and backcountry skiing ranging from relatively mild winter temperatures just below freezing to a frigid day ski touring that dropped to 10° F by the time I finished, Beyond Clothing’s hooded Alpha Aura Jacket demonstrated its versatility as a supremely breathable middle and outer layer for cool- to cold-weather activities year-round, with unique design features that improve its weather protection and durability under a backpack.

At 12 ounces/340 grams (for the men’s medium, on my scale; Beyond’s stated weight is 13.4 oz./381g, presumably for a larger size), this hooded fleece outer/middle layer is intended for a range of cool to cold temperatures.

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The Alpha Aura distinguishes itself from similar jackets by using Polartec Alpha Direct loft-knit fleece, a very open, fast-drying, high-loft fabricthat traps heat efficiently while quickly releasing moisture building up inside—making it a good piece for hiking, walking, climbing, skiing, and similar activities year-round. And the soft fleece is about as luxurious as fleece gets; I wear it around town (I go mostly to pretty casual places).

It breathes so well that I have worn it as an outer layer over two base layers while skinning uphill in the backcountry in temps below freezing without overheating, and the sweat in my first layer dried quickly once I reach the top of a climb. Similarly, when I heated up while skiing downhill at resorts with this jacket under an insulated shell, the moisture moved rapidly through the Alpha Aura instead of remaining trapped in the layer against my skin.

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In short, the jacket strikes a versatile balance of warmth for its weight while being lighter and more packable than many traditional fleece jackets: Stuffing the jacket into its hood enables me to squish it down to slightly larger than a cantalope.

We logically tend to think of fleece jackets as fall/winter/spring insulation and store them in the back of the closet during summer. But while I’ve used it only in fall and winter so far (it was new this past fall), I can see a hooded fleece jacket this light and packable replacing a long-sleeve, midweight top on cooler, three-season backpacking trips. It then becomes another insulation layer in camp, meaning the Alpha Aura allows me to bring a lighter puffy and forego a midweight long-sleeve shirt—thus trimming my layering system weight by replacing or reducing two other layers. Few pieces of apparel increase your layering system’s versatility while reducing its weight.

This is the type of jacket that people who get cold easily will reach for often and people who don’t get cold easily will simply wear in a lower range of temperatures. With this kind of breathability, anyone would wear it in a variety of situations.

As with any garment this breathable, of course, the wind cuts right through the fleece fabric—but the Alpha Aura again distinguishes itself from the fleece jacket field with solid, 54 percent recycled, 20-denier micro ripstop nylon panels on the entire hood exterior (it’s lined with soft fleece) and the shoulders, front and back. Without reducing the jacket’s breathability, those panels provide a significant warmth boost—especially in the hood—and durability in the shoulders for wearing a heavy pack. The nylon is treated with a 100 percent PFC-free DWR (durable, water-repellent treatment)—although the panels cover so little area that you’d quickly get wet and cold wearing this a jacket even in a light shower.

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Curiously, the women’s version of the Alpha Aura does not have the nylon panels in the hood and shoulders—just Polartec Alpha Direct fabric. That may explain why it’s 20 bucks cheaper. Given the range of men’s and women’s sizes, depending on your body type and build, you might choose men’s or women’s based on your preferred hood style.

The comfortable, regular fit is roomy enough for wearing a second base layer or a vest underneath without feeling bulky. My only complaint is that the sleeves tend to ride up my forearms; I think they need a little more length or perhaps a little more articulation in the shoulders. Anyone in between sizes may want to size up.

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The full-length front zipper enables venting and zips up over your chin, while the close-fitting, non-adjustable hood stays put, turning with your head even with the jacket open. However, the hood fabric is a little too bulky to fit under a ski or climbing helmet.

The two zippered hand pockets have a mesh lining to maintain breathability there, and they create two large, internal drop pockets—each of them spacious enough for a pair of three-season gloves or one warm, winter glove.

My one concern with this light fleece fabric is durability: It seems more likely to tear, pull, or pill than heavier fleece fabrics or insulated jackets with a tighter weave. A little extra care with how you use it is advised.

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The Verdict

With good packability and warmth for its weight, superior breathability, and a soft, comfortable fit and feel, the Beyond Clothing Alpha Aura Jacket offers four-season versatility for many outdoor activities, including backpacking, dayhiking, resort or backcountry skiing, climbing, and fitness walking.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a men’s or women’s Beyond Clothing Alpha Aura Jacket at beyondclothing.com.

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Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-guide and member gear discounts!

See all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, including “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Clothing Layers for Winter in the Backcountry,” “The Best Base Layers, Shorts, and Socks for Hiking and Trail Running,” “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” and “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-beyond-clothing-alpha-aura-jacket/feed/ 0 61757 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-biolite-headlamp-800-pro/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-biolite-headlamp-800-pro/#respond Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:53:57 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=61609 Read on

]]> Rechargeable Ultralight Headlamp
BioLite Headlamp 800 Pro
$120, 5.3 oz./150g
bioliteenergy.com

From an 18-mile, 13-hour, four-summit, partly off-trail hike in Utah’s Wasatch Range in early October to many evenings biking city streets after dark, I’ve found that BioLite’s rechargeable Headlamp 800 Pro stands out for a rare combination of ultra-bright power, wide range of modes, modest weight for a backcountry headlamp that packs this much power and versatility.

When you’re out well before dawn or after dark on a hiking, trail-running, climbing, ski touring, mountain biking, or other adventure where a very bright light is paramount to success and safety, your usual ultralight headlamp won’t do: they are not nearly bright enough and don’t hold a charge long enough. For those missions, you need an ultra-bright headlamp with a longer battery life.

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Powered by a micro-USB rechargeable, 3000 mAh lithium-ion battery, the 800 Pro’s multiple lighting modes include dimmable white spot and white flood plus the two combined; white strobe; dimmable red flood; and on the battery pack, rear-facing red solid and red strobe visibility beams, for biking streets after dark. It also has a lockout function, turned on and off by holding the power button down for eight seconds. It recharges to full in three hours.

Operation is simple and intuitive. The front power button scrolls through the light modes when clicking in rapid succession—it will turn off if you pause while clicking—and holding the button down in any mode engages the dimming function. The 800 Pro turns on in the mode and brightness level it was last turned off; and whenever the front headlamp or rear battery pack light is turned on or off, a four-bulb battery indicator on the battery pack displays the current charge level. The front housing’s four-position tilt provides an adequate range of beam angles and doesn’t slip positions, even when running.

Brightness levels range from a common low power of five lumens that’s adequate for basic campsite tasks to 250 lumens on medium, 500 lumens on high—brighter than virtually any ultralight headlamp—and a max of 800 lumens in 30-second burst mode, throwing an ultra-bright beam 135 meters/440 feet (that’s BioLite’s measure, which seemed accurate, in my experience). After 30 seconds, burst mode automatically reverts to the previous mode and brightness level.

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While 500 lumens will illuminate far enough ahead for virtually any off-trail navigation or high-speed descent, and even 250 lumens is more than bright enough for hiking a trail, the burst mode provides added assurance of finding whatever you are seeking.

The rear battery pack has two power buttons, the smaller one scrolling through the two red modes, solid and strobe, with dimming in either mode engaged by pressing and holding the button. The larger button has two functions: Click it to activate the front headlamp’s burst mode. Press and hold the large rear button for eight seconds to activate and deactivate constant mode, indicated by a blue LED bulb on the back of the battery pack (separate from the four-bulb battery indicator).

Constant mode is one of the 800 Pro’s uncommon features. Unlike most headlamps, which operate on so-called regulated power, meaning they gradually dim in brightness as their charge depletes, constant mode maintains the headlamp’s brightness level for 150 hours on low, four hours on medium, and two hours on high. As the charge diminishes, the headlamp shifts to regulated power, and the charge lasts for 150 hours on low, 8.5 hours on medium, seven hours on high, and 30 seconds on burst.

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Keeping it in constant mode is useful to avoid your light weakening unnoticeably, and perhaps dangerously, while engaged in the very type of activity for which you bought an ultra-bright headlamp, like mountain biking or skiing downhill, climbing or searching for a descent route, or maybe even running a rugged trail in full darkness (although 250 to 500 lumens will usually provide plenty of light for running in the dark). Constant mode will also, of course, deplete the charge faster.

When the 800 Pro’s charge is running low, it issues a pre-reserve warning, automatically dimming the brightness to 100 lumens and flashing four times every minute for 10 minutes; after that, it switches into reserve mode, providing a very dim but possibly critical five lumens of brightness for up to eight hours in flood, spot, or strobe mode (burst is disabled).

Another unique feature of the 800 Pro is pass-thru plus charging, which enables you to plug the 800 Pro into an external power source, like the BioLite Charge 40 PD power bank ($60, 9.4 oz./266.5g, scroll down in my review of backpacking accessories) using the included, three-foot-long charging cable, which circumvents the headlamp’s internal battery. By keeping the external power source in a jacket pocket, close to body heat, you can operate the headlamp in sub-freezing temps for hours longer than its max burn times, where other headlamps would drain quickly. It gives the 800 Pro an operating temperature range of -4° to 122° F/-20° to 50° C).

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Comfort can be easily overlooked in headlamps—but makes a more pronounced difference with larger, ultra-bright headlamps, especially when you’re wearing one for hours on a long backcountry mission. Here, like other BioLite headlamps, the 800 Pro excels.

First of all, while it weighs at least three ounces/85 grams more than the lightest headlamps on the market, for its power, the 800 Pro remains impressively light and compact at 5.3 ounces/150 grams.

On top of that, having the electronics integrated into the slim, moisture-wicking head strap creates a smooth, comfortable fit that doesn’t feel like a bulky, heavy headlamp and does not slip or bounce even when moving quickly while running, mountain biking, or skiing. The head strap splits into a double strap across the rear battery pack—which is less than half the size of a smartphone—creating soft contact against the back of your head that’s so comfortable (again, for a headlamp of this size and power) that I hardly think about it while wearing it.

The IPX4 rating means it’s fine in rain or getting wet from perspiration but is not designed for immersion in water.

See an instructional video on using the many features of the BioLite Headlamp 800 Pro at help.bioliteenergy.com/hc/en-us/articles/9301942458651-HeadLamp-800-Pro-Product-Guide.

The Verdict

For a variety of after-dark activities on or off-trail, from bike commuting to hiking and backpacking, mountain biking, climbing, or ski touring, when you need an ultra-bright headlamp, the BioLite Headlamp 800 Pro delivers a rare combination of multiple lighting modes and brightness levels, a long-lasting charge, plus comfort and modest weight for its power and versatility—at a very competitive price for this degree of performance.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a BioLite Headlamp 800 Pro at backcountry.com, rei.com or bioliteenergy.com.

See my picks for “The Best Headlamps,” and all reviews of hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-guide and member gear discounts!

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-biolite-headlamp-800-pro/feed/ 0 61609 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-himali-limitless-grid-fleece-hoodie/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-himali-limitless-grid-fleece-hoodie/#respond Wed, 06 Dec 2023 17:25:37 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=61123 Read on

]]> Hooded Fleece Jacket
Himali Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie
$180, 9.2 oz./261g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL
himali.com

The evolution of fleece has traced an arc toward efficiency and versatility that now seems to be reaching its apex in lightweight fleece hoodies, perfectly exemplified by Himali’s Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie. The breadth of activities, conditions, and environments where I’ve worn it speak to my point, including a six-day September hike through the Wind River Range, where I wore it on cool mornings on the trail and in my bag every night, with lows from the high 30s Fahrenheit to freezing; and four October adventures: a four-day backpacking trip with temps often in the 30s and 40s and plenty of cold wind, mostly on the Uinta Highline Trail in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness; a 13-hour, four-summit dayhike in Utah’s Wasatch Range; backpacking in southern Utah’s Escalante region; and a raw, rainy hike in southern New Hampshire; plus a local trail run in the chilly, fading daylight of a November afternoon.

Here’s the first conclusion I drew about this fleece hoodie: It’s basically a warm, midweight jersey with a full front zipper and a hood. It replaced—and provided more versatility than—a midweight, long-sleeve top when I wore it over a synthetic T-shirt in the falling temperatures of an October evening hiking by headlamp in the dark for the last two hours of an 18-mile, 7,300-foot, partly off-trail dayhike in the Wasatch Range—when I needed warmth (and got a big boost from the hood) plus the ability to speedily dry my sweaty T-shirt.

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It served the same purpose in my layering system for three days in early October backpacking the 22-mile Boulder Mail Trail-Death Hollow-Escalante River Loop in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, shining especially in camp and for the first couple of hours hiking in shallow water down the shaded and cool canyon of Death Hollow on our second morning. Ditto on the trail and in camp on chilly and very windy times during a four-day backpacking trip partly along the Continental Divide Trail in southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains in mid-September; on cool mornings and evenings in camp over a late-September weekend of climbing at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve, pulling a down jacket over this hoodie in colder temps; and when I wore it as a middle layer under a rain shell on a 2.5-hour dayhike up a couple of wooded peaks along the Wapack Trail in southern New Hampshire on a rainy day with temps in the 40s Fahrenheit.

In the High Uintas Wilderness, where we struggled to layer properly as the sun flickered frequently in and out of clouds and a cold wind seemingly sprang up and subsided quite randomly, its balance of breathability and warmth enabled me to avoid overheating or getting cold.

Lastly, it proved ideal worn over a lightweight, long-sleeve base layer on an hour-long trail run on a sunny day in mid-November, but often in late-afternoon shade that made it feel colder, with a light but chilly breeze and temps in the mid-40s Fahrenheit. I had the hood down at times going uphill but up virtually the entire time returning downhill.

As these examples illustrate, this hoodie has much more versatility from spring through fall than heavier and warmer fleece hoodies. Although I expect to wear it plenty in winter, I could see myself pulling it on more often in spring and fall and on cooler summer days in the mountains.

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At just 9.2 ounces/261 grams (men’s medium), the Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie falls into a small category of the lightest, most breathable and packable hooded jackets you will find. That has, of course, one major tradeoff: For everyone, there will be a point where it’s not warm enough and if you like the breathability of fleece as a middle layer, you’ll want a warmer hoodie.

That said, I first thought a fleece hoodie this light would likely only be comfortable for Nordic and backcountry skiing only in moderate cold—not deep cold. But I changed my mind after wearing it over a very lightweight, synthetic jersey on an early-March day of backcountry ski touring with mixed clouds and warm sun and temps from around 12° F to the high teens, sweating while wearing those two layers alone when skinning uphill and under an insulation layer and a shell when skiing downhill; and the system worked great, keeping me dry most of the time and staying comfortable.

The range of activities and exertion levels for which the Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie will suit your needs, almost year-round, will exceed the versatility of a heavier and warmer fleece hoodie.

Plus, I can replace a long-sleeve, midweight crew neck or zip-neck base layer top with the Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie without any weight penalty. In fact, in cold temperatures, its warmth and hood augment whatever warmer insulation layer I need, allowing me to bring a lighter down or synthetic insulated jacket than I might otherwise. Few pieces of apparel offer more versatility while reducing your pack weight.

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Its performance qualities—warm for its low weight, fast-drying, and highly breathable and packable—are inherent to the 100 percent recycled, odorless, waffle-grid-style Polartec PowerGrid fabric. Its performance is enhanced by the close but not skin-tight, athletic fit and ample stretch in the fabric. That provides space for a short- or long-sleeve base layer underneath—logically, something lighter than this hoodie—and makes it feel like a jersey, but one with a full zipper and hood. It’s so comfortable I wear it over a T-shirt around the house (in cooler seasons) just like I’d wear a flannel shirt.

That superior breathability, of course, also means that wind cuts right through it. That works in your favor whenever you need to dump excess heat because your body is producing it faster than the ambient temperature, wind, and precipitation conditions are drawing heat away (and that can include chilly, windy conditions when you’re working hard). But there’s a simple solution to that problem: a shell jacket.

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The full-length front zipper not only permits easier on and off (than a pullover) and enables venting, it also smoothly integrates with the close-fitting, non-adjustable, elasticized hood, which delivers a noticeable boost in warmth and layers easily under helmets and shell jacket hoods. The Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie zips up to just below your nose and the hood remains in place on your noggin in wind or when you turn your head, even with the zipper open. That makes a big difference in comfort and performance.

The hoodie has one zippered chest pocket large enough for a smartphone. Reinforced thumbholes in the cuffs—and good length and stretch in the sleeves for using them—enable pulling the sleeves over under-the-cuff gloves or using the thumbholes alone over bare hands or underneath heavier, over-the-cuff gloves.

It’s not available in women’s sizes. The closest women’s product from Himali looks like the Women’s Momentum Hoodie ($115, 12.2 oz./346g).

The Verdict

With a hoodie as light, breathable, quick-drying, packable, warm for its weight, and comfortable as the Himali Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie, you will expand your mental menu of the activities and all-season conditions for which a fleece hoodie seems perfectly suited as an outer or middle layer, which certainly include dayhiking and backpacking, climbing, running, Nordic and backcountry skiing, and walking.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Men’s Himali Limitless Grid Fleece Hoodie at himali.com or a Women’s Momentum Hoodie at himali.com. Readers of The Big Outside get an exclusive 10 percent off any Himali purchase by using the discount code THEBIGOUTSIDE.

See all reviews of Himali apparel and all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, including “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Base Layers, Shorts, and Socks for Hiking and Trail Running,” “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” and “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-himali-limitless-grid-fleece-hoodie/feed/ 0 61123 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-beyond-ascent-glide-pant/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-beyond-ascent-glide-pant/#respond Fri, 10 Nov 2023 13:24:42 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=60816 Read on

]]> Soft-Shell Hiking Pants
Beyond Clothing Ascent Glide Pant
$135, 9 oz./326g (men’s 30 short)
Sizes: men’s 30-42, short, regular, and long
beyondclothing.com

On the second morning of a three-day hike in early October on the 22-mile Boulder Mail Trail-Death Hollow-Escalante River Loop in southern Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, we started hiking down Death Hollow in the deep shade of canyon walls, wading in the chilly creek through pools as deep as mid-thigh with air temperatures in the 40s Fahrenheit (around 5° C) and a steady wind blowing. We had to wear pants for the occasional, unavoidable bushwhacking through stands of head-high poison ivy along the creek banks. Inevitably, the legs of my Beyond Clothing Ascent Glide Pants got soaked (as did my boots; I relied on insulated top layers to stay warm).

Several hours later, we reached our campsite with my pant legs still soaked from walking most of the day in water. But in the short time I took unloading my pack and pitching my tent, they dried completely on my body. I never had to remove them and wore them throughout that evening in camp.

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These pants dried quickly after backpacking for more than an hour through wind-driven rain and hail in September in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. I also found these soft-shell pants comfortable while backpacking in strong, chilly wind on a few mornings, even uphill carrying a full backpack, and in rain one afternoon, on a four-day backpacking trip in the Wind River Range in August; and wearing them only in camp (days were warm enough for shorts) on a weeklong backpacking trip in Glacier National Park in September. These pants felt just right over two sunny September days of climbing and hiking with a climbing pack at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park, in light wind at times and temps from the 50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (10-18° C).

The recycled, very stretchy, four-way stretch nylon construction, with articulated knee seams and a crotch gusset, creates a very comfortable fit that moves naturally with my body whether hiking up and down steep trails in rugged terrain or making a high step or stemming while rock climbing. The nice, low-bulk waistband has a few inches of stretch and is comfortable under a pack hipbelt or a climbing harness; I never noticed it collecting perspiration, either. The pants have low-profile webbing belt loops and, most usefully of all, an inner drawstring to snug the waist tight, preventing the pants from slipping annoyingly out from under a pack hipbelt or climbing harness belt.

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Unfortunately, the pant doesn’t come in women’s sizes and Beyond does not have a women’s equivalent pant. But the seven sizes, all in short, regular, and long, do cover a wide range of body types.

Besides the stretch and fit, the fabric is so breathable and light—at nine ounces/326 grams (for the 30 short), you’ll be hard-pressed to find lighter soft-shell pants, especially anything made with such high-quality construction and materials—that they remain comfortable in a wide range of temperature and wind conditions, even while exerting hard, such as carrying a heavy backpack uphill. These are the lightest hiking pants I’ve ever worn. And they squish down to about the size of a softball, basically stuffing into any small, hard-to-fill space inside a pack.

The other side of that coin, of course, is that they’re not warm or weather-resistant enough for true winter conditions: Wind cuts through the light fabric too easily, which isn’t a problem when you’re exerting in temps in the 40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (10-18° C) but would quickly make almost anyone hypothermic in temps below freezing; plus, the fabric simply lacks the density and moisture resistance to stay dry through constant contact with deep snow, and long underwear underneath the pants would only get wet, too.

The fabric dries very quickly once the air is dry, but even with a DWR (durable, water-resistant coating), it basically cannot dry out while still getting wet: In Death Hollow, I was rarely out of the creek long enough for the pant legs to dry; and while hiking six miles in light but steady rain in southern New Hampshire in late October, the pants got soaked and could not dry while it was raining, so I felt chilled.

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I don’t see these as pants for backcountry skiing except for touring on sunny, warm spring days in spring snow conditions. However, I do see them as adequate for milder, late-winter days of Nordic skiing on groomed track.

The built-in Avert Gaiter inside the cuff uses a two-strand drawcord that wraps around and under your shoe, sealing the cuff over the shoe to keep small stones, dirt, snow, and other debris out. While it can be a little tricky to attach because the hook is tiny, I found it works well and the cord has great stretch to it for larger boots. Still, I wonder how long that tiny plastic hook and thin, light cord would survive a lot of rocky trail. Beyond says the gaiter fits under microspikes and cold-weather footwear, but I have not yet tried it with either, mostly because I’ll choose warmer pants for those conditions.

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The two jean-style pockets have the normal space for small items and the right one has an inner pocket to more securely hold a key or a smartphone. My Samsung Galaxy S22 just fits into that inner pocket and does not feel like it’s in the way when I’m high-stepping up a trail. The rear double pocket has an inner zippered pocket and an outer stow pocket.

The pants lack even one zippered thigh pocket, and I find having at least one more useful in hiking pants than hand pockets. Adding a feature like that would obviously add a little weight to the pants. Beyond Clothing told me the Ascent Glide has no thigh pocket to save weight, streamline the pant, and remove the bulk of zippers and seams on the thigh. Beyond Clothing’s philosophy behind the design was to create a “stealth pant”—in other words, it packs the necessary technical features without looking overtly outdoorsy.

The Verdict

The Beyond Clothing Ascent Glide Pant is an exceptionally lightweight, stretchy, breathable, and versatile three-season pant for hiking, backpacking, climbing, fitness walking, travel, and similar activities.

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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-beyond-ascent-glide-pant/feed/ 0 60816 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rab-mythic-alpine-down-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rab-mythic-alpine-down-jacket/#comments Thu, 26 Oct 2023 02:15:16 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=60664 Water-Resistant Down Jacket
Rab Mythic Alpine Down Jacket
$390, 11 oz./313g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Two separate, six- to seven-day, September backpacking trips in Glacier National Park and the Wind River Range presented a quandary: Starting out with the weight of a week’s food gave me added incentive to trim all superfluous weight from my pack; yet the possibility of temperatures dropping near or even below freezing made bringing adequately warm layers essential. The Rab Mythic Alpine Down Jacket achieved both goals, keeping me warm on mornings around freezing while weighing less than most comparably warm puffy jackets.

On both trips, I wore it over just two light base layers except when the temperature dropped below around 40° F/4° C, when I added a light fleece hoody. The Mythic Alpine also provided enough warmth over just one or two base layers on cool nights in early October backpacking the 22-mile Boulder Mail Trail-Death Hollow Loop in southern Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and nights in the upper 30s Fahrenheit (around 3° C) while camping at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve in June.

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The explanation is simple: This fat puffy is stuffed with 4.9 oz./140 grams of RDS-certified, hydrophobic, 900-fill goose down (for the men’s medium), giving it one of the highest warmth-to-weight ratios you’ll find in a down jacket, as well as making it very packable. The jacket comes with a stuff sack and packs down to the size of a small camping pillow—compact enough to keep near the top of my backpack and pull on during breaks in chilly wind.

The jacket’s hydrophobic down enables it to retain its loft and ability to trap heat even when damp and dry faster than standard down. That quality further sets the Mythic Alpine apart from competitors as a water-resistant down jacket with a very high warmth-to-weight ratio.

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The adjustable hood has a slight brim and, with a single drawcord in the back, it snugs smoothly around your head, delivering a noticeable boost in warmth. The front zipper extends up over your chin, sealing in warmth effectively, as do the elasticized cuffs and adjustable hem. Two zippered hand pockets provide warmth for hands and for stashing three-season gloves or items of similar size.

At 11 oz./313g (men’s medium), it’s a lightweight among insulated jackets. And its premium-quality down makes it warmer than other hooded jackets at the same weight but with a lower down-fill rating.

Perhaps most distinctively, it’s warm enough for temperatures down to just above freezing when paired with the right layers—making it one of the lightest down jackets that can handle most three-season trips. 

The slim fit allows wearing a couple of light layers and even a thin fleece underneath and it comes in five sizes each for men and women. It also layers easily under most backcountry rain shells.

To help keep weight at a minimum, this puffy uses an ultralight, windproof, 10-denier ripstop, 100 percent recycled Pertex Quantum shell fabric with a fluorocarbon-free DWR(durable, water-resistant finish)—the lightest shell fabric used in insulated jackets. It will provide adequate durability for a down jacket as long as you exercise reasonable caution with it. I’ve seen just a few single feathers leak out in numerous days wearing it. Of all materials used in the jacket, 39 percent are recycled, according to Rab.

The stitch-through baffle construction, which stitches the outer, shell fabric to the inner, liner fabric—commonly used to reduce a jacket’s weight and often the cost—creates boxes of down with potential cold spots at seams separating them. But I noticed no negative impact on warmth even on chilly, windy evenings and mornings in camp.

Rab also offers an even lighter but otherwise identical version, the Mythic Alpine Light Down Jacket ($330, 8.8 oz./252g), best for milder temps, in the mid-40s F (about 7° C) or higher.

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The Verdict

With water-resistant, 900-fill down, and one of the highest warmth-to-weight ratios found in any down jacket, the Rab Mythic Alpine Down Jacket represents one of the lightest and most packable and versatile puffy jackets that’s warm enough for most three-season trips.

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For a warmer and less expensive, water-resistant down jacket, that’s also heavier and is stuffed with medium-quality 700-fill down, see my review of the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket ($280, 15 oz.).

See “The 12 Best Down Jackets” and all reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rab-mythic-alpine-down-jacket/feed/ 3 60664 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-katabatic-mid-waterproof-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-katabatic-mid-waterproof-boots/#comments Fri, 13 Oct 2023 22:21:24 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=60494 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Boots
Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof
$180, 1 lb. 13 oz./822g (US men’s size 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-15, women’s 5-12
backcountry.com

Designers of backpacking boots—driven by consumer demand—have brought that category through an evolution of sorts to where many popular models look very similar: reasonably lightweight, waterproof-breathable, increasingly flexible and comfortable while maintaining good stability and support, and moderately priced. But as I found while wearing them on a pair of three-day backpacking trips and dayhikes in the Canadian Rockies and a four-day backpacking trip in the Wind River Range, the Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof achieve all of those qualities while weighing significantly less than many boots in this category.

I wore these boots on two three-day backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies in early August: the 27.3-mile/44-kilometer Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park and about 23 miles/37 kilometers on the Nigel, Cataract, and Cline Passes Route in the White Goat Wilderness, as well as dayhiking the 13-mile/20.9-kilometer, 3,500-foot/1067-meter Burgess Pass Loop in Yoho National Park and the Cory Pass-Edith Pass loop in Banff National Park, about nine miles/14.5 kilometers with a steep 3,400 feet/1036 meters of uphill and downhill. I also backpacked 41 miles/66 kilometers in four days in the Wind River Range in mid-August in these boots, crossing four passes on the Continental Divide.

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At under two pounds/907 grams per pair, they are quite light for a mid-cut, waterproof-breathable boot with this level of performance and have a generous forefoot flex that places them closer on the hiking footwear spectrum to trail runners than traditional, heavier boots. And yet, they gave my feet enough support and cushion for carrying well over 30 pounds/13.6 kilos on my back at the outset of a four-day hike in the Winds. I’d recommend them with 40-pound/18-kilo loads for backpackers accustomed to carrying that much weight.

Credit the midsole’s proprietary, high-rebound EVA and a midfoot-to-forefoot plate that provides additional protection as well as torsional rigidity for hiking on rugged, uneven terrain. The brand’s proprietary O Fit insole, featuring a fully recycled, moisture-wicking top layer, offers better stiffness and cushioning from midfoot to heel than standard, thin insoles that come with most hiking boots.

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The medium-volume fit is classic Oboz: comfortably snug from heel to midfoot, to prevent your heel from shifting and rubbing or your foot slipping forward when going downhill, with more space in the toe box than you’ll find in footwear from many other brands. That fit will serve many hikers and backpackers well, especially as feet expand slightly over the course of a day on the trail. The eight-millimeter drop in the shoe’s height off the ground from the heel to the toes—or the midsole and outsole thickness (essentially, your foot’s height off the ground)—is very typical of many hiking shoes.

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In the Canadian Rockies and the Winds, the Katabatic Mid Waterproof’s waterproof-breathable B-Dry lining kept my feet dry through torrential rain in thunderstorms, splashing across shallow creeks, slogging through muddy and boggy trails, constantly brushing against dripping-wet trailside vegetation, and standing in shallow streams while filtering drinking water. And their breathability prevented my feet from overheating, although they got a bit damp with sweat—a reasonable expectation with any waterproof footwear. But I probably didn’t hike in them in temperatures warmer than the 60s Fahrenheit/15-20° Celsius.

Abrasion-resistant mesh uppers enhance breathability while TPU overlays on the uppers, welded and stitched to reduce weight, along with a sturdy toe cap and heel counter protect the feet and improve durability.

The outsole’s rubber compound and four- to five-millimeter lugs delivered very good traction on varied surfaces, including trails of packed dirt and steep descents over scree and small stones littering trails in the Canadian Rockies and Winds, as well as off-trail. They also shed mud effectively.

The Oboz Katabatic series comes in four men’s and four women’s models, including, besides the Katabatic Mid Waterproof, a non-waterproof, mid-cut boot and waterproof-breathable and non-waterproof (more breathable) low-cut shoes.

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The Verdict

The Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof is a solidly constructed, protective, comfortable, and durable boot with good support, waterproofing, and breathability, at a competitive price—and is lighter than many boots in this category, making it ideal for lightweight and ultralight backpackers and dayhikers.

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof boots at backcountry.com, or any other model in the Katabatic series at backcountry.com.

See all reviews of lightweight hiking shoes and backpacking boots, my “Expert Tips for Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” plus all reviews of hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year and all stories with expert backpacking tips at The Big Outside.

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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-katabatic-mid-waterproof-boots/feed/ 4 60494 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-himali-accelerator-down-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-himali-accelerator-down-jacket/#respond Fri, 08 Sep 2023 11:52:53 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=60109 Down Jacket
Himali Accelerator Down Jacket
$345, 12.5 oz./354g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
himali.com

On cool mornings and windy evenings in the low 40s Fahrenheit (4-6° C) in campsites while backpacking the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park and the Nigel, Cataract, and Cline Passes Route in the White Goat Wilderness in the Canadian Rockies in August, my Himali Accelerator Down Jacket kept me perfectly warm over just one or two base layers. By many measures, this midweight puffy hits the target for three-season mountain adventures in its balance of weight, packability, warmth, materials, water resistance, and features—all at a competitive price for a high-quality down jacket.

In fact, it’s tempting to call the Accelerator the Goldilocks of down jackets, because it seems so ideal for camping in the mountains in the typically cool weather of summer and fall, or spring and fall in the desert Southwest: It’s not so thin and lightweight that it’s never quite warm enough for many people, but also not overly warm, which would make it unnecessarily heavier and bulkier.

For a lot of humans whose personal metabolism falls somewhere between the people who are warm enough in an ultralight down jacket and the people who need the fattest puffy jacket even in summer, the Accelerator may feel just right.

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At 12.5 oz./354g (men’s medium) and packing down to a bit larger than a liter bottle, the Accelerator is a middleweight among three-season insulated jackets—in between models weighing 10 ounces/283.5 grams or less and those weighing up to around one pound/453.6 grams. (Insulated jackets over a pound are generally designed for winter—or not for the backcountry.) That fact and its combination of materials and design features give it multiple advantages over many competitors.

Stuffed with four ounces of RDS-certified, 850-fill, water-resistant HyperDry down, the Accelerator delivers a very high warmth-to-weight ratio that competes with the few very best down jackets at this or any weight. High-quality down creates more space between feathers, increasing heat-trapping efficiency, which translates to more warmth per ounce of jacket. And very few down jackets have down with a higher rating than 850-fill—with most of those being lighter and/or significantly more expensive.

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To prevent moisture from your body compromising the loft of the down feathers, and consequently, the jacket’s warmth—especially if circumstances require you to wear this jacket when on the move—Himali placed Primaloft Gold synthetic insulation in high-moisture areas like the underarms and at the chin, for its ability to trap heat when damp. That’s a rare design feature in down jackets that you may reap the benefits of when you most need it.

The 20-denier Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon shell with a DWR (durable, water-resistant coating) and water-expanding thread also help keep moisture out. The lightweight fabric compares with many down jackets made for the backcountry: Sufficiently durable for normal use but exercise all due caution with it.

That combination of mapped synthetic insulation and the water-resistant HyperDry down and shell fabric give the Accelerator a large performance advantage over standard down jackets in persistently wet weather and situations where you need to wear this jacket before you’ve stopped moving for the day—and want it to remain warm once you’ve reached camp.

The one-hand adjustable, under-the-helmet hood closes snugly around my head, creating a seal around my entire face with the zipper pulled up to my chin—the kind of fit that keeps cold air off your neck, which insulated jackets with a looser fit and inferior hood do not achieve. That fit means the hood turns with your head (saving you from the annoying experience of the hood covering one eye).

Anyone seeking an insulated jacket for year-round backcountry use might find the Accelerator delivers the right amount of warmth for those short rest breaks when you need to throw on another layer and for moving in very cold conditions, especially downhill (although it is not warm enough to function as your primary insulation when camping or for an unexpected, emergency overnight bivy). The water-resistant down would help prevent moisture buildup from perspiration or precipitation—and you’d wear a shell over it in any significant precip—and its warmth-to-weight ratio would exceed that of almost any synthetic insulated jacket.

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The excellent fit allows layering it over a couple of base layers and possibly one light insulation layer for some people: With a 38-inch chest and 30-inch waist, I was able to wear a light fleece hoodie underneath the men’s medium Accelerator. Still, there isn’t an excessive amount of space when I wear it only over one or two base layers, so thermal efficiency is very good.

Plus, the front zipper closes comfortably snugly at my chin (with a soft, fleece chin guard), keeping cold air off my neck, and the adjustable hem and stretch cuffs seal in heat. Good articulation in the sleeves and shoulders prevents the jacket from bunching or riding up when moving around or raising your arms overhead. It also comes in five men’s and women’s sizes.

The two warm, zippered hand pockets are spacious enough to fit a pair of warm gloves in either of them and the jacket packs into a smartly integrated stuff sack in the left hand pocket. The one internal zippered pocket is larger than a smartphone.

Himali also offers a non-hooded version of the Accelerator Down Jacket ($320).

The Verdict

With a very high warmth-to-weight ratio, good water resistance and packability, a great fit, and what may be a perfect degree of warmth balanced with a modest weight, the Himali Accelerator Down Jacket just may be the ideal puffy for many backpackers, climbers, and other adventurers.

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s hooded Himali Accelerator Down Jacket at himali.com, a women’s hooded Himali Accelerator Down Jacket at himali.com, a men’s non-hooded Himali Accelerator Down Jacket at himali.com, or a women’s non-hooded Himali Accelerator Down Jacket at himali.com.

Readers of The Big Outside get an exclusive 10 percent off any Himali purchase by using the discount code THEBIGOUTSIDE.

See all reviews of Himali apparel and all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, including “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Base Layers, Shorts, and Socks for Hiking and Trail Running,” “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” and “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-himali-accelerator-down-jacket/feed/ 0 60109 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mystery-ranch-coulee-30-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mystery-ranch-coulee-30-daypack/#respond Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:39:56 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=60017 Read on

]]> Daypack
Mystery Ranch Coulee 30
$189, 29L/1,770 c.i., 2 lbs. 9 oz./1.2kg (men’s S/M)
Sizes: men’s S/M and L/XL, women’s XS/X and M/L
backcountry.com

Let’s face it, we sometimes tend to act like unreasonable relationship partners in our expectations for our gear, including hiking daypacks: We want everything to be perfect all the time. And with gear, we can obsess a bit over weight. But as I discovered carrying the Mystery Ranch Coulee 30 on hikes from the trails of southern Idaho and Utah’s Wasatch to the Canadian Rockies, its reasonable weight is more than validated by a design, comfort, capacity, and durability that make it one of today’s best daypacks.

Among the biggest demands I placed on the Coulee 30, three days in particular stand out: I carried it with about 20 pounds/9 kilos inside, including extra layers, lunch for two, and a DSLR camera with two lenses, dayhiking the Cory Pass-Edith Pass loop in Canada’s Banff National Park, a nine-mile/14.5-kilometer loop with a steep 3,400 feet/1,036 meters of uphill and downhill. On another day, I carried it with about 30 pounds/13.6 kilos inside, including a rack of rock-climbing gear and my harness, shoes, and helmet—all of which fit inside the pack—and starting out with several bars and over two liters of water for about six miles/nearly 10 kilometers of hiking on and off-trail around Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve. But my biggest day with the Coulee 30 was an 18-mile, 7,300-foot, 13-hour, four-summit, partly off-trail dayhike with my 23-year-old son in Utah’s Wasatch Range in early October, carrying up to three liters of water, food for a big day, and layers for a big range of temps and finishing well after dark.

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At 2 lbs. 9 oz./1.2kg (for the men’s S/M), the Coulee 30 may not draw covetous gazes from dayhikers and mountain runners looking for the lightest, most streamlined daypack. But my point is, before you get too hung up on its weight, consider instead the reasons for it: a rare combination of superior access, capacity, durability, and comfort with a heavier load than most daypacks can handle. In that light, weighing just over 2.5 pounds looks quite moderate.

Most distinctively, the Coulee’s Y-shaped, three-zipper access quickly opens the main compartment from the top and front—you can open the interior completely or only as much as needed. That allows you to immediately grab virtually anything, anywhere inside it, virtually never digging around or pulling out other stuff and repacking it, as is common with many daypacks. That alone truly improves your experience with this pack.

I honestly cannot think of a better access system for packs that I’ve seen in more than 25 years of testing hiking and backpacking gear (and the Coulee 30 is the third pack in this series I’ve reviewed). Little wonder that Mystery Ranch offers the three-zipper design in four capacity sizes, including the Coulee 20, Coulee 40, and Coulee 50 (which I consider one of today’s best backpacking packs).

I chose the Coulee 30 thinking that, since I’m accepting a little extra pack weight, I might as well get a large-capacity daypack. Still, the fact that I used it as a crag pack for rock climbing (my partner had the rope plus his personal gear) speaks to how spacious it seems for 30 liters/1,770 cubic inches. Again, I would say that also spotlights another advantage of the three-zipper design: It helps you to load the pack very efficiently, using every cubic inch of space.

The Coulee 30 will carry at least 25 pounds/11.3kg comfortably—and as mentioned above, I found it comfortable hiking with about 30 pounds inside it in Idaho’s City of Rocks—thanks to the sturdyand supportive HDPE framesheet and more padding in the shoulder straps, removable waist belt, and lumbar than you’ll find in most hiking daypacks, and certainly than in lighter models.

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Less obvious but also extremely unique among daypacks: The Coulee 30 and 20 both come in two adjustable sizes for both men and women. (The Coulee 40 and 50 both come in four adjustable sizes for men and women.) Rarely are daypacks adjustable for torso length and available in multiple sizes for men and women. A superior fit and comfort provide yet more validation for a modest weight penalty (if you can even still call that a “penalty.”)

The adjustable Future Yoke fits torsos within a huge five- to seven-inch/13- to 18-centimeter range (varying with pack size). Adjust it by first pulling up on the yoke separator strap (behind the shoulders) and removing the framesheet, using it to separate the substantial hook-and-loop patch behind the shoulder straps; that allows you to slide the yoke panel up or down until the seam between the shoulder strap and the yoke body aligns with the top of your shoulder blades. Then it’s easy (while the pack is empty) to reinsert the framesheet—and necessary because it functions as the pack’s upper frame. With my torso (18 inches) and waist (30 inches) falling nearly in the middle of the men’s S/M fit range, I easily adjusted it to achieve a good fit.

The Coulee packs are built for hard use, with 100 percent recycled, tough, 210-denier Regen Robic dobby fabric and a double-layer bottom. These packs are among the most durable, tear- and abrasion-resistant daypacks you’ll find.

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Besides the excellent main compartment access, seven external pockets provide as much space and as many ways of grabbing stuff without having to open the pack (as easy as that is) as any hiker could need. Those include:

• Two side-by-side front drop pockets with stretch-woven side panels, protected by the tough Regen Robic fabric facing outward.
• Two side stretch-woven pockets that each hold a liter bottle.
• A zippered lid pocket with adequate space for all the little things.
• And two zippered waist belt pockets that will fit two or three bars but not a smartphone.

Dual side compression straps help keep the load stable when the pack is not full and integrate with the front pockets to help compress and contain their contents. Plus, their quick-release buckles mate with the compression strap buckles on the opposite side, for attaching large gear to the outside of the pack. The pack also has two adjustable tool attachments.

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Mystery Ranch Coulee 30

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

With superior comfort, access, and durability, large capacity, multiple features, and great versatility, the Mystery Ranch Coulee 30 is one of today’s very best daypacks—and it’s only about a half-pound/227 grams heavier than some of its best competitors.

4.8

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Mystery Ranch Coulee 30 at backcountry.com or mysteryranch.com, a women’s Mystery Ranch Coulee 30 at backcountry.com or mysteryranch.com, or any other pack in the Coulee series at backcountry.com or mysteryranch.com.

See “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks), and all reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

You may also be interested in my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles,” and my story “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” which you can read in its entirety with a paid subscription to The Big Outside or click here to purchase separately.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See the Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mystery-ranch-coulee-30-daypack/feed/ 0 60017 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-norvan-windshell-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-norvan-windshell-jacket/#comments Fri, 21 Jul 2023 11:48:11 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=59684 Read on

]]> Ultralight Wind Shell
Arc’teryx Norvan Windshell Jacket
$130, 3.2 oz./91g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XXS-XXL
Men’s: arcteryx.com
Women’s: arcteryx.com

On winter and spring trail runs in my local foothills in every combination of cool to cold wind or calm air and overcast to sunny skies, and on a hike-scramble of 11,330-foot Twin Peaks in Utah’s Wasatch Range—nearly nine miles with 6,200 vertical feet of up and down—on a sunny October day with temps ranging from the 40s to the 50s Fahrenheit and cool wind at times, the Arc’teryx Norvan Windshell Jacket demonstrated its strengths and minor shortcomings as one of the very lightest of the many ultralight wind shells you’ll find today.

Whether running on winter days chilly enough to wear the Norvan Windshell going both uphill and downhill, or spring and fall days in the 40s to 50s Fahrenheit with light wind and sunshine, when I pulled on the shell only on the descents, the ultralight Canim nylon ripstop polyester fabric always blocked wind well enough to prevent me getting chilled. The jacket has a DWR (durable, water-resistant treatment) to shed light precipitation, but it will wet out in a steady rain.

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The jacket breathes better than most in this category and arguably better than any other, or at least matches the very best in that department. Thanks in part to lighter, highly breathable Permeair 20 fabric extending along the underside of the sleeves down the sides, it never allowed much moisture buildup inside, even when I sweated hard on long ascents; that also enabled my wet base layers to quickly dry out while moving downhill. The flip side of that coin is that it also allows some wind to penetrate—a desirable balance of breathability and wind resistance for many trail runners and hikers but one to be aware of, if you often find yourself out in strong, chilly wind.

Most conspicuously, at just 3.2 ounces (91g), the Norvan Windshell has few competitors for weight-to-performance ratio, and this highly packable shell stuffs into its one zippered hip pocket, squishing down to the size of a baseball or slightly larger than a smartphone. With the jacket on you, that pocket can hold small, weightless items like a car key or hotel key card, and a smartphone does fit inside it but is heavy enough to bounce around and awkwardly pull this jacket downward on that side.

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Its low weight owes partly to it lacking a hood, meaning less wind protection than hooded ultralight shells, some of the best of which are mere grams to an ounce or two heavier. That’s a tradeoff worth contemplating, and the choice comes down to your typical activity and environment. On shoulder-season trail runs or days in the mountains when I expect cool wind and possibly a light shower, I like a hooded ultralight shell. But on many trail runs of a few hours or less when I may only need a shell to guard against cooling off on the downhill, the Norvan Windshell is perfect—and the carabiner loop lets me clip it to a bottle belt or very compact running vest.

With the usual articulated sleeves, adjustable hem, and elasticized cuffs found in a wind shell this light, the trim fit feels good when running, hiking, or scrambling and accommodates a couple of midweight base layers.

One caveat: The Norvan Windshell’s wafer-thin fabric makes it only appropriate for running, hiking, mountain biking, and similar activities that involve wearing nothing more than a light pack or running vest.

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Arc’teryx Norvan Windshell Jacket

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

Offering breathability and packability matched by only a few of the very best ultralight wind shells, good wind resistance, and a weight lower than virtually any serious competitor, the Arc’teryx Norvan Windshell Jacket will appeal to trail runners, hikers, mountain bikers, and others in high-exertion, done-in-a-day activities who typically need a moderate level of weather resistance in a very minimalist shell.

4.1

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Arc’teryx Norvan Windshell Jacket at arcteryx.com or rei.com, or a women’s Arc’teryx Norvan Windshell Jacket at arcteryx.com.

See “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets” and “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” and all reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, trail-running gear, hiking apparel, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-norvan-windshell-jacket/feed/ 5 59684 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-ul-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-ul-hoody/#comments Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:50:13 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=59549 Read on

]]> Ultralight Down Jacket
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody
$450, 6.7 oz./190g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

At under nine ounces/255 grams, Mountain Hardwear’s classic Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody has long held the distinction as one of the very lightest, most packable, and warmest-for-its-weight down jackets for backpackers, climbers, and other backcountry travelers—and arguably the best among the tiny number in its weight class. So why make one that’s even lighter? That question occupied my mind while using Hardwear’s newer Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody, which whacks about two ounces/57 grams off its older sibling’s weight while excelling for many of the same reasons—and differentiating itself.

I found it impressively warm for its shockingly low weight on evenings and mornings in camp on two April backpacking trips: for two nights on a section of the Arizona Trail along the Gila River in the first days of April, and five nights in mid-April on the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route. On both trips, the Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody was all I needed over a T-shirt and sometimes a midweight long-sleeve top on mornings and evenings in camp that ranged from calm to quite windy with lowest temps in the 40s Fahrenheit. This puffy is warm enough for many people in moderate evening and morning temperatures in the mountains in summer or the desert Southwest in spring and fall.

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At just 6.7 ounces/190g (men’s medium), the Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody just may be the lightest hooded insulated jacket out there today—and even at this low weight, it still has two zippered hand pockets with good space for small, light items like three-season gloves and a hat, and an adjustable hem. It’s also certainly one of the most packable hooded insulated jackets, stuffing down to roughly the size of a liter bottle. You might be able to pack it even smaller: Although neither of the jacket’s two hand pockets has a reversible zipper, the jacket does stuff inside either of them (see photo) and would fit into a slightly smaller stuff sack.

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This wispy hoody is stuffed with 1,000-fill down, the highest-grade feathers available, meaning that no insulated jacket packs more warmth per gram and few, if any, compare with it in that department.

The jacket’s standard fit provides space for a couple of base layers underneath. Nice detail: the first baffle at both elasticized sleeve cuffs is filled with synthetic insulation to prevent the cuffs from wetting out. The 5-denier-by-7-denier ripstop nylon shell with a DWR (durable, water-resistant treatment) is the lightest you’ll find in any outdoor garment, so avoid contact with sharp points. (Unlike the Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody, this fabric is also not 100 percent recycled.) But this shell will hold up fine in normal use.

I’ll make one caveat: People who get cold easily (I don’t) may not want an insulated jacket this light—at least not for inactivity outdoors, like sitting around camp, in temperatures that normally require you to wear a fatter puffy jacket. But for whatever your definition of “mild temps,” the Ghost Whisperer UL makes an excellent ultralight hooded jacket for backpacking, or an on-the-move outer or middle layer for done-in-a-day adventures in cool to cold temps, like rock or alpine climbing, dayhikes, and trail runs.

As with most ultralight apparel and gear, there are compromises with the Ghost Whisperer UL—and the biggest is the hood is not adjustable, just as with the Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody. And while its limited elasticity around the face helps keep it on your head, a stiff wind can blow it off and the hood does not turn fully when you turn your head side to side. Lastly, the materials, including the front zipper, are very light and less durable than heavier products, though likely to last for years of use with some care.

All in all, those are predictable, small sacrifices if extremely low weight and high packability are your objectives.

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The Verdict

For ultralight backpackers, climbers, mountain runners, and dayhikers—or just about every backcountry traveler focused on getting the lightest gear—no insulation layer will deliver more warmth-per-ounce at this low a weight than the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody.

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s or a women’s Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody at backcountry.com or other versions of the Ghost Whisperer down insulation at backcountry.com or rei.com.

If you want a bit more warmth in a hooded down jacket that also ranks among the very lightest in this category, see my review of the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody, which weighs just two ounces more.

See “The 10 Best Down Jackets,” and all reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my stories “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

See all stories with expert backpacking tips at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-ul-hoody/feed/ 1 59549 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-5-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-5-shoes/#respond Wed, 21 Jun 2023 17:07:27 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=59274 Read on

]]> Trail Running/Hiking Shoes
Hoka One One Speedgoat 5
$155, 1 lb. 3 oz./539g (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-15, women’s 5-12
backcountry.com

Improving on a great piece of gear is hard. But Hoka nailed it again with the Speedgoat 5, the newest update of the brand’s workhorse trail-running and light hiking shoes. Wearing them on trail runs up to 10 miles in my local foothills, I found my favorite trail runners retain the same cushion, comfort, and breathability I’m accustomed to, but now have a welcome traction upgrade, a sweeter fit, and have even dropped a little weight.

Hoka One One kept many features from previous Speedgoat models in the low-cut Speedgoat 5, including the shoe’s neutral stability and late-stage rocker profile. The stack height (the combined thickness of the midsole and outsole) still goes from 33mm at the heel to 29mm at the forefoot, a minimal, 4mm drop that has always been kind to my feet, even on days as big as running and hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim (42 miles and over 21,000 feet), while other trail-running shoes have beat up my feet and left them sore on runs of 15 miles or more.

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The wide platform and solid torsional rigidity give these shoes exceptional stability for footwear this light. And, of course,the Speedgoat 5 sportsHoka’s signature oversized, lightweight, compression-molded EVA foam midsole, which delivers balanced cushioning for trail runs or lightweight hiking—but now has a lighter midsole compound that still feels like the same cushioning to me while helping to make the shoes about an ounce (28 grams) lighter per pair than the Speedgoat 4.

Like previous Speedgoat iterations, I find these shoes perfectly fine for running some pavement en route to the trails. I even wore them running the Eugene, Oregon, half-marathon, mostly on streets, in late April, finishing it with my feet, knees, and body overall feeling fatigued but good.

The fit feels better, with a more stretchy, open-mesh (read: more breathable), gusseted tongue that makes slipping feet inside a breeze while keeping the shoe comfortably locked-in from the midfoot through the flexible but supportive heel, and giving it a little boost in the toe box space, which many runners will appreciate when feet swell a bit on the trail. The printed overlays on the uppers help stabilize and lock down the midfoot: My feet never slip inside these shoes. Plus, the newly extended heel tab makes pulling them on pleasantly easier. The Speedgoat 5, like previous versions of the shoe, has enough space for my custom insoles while fitting my feet very well with their stock insoles, too.

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The new Vibram Megagrip outsole, with multi-directional, 5mm lugs that feature tiny dots on their forward and rear edges, give the Speedgoat 5 noticeably better traction on trails I run regularly, which mostly consist of packed dirt, sand, and occasionally small, loose stones and exposed bedrock.

The new jacquard mesh uppers breathe supremely well—my feet never got sweaty, even on trail runs in temps pushing 80° F under a hot sun.

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A small rubber toe bumper offers some protection, as do the overlays on the uppers, lending the Speedgoat 5 good durability for trail-running shoes in this weight class. If you use them for hiking or ultralight backpacking, recognize that they lack the durability of beefier—and heavier—hiking shoes. The biggest weak point—as with many shoes in this category—is the exposed soft foam of the midsole outside the little toe; that’s where I’ve always seen the Speedgoat wear first and get chewed up more easily on rocky trails.

Still, depending on how you use them—how much weight you’re carrying, the condition of trails (how rocky and wet), and other factors—they will last as long as similar shoes in this category. I expect to log 400 to 500 miles in my Speedgoat 5 before wear and tear in the outsoles and midsoles demand retiring them.

The Speedgoat 5 shoes are not waterproof, but the benefit of that is they dry out quickly because of the airy uppers, making them good footwear for dayhiking and ultralight backpacking on generally dry trails that are well-constructed and not littered with big rocks.

Hoka also offers these shoes in men’s and women’s waterproof-breathable low and mid-cut models, the Speedgoat 5 GTX ($170) and Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX ($180).

The Verdict

Better than ever with a nicer fit, improved traction, and lower weight, while retaining their exceptional cushion, comfort, and breathability, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 remain arguably the best shoes out there for trail runners, dayhikers, and ultralight and lightweight backpackers who prefer very light and airy footwear.

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 shoes at backcountry.com, the women’s Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 shoes at backcountry.com, or other men’s or women’s Speedgoat models at backcountry.com.

See all my reviews of lightweight hiking shoes and backpacking boots, my “Expert Tips for Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking.”

You may also be interested in my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” which includes my expert buying tips, and all reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-5-shoes/feed/ 0 59274 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-ac-lite-23-and-ac-lite-21-sl-daypacks/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-ac-lite-23-and-ac-lite-21-sl-daypacks/#comments Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:00:21 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=59136 Read on

]]> Daypack
Deuter AC Lite 23 and AC Lite 21 SL
$110, 23L/1,404 c.i., 2 lbs. 1 oz./920g (AC Lite 23)
One non-adjustable size in men’s and SL/women’s models
backcountry.com

On a two-day hut trek in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range in June sunshine and high humidity, a friend and I hiked 21 miles with about 6,000 cumulative feet of elevation gain and loss each day, including scrambling up the steep slabs and talus of what’s widely recognized as the hardest trail in the White Mountains: Huntington Ravine, and descending some little-used trails in steep terrain and clambering over the broad, rock-strewn bed of the Dry River. Through the countless high-stepping and four-points-of-contact movement and the hours of streaming with sweat, the Deuter AC Lite 23 demonstrated its strengths of comfort and back-cooling ventilation.

The AC Lite daypacks come in four models—the AC Lite 23 and 24 and AC Lite 21 SL and 22 SL—each in one size with a fixed, or non-adjustable suspension, with the two larger packs designed for bigger torsos and marketed as men’s-fit (torsos 17-21 inches/44-54cm, according to Deuter) and the SL models designed for shorter torsos and built to fit women (torsos 15-19 inches/38-48cm. For some hikers, the fit may depend on your torso size more than gender. With an 18-inch torso, 38-inch chest, and 30-inch waist, I found the AC Lite 23 fits me well, even though I might wear a small or medium pack from other brands. Short story: Size it based on your torso, not gender.

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Deuter also offers the AC Lite packs in two different styles: top-loaders with a lid in the even-numbered packs (AC Lite 24 and 22 SL, $120) and panel access designs in the odd-numbered models (AC Lite 23 and 21 SL, $110). I chose the AC Lite 23 because I often prefer daypacks with one-step, single-zipper access to the main compartment to eliminate unnecessary steps because you might open it up multiple times on any dayhike.

These packs stand out most distinctively for Deuter’s Aircomfort harness and frame, which features a pronounced curve that creates enough separation to slip a fist in between the tensioned trampoline-style back panel and the back side of the pack bag. That’s about as much ventilation as you’ll find in a daypack, maximizing air flow over a sweaty back.

The design priority of maximum ventilation manifests in the AC Lite’s lumbar area—featuring a gap for air movement where many daypacks have a dense pad—the lightly padded shoulder straps, and the wide, nearly see-through mesh in the unpadded forward parts of the wide hipbelt. While the hot and humid days we hiked in the Presidentials would have left the back of my T-shirt and waist of my shorts quite wet from sweat, the AC Lite left me considerably cooler and allowed my next-to-skin layers to dry out at times of lesser exertion.

But the minimalist padding does not compromise on carrying comfort. I found the AC Lite 23 handled up to 20 pounds/9 kilos quite well, not shifting around even on the steepest trails and delivering enough comfort and stability for hauling at least that much weight (varying between people).

The frame’s elastic spring steel rods, crossing in an X shape between plastic framesheet pieces at top and bottom, allow a little flex while providing abundant rigidity that prevents a full load from overwhelming the frame—or the hiker. Two pads cushion the lower back on both sides of your spine (on either side of the lumbar gap) and attach to the lower framesheet and pack bag in a way that permits a bit of flex, dampening the pack bounce that can occur with some daypacks that hug your torso tightly.

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The 23 liters/1,404 cubic inches of capacity provide enough space for three-season dayhikes, while maintaining a moderate weight for a hiking daypack of two pounds, one ounce/920 grams (AC Lite 23). In the Presidential Range, I basically filled it starting out with my trail food for two days, more than two liters of water, various layers for a range of weather, a small DSLR camera and two lenses, and hut-specific items like a liner bag. The pack’s curved shape does compromise the ease of loading and unloading a bit when it’s full.

The long, front center zipper runs nearly the full length of the pack, exposing most of the contents from top to bottom; but with the pack filled to capacity, the increased tension on the fabric makes spreading the zipper opening widely for larger items like a jacket more difficult.

Notably in today’s hiking daypack universe, the four AC Lite packs have just three exterior pockets: one zippered top pocket for sunglasses and other small items and two stretch-mesh side pockets, one a drop-style that will hold a liter bottle, the other with a vertical zipper that you can reach while wearing the pack with a little arm twisting. The lack of hipbelt pockets—while definitely facilitating much better ventilation through the mesh fabric—may be missed by some hikers.

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Other than the light mesh fabric on the side pockets, the AC Lite packs are armored with fabric made from 600-denier polyester yarn and with a PU coating, giving them more durability than some of the top packs in this category.

Other features include a helmet holder ($20, sold separately) that attaches to docking loops on the front, a pole attachment on the front, and a sunglasses holder on the left shoulder strap. The pack’s internal sleeve accommodates a two-liter bladder and when it’s full; and that and the curved shape of the frame more noticeably eats into some of the main compartment’s capacity. It also lacks side compression straps, limiting options for attaching things to the outside.

Deuter AC Lite 23 and AC Lite 21 SL

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

With superior ventilation, comfort, and durability, plus good capacity and quick access, the Deuter AC Lite 23 and AC Lite 21 SL daypacks will appeal to many dayhikers and others who want a pack where comfort takes priority over lots of bells and whistles.

4

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Deuter AC Lite 23, AC Lite 21 SL, AC Lite 24, or AC Lite 22 SL at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks), and all reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

You may also be interested in my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles,” and my story “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” which you can read in its entirety with a paid subscription to The Big Outside or click here to purchase separately.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See the Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-guide and member gear discounts!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-ac-lite-23-and-ac-lite-21-sl-daypacks/feed/ 2 59136 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-kor-airshell-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-kor-airshell-hoody/#comments Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:32:31 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=58990 Read on

]]> Ultralight Wind Shell
Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Hoody
$165, 5.1 oz./145g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

After sweating hard on a sunny and humid June morning hiking up the headwall of Huntington Ravine—the steepest and hardest trail on Mount Washington—we hit the cool wind blowing across the mountain’s alpine terrain. I pulled on my Kor Airshell Hoody and it tamed that wind while breathing so well that the wet sun shirt against my skin dried out quickly. And that pattern of sweating and hitting wind kept repeating itself on that two-day, 21-mile hut trek in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range, providing plenty of opportunities for the Kor to show off its strengths.

This jacket also displayed excellent breathability when I wore it running hilly trails from the Boise Foothills to central Massachusetts, on spring days of cool wind and temps in the 50s and low 60s Fahrenheit—with me sweating hard on each occasion, but the jacket only getting slightly damp inside and drying in minutes when my exertion level dropped going downhill. I also tested this hoody hiking and rock climbing in June temps from 50 to the 60s at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park; in cool wind at times on an 18-mile, 7,300-foot, 13-hour, four-summit, partly off-trail dayhike with my 23-year-old son in Utah’s Wasatch Range in early October; mountain biking in breezy, partly sunny, 50-degree conditions; and during cool, windy periods while backpacking in the first week of April on a section of the Arizona Trail along the Gila River and in Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon and backpacking in early October on the 22-mile Boulder Mail Trail-Death Hollow Loop in Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

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A midweight ultralight wind shell at a hair over five ounces (145g), the highly packable Kor Airshell Hoody hits a sweet spot in balancing its two superpowers of low weight and breathability with respectable weather resistance and durability. The jacket stuffs into its inside drop pocket, packing down to the size of a baseball.

That will appeal to dayhikers, trail runners, and climbers who routinely get very wet with sweat going up and might encounter a wide range of conditions short of a severe rainstorm before the day ends.

Credit for the Kor’s excellent breathability goes to its ultralight, very breathable, 59 percent recycled, water-resistant Pertex Quantum Air ripstop nylon fabric. That 20-denier fabric shed light rain during brief showers at the City of Rocks—and it ranks the Kor’s durability better than the lightest ultralight shells and good enough for most uses, even rock climbing as long as you’re not dragging your back up some gnarly chimney. It also feels a little softer against skin than most ultralight shells.

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The non-adjustable, elasticized hood, with a flexible, low-profile brim that provides better face protection than some ultralight shells, fits snugly enough to feel comfortable and stay put on your head in wind and when turning your head side to side.

The Kor Airshell Hoody has a comfortable fit with space to wear two base layers or light insulation under it. The elasticized hem and cuffs adequately seal out drafts. Two zippered hand pockets—more pockets thanfound on many competitors—have space for light items like three-season gloves but anything heavy, like a phone, pulls that side of the jacket awkwardly downward.

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Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Hoody

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

With very good breathability, one of the better adjustable hoods for its low weight, and enough weather protection for anything short of a sustained downpour, the Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell Hoody is a great choice for hikers, trail runners, climbers, lightweight backpackers on fair-weather trips, and other users.

4.4

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Rather have a waterproof-breathable rain shell that’s just grams heavier than the Hardwear Kor Airshell Hoody—although less breathable? See my reviews of the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket and Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket.

See “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets” and “The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” and all reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, trail-running gear, hiking apparel, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

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NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-kor-airshell-hoody/feed/ 4 58990 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-biolite-headlamp-425/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-biolite-headlamp-425/#respond Fri, 12 May 2023 16:50:09 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=58464 Read on

]]> Rechargeable Ultralight Headlamp
BioLite Headlamp 425
$80, 2.75 oz./78g
bioliteenergy.com

What does the ideal backcountry headlamp look like? Many of us who find ourselves in wild spaces well before dawn or after dark might describe that headlamp as light, bright enough to see what lies at least 200 feet ahead of you (especially when off-trail), with a versatile set of lighting modes and brightness levels, easy to use, and rechargeable with sufficient juice to last several days. BioLite’s Headlamp 425 checks all those boxes and impressed me with its performance on backpacking trips in the Wind River Range in late summer and on a section of the Arizona Trail along the Gila River and in Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon in the first week of April.

Replacing BioLite’s older Headlamp 330, the Headlamp 425 not only ramps up the max brightness to 425 lumens—BioLite claims it projects a beam for 85 meters/280 feet at high power, which rings consistent with my experience using it—it also sports a smart design that translates to high comfort and ease of use.

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For starters, the large, front power button is easy to depress and to find with a finger when it’s on your head. Click that button in half-second increments to scroll through the four front lighting modes, which include red flood, white spot, white flood, and white spot and flood combined, all with dimming capability. Plus, the battery pack’s rear-facing light has white strobe and red flood and strobe modes that are bright—ideal for biking streets after dark, as I’ve done many times with this headlamp.

The 425 turns on in the mode and brightness level it was last turned off; and whenever the front headlamp or rear battery pack light is turned on or off, a four-bulb battery indicator on the battery pack displays power remaining. The front housing’s four-position tilt provides an adequate range of beam angles and stays put securely. The lockout mode is activated and deactivated by holding the 425’s power button down for eight seconds.

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Perhaps most distinctively, the Headlamp 425 finds an appealing middle ground between heavier, bulkier, less comfortable torches that have greater power and charge duration and lighter models that are not as bright and don’t last as long in the backcountry.

Weighing just 2.75 ounces/78 grams, its ultrathin, low-profile, molded front housing integrates fully into the strap with a profile of just 0.4 inches/10mm, sitting flush against your forehead without bouncing or slipping even when hiking fast or running. The easily adjustable strap, with smooth, moisture-wicking fabric, feels so good I’d forget it was still on my head after dawn. And it shrinks down enough to fit kids.

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While a battery pack at the back of your head can feel annoying in certain circumstances, like lying on a pillow reading, this one is light and compact enough to reposition for comfort; it’s usually hardly noticeable. Plus, the rear pack provides the advantage of having a rear-facing light there for safety when biking streets.

Powered by a 1000 mAh Li-ion battery that recharges in about two hours using any USB-C cable, the headlamp has pass-through charging, meaning it can be used while plugged into a battery pack and charging. It has a run time of 60 hours at low power (five lumens, projecting a beam about 15 meters/50 feet) and four hours at high power (425 lumens); in practice, most backpackers have no need to worry about losing the 425’s charge on typical, three-season backpacking trips. I burned through only about half its full charge using it for six days straight with no recharge between back-to-back hikes on the Arizona Trail and in Aravaipa Canyon.

The IPX4 rating means it’s fine in rain or getting wet from perspiration but is not designed for immersion in water.

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The Verdict

Ultralight and compact yet bright, with a versatile set of lighting modes and brightness levels and a charge that lasts through a multi-day backcountry trip, the BioLite Headlamp 425 checks all the boxes for most backpackers, dayhikers, trail runners, climbers, bike commuters, and other users.

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these links to purchase a BioLite Headlamp 425 at bioliteenergy.com.

See my picks for “The Best Headlamps” and all reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-book versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-biolite-headlamp-425/feed/ 0 58464 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-cerium-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-cerium-hoody/#comments Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:12:22 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=58149 Read on

]]> Hybrid Insulated Jacket
Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody
$400, 12 oz./340g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXXL, women’s XXS-XXL
rei.com

Who expected the overnight temp would drop nearly to freezing and the wind would blow 30 mph through our campsite on our first morning in southern Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon… in April? Well, I didn’t when I reserved that permit months earlier—but we all did when we saw the forecast immediately before the trip. So I packed my new Cerium Hoody and it proved the perfect antidote to unseasonably cold mornings.

It kept me warm over just a lightweight, short-sleeve T-shirt and a midweight long-sleeve top on chilly mornings in Aravaipa—where we didn’t get direct sunlight until mid-morning. The new Cerium Hoody performs just as well as its identical predecessor, called the Cerium LT Hoody, did for me at many past backcountry camps, including on a mid-September morning in the low 40s Fahrenheit at a windblown and unprotected site at 10,500 feet in Titcomb Basin, in Wyoming’s Wind River Range; and on mornings in the mid-20s in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park in the first week of March. In both of those cases, I wore it over a short-sleeve T-shirt and a midweight long-sleeve top.

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Every time I’ve pulled this jacket on, it has felt like an instant injection of warmth through my torso and arms. I have to keep reminding myself it weighs just 12 ounces.

This 2022 update to an Arc’teryx classic remains identical to its previous version, called the Cerium LT Hoody (see my review of that model). For starters, the trim fit provides enough space for a couple of base layers underneath, allows full freedom of movement—important when wearing it as a middle layer on deep-cold adventures like ice climbing and mountaineering—and easily fits under a shell jacket. Outstanding shoulder articulation paired with enough sleeve length prevents the cuffs from sliding up your forearms when reaching. And Arc’teryx added one men’s size and two women’s sizes.

The Cerium’s high warmth-to-weight ratio—it’s one of the absolute warmest down jackets at this weight that I’ve worn—owes to the responsibly sourced, 850-fill down stuffing in the hood, sleeves, and torso. High-quality down creates more space between feathers, increasing the heat-trapping efficiency, which translates to more warmth per ounce of jacket.

But since water is the enemy of down, flattening feathers and drowning their ability to trap heat, Arc’teryx placed its Coreloft synthetic insulation—a lightweight, breathable, and thermally efficient siliconized polyester yarn that’s compresses well and retains its loft—in areas prone to getting wet: the shoulders, cuffs, chin guard (which gets wet with condensation from your breath), and the armpits.

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The combination of insulation types delivers the benefits of down (warm, light, and compact) and synthetics (retaining heat when damp).

The close-fitting, under-the-helmet hood helps elevate this jacket above many insulation pieces. Popping it up immediately pumps up the warmth. Adjustable using just one drawcord in the back, with an elasticized face opening, it wraps snugly around your head and face to trap heat very efficiently—ensuring the hood stays put even in strong winds. When zipped up, the soft chin guard comes up to the lips, which is nice in chilly temps. The elasticized cuffs and an adjustable hem seal in body heat.

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The two zippered hand pockets warmed my chilled fingers quickly and have space for three-season gloves and small items like a map and headlamp. The jacket stuffs easily into a stuff sack attached to the zippered inside pocket—no losing this sack—and packs down to barely larger than a liter bottle.

The lightweight and wind-resistant, recycled, 15-denier nylon shell fabric, while durable for its weight, is more susceptible to tears than heavier fabrics. Similarly, the lightweight front zipper, while keeping jacket weight down, raises durability concerns; but a little care in using it can avoid problems. I’ve seen no damage to this jacket’s identical predecessor, the Cerium LT Hoody, in numerous trips over the past six years. And I have seen the Cerium fend off spitting rain showers, thanks in part to a durable, water-repellent (DWR) treatment on the shell fabric.

Some backpackers and others backcountry users will question the value proposition of an expensive, three-season down jacket price. But if a jacket like the Cerium lies within your budget, look at the fit, the construction quality, and most of all, the down-fill rating. You can pick up another 12-ounce insulated for half this price, but it won’t be nearly as warm.

The Verdict

From frosty wilderness campsites on three-season backpacking trips to pulling it on for added warmth while climbing or during your favorite winter activity, the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody remains one of the top puffy jackets in its weight class for versatility, packability, comfort, and warmth for its weight.

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody at rei.com or arcteryx.com.

See all reviews of outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, including “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Gloves for Winter,” “The Best Mittens for Winter,” and “The Best Clothing Layers for Winter in the Backcountry,” as well as “How to Dress in Layers for Winter in the Backcountry” and “12 Pro Tips for Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter.”

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-cerium-hoody/feed/ 2 58149 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-miko-20-and-maya-20-daypacks/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-miko-20-and-maya-20-daypacks/#respond Sat, 25 Mar 2023 14:28:26 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=58000 Read on

]]> Daypack
Gregory Miko 20 and Maya 20
$150, 20L/1,220 c.i., 2 lbs. 1 oz./936g (men’s Miko 20)
One adjustable size each for men and women
Miko 20: backcountry.com
Maya 20: backcountry.com

Don’t fix what ain’t broke has proven a timeless rule to follow and Gregory seems to take it to heart with the Miko and Maya, the brand’s 2023 updates of its classic Miwok and Maya. Wearing the men’s Miko on dayhikes of nearly 10 miles and 4,700 feet up and down 5,774-foot Mount Adams in New Hampshire’s rugged northern Presidential Range and a mostly off-trail dayhike-scramble of 11,330-foot Twin Peaks in Utah’s Wasatch Range that spanned eight hours with 5,200 feet of up and down, I concluded that these daypacks remain true to a successful lineage while showing subtle improvements to excellent daypacks.

While there’s much that I like about the Miko and Maya (as I did the old Miwok and Maya)—and, really, nothing I find wrong with them—the story begins with their fit and comfort. The updated, close-fitting BioSync suspension features an elasticized shoulder harness and hipbelt that provide a very comfortable, body-hugging fit and a dynamic carry that stretches and flexes with your moving body.

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There’s no metal or plastic in these packs. The foam back panel distributes weight nicely and delivers a blend of flex and support that’s probably ideal for many dayhikers. You can see this when folding the pack in half to have the top kiss the bottom—it folds easily over that dimension. But it doesn’t yield as easily to attempts to fold it parallel to its long dimension—folding the two side edges together—and especially so at the top, behind the shoulders, illustrating how the bottom of the pack moves with the part of your body that moves the most on a trail, your hips, but the top end of the pack flexes less, delivering more stability behind your shoulders.

Even as the pack hugs your torso, breathability is very good, thanks to the back panel’s perforations and contoured shape, with channels to allow air flow, and the perforated foam in the shoulder straps and hipbelt.

On both packs, the torso length easily adjusts by repositioning the shoulder straps up or down using a hook-and-loop patch behind the back panel—a newly improved, simple and secure adjustment system that provides a 3.5-inch/9cm fit range while adding nominal weight to the pack. That’s actually less fit range than the previous Miwok and Maya, which had five inches/13cm of adjustability; but that large a range isn’t as likely to fit people at either end of it as well.

After hauling about 12 pounds inside the Miko 20 up and down the steep, rocky trails of Mount Adams and about 15 pounds of water, snacks, extra layers, and my camera up and down Twin Peaks, I found the pack clearly handles 15 pounds comfortably—and I suspect many hikers will find it comfortable carrying 20 pounds, as Gregory claims.

The Miko’s and Maya’s main compartment is quickly accessed via a U-shaped, two-way zipper that opens down as far as the side pockets. While the pack feels streamlined on your back, its 20 liters/1,220 cubic inches provide plenty of space for a three-season dayhike, fitting my rain shell, extra layers, a full day’s worth of trail food, three liters of water, small items like my headlamp, plus my DSLR and two lenses. People who bring more stuff will find these packs have abundant capacity and the larger sizes in the Miko and Maya lines would serve well on multi-day hut treks if you pack efficiently. The internal, zippered valuables pocket is larger than the similar pocket that was in the older Miwok and Maya.

In fact, I have not yet completely fill the Miko 20’s capacity. I think that, given the lack of a rigid frame, as you add more to this pack, it’s likely to perform and feel better if that added ballast does not push the weight well over 15 to 20 pounds. In other words, you can fit a fair amount of stuff in the Miko 20 and Maya 20; but in reality, these packs are made for most of their contents to be light and bulky, such as extra clothing layers, rather than dense and heavy, like significantly more water and food. That’s a particularly important consideration with the larger-volume models of the Miko and Maya.

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The six external pockets include:

• Two zippered hipbelt pockets large enough for a phone and a few bars.
• A zippered top pocket for sunglasses, headlamp, and smaller items you want to access quickly.
• A large stretch-mesh front pocket with a buckle securing its top to the pack body.
• Two stretch-mesh side pockets with space for a liter bottle each (as long as the pack isn’t fully jammed).

Typical of Gregory, the Miko and Maya are well constructed, with good durability for a typical dayhiker who spends most of their time on trails, with adequately tough but lightweight 100-denier, high-density nylon in the body and 210-denier nylon in some areas of the body as well as in the two-layer bottom, which will outlive parts like zippers and seams. The fabrics are up to 45 percent recycled materials, which Gregory says reduced the carbon footprint of each new pack by about 25 percent. As with many daypacks, the most vulnerable areas are the stretch-mesh side and front pockets, zippers, and seams; and Gregory has reinforced stress points and generally designed the pack to disperse its weight load evenly—good for the carrier and the pack’s lifespan.

In the Miko and Maya, Gregory displays its attention to the kind of small details that make a pack or any gear faster and more pleasant to deal with—details sometimes only noticed when they aren’t designed smartly.

Examples: the independent zippered pocket for a hydration bladder, eliminating the need to empty pack contents to refill your water, with its SpeedClip hydration hanger that’s compatible with Gregory’s 3D Hydro and 3D Hydro Trek reservoirs;the large, custom-molded pulls on all zippers that you can easily grab with gloves on; the sternum strap’s one-hand buckle and easily adjustable fit; and the easy-to-adjust trekking poles attachment and front pocket buckle.

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Available in four capacity versions from 15 to 30 liters—compared to the three models of their ancestors, the Miwok ranging from 12 to 24 liters and the Maya from 10 to 22 liters—the Miko-Maya series clearly aims to deliver a size that appeals to nearly every dayhiker, from minimalists to people who need extra space for cold-weather layers, extra food, water, and/or gear, and hikers whose pack must accommodate the needs of other people, like trip leaders, parents, or anyone with a partner who needs a little help with weight.

The other daypacks in the Miko-Maya series include the Miko 15 ($120, 1 lb., 15 oz./880g), Miko 20 Plus Size ($130, 2 lbs., 3 oz./1kg), Miko 25 ($140, 2 lbs., 2 oz./962g), Miko 30 ($150, 2 lbs., 2 oz./970g), and the Miko 15 ($120, 1 lb., 13 oz./834g), Maya 20 Plus Size ($130, 2 lbs., 3 oz./989g), Maya 25 ($140, 2 lbs./916g), and Maya 30 ($140, 2 lbs., 3 oz./984g).

Gregory Miko 20 and Maya 20

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

Lacking any real flaws, the Gregory men’s Miko 20 and women’s Maya 20 strike an ideal balance of comfort, capacity, access, convenient features, and weight for dayhikers who travel fairly light and like a pack that they hardly notice when on the trail.

4.3

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Gregory men’s Miko 20 or any Miko model at backcountry.com, gregory.com, or rei.com, or a women’s Maya 20 or any Maya model at backcountry.com, gregory.com, or rei.com.

See “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks), and all reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

You may also be interested in my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles,” and my story “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” which you can read in its entirety with a paid subscription to The Big Outside or click here to purchase separately.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See the Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-miko-20-and-maya-20-daypacks/feed/ 0 58000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-ibex-wool-aire-vest/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-ibex-wool-aire-vest/#respond Fri, 03 Feb 2023 17:30:50 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=56835 Read on

]]> Insulated Vest
Ibex Wool Aire Vest
$235, 7.5 oz./213g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
ibex.com

How useful—and valuable—is your insulation layer? Consider this: I wore the Ibex Wool Aire Vest as my only outer layer over the same two base layers (a lightweight, wicking long-sleeve and a warm fleece hoody) on days of vigorous Nordic skiing in radically different conditions in Idaho’s Boise Mountains: from sunny, calm, and mid-30s Fahrenheit to cloudy and below freezing with strong winds that made it feel much colder. And I did not overheat in the first circumstance or get cold in the second. I also stayed comfortable wearing it as my sole middle layer under a winter shell in temps from around freezing to the mid-teens, with a low overcast and frigid wind, on days of snowshoeing and backcountry skiing downhill, and as my outer layer when skinning uphill (without wind).

That degree of versatility speaks volumes about the value of any layer, especially insulation.

We know that when we’re active in cool to cold conditions—whether hiking, running, any form of skiing, or whatever your activity—the key to staying warm is maintaining core warmth. A good vest does that while also helping to prevent you from sweating too much—which in cool to cold temps leads to getting chilled through evaporative heat loss—by letting your arms release abundant excess body heat. But while vests may appear to be similarly simple, there are reasons the Ibex Wool Aire Vest performs better than many.

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Its 80g Merino wool insulation delivers a significant boost in warmth for a garment that weighs under eight ounces (for the men’s medium)—which is measurably lighter than a comparable middle/outer layer insulated jacket. (The fill incorporates 20 percent polyester to hold the wool fill in place; otherwise, it would shift around inside the vest.) But it’s also better than many jackets at helping you avoid overheating. In some respects, this is a rare instance where less is more.

Just as importantly, the 20-denier shell fabric blocks wind well and sheds light precipitation—spilled water rolled right off the vest.

The fit is another key part of the performance equation that’s easy to overlook. Lacking sleeves, a loose-fitting vest becomes ineffective at trapping heat and very effective at allowing cold wind to suck heat off your body. The Wool Aire Vest’s comfortably athletic fit trapped heat in my core quite effectively—even as I skate-skied fast downhill in a cold wind with no jacket over the vest. The fit still has space for combining lightweight and warm base layers underneath without the system feeling bulky, bunching up anywhere, or inhibiting motion while moving at any pace. That also makes it easy to incorporate into a layering system that includes insulated and shell jackets as needed.

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Breathability in any vest is inherently good, although the Wool Aire shell’s wind resistance also means body heat and moisture don’t easily escape from inside to outside—but wind resistance is what you usually want in cool or cold temps, especially in a vest. I found that only the upper back of the vest got noticeably damp from sweat and, typical of wool, it doesn’t dry fast; but it also remains effective at trapping heat when damp.

The two zippered hand pockets each fit a warm winter glove with room to spare. The single zippered chest pocket is similarly spacious—almost too large, because it would be a good place for a smartphone except that a phone bounces around and tilts onto its side in that pocket, making it more of a nuisance than if the pocket was narrow enough for a phone to remain upright. I don’t see wanting to put as much stuff in a chest pocket as this one would fit.

While an insulated vest proves most useful in cool to cold temperatures—I almost never carry one, for example, on typical summer dayhikes and backpacking trips in mountains where temps may range from around 40° F to 80° F—it becomes highly versatile as an outer or middle layer on any outing where temps will range from the 50s F down to freezing and well below.

You want sleeves? Ibex also makes the men’s and women’s Wool Aire Hoodie ($285).

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The Verdict

With its good fit, warmth for its low weight, and wind resistance, the Ibex Wool Aire Vest offers excellent versatility—even compared to other vests—as a middle or outer layer for a variety of moderate- to high-intensity activities in cool to very cold temperatures, including hiking, running, and any form of skiing.

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the men’s or women’s Ibex Wool Aire Vest or Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie at ibex.com.

See all reviews of outdoor apparel that I like, including “The 10 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Gloves for Winter,” “The Best Mittens for Winter,” “The Best Clothing Layers for Winter in the Backcountry,” as well as my blog stories “How to Dress in Layers for Winter in the Backcountry,” and “12 Pro Tips for Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter.”

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-ibex-wool-aire-vest/feed/ 0 56835 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-anacapa-lowgtx-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-anacapa-lowgtx-hiking-shoes/#respond Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:30:40 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=56775 Read on

]]> Hoka Hiking Shoes
Hoka One One Anacapa Low GTX
$170, 1 lb. 10.5 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-15, women’s 5-11, all gender M3.5/W5-M14/W15.5
backcountry.com

Sometimes it’s the subtle details that make a hiking shoe stand out. From June and October days of hiking 10 or more miles with about 6,000 cumulative feet of elevation gain and loss each day in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range—including hiking up the hardest trail in the White Mountains, Huntington Ravine—with very rocky and sometimes muddy trail and wet snow; to an 18-mile, 7,300-foot, 13-hour, four-summit, partly off-trail dayhike in Utah’s Wasatch Range in early October; and hikes in my local foothills on trails consisting mostly of dry, packed dirt with occasional rocky sections, the Hoka One One Anacapa LowGTX proved to be one of the most comfortable and supportive hiking shoes I’ve come across in a while.

These shoes are so light and comfortable I’ve even worn them on trail run-hikes and for gym workouts.

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Like other Hoka One One footwear, the neutral-stability, low-cut Anacapa Low GTX features Hoka’s signature oversized, lightweight, compression-molded EVA foam midsole and extended heel geometry, which delivers substantial, balanced cushioning for dayhikes of any distance as well as lightweight backpacking. Hoka’s mid-cut Anacapa Mid GTX ($185)sports the very same chassis, uppers, and materials, but with a higher cut that provides much better protection for ankles while remaining light and nimble on the trail.

The Anacapa models feature a host of design elements that contribute to their superior comfort and easy yet supportive striding on the trail: enhanced Achilles padding, a supportive heel cup, a 6mm heel-to-toe drop (from 28mm at the heel to 22mm at the forefoot) that’s neither minimalist nor excessive, substantial heel-to-toe rocker, and solid torsional rigidity. The Anacapa Low feel like a trail-running shoe when you slip them on and perform like a light, agile hiking shoe on the trail.

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I found that the lightweight and waterproof nubuck leather and mesh uppers, with recycled polymer in the collar, mesh, and laces, help the shoe conform to your foot, providing a comfortable, all-day fit. Overlays and a toe bumper protect the uppers—and your feet—from the usual scraping and bashing against rocks. The lacing creates a smooth and secure wrap around feet. The laces are very durable for hard use on rocky trails; but they’re also stiffer than some hiking shoelaces, causing them to loosen easily, a problem solved by simply double-knotting them.

The Gore-Tex membrane prevented water penetrating the shoes when I had to kick steps in wet snow up Mount Washington’s Huntington Ravine and walked through deep, sloppy mud on other trails in the Presidential Range. Plus, mesh in the uppers and the shoe’s low cut help ventilate heat and moisture from the shoes, keeping my feet from getting sweaty in temps in the high 70s F with high humidity.

The Vibram MegaGrip outsole with widely spaced, multi-directional, 5mm lugs and enhanced grip under the toes for smooth rock, deliver good traction on trails ranging from packed dirt and mud to rock and even scrambling up the steep slabs in Huntington Ravine—but I noticed the wide platform felt tippy at times when trying to get good purchase on the inside or outside edge of a shoe while hiking very rocky trails in the White Mountains. And their cushion, forefoot flex, and width were okay but not ideal for the sometimes steep, third- and fourth-class scrambling I did on the South Ridge of Mount Superior in the Wasatch. These shoes are better on trails of packed dirt or smaller rocks and scree than large rocks and boulders.

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The Hoka Anacapa Low Verdict

With subtle but very effective design features that simply create an exceptional hiking shoe, the Hoka One One Anacapa Low GTX has great comfort, support, traction, and cushioning dayhiking and ultralight and lightweight backpacking.

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See all my reviews of lightweight hiking shoes and backpacking boots, my “Expert Tips for Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” plus all reviews of hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

You may also be interested in my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” which includes my expert buying tips, and all reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-anacapa-lowgtx-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 56775 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-ferrosi-convertible-pants/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-ferrosi-convertible-pants/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2023 13:13:51 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=56501 Read on

]]> Soft-Shell Hiking Pants
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible Pants
$99, 11.5 oz. (men’s 30×30)
Sizes: men’s 28-42, women’s 0-18
backcountry.com

I lived in the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible Pants on three multi-day hikes that put them through quite possibly the widest range of three-season weather most backcountry wanderers might ever see: trekking hut-to-hut for a week on Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails and several dayhikes around the country, where cold wind and periods of light rain accompanied us almost every day; on a nine-day, nearly 130-mile hike through the High Sierra in August, mostly on the John Muir Trail, in temps ranging from the 40s to high 60s Fahrenheit, strong wind at times, and one hour-long rainstorm; and on a five-day, 43-mile backpacking trip in the Wind River Range in the week before Labor Day, where we had dry, sunny days ranging from the 40s to the 60s F with moderate wind some days.

And over those two dozen or so days, these pants were the only bottom layer I needed about 98 percent of the time.

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I’ve also worn them on numerous other outings, including a four-day, roughly 60-mile backpacking trip in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness, mostly on the Uinta Highline Trail, in the first week of October, with temps ranging from below freezing into the 50s Fahrenheit, warm sunshine at times as well as clouds, cold wind, and even some graupel and a few snowflakes falling on us; backpacking three days on southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons loop in early May, with temps from the low 40s to the 60s, warm sunshine, and strong wind at times; and an 18-mile, 7,300-foot, 13-hour, four-summit, partly off-trail dayhike with my 23-year-old son in Utah’s Wasatch Range in early October, with warm alpine sun, cool wind at times, and temps from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit.

Why choose these convertible soft-shell pants instead of some combination of hiking shorts and pants? For a very compact and lightweight system that delivers hard-to-beat versatility in a huge range of weather conditions.

The key component here is OR’s tough yet comfortable Ferrosi fabric, which shakes off light precipitation, blocks some wind, and dries quickly from body heat. Most importantly, these pants breathe supremely well, so I remained at a good body temp wearing these pants and a rain jacket while hiking for hours in intermittently windy, wet weather and moderate temperatures in Iceland, when waterproof-breathable rain pants (which aren’t nearly as breathable as soft-shell fabric) would have caused me to overheat. I only pulled rain pants over them in colder temps and wind or steady rain.

I also wore them (and a rain jacket) through more than an hour of windblown, steady rain in an August thunderstorm in the High Sierra without getting chilled; and they dried out fast after the rain stopped. Similarly, on a dayhike of the 13-mile, 3,500-foot Burgess Pass Loop in Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies, on an overcast, cool day in the 50s with some rain showers, the pants got soaked from wet brush overhanging the Burgess Pass Trail, then dried out from my body heat within about 20 minutes once we got above treeline.

That breathability also kept me comfortable from cool mornings to warm afternoons in the Wind River Range and throughout a nearly 10-mile, 4,700-foot dayhike up Mount Adams in New Hampshire’s northern Presidential Range on a sunny October day that started out with temps in the mid-30s and finished with the thermometer around 60 F, with cool wind at times. And only the waistband got a little damp with sweat all day.

Plus, the pants are light and cool enough to wear in moderate temps on dry days and you can zip the legs off reasonably quickly when things heat up. They lack side/ankle zippers to enable pulling them over shoes or boots; but those add weight, bulk, and zippers that could fail (especially in a high-abuse area like lower legs). Personally, I’d rather just remove shoes to pull pant legs on and off.

The fabric also has a UPF 50+ rating for sun protection and is made from 46 percent recycled material.

The legs zip off to create shorts with a nine-inch inseam—good coverage even in a light, warm mist while still creating plenty of ventilation and cooling. Like any soft-shell fabric, the Ferrosi eventually soaks through in steady rain; bring waterproof-breathable rain pants if you expect sustained rain and cool temps (as I did in Iceland).

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At just over 11 ounces, they’re about as light as you’ll find in weather-resistant, convertible pants with the durability for hiking, and they squish down to slightly smaller than a liter bottle. Then again, you’ll never actually stick the pants into your pack—only the legs, which compress to about a half-liter in volume, tiny enough that I’d stuff them into an exterior pack pocket.

The fit is trim but neither tight, which isn’t pleasant for hiking, nor baggy, which can result in the lower pant legs picking up excessive moisture from rain or slapping against wet vegetation. The trim pant legs facilitate faster drying and the adjustable cuffs cover boot tops but also fit neatly under low gaiters. Whenever the sun came out and warmed things up in Iceland or the White Mountains—knowing the warmth might not last long—I easily rolled the pant legs up to my knees and walked rather than take the legs off and on repeatedly.

The basic feature set is all you need in hiking pants: two spacious hand pockets that lack zippers but are deep enough that nothing slips out; one zippered thigh pocket big enough for a smartphone or a pair of lightweight gloves; two back pockets, one of them with a zip; an inserted, metal shank button closure, more durable than a sewn button; and a soft, brushed tricot-lined waistband with belt loops—and an internal drawstring, so your pants won’t slip south, but also remain comfortable under a pack hipbelt.

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The Verdict

For a wide range of weather conditions, from hot sun to occasional rain and cool temps, you’ll find very few pants (and shorts) with more versatility for dayhiking, backpacking, climbing, and other three-season adventures than the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible Pants—especially at this price.

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See all reviews of outdoor apparel, my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year, and all stories with expert backpacking tips at The Big Outside.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-ferrosi-convertible-pants/feed/ 2 56501 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mammut-kento-light-hs-hooded-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mammut-kento-light-hs-hooded-jacket/#respond Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:33:15 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=56415 Read on

]]> Ultralight Rain Jacket
Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket
$219, 5.5 oz./156g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s S-XL
backcountry.com

When the sky darkened with foreboding, black and gray clouds that suddenly obliterated the sharply angled peaks flanking the John Muir Trail in the Evolution Basin of Kings Canyon National Park, I pulled on the ultralight Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket thinking: This thunderstorm will put it to a real test. Minutes later, the wind-whipped rain began hammering us. For an hour or more, my two companions and I continued uphill until deciding to quickly pitch our tents and hunker down until it passed. When it did, we packed up and continued over Muir Pass in cool wind before finding a campsite. Through it all, this remarkably light and packable rain shell kept me dry and comfortable.

Read more: Review: Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket

I wore the Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket at times on that nine-day hike of nearly 130 miles through the High Sierra in August, much of it on the John Muir Trail, in temps ranging from the 40s to high 60s Fahrenheit, strong wind at times, and that one intense rainstorm. I also wore it on a nearly 10-mile, 4,700-foot dayhike up 5,774-foot Mount Adams in New Hampshire’s northern Presidential Range on a sunny October day with temps ranging from the mid-30s to around 60° F with a cool breeze at times; and on a multi-hour, 29-mile mountain bike ride on Utah’s Wasatch Crest Trail, with 1,500 feet of uphill and more than 4,000 feet of downhill, on a sunny day with temps ranging from the low 40s to the high 50s.

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Mammut’s proprietary DRYtechnology Performance waterproof-breathable fabric kept me dry and blocked wind when I needed that much protection, including over an hour in a pounding thunderstorm. Although I wouldn’t recommend it as a rain shell wherever you might encounter hours of steady or hard rain and wind—it’s not intended to provide the coverage and full protection that a heavier, technical, waterproof-breathable rain jacket offers—it’ll do fine in light precipitation or short spells of hard rain.

And while the shell’s breathability also does not match that of high-quality waterproof-breathable rain shells or the best non-waterproof, ultralight wind shells, I did not overheat while wearing it in mild temps dayhiking Mount Adams or in the Sierra.

In other words, it delivers exactly what we want from an ultralight rain shell: just enough weather protection for many of our outings. For some users, including dayhikers, climbers, trail runners, and backpackers who typically head out in good weather, the Kento may be all they need most of the time.

At just over five ounces and packing down to the size of an orange in its stuff sack (included), the Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket is a welterweight among ultralight shells but one of the very lightest waterproof-breathable jackets you’ll find. Its 15-denier fabric also offers better durability than some (mostly lighter) ultralight wind shells, which are often targeted at trail runners who wear nothing heavier than a running vest.

Lastly, in a category of jackets with very minimalist designs, it sports an adjustable hood with a flexible, reinforced visor that offers decent face protection, especially with the front zipper that covers your chin; elasticized cuffs and a hem that extends about six inches below the waist; and a concealed, zippered chest pocket. The comfortable, close fit permits full freedom of movement, with space to wear two base layers or light insulation underneath.

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Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

Barely heavier than a pair of three-season gloves and squishing down to the size of an orange, the Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket may be the only waterproof-breathable rain jacket that many dayhikers, climbers, trail runners, and fair-weather backpackers need.

4.3

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See my picks for “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets” and “The 7 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” and all reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, trail-running gear, hiking apparel, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mammut-kento-light-hs-hooded-jacket/feed/ 0 56415 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-scarpa-rush-mid-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-scarpa-rush-mid-gtx-boots/#respond Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:22:19 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=55308 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Boots
Scarpa Rush Mid GTX
$199, 2 lbs./907g (pair Euro men’s 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 40-48/US 7.5-14, women’s Euro 36-42/US 4-9
backcountry.com

Having backpacked numerous times through the Wind River Range on summer’s tail—and more than once been greeted with buckets of cold rain and wind for days or finding out that over a foot of snow fell the day after we got out—for my latest trip, I wanted to stick my feet in boots that can handle any unpleasant surprises. Still, I also didn’t want to feel like I was lifting a cement block with each step or like my feet spent each day in a hot yoga studio. Our five-day hike showed me the Scarpa Rush Mid GTX were a smart choice for what we encountered as well as what we might have encountered—and an all-around superior hiking boot.

I wore these boots starting with about 35 pounds in my pack on a pair of late-summer backpacking trips: five days and 43 miles in the Wind River Range and nearly 70 miles over seven days in Glacier National Park, and found them quite comfortable hiking trails for several hours a day—comfy enough even to wear around camp (leaving the laces very loose and the tongue lifted to cool my feet, something I commonly do).

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The medium-volume, sock-fit construction—with breathable, stretch fabric in the tongue instead of traditional, bulky gussets—embraced my feet closely and comfortably, preventing any slipping or rubbing, with good space in the toe box and a heel cup that anchored and cradled my heels very stably. And the dual-density EVA midsole with a TPU heel—both somewhat common in lightweight hiking shoes and boots—plus quite substantial torsional rigidity, especially for a boot so light, provided plenty of cushion and support for hiking for hours with over 35 pounds on my back.

I stood in shallow creeks to test the boot’s waterproofness and the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane allowed no water inside while proving reasonably breathable, at least for keeping my feet from getting sweaty even under an alpine sun that often felt hotter than the ambient air temperature in the 60s and as high as 70° F one afternoon. In fact, I walked across a shallow and slow section of the New Fork River in my boots, on my toes to keep the water from over-topping them, and my socks stayed dry, even as it took at least 10 strides to reach the other bank, my boots dunking to midfoot with each step.

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The synthetic uppers combine breathable mesh fabric with protective PU overlays and sidewalls and a reinforced toe, helping to prevent feet overheating while armoring the boot against rocky, rugged trail or hiking off-trail.

The Rush Mid GTX features the same Presa Freedome IDS outsole found in Scarpa’s Rush trail-running shoe, with widely spaced, moderately but not overly deep, multi-directional lugs delivering grip and traction that never slipped while I hiked trails ranging from packed dirt and mud to loose, sliding scree and large talus boulders, and the pronounced rocker facilitates a quick stride on the trail.

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Besides minor abrasion to the soft midsole at the forward outer edge of each boot—outside your little toes, where hiking footwear often suffers the most wear and tear—the Rush Mid GTX seems very durable for most circumstances that most backpackers and dayhikers encounter.

Other models in Scarpa’s Rush series include the non-waterproof, low-cut Rush ($159), the low-cut Rush GTX ($189), the low-cut, suede Rush Trail GTX ($219), and the mid-cut, suede Rush TRK GTX ($239), all in men’s and women’s versions. The Verdict Remarkably comfortable, supportive, reliably waterproof, adequately breathable for all but the hottest hikes, and impressively light, the Scarpa Rush Mid GTX are all the boot many backpackers and dayhikers would need.

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The Verdict

Remarkably comfortable, supportive, reliably waterproof, adequately breathable for all but the hottest days, and impressively light, the Scarpa Rush Mid GTX are all the boot many backpackers and dayhikers would need.

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Scarpa Rush Mid GTX boots at backcountry.com, or any other model in the Rush series at backcountry.com.

See all reviews of lightweight hiking shoes and backpacking boots, my “Expert Tips for Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” plus all reviews of hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

See all stories with expert backpacking tips at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-scarpa-rush-mid-gtx-boots/feed/ 0 55308 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-biolite-headlamp-325/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-biolite-headlamp-325/#respond Wed, 26 Oct 2022 13:48:28 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=55171 Read on

]]> Rechargeable Ultralight Headlamp
BioLite Headlamp 325
$50, 1.8 oz./51g
backcountry.com

Look for an ultralight headlamp built for backcountry use that’s under two ounces and $40 or less and you’ll find very few choices—with the BioLite Headlamp 325 arguably the best among them. Then consider that it sports a basic but functional set of lighting modes, cranks out enough brightness and lasts long enough on a full charge for backpackers, dayhikers, trail runners, and other backcountry users, and this slim light will look pretty good to many people who log significant hours on the trail.

I used the Headlamp 325 on nights in camp on a five-day, late-summer backpacking trip in the Wind River Range and on back-to-back backpacking trips in the first week of April on a section of the Arizona Trail along the Gila River and in Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon. With a 700 mAh Li-ion battery that recharges via micro USB (charging cord included), the Headlamp 325’s max brightness of 325 lumens—a more than 50 percent increase over its respectably bright predecessor, the Headlamp 200—throws a solid white beam for about 250 feet/75 meters, certainly bright enough for hiking a trail in deep darkness or even route-finding off-trail.

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A full charge lasts three hours at max brightness and 40 hours at low power (five lumens, adequate for camp tasks), according to BioLite. That’s good enough for the typical backpacking trip: I finished that five-day hike in the Winds with charge remaining in the 325. The reserve power mode buys you one more hour. The flood LED doubles as the charge indicator: After turning the 325 off, the flood light will flash green twice to indicate more than 50 percent of the charge remaining, red twice for under 50 percent, and red four times to indicate it requires recharging. When plugged in, the flood light slowly blinks green while charging and goes off when fully charged.

Operating the Headlamp 325 is simple and intuitive using just one power button. Click it in half-second increments to scroll through the four lighting modes, which include all that most backpackers and dayhikers need: white spot and red flood LEDs, both with dimming capability, plus white and red strobe. Its built-in “brightness memory” means the headlamps turns on in the mode and brightness level you last turned it off.

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The dimming function—common in ultralight headlamps unless they have three or four brightness levels—is useful for tasks in camp and in the tent while helping to extend the battery’s charge when using it at lower levels. The intuitive lockout mode turns on and off by holding the power button depressed for eight seconds.

The four-position housing tilt covers an adequately wide range of angles for directing the light. With all of the electronics contained inside the tiny, nearly weightless front housing, which is, in turn, integrated into the slender, easily adjustable, no-bounce head strap—which is wider from the housing to the temples for better comfort—the Headlamp 325 goes almost unnoticed on your head.

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The moisture-wicking stretch fabric, with a reflective strip on the back for night use, makes a very smooth contact all around your head, even at the housing, and doesn’t slip at all—making it certainly among the most comfortable ultralight headlamps to wear for any length of time. Plus, lacking a battery behind your head, it’s easier to wearing while it lying on your back.

The IPX4 waterproof rating means it withstands splashing water from any direction—it’s likely safe in rain but don’t let this headlamp fall into water.

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The Verdict

The BioLite Headlamp 325 combines incredibly low weight and comfort with an adequate range of modes at a bargain-basement price for a rechargeable, ultralight headlamp.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a BioLite Headlamp 325 at backcountry.com.

See my picks for “The Best Headlamps,” and all reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

Let The Big Outside help you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-guide and member gear discounts!

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-biolite-headlamp-325/feed/ 0 55171 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-knog-bandicoot-250-ultralight-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-knog-bandicoot-250-ultralight-headlamp/#respond Thu, 29 Sep 2022 11:42:31 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=54772 Read on

]]> Rechargeable Ultralight Headlamp
Knog Bandicoot 250
$50, 2.1 oz./59.5g
knog.com

When I reviewed this headlamp’s predecessor, the Bandicoot, I thought it was the kind of new product that had the potential to upend an entire category. After using the more powerful and comfortable Knog Bandicoot 250 on a nine-day hike of nearly 130 miles through the High Sierra in August, mostly on the John Muir Trail, I still think this technology is a game changer.

You can sum up the appeal of the Bandicoot 250 in one sentence: It’s powerful, rechargeable, lighter than most competitors, and cheaper than many. But there’s more to this story than that.

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The innovative Bandicoot has been upgraded to a maximum brightness of 250 lumens with a range of over 100 feet—not cutting-edge by today’s standards (a tradeoff for its compactness and almost insignificant weight), but certainly bright enough for the needs of most backpackers and hikers, including hiking a trail at night. 

The very light and durable silicone housing now is adjustable with a toggle to fit a huge circumference range of 30-70cm, covering the biggest and smallest heads. It still seamlessly merges the strap, body, and LEDs and doesn’t bounce at all or snag in hair. It’s easy to forget you’re wearing it.

Its four LEDs—high beam, elliptical beams for broad ambient light, a red light for preserving your night vision, and downward-angled lights for reading—cover the needs of many users, including trail running and biking streets at night (and this low-profile headlamp fits more comfortably under a bike helmet than bulkier models). One nitpick: I found the reading lights angled too far downward for reading while lying on an air mattress.

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Operation is simple and intuitive: Turn it on and off by depressing the larger (right) power button for a second; that button also scrolls through the modes, while the smaller (left) button clicks through brightness levels in each mode. 

Lock and unlock it by depressing both power buttons for three seconds; the red light flashes twice if you press either power button to indicate lockout mode and a white LED flashes twice to indicate it’s unlocked. Click either button when the light is off and the reading lights function as the four-level battery indicator.

The LEDs are easily removed from the stretchy housing/strap through the opening on the back side of the thickest part of the housing; it then plugs it directly into any USB port to recharge (no cord needed) in four hours (from being fully drained). Few headlamps offer such simplicity for recharging or replacing batteries.

According to Knog, the Bandicoot 250 runs for eight hours at max brightness; 12 hours at Spot level (200 lumens); 22 hours at ambient level (50 lumens); and 25 to 32 hours in the dimmer red and reading modes. Even with normal use on a nine-day hike, I finished with plenty of charge left in this headlamp. The IP67 rating means it’s waterproof up to one meter for 30 minutes and completely protects against dust.

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The Verdict

Powerful enough, comfortable, simple, rechargeable, lighter than most competitors and cheaper than many, the Knog Bandicoot 250 represents a great all-around value for backpacking, hiking, climbing, trail running, and other outdoors activities.

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Knog Bandicoot 250 at knog.com.

See “The Best Headlamps” and all reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-book versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-knog-bandicoot-250-ultralight-headlamp/feed/ 0 54772 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-spot-400-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-spot-400-headlamp/#comments Fri, 09 Sep 2022 16:52:30 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=54458 Read on

]]> Ultralight Headlamp
Black Diamond Spot 400
$55, 2.5 oz./70.9g
blackdiamondequipment.com

How do you choose a headlamp for the backcountry? If you’re looking for a range of modes that’s both basic and versatile, good brightness and dimming capability, and smart features that make it more useful while maintaining a design simplicity that doesn’t require an advanced science degree to operate it, Black Diamond’s Spot 400 is hard to beat. On evenings in camp on a five-day, late-summer hike in the Wind River Range, I found this latest update sustains and improves on the legacy of BD’s popular Spot line as an excellent value in an ultralight headlamp.

Powered by three AAA batteries, the Spot 400 boosts maximum brightness to 400 lumens, casting a beam for 100 meters; that’s bright enough for hiking off-trail or searching for a descent or ascent route in pitch darkness. BD says that at max brightness, the headlamp will burn for four hours on three fresh AAA batteries—but most users won’t need that brightness level for anywhere near that length of time on a single outing or multi-day trip.

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At minimum brightness level of six lumens—bright enough to find your way in and out of a tent in the middle of the night—the headlamp will run for 225 hours. At medium power, the Spot 400 projects a beam 60 meters and runs for eight hours on fresh batteries; that’s brighter than many users will need in camp or even most of the time you’re hiking a trail in complete darkness. In peripheral white light mode, the broad beam projects adequate light uniformly to organize gear or illuminate a campsite or tent interior.

Those metrics illustrate not only this lamp’s power but a key fact: Typical use will not quickly drain its batteries. After four nights of regular use at various brightness levels and modes in the Wind River Range, the headlamp still retained two-thirds of its charge—displayed by its three-level battery meter. The Spot 400 will normally make three AAA batteries last more than one typical backcountry trip or throughout a long trip.

BD made this Spot update incrementally lighter and more streamlined, with a housing that doesn’t feel like a load on your head or bounce around when you’re moving fast. The low-profile design still has two buttons and simple operation: It powers on and off and dims using the larger button, while the smaller button cycles between the three modes: direct beam, peripheral white mode, and red for night vision.

It also has dimming capability in all three modes, activated by holding down the larger button. Strobe is activated in all modes by clicking the larger power button twice rapidly.

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BD’s unique PowerTap technology—found in other BD headlamps—allows you to simply tap the right side of the casing (marked by a bulb icon) to cycle between max brightness and whatever dimmed level you previously set. The Spot series and other BDmodelshave brightness memory technology: They turn on in the mode and brightness level you last turned them off.

Like other BD headlamps, the Spot 400 also has a lockout mode that turns on and off by holding down both buttons for a few seconds, to ensure that the lamp isn’t inadvertently turned on and draining its batteries inside your pack or pocket.

I found the easily adjustable headband remains comfortable for hours. The IPX8 rating means the headlamp is waterproof to just over one meter for 30 minutes. The battery compartment is easilyaccessed by flipping a small lever on one side.

BD’s rechargeable 1500 mAh Li-ion battery and its charger can be purchased separately ($30) and used instead of three standard AAA batteries in the Spot. But if you’re buying a new headlamp and don’t want to constantly throw away batteries, it makes more sense to just get the Black Diamond Spot 400-R ($70, 2.6 oz.), which is rechargeable and otherwise identical to the Spot 400—and it won’t take long to cover the additional $15 cost of it through the savings on batteries.

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The Verdict

Still priced competitively among ultralight, high-performance headlamps at $50, the Black Diamond Spot 400 has the brightness, versatility, and features to make it arguably the best ultralight headlamp value for backpackers, hikers, climbers, trail runners, and other outdoors users.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Black Diamond Spot 400 at backcountry.com, rei.com or blackdiamondequipment.com, or a rechargeable Black Diamond Spot 400-R at backcountry.com, rei.com or blackdiamondequipment.com.

See “The 7 Best Headlamps” and all reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-spot-400-headlamp/feed/ 2 54458 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-feathered-friends-eos-down-jacket-2/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-feathered-friends-eos-down-jacket-2/#comments Mon, 29 Aug 2022 11:48:34 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=54315 Read on

]]> Down Jacket
Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket
$409, 11 oz./312g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL
featheredfriends.com

When you have something that works, the worst thing you can do is change it much. Feathered Friends stuck with a winning formula when updating its popular Eos Down Jacket, making just two minor improvements. Testing the updated Eos on adventures ranging from a windy and chilly June camping and climbing trip in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve to nine days backpacking through the High Sierra in August, I found it just as warm and comfortable as I have found the previous iteration of this poofy puffy in the backcountry of Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, Glacier National Park, and countless other wild places.

I wore the men’s Eos Down Jacket almost every morning and evening on a nine-day hike of nearly 130 miles in August, mostly on the John Muir Trail, with lows often in the 40s Fahrenheit and strong wind and it kept me quite comfortable with just one or two base layers underneath it. Also, on four cold, very windy days of camping and rock climbing in Idaho’s City of Rocks in June, with air temps in the 40s and 50s but the wind chill considerably lower, I wore the Eos with the hood up every morning and evening in camp and even, at times, while belaying under variably sunny and cloudy skies.

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Made in the good ‘ole U.S. and generously stuffed with four ounces of ethically sourced, 900+-fill goose down, the Eos has proven time and again that it can handle temperatures down to the high 30s with strong wind. That’s impressive warmth for a puffy jacket that weighs 11 ounces—its warmth-to-weight ratio is matched by few competitors. (See my picks for the 10 best down jackets—of which the Eos is one.)

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While the down isn’t treated for water resistance (more common in sleeping bags than jackets), it is protected inside a water-resistant, Pertex Quantum shell with a DWR (durable, water-resistant treatment) that sheds light precipitation. In reality, most users probably know better than to stand outside in a steady rain without a rain shell over a down jacket; but people expecting to wear their puffy jacket in wet conditions should look for another model (probably synthetic).

As with any lightweight or ultralight jacket, the 12-denier by 20-denier fabric is tough for its very low weight, but susceptible to tears, so be careful with it. (I’ve never torn the Eos over several years of use.) The construction is top-notch, with sewn-through baffles that prevent down from migrating. While sewn-through baffles help reduce garment weight and are common in lightweight down jackets, they can create cold spots along seams where there’s essentially no insulation. However, that was never a problem in the Eos, even in temps in the upper 30s Fahrenheit.

The two changes in this updated Eos are placing the zippered chest pocket out of sight behind a flap and making the warm hood adjustable using drawstrings that help it fit more snugly and mostly move with your turning head. The Eos still features two spacious, zippered hand pockets, elasticized cuffs, and a drawcord hem.

It packs down to fit in the included 8×5.5-inch stuff sack, a good size for a camping pillow—and compact enough to keep near the top of my backpack and pull on during snack breaks in chilly wind.

The Feathered Friends Eos collection also includes a men’s and women’s Eos Down Vest ($269, 7 oz.).

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The Verdict

At a price that competes with and even beats some high-end down jackets, the Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket delivers exceptional quality in an insulated jacket that’s warm enough for camping in temps near freezing.

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket at featheredfriends.com, or a women’s Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket at featheredfriends.com.

See my picks for “The 10 Best Down Jackets” and all of my reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like at The Big Outside.

See all stories with expert backpacking tips at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-feathered-friends-eos-down-jacket-2/feed/ 2 54315 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-spot-400-r-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-spot-400-r-headlamp/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2022 19:08:21 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=54288 Read on

]]> Rechargeable Ultralight Headlamp
Black Diamond Spot 400-R
$80, 2.6 oz./73.7g
blackdiamondequipment.com

Using Black Diamond’s Spot 400-R on various outings, from nights in camp in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains, southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, and on a nine-day hike of nearly 130 miles through the High Sierra in August, mostly on the John Muir Trail, and pre-dawn starts on a seven-day, nearly 70-mile walk in September in Glacier National Park and a six-day hike on the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route in April, to dawn patrol backcountry skiing in Idaho’s Boulder Mountains, backpacking on a section of the Arizona Trail along the Gila River in the first days of April, and trekking hut-to-hut on New Zealand’s Routeburn and Milford tracks in late spring, I found this latest update continues the legacy of functionality and versatility that has made BD’s long-popular Spot line arguably the best value in an ultralight headlamp—while also demonstrating the strong value proposition of choosing this rechargeable model over a battery-powered headlamp.

Powered by a 1500 mAh Li-ion battery with micro-USB charging port, the Spot 400-R—the rechargeable version of BD’s outstanding Spot 400—throws a beam 100 meters at its maximum brightness of 400 lumens; that’s bright enough to hike off-trail, search for a descent or ascent route in pitch darkness, or identify the large, nocturnal animal showing an interest in your cached food. BD says a full charge lasts for four hours at max power—a brightness level most users won’t need for anywhere near that length of time on a single outing or multi-day trip.

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At the other end of its brightness range, the headlamp will keep running for 225 hours at low power of six lumens, which is bright enough to find your way in and out of a tent in the middle of the night. At medium power, the Spot 400-R projects a beam 60 meters and lasts eight hours on a full charge; that’s brighter and farther than many users will need in camp or even most of the time you’re hiking a trail in complete darkness. In peripheral white light mode, the broad beam projects adequate light uniformly to organize gear or illuminate a campsite or tent interior, without getting blotchy or having an annoying dark spot in the center.

Those performance details illustrate both this lamp’s power and how typical use will not quickly drain its charge. After eight nights of regular use at various brightness levels and modes, I found the headlamp still retained two-thirds of its charge—displayed by its three-level battery meter—meaning the Spot 400-R can hold plenty of juice for normal use on a very long trip.

BD has again made this Spot update incrementally lighter and more streamlined, with a housing that doesn’t feel like a load on your head or bounce around when moving fast. The low-profile design still has two buttons and intuitive operation: It powers on and off and dims using the larger button, while the smaller button cycles between the three modes: the direct beam, peripheral white mode, and red for night vision.

It also has dimming capability in all three modes (by holding down the larger button) and strobe is activated in all modes by clicking the larger power button twice rapidly. The Spot series and other BDmodelshave brightness memory technology: They turn on in the mode and brightness level you last turned them off.

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BD’s unique PowerTap technology—found in other BD headlamps—allows you to simply tap the right side of the casing (marked by a bulb icon) to cycle between max brightness and whatever dimmed level you previously set.

Like other BD headlamps, the Spot 400-R has a lockout mode that turns on and off by holding down both buttons for a few seconds, to ensure that the lamp isn’t inadvertently turned on and draining its charge inside your pack or pocket—a smart safety feature, even though both buttons lie flush in the housing to help prevent accidental activation.

The easily adjustable headband, made from recycled elastic, features comfortable Repreve fiber and remains comfortable for hours. The IP67 rating means it provides full protection from small, solid objects like dust and sand and is waterproof to one meter underwater for up to 30 minutes. The micro-USB charging portis accessed easilyby flipping open a small port cover.

BD’s line of headlamps includes the battery-powered but otherwise identical Spot 400 ($55, 2.5 oz.) and the rechargeable Storm 500-R ($90, 3.5 oz.), featuring 500 lumens at max power and the full suite of features found in BD’s Spot and other headlamps.

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The Verdict

At just 15 bucks more than the Spot 400, the rechargeable Black Diamond Spot 400-R delivers the same brightness, versatility, low weight, and value for backpacking, hiking, climbing, trail running, and other outdoors activities at a price that’s soon covered by the money saved not buying (and throwing away) batteries.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a rechargeable Black Diamond Spot 400-R at backcountry.com, rei.com or blackdiamondequipment.com, a Black Diamond Spot 400 at backcountry.com, rei.com or blackdiamondequipment.com, or the Storm 500-R or any BD headlamp at backcountry.com or blackdiamondequipment.com.

See “The 7 Best Headlamps” and all reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-spot-400-r-headlamp/feed/ 2 54288 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-technician-hiking-approach-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-technician-hiking-approach-shoes/#respond Thu, 30 Jun 2022 11:35:34 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=53907 Read on

]]> Hiking/Approach Shoes
Black Diamond Technician
$135, 1 lb. 4 oz. (US men’s 10/Euro 43)
Sizes: US men’s 6-14, women’s 5.5-11
backcountry.com

My summer goal was to bag all the 11ers in my home range, Utah’s Wasatch, and the Technicians accompanied me on almost every summit—including technical climbing up the North Ridge of the Pfeifferhorn, a mixed day of scrambling and hiking over 17 miles and 7,000 feet of vertical on the Thunder Traverse, and various moderate rock climbs at the crag (up to 5.10a). In these situations, the Technicians performed exceptionally on rock, but left some things to be desired on long days of hiking.

When designing so-called “approach shoes,” brands must choose whether to prioritize climbing or hiking performance. With the Technician, Black Diamond prioritized scrambling and climbing.

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The Technician’s emphasis on climbing starts in the outsoles, with BlackLabel-Mountain rubber providing climbing shoe-like grip on any type of rock. The outsoles also look much more like a climbing shoe than a hiking shoe, with a sticky, smooth area under the toes that gives the Technician smearing performance on par with some rock-climbing shoes, and shallow, dot- and diamond-pattern lugs best suited to gripping on rock, if not delivering quite as much traction as deeper lugs when descending loose scree. 

Reach new heights as a hiker. See “Extreme Hiking: America’s Best Hard Dayhikes.”

 

The toe box is narrow and features a thinner outsole and midsole than most approach shoes, which gives the shoe a surprising amount of responsiveness when rock climbing: The Technicians allowed me to use smears and footholds which would be too small for most approach shoes. However, wide-footed people take note: Due to the narrow toe box, BD recommends sizing up by a half size if you have wide feet. 

BD smartly protected the sides and top of the toe with a stiff rubber rand, for hiking rocky terrain and allowing the Technician to jam effectively in cracks. I found that my men’s size 8.5 shoes jam securely in thin hands to fist-size cracks, although not quite as comfortably as a stiff rock shoe.

All of these outstanding climbing features are brought together by the shoe’s graduated-fit lockdown lacing system, most uniquely featuring a molded TPU midfoot strap and lace lock and lacing that extends to the base of the toes. I found the Technicians to be the most secure of any hiking shoe I’ve worn and the lacing system held the shoe firmly in place for technical climbing.

Unfortunately, many of the features that make the Technicians great for climbing hinder their hiking performance. I’ll start with the upsides. The breathable EnduroKnit uppers provide excellent ventilation, keeping my feet and socks as dry as could be expected on long, hot days. Furthermore, the tight climbing fit keeps the shoe from slipping while hiking, preventing blisters. I never developed a single blister while logging at least 100 trail miles in the Technicians. Finally, they’re light, weighing just over a pound per pair.

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For the downsides, there are a few. The biggest is the thin outsole and EVA midsole. While good for climbing, it fails to provide much support or cushion when hiking. Small pebbles, sticks, and other objects can be felt through the shoe, leading to sore feet after a long day of hiking as well as more soreness in knees and quads than I would get with a more supportive shoe. (And worth pointing out: I’m 21 years old and hike a lot.) Moreover, the thin upper provides less overall arch and foot support than most hiking shoes I’ve used.

After more than 100 miles and close to 100,000 feet of vertical hiking in these shoes, they’re a bit beat up: a hole in one toe, the outsoles beginning to delaminate. But that’s only after a significant amount of hard use, much of it off-trail in very rugged terrain. Durability compares with many models of lightweight shoes.

The Verdict

While not suited to very long days of hiking, the Black Diamond Technician shoe stands out for mid-length hikes on rugged trails, scrambling off-trail, and even moderate rock climbing.

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You can support this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Black Diamond Technician shoes at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or blackdiamondequipment.com.

—Nate Lanza

Note from Michael Lanza: Nate Lanza has many years of experience as a backpacker, dayhiker, rock climber, whitewater kayaker, and skier, and as my son, he has experience beyond his years on wilderness adventures.

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See all reviews of lightweight hiking shoes and hiking gear at The Big Outside, and my “Expert Tips for Buying the Right Hiking Boots” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking.”

See also “The Best Trekking Poles” and “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets,” and “The Best Running Hydration Vests.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-technician-hiking-approach-shoes/feed/ 0 53907 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-sawtooth-x-mid-waterproof-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-sawtooth-x-mid-waterproof-boots/#respond Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:29:07 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=53423 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Boots
Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof
$175, 2 lbs. 7 oz. (US men’s size 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-15, women’s 5-12
moosejaw.com

Between the days of backpacking 11 to 12 miles with up to about 7,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss, the seven miles of steep and loose off-trail hiking, the need to carry eight pounds or more of water weight at times, and of course, the heat, one might speculate that our six-day backpacking trip to Utah Flats and Clear Creek in the Grand Canyon was no more than an elaborate ruse to put hiking boots to a severe test. (Some of my companions went so far as to suggest a plot to inflict physical suffering on them. Yea, whatever.) But after all was said and done, the Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof shined through all the canyon (and I) hurled at them. Here’s why.

The Sawtooth X’s strength as an all-around boot for backpackers and dayhikers begins with its support. The boot contains a rubberized, dual-density EVA midsole that delivered ample cushioning even when extra water weight pushed my pack toward 40 pounds in the canyon. And I expect many backpackers would find these boots adequately cushioned even with more weight than that on their back.

Similarly, the medium-volume fit is typical Oboz: comfortably snug from heel to midfoot, to prevent your heel from shifting and rubbing or your foot slipping forward when going downhill, with more space in the toe box than you’ll find in footwear from many other brands. No matter what your adventures, that’s the kind of fit that serves many hikers and backpackers well, especially as feet expand slightly over the course of a day on the trail.

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The outsoles, featuring widely spaced, multi-directional lugs under most of the foot and a tread under the toes for traction when ascending steep slabs, gripped securely on packed-dirt trails; off-trail scrambling over boulders and walking over slickrock and miles of going up and down very steep and loose scree on canyon walls: I slipped and fell onto my back side just once over a few hours of descending steep scree.

The uppers combine oiled nubuck leather with Cordura fabric mesh ventilation holes and a toe bumper that extends to behind the toes on the sidewalls, ensuring very good durability with plenty of protection from hard use on rocky trails or off-trail terrain while enhancing breathability—and the breathability is pretty good for a mid-cut boot with a membrane: Even on hot afternoons in the canyon, my feet never got uncomfortably sweaty or developed hot spots catalyzed by too much dampness and rubbing. While the non-waterproof, likely more breathable Sawtooth X Mid may be better for hot desert hiking, the waterproof mid may be a better all-purpose choice for backpackers who hike in wet climates as much as dry.

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Oboz’s proprietary B-Dry waterproof-breathable membrane kept water out of the boots even when I stood in shallow creeks, performing as it has consistency through more Oboz boot and shoe models that I’ve tested over the years than I can remember. And the brand’s proprietary O Fit insole offers better stiffness and cushioning from midfoot to heel than standard, flimsy insoles that come with most hiking boots.

The Oboz Sawtooth X series includes men’s and women’s Sawtooth X Low B-Dry ($150) and two non-waterproof models for men and women, the Sawtooth X Mid ($150) and Sawtooth X Low ($125).

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The Verdict 

Comfortable, protective, and durable, with solid waterproofing and good breathability, the Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof stands out as an all-around boot for on- and off-trail backpacking and dayhiking—at a price that’s hard to beat for this level of quality.

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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

See all stories with expert backpacking tips at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-sawtooth-x-mid-waterproof-boots/feed/ 0 53423 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-petzl-iko-core-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-petzl-iko-core-headlamp/#respond Wed, 25 May 2022 14:02:47 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=53158 Read on

]]> Ultralight Rechargeable Headlamp
Petzl IKO Core
$105, 2.8 oz./79.4g
backcountry.com

As we skied back to our backcountry yurt through falling snow on a dark night at the end of a full day of touring in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, my IKO Core brightly illuminated our route through meadows and conifer and aspen forest. But brightness and low weight are just two of the measurable ways in which few ultralight headlamps match Petzl’s rechargeable IKO Core, which has unique design features that would appeal to backpackers, dayhikers, climbers, trail runners, and backcountry skiers.

At the highest of its three power levels, 500 lumens, the IKO Core is exceptionally bright—especially for a headlamp weighing under three ounces, the best of which top 300 lumens and rarely exceed 400. In campsites beside wilderness lakes on rainy, dark nights during an August backpacking trip in the Wind River Range, this headlamp lit up the open forest like a klieg light, with a broad, even beam that illuminated objects clearly for at least 100 meters (as Petzl claims for the IKO Core’s range at max brightness). I also used the IKO Core on other trips, including a six-day hike in the Grand Canyon.

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That degree of brightness comes in handy when trying to identify anything at a distance in the dark, like a trail marking or your off-trail route; a campsite, shelter or yurt; food hanging from a tree branch, stored in a bear canister on the ground, or cached; or a person in need of help.

At 100 lumens, the headlamp’s middle power level projects a beam 45 meters, according to Petzl; I found it certainly bright enough to follow a trail in the dark. The max and middle levels simultaneously project both a spot beam and proximity light—more useful than separating those two lighting modes, as many headlamps do. The low setting (six lumens) throws enough light for inside the tent or close-at-hand tasks in camp but seems a bit dim to me for reading, though that may not bother everyone. The only conspicuously missing modes are red and flashing.

The headlamp housing tilts through a wide range up and down. Turn the headlamp on and insert only the lamp housing inside its white stuff sack and it doubles as a lantern.

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While a headlamp’s brightness diminishes steadily as standard batteries drain, the Core battery maintains constant brightness over the duration of a charge before power drops off abruptly; you’ll appreciate that on a long slog after dark. It recharges in three hours via a USB port and has a burn time (how long a charge lasts) of nine hours at 100 lumens.

The IKO Core’s hybrid design enables substituting standard AAA batteries after the Core battery has lost its charge. Operating on AAA batteries, the low power performance remains the same but max power drops to 350 lumens—still brighter than max power on many ultralight headlamps and plenty bright enough for most backcountry situations—with a range of 80 meters and a burn time of two hours. (Petzl cautions against mixing battery brands or new and used batteries.)

The battery pack—easily opened to recharge the battery—has a curved, rubberized cover that’s unobtrusive against the back of your head and is only a half-inch thick, so you can lie back on it without feeling like your head is resting on a block of wood.

Operation is idiot-proof: The single power button on the housing clicks through the three brightness levels; and depressing and holding that button switches the IKO Core into lockout mode, to prevent it accidentally turning on and depleting the charge while inside your pack.

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The thin, bendable, adjustable, semi-rigid headband provides a comfortable and very secure fit with minimal area of contact against your head; it also doesn’t absorb water or sweat and fits over climbing helmets. Plus, having the battery pack in the rear keeps the lamp housing very light in front, meaning no bouncing when running, hiking fast, skiing, or scrambling in the mountains. The headband must be bent and folded to stuff into its small, super light storage sack—a task that might annoy some users but I found simple and quick. Plus, the stuff sack keeps the entire unit more compact for storage in a backpack lid pocket.

The IKO Core’s IPX-4 rating means the headlamp is resistant to splashed water from any direction but not waterproof and would very likely be damaged if immersed. That’s not as high a rating as other ultralight headlamps, some of which are as high as IPX-7, protecting them from immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes.

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The Verdict

For its low weight, exceptional brightness, useful range of power levels, comfort, ease of use, and packability, the Petzl IKO Core rechargeable headlamp will appeal to many recreational users—backpackers, dayhikers, climbers, trail runners, and backcountry skiers—and perhaps especially to professionals like guides and search-and-rescue teams.

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See “The 7 Best Headlamps” and all reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “24 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-book versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all my reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-petzl-iko-core-headlamp/feed/ 0 53158 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-approach-down-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-approach-down-hoody/#comments Thu, 14 Apr 2022 19:52:02 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=52281 Read on

]]> Water-Resistant Down Jacket
Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
$429, 10 oz./284g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Sometimes it’s hard to anticipate how much warmth you’ll need from your insulation, especially on a multi-day backcountry trip—and you may be tempted to go with an ultralight puffy jacket and hope for the best. If your choice is BD’s Approach Down Hoody, you’ll achieve the ultralight objective with little risk of feeling under-dressed. Wearing it on cool, very windy evenings and mornings down to the 40s Fahrenheit on a six-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon in early April and in similar temps on a five-day, late-summer hike in the Wind River Range, I stayed both perfectly warm and happy that I’d avoided adding more ballast to a pack already encumbered with substantial food and water weight.

Stuffed with fluorocarbon-free, RDS-certified, 800-fill power, water-resistant Allied HyperDRY goose down, the Approach Down Hoody not only has high warmth for its low weight, it also won’t lose loft if it gets damp from light rain or sweat—making it useful not only as a campsite puffy for many three-season backpacking trips, but as cold-temps insulation when on the move as well. When high winds made it feel colder than the ambient air temp in the 50s and 40s in the Grand Canyon, I remained comfortable wearing this hoody over just a couple of light base layers—often without having to yank the hood up. Without wind, it’s comfortable in temps down to around 40° F.

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In a sub-category of outdoor apparel—ultralight down jackets—where there are few ways to distinguish between products, minor details can separate the excellent from the very good. The Approach Down Hoody leaves others behind in a few notable ways.

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First of all, like other puffy jackets, the Approach’s hood adjusts with a one-hand drawcord in back; but unlike some competitors, this drawcord is very easy to find and manipulate, even when wearing gloves. And the hood not only snugs neatly and comfortably around your head and is deep enough to extend to your eyebrows, but it stays in place when turning your head side to side even if the front zipper is fully unzipped, thanks to an elasticized face opening that helps keep it on your noggin.

Second, the shell repels light precipitation thanks to its PFC-free and water-free Empel DWR (durable, water-resistant treatment) that’s not just greener but more durable than traditional DWRs. The 10-denier by 7-denier nylon woven shell fabric helps trim grams off this jacket but it’s more susceptible to tears than a heavier fabric.

Third, the two zippered hand pockets are both quite deep—a little unusual in a three-season ultralight puffy—and the zippers smartly stop before the bottom of each pocket, meaning items inside won’t likely fall out if you inadvertently leave the pocket unzipped.

The jacket easily stuffs into the left pocket, which has a carabiner clip loop, compressing to slightly larger than a liter bottle (and it doubles as a comfortable camp pillow). Plus, it has a zippered chest pocket, a welcome convenience not always seen on sub-10-ounce puffy jackets, and elasticized cuffs and an adjustable hem with an internal cordlock.

The regular fit allows for wearing light insulation or a couple of base layers underneath and a shell over it without getting tight, bulky, or inhibiting freedom of movement. The length extends to mid-butt.

At a mere 10 ounces, the Approach Down Hoody ranks among the lightest insulation pieces for three-season backpacking on nights above freezing.

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The Verdict

Ultralight and packable, with a high warmth-to-weight ratio and a smartly designed feature set, the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody stands out as a great pick for three-season backpacking in moderate temperatures and activities like ski touring and climbing in temps near or below freezing.

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See “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is,” and all reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my picks for “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-approach-down-hoody/feed/ 2 52281 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-wind-hoodie/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-wind-hoodie/#respond Thu, 31 Mar 2022 12:19:13 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=52056 Read on

]]> Ultralight Wind Shell
Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie
$129, 5 oz./141.7g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

If, besides very low weight, versatility counts for everything in an ultralight wind shell, the variety of places, weather, and seasons I’ve worn OR’s wafer-thin Helium Wind Hoodie speaks volumes about its value. From hiking up and sometimes running down crazy-steep trails in fall and the earliest days of spring in Utah’s Wasatch, Canada’s Banff National Park, New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and Idaho’s Boise Foothills, to the breezy heights of Hawaii’s high point, 13,803-foot Mauna Kea, and the windblown depths of the Grand Canyon, this shell fended off cool wind while taking up no more space in my daypack than my long-sleeve jersey.

A midweight among ultralight wind shells at about five ounces, the highly packable Helium Wind Hoodie also falls in the middle of its field of competitors in terms of striking an appealing balance between weight, breathability, weather resistance, and durability—making it an ideal choice for dayhikers and trail runners who will work up a sweat while possibly encountering a wide range of conditions short of a full-on rainstorm.

But I also wore it in strong, cool morning wind at times on a six-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon, when the forecast indicated only sunny weather and I didn’t need a waterproof-breathable rain jacket (and its added weight and bulk)—only a light shell for wind.

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The bluesign-approved, wind- and water-resistant, 30-denier ripstop nylon Pertex Diamond Fuse shell fabric blocked wind very effectively in many situations, including at windy Cory Pass on the Cory Pass-Edith Pass loop in Banff, in the Canadian Rockies, where I hit the wind after sweating through a steep 3,400-foot ascent. The fabric uses yarns with diamond-shaped filaments woven together in an interlocking pattern, lending it very good durability and abrasion and snag-resistance for a fabric this light—and better than virtually all other jackets in this weight class—while its flat surface helps the fabric shed water. If you want an ultralight shell for rock climbing, while that may risk tears in really gnarly situations, it’s probably the best choice.

Breathability is good, enhanced a bit by laser-cut underarm perforations. I pulled it on after hard, sweaty ascents of Mount Carrigain in the White Mountains (3,000 feet in the last three miles), Cervidae Peak in the Boise Foothills (2,000 feet in 2.2 miles), and Grandeur Peak in the Wasatch foothills on the edge of Salt Lake City (3,200 feet in 2.2 miles) and the fabric allowed my body heat to push moisture out, quickly drying my wet base layer to prevent me from getting chilled in wind and temps in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit.

The adjustable hood uses a small strap in the back and wraps snugly around your head and the low-profile brim provides better face protection than some ultralight shells. The jacket has a comfortable, close fit with space to wear two base layers or light insulation under it.

The Helium easily stuffs into its one zippered chest pocket—which is large enough for a smartphone with room to spare—squishing down to the size of an orange(and has a carabiner loop). The elasticized hem and cuffs, while not adjustable, adequately seal out drafts.

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Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

Just an ounce or two heavier than the lightest wind shells and still highly packable, the Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie hits a sweet spot for weight, breathability, weather protection, and durability, making it a great pick for dayhikers, trail runners, climbers, and backpackers looking at a forecast of little to no rain. And it’s one of the most affordable ultralight wind shells you’ll find.

4.5

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Rather have a rain jacket that’s just an ounce heavier than the Helium Wind Hoodie (although less breathable)? See my review of the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket.

See my picks for “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets” and “The 7 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking,” and all of my reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, trail-running gear, hiking apparel, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

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NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-wind-hoodie/feed/ 0 52056 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-beyond-dasche-l3-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-beyond-dasche-l3-jacket/#respond Wed, 02 Feb 2022 13:11:12 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=50664 Read on

]]> Breathable Insulated Jacket
Beyond Clothing Dasche L3 Jacket
$190, 14 oz./397g (men’s medium regular)
Sizes: men’s XS-3XL
beyondclothing.com

Over several cold days of ski touring from Utah’s Wasatch Range to Idaho’s Boise Mountains, with temps in the single digits and teens Fahrenheit, snow falling, and a cold wind chill at times, the Dasche L3 Jacket rarely left my body, whether serving as a middle layer skiing downhill or an outer layer skiing uphill—a testament to its breathability and versatility. The fact that it comes in under a pound and under 200 bucks should make a variety of winter adventurers sit up and take notice.

On one day touring in Big Cottonwood Canyon in Utah’s Wasatch Range, with temps in the teens, dumping snow, and the wind blowing hard, the Dasche stayed on under my shell while skiing both uphill and downhill, keeping my core at just about an ideal temp, neither sweating not ever feeling chilled.

I’ve also worn the Dasche Nordic skate skiing very hilly trails in temperatures around 20° F and cold wind, for which it proved ideal, delivering enough warmth for the long, fast, chilly downhills while not causing me to overheat on the long, strenuous uphills. Whether backcountry or Nordic skiing, it breathed and moved moisture well enough that only a little dampness built up inside, even at my upper back, and my base layer dried within minutes whenever my exertion level dropped. For me, it only became too warm in sunshine, calm air, and temps around or just below freezing—when I’d go down to one or two base layers skinning uphill or choose a lighter, more breathable jacket or vest skate skiing.

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The Dasche employs a hybrid vest-jacket design, with mapped, water-resistant, low-bulk 80g PrimaLoft Gold Luxe synthetic insulation in the core (front and back) and shoulders and very breathable, stretchy soft-shell fabric in the sides, underarms, and lower arms.

This somewhat unique combination of materials creates a jacket that traps heat effectively where your body needs that but also releases heat and moisture—where many jackets with this type of hybrid design do either one thing or the other better.

And rather than the usual method of stitching lines into a garment to create pockets for the insulation—holding it in place—the 20-denier, Pertex Quantum soft-shell fabric (over the jacket areas with insulation) features Pertex 3D Weave, which allows tunnel-like chambers to be woven into the fabric itself, eliminating the hole-punch effect of stitching that can compromise wind resistance. Treated with a DWR for water repellency, the fabric comes from 100 percent post-consumer recycled content, Bluesign-certified textiles and is certified to standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, meaning it’s free from harmful levels of 100 substances.

The athletic but not skin-tight fit accommodates a couple of warm base layers—but unfortunately, does not come in women’s sizes, although it is available in an unusually wide range of sizes.

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The uninsulated, stretchy, close-fitting hood, adjustable using one rear cordlock, moves with your head, fits under any helmet, and provides excellent coverage, extending over your face almost as much as a good, technical, winter shell hood. It cuts some wind while breathing quite well—an ideal middle-layer hood that I could wear climbing uphill without overheating. Its unique stow design, zipping inside the collar and securing with a hook-and-loop patch, is smart and simple—except that the tiny zipper pull tab and location of the patch behind your head make it tricky to deploy or stow the hood while wearing the jacket and gloves. Still, when stowed it’s virtually unnoticeable inside the collar.

Two inside, mesh drop pockets provide space close to your body for items you want to warm up or dry: One is smaller, for a spare hat or map, while the other could hold a pair of warm gloves or a single climbing skin.

On the exterior, the two zippered hand pockets are quite deep—certainly large enough for very warm winter gloves or mittens—and fronted by insulation for heating up cold hands. The left pocket has a second zippered pocket inside it, added security for anything valuable, and the jacket stuffs easily into that inner pocket.

At 14 ounces, it falls in the mid-range of insulation layers for wintry temps, and it packs down to slightly larger than a liter bottle (and compresses even smaller inside a pack).

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The Verdict

Backcountry skiers and riders, climbers, snowshoers, hikers, and others looking for a versatile, breathable, outer and middle insulation layer for working hard in sub-freezing temperatures may not find a better value than the Beyond Clothing Dasche L3 Jacket.

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See all of my reviews of breathable insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like, including “The 10 Best Down Jackets,” “The Best Gloves for Winter,” “The Best Mittens for Winter,” “The Best Clothing Layers for Winter in the Backcountry,” and “12 Pro Tips for Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Tell me what you think.

If you found this review helpful, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom. I’d really appreciate it.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-beyond-dasche-l3-jacket/feed/ 0 50664 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-tennine-hike-gore-tex-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-tennine-hike-gore-tex-boots/#comments Tue, 02 Nov 2021 17:25:56 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=48690 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Boots
Hoka One One TenNine Hike Gore-Tex
$275, 2 lbs. 2 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11, standard and wide sizes
backcountry.com

Lacing up the Hoka One One TenNine Hike Gore-Tex boots for the first time felt a little like suiting up for a moon walk—if moon boots feel exceptionally cushy, light, supportive, and surprisingly stable, given their oversized platform. Although I’ll probably never walk on the moon, after wearing these boots on a four-day, 45-mile backpacking trip in Yosemite, I’ll definitely hike many more miles of trails in them.

Most distinctively, the TenNine Hike sports a conspicuously extended heel geometry—a broad, compression-molded, EVA foam midsole platform projecting farther outward behind and to each side of the heel than has yet (to my knowledge) been used in any hiking footwear—even more so than Hoka’s signature oversized, lightweight foam midsole, used in the brand’s other models. Hoka says the extended heel creates a more efficient heel-to-toe transition.

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Carrying 25 to 35 pounds in a backpack for four days in Yosemite—and briefly around 45 pounds, including some 12 pounds of water, for a bit over a mile uphill to a waterless campsite—I immediately noticed the enhanced softness of each step taken in these boots, an effect that persisted even through days hiking up to 14 miles and over multiple days of backpacking.

Hiking in them also quickly disabused me of my primary concern before trying them out: That the elevated platform would feel unsteady or awkward. That wasn’t the case. While I wouldn’t use or recommend these boots for scrambling or hiking very rugged off-trail terrain—both because of the wide platform and because, like other lightweight shoes, they’re not really built for that level of hard use—walking a trail in the neutral-stability TenNine Hike feels largely no less steady than traditional, narrower-platform hiking shoes.

Even with its higher bed of cushion, the TenNine Hike has a mere 4mm heel-to-toe drop, the same as found in Hoka’s Speedgoat 4 and Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX and other models. That’s somewhat minimal but has always felt good for me, as a hiker and runner who has never found that zero-drop active footwear suit my feet.

Like other Hoka shoes I’ve worn and liked, the TenNine Hike’s medium-volume, over-the-ankle fit feels comfortably snug in the heel and midfoot and provides decent room for the toes; the boots also come in wide sizes for men and women. Three pairs of lace hooks on each boot help prevent them loosening up over miles of hiking.

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The Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry in rain showers and when splashing through puddles, but it’s my experience with lightweight footwear that the membrane can get overwhelmed by hiking long distances through wet snow, a sustained downpour, or constantly brushing against dripping vegetation overhanging a trail.

Like other boots in this weight class, the TenNine breathes reasonably well, aided by the mesh tongue and perforated patches on either side of the ankle: In temps that ranged from the 40s into the 70s Fahrenheit under a hot alpine afternoon sun, my feet stayed mostly dry and comfortable, although they got sweaty enough one afternoon that I developed a minor hot spot (which I taped immediately to prevent it developing into a blister; see my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking”). The Gore-Tex fabric is also made with recycled ripstop textile and recycled polyester throughout the collar, laces, heel pull tab, and vamp webbing. 

I found the Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs and a Litebase compound—which Hoka says reduces weight without compromising durability—delivered very good traction on dry trails that ranged from loose gravel and rocks to solid granite slabs and packed dirt.

The ripstop textile uppers, metal lacing hardware, and rubber toecap provide good durability for on-trail use. The weakness in the TenNine—as is common in lightweight shoes—lies where the midsole foam projects over the outsole on the lateral, forward side of each boot, subjecting it to more abrasion than other areas of the boot. Still, I’d expect these to have a similar life as other hiking footwear in its weight class, upwards of 400 miles, varying depending on the rockiness of trails you usually hike, how wet and muddy they get, and whether you clean muck off them after each hike.

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The Verdict

For dayhikers and backpackers who carry moderate or light loads, stick to trails, and prefer lightweight hiking footwear, the Hoka One One TenNine Hike boots deliver one-of-a-kind cushion and comfort.

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See all my reviews of lightweight hiking shoes and backpacking boots, my “Expert Tips for Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking.”

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You may also be interested in my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” which includes my expert buying tips, and all of my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear.

And don’t miss my picks for “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Tell me what you think.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-tennine-hike-gore-tex-boots/feed/ 8 48690 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rab-microlight-alpine-down-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rab-microlight-alpine-down-jacket/#comments Tue, 12 Oct 2021 11:24:40 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=48331 Read on

]]> Water-Resistant Down Jacket
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
$295, 15 oz./425g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XXS-XXL, women’s XS-XXL
backcountry.com

Although it wasn’t the weather we’d hoped for in the Wind River Range, the rain and chilly wind whipping through our campsites seemed like the perfect testing conditions for Rab’s Microlight Alpine Down Jacket. And it passed the test, thanks to features designed to fend off wet and raw conditions—giving this puffy jacket strong appeal to backpackers, climbers, and others with a knack for getting themselves into that kind of weather in any season.

I found the Microlight Alpine Jacket abundantly warm enough on cool, wet, and windy evenings and mornings around 40° F in camps on an August backpacking trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, and in the same temps on a dry, four-day, late-September backpacking trip in Yosemite.

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This fat puffy is stuffed with five ounces of GRS-certified, recycled, 700-fill goose down that’s hydrophobic—meaning it retains its loft and ability to trap heat even when damp and dries faster than standard down. The micro and nano stitch-through baffle construction, which stitches the outer, shell fabric to the inner, liner fabric—commonly used to reduce a jacket’s weight and often the cost—does create visible boxes of down with potential cold spots at seams separating them. But I noticed no compromise in warmth even on damp, windy evenings and mornings in camp.

The recycled, 30-denier Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon shell doesn’t leak feathers and provides a medium level of durability that’s better than many lighter puffy jackets. Plus, it has an excellent DWR (durable, water-repellent treatment) that sheds light precipitation and, paired with the hydrophobic down, makes this a better (read: warmer) choice for wet weather than many down jackets—as it demonstrated in the Wind River Range.

In fact, the Microlight Alpine Jacket has a fully recycled shell, insulation, and lining.

The adjustable hood has a stiffened brim and, with a single drawcord in the back, it wraps snugly around your head and delivers a substantial boost in warmth. The front zipper extends up over your chin, sealing in warmth effectively, as do the elasticized cuffs and adjustable hem.

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Two zippered pockets positioned above a backpack or climbing harness belt provide warmth for hands, while a zippered chest pocket has space for small items plus the included stuff sack.

At 15 ounces, for someone (like me) who doesn’t get cold too easily, this puffy jacket delivers enough warmth (over one or two base layers) for temps below freezing; people who do get chilled easily may find it warm enough for the 30s Fahrenheit. The slim fit allows wearing a couple of light layers underneath and the Microlight comes in a broader range of sizes for men and women than a lot of outerwear. It’s moderately packable and warm for its weight but not as much as puffy jackets with higher down-fill ratings.

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and “Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites.”

 

The Verdict

With water-resistant down and shell fabric—all fully recycled—and abundant warmth, the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket offers better versatility than many competitors, for year-round use in temps down to below freezing.

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See “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” and all reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside. And don’t miss my picks for “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rab-microlight-alpine-down-jacket/feed/ 4 48331 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-insulated-hoodie/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-insulated-hoodie/#respond Thu, 30 Sep 2021 14:40:03 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=48119 Read on

]]> Breathable Insulated Jacket
Outdoor Research Helium Insulated Hoodie
$199, 11 oz./312g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

On a late-September backpacking trip in Yosemite, this lightweight and packable puffy jacket kept me warm on evenings and mornings in the 40s Fahrenheit—including one morning when a steady, chilly breeze blew through our camp beside Yosemite Creek, even though I wore it over just one midweight, long-sleeve base layer. But the story only begins there. The Helium’s breathable synthetic insulation greatly expands its versatility to four seasons, wet weather, and wearing it while hiking, climbing, or pursuing backcountry snow sports in cool to cold temps. And it’s made from partly recycled materials.

While backcountry skiing in low 20s temps in December in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, it provided a perfect amount of insulation for skiing downhill and similarly for a cold skin track on the climb up.

Considering its low weight and bulk, I was surprised by the Helium’s warmth. Its breathable and stretchy, 60g VerticalX ECO SR insulation delivers not only a high warmth-to-weight ratio and the usual benefit of synthetic insulation—trapping heat even when wet—but it derives from Repreve recycled polyester and 37 percent plant-based Sorona textile. Beyond its green creds, the combination of these materials produces an insulation that lofts more than some synthetics and 20 percent more than OR’s previous VerticalX iteration. It even gives the jacket an almost down-like appearance.

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A hood always boosts an insulated jacket’s warmth proportionately greater than the additional weight and bulk it brings and the Helium’s adjustable, helmet-compatible hood seals neatly around your head and face to help keep warmth inside.

Likewise, the wind- and water-resistant, 15- by 30-denier Pertex Quantum shell fabric is made from 41 percent recycled materials. And Diamond Fuse technology, consisting of yarns with interlocking, diamond-shaped filaments that resist snagging, reinforces the shell’s strength: OR says it is twice as durable as fabrics commonly used in this category of insulated jackets, without increasing its weight.

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The standard fit leaves space for a couple of base layers and a light, insulated vest while remaining low-bulk—it’s very comfortable to wear on the move. The length extends to mid-butt. The two very spacious, zippered hand pockets hold winter-weight gloves and smaller items and are positioned above a backpack’s hipbelt or a climbing harness belt. Smart design details include an adjustable hem and low-profile stretch cuffs, which pull over light gloves or mittens or fit easily underneath the gauntlet of heavier handwear.

Weighing just 11 ounces (men’s medium), the jacket stuffs into its left pocket, packing down to slightly larger than a liter bottle—a valuable quality in any season.

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The Verdict

The lightest, most packable insulated jacket in OR’s collection, the Helium Insulated Hoodie could become the most versatile piece in your layering system, useful for wearing in camp on three-season backpacking trips as well as when exerting in cold-weather activities like hiking, climbing, and snow sports.

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See my other reviews of breathable insulated jackets, my picks for “The 10 Best Down Jackets,” and all of my reviews of outdoor apparel that I like.

And don’t miss my picks for “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Tell me what you think.

If you found this review helpful, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom. I’d really appreciate it.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-insulated-hoodie/feed/ 0 48119 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mammut-meron-in-hooded-down-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mammut-meron-in-hooded-down-jacket/#comments Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:56:42 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=47941 Read on

]]> Down Jacket
Mammut Meron IN Hooded Down Jacket
$479, 14 oz.397g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

As gray clouds hovered low overhead, the air still carried the dampness of the day’s rain, and a chilly wind whipped through our campsite by a lake in the Wind River Range, I zipped inside the Mammut Meron IN Hooded Down Jacket, pulled the hood up—and felt warmth immediately surround me. Fat but exceptionally light and packable, this puffy vaulted to the top of my list of insulated jackets. Here’s why.

I found the Meron more than warm enough on cool, wet, and windy evenings and mornings around 40° F in camps on an August backpacking trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. I also wore the Meron IN Hooded Down Jacket in similar temps backpacking five days through Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness in September, with mostly dry weather but one cool, damp morning of light rain, and found I didn’t always even pull the hood over my head (I also wore a wool hat).

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At 14 ounces, for someone who doesn’t get cold too easily, this puffy jacket would deliver enough warmth (over one or two base layers) for temps around freezing; people who do get chilled easily may find it warm enough for 40° F and good over a lighter insulation layer in freezing temps.

Stuffed with RDS (Responsible Down Standard)-certified, 95 percent 900-fill-power goose down and five percent goose feather filling, the Meron boasts a warmth-to-weight ratio matched by very few down jackets. The sewn–through construction, which stitches the outer, shell fabric to the inner, liner fabric—common in ultralight jackets made for three-season temperatures to reduce a jacket’s weight—creates visible boxes of down with potential cold spots at seams between them. But I noticed no compromise in warmth even on damp, windy evenings and mornings in camp.

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The helmet-compatible hood adjusts with a single drawcord in the back and wraps completely around your face, shielding it from wind; and with the zipper extending up over your chin, it seals in warmth very effectively, as do the elasticized cuffs and adjustable hem.

The fit leaves room for a couple of base layers and/or a light insulation piece underneath, yet never feels bulky. The length extends slightly below the waist, providing adequate coverage while helping to minimize weight. Two warm, zippered hand pockets are positioned higher than a backpack or climbing harness belt and are quite spacious: Each can fit a climbing skin (for backcountry skiing) plus a warm glove. The jacket stuffs into a zippered inside pocket, packing down to the size of a small bread loaf.

The lightweight, polyamide ripstop shell has a PFC-free DWR (durable, water-repellent treatment) that repelled a light rain in camp and sports durability comparable to the fabric on many lightweight down jackets. Plus, the jacket carries a Bluesign rating, indicating that at least 90 percent of the materials used in making it meet Bluesign standards.

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The Verdict

With exceptional warmth per ounce and packability and a total weight of just 14 ounces, the Mammut Meron IN Hooded DownJacket ranks among the very best down jackets for three-season backpacking and front-country camping in temperatures plunging to freezing.

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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mammut-meron-in-hooded-down-jacket/feed/ 4 47941 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-aerios-30-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-aerios-30-daypack/#respond Thu, 02 Sep 2021 17:38:13 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=47833 Read on

]]> Daypack
Arc’teryx Aerios 30
$190, 30L/1,831 c.i., 2 lbs. (men’s regular)
Sizes: men’s and women’s regular and tall
rei.com

Even in the context of how much continued, impressive innovation has occurred in the category of hiking daypacks in recent years, the Arc’teryx Aerios 30 raises the bar for versatility and sheer ingenuity. Marrying the best elements of traditional daypacks and running vests, this comfortable sack combines a reasonable weight with bountiful capacity, a smart feature set, and top-shelf durability. It also has one flaw, though not one that constitutes a dealbreaker.

I loaded the Aerios 30 with 15 to 17 pounds of water, food, layers, and a camera for dayhikes of up to 11 miles with 5,000 cumulative vertical feet of up and down in my local foothills and found it carried very comfortably. Credit the light but impressively supportive framesheet, which resists barreling and maintains its shape with loads that would bend some lightweight daypacks, plus the fixed (non-adjustable), wide, padded shoulder straps and hipbelt. The curved hipbelt wraps around the hips more like a larger and heavier backpack—but without the bulky feeling of a large pack.

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Like a running vest, the Aerios’s shoulder straps sport two stretchy sternum cords (rather than one non-dynamic sternum strap) that can be repositioned through any of five small loops. Each sternum cord hooks into one of five loops on the opposite strap. The design improves the pack’s stability, especially when moving quickly or in rugged terrain.

One major shortcoming: Both sternum straps easily slip and loosen on their own. It appears the camming mechanism inside each is so tiny that it seems to not create much friction, a problem probably compounded by the bungee-like stretch in the sternum straps and the natural bouncing that occurs when hiking. Tightening the cord reduces slipping but doesn’t eliminate it; plus, overtightening those straps isn’t desirable and once they start slipping, it’s unstoppable. In terms of functionality and carrying comfort, I never really noticed any negative impacts of this flaw; in fact, it was only when looking down and seeing the loose sternum straps that I realized they kept loosening. You can knot the cord beyond the camming mechanism to prevent slipping, but the problem is annoying and warrants correcting.

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I like how the load lifters—traditionally positioned over the shoulder, where you have to grope around to find them—run through a protective nylon sleeve on each shoulder strap to a cordlock positioned lower on the shoulder strap, where you can see it to easily adjust the fit. And rather than the usual single strap, the Aerios load lifters consist of a thin cord run through an inch-long sleeve above the shoulders, effectively connecting each shoulder strap to the pack body at two points and distributing that weight more evenly over your upper back. The Aerios 30 can carry 20 pounds or more well (depending on the user).

The highly breathable, mesh-covered Aeroform back panel, with a slightly concave shape, allows good air flow to prevent a sweaty back and moves moisture off your back when it does build up—without pushing the pack’s weight so far off your spine that it feels like it hangs off your shoulders. The suspension and frame shift weight largely onto the hips, as it should.

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and “Extreme Hiking: America’s Best Hard Dayhikes.”

 

A deep clamshell zipper provides easy and convenient access to the voluminous main compartment, which has abundant space for all the water, food, clothing, and gear you could need on long days in the backcountry in any weather—or even extremely ultralight overnight trips; and yet, with its streamlined design and weighing just two pounds, it isn’t too heavy or bulky for shorter, lighter dayhikes.

The pack’s design also raises the bar for organization. Modeled on running vests, zippered pockets on each shoulder strap fit a smartphone with room to spare or a soft water flask stuffed in the top with gels in the zippered pocket (although the volume does not permit both a phone and a flask). Deep, adjustable side pockets each hold a liter bottle and then some; I tucked two folding trekking poles into one and they stayed put. The two stretch-mesh hipbelt pockets have good space for snacks and a phone; one is zippered and the other open on the top for small snacks, although when I bent over once a bar fell out of that pocket. There’s also a small, zippered valuables/key pocket inside the main compartment.

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The front bungee cord is adjusted from inside the large, zippered front pocket, and when tightened, it compresses the pack body significantly, reducing volume to keep it from shifting when underfilled. The bungee and two ice-axe loops facilitate attaching gear to the outside.

While many daypacks sport materials vulnerable to tearing, like stretch-mesh pockets, the Aerios’s exterior consists entirely of very durable, 210-denier and 100-denier, high-tenacity fabric with a liquid crystal polymer ripstop grid that appears impervious to the hardest abuse.

If you have no need for 30 liters of capacity, the significantly lighter Arc’teryx Aerios 15 ($130, 1 lb. 4 oz.), comes in one size and has a webbing belt rather than the padded hipbelt of the Aerios 30.

Arc’teryx Aerios 30

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

Despite one flaw, the voluminous capacity, modest weight, and inspired design make the Arc’teryx Aerios 30 one of today’s most versatile daypacks.

4.3

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See my picks for “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks” and my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks) and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

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You may also be interested in my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles,” and my story “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” which you can read in its entirety with a paid subscription to The Big Outside or click here to purchase separately.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-aerios-30-daypack/feed/ 0 47833 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-speed-lite-24-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-speed-lite-24-daypack/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2021 14:38:49 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=46840 Read on

]]> Daypack
Deuter Speed Lite 24
$120, 24L/1,465 c.i., 1 lb. 11 oz.
One size
backcountry.com

With the Speed Lite 24, Deuter set out to make a pack that does it all. Weighing well under two pounds—low for a pack with this much capacity—it’s marketed as an ultralight, all-around daypack for long trail days, technical rock climbing, and even snow climbing. I wanted to see if such a light pack could fill all those roles, so I tested it extensively, including a 4500-foot, eight-mile hike up Ferguson Canyon and a 3,000-foot scramble up the South Ridge of Mount Superior in Utah’s Wasatch Range.

The Speed Lite 24 immediately impressed me with its comfort carrying weight on strenuous hikes. Despite its low weight, it features a padded hipbelt, flexible U-shaped Delrin frame, and adjustable load-lifter straps. This combo gives the pack an outsize carrying capacity—I had no issue carrying 15-20 pounds while soloing fourth- and easy fifth-class rock, as the harness controlled the weight well and prevented the pack from moving around on my torso. I’ve also carried up to 25 pounds comfortably in it while hiking, and yet the frame is still flexible enough to bend in half, making it very packable. 

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The pack also features zippered mesh hipbelt pockets, each large enough to hold a couple bars. Deuter uses a novel system to angle the hipbelt buckles slightly upwards, which made the buckles easier to clip and helped prevent my shirt getting caught in them. Finally, I found that the mesh and perforated-foam back panel does a pretty good job of wicking sweat and allowing airflow, similar to other packs with those materials and a body-hugging design.

The main compartment, readily accessed via a large, clamshell-style, U-shaped top zipper with large pull loops for use with gloves, easily carries everything necessary for a full day in the mountains with space for cold-weather layers, plenty of food and water and even some specialized gear. An elastic mesh inner compartment holds a three-liter bladder. 

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A top pocket, also accessed via a zipper with large pull loops, provides ample room for valuables, and contains an internal key clip. The front stuff pocket, tightened with two buckled compression straps that wrap around from the sides of the pack, has just enough space for a compressible layer (such as a wind shell) or two. However, the relative lack of elasticity on the mesh sides of the front pocket limits its capacity, especially when the pack’s main compartment is full. I mostly used the front pocket for trash.

The mesh side pockets each hold a liter bottle. Those represent the only relatively vulnerable parts of the pack’s exterior. The 100-denier high-tenacity pack fabric used throughout withstands significant abuse, yet is lighter than other fabrics, keeping the Speed Lite’s overall weight low.

Twin side compression straps allow carrying skis, although the pack’s somewhat small volume and flexible frame (compared to backcountry touring packs) means that the weight of skis can overwhelm the pack: They will shift around a lot, especially when the pack is not fully loaded. 

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Daisy-chain loops with a larger bottom loop sit on both sides of the front pocket, conceivably allowing the wearer to clip a substantial amount of climbing gear to the outside of the pack. More importantly, each daisy chain is topped with an elastic, tightenable, and unclippable loop which can be used to carry poles or an ice axe. 

I found that the pack carries two collapsible trekking poles very well, not allowing either to move around on my back even while climbing fifth-class terrain. This setup even allows two poles to be carried on one side with an ice axe on the other—useful for mixing hiking, snow, and rock climbing. While the pack lacks any specific method to carry crampons, they could easily be attached to the exterior gear loops (but you’d want something covering the sharp points). Finally, there are loops at the four corners of the front side for attaching an optional helmet carrier.

While one could ski tour or snowshoe with this daypack in avalanche-free terrain, it lacks many of the features I consider essential in a touring pack, such as a separate avalanche gear pocket and durable side straps for attaching skis.

The Speed Lite series comes in several capacity options, all available in one unisex size, and the Speed Lite SL packs, designed specifically to fit women.

Deuter’s Speed Lite 24

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

The Deuter Speed Lite 24 looks like a dayhiking pack, but can do a lot more—with the versatility to carry everything necessary for a big day of hiking, climbing, and even light mountaineering. 

3.5

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—Nate Lanza

NOTE from Michael Lanza: Nate Lanza has many years of experience as a backpacker, dayhiker, rock climber, whitewater kayaker, and skier, and as my son, he has experience beyond his years on wilderness adventures.

See “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks” and “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks) and all reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

You may also be interested in my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles,” and my story “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” which you can read in its entirety with a paid subscription to The Big Outside or click here to purchase separately.

See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all my reviews and expert buying tips.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-speed-lite-24-daypack/feed/ 2 46840 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-danner-trail-2650-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-danner-trail-2650-hiking-shoes/#respond Fri, 09 Jul 2021 15:42:27 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=46915 Read on

]]> Hiking Shoes
Danner Trail 2650 Mesh
$190, 1 lb. 7.5 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Want one pair of hiking shoes that do it all? Join the club. And maybe also check out Danner’s Trail 2650. Having knocked off some trail miles in the mesh version of these very light hikers, from brutal desert heat (which can do terrible things to feet) to a trail strewn with wet, slippery, large rocks (which can demand terrible things of shoes), I’m convinced that many dayhikers and lightweight backpackers would find quite a lot to admire about these shoes.

I tested the Trail 2650 carrying a daypack weighing 10 to 12 pounds on a 10-mile, 3,600-vertical-foot October dayhike of 4,700-foot Mount Carrigain in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, on a trail strewn with wet, slippery rocks and occasional mud. I also wore them on summer hikes of up to 10 miles in my local foothills—including two laps up and down one very steep trail that rises more than 2,000 vertical feet in just 2.2 miles—and on hikes during a six-day, June rafting and kayaking trip on the Green River in southern Utah, on trails varying from packed dirt to rocky and sandy, in temps ranging from the 50s to 90s Fahrenheit.

Named for the length of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, the shoe represents Danner’s bid to create light, comfortable footwear that spans the performance spectrum from dayhiking to lightweight and long-distance backpacking.

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While Danner offers the Trail 2650 in several versions, including waterproof-breathable and mid-cut, I deliberately chose the low-cut, more-breathable Trail 2650 Mesh for three-season dayhikes and multi-day trips in the dry climate of the West, where I do most of my hiking and where breathability often takes priority over waterproofing. Whether we’re talking about PCT thru-hikers or the many backpackers and dayhikers who generally hit the trail in dry conditions, the major source of wet feet (and blisters) is not rain but sweat. Plus, in the event of rain or a wet trail, the airy uppers allow the shoes to dry out very quickly.

These shoes passed that performance test. With mesh throughout the perforated uppers, lining, and tongue, they ventilated quite well and kept my feet dry even in the searing heat of June in the Southwest desert. Granted, all of those tiny holes in the uppers allow more dust inside than a model with textile or leather uppers would. But it’s not as bad as some shoes I’ve used and a small tradeoff for the amplified breathability.

The comfortably snug medium-volume fit kept my heel and midfoot from slipping, even on steeper ascents and descents, while providing a roomy toe box. The 2650 have a cushioning EVA midsole, a moderate 8mm toe-to-heel drop, and the forefoot flex of trail-running shoes combined with the lateral stability and torsional rigidity of high-quality hiking shoes, thanks in part to a TPU mid-foot shank.

Danner’s unique EXO heel counter moves the rigid heel piece that’s traditionally built inside the shoe’s upper to the shoe’s exterior, maintaining the protection and locked-in stability of a heel counter while softening the contact between heel and shoe.

I’m fully confident that I could carry a multi-day backpack weighing 30 pounds or more hiking in these shoes without a problem.

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The 2650’s Vibram 460 outsole with Megagrip compound and multi-directional lugs gripped well on dirt, sand, and rock, performing as well as the many low-cut, lightweight shoes that have a very similar outsole design.

An ample rubber bumper wraps around the shoe’s toe. The durability of the mesh won’t match that of leather or textile uppers; but on PCT-like trails where you generally encounter packed dirt more than a rocky treadway, the midsole and outsole will probably wear out before the uppers suffer terminal damage. Choose the leather-textile of the standard Trail 2650 or the Trail 2650 Full Grain model if you frequent rocky trails; but in all likelihood, as with many low-cut, lightweight hiking shoes, you’ll probably get 300 to 500 miles in the Trail 2650 before needing to replace them.

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As with many shoes in this category, the major weak point is likely the exposed strip of soft midsole foam on the sidewalls from the midfoot to the heel, which tends to get chewed up more easily on rocky trails. But on these shoes, the outsole platform projects outward very slightly wider than the midsole on each side, potentially offering that soft layer a bit more protection.

Besides the Trail 2650 Mesh, Danner offers the standard Trail 2650 with leather and textile uppers ($190), the Trail 2650 Campo for warm temps ($170), the Trail 2650 Campo GTX ($200), and the waterproof-breathable Trail 2650 GTX low-cut ($190) and Trail 2650 GTX Mid ($210).

The Verdict

At just a pound-and-a-half per pair (US men’s 9), the Danner Trail 2650 Mesh shoes keep feet cool and, like all versions of the Trail 2650, deliver very good comfort, support and traction for dayhikers and ultralight and lightweight backpackers—or thru-hikers.

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase any version of the men’s or women’s Danner 2650 hiking shoes at backcountry.com.

See all my reviews of lightweight hiking shoes and backpacking boots, my “Expert Tips for Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking.”

You may also be interested in my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” which includes my expert buying tips, and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-danner-trail-2650-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 46915 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-princeton-tec-vizz-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-princeton-tec-vizz-headlamp/#respond Fri, 02 Jul 2021 13:13:58 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=46788 Read on

]]> Ultralight Headlamp
Princeton Tec Vizz
$50, 3.2 oz./90.7g (with three AAA batteries, included)
outdoorplay.com

As headlamps for the backcountry have continuously improved in terms of brightness, versatility, and low weight, some have acquired a level of complexity that demands spending a little time learning how to use it. Not so with the latest version of this longtime top-performer. Still among the brightest ultralight headlamps, Princeton Tec’s Vizz 420 stands out for many reasons that others do—plus simplicity: You don’t need a degree in electrical engineering to operate it—almost anyone who’s ever used a headlamp will intuitively understand how to use it. But many will most appreciate not having to study a user manual.

I’ve used generations of Vizz headlamps on countless backpacking trips over the years and the Vizz 420 most recently in camp on a five-day September backpacking trip in the Pasayten Wilderness and a six-day rafting and kayaking trip through Desolation and Gray canyons in southern Utah.

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With quick, one-button operation, you can click the power button to cycle through the two white modes and one red mode and depress and hold the button to control the dimming function in all three modes. Holding the power button for several seconds turns the lockout mode on and off.

At max power, the 420-lumen spot LED projects a beam 79 meters (over 250 feet), according to Princeton Tec. In my experience with it on dark nights in the backcountry, at max power, the beam illuminates at a distance well over 200 feet (60 meters). But most of us will more commonly use any headlamp at medium power, which is 90 lumens in the Vizz 420. That’s bright enough to light your foreground for 25 meters (65 feet)—certainly adequate for hiking a dark trail—and the Vizz 420 can provide that level of light for over 50 hours on three fresh AAA batteries, longer than most backpackers need on typical trips.

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Two white LED bulbs cast a broad flood light with a range that PTec puts at 24 meters (almost 80 feet), for up to 90 hours. The red mode formaintaining night vision has a max brightness of 16 lumens, fine for walking around camp in the dark, and will last 135 hours, but lacks a strobe option. Plus, the headlamp’s regulated circuitry delivers consistent light output even as the batteries run down.

Like many leading ultralight headlamps, the Vizz is rated waterproof down to a meter for up to 30 minutes (IPX7).

While not rechargeable, the Vizz’s battery compartment is accessed by simply turning a small screw, easily done with your fingers. Lastly, the head strap is comfortable whether on the move or lying on your back.

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The Verdict

Still among the brightest ultralight headlamps for dayhikers, backpackers, climbers, trail runners, and backcountry skiers, the Princeton Tec Vizz 420 shines for its versatility and simplicity.

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See “The 7 Best Headlamps” and all reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

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NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all my reviews and expert buying tips.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read those stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip” and the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-princeton-tec-vizz-headlamp/feed/ 0 46788 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-spot350-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-spot350-headlamp/#respond Tue, 22 Jun 2021 16:13:32 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=46452 Read on

]]> Headlamp
Black Diamond Spot350
$40, 3 oz. (with three AAA batteries, included)
backcountry.com

BD’s latest update to its Spot line of headlamps, while incremental, maintains this light’s high functionality for backpackers, climbers, trail runners, backcountry skiers, and other users. The Spot350 illuminated moonless nights for me on a six-day rafting and kayaking trip down the Green River through Desolation and Gray canyons, demonstrating the reliability and versatility that its lineage has on many past adventures, such as rising before dawn to beat the heat on a 74-mile backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon in May and predawn mornings and dark evenings on a 94-mile traverse of the CDT in Glacier National Park and a 45-mile hike in the Pasayten Wilderness, both in September.

The primary upgrade is a boost in max brightness to 350 lumens, projecting a beam for nearly 300 feet (BD claims 86 meters, or 282 feet)—bright enough for climbers searching for a descent route in the dark, trail runners and backcountry skiers on predawn missions, and certainly for hiking a dark trail. The Spot350 will burn for almost four hours at max power on three AAA batteries.

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As before, the low-profile design—featuring two buttons that simplify mode selection—uses the larger button to power on and off and for dimming function (in all modes), while the smaller button cycles between the three modes: white beam, peripheral white mode, and red for night vision. The strobe function activates when double clicking the large button in all three modes.

BD’s PowerTap technology—found in other BD headlamps—allows you to simply tap the right side of the casing to cycle between max brightness and whatever dimmed level you previously set. The brightness memory technology means the Spot350 turns on in the mode and brightness level you last turned it off.

In peripheral lighting mode, the broad beam projects light uniformly at medium brightness to organize gear or illuminate a campsite or tent interior, without getting blotchy or having an annoying dark spot in the center. At low power, six lumens, the beam carries eight meters and BD says lasts 200 hours on three AAA batteries. I’ve taken numerous multi-day trips with all Spot models—including time hiking in the dark as well as normal campsite usage—without the batteries dying.

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The easy and infallible lockout function turns on and off by depressing both buttons for a few seconds. The IPX8 rating means it’s waterproof to a little over one meter for 30 minutes.

The slender headband is wide enough to remain comfortable for hours, and the battery compartment opens easily with the flip of a small lever, requiring no tools.

BD’s Spot325 differs largely in that it has minimally less brightness at max power—it’s essentially unnoticeable—and you can grab one at 25 percent off until stocks are sold out at blackdiamondequipment.com.

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The Verdict

The Black Diamond Spot350 isn’t rechargeable, but for brightness, versatility, features, weight, and price, it’s still a top value in an ultralight headlamp for backpackers, dayhikers, climbers, trail runners, backcountry skiers, and other users.

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See “The 5 Best Headlamps” and all of my reviews of hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

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Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all my reviews and expert buying tips.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-spot350-headlamp/feed/ 0 46452 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-mc-12-vario-trekking-and-running-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-mc-12-vario-trekking-and-running-poles/#respond Fri, 28 May 2021 13:35:27 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=46175 Read on

]]> Trekking and Running Poles
Leki MC 12 Vario
$250, 15 oz./pair (men’s 110-130cm pair, without stuff sack)
Sizes: men’s 110-130cm, women’s 100-120cm
moosejaw.com

If you think that nerding out on the “performance” aspect of trekking and trail-running poles just goes too over the top for you, don’t bother reading any further. But if you’re a serious hiker, trail runner, or backpacker who likes the idea of light, strong, adjustable, and very packable poles designed to help you conserve energy and possibly even move faster and go farther, you need to know about Leki’s innovative MC 12 Vario.

Folding, four-section, adjustable poles—a category with only a few competitors—the MC 12 Vario and all of Leki’s Cross Trail series poles share the unique feature of the Cross Shark strap and grip. Based on the quick-release trigger shark grip developed for Nordic ski poles, the hook-and-loop strap wraps and seals around the hand, while a button on top of the grip, easily depressed with your thumb, releases the strap to free your hand from the pole without constantly having to rip the strap off and on. Depressing that button lets you slide the strap back into place for using the poles.

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Plus, the enhanced width of the MC 12 Vario strap—adjustable for different hand sizes or wearing lightweight gloves, while its perforated mesh releases perspiration—and the ergonomic shape of the grips feel more supportive and comfortable.

As I found on multi-hour outings on my local trails—including hiking a very steep trail that rises 2,000 vertical feet in just 2.2 miles, when I certainly adjusted the poles’ length differently for going up versus down—the design elevates your control of these sticks when hiking or running, enabling a quick swing, plant, and push-off that’s faster and more energy efficient then standard, simple pole straps. It also creates less hand fatigue because you hardly have to grip the poles. The sub-one-pound weight of the poles enhances the ease of swinging the poles.

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This design will appeal most to ultra-hikers, runners, and racers on mountain trails as well as dayhikers and backpackers who value light and highly functional trekking poles. But thanks to the quick-release shark mechanism, even hikers and backpackers who prefer pole straps they can easily slide their hands in and out of without having to open and close a hook-and-loop strap each time get the added performance without sacrificing convenience. These poles let you have your cake and eat it, too.

The 100 percent highly modular (HM) carbon construction makes the poles light and strong (although carbon can sheer under rare stresses). The extended open-pore, sweat-absorbing foam grips with a cork appearance let you hold the poles below the straps, useful in steep terrain or when briefly carrying the poles by your side. A grid surface on the lower grips keeps sweaty hands or gloves from slipping,

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Using the poles once or twice quickly familiarizes you with the simple, somewhat unique method for engaging and folding them. The Core Locking Device (CLD) provides secure locking and quick length adjustability. To engage the poles, open the locking lever and pull the second shaft section out of the upper section as far as it extends, locking the lower shaft sections in place; a click and red “lock” line on the second section indicate the maximum extension. Then set to the desired length and close the lever.

To fold the poles for storage, open the lever, extend the second section to the red “lock” line until it clicks, then slide the second section completely into the upper one, fold the two lower sections and close the lever.

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A small dial on the CLD lever adjusts its tension—easily done with your fingers, requiring no tool. The poles lack a mechanism for locking them in the folded position, making the included stuff sack—which weighs barely more than an ounce—the only means of containing them.

The pole’s length range is 110cm to 130cm in the men’s and 110cm to 120cm in the women’s (which otherwise differ little, women and men can probably use either model). While comparable to other folding, adjustable poles, that’s not as broad an adjustability range as many collapsible (or telescoping) poles have and not long enough to use with some ultralight tents that pitch with trekking poles, but similar to the range of many models. However, that adjustability range will suit most hikers, backpackers, and runners, while the poles weigh less and are more compact when folded than other highly durable models. 

The folded length of 42cm/16.5 inches, while not quite as short as other folding pole models, allows these poles to attach unobtrusively to the outside of a running vest or small daypack and fit inside just about any luggage, even many carry-ons.

If you want all the performance of the MC 12 Vario poles without the Cross Shark strap and grip, see my review of the very similar Leki Micro Vario Carbon Black Series poles.

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Leki MC 12 Vario Poles

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

For many hikers, mountain runners, backpackers, and climbers who like the idea of poles that combine low weight, strength, packability, and exceptional performance—especially (though not only) for speed and long distances—the Leki MC 12 Vario poles have one-of-a-kind functionality.

4.2

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See my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear.

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See also why I almost never hike without poles in my “10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier,” and my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-mc-12-vario-trekking-and-running-poles/feed/ 0 46175 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-4-and-speedgoat-mid-2-gtx/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-4-and-speedgoat-mid-2-gtx/#comments Thu, 06 May 2021 16:42:41 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=45638 Read on

]]> Trail Running/Hiking Shoes
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4
$145, 1 lb. 4 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-15, women’s 5-11
backcountry.com

Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX
$170, 1 lb. 10 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-15, women’s 5-11
backcountry.com

Comfort can prove an elusive quarry with footwear, especially for dayhikers and trail runners who pile on the miles and backpackers seeking the conflicting qualities of support and low weight in boots. After numerous trail runs, dayhikes, and backpacking trips in these two shoe models, I’ve reached a point where I’m usually reaching for either my Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 or my Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX when hitting the trails.

I’ve worn the Speedgoat 4 on numerous trail runs of up to 10 miles in my local foothills, on trails generally of packed dirt with occasional rocks, including a local peak where the trail ascends a steep 2,000 vertical feet in just over two miles.

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Similarly, I’ve found the Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX comfortable and supportive hiking and running local trails in a variety of conditions, as well as on a three-day, 19-mile backpacking trip on the Idaho Snake River National Recreation Trail in Hells Canyon, carrying up to 25 pounds while backpacking three days in the Wind River Range, and with up to 35 pounds on my back on a five-day, 78-mile backpacking trip on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier. I also wore them on a late-October dayhike of Grandeur Peak in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, on a trail that climbs 3,300 feet in 2.2 miles, with muddy trail and some wet snow on the upper section of the trail. My feet stayed dry and felt very good on the hard, pounding descent, my toes never getting jammed at the front of the boots.

Like other Hoka One One footwear, the neutral-stability, low-cut Speedgoat 4 and mid-cut Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX both feature Hoka’s signature oversized, lightweight foam midsole, which delivers balanced cushioning for trail runs or lightweight hiking for any distance.

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With both shoes, the wide midsole and forefoot kept my feet comfortable even on longer runs, when feet can swell slightly, while the fit was running-shoe-snug in the heel and midfoot: My feet never slipped in these shoes. And the wide platform and good torsional rigidity give both shoes exceptional stability for footwear this light.

The minimal, 4mm drop of both shoes works great for me. The stack height, or thickness of the midsole and outsole (i.e., the distance between the soles of your feet and the ground), goes from 33mm at the heel to 29mm at the forefoot. That thick cushion and the supportive heel cup also improve comfort.

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The 3D printed overlays on the uppers of the Speedgoat 4 and Speedboat Mid 2 GTXstabilize and lock down the midfoot, similar to the support and protection found in many hiking shoes that are several ounces heavier. The Speedgoat 4’s mesh uppers, updated over the Speedgoat 3, breathe supremely well, while cutouts in the gusseted tongue help the shoe ventilate—my feet never got sweaty, even on trail runs in temps pushing 80° F under a hot sun.

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A small rubber toe bumper in both shoes offers some protection, as do the 3D overlays on the mesh uppers, lending them good durability for trail-running shoes in this weight class. But neither model has the durability of beefier—and heavier—hiking shoes, if you use them for hiking or ultralight backpacking. The biggest weak point—as with many shoes in this category—is likely the exposed soft foam of the midsole outside the little toe; that spot will get chewed up more easily on rocky trails.

In both shoes, the Vibram MegaGrip outsole with multi-directional 5mm lugs and zonal rubber placements provide excellent traction and stability on trails ranging from packed dirt to solid rock. Even going down very steeply on loose dirt and pea gravel, the outsoles never slipped once.

Hiking in the Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX in steady rain, through shallow puddles, and even through heavily falling, wet snow that was several inches deep on the trail (I wore soft-shell low gaiters), the Gore-Tex membrane kept my feet dry. But on a day backpacking nine miles in steady, wind-driven rain in the Winds, these light shoes were overwhelmed and my feet got a bit damp.

 

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The Speedgoat 4 shoes are not waterproof, but dry out quickly because of the airy uppers, so they would be good shoes for typically dry dayhiking and ultralight backpacking on trails that are generally well-constructed and not littered with big rocks. There’s also a waterproof-breathable version, the Speedgoat 4 GTX ($160).

I’ve been very impressed with the Speedgoat line. As I wrote in my review of the Speedgoat 3, wearing them running rim-to-rim-to-rim across the Grand Canyon in a day—42 miles and over 21,000 vertical feet, which I’d done a couple of times before, in different shoes each time—I fully expected to beat up my feet again. But in those shoes, my feet actually felt good (just very fatigued) at the end of that long day.

The Verdict

The impressive comfort and support for their low weight, very good traction, and unparalleled cushion of the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 and Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX—which adds ankle support and Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable protection—arguably make them the best shoes out there for hikers, trail runners, and ultralight and lightweight backpackers who prefer the lightest footwear.

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See all my reviews of lightweight hiking shoes and backpacking boots, my “Expert Tips for Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking.”

You may also be interested in my picks for “The Best Running Hydration Vests,” “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets,” “The Best Trekking Poles,” and “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” which includes my expert buying tips, and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-4-and-speedgoat-mid-2-gtx/feed/ 6 45638 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mystery-ranch-coulee-25-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mystery-ranch-coulee-25-daypack/#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2021 15:01:54 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=44621 Read on

]]> Daypack
Mystery Ranch Coulee 25
$189, 25L/1,525 c.i., 2 lbs. 11 oz. (men’s S/M)
Sizes: men’s S/M and L/XL, women’s XS/X and M/L
backcountry.com

NOTE: See my new review of the update to the Coulee 25, the Mystery Ranch Coulee 30.

The long arc toward lighter gear in the outdoor industry has undeniably brought many benefits to those of us who love going into the backcountry. But the flip side of that trend sometimes manifests in compromises in comfort, features, and durability. The Mystery Ranch Coulee 25 represents a very impressive balance between achieving all of those laudable traits while keeping the weight modest—making it one of the best daypacks on the market today.

I used the Coulee 25 on steep dayhikes of up to 10 miles and 4,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss in Idaho’s Boulder Mountains and Boise Mountains, including going up and down one steep trail with nearly 1,000 feet of vertical per mile.

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The Coulee’s most unique feature is its three-zipper system accessing the main compartment: Instead of a traditional, separate lid, the Coulee has a cover that flips open more like a clamshell-style opening. Two zippers open each side of the top of the main compartment and meet at the lid’s front side, overlapping a vertical front zipper that completely fillets the main compartment open. The system provides both rapid and easy access to everything inside and eliminates the extra steps inherent to a lid that closes with two buckles and a cord cinch.

The 25 liters/1,525 cubic inches of capacity provide ample space for dayhikes at any time of year, including when carrying layers for cold weather or extra gear, food, and water. Even with a DSLR camera and two lenses, I did not fill the Coulee 25 on my dayhikes with it.

Part of the reason the Coulee weighs a bit more than some packs of comparable capacity is the very comfortable, well-padded harness—the pre-curved waist belt, shoulder straps, and back padding, which enable the Coulee 25 to carry 20 pounds or more comfortably for hours in rugged terrain. The removable Redirect waist belt adjusts easily with a belt that pulls forward to tighten.

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The Future Yoke adjusts to fit a range of torso lengths by separating the substantial hook-and-loop patch behind the shoulder straps. That takes a bit of work, and I found it much easier to do by first pulling up on the yoke separator strap behind the shoulders and removing the HDPE framesheet, giving your hand more space to work back there. Then it’s easy to reinsert the framesheet (while the pack is empty).

Besides the three-zipper design to enter the main compartment, the Coulee’s access is among the best for daypacks. Two deep, stretch-woven, front pockets each hold a lightweight shell or other layer and smaller items like gloves and even climbing skins for backcountry skiing. Stretch-woven pockets on each side hold a water bottle. The flip-top main compartment cover has a small pocket with a urethane-coated zipper for smaller items.

Dual quick-release side compression straps shrink the pack down for stability when under-filled and allow you to easily attach trekking poles or other things. The 330-denier Robic nylon fabric withstands a lot of hard use and is more durable than you’ll find in many lighter daypacks.

 

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That durability and the pack’s multiple features, including ways to attach climbing gear and skis, make it more versatile for a variety of activities beyond dayhiking—and that’s especially true of the larger version, the Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 ($229, 3 lbs. 13 oz.), which is large enough for gear-intensive dayhikes in any season, ultralight backpacking, or backcountry skiing.

Lastly, while some of the best daypacks available today weigh in a pound or more less, the Coulee 25’s weight is still modest at barely north of two-and-a-half pounds.

Mystery Ranch has updated the Coulee packs with a Coulee 20 ($179), Coulee 30 ($189), Coulee 40 ($239), and Coulee 50 ($249). See them all at mysteryranch.com.

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Mystery Ranch Coulee 25

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

With superior comfort, access, and durability, good capacity, and multiple features that expand its versatility, the Mystery Ranch Coulee 25 is a very good choice for dayhikers and others who want more carrying capacity and will accept a small weight penalty for those benefits.

4.3

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Mystery Ranch Coulee 25 or other sizes of the Coulee pack at backcountry.com, Moosejaw.com, or rei.com.

Was this review helpful?

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Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

 

See my “Review: The Best Hiking Daypacks” and my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks) and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

You may also be interested in my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,”

my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles,” and my story “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” which you can read in its entirety with a paid subscription to The Big Outside or click here to purchase separately.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life. Click here now to learn more.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mystery-ranch-coulee-25-daypack/feed/ 2 44621 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-atom-lt-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-atom-lt-hoody/#respond Wed, 03 Feb 2021 13:52:08 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=43691 Read on

]]> Breathable Insulated Jacket
Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody
$259, 12 oz./340g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXXL, women’s XS-XXL
arcteryx.com

From days of backcountry skiing and winter hikes in my local foothills to biking around town on cold days, the Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody has spent almost as much time on me as it does in my closet. In a category of breathable insulated jackets designed for being active in cool to cold temps—like backcountry snow sports, hiking, and climbing—the Atom LT Hoody’s weight and features make it uniquely versatile for a wide range of activities and users.

On a morning when the trailhead temp sat at 20° F as a friend and I set out for a half-day of backcountry skiing, I pulled the hood up and this puffy kept me warm over two light base layers while skinning uphill in cold shade. But even more impressively, once my body was churning out heat, the wide, stretch side and underarm panels dumped that heat and moisture so well that I didn’t have to take it off until we entered direct sunshine near the top of our ascent.

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The Coreloft Compact synthetic insulation delivered all the warmth I needed while standing in a snow pit evaluating avalanche hazard. It also lost none of its insulative properties when I did build up some moisture inside while skiing downhill in warm sunshine. In fact, I was surprised to notice that it was damp at all at the end of a day of skiing, because I hadn’t felt any cooling effects from that wetness. Wearing it as an outer layer on the downhill conclusion of another ski tour under overcast skies, with the temp just below freezing and a light snow falling, I remained perfectly warm.

The close-fitting, insulated StormHood, adjustable with a single drawcord in the back, boosts warmth significantly and fits under a helmet. The athletic fit—in an unusual six women’s sizes and seven men’s sizes—leaves space for a couple of warm base layers and allows excellent freedom to move, enhanced by stretch throughout, but especially by the huge stretch in the side panels. Design details right down to the adjustable hem, sleeve length, and low-profile, stretch cuffs—which pull over light gloves or mittens or fit easily underneath the gauntlet of heavier handwear—make this hoody supremely comfortable to wear and slip on or off.

The tough, water-resistant, breathable Tyono 20 shell fabric blocks wind well and shed steadily falling snow when I ski toured without a shell over it. Bonus green cred: The color is added at the polymer level, which Arc’teryx reports saves water, reduces CO₂ emissions, and increases fabric colourfastness.

At 12 ounces, the midweight Atom LT Hoody is very packable, compressing about as well as a 700-fill down jacket of the same weight. The two zippered hand pockets are each roomy enough for one big ski glove or mitten and the one zippered inside pocket is more than large enough for a smartphone.

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The Verdict

An incredibly versatile insulation piece that functions as an outer or middle layer, with good warmth for its weight and impressive breathability, the Arc’teryx Atom LT readily rises to as many uses as you can conceive, from hiking, backcountry skiing, and climbing to bike commuting and serving as a campsite puffy in temps down to around 40° F in summer in the mountains.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a men’s or women’s Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody at arcteryx.com.

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Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

 

See my other reviews of breathable insulated jackets, my picks for “The 10 Best Down Jackets,” and all of my reviews of outdoor apparel that I like.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-atom-lt-hoody/feed/ 0 43691 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-summit-l3-ventrix-hoodie/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-summit-l3-ventrix-hoodie/#respond Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:38:32 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=43553 Read on

]]> Breathable Insulated Jacket
The North Face Summit L3 Ventrix Hoodie
$300, 15 oz./425g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s and women’s XS-XL
moosejaw.com

From cool summer evenings and mornings in camp on a six-day backpacking trip in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness to days of backcountry skiing in a full range of winter weather, The North Face Summit L3 Ventrix Hoodie demonstrated a versatility seen in only the best synthetic insulated jackets—light, warm, and breathable enough to function as the only puffy jacket you need year-round.

Most insulated jackets occupy a narrow range in the spectrum of backcountry uses. Some—typically high-quality down jackets—are exceptionally warm for their weight, ideal for chilly campsites. Others—usually with synthetic insulation—aren’t ounce-for-ounce as warm as 800-fill (or better) down but often tackle a wider range of weather conditions better, and a few of those offer the advantages of breathability.

Very few occupy both of those worlds like The North Face Summit L3 Ventrix Hoodie.

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It was more than warm enough over a T-shirt and midweight long-sleeve top in temps in the 40s Fahrenheit at camps as high as 11,000 feet in the Uintas. Wearing it under a waterproof-breathable jacket while ski touring along a ridge with up-and-down terrain and then finishing with a long downhill in the Boise Mountains, I stayed warm while fully exposed to cold wind and blowing snow the entire time and didn’t overheat—and my base layer, which had been damp, dried out as I cruised downhill, when my exertion level dropped but I felt no need to add a layer.

I’ve been impressed with how much it stayed on my body—a testament to its versatility, whether alone or under a soft shell or a hard shell—through days of backcountry skiing in weather that shifted from overcast with a cold wind to a thunderstorm and snow squalls to warm sunshine. I also stayed perfectly warm wearing it sandwiched between a midweight long-sleeve top and a winter soft-shell jacket while resort skiing in very cold conditions—and it dumped heat and moisture when I skied aggressively downhill.

In terms of warmth-per-ounce, TNF’s 60g Ventrix polyester stretch synthetic insulation probably compares with 700-fill down—but also has reasonably good breathability: I heat up when active, so I had to remove it while skinning uphill in warm sunshine on a day in the backcountry with temps that stayed buried in the teens; but as soon as my exertion level dropped and I pulled it back on, it allowed my damp base layer to dry out. TNF says the “dynamic” insulation has perforated micro vents that open to release body heat with a wearer’s movement and close with decreased activity. Like other synthetic insulation, it also continues to trap body heat even when wet.

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The athletic fit allows for a couple of warm base layers underneath and excellent freedom of movement and comfort with underarm gussets and no shoulder seams under pack straps. The close-fitting, stretchy, adjustable hood fits under a helmet, extends slightly out over sunglasses or goggles, and the front zips up over your chin; my only complaint is that the hood does not cover the sides of my face as well as some other insulated hoods. The jacket has four zippered chest and hand pockets with the usual space for extra gloves, phone, map, etc.

The Ventrix Hoodie doesn’t stuff inside a pocket but packs down to roughly the dimensions of a football. The 40-denier by 30-denier nylon fabric used in the upper torso and top side of the sleeves can handle some abuse and has a durable, water-resistant treatment (DWR) that easily shed lightly falling snow, while a lighter, 20-denier fabric used in the lower torso, hood, and underside of sleeves breathes a little better.

The Verdict

A midweight, breathable, synthetic insulated jacket that will release moisture when you’re active in the cold while delivering enough warmth for sitting around camp in temps in the 30s Fahrenheit, The North Face Summit L3 Ventrix Hoodie has four-season versatility.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a men’s or women’s The North Face Summit L3 Ventrix Hoodie at moosejaw.com.

See my other reviews of breathable insulated jackets, my picks for “The 10 Best Down Jackets,” and all of my reviews of outdoor apparel that I like.

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NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Tell me what you think.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-summit-l3-ventrix-hoodie/feed/ 0 43553 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-ii-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-ii-jacket/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:40:59 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=41465 Read on

]]> Ultralight Rain Jacket
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket
$170, 6 oz./170.1g (men’s medium), $180, 6 oz. (women’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Whether hiking through heavy, cool mist while backpacking the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, pulling this shell on frequently to fend off cold wind and rain showers during a five-day backpacking trip in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park in early March, or wearing it on local trail runs in mixed weather—including heavily falling, wet snow for over two hours—the featherweight Helium Rain Jacket demonstrated its value as one of today’s best ultralight, waterproof-breathable rain jackets.

That backpacking trips on the Wonderland Trail and in Canyonlands’ Maze illustrate a major advantage of the Helium: It’s one of the lightest and most packable waterproof, fully seam-taped, and breathable rain jackets out there today. With a forecast was for mostly dry weather, I could forego carrying a heavier and bulkier rain jacket—and mostly carrying it rather than wearing it—knowing the Helium would give me all the protection I needed at about half the weight, bulk, and cost of a high-quality, technical rain shell.

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Constructed from 30-denier ripstop nylon, waterproof-breathable Pertex Shield, it fought off dumping wet snow while I ran and hiked. The jacket employs Diamond Fuse technology, which uses yarns with diamond-shaped filaments that lock together, lending it relatively good durability and snag-resistance for a fabric this light and improving its water-beading properties. Still, this fabric is ultralight: It will stand up to wearing a backpack over it, but likely tear too easily for hiking off-trail in forest or rock climbing.

Breathability is just okay. When hiking uphill on the Wonderland Trail, carrying a full pack, the Helium got a little clammy inside but was tolerable. On autumn trail runs of up to two hours in my local foothills, I could keep the hood up in strong, cold wind without building up much moisture inside—mostly because I wasn’t overheating. In other words, while it doesn’t breathe as well as the best ultralight, non-waterproof wind shells, it performs as well as needed in most hiking and trail-running circumstances in which I’d wear it—and offers the reassurance of waterproof protection.

The jacket feels very comfortable as soon as you put it on, with a close fit that has space to layer midweight insulation under it. The adjustable hood uses a single drawcord in the back and wraps snugly around your head, although the small brim offers negligible face protection.

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The shell stuffs into its one zippered chest pocket—which is large enough for a smartphone—packing down to the size of a large coffee mug (and has a carabiner loop). The waterproof front zipper, like all such zippers, moves a little more slowly than standard zips. The elasticized hem and cuffs, while not adjustable, adequately seal out drafts.

With mediocre breathability and durability and a minimalist hood, the Helium certainly isn’t as versatile as a fully technical, all-conditions rain shell. (See my picks for “The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking.”) But it is about half the weight and bulk of most high-quality rain shells.

The Outdoor Research Helium Pants ($119, 5.4 oz.), made with the same 30-denier ripstop nylon Pertex Shield, have elasticized waist and cuffs with 12-inch zippers for pulling them over boots, and stuff into the zippered rear pocket.

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OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM RAIN JACKET

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

For lightweight backpackers, dayhikers, and trail runners who need a just-in-case ultralight shell for wind and rain, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket delivers waterproof protection and okay breathability in a compact package that’s a good value for this degree of performance and low weight.

4.4

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Helium Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com, or a women’s Helium Rain Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See my review of “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets” and all reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-helium-ii-jacket/feed/ 6 41465 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-biolite-headlamp-330/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-biolite-headlamp-330/#respond Wed, 16 Sep 2020 17:08:16 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=41116 Read on

]]> Rechargeable Headlamp
BioLite Headlamp 330
$60, 2.4 oz.
moosejaw.com

Few headlamps combine the attributes of being super ultralight, rechargeable, very bright, and having a long enough burn time (or charge duration) for a multi-day backcountry trip, but that’s exactly what you get with the BioLite Headlamp 330. For multiple backpacking trips this summer—including four days on Nevada’s Ruby Crest Trail, five days hiking the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier, six days in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness, and seven days on the Wind River High Route—this torch lit up the darkness quite well and never lost its charge.

Over six days in the High Uintas in July (when, granted, we had long days), a full charge lasted until the headlamp died late on our last night—it was good for five nights of normal summer use. And my Wonderland Trail hike was in the first week of September, when days were short enough that I used the headlamp on each of our four evenings and some mornings without it losing its charge. BioLite says the rechargeable 330 runs for 3.5 hours at max brightness—which is rarely needed, so it’s easy to prolong its charge—on its 900 mAh USB rechargeable li-ion battery and for 40 hours at its minimum brightness level of five lumens, which is dim but good enough to read by.

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While there are brighter headlamps out there, this one’s max brightness of 330 lumens is more than powerful enough for backpackers, dayhikers, ultra-hikers and ultra-runners, climbers, and backcountry skiers getting after it before dawn or past dusk. In one camp on the Wonderland Trail, I put the Headlamp 330 at maximum brightness in dark forest and could see trees and other objects clearly at a distance of approximately 200 feet.

The Headlamp 330 has an ultrathin, low-profile, molded front casing with a slightly curved shape that rests flush against your forehead, not bouncing at all, and a battery mounted on the back side of the slender, adjustable head strap. The light casing does have tilt capacity, although it’s so small that it’s not easy to manipulate with light gloves on.

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The tiny power button controls on and off, the lockout mode (holding it for eight seconds), and clicks through the five white and red modes in sequential order: red flood, white spot, white flood, white spot and flood combined (maximum brightness), and white spot strobe. The white spot and flood have dimming capacity, the headlamp turns on in the mode it was last turned off, and it has a battery indicator (four LED lights).

The IPX 4 rating means it’s fine in rain or getting wet from perspiration but is not designed for immersion in water.

Any headlamp with a battery pack positioned at the back of your head creates minor discomfort if you’re wearing it while lying down (for, say, reading). But it’s easy enough to slide that pack higher on your head without the headlamp slipping off, and it’s a small inconvenience for this level of performance.

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The Verdict

While its charge does not last as long as some rechargeable headlamps or most that run on batteries, the BioLite Headlamp 330 sports the advantages of being rechargeable, super light, powerful, and holding a charge long enough for most backpackers, especially in summer.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a BioLite Headlamp 330 a BioLite Headlamp 330 at moosejaw.com or bioliteenergy.com, or the BioLite Headlamp 425 at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or bioliteenergy.com.

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Thank you.

 

See my review of “The 8 Best Headlamps,” and all of my reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “10 Tricks for Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight backpacking guide, and the 10 tricks for making hiking and backpacking easier without having a paid membership.

Tell me what you think.

If you enjoyed this story, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom. I’d really appreciate it.

 

You may also be interested in my story “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” which you can read in its entirety as a subscriber or click here to purchase separately.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-biolite-headlamp-330/feed/ 0 41116 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-2-down-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-2-down-hoody/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2020 12:17:47 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=39902 Read on

]]> Ultralight Down Jacket
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody
$460, 8.8 oz./250g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
rei.com

There’s no getting around a hard truth about most of the products we buy to use outdoors: Their materials come from the petroleum products that are a primary driver of climate change. Increasingly, outdoor brands and consumers are leaning in on manufacturing and buying products with a smaller carbon footprint—products like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody. Made with recycled shell fabric and responsibly resourced down, this ultralight puffy keeps you warm without contributing as severely as other products to a warmer Earth.

Hardwear has revamped the classic Ghost Whisperer—long one of the best ultralight down jackets on the market—with shell fabric made from 100 percent recycled, 10-denier nylon ripstop, plus responsibly resourced, RDS-certified down insulation. The fabric also has a DWR (durable, water-resistant) finish to shed light precipitation.

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At just under nine ounces, the Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody is one of the lightest, three-season puffy jackets on the market and delivers impressive warmth for its weight, thanks to the 800-fill goose down feathers: It kept me warm over a light base layer in temps in the 40s on a four-day July backpacking trip on Nevada’s Ruby Crest Trail and six days in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness in July; on breezy mornings in the 50s Fahrenheit on an early June backpacking trip in Hells Canyon, when I was unzipping the jacket at times to release heat when wearing it only over a T-shirt; and on mornings near freezing on a seven-day, 96-mile traverse of the Wind River High Route, among other trips.

Pop the hood up and it’ll keep many people warm in temps in the 40s, and maybe the high 30s with a midweight, long-sleeve top. I also experienced its limits sitting around camp in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve in June, staying marginally warm wearing it over two base layers, with a wool hat on and the hood up, on an evening of strong winds and temps in the low 40s.

The non-adjustable, elasticized hood provides a close-enough fit to stay put on your head in wind, and the adjustable hem and snug cuffs seal out cold air. Apropos of an ultralight down jacket, the fit permits wearing a couple of base layers underneath.

The two zippered hand pockets are the size you’d expect in an ultralight jacket—you could stick a pair of three-season gloves inside either of them—and the jacket stuffs inside one pocket, packing down to about a liter size. Those pockets sit high enough to wear a climbing harness, but I’d use it only for belaying: The thin fabric wouldn’t survive brushes with rough rock.

Mountain Hardwear has also rolled out an even lighter hooded jacket in this series, the 6.7-ounce Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody ($400). Read my review now.

 

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The Verdict

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody sets the bar high for performance in an ultralight down jacket for three-season backpacking and camping, and it’s sustainable materials, as well as construction that guarantees years of use, make buying one a good choice for the planet. Plus, the price hasn’t changed in at least six years.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody at rei.com; a men’s Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody at backcountry.com; a women’s Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody at backcountry.com; or other versions of the Ghost Whisperer down insulation at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See my review of “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” and all reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of both stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip” and the lightweight backpacking guide without having a paid membership.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-ghost-whisperer-2-down-hoody/feed/ 2 39902 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-flash-folding-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-flash-folding-trekking-poles/#respond Tue, 28 Apr 2020 16:43:42 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=39253 Read on

]]> Trekking and Running Poles
REI Flash Folding Trekking Poles
$149, 14 oz. (115cm)
Sizes: 105, 115, 125, and 135cm
rei.com

When I brought these poles and another pair that are collapsible (not folding)—and virtually the same weight—on a 12-mile trail run-hike in the Foothills, swapping poles with a partner, it quickly became clear that we both preferred these poles. A middleweight in this category, the REI Flash Foldingpoles fill a desirable niche as the most affordable among the handful of the most packable, folding models. Beyond a good price, though, they bring other strengths that prove them very functional on the trail.

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Using these three-section, non-adjustable, folding poles on dayhikes and runs on local trails, I liked how light they felt whether swinging them while hiking up or downhill, or holding them mid-shaft while running short sections of flatter trail. Plus, the shafts have a visibly wider diameter than the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z or Distance Carbon FLZ poles, conceivably making them more durable, although carbon poles only snap or shear under unusual stresses.

At 14 ounces per pair, thanks to the 100 percent carbon shafts, they aren’t quite ultralight—although that depends on where you draw the line for ultralight poles, they are four ounces heavier than the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z and the Gossamer Gear LT5. Still, they fall on the lighter of the scale among poles I consider “lightweight” (weighing 14 to 16 ounces per pair).

They deploy quickly with a depressible pin that locks the shaft sections into place with a solid, secure sound, and they remain quite rigid in use, enough for carrying a full backpack. Packing down to 37-46cm/14.5-18 ins. when folded (varying with size; the 115cm poles measure 39.4cm/15.5 inches folded), they are not quite as compact as four other folding models among my picks for the best trekking poles. Still, they are far more packable than any collapsible poles and attach easily and unobtrusively to the outside of a small daypack or a running vest.

The ergonomic, extended, EVA foam grips and the adjustable wrist straps are slightly wider than found on the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, and the grips extend farther down the shaft. But the REI Flash are also four ounces heavier than the Distance Carbon Z.

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Tungsten carbide tips bite into packed-dirt and similarly loose trail surfaces, but like any carbide tip, can skitter a bit on rock such as Southwest slickrock or the rocky trails of the Northeast. Unlike the BD Distance Carbon series poles, the Flash do not come with an interchangeable tip that grips better on rock; the soft caps that come with these poles are intended only for storage and travel and would likely get chewed up quickly (or pop off and get lost) if used on rocky trails.

The very low-profile trekking baskets minimize weight but still provide functionality, keeping the poles on top of mud.

As with carbon poles of comparable weight, these poles will be less durable than heavier models. Nonetheless, they are tough enough for lightweight or ultralight backpacking and strenuous dayhikes on rocky trails. (If you’re carrying more than 35 to 40 pounds, you might as well get sturdier, heavier poles. See other models in my review of “The Best Trekking Poles.”)

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REI Flash Folding Trekking Poles

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

The REI Flash Folding trekking and running poles are the most affordable lightweight, folding, highly packable poles out there, making them an appealing choice for lightweight and ultralight backpackers, dayhikers, and trail runners.

3.6

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the REI Flash Folding trekking and running poles at rei.com.

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Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

 

Want an even more-affordable pair of carbon poles that weigh only an ounce more, but are not nearly as packable as the REI Flash Folding poles? See the collapsible REI Flash Carbon Trekking Poles ($139, 15 oz.).

See my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear.

See also why I almost never hike without poles in my “10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier,” and my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-flash-folding-trekking-poles/feed/ 0 39253 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-distance-carbon-flz-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-distance-carbon-flz-trekking-poles/#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2020 17:29:19 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=38660 Read on

]]> Trekking and Running Poles
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles
$240, 12.7 oz./360g (per pair 105-125cm, with trekking baskets)
Five adjustable sizes: men’s and women’s 95-110cm/37-43.3 ins. and 110-125cm/43.3-49 ins., men’s 125-140cm/49-55.1 ins.
blackdiamondequipment.com

Trekking poles vary widely in weight, packability, adjustability, and durability—and the balance between those competing attributes determines their recommended uses and versatility across activities. Then there’s Black Diamond’s Distance Carbon FLZ poles, which I’ve used for everything from dayhikes and trail runs of up to 15 miles in Idaho’s Boulder and Pioneer Mountains and Boise Foothills; dayhiking the Cory Pass-Edith Pass loop in Banff National Park, about nine miles with a steep 3,400 feet of up and down; and a 10-mile, 3,600-vertical-foot October dayhike on a trail strewn with wet, slippery rocks and mud in New Hampshire’s White Mountains; to five-day backpacking trips of 77 miles on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier and 47 miles in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, and in the Wind River Range. Their unique design hits a sweet spot for dayhikers, lightweight backpackers, and distance trail runners. Here’s why.

For starters, ranging in weight from 11 to 13 ounces per pair between the five men’s/unisex and women’s sizes, the three-section, folding, adjustable Carbon FLZ rank among the lightest poles available today, largely due to the 100 percent carbon fiber construction. On hikes and runs—including a 12-mile, more than 2,000-vertical-foot run-hike in the Pioneers and a steep run-hike with 4,000 feet of up and down in the Boulders—I found they carry and swing very much like BD’s lightest model, the 10-ounce Distance Carbon Z—you don’t readily notice that the Distance Carbon FLZ weigh two to three ounces more.

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They’re also among the most packable poles out there, measuring just 34cm to 40cm in folded length (depending on the size), short enough to carry unobtrusively when I attached them to the outside of a daypack or running vest.

The poles go from folded to deployed in a few seconds: Just hold the foam grip and the uppermost shaft and pull them apart. An internal Kevlar cord that’s protected within a flexible tube and a tiny pin in the upper shaft instantly lock the three sections into place. When deployed, the pole shafts demonstrate solid rigidity, without any looseness at the section joints. Depressing the pin releases the three sections for quick folding, and a small hook-and-loop strap secures them in the folded storage position.

The Distance Carbon FLZ FlickLock levers—while not quite as burly as the version found on heavier BD poles like the Alpine Carbon Cork and Trail Ergo Cork—never slipped on my hikes and trail runs with the poles. The 15 to 20cm of adjustable range in the three sizes of these poles comes in handy going up and down steep trails, and I found on one local peak with an overall gradient of nearly 1,000 feet per mile, and even steeper sections with pea gravel. The tension on the levers easily adjusts using a Phillips screwdriver, found on many multi-tools and Swiss Army knives.

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The EVA foam grips extend down the shaft by a hand’s width, while the easily adjustable, partly mesh nylon wrist straps sport enough width to remain comfortable over hours of use. For brief periods on a hike or run when you don’t feel a need to use the poles but don’t want to stop to fold and store them on your pack, a bar on the upper shaft marks a grip point for holding them balanced evenly in your forefinger and thumb. But the poles are also light enough to run or hike with your hands on the grips and in the straps, without poling, for short distances, too.

The poles come with plastic tips installed, which grip better on rocky trails or Southwest slickrock but skitter on trails of packed dirt, as well as interchangeable carbide tech tips, preferable on dirt trails but which can skitter on rock. Pliars are needed to loosen either tips to unscrew and change them.

The tradeoffs of the Distance Carbon FLZ’s low weight are clear: The lighter materials and construction render these poles less durable than heavier models, from the thinner shafts to the nylon cord attaching the wrist straps to the grips. Plus, under rare stresses, carbon will sheer or snap—I saw one of a friend’s Distance Carbon FLZ poles sheer while backpacking a rocky trail in the Minarets in the High Sierra, without him putting much weight on it. Still, these sticks are tough enough for lightweight or ultralight backpacking and strenuous dayhikes on rocky trails. (If you’re carrying more than 35 to 40 pounds, you might as well get sturdier, heavier poles. See other models in my review of “The Best Trekking Poles.”)

The more-affordable and durable aluminum version is the Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles ($170, 15.7 oz.).

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Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ trekking and running poles fall on the cusp between the most ultralight and packable poles and models that are marginally heavier and less packable—a nominal tradeoff for the versatility gained through their adjustability. That’s why I rate them higher than any other poles I’ve reviewed. For backpackers, dayhikers, and trail runners who want it all—low weight, packability and adjustability—these poles are a clear top choice.

4.4

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to buy the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

Was this review helpful?

If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

 

See my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear.

See also why I almost never hike without poles in my “10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier,” and my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-distance-carbon-flz-trekking-poles/feed/ 6 38660 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-incendo-sl-and-cita-sl-jackets/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-incendo-sl-and-cita-sl-jackets/#respond Wed, 08 Apr 2020 17:11:12 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=38868 Read on

]]> Ultralight Shell Jacket
Arc’teryx Incendo SL Jacket and Cita SL Jacket
$129, 2.8 oz. (men’s medium), 2.3 oz. (women’s)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

With an ultralight shell—besides very low weight—we’re seeking a delicate balance between competing objectives: breathability for high-exertion activities like running, and protection against wind and light precipitation. On numerous late-winter and spring trail runs and mountain bike rides, in conditions running the gamut from sunny, cool, and breezy to cold wind, rain, and blowing snow flurries, the new Arc’teryx Incendo SL walked that fine line between breathability and weather protection like no other ultralight shell I’ve seen.

Hitting my local Foothills trails to hike, run (up to 12 miles), and mountain bike, I wore this insanely light shell through that wide range of weather, with temps in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit, and while sweating hard on sustained uphills and cooling off on long descents. On those outings—which ranged up to about three hours—wind was frequently present and sometimes strong and cold, and I got rained on mid-run a couple of times for 30 minutes or more and once snowed on briefly.

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The Incendo’s performance consistently impressed me. Even wearing it on long ascents when I sweated hard, it got no more than slightly damp inside and dried within a few minutes once my exertion level dropped. What strikes me as most unique is that it simply does not accumulate much moisture inside.

In steady rain, the jacket had the appearance of wetting out, but it still cut most of the wind and didn’t feel terribly wet against my body—no more wet than my two base layers were with perspiration, anyway—and was only slightly damp inside when I removed it afterward, probably because of how rapidly it dries. It’s not a rain shell, but in rain and wind when your base layers are wet, it will help prevent you from getting wetter and colder.

The men’s Incendo SL and the women’s Cita SL Jacket are made from extremely thin Canim 100 percent polyester fabric in the front and outer arms that blocks wind effectively, although not completely, as some ultralight shells do. The even wispier Permair 20 nylon delivers a high level of air permeability across the back and through the undersides of the sleeves extending nearly to the cuffs. A DWR (durable, water-repellent treatment) sheds light rain off the fabric exterior.

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The fit is trim, with space for one or two base layers underneath, while allowing a comfortable and complete range of motion. The low-profile collar provides minimal but adequate neck coverage without you ever really noticing it. Elasticized cuffs and waistband keep wind out, and the cuffs have enough stretch to push the sleeves up to your elbows—which is nice and not possible in all ultralight or standard shells.

The jacket stuffs into an inside “envelope” pocket with overlapping flaps (in lieu of a zipper), packing down to the size of a fist—smaller than any ultralight shell I’ve used. I could squeeze a smartphone inside that pocket; but the phone is heavier than the jacket and would bounce against my side when running (and sit irritatingly under a daypack waistbelt when hiking), so that pocket’s only real functionality is for stuffing the jacket and perhaps stashing something very light, like a gel or energy chews packet.

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One caveat: These fabrics illustrate the adjective “wispy,” especially the highly breathable Permair 20 fabric across the entire back and under the arms, making these shells only appropriate for running, hiking, mountain biking and similar activities with only a light pack or running vest or none. Wearing a heavy pack over either jacket may quickly tear the back fabric, and climbing would almost certainly shred it.

Arc’teryx also offers the Incendo Hoody ($139) and Incendo Vest ($89), and Cita Hoody ($139) and Cita Vest ($89).

Arc’teryx Incendo SL and Cita SL Jackets

Weather Protection

Breathability

Packability

Durability

Weight-to-Performance

The Verdict

Achieving a seemingly unbeatable new standard in ultralight shells at under three ounces, the Arc’teryx men’s Incendo SL Jacket and women’s Cita SL Jacket raise the bar for breathability in exchange for a slight compromise in wind and rain resistance (and I’ve used and reviewed many ultralight shells over the years). It’s also priced competitively for this category, and the same price as the second-lightest competitor, the Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell.

3.8

BUY IT NOW

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase an Arc’teryx men’s Incendo SL Jacket or Incendo SL Hoody at backcountry.com or rei.com; or Incendo Vest at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com; or a women’s Cita SL Jacket at backcountry.com or Moosejaw.com; or Cita Hoody at Moosejaw.com or rei.com; or Cita Vest at Moosejaw.com.

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Thank you.

 

See my review of “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets” and all of my reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, trail-running gear, hiking apparel, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-incendo-sl-and-cita-sl-jackets/feed/ 0 38868 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-distance-carbon-z-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-distance-carbon-z-poles/#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2020 10:00:33 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=15526 Read on

]]> Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles
$200, 10 oz./264g (per pair 110cm, with trekking baskets)
Five sizes, non-adjustable: 110cm/43.3 ins., 115cm/45.3 ins., 120cm/47.2 ins., 125cm/49 ins., and 130cm/51 ins.
blackdiamondequipment.com

With gear, exceptionally low weight often means compromising functionality, durability, or both. With Black Diamond’s Distance Carbon Z Poles, though, there’s little compromise. On a mostly off-trail, two-day backpacking trip to Quiet Lake in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains; another mostly off-trail, roughly 14-mile and 5,000-foot dayhike of 10,470-foot Horstman Peak and traverse of the Monolith Valley in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains; and a 6.4-mile, 1,400-foot, on-trail hike up 10,243-foot Mount Washburn in Yellowstone National Park, I found the strengths of these poles far outweighed the one shortcoming that helps make them so light.

Every hiker, backpacker, and climber should use trekking poles—in most circumstances, there’s no good reason to not use them—and lighter poles are easier on your wrists and arms over the course of many miles. One of the two lightest models of trekking poles I’ve reviewed at this blog, the Distance Carbon Z’s low weight is attributable to the 100 percent carbon fiber construction, the EVA foam grips, and the thin but strong, partly mesh nylon wrist straps, adjustable with a hook-and-loop strip. Despite each pole weighing barely more than a quarter-pound, they withstood much hard use ascending and descending a lot of wet, slick talus and loose scree in the White Clouds and Sawtooths.

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The three-section, foldable poles have an inner Kevlar cord, and deploy easily, in a few seconds, by simply pulling the first shaft section out of the grip until a pin pops out to lock the three sections in the assembled position (like assembling tent poles). Collapse the poles by depressing that pin and folding the sections together. The poles’ collapsed length varies depending on size from 33 cm/13 inches to 43 cm/17 inches, short enough to tuck into a daypack’s side pocket and/or compression straps without them protruding above or below the pack.

The extended grips let me hold the shafts lower when climbing steeply uphill, off-trail—which helps offset the one shortcoming of these poles, that they’re not adjustable. The poles come with interchangeable, non-scarring, rubber Tech Tips and carbide tips, and a smart notch in the basket to lock pole shafts together when folded. A hiking, climbing, and trail running partner of mine has gotten many miles out of his Carbon Z Poles for three years without any problems.

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The only ding against BD’s Z Poles is that they’re not adjustable; instead, they come in five lengths. But that’s a minor tradeoff, and really only a factor on steep descents (since the extended grip helps ease steep ascents). Plus, users like ultra-hikers, ultralight backpackers, and climbers attracted to the low weight and design of the Z Poles are least likely to be bothered by the lack of adjustability.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

For dayhikers and ultra-hikers wanting to travel really light, backpackers and ultralight fastpackers, adventure athletes and endurance runners, BD’s Distance Carbon Z Poles set the gold standard for low weight, portability, and functionality.

4.3

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to buy the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

Was this review helpful?

If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

See my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-distance-carbon-z-poles/feed/ 2 15526 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-refuge-air-hooded-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-refuge-air-hooded-jacket/#respond Wed, 04 Mar 2020 15:23:18 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=38371 Read on

]]> Breathable Insulated Jacket
Outdoor Research Refuge Air Hooded Jacket
$229, 15 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

On a ski tour in blowing snow in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, I wore this breathable, insulated jacket climbing uphill for the first hour without overheating. Then, while ski touring along a windy ridge with up-and-down terrain, I stayed warm without making a layering change as my exertion level decreased. In fact, I stayed warm in the cold wind and blowing snow even though the shell fabric got quite damp—I was surprised at how damp it was when I got back to my car, precisely because I had not noticed it was wet while wearing it. And that story only begins to describe the versatility of OR’s Refuge Air Hooded Jacket.

Call me Goldilocks: As a fan of breathable insulated jackets for their year-round functionality whether you’re active or sitting in a campsite—and thus, their potential for being a quiver-of-one puffy jacket—I was eager to try out the Refuge Air because of its welterweight size, to assess whether it can strike a delicate balance between not too warm for moderate exertion in winter and adequate warmth for three-season camping in the mountains. Besides ski touring, I wore it under a shell on days of resort skiing in weather that ran the gamut from overcast with cold wind and temps in the teens and 20s, to sunshine and temps in the high 30s and low 40s.

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Similar to two other favorites of mine from OR, the Ascendant Hoody and the Refuge Air’s bigger cousin, OR’s Refuge Hooded Jacket, the Refuge Air Hooded Jacket is designed for wearing while active in cold conditions, because it moves moisture effectively. But it’s warmer and three ounces heavier than the Ascendant, and less warm and three ounces lighter than the Refuge—allowing it to better cross over from ski touring, climbing, or snowshoeing in winter conditions to three-season backpacking because it’s warm enough for sitting around a campsite in temps from the 30s to 50s Fahrenheit.

The versatility originates in OR’s proprietary VerticalX Air synthetic insulation, which combines a good warmth-to-weight ratio with breathability and loft retention over time. In the Refuge Air, it’s paired with ActiveTemp, a thermo-regulating treatment on the interior lining that OR says helps keep the wearer warm at rest and comfortable on the move—a performance quality that I noticed. The jacket’s breathability isn’t such that you can move at a highly aerobic pace without overheating. But while maintaining moderate exertion, even sweating, I remained comfortable; and my base layer always dried out within a reasonable time, thanks to the breathability of this jacket.

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The fit is relaxed athletic—not too bulky or poofy, but with enough room to fit a couple of base layers underneath. Like many OR insulated jackets, it’s quite comfortable and allows for unhindered mobility.

On the exterior, Pertex Quantum Air fabric provides the weather protection of a soft shell, with better breathability than I’ve found in other synthetic-insulation jackets of a similar weight: Biking through the city in winter, I could feel the cold air slightly penetrating the sleeves and front of the jacket—not so much that it made me cold, but signaling that the fabric does breathe.

At just under a pound, the jacket’s warm-to-weight compares with other synthetic jackets and with 700-fill down. If your goal is simply to find the best warmth per ounce for backcountry camping from spring through fall, you should look at down jackets with 800-fill or higher down—but you’ll pay a lot more for that. It stuffs into its own pocket, packing down to slightly larger than a liter bottle, with a small clip and carabiner loop for attaching to a climbing harness.

The non-adjustable hood has some stretch and fits closely enough to stay put in wind and when you turn your head, and to wear a climbing helmet over it. The two zippered hand pockets are large enough to warm up or dry out a pair of winter gloves, while the zippered chest pocket easily fits a large smartphone. The low-profile cuffs slide easily inside a gauntlet of over-the-cuff winter gloves or mitten, or fit snugly over a lighter, under-the-cuff glove, and the sleeves have a thin, internal thumb loop. The elasticized drawcord hem seals out cold air well.

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The Verdict

With good breathability for an insulated jacket, very good heat retention when wet, and enough warmth for camping in temps above freezing, the Outdoor Research Refuge Air Hooded Jacket delivers rare versatility as a legit, four-season insulated jacket that you can wear while active or inactive—making it conceivably the only insulated jacket you need, at a good price.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Refuge Air Hooded Jacket at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or outdoorresearch.com.

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Thank you.

 

See my other reviews of breathable insulated jackets, my picks for “The 10 Best Down Jackets,” and all of my reviews of outdoor apparel that I like.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Tell me what you think.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-refuge-air-hooded-jacket/feed/ 0 38371 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-scarpa-mescalito-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-scarpa-mescalito-hiking-shoes/#respond Fri, 07 Feb 2020 17:10:27 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=38017 Read on

]]> Hiking/Approach Shoes
Scarpa Mescalito
$169, 1 lb. 13 oz. (men’s US 9/Euro 42)
Sizes: men’s US 7-14/Euro 40-48, women’s US 5-10/Euro 36-42
rei.com

Sometimes a piece of gear seems better every time you use it. That’s what happened to me with these low-cut hiking shoes. From dayhikes on the slickrock and sandy trails of Zion to the packed dirt and scree of Glacier and the wet, slippery, rocky trails of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, to hiking and scrambling in Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park on days of rock climbing, the Mescalito shone for exceptional traction, support, and protection.

Perhaps most impressively, the Mescalito excels at gripping all kinds of dry and wet ground. The outsoles never once slipped on a dayhike of nearly nine miles and 4,000-plus vertical feet on wet, rock-strewn trails on Franconia Ridge in the White Mountains, or on the scree of the Scenic Point Trail in Glacier National Park. On the descent off Cervidae Peak in the Boise Foothills, I noted just one slip while coming down 1,800 vertical feet of often-steep, sandy, pebbly trail. The shoes owe this traction to the high-friction Vibram Megagrip outsole with moderately shallow, widely space lugs and a patch of smooth rubber under the toes.

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On days of hiking and scrambling in Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park while rock climbing, I wore them climbing an easy route, and found the shoes grip large footholds well, but don’t have the stickiness and sensitivity for more-delicate easy moves on steeper slabs—in short, they’re a very good hiking shoe, but not so much a climbing shoe.

There are lighter low-cut shoes in this approach-hiking category, but that’s because the Mescalito is armored for hard use. Weighing a few ounces shy of two pounds for a pair (US men’s 9/Euro 42), the Mescalito features suede uppers and a full perimeter rand with rubber in front and polyurethane wrapping around the sides and back—providing superior protection and durability. I bashed these shoes numerous times on rocky trails without any repercussions for my feet—although the low cut obviously leaves ankles unprotected—and the uppers show no wear beyond some scuffing on the rand. Vibram LightBase technology also makes the outsole base thinner and relatively lighter.

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The fit feels comfortably snug from the heel through the midfoot and toe box for my medium-volume feet, and has good support for my slightly high arches: I felt no slipping inside the shoes even on the steepest trails. That close fit is thanks partly to lacing that extends to the toes. Although the shoes felt good out of the box, and the uppers and forefoot flex do loosen up after a few days wearing them, they may not be the best choice for people with wide feet.

The EVA midsole has good cushion and the kind of torsional rigidity you’d find in a midweight boot—you can’t easily twist or wring these shoes (like a towel), making them very stable and supportive on rocky trails and difficult off-trail terrain.

 

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Breathability is predictably fine but not outstanding, given the full leather uppers and wrap-around rand; but the lack of a waterproof membrane helps with breathability. In hot sunshine but comfortable temps on an October dayhike of the Observation Point Trail in Zion National Park, my feet got a bit warm, as they did on a warm, early September, steep hike up and down Cervidae Peak in the Boise Foothills. But on both days, my socks never even got very damp. For hiking in generally warmer temps, another favorite shoe in this category, the La Sportiva TX3, is more breathable than the Mescalito, but not as protective or durable.

While the suede uppers shed light moisture, these shoes are not waterproof, making them better suited to one-day outings than backpacking. Scarpa also a mid-cut, waterproof-breathable version, the Mescalito Mid GTX in men’s and women’s sizes ($199, 2 lbs. 4 oz.), for single- or multi-day adventures in rugged terrain.

The Verdict

For hiking on rocky, rugged trails or off-trail scrambling and mountain climbing, when you need superior traction, support, and protection for your feet, the Scarpa Mescalito excels, and its top-quality construction and materials assure hundreds of miles of hard use.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s Scarpa Mescalito or Mescalito Mid GTX at rei.com, backcountry.com, or Moosejaw.com.

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Thank you.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

See also my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” my reviews of trekking poles and “The 8 Best Hiking Daypacks,” which includes my expert buying tips, and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-scarpa-mescalito-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 38017 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-trail-blitz-12-and-rei-flash-18-daypacks/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-trail-blitz-12-and-rei-flash-18-daypacks/#comments Wed, 22 Jan 2020 10:42:40 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=37675 Read on

]]> Ultralight Daypacks
Black Diamond Trail Blitz 12
$50, 12L/732 c.i., 6.5 oz.
One size
backcountry.com

REI Flash 18
$40, 18L/1,100 c.i., 9 oz.
One size
rei.com

When considering whether to carry a light daypack or summit pack for side hikes or peakbagging on a backpacking trip, I’d normally weigh the length of the side hikes—i.e., how far I’d have to carry my backpack as an oversized daypack—versus the weight the daypack adds to my backpack. But with these two frameless, ultralight packs, each weighing no more than about three fingers of water in a liter bottle and packing away as small as an ultralight rain shell, that’s an easy decision: I take one of them.

I carried the Black Diamond Trail Blitz 12 with about eight pounds of layers, snacks, and water inside on a 13-mile dayhike from a campsite above Bechler Canyon to the Shoshone geyser basin during a five-day, 56-mile backpacking trip in Yellowstone National Park.

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A top-loading pack without a lid, the Trail Blitz 12 has a simple, adjustable strap with a hook that attaches to a fabric loop on the front to quickly access and seal up the main compartment. With no frame, padding, or even a waist belt, the pack can carry essentially as much weight as you’re willing to bear on your shoulders and back—which for most people will be 10 pounds or less. The shoulder and sternum straps keep it fairly stable on your torso when hiking and scrambling (but it’s definitely not made for running—the Black Diamond Distance 15 is much better suited to that).

At 12 liters/732 cubic inches, it has the capacity for a few extra layers and some food and a water bottle or two—what you’d carry on a side hike or an ultralight dayhike or scramble. I found it perfectly comfortable with about eight pounds inside, including water, food, layers, and a DSLR camera, on a roughly six-hour, 13-mile dayhike while backpacking in Yellowstone. One zippered internal pocket holds small valuables like keys, sunglasses, etc.

Side sleeves on the Trail Blitz each hold one compact trekking pole like the various models of Black Diamond Distance Z poles. But poles that aren’t as compact when collapsed or folded will stick out too far above these side sleeves, potentially falling out easily. Four small loops on the back panel allow for attacking it to larger packs—but the Trail Blitz also simply rolls up so small that it’s easier to just jam it inside a backpack’s main compartment or an external pocket.

It turns inside-out to store in its internal pocket—which is remarkably easy to do, and reduces its bulk as well as getting its pack straps out of the way when storing it inside a larger pack. The very light N210-denier mini-ripstop pack fabric still looks new after hard abuse and will last for years—in fact, with essentially no vulnerable parts except one zipper that’s internal and not used frequently, it’s hard to imagine this pack not lasting longer than most of your gear.

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I carried the REI Flash 18 on an 18-mile, out-and-back dayhike on the Beamer Trail during a six-day, 74-mile backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. A friend carried it on the previously mentioned 13-mile dayhike while backpacking in Yellowstone, and found it adequately comfortable with about five pounds of layers, snacks, and water inside.

With more space at 18 liters/1,100 cubic inches (and weighing a few ounces more) than the Trail Blitz 12, the top-loading Flash 18 can fit everything one person would need on an all-day hike even in cold weather, or probably fit everything that two people would need on a side hike during a backpacking trip—limited only by how much weight, especially in food and water, that the person carrying it is willing to haul with a minimalist daypack.

That said, the Flash 18 design, while still minimalist, also offers slightly more comfort than the ultra-minimalist Trail Blitz, with a thin, flexible, removable foam back pad, stretch-mesh shoulder straps that are more shaped and wider than those on the Trail Blitz, and a removable webbing waist belt (the sternum strap is also removable).

While it lacks the Trail Blitz’s side sleeves, the Flash 18 has a zippered front pocket with space for small items like map, gloves, hat, headlamp, and map—although that pocket has no bellows to it, reducing its space when the main compartment is stuffed to capacity. Without a lid, the Flash 18 has a drawcord top closure with a small nylon flap to keep light precipitation out of the interior. A daisy chain strip on the front facilitates lowering the pack (off a short cliff when scrambling, for instance) or attaching items to the outside, and there’s an ice axe loop, though you’ll need to add at least one strap for those purposes.

Turn it inside-out—easily done, even with the back pad inside—and it converts to a stuff sack large enough for a three-season sleeping bag. There’s an internal bladder sleeve and a port, both lacking in the Trail Blitz.

Given its larger capacity and nominally more “featured” design, the Flash 18 also occupies about twice the space inside a backpack as the smaller Trail Blitz 12—its weight and bulk compare to an ultralight rain shell. The ripstop nylon fabric is tough, and with one lightly used zipper, you can also expect the Flash 18 to endure many years of hard use.

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Both packs come in one size that fits my 18-inch torso fine; given that they’re intended for light loads, and have no suspension or padding, they’ll “fit” torsos roughly 16 to 20 inches, or all but very short or very tall hikers.

By the way, both of these packs fit a 15-inch laptop and function well as a convenient, packable, light carry-on for flying—albeit lacking the features, like external pockets and other organization, of many carry-ons.

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The Verdict

There’s nothing fancy about these ultralight daypacks—and that’s precisely their appeal. The Black Diamond Trail Blitz 12 and REI Flash 18 are simply two no-frills, minimalist, inexpensive, ultralight daypacks that can carry several pounds and are light and packable enough to take anywhere, from backpacking trips where you plan to take side hikes to bike commuting and as a flight carry-on.

They differ only in capacity and slightly in features. For just an extra 2.5 ounces and noticeably more bulk, the Flash 18 offers measurably more capacity and a bit more comfort than the Trail Blitz 12—a reasonable tradeoff, unless you simply want the lightest and most compact ultralight daypack.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a Black Diamond Trail Blitz 12 at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or blackdiamondequipment.com, or an REI Flash 18 at rei.com.

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Thank you.

 

See “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” which includes my expert buying tips, and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

See also my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-trail-blitz-12-and-rei-flash-18-daypacks/feed/ 5 37675 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-bridger-mid-and-low-waterproof-boots-and-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-bridger-mid-and-low-waterproof-boots-and-shoes/#comments Wed, 15 Jan 2020 13:11:56 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=37605 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Boots
Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof
$180, 2 lbs. 6 oz. (men’s size 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-15, women’s 6-11
backcountry.com

Hiking and Backpacking Shoes
Oboz Bridger Low Waterproof
$140, 2 lbs. 3 oz. (men’s size 9)
Sizes: men’s 8-14, women’s 6-11
backcountry.com

As someone who makes his living walking on- and off-trail a lot, I’m very selective about my footwear. I manage the 200-mile Ridge to Rivers trail system in Boise, Idaho—and on any given day I might put in anywhere from three to 10 miles of hiking. I need boots that provide lateral support and comfort and stand up to hard use. After testing both of these models extensively, I can’t speak highly enough about how well the Oboz Bridger Mid and Low Waterproof boots and shoes performed.

Wearing the Bridger Mid on a three-mile, trail-building project in the rugged hills above Boise, I was walking on rocky hillsides with consistent 60 to 70 percent side slopes up to six hours a day for a week—while always carrying a pack weighing at least 25 pounds—and support was exceptional in those challenging off-trail situations, thanks to solid torsional rigidity, stability, and cushioning from the single-density EVA midsole with a TPU forefoot plate that also provides protection underfoot.  

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Oboz’s proprietary outsole, with its deep, widely spaced, multi-directional lugs, gave provided reassuring traction on rocky, loose, slippery slopes while hiking off-trail, as well as on trails of all kinds: packed and loose dirt, rocks, and scree.

The Bridger Mid fit like a perfect pair of gloves, wrapping my feet securely with absolutely no slipping: no blisters, no hot spots, no sore feet, no sore ankles—and perhaps best of all, no break-in time. I literally pulled these boots out of the box and headed into the Foothills. At the suggestion of a fitter at a local gear shop, I got boots a half-size larger than my usual size 10 and was glad that I did as the length was perfect: no sore big toes on long downhills. My feet are slightly wide (probably the result of running around barefoot on the soft sand beaches of Hawaii for 20 years—a duck could paddle with these feet), so the wide toe box characteristic of Obox footwear really enhances comfort, while the form-fitting heel cup and midfoot hold feet in place even for hikers who don’t have wide feet.

In fact, their form-fitting design leads to my one minor complaint: The Bridger Mid require some effort to get on and off, due to the high, snug cuff and the consequent need to really loosen the laces. But the effort pays off in the fit and comfort achieved.

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The brand’s O Fit insole, used in all Oboz footwear, offers far more support and cushion than standard, flimsy insoles in most hiking shoes and backpacking boots. 

The Bridger Mid also scored high on durability. After a weeklong trail-building project, a 15-mile backpacking trip in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, and numerous days off-trail chasing deer with a heavy hunting pack, these boots have yet to show any signs of wear, and the soles are dirty but unscathed. Credit the tough, fully nubuck leather uppers and rubber toe bumper,which isn’t as bulky as found on boots from some brands.

Oboz’s proprietary B-Dry waterproof-breathable membrane kept my feet dry through numerous hours over multiple days of walking through wet snow on trails. Plus, having shied away from waterproof boots in recent years because I’ve found few that breathe adequately to avoid uncomfortably sweaty feet, I was pleased that the B-Dry membrane did not leave my feet uncomfortably hot and damp with sweat.

[NOTE: The Big Outside has reviewed numerous Oboz shoes and boots, most recently the Sawtooth II Low Waterproof shoes trekking through fresh snow in Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains, and consistently found the B-Dry membrane to be reliably waterproof. The B-Dry also consistently breathes reasonably well, although breathability is also affected, in any footwear, by the material used in the uppers; and the Sawtooth II Low Waterproof have mesh vents in the leather uppers and a breathable mesh tongue, which enable the shoes to release moisture effectively and dry quickly.]

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I used the Bridger Low Waterproof almost daily for several weeks in fall and winter while hiking the trails of the Boise Foothills for work and pleasure, almost always carrying a 10- to 15-pound daypack, and routinely putting in five to eight miles per day. The Bridger Low excels on trail, delivering a high degree of comfort on both smooth and rocky trails, and a surprising degree of foot protection due, as with the Mid, to the leather uppers and single-density EVA midsole with a partial TPU plate. (I did not hike off-trail in these shoes because they lack the lateral stability of the higher-cut Bridger Mid.)  

As with the Bridger Mid, too, I ordered a half-size up in the Bridger Low—a 10.5 instead of my usual size 10—and achieved a great fit both in length and width. Not surprisingly, the Low do not present the same challenge getting on and off as the Mid: They slip on and off quite easily.

Like the Mid, the Bridger Low demonstrate very good durability: After six weeks of daily use, the leather still looks almost as it did when I pulled them out of the box, and the outsoles show almost no sign of use.

Overall the Bridger Low is what one would expect: a scaled-down version of the Mid that’s not quite as terrain-versatile, but an excellent on-trail shoe for carrying moderate loads.

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The Verdict 

Well-constructed, very comfortable, and fairly priced, the Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof is an all-around solid boot for on- and off-trail backpacking and dayhiking, and the Oboz Bridger Low Waterproof is ideal for on-trail dayhiking or lightweight or ultralight backpacking. Just choose a color you like—you’re going to have them for a long time.

—David Gordon

Note from Michael Lanza of The Big Outside: David Gordon is the manager of the 200-mile Ridge to Rivers trail system in Boise, Idaho, an experienced backpacker and hiker, and a friend with whom I’ve backpacked, backcountry skied, and mountain biked for years.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof boots at backcountry.com or Moosejaw.com, or the men’s or women’s Oboz Bridger Low Waterproof shoes at backcountry.com or Moosejaw.com.

Was this review helpful? If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Thank you.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” and my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking.”

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

OBOZ BRIDGER MID WATERPROOF

Comfort/Support

Fit

Waterproofing

Breathability

Traction

Value

Summary

Well-constructed, very comfortable, and fairly priced, the Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof is an all-around solid boot for on- and off-trail backpacking and dayhiking.

4.3

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-bridger-mid-and-low-waterproof-boots-and-shoes/feed/ 2 37605 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-feathered-friends-helios-hooded-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-feathered-friends-helios-hooded-jacket/#comments Thu, 09 Jan 2020 10:00:18 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=37477 Read on

]]> Down Jacket
Feathered Friends Helios Hooded Jacket
$489, 1 lb. 1 oz./482g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL
featheredfriends.com

As I stood outside yurts on December evenings on separate trips in the backcountry of Idaho’s Boise Mountains and Boulder Mountains, enjoying an inky-black sky riddled with stars as the temperature plunged into the low teens and single digits Fahrenheit, this fat down jacket felt like an impenetrable force field keeping all of my body’s warmth inside and the frigid cold outside. My companions who tried it out agreed: The Helios Hooded Jacket is just crazy warm—especially for its weight and packability. Those qualities define it as one of the best high-quality down jackets for winter that you’ll find today, but also a puffy jacket that’s light and packable enough for cooler, three-season trips.

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I tested this puffy on that yurt trip, in temps ranging from the single digits to the teens, and on raw, wet, very windy evenings and mornings camping in May at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve, with lows in the 40s and high 30s—and was happy for its abundant warmth every time.

The Helios is stuffed generously with nearly eight ounces of 900+-fill down (in the medium), the highest quality of down produced, which explains the jacket’s stratospheric warmth-to-weight ratio. The sewn-through construction technology—used when the goal is to minimize the jacket’s weight—creates baffles that do not overlap or allow feathers to migrate, which means potential for drafts along seams (which is why that construction method is more common with lighter, three-season down jackets designed for moderate rather than sub-freezing temperatures). However, in this case, sewn-through construction does not hinder this jacket’s superior warmth.

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The adjustable hood, also generously stuffed with feathers, seals nicely around the face to trap heat and block drafts and fits over a climbing helmet. The front zipper is sturdier than found on many lightweight jackets and has a wide draft tube.

Strikingly warm for 17 ounces, it’s also remarkably compact. The first time I stuffed it inside the sack that comes with the jacket, I thought: Will this jacket actually fit inside this sack? It did—with space to spare, in fact. In its sack, it’s slightly bulkier than a loaf of bread, but you could easily fit it into a smaller sack. For just a few ounces more weight and a bit more bulk than some of the best three-season down jackets, the Helios delivers noticeably more warmth for chillier backpacking or climbing trips, or simply for people who need a warmer puffy jacket.

The fit is athletic, close but not confining, with room for a midweight layer underneath. The length extends to a couple of inches below the waist, which helps minimize weight. The two hand pockets, with overlapping stretch flaps, eliminate the weight of zippers and warm cold fingers instantly, and I never noticed any tendency for items, like gloves, to fall out of the pockets for the lack of a zipper. The hem similarly has stretch fabric rather than an adjustable drawcord and closes snugly around your hips.

The water-resistant, 20-denier Pertex Endurance LT shell fabric repelled drizzle and light rain when I spent evenings and mornings outside at our campsite in the City of Rocks, but it is neither waterproof nor breathable; it’s reasonably durable, but avoid sharp points or edges. The zippered inside pocket is only large enough for the jacket’s stuff sack, a standard smartphone, and small valuables like a key and map.

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Demerit: There are no women’s sizes, but Feathered Friends says women buy this jacket, and the sizing does cover a wide range of people. As with many jackets sized primarily for men, the Helios likely would not fit women who are relatively thin for their torso and arm lengths; it may be so overly bulky on those women that its thermal efficiency is compromised. But given that its main use involves sitting or standing around, and the stretch hem seals snugly, a slightly large fit wouldn’t be much of a detriment to performance and would allow you to layer underneath it.

The Verdict

With exceptional warmth per ounce and packability, the Feathered Friends Helios Hooded Jacket is one of the best high-quality down jackets for temps well below freezing, but also light enough for chilly three-season trips.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Feathered Friends Helios Hooded Down Jacket at featheredfriends.com or other Helios apparel at featheredfriends.com.

Was this review helpful? If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside? Thank you.

 

See my review of an outstanding lighter down jacket for three-season use, the Feathered Friends Eos, my “Review: The 10 Best Down Jackets,” and all of my reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like at The Big Outside.

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my “10 Tricks for Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of both stories for free, or download the e-guide versions of the 10 tricks here and the lightweight backpacking guide here without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-feathered-friends-helios-hooded-jacket/feed/ 3 37477 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-micro-vario-carbon-black-series-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-micro-vario-carbon-black-series-trekking-poles/#respond Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:02:08 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=37066 Read on

]]> Trekking Poles
Leki Micro Vario Carbon Black Series
$250, 15 oz./pair (with trekking baskets)
One unisex size, adjustable
backcountry.com

List all the qualities you’d want in the perfect trekking poles and you may find yourself describing the Leki Micro Vario Carbon Black Series. From a three-day, 36-mile backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail to a steep, eight-mile, 5,200-vertical-foot dayhike of Idaho’s 12,662-foot Borah Peak and dayhikes of up to about nine miles along Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River during a six-day rafting and kayaking trip, these folding, adjustable, entirely carbon poles quickly became my go-to sticks for their versatility, stability, and packability, all while weighing per pair about as much as your rain jacket.

The Micro Vario Carbon Black is 100 percent carbon—not just partial-carbon construction—conferring that material’s advantage of high strength and low weight. Hiking with them in any terrain, whether with a daypack or full backpack, the poles have a comfortable grip and an easy swing and stand up to abuse, such as when I leaned hard on them on the steep, somewhat loose descent from Paintbrush Divide at nearly 11,000 feet in the Tetons, and bashed them on rocks scrambling the third-class Chickenout Ridge section of Borah Peak.

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The pole’s useable length range is 110cm to 130cm—not as wide-ranging as some poles and not long enough to use with some ultralight tents that pitch with trekking poles, but similar to the range of many models. But more importantly, that adjustability range will suit most hikers, backpackers, and climbers, while weighing less than other highly durable poles that are not as compact when collapsed. 

The method of adjusting the length may not be intuitive for everyone, but it’s easy once you learn it. To assemble the four-section pole and set the length, open the locking lever, extend the three lower sections fully until you hear the internal locking device click into place, set the desired length, and close the lever. If the adjustable top section slips at all, just spin the small dial on the lever—easily done with your fingers, requiring no tool—to tighten the lever’s tension. 

To fold them, release the locking lever and fully extend the top section until you hear the locking mechanism click again, releasing the tension on the internal cable and allowing you to fold the poles to a length of 40cm/16 inches—fitting in just about any luggage, even many carry-ons. Being an internal mechanism, the CLD (Core Locking Device) eliminates the potential for damage when locking mechanisms are located externally on a pole.

The anatomical Aergon Thermo Long Grips are easy to hold in the hand for many hours and extend down the shaft, and the lightweight but wide wrist straps also remain comfortable for hours and adjust intuitively in seconds.

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Leki Micro Vario Carbon Black Series Poles

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

For backpackers, hikers, climbers, mountain runners and others who want top-performing poles, the Leki Micro Vario Carbon Black Series poles strike a rare combination of low weight, durability, packability, and ease of use when on the trail.

4

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase the Leki Micro Vario Carbon Black Series trekking poles at backcountry.com or Moosejaw.com.

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See my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear.

I almost never hike without poles. Read why in my “10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier.”

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life. Click here now to learn more.

 

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my “10 Tricks for Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of both stories for free, or download the e-guide versions of the 10 tricks here and the lightweight backpacking guide here without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

Was this review helpful?

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Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-micro-vario-carbon-black-series-trekking-poles/feed/ 0 37066 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-alpine-carbon-cork-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-alpine-carbon-cork-trekking-poles/#comments Tue, 10 Dec 2019 11:39:57 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=37071 Read on

]]> All-Season Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Poles
$230, 1 lb. 1.5 oz./496.1g (per pair, with trekking baskets)
Two sizes, adjustable: men’s 100-130cm/39-51 ins., women’s 95-125cm/37-49 ins.
blackdiamondequipment.com

For backcountry users who need poles that can handle hard use and any and all activities around the calendar, from backpacking on good trails to scrambling off-trail up mountains and backcountry skiing, Black Diamond’s Alpine Carbon Cork poles have been a tried-and-true performer at the high end of this category for years. So I tested the newly updated 2019 version of these poles on backpacking trips that would put them to the test: a 94-mile traverse of Glacier National Park on the Continental Divide Trail, and a rugged, 74-mile hike in the Grand Canyon, plus some days of local backcountry skiing, and discovered that this latest generation stays true to its lineage.

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork shafts are 100 percent carbon—imbuing them with high strength and relatively low weight for poles designed for any use and season. For poles that are also not ultralight, at just over a pound, they have a nice, light swing when walking, and yet feel very sturdy when leaning hard on them, or when sliding your hands down the extended grips on the upper shafts when reaching and planting a pole above you, whether scrambling steep talus, as we did on the Grand Canyon’s Escalante Route, or skinning uphill on skis in deep snow.

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The pole’s adjustable length range is 110cm to 130cm as marked on the shafts, but effectively can be used at a length nearly down to its completely collapsed length of 61cm (24 inches)—that’s a wider range of use than most poles, and functional for all but very tall hikers, backpackers, and climbers. That 61cm collapsed length makes them as packable as many telescoping, or collapsible poles, though not nearly as compact as the MSR Dynalock Ascent poles, which weigh the same but are $30 less.

The poles feature the new FlickLock Pro locking levers (made of aluminum), which never slipped (once I set the tension on them), however hard I leaned or fell onto them. The one serious complaint I have about the Alpine Carbon Cork poles is that adjusting the tension—which may be necessary when they’re new, or at some point during your ownership of them—requires a tiny Allen wrench, rather than using your fingers or a screwdriver head that would be found on many multi-tools or knives that people actually carry into the backcountry. Fortunately, in my experience, the tension on the FlickLock Pro levers does not slowly slip over time, so you can set it at home and will rarely need to reset it.

Tip: Adjust the tension on all four (per pair of poles) FlickLock Pro levers before you first use them. Note that you must set the tension for the upper and lower levers where each shaft is widest—otherwise, you may find it impossible to open or close the lever manually—and then check that the tension isn’t too soft for where each shaft is narrowest. And the widest spot differs for each shaft: Set the tension for the upper FlickLock Pro with the shaft in the collapsed position (below 100cm), and for the lower FlickLock Pro lever in the fully extended position (130cm).

The cork grips offer top comfort for bare hands, and the wrist straps adjust easily and tear a page from BD’s climbing harness technology in terms of ergonomic fit and comfort on long days. The poles come with interchangeable carbide and rubber tips and trekking and snow baskets.

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Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

Michael Lanza

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

For backpackers, hikers, climbers, backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and others who want strong, four-season poles at a reasonable weight, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles will stand up to hard use from rugged trails to mountain slopes and backcountry pow stashes—and at a competitive price for this quality.

4.1

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles at blackdiamondequipment.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear.

I almost never hike without poles. Read why in my “10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier.”

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-book!

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my “10 Tricks for Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of both stories for free, or download the e-guide versions of the 10 tricks here and the lightweight backpacking guide here without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

Want to hike the Teton Crest Trail, John Muir Trail, or another trip? Click here for expert advice you won’t get elsewhere.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-alpine-carbon-cork-trekking-poles/feed/ 2 37071 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-3-trail-running-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-3-trail-running-shoes/#comments Wed, 23 Oct 2019 09:16:53 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=35972 Read on

]]> Trail Running/Hiking Shoes
Hoka One One Speedgoat 3
$140, 1 lb. 4 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11
backcountry.com

Note: See my newer review of the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4.

Trail running and hiking can be hard on feet. Beyond the possibility of blisters, miles of pounding can sometimes leave your feet feeling beat up and sore—and longer distances magnify the effects of all that impact. As someone who enjoys long trail runs and dayhikes, I’ve suffered my share of foot pain. And after numerous trail runs of anywhere from five to 20 miles in my local foothills—and a one-day, 42-mile, 22,000-vertical-foot run-hike across the Grand Canyon and back—I believe that I’ve discovered the best trail-running shoes I’ve ever used, for numerous reasons, and a model that crosses over to hiking: the Hoka Speedgoat 3.

Going rim-to-rim-to-rim across the Grand Canyon—a journey I’d done a couple of times before, in different shoes each time—I fully expected it to beat up my feet again, simply because it always has. But my feet actually felt good (just very fatigued, of course) when I finished this time, wearing these shoes. The low-cut, super light, neutral-stability Speedgoat 3 features Hoka’s signature oversized CMEVA foam midsole, which delivers luxurious cushioning for trail runs or lightweight hiking for any distance.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The wider midsole and toe box kept my feet comfortable even on longer days, when feet tend to swell a bit, while the fit was running-shoe-snug in the heel and midfoot, where you want that; my feet never slipped in these shoes. And the overall wider platform and good torsional rigidity, especially for a shoe this light—you can’t easily twist one of these shoes (like wringing a towel)—give the Speedgoat 3 very stable footing, even on rugged trails with a huge amount of vertical gain and loss, as when crossing the Grand Canyon. These shoes do not feel too “high,” an impression some consumers might get before trying them. On the many miles I’ve logged in these shoes, with ankles that have suffered their share of abuse, I recall rolling them maybe twice, and never badly enough to end a run.

Although I’ve never personally found zero-drop shoes comfortable for my feet, the minimal, 4mm drop of the Speedgoat 3 hits a balance that works great for me (and based on the shoe’s popularity, apparently also for a lot of other runners). The stack height, or thickness of the midsole and outsole (i.e., the distance between the soles of your feet and the ground), goes from 33mm at the heel to 29mm at the forefoot. That thick cushion and the supportive heel cup certainly help improve comfort, of course.

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TPU overlays creating a cage construction on the uppers help stabilize and lock down the midfoot, mimicking the support and protection of many hiking shoes that are several ounces heavier. The mesh uppers breathe supremely well—my feet never got sweaty, even during the hottest stretch of our early-October Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim, running and hiking uphill with the temp pushing toward 80° F under an intense desert sun.

The Vibram MegaGrip outsole with multi-directional 5mm lugs provides impressive grip and traction on trails ranging from packed dirt to solid rock and loose gravel and scree.

For hikes or high-speed workouts in windy, damp weather, get a breathable, ultralight shell. See my review of “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking Jackets.”

 

A small rubber toe bumper offers some protection, as do the TPU overlays on the sidewalls and the mesh uppers around the forefoot, giving this shoe good durability for trail-running shoes in this weight class. But they will not have the durability of beefier—and heavier—hiking shoes, if you use them for hiking or ultralight backpacking, especially in wet conditions. The biggest weak point—as with many shoes in this category—is likely the exposed soft foam of the midsole outside the little toe; that spot will get chewed up more easily on rocky trails.

They’re not waterproof, but dry out fast because of the airy uppers, so they would be good shoes for typically dry dayhiking and ultralight backpacking on trails that are generally well-constructed and not littered with big rocks. The Speedgoat 3 is also 100 percent vegan.

There’s also a Speedgoat 3 Waterproof version ($150).

The Verdict

With incredibly low weight, superior cushion, and the traction of an ATV, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 just may be the best trail-running shoe for any distance and terrain on the market today—and it crosses over quite competently to lightweight dayhiking and even ultralight backpacking (although ideally in mostly dry conditions).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 (which replaced the Speedgoat 3) at backcountry.com or Moosejaw.com.

Was this review helpful? If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Thank you.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

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HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 3

Comfort/Support

Fit

Breathability

Traction

Value

Summary

With incredibly low weight, superior cushion, and the traction of an ATV, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 just may be the best trail-running shoe for any distance and terrain—and it crosses over quite competently to lightweight dayhiking and even ultralight backpacking.

4.5

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-3-trail-running-shoes/feed/ 3 35972 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-knog-bandicoot-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-knog-bandicoot-headlamp/#comments Thu, 10 Oct 2019 12:29:19 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=35693 Read on

]]> Rechargeable Headlamp
Knog Bandicoot
$35, 2 oz.
Eartheasy.com

My first reaction to the Knog Bandicoot was: a rechargeable headlamp that weighs and costs less than headlamps that require batteries?! My second thought was: Hey, this thing looks kind of… cool. After using it on late-summer (think: it’s dark by early evening) backpacking trips on the Teton Crest Trail and in Yellowstone National Park, and camping in September at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve, I see its minor shortcomings, but I also think the Bandicoot is the kind of new product that has the potential to upend an entire category. Here’s why.

For starters, it looks very different. The Bandicoot’s unique, very light and durable silicone housing seamlessly merges the strap, body, and LEDs, stretches to fit anyone’s noggin, and doesn’t grab, cling to, or snag in hair—it’s quite comfortable on your bare head, so much that you may forget you’re wearing it, especially over a hat. Weighing just two ounces (60g), it can do the job whether you’re hiking, backpacking, climbing, car camping, trail running—you name it.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The four sets of LEDs include a high-power beam, elliptical beams for proximity lighting, a red LED for night vision, and LED’s angled downward for reading. A fifth mode combines the high-power and proximity LEDs for maximum brightness—which I used at times while hiking in the dark, although the high-power beam alone was bright enough for that, too. In fact, the combo and high-power modes are bright enough for trail running and biking city streets after dark (and this low-profile headlamp fits more comfortably under a bike helmet than bulkier models).

The large button controls on and off (holding it down) and cycles through the five modes (clicking the button). The small button cycles through an unusual four brightness settings in each mode. At 100 lumens at max brightness in combo mode, it’s bright enough to hike a dark, wooded trail at night—although not nearly as bright as the best ultralight headlamps (which are only about an ounce heavier)—and the four brightness levels offer more convenience and utility than some headlamps. I found the reading mode (six lumens) barely enough to read by, even at its brightest level, but that may not bother everyone.

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Holding both buttons for three seconds activates and deactivates the lockout mode, to prevent accidental turning on and draining the charge inside a pack; the red LED blinks twice to indicate locked, and the white LED blinks twice when unlocked. Pressing the button on the back of the left side of the housing opens it up for plugging it directly into any USB port to recharge (no cord needed). The row of four small reading LEDs act as a charge indicator when the headlamp is off and you click the smaller button, and each light represents a 25 percent charge.

According to Knog, a full charge will last for two to 13 hours in the combo (brightest) mode, and up to 80 hours in reading mode. Starting a couple of late-summer backpacking trips (with early sunsets and some pre-dawn starts) with a full charge in the Bandicoot, it was down to about a half charge after a two-night hike on the Teton Crest Trail; and it did not lose power, but was down to 25 percent or less, on a four-night hike in Yellowstone, which included us rising more than two hours before first light on our final morning to get an early start hiking. In other words, this rechargeable has the life for backpacking without necessarily having to recharge it mid-trip.

Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite, Grand Teton, and other parks using my expert e-guides.

 

The Verdict

While not as bright or as versatile as some ultralight models, the Knog Bandicoot is a rechargeable headlamp that’s very functional for backpacking, hiking, climbing, trail running, and other outdoors activities, and actually weighs and costs less than headlamps that use batteries. That’s darn impressive.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a Knog Bandicoot at Eartheasy.com.

Was this review helpful? If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Thank you.

 

See my review of “The 5 Best Headlamps,” and all of my reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my “10 Tricks for Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of both stories for free, or download the e-guide versions of the 10 tricks here and the lightweight backpacking guide here without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

Get full access to ALL stories at The Big Outside. Join now and a get free e-guide!

KNOG BANDICOOT HEADLAMP

Brightness

Features

Value

Versatility

Summary

While not as bright or as versatile as some ultralight models, the Knog Bandicoot is a rechargeable headlamp that’s very functional for backpacking, hiking, climbing, trail running, and other outdoors activities, and weighs and costs less than headlamps that use batteries.

4.5

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-knog-bandicoot-headlamp/feed/ 2 35693 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-morph-down-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-morph-down-jacket/#respond Tue, 03 Sep 2019 13:00:37 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=35168 Read on

]]> Down Jacket
The North Face Morph Jacket
$249, 12.5 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL
ems.com

While today’s insulated jackets come in a greater variety, with different strengths and weaknesses, it can seem confusing to differentiate between them. One easy metric relevant to any consumer is warmth per dollar—and that’s where The North Face Morph Jacket shines. Stuffed with high-quality down feathers that are not water resistant, it delivers warmth that competes with the best down jackets of the same weight, and performance ideal for many backpackers, climbers, and others, at a price about 100 bucks lower than top competitors.

The Morph Jacket kept me warm over a midweight base layer on cool mornings and evenings in camp—with the low one morning around 40° F—on a three-day, late-August backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail, and I rarely had to zip it up on mornings in the low 50s on a six-day, early May backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon, and in similar temps camping in June at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve; and my 18-year-old son found it warm enough over a midweight base layer on raw, wet, chilly May evenings in the 40s and high 30s at the City of Rocks.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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High-quality, 800-fill, RDS (Responsible Down Standard) down makes the jacket quite warm for its weight compared to down with lower fill ratings or most synthetic insulated jackets. The jacket also stuffs easily into its left hand pocket—one of three zippered pockets (the third is on the chest)—and packs down to a little larger than two liter bottles, a nice size for a backpacking pillow.

One reason the Morph isn’t more expensive is that it uses standard down feathers—not water-resistant down found in other, usually pricier high-end puffy jackets. For users who generally don’t get their insulated jacket wet—or routinely go out for days in very wet conditions, when moisture can slowly build up in insulation—the Morph offers warmth comparable to much pricier jackets, and only sacrifices water resistance that many users largely don’t need. The Morph’s shell also has a DWR (durable, water-resistant treatment) to repel the kind of light precipitation that comprises the worst weather to which many users will expose a down jacket, anyway.

The slim fit allows space for a warm base layer underneath, and the relatively short, just-below-the-waist, adjustable hem, designed for wearing with a climbing harness, is long enough for three-season backcountry nights and mornings, and reduces unneeded length in favor of placing all of its warmth-per-ounce in your body’s core. The collar reaches to the chin, and the fit is slightly loose around the neck; you may want a base layer with a high collar in chillier temps.

The unique internal, elasticized cuffs seal around the wrist while giving the sleeve about three inches of additional length that extends to the knuckles—ideal for climbers reaching overhead and for helping keep hands warm in camp. The 20-denier shell fabric is common in down jackets, especially lighter models, and it’s reasonably durable, as long as you don’t catch it on sharp points or edges.

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The Morph Jacket lacks a hood, and while I almost always prefer (and recommend) a puffy jacket with a hood for cold temps, if you’re carrying a wool hat, anyway, and not likely to encounter temps around or below freezing, the hood becomes superfluous. But for hood fans, there is a men’s Morph Hoodie ($279). There’s also a men’s Morph Vest ($150).

The Verdict

If a basic but warm, high-quality down jacket is what you’re after, The North Face Morph Jacket offers the quality, warmth, and packability of many pricier down jackets.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s The North Face Morph Jacket at Moosejaw.com or ems.com, a women’s The North Face Morph Jacket at Moosejaw.com, a men’s Morph Hoodie at Moosejaw.com, a men’s Morph Vest at Moosejaw.com, or a women’s Morph Vest at Moosejaw.com.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like at The Big Outside, and my “Review: The 10 Best Down Jackets.”

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of that story for free, or click here to download that full story without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

THE NORTH FACE MORPH JACKET

Warmth-to-Weight

Warmth When Wet (Not Designed for This)

Packability

Fit

Value

Summary

If a basic but warm, high-quality down jacket is what you’re after, The North Face Morph Jacket offers the quality, warmth, and packability of many pricier down jackets.

4.2

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-morph-down-jacket/feed/ 0 35168 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-tecnica-plasma-s-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-tecnica-plasma-s-hiking-shoes/#comments Tue, 20 Aug 2019 09:00:07 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=34969 Read on

]]> Hiking Shoes
Tecnica Plasma S
$150, 1 lb. 14 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14.5, women’s 5.5-10.5
rei.com

The notion of a hiking shoe that can be heat-molded to your feet like the liners of ski boots seemed too good to pass up. So I took the Tecnica Plasma S shoes on what struck me as two perfect tests: dayhiking 12,662-foot Borah Peak, highest in Idaho, which entails an almost relentlessly steep, 5,200 vertical feet of ascent and descent in seven miles round-trip, mostly on trail, but also includes a few hundred feet of third-class scrambling; plus backpacking the Teton Crest Trail. The Plasma S delivered on the promise of a customized fit—but it’s important to understand the limits of this technology. Read on.

I also wore these shoes on several dayhikes of up to nine miles along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River during a six-day rafting and kayaking trip in mid-July, where I had more moderate hiking and hotter temps than on Borah.

The non-waterproof Plasma S (there’s also a Gore-Tex version, see below) uses the same technology as the brand’s Forge GTX boots. The shoe’s removable footbed—which by design is noticeably more supportive than the flimsy footbeds that come with many low-cut hiking shoes—and part of its upper can be custom heat-molded to your feet using a special machine, similar to heat-molding a ski boot liner, although the two processes differ significantly. 

I got the shoes heat-molded at a local retailer that carries the Plasma S, a free service provided to anyone buying the shoes and which takes 20 to 30 minutes. The two-step molding process basically shapes the heel, insole, and to some extent the arch area to those parts of your foot. It affects only the area of the shoe demarcated by the orange spotted pattern on the upper, so it isn’t identical to heat-molding a ski boot liner, which wraps completely around and conforms to your entire foot.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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I’m told by employees who do the custom molding that it gives satisfactory results for most purchasers of the shoes—but it will not correct a fit that was poor prior to the molding. In my case, these medium-volume shoes fit pretty well before the custom molding, but afterward, the fit was as good as I’ve ever found in low-cut hiking shoes—a performance aspect particularly noticeable on the steep descent of more than 5,000 vertical feet in 3.5 miles off Borah, when my feet might have taken a beating in shoes with a less-than-perfect fit. In the Plasma S, my feet never slipped or developed any hot or sore spots; and after I removed the shoes at my car, my feet genuinely felt like I’d done a much shorter hike.

The shoe’s locking laces and overlap tongue design helped secure the fit and allowed virtually no small stones or dirt inside the shoes.

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A dual-density EVA midsole with a small TPU shank at the arch provide good stability and protection underfoot, even when carrying up to about 35 pounds on the Teton Crest Trail. Weighing a couple of ounces shy of two pounds for a pair (US men’s 9), the Plasma S deliver solid support and torsional rigidity for a shoe that light; there are competitors that are lighter still, and some are as well armored against trail abuse as the Plasma S, but their fit varies and isn’t customizable as with these shoes. Although primarily for dayhiking, these shoes have adequate support for lightweight or ultralight backpacking.

The uppers are made of a synthetic polyamide fabric with TPU laminated reinforcements to guard them against bashing against rocks and other abuse. Combined with a mesh lining, the shoes proved reasonably breathable—my feet got a little sweaty on hot and dry July hikes along the Middle Fork of the Salmon, but remained comfortably dry even under the hot afternoon sun while descending the lower stretch of the Borah Peak Trail. (A side note: Offering shoes that are non-waterproof, and designed for good breathability, in black doesn’t make a whole lot of sense; but color is driven by consumer demand, of course.)

The Vibram Plasma Megagrip outsole design is aggressive for a shoe in this category, with relatively deep and widely space lugs (compared to other low-cut hiking shoes, not with backpacking boots) that bit securely into Borah’s steep, sandy trail and loose, small scree. A patch of smoother outsole under the toes gave me confident purchase when smearing and scrambling the exposed, third-class sections of Borah’s infamous Chickenout Ridge. But oddly, the lugs at the forward edge of the outsole’s in-cut heel—which provide the braking power going downhill—are so pronounced that a few times I caught them on a rock or even on my lower pant leg and nearly tripped.

There’s also a waterproof-breathable version which can be heat-molded, the Plasma S GTX ($180).

The Verdict 

The unique heat-molding available with the Tecnica Plasma S noticeably improves the fit of this low-cut shoe, which also provides good support and grip for dayhiking and lightweight or ultralight backpacking.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the men’s or women’s Tecnica Plasma S or Plasma S GTX at rei.com.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of that story for free, or click here to download that full story without having a paid membership.

Was this review helpful? Get full access to ALL stories at The Big Outside. Join now and a get free e-guide!

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-tecnica-plasma-s-hiking-shoes/feed/ 2 34969 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-gregory-miwok-18-and-maya-16-daypacks-2/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-gregory-miwok-18-and-maya-16-daypacks-2/#comments Wed, 17 Jul 2019 14:21:56 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=34656 Read on

]]> Daypack
Gregory Miwok 18/Maya 16
$110, 18L/1,098 c.i., 1 lb. 12 oz. (men’s)
One men’s and women’s size, adjustable
moosejaw.com

Look at a row of modern daypacks in any store or at an online retailer and you’ll see an increasing number that strive to strike a balance between good carrying comfort and capacity, with a smart feature set that’s not over-engineered, and low weight. Many of them are using the template employed by Gregory’s Miwok and Maya daypack series for years. Carrying the recently updated Miwok 18 on sections of a five-day trek through northern Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains, and on an eight-mile, 5,200-vertical-foot dayhike of Idaho’s 12,662-foot Borah Peak—with some third-class scrambling—I was reminded of everything I’ve liked about this pack for a long time, and had an opportunity to evaluate a fine, major improvement these outstanding daypacks have just received.

The most significant change in the design of the men’s Miwok and women’s Maya daypacks is that the torso length adjusts by repositioning the shoulder straps up or down using a hook-and-loop patch behind the back panel—a simple and secure adjustment system that provides a five-inch fit range while adding nominal weight to the pack. On our trek through Spain’s Picos, my 18-year-old son (five feet 11 inches, with a 19-inch torso) and I (five feet eight inches, with an 18-inch torso) alternated carrying the Miwok 18 and a larger daypack, and the adjustability range gave us both an excellent fit. In fact, at times during our Picos trek, my wife, who’s five feet 10 inches, carried the Miwok 18 and it fit her perfectly well (although the Maya would undoubtedly fit most women better than the Miwok).

There’s no aluminum frame or plastic framesheet in the Miwok/Maya to lend it the rigidity and stability found in some daypacks; the perforated, 3D EVA foam of the Bio Sync suspension easily flexes in your hands and while the pack is on your back. The Miwok and Maya compensate for that frameless design with a torso-hugging fit and relatively wide, padded shoulder straps and hipbelt to disperse the weight. The packs handle up to about 15 pounds comfortably, although strong hikers would easily carry more than that without discomfort.

In fact, one of the nicest aspects of this suspension is how the shoulder straps and hipbelt wrap around your torso and waist, creating a fit so close it makes the pack feel like an extension of your body rather than something you’re carrying. The back panel hugs your back, keeping the pack’s weight close to your spine, which improves carrying comfort compared to some trampoline-style daypacks whose frame creates a gap between your back and the pack (to allow cooling air flow). The Miwok/Maya moves with your body and never feels like it’s pulling back against your shoulders.

The Miwok and Maya also compromise very little by eliminating the gap that allows air flow across your back, because the foam back pad and its mesh covering breathe very well, feeling cool even on hot hikes.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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Rather than a traditional lid with two buckles, the Miwok/Maya has a U-shaped, two-way zipper that opens down as far as the side pockets, enabling instant access to basically the entire main compartment—no digging for buried stuff in this pack. There’s one small, zippered valuables pocket inside. While the pack doesn’t feel bulky, its 18 liters/1,098 cubic inches easily fit my rain shell, extra layers, a full day’s worth of trail food, three liters of water in a bladder, small items like my headlamp, plus my DSLR and two lenses. (In the Picos, the Miwok 18 didn’t have the capacity to carry all of one person’s stuff for a five-day trek, of course, which is why my son and I also had a larger daypack to share between us.)

A zippered top pocket with a soft lining for sunglasses and electronics is one of six external pockets. The stretch-mesh front pocket, which has a small buckle securing its top to the pack body, will swallow an ultralight rain shell, and two stretch-mesh side pockets have the space for a liter bottle each (as long as the pack isn’t fully jammed). The two zippered hipbelt pockets have the capacity for a large smartphone and at least a couple of bars.

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Typical of Gregory, the Miwok/Maya nail the details, including:

• A separate, zippered bladder sleeve (compatible with Gregory’s excellent 3D Hydro reservoir—not included—which I write about in my review of the best backpacking accessories), located between the main compartment and the back panel, for refilling a bladder without having to remove pack contents.

• A bungee-like strap on the left shoulder strap for stowing sunglasses or collapsed trekking poles while on the move.

• A front attachment for an ice axe or trekking poles that secures easily with a tuckaway bungee closure.

• A clip for a hydration bladder hose on the left shoulder strap.

• A loop to attach a light below the front pocket for biking at night.

• And large, molded zipper pulls that are a cinch to grab and operate even wearing warm gloves.

In terms of durability, the Miwok and Maya are nearly identical to many daypacks, with much of the pack body made of durable, 210-denier fabric and the bottom comprised of 420-denier, high-density nylon, while the lighter stretch-mesh used in the front and side pockets is more vulnerable to tears. Notably, the hipbelt pockets are made with tougher nylon rather than mesh.

These packs both come in two other volume sizes, the Miwok 12 ($90) and Miwok 24 ($120), and the Maya 10 ($90) and Maya 22 ($120).

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Gregory Miwok 18 and Maya 16

Comfort

Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

For dayhikers who prefer to travel fairly light on the trail and like a pack that fits closely and moves with their body, the Gregory men’s Miwok 18 and women’s Maya 16 strike an ideal balance between low weight and having the comfort, capacity, and features to handle most three-season hikes.

4.2

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s Gregory Miwok 18 or another size at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com, or a women’s Maya 16 or another size at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com.

Was this review helpful? If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Thank you.

See my “Gear Review: The 8 Best Hiking Daypacks” and all of my reviews of daypacks I like, plus my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks) and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-gregory-miwok-18-and-maya-16-daypacks-2/feed/ 4 34656 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-sawtooth-ii-low-waterproof-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-sawtooth-ii-low-waterproof-hiking-shoes/#comments Tue, 09 Jul 2019 09:32:24 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=34483 Read on

]]> Hiking Shoes
Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof
$140, 2 lbs. 4 oz. (men’s size 9)
Sizes: men’s 8-14, women’s 6-11
backcountry.com

All through the second day of a five-day trek in northern Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains, we hiked through steady rain and, higher up, wet snow that accumulated several inches deep on the ground. It felt more like Scotland’s Northern Highlands than mountains in the north of Spain. Throughout that day and the entire trip, these shoes mostly delivered the kind of support and performance I expect from much pricier boots—but did have a couple of minor shortcomings. 

Support and stability are better than many low-cut shoes: I carried 25 pounds or more for several hours of hiking a day in a variety of terrain through the rugged Picos, from trails of packed dirt or loose scree to steep scrambling and slogging through wet snow, all without a complaint from my feet. A dual-density EVA midsole combines plenty of cushion with the solid torsional rigidity delivered by a nylon shank. As a bonus, all Oboz footwear come with the brand’s O Fit insole, which offers far more support and cushion than standard, flimsy insoles in most hiking shoes and backpacking boots. 

The Sawtooth II’s were comfortable out of the box, requiring no break-in time before I took them on that hut trek. They have a wider toe box than many hiking shoes, enhancing comfort for many hikers—including people (like me) who don’t necessarily have wide feet. But the midfoot and heel still have a more-snug, medium-volume fit that prevents slipping, although the heel felt slightly roomier than I need (and my average-size feet fit many shoe and boot brands). 

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My feet stayed largely dry in these shoes, thanks to Oboz’s proprietary BDry waterproof-breathable membrane: Although a little dampness penetrated the boots after long periods hiking and kicking steps in wet snow, that’s not unusual in waterproof-breathable boots in this category and price range, most of which are really made for hiking in rain and splashing through shallow water; many will allow some dampness through, and some will even get soaked after hours of hiking through wet snow. The Sawtooth II’s performed better than many low-cuts in that regard, letting only my socks get slightly damp. 

They also dried out noticeably quickly afterward, thanks to the mesh vents in the leather uppers and the breathable mesh tongue, which enable the shoes to release moisture very effectively. The leather gives them substantial protection against hard use, as they demonstrated when I scrambled over very rocky terrain in the alpine zone of the Picos, and a rubber toe bumper protects your toes. 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The only mediocre design feature of the Sawtooth II’s is the proprietary Oboz Sawtooth outsole: The fairly shallow, widely spaced lugs tended to hold mud and wet snow rather than shedding them, and slipped at times on steeper, muddier trails. 

The Sawtooth II’s had one durability issue: The rubber toe bumper of one shoe began to delaminate slightly by the end of our five-day Picos trek—my first trip in them. When I asked Oboz about this, they responded. “We have seen this type of toe cap delamination before, but it’s quite rare. Since our shoes are assembled by hand there is a chance that there wasn’t enough glue applied to provide proper adhesion between the rubber toe cap and leather of the upper.” Oboz offers a one-year defect warranty on all of its products, and a problem like this one would fall under the warranty.

My take on the toe bumper delaminating: I’ve certainly seen this happen occasionally with other top brands. Defects occur in virtually any manufacturing process—that’s why companies offer warranties. Although it’s rarer with a handful of top brands and more-expensive, top-of-the-line hiking and backpacking footwear, it happens. I don’t see any reason to believe it happens more frequently with Oboz than many other footwear brands.

The shoe also comes in a non-waterproof low-cut version, the Sawtooth II Low ($110), and two mid-cut versions, the Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof ($150), and non-waterproof Sawtooth II Mid ($135).

The Verdict 

The Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof deliver good support, comfort, and breathability for dayhiking and light backpacking mostly on trails, at a very good price.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the various models of the Oboz Sawtooth II shoes and boots:

The men’s Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com, or the women’s Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com.

The non-waterproof, low-cut men’s Oboz Sawtooth II Low at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com, or the women’s Oboz Sawtooth II Low at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com.

The men’s Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com, or the women’s Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com.

Or the non-waterproof men’s Sawtooth II Mid at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com, or the women’s Sawtooth II Mid at moosejaw.com or rei.com.

Was this review helpful? If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Thank you.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of that story for free, or click here to download that full story without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Join now and a get free e-guide!

OBOZ SAWTOOTH II LOW WATERPROOF

Comfort/Support

Fit

Breathability

Traction

Value

Waterproofing

Summary

The Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof deliver good support, comfort, and breathability for dayhiking and light backpacking mostly on trails, at a very good price.

4.2

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-sawtooth-ii-low-waterproof-hiking-shoes/feed/ 1 34483 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-trail-pro-36-and-trail-pro-34-sl-daypacks/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-trail-pro-36-and-trail-pro-34-sl-daypacks/#respond Wed, 03 Jul 2019 09:00:07 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=34419 Read on

]]> Large Daypack
Deuter Trail Pro 36 and Trail Pro 34 SL
$185, 36L/2,197 c.i., 3 lbs. 7 oz. (men’s)
Sizes: one men’s and one women’s, not adjustable
Trail Pro 36: backcountry.com
Women’s Trail Pro 34 SL: backcountry.com

On the second day of a five-day hut trek through Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains, the trail immediately grew steep and remained steep for most of the day. We hiked long stretches over snow-covered talus and scree—and concluded the day’s hiking with a descent of almost 3,000 feet through innumerable switchbacks. On top of that, the skies rained and snowed on us virtually all day. Sometimes, you just get lucky with conditions that put a pack through a testing gantlet. Throughout that Picos trek, the Trail Pro 36 demonstrated that it’s a high-quality, versatile, large daypack.

Deuter’s Trail Pro 36, designed for men and women with longer torsos, and the women’s-specific Trail Pro 34 SL are high-volume, feature-rich daypacks that diverge from the current trend toward lighter, minimalist gear—making them uniquely suited to carrying heavier loads and serving a wider range of functions than many of today’s daypacks. Here’s why.

The slightly flexible, spring-steel frame and plastic framesheet give the Trail Pro more weight-carrying capacity than most daypacks—actually comparable to many lightweight, 50-liter backpacks. Comfort is enhanced by the shoulder straps connecting directly to fins at the bottom corners of the pack bag, plus the curved shape of the frame, both of which help pull the pack closer to your hips and transfer the pack’s weight onto them.

The wide hipbelt padding wraps smoothly around the waist nearly to the base of the spine, while the belt itself is sewn directly into the bottom corners of the pack bag (inside the fin where the shoulder straps connect). Both design features help distribute weight evenly for all-day comfort even with a fully loaded pack. I hauled 25 or more pounds comfortably in steep, rugged terrain for several hours a day, with ascents and descents of more than 3,000 vertical feet. I’m confident it would handle 30 pounds well, and perhaps more for some users.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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The suspension and frame also make the Trail Pro significantly heavier than most daypacks: At nearly 3.5 pounds, it’s even heavier than lightweight backpacks that have about 50 percent more capacity—so there are better backpacks if your intended use is strictly lightweight or ultralight backpacking. (See my “Gear Review: The 10 Best Backpacking Packs.”)

Two curved, perforated, mesh back pads breathe well and wick moisture, as do the identical and adequately padded hipbelt and shoulder straps, and a channel separating the two vertically aligned back pads promotes air flow (which is also aided by the curved frame). Deuter’s hollow-chamber Aircontact foam feels very soft and creates a “pump effect” when you move.

All of those design elements illustrate how the various features of the pack intersect in performance to improve comfort.

According to Deuter, the Trail Pro’s fixed (non-adjustable) suspension fits torsos ranging from 16 to 21 inches in the two men’s/non-SL models, and 14 to 19 inches in the SL (women’s-specific) models. With my 18-inch torso falling in the middle of the range for the men’s pack, it fit me quite well, as it did my son, who’s skinnier and three inches taller than me. 

But as with any fixed-suspension pack, I would expect the fit to grow less ideal at either end of the claimed fit range; and the Trail Pro comes in just one women’s/SL size and one non-SL size.

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A top loader with a fixed lid, the Trail Pro has a wide mouth that makes loading and finding contents easy, and a spacious main compartment where I fit all of my clothes, gear, and day food and water for a five-day hut trek, plus some of a family member’s clothes. A U-shaped front zipper opens up the main compartment—a really nice feature on a daypack, commonly only seen in better backpacking packs.

The one stretch side pocket fits a liter bottle, unless the pack is fully loaded—as it was for me in the Picos—in which case the pocket stretches only enough to hold small items like gloves and a hat. It’s a little hard to reach into the pocket when wearing the pack.

Instead of another stretch pocket on the other side, the Trail Pro has a vertical, narrow, zippered pocket for tent poles—which I found of dubious value for its intended purpose, given that a 36-liter pack is likely to be used more for day trips and hut treks than backpacking. Still, having a zippered side pocket is useful for keeping small items both accessible (though you have to remove the pack to get at them) and secure.

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There’s also a capacious front stuff pocket that’s smartly integrated into the pack’s side compression and can hold a climbing helmet; a zippered lid pocket of average size; and two zippered hipbelt pockets each large enough for about four energy bars or a large smartphone and one or two bars.

The pack comes with a rain cover that stores in a zippered pocket on the pack’s bottom; it kept the pack’s contents dry and resisted being torn off by wind gusts over 40 mph when we hiked for several hours through a rain and snowstorm. 

The Trail Pro also sports utilitarian features like ice axe and trekking poles attachments and a carabiner/gear loop on each shoulder strap. Lastly, it’s made with a combination of tear-resistant, 210-denier polyamide fabric and super tough, 600-denier polyester with a thick PU coating for added durability and water resistance. This pack should last years of hard use.

The slightly smaller versions are the Trail 30 and women’s Trail Pro 31 SL (both $175).

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and “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes.”

Deuter Trail Pro 36 and women’s Trail Pro 34 SL

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

While on the heavy side for a daypack, its large capacity, easy access, and multi-featured design make the Deuter Trail Pro 36 and women’s Trail Pro 34 SL versatile enough for gear-intensive dayhikes, mountaineering, peak-bagging, hut treks, via ferrata routes, and winter day trips in the mountains.

4.3

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Deuter Trail Pro 36 at backcountry.com, or a women’s Trail Pro 34 SL at backcountry.com.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

See my “Gear Review: The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks” and all of my reviews of daypacks I like, plus my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks) and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-trail-pro-36-and-trail-pro-34-sl-daypacks/feed/ 0 34419 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-gossamer-gear-lt5-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-gossamer-gear-lt5-trekking-poles/#respond Tue, 11 Jun 2019 09:09:36 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=34265 Read on

]]> Ultralight Trekking Poles
Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles
$195, 10 oz./283.5g (per pair, without baskets)
One size, adjustable 105-130cm/41 to 53 ins.
gossamergear.com

You could see the defining characteristic of these ultralight poles even wearing a blindfold: Just pick them up and hold them in your hand. The LT5 adjustable poles feel like feathers. In fact, the pair weighs about as much as a lightweight down jacket and less than five ounces of water, and might weigh less than your rain shell. That’s really light. But these poles nonetheless offer a basic, minimalist performance that stands up to hard use, as I discovered on a six-day, 74-mile backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon—including a rough, 15-mile, nearly 12-hour day traversing most of the rugged Escalante Route—a seven-day, 96-mile traverse of the Wind River High Route, two-thirds of which is off-trail, as well as on a four-day, 45-mile hike through Yosemite and trekking hut-to-hut on New Zealand’s Routeburn and Milford tracks in late spring.

Three-section, twist-lock, adjustable poles with straps, the LT5 possess all of the basic performance qualities that hikers, backpackers, climbers, ultra-runners, and others look for in poles—but at two-thirds of the weight of the strongest competitors.

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The compromises for radically lower weight are few. The twist-lock mechanism doesn’t lock as securely as a lever mechanisms—but rarely slipped in use, even when I leaned hard or stumbled and caught myself on them while scrambling steep talus on the Escalante Route, or when I made a long descent on the South Kaibab Trail and the relentless and severely angled ascent of the Tanner Trail.

The strong and lightweight carbon shafts withstood more abuse than they’d receive on many well-maintained trails—such as the entire Teton Crest Trail, much of the Pacific Crest Trail, and many trails in national parks like Yosemite and Glacier—as I clambered up the third-class talus and loose scree of Papago Canyon and handed packs and poles down a 30-foot cliff we descended on the Grand Canyon’s Escalante Route.

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On the 96-mile Wind River High Route, I hiked with these poles over endless miles of steep talus and scree and pitched an ultralight tent using these poles every night—including one night when the tent and poles withstood several hours of gusts blowing over 40 mph and probably around 50 mph.

The LT5 poles extend to a maximum length of 130cm/51 inches, long enough for many tall hikers, and collapse to 60cm/23.5 inches, making them more packable than many three-section, twist-lock poles like the (more affordable but heavier) Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork poles, but of course much less packable than folding poles such as the (more affordable) MSR DynaLock Ascent poles.

The wrist straps are thinner than many to shave grams, making them a bit less comfortable than wider straps, which becomes noticeable on longer hiking days. The LT5 poles also come with removable trekking baskets.

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While these poles aren’t the strongest for pitching ultralight backpacking tents that require trekking poles for setup, they perform reasonably well for that purpose, especially since you’ll usually seek a fairly protected campsite for an ultralight tent, anyway.

But when your goal is to travel as lightly as possible through the backcountry, poles that are strong and durable enough for normal use and weigh about two-thirds of many three-section, adjustable poles start looking awfully good—especially if, like many thru-hikers, you’re logging big-mileage days, when you notice the weight of the poles in your hands.

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Gossamer Gear LT5

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

For dedicated ultralighters and thru-hikers and many backpackers who prefer to hike lighter, the Gossamer Gear LT5 offer the adjustability of trekking poles that weigh a half-pound more, with good strength and minor compromises.

4.3

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the Gossamer Gear LT5 trekking poles at gossamergear.com.

See my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-book versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-book!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-gossamer-gear-lt5-trekking-poles/feed/ 0 34265 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-spot325-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-spot325-headlamp/#respond Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:00:23 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=34136 Read on

]]> Headlamp
Black Diamond Spot325
$40, 3 oz. (with 3 AAA batteries, included)
backcountry.com

From rising before dawn for early starts to beat the heat on a 74-mile backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon in May, to predawn mornings and dark evenings in camp on a 94-mile traverse of the CDT in Glacier National Park in September, the Black Diamond Spot325 demonstrated the brightness and versatility that makes it arguably the best value in an ultralight headlamp today. Here’s why.

I was a fan of the Spot325’s predecessor, the Spot, and this new model represents an overhaul of that top performer. It has been reduced somewhat in size while powered up to a much brighter 325 lumens. The low-profile design adds a second button that simplifies mode selection. It powers on and off and dims using the larger button, while the smaller button cycles between the three modes: the primary, direct beam, peripheral white mode, and red for night vision. BD’s brightness memory technology means the Spot325 turns on in the mode and brightness level you last turned it off.

Powered by three AAA batteries, the Spot325’s beam projects at least 200 feet at max brightness, by my estimate (BD says up to 83 meters). In peripheral lighting mode, the broad beam projects light uniformly at medium brightness to organize gear or illuminate a campsite or tent interior, without getting blotchy or having an annoying dark spot in the center.

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BD’s unique PowerTap technology—also found in other BD headlamps—allows you to simply tap the right side of the housing (marked by a bulb icon) to cycle between max brightness and whatever dimmed level you’ve already set. The Spot325 also has dimming capability in all three modes.

The slender headband is wide enough to remain comfortable for hours, and the battery compartment opens easily with the flip of a small lever, requiring no tools. BD says the Spot325’s burn time (how long it operates on one set of batteries) is 65 hours at max brightness and 300 hours at minimum brightness. In addition, the improved optical efficiency not only delivers more power at a longer peak intensity, but also saves battery life, indicated by a three-LED battery meter on the side. I took multiple typical trips without noticing any reduced brightness due to the batteries running low.

 

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Like other BD headlamps, the Spot325 has a lockout mode that turns on and off by holding down both buttons for a few seconds, to ensure that the lamp isn’t inadvertently turned on and burning through batteries inside your pack or pocket—definitely a smart feature, even though both buttons lie flush in the housing to help prevent accidental activation. The IPX8 rating means it’s waterproof to one meter for 30 minutes.

The Verdict

It’s not rechargeable, but for brightness, versatile functionality, low weight, and value in an ultralight headlamp for backpacking, hiking, climbing, trail running, and other outdoors activities, the Black Diamond Spot325 is hard to beat.

NOTE: Black Diamond has updated the Spot325 with the Spot350, which is identical but brighter at maximum power. Watch for my upcoming review of the Spot350.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a Black Diamond Spot350 at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or blackdiamondequipment.com.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my “Gear Review: The 5 Best Headlamps,” and all of my reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of that story for free, or click here to download that full story without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-spot325-headlamp/feed/ 0 34136 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-650-down-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-650-down-jacket/#respond Tue, 21 May 2019 09:00:20 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=33962 Read on

]]> Down Jacket
REI 650 Down Jacket
$129, 11 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XL, women’s XS-XL
rei.com

When you’re shopping for backpacking and hiking gear on a budget—or just targeting your budget strategically to put more into, say, a better pack, tent, or rain shell—an insulated jacket is one of those items where you can save a significant amount and still take home something that’s going to serve your needs for years. And REI’s 650 Down Jacket fits right into that kind of spending plan. I wore this down jacket on cool mornings in the low 50s on a six-day, 74-mile backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon, and came away convinced it’s clearly one of the best values available in a lightweight, three-season puffy jacket today.

There’s nothing glamorous or unique about the 650 Down Jacket; it simply has all you need to stay warm when camping in the backcountry or in front country campgrounds—or hiking around town—in the range of temperatures normally encountered in summer in the mountains and spring and fall in southern climes. The 650-fill-power, RDS (Responsible Down Standard) down makes the jacket reasonably warm for its weight, and warm enough for most people in temps in the 40s Fahrenheit over a base layer.

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It lacks a hood, but a wool hat is usually a fine replacement in the temp range this jacket is made for, and the full-length front zipper closes up the collar closely enough to keep wind out. The elasticized hem doesn’t adjust, but extends below the waist and also fits closely enough that you don’t feel the cold air or wind creeping up inside.

The fit is roomy enough to add layers underneath without feeling overly bulky, and the sleeves are long enough to not expose your wrists when reaching overhead; it also comes in six sizes for men and five for women, as well as big and plus sizes for men and women and kids sizes.

The nylon shell fabric blocks wind well and is treated with a DWR (durable, water-resistant finish) to repel light precipitation. The two zippered hand pockets are adequately room and warm, and the jacket stuffs into the left pocket, packing down to a bit larger than a liter bottle—a perfect size for a backpacking pillow, so it saves you a few more bucks there, too.

 

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The Verdict

While it doesn’t have high-quality down, a hood, or other features (like water-resistant down) of a more-expensive down or synthetic jacket, the REI 650 Down Jacket represents one of the best values you’ll find in a three-season insulated jacket that’s light and packable enough for backcountry use.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a men’s REI 650 Down Jacket at rei.com, or a women’s REI 650 Down Jacket at rei.com. Or click here to see all of the 650 Down Jacket versions available.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like at The Big Outside, and my “Review: The 10 Best Down Jackets.”

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of that story for free, or click here to download that full story without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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REI 650 DOWN JACKET

Warmth-to-Weight

Warmth When Wet (Not Designed For This)

Packability

Fit

Value

Summary

While it doesn’t have high-quality or water-resistant down, a hood, or other features of expensive puffy jackets, the REI 650 Down Jacket represents one of the best values you’ll find in a three-season insulated jacket that’s light and packable enough for backcountry use.

3.8

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-rei-650-down-jacket/feed/ 0 33962 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-arcteryx-aerios-fl-mid-gtx-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-arcteryx-aerios-fl-mid-gtx-hiking-shoes/#comments Wed, 15 May 2019 08:00:08 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=33768 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Shoes
Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX
$185, 1 lb. 11 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-13, women’s 5-10
rei.com

The trend toward lighter footwear for hiking and backpacking has generally improved the offerings available—but has also produced a lot of shoes that, frankly, lack the support and cushion for rugged dayhiking or lightweight backpacking. Curious to discover whether the new Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX could hold up to hard use, I wore them on a six-day, 74-mile backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon—which included the very rugged Escalante Route—on which I carried upwards of 40 pounds (a substantial portion of it water). And guess what? Despite falling within the weight class of trail-running shoes, these shoes delivered the performance of a boot at least a half-pound heavier.

Don’t mistake the trail-runner weight and pedigree of the Aerios FL Mid for an indicator of flimsy footwear. A compressed EVA midsole and an integrated TPU shank in the midfoot provide a really nice balance between having nearly as much forefoot flex as a running shoe and the lateral rigidity, support, and cushion of a burlier hiking shoe, plus protection underfoot against rocks and roots. Molded foam around the cuff rises just high enough to protect the ankle bones.

 

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The medium-volume fit features plenty of toe space, plus a midfoot and firm, supportive heel cup that prevent any forward slipping when going downhill, eliminating the friction that can breed blisters. Even though we carried heavy packs for 43 hard miles in just the first three days of our Grand Canyon trek—in temps that pushed into the nineties—my feet remained in pristine condition at the end of the trip. That speaks volumes about the fit of these shoes, given the heat, mileage, and my pack weight.

I wouldn’t normally take waterproof-breathable shoes on a dry, hot trip like in the Grand Canyon, but I was eager to test their stability, support, and comfort for backpacking with a moderately heavy load in rugged terrain, so this trip was perfect for them in that respect. Breathability was actually pretty good for a waterproof shoe, thanks to the Cordura mesh uppers: My feet did not get steamy until temperatures rose into the 70s under a hot desert sun. And the Gore-Tex membrane kept water out when I stood for minutes in shallow creeks to test the shoes.

The Aerios FL Mid are light enough for dayhiking andtough enough for any trail: In the Grand Canyon, I wore the Aerios on a pair of dayhikes from our camp for two nights at Tanner Beach on the Colorado River, one a six-miler, the other an 18-mile, rugged out-and-back hike on the Beamer Trail. I also wore these shoes on local dayhikes in the Boise Foothills, on which they felt as comfortable as sneakers.

Durability seems respectable for such a lightweight shoe, mostly due to TPU overlays and a toe cap protecting high-wear areas of the uppers. But the exposed, soft midsole foam showed wear and tear along the lateral sides of both shoes; those spots could potentially wear more quickly than the outsole, which is often the part of a shoe that ages the fastest. But the Vibram Megagrip outsole on the Aerios FL Mid is similar or the same as what you’d see on many similar hiking shoes: It has decent grip on rock and shallow, widely spaced, multi-directional lugs that bit well in loose dirt. The shoes gave me confidence when we scrambled up the very steep and loose talus and scree in Papago Canyon on the Escalante Route.

 

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The Verdict

The Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX delivers unusually strong support and cushion for a shoe in its weight class, making it ideal for lightweight or ultralight backpacking or dayhiking in any terrain.

The low-cut version is the Arc’teryx Aerios FL GTX ($170), also in men’s and women’s sizes.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX at backcountry.com, arcteryx.com, or rei.com, or the men’s or women’s Arc’teryx Aerios FL GTX at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, arcteryx.com, or rei.com.

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See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of that story for free, or click here to download that full story without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

ARC’TERYX AERIOS FL MID GTX

Comfort/Support

Fit

Breathability

Traction

Value

Waterproofing

Summary

The Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX delivers unusually strong support and cushion for a shoe in its weight class, making it ideal for lightweight or ultralight backpacking or dayhiking in any terrain.

4.4

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-arcteryx-aerios-fl-mid-gtx-hiking-shoes/feed/ 6 33768 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-safien-gtx-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-safien-gtx-hiking-shoes/#respond Tue, 30 Apr 2019 09:02:12 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=33457 Read on

]]> Hiking Shoes
The North Face Safien GTX
$140, 1 lb. 10 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11
Moosejaw.com

Few outings test the comfort and support of hiking shoes like a rim-to-rim dayhike across the Grand Canyon. So to take the full measure of the purported extra cushioning in The North Face Safien GTX shoes, I hiked them across the Big Ditch and back again over two days—a total of 42 miles and about 22,000 vertical feet of serious pounding on consecutive days—and finished feeling no small measure of relief that these shoes really are as cushy as TNF claims. They also have other strengths as well as some minor weaknesses.

The Safien stand out for comfort and support: They proved exceptionally cushy when my feet endured the cumulative pounding of over 11,000 feet of elevation gain and loss two days in a row in the Grand Canyon. Credit goes to the shoe’s XtraFoam midsole, which has a unique shock-absorbing effect that noticeably reduces the pounding impact on the soles of your feet. (Squeeze the shoe’s midsole with one hand inside and one pressing from the outsole side, and you can feel and visibly see the slight shock-absorbing compression of the midsole.)

 

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The medium-volume fit provides plenty of toe space, a snug midfoot that prevents any forward slipping when going downhill, and a supportive, firm heel cup that’s slightly roomier than average compared to other shoe models.

The Gore-Tex membrane kept water out when I stood in shallow creeks to test the shoes, and breathability was good hiking in the Grand Canyon in temperatures ranging from the 20s (on the North Rim in early morning in October) to the 70s Fahrenheit with dry conditions, although I walked through some mud and shallow puddles from heavy rain the day before we hiked. (I had similar conditions dayhiking in these shoes in Bryce Canyon National Park.)

My feet never got more than slightly damp with perspiration, even on afternoons under the hot sun, thanks in large part to the TPU-coated, mesh uppers and gusseted mesh tongue and a below-the-ankle height that allows for more efficient heat release from the collar. The low collar also means no ankle protection, but synthetic overlays on either side provide some protection below the ankle.

 

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The Safien’s construction also integrates a reinforced, molded toe cap, the heel, and a mudguard—which wraps completely around the shoe just above the outsole—directly into the upper. TNF’s EXTS proprietary outsole has shallow, multi-directional lugs that delivered good traction on dirt and rock trails.

The Verdict

With exceptional cushioning, a waterproof membrane and uppers that breathe well, and good traction on a variety of trail surfaces, The North Face Safien GTX shoes are a good choice for dayhikers and lightweight or ultralight backpackers who prioritize low weight over added support in their footwear. And these shoes come at a competitive price for low-cuts.

The North Face Safien Mid GTX ($150), also in men’s and women’s sizes, offers the same performance with more support and protection, especially at the ankle.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s models of The North Face Safien GTX hiking shoes or The North Face Safien Mid GTX boots at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of that story for free, or click here to download that full story without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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THE NORTH FACE SAFIEN GTX

Comfort/Support

Fit

Breathability

Traction

Value

Waterproofing

Summary

With exceptional cushioning, a waterproof membrane and uppers that breathe well, and good traction on a variety of trail surfaces, The North Face Safien GTX shoes are a good choice for dayhikers and lightweight or ultralight backpackers, at a competitive price.

4.3

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-safien-gtx-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 33457 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-magnum-20-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-magnum-20-daypack/#respond Thu, 18 Apr 2019 09:00:29 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=33350 Read on

]]> Daypack
Black Diamond Magnum 20
$90, 20L/1,220 c.i., 1 lb. 5 oz.
One unisex size
Moosejaw.com

Strip away all that’s not absolutely necessary in gear and the result often is something you use over and over again. From a 23.5-mile, rim-to-rim dayhike across the Grand Canyon and a 13-hour, mostly off-trail dayhike of around 20 miles in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, to shorter dayhikes in Zion National Park, as well as a seven-mile trail run-hike outside Ketchum, Idaho, and rock climbing at Idaho’s City of Rocks (carrying just water on the run and climbs), I kept slipping BD’s Magnum 20 onto my back—just for its simplicity and, of course, because it weighs barely more than half as much as a liter of water.

With no rigid structure to it, only a very flexible plastic framesheet and breathable, perforated foam back panel, and just a 20mm webbing belt (that’s removable to shave a few more grams), the Magnum trades off support for carrying more than about 10 to 12 pounds comfortably for a sleek and light design—it’s one of the lightest daypacks that still sports a basic but utilitarian feature set. It doesn’t compare with the best daypacks for comfort (see my picks for the seven best hiking daypacks). Still, I carried it across the Grand Canyon starting out with about 15 pounds inside (including water, food, clothing, and my DSLR), and the weight never felt onerous or imbalanced, or tugged unpleasantly against my shoulders.

 

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The fit of this unisex pack’s one size seems pushed to the upper end of its range on my 18-inch torso. The thin shoulder straps, made of breathable, perforated foam, don’t extend quite far enough to let the pack’s weight ride primarily on my hips when the pack is fully loaded—I loosened the straps as far as they would go. Taller hikers may find it too small, but it may fit many average-height to smaller men and women well.

Apropos of a daypack made for going light, a deep clamshell zipper that opens widely for quick access to the main compartment, which at 20 liters has plenty of capacity for all-day, three-season hikes.

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• 

The Magnum’s features include stretch pockets on each side that hold a liter bottle securely; a front stuff-it pocket large enough for a rain shell with room to spare, and a bungee on the outside of that pocket; zippered top and front accessories pockets; side compression straps; trekking poles/ice axe attachments; and a bike light clip as well as a bladder sleeve and port. With the exception of the side pockets—which could tear easily if you’re not reasonably careful—most of the pack is made with a ripstop nylon fabric that endures abuse as well as many heavier competitors.

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The Verdict

It’s not the pack to grab for maximum comfort when carrying more than 10 to 12 pounds, or if you prefer a fuller feature set. But weighing—and costing—less than most daypacks, Black Diamond’s Magnum 20 is a relatively inexpensive, no-frills pack for hikers and peak scramblers focused on minimizing weight on adventures from a few hours to a long day, and pulls double duty for bike commuting (although not highly water resistant), as a carry-on when flying (large enough for a laptop), or as a light, unobtrusive pack for multi-pitch rock climbs.

There’s also a Magnum 16 ($70, 16L/976 c.i., 1 lb. 1 oz.) that has adequate space for most dayhikers and will save you 20 bucks.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a Black Diamond Magnum 20 at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or blackdiamond.com, or a Magnum 16 at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or blackdiamond.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my “Gear Review: The 7 Best Hiking Daypacks” and all of my reviews of daypacks I like, plus my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks) and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-magnum-20-daypack/feed/ 0 33350 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-refuge-hooded-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-refuge-hooded-jacket/#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2019 09:00:40 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=33163 Read on

]]> Breathable Insulated Jacket
Outdoor Research Refuge Hooded Jacket
$220, 1 lb. 2 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Puffy jackets stuffed with breathable synthetic insulation comprise one of the unsung-hero categories of outdoor gear: If you’re seeking nothing more than maximum warmth per ounce in a puffy jacket, sure, high-quality down is still the way to go. But if you want an insulated jacket with versatility across activities—and activity levels—and in all seasons and weather, a jacket with breathable synthetic insulation will usually outperform any feather-filled or synthetic competitor. And the Outdoor Research Refuge Hooded Jacket stands out in this niche category for all of those reasons, plus warmth that rivals pricier down jackets. Here’s why.

I tested the Refuge Hooded Jacket on winter days of backcountry skiing in Idaho’s Boise Mountains and skiing resorts, wearing it as both a middle and an outer layer in a range of temps from the 30s to single digits Fahrenheit, and a variety of weather. I also found it ideal for bike commuting around town in variable winter and spring weather, thanks to its warmth, breathability, and wind and weather resistance. But while it’s an outstanding insulation piece for winter and shoulder seasons, don’t read that as suggesting it’s strictly for winter: Its most notable strength is the ability to cross over seasons, from snow sports to backpacking, climbing, and other mountain activities in summer.

The break-through technology inside the Refuge is OR’s new, proprietary VerticalX synthetic insulation, which has superior stretch, breathability, and warmth for its weight. (And OR says that starting in fall 2019, it will consist of 85 percent recycled material.) According to OR, VerticalX is constructed using pieces of overlapping materials, improving warmth and durability and allowing the insulation to stretch more. OR equates the warmth of the 60g VerticalX to 700-fill-power down. It’s also manufactured without the need for an internal backer material—found in many synthetic insulations—thus eliminating one common impediment to moisture moving through the jacket. When my base layer got damp with sweat from skinning uphill on skis, it would dry out while I skied downhill, a testament to this jacket’s breathability.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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While high-quality down jackets (think: 800-fill power or higher) are generally warmer per ounce than synthetic insulation pieces, the Refuge packs more warmth per ounce than possibly any synthetic puffy I’ve used, and rivals many down puffy jackets of comparable weight.

The fit is trim, not at all poofy in the chest or waist—an excellent balance between having space for a couple of base layers and/or a light vest without excess bulk or inhibiting movement at all—and it zips up snugly at the neck with soft fabric over the chin. The fully adjustable hood does exactly what a hood should do: close up smoothly around my face to trap heat, delivering an immediate boost in warmth, and move with my turning head.

The Refuge is loaded with features, including three zippered external pockets (one chest, two hand pockets); two internal stuff-it pockets for drying or warming up spare gloves or stashing climbing skins; one internal zippered pocket with a cord port for an electronic device; a brushed tricot lining; and an elasticized, adjustable hem and cuffs that stretch enough to slide over or tuck inside gloves. Plus, the jacket stuffs into the left hand pocket (with some effort), compressing to slightly larger than a liter bottle—very impressive packability for a synthetic jacket that weighs more than a pound and delivers this much warmth.

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• 

• 

The 20- and 30-denier nylon ripstop shell fabric sheds light precipitation and is similar in durability to what you’d find on many puffy jackets—fairly durable, but watch out for sharp edges.

Granted, at over a pound, it’s heavier than most puffy jackets made strictly for three-season adventures—that’s the tradeoff for versatility. But its weight is not excessive if you want an insulated jacket that’s warm enough for nights and mornings near or below freezing—not uncommon, say, in late summer in the mountains or early spring in canyon country—or if you get cold easily and camp in temps around 40° F.

The Verdict

While heavier than most three-season puffy jackets, the Outdoor Research Hooded Refuge Jacket delivers exceptional warmth for its weight, four-season versatility, good breathability, and performance that doesn’t stop when it gets wet—all at a price much lower than many synthetic and down competitors. If you want a warm insulated jacket for any time of year—and warm enough for chilly late summer in the mountains—the Refuge could be the only puffy you need to own.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Refuge Hooded Jacket at backcountry.com, Moosejaw.com, outdoorresearch.com, or rei.com.

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Thank you.

 

See my review of “The 10 Best Down Jackets” and my other reviews of breathable insulated jackets and all of my reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like. See also my reviews of the best gloves for winter, some of which are good for spring through fall, too.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of that story for free, or click here to download that full story without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-refuge-hooded-jacket/feed/ 6 33163 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-chimera-18-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-chimera-18-daypack/#comments Tue, 12 Mar 2019 09:10:40 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=31294 Read on

]]> Daypack
The North Face Chimera 18
$99, 18L/1,098 c.i., 1 lb. 1 oz.
One size each in men’s and women’s models
moosejaw.com

For many dayhikes, the best daypack is one that’s light, carries only what you need without superfluous capacity, and remains mostly unnoticeable on your back. I carried The North Face’s new and interesting Chimera 18 on several hikes, including a 21-mile, 10,500-vertical-foot, rim-to-rim dayhike across the Grand Canyon, and came away very impressed by its comfort with more weight than expected for a 17-ounce pack, plus its stability and surprising versatility for a range of hikers.

I also tested it on late-summer and fall dayhikes of several miles and more than 2,000 vertical feet in Zion and Glacier national parks and Idaho’s Boise Foothills—and once with only water and a long-sleeve shirt inside on a 14-mile trail run in the Boise Foothills, when it proved more stable for running than most daypacks (albeit with very little weight inside; I don’t see it as primarily a running pack).

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Most uniquely, TNF’s DynoCinch System—also featured on some larger, new packs from The North Face—consists of cords over one shoulder and below both elbows that you can pull on-the-fly to compress the pack without taking it off. Besides minimizing shifting and bounce, it makes the pack more stable and pulls its weight closer to your back—improving carrying comfort, even with more weight inside than you’d expect to stuff into a pack weighing a mere 17 ounces.

The simple harness consists only of shoulder straps and a thin webbing belt; and with only a foam back panel flexible enough to fold in half, the Chimera lacks the rigidity and structure seen in daypacks designed for carrying 12 to 15 pounds or more. Still, the pack rides higher on the torso than many daypacks, hugging your upper back, a close fit enhanced when you tighten up the DynoCinch System to pull the contents inward; and the wide shoulder straps disperse weight. I was surprised to find the Chimera reasonably comfortable even with more than 15 pounds inside—very atypical of ultralight daypacks. The perforated, mesh-covered FlashDry back panel offers good breathability and dries fast, too.

I had close to 20 pounds in it at the outset of my Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike—including water, food, layers, and a DSLR with two zoom lenses—and never felt like it was severely overloaded or pulling on my shoulders, the way some packs feel when stuffed beyond their comfortable capacity. Still, I’d recommend it for up to 15 pounds, and that you experiment with how it feels with more weight inside. On most hikes with it, I kept the weight under 15 pounds.

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The Chimera’s fairly unique organization offers quick, convenient access to the two zippered compartments and abundant space in exterior stuff-it pockets—a design with the added benefit of reducing the pack’s weight and profile while keeping it close to your back. More similar to a clamshell-style opening than a top-loading pack, it has a two-way zipper arcing from the top-middle of the pack down one side that accesses the main compartment, which has plenty of space for all the stuff most hikers would need even on very long days in the mountains. (If you like to use a daypack as a plane carry-on, I found that a 15-inch laptop easily slides inside this compartment.)

A smaller compartment/pocket, accessed by a one-way zipper arcing from the top down the pack’s other side, functions like a traditional lid pocket, with space for smaller items like sunglasses and light gloves. But unlike a traditional lid pocket, which rides higher and can seem like a floppy, ill-matched accessory atop the partly filled main compartment of a top-loading pack, this pocket’s weight and bulk ride beside the main compartment, entirely unobtrusively.

See “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes” and “Extreme Hiking: America’s Best Hard Dayhikes.”

With only minor contortions, I could reach into the two stretchy side pockets—each large enough for a liter bottle—while wearing the pack. The stretchy front stash pocket easily swallows a shell or insulation layer plus smaller items. The DynoCinch compression squeezes the mouths of those three zipperless pockets to prevent anything from inadvertently falling out.

Borrowing from running vests, each shoulder strap features two stretch-mesh pockets for gels, bars, a phone, or small, flexible water bottles. The hydration sleeve’s location between the back panel and the main compartment enables refilling a bladder without having to open the main compartment or remove any contents from it.

The Chimera 18 has all the capacity I needed for food, water, layers, camera gear, and incidentals even on 12-hour dayhikes. But there’s also a larger version, the Chimera 24, for hikers who need greater capacity.

Other daypack models that feature the DynoCinch System include the men’s and women’s Chimera 24 ($110) and the men’s and women’s Hydra 38 ($170) and Hydra 26 ($150).

The North Face Chimera 18

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

For hikers who prefer a light load and low-profile daypack, but occasionally go a bit heavier, on long or short dayhikes, The North Face Chimera 18’s smart, ultralight design make it ideal for all but the heaviest loads and one of the most versatile daypacks out there.

4.1

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s The North Face Chimera 18 or Chimera 24 at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com.

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Click here to leave a tip for The Big Outside! Thank you.

See my “Gear Review: The 8 Best Hiking Daypacks” and all of my reviews of daypacks I like, plus my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks) and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-chimera-18-daypack/feed/ 4 31294 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-trail-ergo-cork-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-trail-ergo-cork-trekking-poles/#respond Wed, 06 Mar 2019 11:00:34 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=31211 Read on

]]> Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
$140, 1 lb. 2 oz. (140cm)
Men’s and women’s models, adjustable
backcountry.com

Sometimes it’s the subtle design features that distinguish one model of trekking poles from another. From winter dayhikes in New England and Idaho on trails that ranged from icy and snowy to dry, to a six-day, 94-mile backpacking trip through Glacier National Park, Black Diamond’s new Trail Ergo Cork poles proved durable, versatile, widely adjustable, and useful for hiking and backpacking in all seasons. Here’s why.

One of the Trail Ergo Cork’s most unique features is the 15-degree forward angle of the grips. When swinging the poles while striding, that “ergo” angle naturally places the pole tips in the ground behind my feet, where they deliver the most power. I really like that, especially in poles that are on the heavier end (because they’re built for durability, they’re not ultralight); and for hiking on trails, where you tend to move faster and more straight ahead than when hiking off-trail.

The cork grips don’t slip or feel greasy when your hands get wet with perspiration, and the foam extensions provide a lower grip on the shaft for reaching uphill on steep, off-trail terrain when scrambling or backcountry skiing or snowshoeing.

The length of these three-section poles adjusts using BD’s tried-and-true FlickLock levers, which reliably lock securely and open quickly and easily with a thumb or finger, even when wearing warm gloves. Tension on the FlickLock levers is adjustable using a Phillips screwdriver or any multi-tool or Swiss Army knife that has a Phillips head—meaning they’re adjustable in the backcountry when you’re carrying one of those common tools. With the tension set properly, I’ve never found the levers difficult to open or close, or seen them slip under sudden weight (like when catching yourself on a pole).

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The poles have a huge adjustability range of 74cm to 140cm (29-55 ins.), exceeding most trekking poles, making them useable for everyone from very tall people to short adults and even kids. The aluminum shafts are a bit heavier than carbon, but very durable, and won’t sheer like carbon can under unusual stresses. If you’re hard on poles, you don’t have to worry about bending or shattering these poles.

With a collapsed length of 73.5cm, the Trail Ergo Cork poles do stick up above the top of most daypacks when attached to the outside, so they’re obviously not as packable as folding poles; but they fit on the side of most backpacks and climbing or skiing packs, and in luggage.

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The wrist straps are wider than you’ll find on many poles, and that greater surface area translates to more comfort—especially on long, hard day—and a more-secure feel in challenging terrain. The straps adjust easily, lengthening by pulling up on the top strap and tightening by pulling down on the bottom strap.

As with many poles, the standard carbide tech tips grip the usual trail and ground surfaces you’ll encounter, from dirt to rock, and can be swapped out for rubber tips (sold separately, pliers required). The poles come with trekking and snow baskets.

BD has several models in its Trail Series that vary in design and price from the Trail Ergo Cork poles. Click here to see a menu of options.

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Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Poles

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

While on the heavy end of the spectrum and not as packable as many trekking poles, the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork poles are a widely adjustable, durable, and functional quiver-of-one pair of poles for backpacking, dayhiking, scrambling peaks, and snowshoeing—at a competitive price.

3.7

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork trekking poles at backcountry.com, blackdiamondequipment.com, or moosejaw.com, or another model in BD’s Trail series at moosejaw.com.

Was this review helpful? If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

 

Thank you.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my picks for “The 10 Best Trekking Poles” and my “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-trail-ergo-cork-trekking-poles/feed/ 0 31211 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-msr-dynalock-ascent-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-msr-dynalock-ascent-trekking-poles/#comments Thu, 18 Oct 2018 13:28:39 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=29525 Read on

]]> Trekking Poles
MSR DynaLock Ascent Poles
$190, 1 lb. 1 oz./481.9g (per pair, 100-120cm, with trekking baskets)
Two sizes, adjustable: S 100-120cm/39-47.2 ins., L 120-140cm/47.2-55.1 ins.
backcountry.com

When you need trekking poles, you want them to stand up to the hardest use in any season. When you don’t need them, you want them to nestle unobtrusively under pack straps. On numerous days in the backcountry, including a 20-mile, mostly off-trail peaks traverse in Idaho’s Sawtooths, a rim-to-rim dayhike across the Grand Canyon, a five-day trip in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains, a six-day hut trek on Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails, and some of the hardest miles on the Appalachian Trail, MSR’s Dynalock Ascent Poles stood out for being tough, stable, and exceptionally packable.

I used the adjustable, three-section, folding DynaLock Ascent Poles backpacking in the Wind River Range and dayhiking some of the hardest trail miles in the country—a one-day, 27-mile traverse of western Maine’s Mahoosuc Range, mostly on the Appalachian Trail—and as well as on a 13-hour, mostly off-trail dayhike of around 20 miles scrambling peaks in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, and on other dayhikes in Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. My wife also used these poles on a four-day, roughly 30-mile backpacking trip in the Sawtooths, and on a 22-mile, 11,000-vertical-foot, rim-to-rim dayhike across the Grand Canyon.

The Dynalock carve out a unique niche among trekking poles for three qualities: durability, packability, and having adjustability in folding poles.

The Kevlar-reinforced, all-carbon fiber construction demonstrated very high resistance to sheering or crushing when bashed multiple times against granite when I scrambled while holding them in one hand over boulders on the AT in the Mahoosucs and in the Sawtooths. The poles suffered no damage on any outings, beyond a lot of superficial scratches in the shafts.

The two sizes each have an adjustable range of 20cm, so virtually anyone can use these poles. Most useful to hard users, these poles are very compact when folded, measuring 36.2cm/14.3 inches long (in the 100-120cm size)—meaning they fit easily on the outside of a small pack, and are much shorter than standard, three-section poles whose shafts collapse inside one another.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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The Dynalock poles have an inner cable for deploying and collapsing it, similar to a tent pole, and the three sections lock very rigidly into place with a simple pin mechanism (that’s easy to depress to collapse the poles). A Dynalock lever on each pole never slipped, even on the 5,000-foot descent of the South Kaibab Trail to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. There’s no discernible play or wobble in these poles, so they feel secure whether descending loose scree off-trail or powering up a long, steep ascent on trail.

The comfortable EVA foam grips feel good and don’t slip easily in bare or gloved hands, and an extended grip on the upper shaft helps in managing steep slopes. The wrist strap adjusts easily.

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At a hair over one pound (for the small length), they’re not ultralight, but compare with the sturdier trekking and winter backcountry poles on the market. But having broken all-carbon and bent all-aluminum poles in the past, from what I’ve seen, the Dynalock Ascent strike a fine balance between durability and moderate weight.

The three pole models in MSR’s Dynalock series are designed to cross over from summer hiking, backpacking, off-trail scrambling and mountaineering to winter split boarding, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing, so they come with both trekking and snow baskets; and the snow baskets have a catch for raising MSR Televators.

MSR’s other two Dynalock models are the DynaLock Explore ($120), constructed with light, high-strength 7075 aluminum, and the two-section, aluminum Dynalock Trail ($90), designed for lighter, on-trail use.

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MSR Dynalock Ascent Trekking Poles

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

While they are heavier than some models, if you’re looking for sturdy, durable, adjustable poles that pack down small and come in at a moderate weight, the MSR Dynalock Ascent Poles do that job at a price that beats high-quality competitors.

4.5

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the MSR Dynalock Ascent Trekking Poles at backcountry.com.

Let The Big Outside help you find the best adventures. 
Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

See my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

Was this review helpful?

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Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-msr-dynalock-ascent-trekking-poles/feed/ 6 29525 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-princeton-tec-vizz-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-princeton-tec-vizz-headlamp/#comments Thu, 04 Oct 2018 09:00:13 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=6997 Read on

]]> Ultralight Headlamp
Princeton Tec Vizz
$50, 3.2 oz. (including three AAA batteries)
outdoorplay.com

NOTE: See my review of the newest version of the Princeton Tec Vizz headlamp.

Long a favorite headlamp of mine for backpacking or climbs or dayhikes that somehow stretched into the wee hours, the Vizz received an update in 2018 that made it the brightest three-ounce headlamp I’ve reviewed (three ounces being the standard in ultralight headlamps these days). The new Vizz still stands out for versatility and ease of use: You don’t need a Ph.D. in electronics to operate it. I’ve used it on numerous trips from Sequoia National Park, Washington’s Glacier Peak Wilderness, and Idaho’s White Clouds Mountains to, most recently, Glacier National Park with the 2018 version of the Vizz, and still consider it one of the best. Here’s why.

For starters, the Vizz has fast, intuitive, one-button operation: Click the power button in rapid sequence to cycle through the two white modes and one red mode, and hold the button down to control the dimming function in all three modes. Hold the power button depressed for several seconds to engage the lockout mode.

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In high-power mode, the 420-lumen Maxbright LED in the Vizz throws a powerful beam that Princeton Tec claims projects 78 meters (256 feet). When I backpacked to the Big Boulder Lakes in Idaho’s White Clouds Mountains after dark, took a 6.4-mile evening hike from our campsite in the Glacier Peak Wilderness to Image Lake, and wore it walking around a meadow campsite in Glacier National Park, the beam projected at least 200 feet (60 meters).

Two white LED bulbs cast a broad flood beam with a range that PTec claims is 24 meters, or almost 80 feet. I found the blood beam illuminated the forest on both sides of the trail for farther than I needed it to, which is very helpful when hiking or especially running or climbing in the dark. The red mode does not have a strobe option.

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Like many leading ultralight headlamps, the Vizz is rated waterproof down to a meter for 30 minutes (IPX7). It has impressive max burn times of up to 110 hours for the white spot beam, 104 hours for the white flood beam, and 150 hours in red mode. More importantly, its regulated LEDs mean that the Vizz maintains constant brightness for as long as the batteries hold enough voltage, meaning that its brightness does not slowly fade as the batteries lose juice.

The Vizz uses three AAA batteries and is not rechargeable. Turning a small screw opens the battery chamber, and I could loosen and tighten it with my fingers. Lastly, the head strap is comfortable whether on the move or lying on my back reading.

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The Verdict

Certainly one of the most powerful ultralight headlamps for dayhikers, backpackers, climbers, trail runners, and backcountry skiers, the Princeton Tec Vizz also delivers good versatility that ranks it among the best headlamps for backcountry users, at a competitive price.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the updated Princeton Tec Vizz 420 at outdoorplay.com or ems.com, or the original Vizz at nrs.com.

Tell me what you think.

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See my other headlamp reviews and all of my reviews of hiking gear and reviews of backpacking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-princeton-tec-vizz-headlamp/feed/ 1 6997 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-petzl-bindi-ultralight-rechargeable-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-petzl-bindi-ultralight-rechargeable-headlamp/#respond Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:00:22 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=29340 Read on

]]>

Ultralight Rechargeable Headlamp
Petzl Bindi
$60, 1.2 oz./35g
moosejaw.com

To get a backcountry headlamp that’s crazy ultralight, you have to ditch all superfluous parts, stripping it down to only what’s essential—the light and housing. With the rechargeable Bindi, Petzl created a super-ultralight headlamp by shrinking the housing and dropping two elements that comprise much of the weight of many three-ounce headlamps on the market today: the batteries and head strap (the latter replaced with an adjustable, stretch cord). The result is an uber minimalist light that weighs barely more than an ounce and fits in a closed fist, but proved very functional on predawn mornings and dark evenings in camp on a six-day backpacking trip in Glacier National Park in September.

Rechargeable using a micro USB cable, the Bindi has three white brightness levels and a red bulb with proximity and strobe options, and is waterproof to one meter for 30 minutes (IPX4). At 200 lumens, the brightest white beam projects at least 100 feet in my estimation—consistent with Petzl’s claim of 36 meters (118 feet), and competitive with headlamps that weigh three times as much. At medium brightness (100 lumens), the Bindi illuminates a trail well enough for hiking on a dark night, though not for route-finding off-trail. The dimmest white setting (five lumens) is bright enough for reading and tasks within arm’s reach. Red mode is strictly for close-up tasks or stepping outside the tent at night.

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White mode casts a flood beam that’s much brighter in its center than on its periphery, which feels very natural whether in camp or moving along a dark trail. Holding the power button toggles between white and red modes. Burn time on a full charge is a relatively limited two hours at max power, three hours at medium, and 50 hours at the dimmest setting. The Bindi reaches a full charge from drained in about four hours when plugged into a wall outlet.

With such a tiny housing (that tilts) and an adjustable cord in lieu of a strap, the Bindi remains entirely stable on your head even while running. I found the adjustable, stretch cord almost unnoticeable even wearing it for a couple of hours in camp, and it fits on my various climbing helmets. Petzl guarantees the Bindi for three years or 300 charging cycles.

The Verdict

While its burn time on a single charge isn’t adequate for adventures when you’re on the move for several hours in the dark, the Bindi functions well for many dayhikes, trail runs, dawn-patrol backcountry ski laps, and relatively short backpacking trips when you have daylight for most waking hours. At this weight, it’s also appealing as a backup, second headlamp. If you’re willing to spend more on a headlamp for ultra-ultralight weight rather than for versatility, the Bindi shines.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a Petzl Bindi headlamp at moosejaw.com or ems.com.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Subscribe now to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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See my “Gear Review: The 5 Best Headlamps,” and all of my reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-petzl-bindi-ultralight-rechargeable-headlamp/feed/ 0 29340 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-feathered-friends-eos-down-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-feathered-friends-eos-down-jacket/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2018 11:42:53 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=29174 Read on

]]> Note: See my review of updated-for-2022 Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket.

Down Jacket
Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket
$409, 11 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
featheredfriends.com

From lunch stops at mountain passes buffeted by cold, autumn’s-around-the-corner winds in Glacier National Park in September, to mornings and evenings in temps in the thirties and forties on that six-day Glacier backpacking trip, another September backpacking trip in Yellowstone, and a four-day August trip in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, the Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket persuaded me that it’s hands-down one of the very best puffy jackets on the market—and an incredible value at its price. I don’t offer such praise casually or very often. But there are few pieces of outdoor apparel or gear on which your money would be more wisely spent. Read on to learn why.

Made in the U.S. and stuffed with 3.7 ounces of ethically sourced, 900+-fill goose down, the Eos proved ideal in a range of temperatures down to the high 30s with sometimes strong, cold winds, in which the jacket kept me completely warm over just a long-sleeve top. That’s impressive warmth for a puffy jacket that weighs 11 ounces—its warmth-to-weight ratio is as good as any I’ve seen, and possibly only matched by the Arc’teryx Cerium LT, which costs $40 more (and is a hybrid down-synthetic puffy).

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While the down isn’t treated for water resistance (which is more common in sleeping bags), it is packed inside a water-resistant, Pertex Quantum shell with a DWR (durable, water-resistant treatment) that sheds light precipitation; short of you standing outside in a steady rain without a rain shell over it, the Eos will keep its down dry. As with any lightweight and ultralight jacket, the 12-denier by 20-denier shell fabric is tough for its very low weight, but susceptible to tears, so be careful with it. The construction is top-notch, though, with sewn-through baffles that prevent down from migrating. While sewn-through baffles help reduce garment weight and are common in lightweight down jackets, they can create cold spots along seams where there’s essentially no insulation. But that was not a problem in the toasty Eos, even in temps in the upper 30s Fahrenheit.

The elasticized hood isn’t adjustable—that would add weight—but has a supremely well-tailored fit that keeps cold air out and even stays put on your head when the jacket’s front zipper is opened halfway, which is remarkable.

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The jacket sports two adequately spacious, zippered hand pockets, elasticized cuffs, and a drawcord hem. It packs down to fit in the included, three-liter, 8×5.5-inch stuff sack, a nice size for a camping pillow—compact and light enough that I kept it near the top of my backpack to pull out during snack breaks in chilly wind at high passes in Glacier.

At a price that’s even beats some high-end down jackets that are not nearly as warm (i.e., they’re lighter and made for milder conditions), the men’s and women’s Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket delivers exceptional quality in an insulated jacket that’s warm enough for camping in temps near or below freezing, and that you could wear around town in winter. When it comes to weighing dollar-for-dollar value, you will rarely spend your money so wisely as on this puffy jacket.

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BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a men’s Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket at featheredfriends.com, or a women’s Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket at featheredfriends.com.

See all of my reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like at The Big Outside, and my review “The 10 Best Down Jackets.” (The Feathered Friends Eos is one of them.)

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Join now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-feathered-friends-eos-down-jacket/feed/ 1 29174 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-sierra-designs-whitney-dridown-hoodie-and-sierra-dridown-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-sierra-designs-whitney-dridown-hoodie-and-sierra-dridown-jacket/#comments Wed, 05 Sep 2018 09:00:04 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=29051 Read on

]]> Down Jackets
Sierra Designs Whitney DriDown Hoodie
$169, 14 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
Moosejaw.com

Sierra Designs Sierra DriDown Jacket
$159, 12 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
Moosejaw.com

The best, three-season down and synthetic insulated jackets stand out for high-quality construction and materials—which translates to abundant warmth per ounce, low weight, and excellent packability. They also range from over $200 to nearly $400, and while worth every dollar, those prices put them out of reach for some consumers. What do you do? More-affordable puffy jackets generally have lower-quality insulation. That’s why the Sierra Designs Whitney Hoodie and Sierra Jacket, stuffed with 800-fill, water-resistant DriDown, look so enticing. My field testing found some flaws but still demonstrated why they’re a good value. Read on.

I wore the Whitney Hoodie—which is simply the hooded version of the Sierra DriDown Jacket, both of which come in men’s and women’s sizes—on numerous spring evenings and mornings camping in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve. I saw very windy conditions that created a wind chill in the low 40s Fahrenheit, and wore the hoodie in rain showers one morning. A friend wore it on cool evenings camping on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim and Esplanade on a four-day May backpacking trip on the the Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop, and in camps on a six-day bikepacking trip in May in Arizona, with a couple of mornings around freezing.

Most unique for moderately priced puffy jackets, SD’s Whitney Hoodie and Sierra Jacket are stuffed with 800-fill DriDown insulation. Its water-resistant down feathers repel moisture well enough to essentially postpone the usual loss of loft and warmth that occurs when standard down gets wet—even the various forms of water-resistant down will get soaked eventually if rained on enough. The Whitney’s shell got quite wet during about two hours of light but steady showers in camp at the City of Rocks, but I stayed dry inside it and noticed no compromise in the jacket’s warmth or loft.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Subscribe now to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Both jackets have features you’d find in pricier models: two zippered hand pockets, a zippered chest pocket, and an internal kangaroo pocket, and they stuff into the left zippered hand pocket, creating the ancillary benefit of a large, soft backpacking pillow. If squished inside  a pack, it compresses to about the size of a cantaloupe. A note about the weight: My men’s medium Whitney Hoodie weighs 14 ounces on my scale, significantly less than the given weight of nearly 18.7 ounces at SD’s website. SD also lists the Sierra Jacket as 1.7 ounces lighter than the Whitney, which is why I give its weight above as 12.3 ounces.

One of the nicest design features is the sleeve cuffs, which have an elasticized inner cuff within the external, puffy sleeve, sort of like an internal gaiter on snow pants: The inner cuff seals snugly around the wrist, completely blocking out cold air. The hoodie’s and jacket’s construction is high quality, with baffles that prevent the down from migrating, an adjustable hem to seal out drafts, and a reasonably durable 40-denier polyester nylon shell.

The Whitney and Sierra differ only in that the former has an elasticized, helmet-compatible hood—which is the focus of my one complaint about the Whitney: Why isn’t the hood adjustable? Sure, that would increase the price, but it’s a nicely insulated, high-volume hood designed to accommodate a helmet; without a helmet on, the hood doesn’t fit closely around your head, and it certainly doesn’t turn with your head. A strong gust blows the hood off. The collar also does not fit closely around the neck, even with the jacket fully zipped, allowing cold air to creep in. SD explained to me via email: “Elastic hems and high, zippable collar seal in the warmth, it keeps the design simpler, and the fitted hood helps to accommodate helmets.” But the hood isn’t sufficiently elasticized to create a close fit on the head and bring the collar in tighter.

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If you’re a climber and need an affordable, water-resistant, packable down jacket primarily for wearing a helmet while climbing, or if you’re wearing the hood over a warm hat and thus filling up the hood volume so that it fits better, the Whitney’s a good value. For backpackers and others, get the Sierra DriDown Jacket and just pack a warm hat.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a Sierra Designs men’s Whitney DriDown Hoodie at Moosejaw.com, or a Sierra Designs women’s Whitney DriDown Hoodie at Moosejaw.com, or the men’s or women’s at sierradesigns.com; or SD’s hoodless version of the Whitney, the men’s Sierra Dridown Jacket at Moosejaw.com, or the women’s Sierra Dridown Jacket at Moosejaw.com, or the men’s or women’s at sierradesigns.com.

See my “Review: The 10 Best Down Jackets” and my blog post, “Ask Me: How Can You Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is?,” and all of my reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like at The Big Outside.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Subscribe now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-sierra-designs-whitney-dridown-hoodie-and-sierra-dridown-jacket/feed/ 3 29051 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-ultra-fastpack-iii-mid-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-ultra-fastpack-iii-mid-gtx-boots/#comments Tue, 04 Sep 2018 09:00:56 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=29039 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Boots
The North Face Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX
$170, 1 lb. 15 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11
Moosejaw.com

Supportive, durable, waterproof-breathable, mid-cut boots that weigh under two pounds are a rare breed, so I was intrigued by the specs on The North Face Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX boots. But I’ve also worn enough lightweight boots to know that many do not measure up when it comes to delivering solid support and stability for dayhiking and backpacking mountain trails. So I took these boots on a four-day, roughly 30-mile family backpacking trip in August in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains—and they aced every test.

The North Face claims that its new FastFoam midsole “maximizes energy return so that you can cover more miles, faster.” Backpacking with about 30 to 40 pounds on my back, walking moderate daily distances at an easy pace (with my family), I found the midsoles—which sport an ESS midfoot shank to enhance torsional rigidity and guard against sharp rocks—have nice cushion and support for carrying that much weight.

But the aggressive forefoot flex, ankle height (for enhanced protection and support), and low weight of these boots—very few mid-cuts come in under two pounds per pair (for the men’s size 9)—mean they can pull double duty as a lightweight dayhiking boot for long days in the mountains and even ultra-hiking.

TNF also says the EVA midsole has a more-resilient perimeter to allow users to put more miles on the boots before the foam in the midsole gets packed out and loses its cushion—one of the two wear-and-tear points, along with the outsole, that are usually the primary reason for retiring old boots.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Subscribe now to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The medium-volume fit gave me no trouble wearing them out of the box. With ample toe space and a midfoot and heel that prevented my feet from slipping, I never felt any discomfort or developed any blisters or even hot spots. Not surprisingly, given the price point and materials, these boots don’t deliver the kind of almost-custom fit you can get with the best, high-end leather boots. But the flexible uppers and the common lacing system of loops and hooks combine to provide a smooth wrap around the foot.

While we had no rain in the Sawtooths, I stood in creeks for several minutes more than a few times to treat water and simply test the boots, and the waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex membrane proved flawless. It also breathed well enough to keep my feet from getting more than damp on sunny, hot, August days. That’s partly attributable to the breathability of the mostly woven-mesh uppers, especially in the gusseted tongue. But where mesh uppers on many low-cut hiking shoes in this weight category quickly suffer damage on rocky trails, these uppers are made more durable by TPU overlays reinforcing key wear points from the toes and sides to the heel. While dusty, the uppers otherwise look no worse from the abuse of rocky trails.

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The Vibram Megagrip outsole—found in many models of hiking and backpacking boots—has widely spaced, multi-directional, relatively shallow lugs, and deliver good traction in most conditions encountered on summer trails, from dry, packed dirt to mud and rocks.

The North Face Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX boots pull off a rare blend of traits, marrying the support, protection, waterproofness, and durability of many midweight mid-cuts with the low weight and nimble feel of ultralight low-cuts. Whether you want a light boot for standard or ultralight backpacking or dayhiking, or just a solid, all-around top performer for almost any mountain adventures in any weather, this one measures up and comes at a good price.

The Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX also comes in versions with woven uppers in a low-cut for men and women, and a mid-cut for men and women.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase…

The men’s Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX boots at moosejaw.com or ems.com;
The women’s Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX boots at Moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com;

The men’s Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX boots with woven uppers at moosejaw.com;
The women’s Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX boots with woven uppers at moosejaw.com;

The men’s Ultra Fastpack III GTX low-cut shoes at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com;
The women’s Ultra Fastpack III GTX low-cut shoes at moosejaw.com or ems.com.

The men’s Ultra Fastpack III GTX low-cut shoes with woven uppers at moosejaw.com or rei.com.
The women’s Ultra Fastpack III GTX low-cut shoes with woven uppers at moosejaw.com or rei.com.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Subscribe now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-ultra-fastpack-iii-mid-gtx-boots/feed/ 5 29039 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-montem-ultra-strong-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-montem-ultra-strong-trekking-poles/#comments Tue, 14 Aug 2018 09:00:01 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=28739 Read on

]]> Trekking Poles
Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles
$75, 1 lb. 3 oz./538.6g (per pair, with trekking baskets
One size, adjustable 105-135cm/41.3-53 ins.
montemlife.com

Despite how useful they are at reducing impact on leg and back muscles and joints, letting you hike farther with noticeably less fatigue, trekking poles are often one of the last pieces of gear that hikers and backpackers acquire. I suspect that has to do with cost almost as much as the time lag between becoming a hiker and discovering the utility of poles. But what if poles were cheaper? Seeing the Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles priced one-third to one-quarter the cost of many leading, popular pole models, I had try them out.

I used them backpacking the rugged, 25-mile Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop in the Grand Canyon, a four-day trip in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, and dayhiking in Zion National Park to see how they measure up.

My wife also used them on a four-day backpacking trip in Yosemite in July, and I used them on winter days of resort skiing. The three-section, adjustable Ultra Strong poles use the same materials you’ll find in pricier poles: highly durable 7075 aluminum shafts that suffered no damage in testing, even on the steep and rocky paths of the Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop; flick-lock levers for adjusting the length (similar to those used on Black Diamond poles); carbide tips; comfortably wide and easily adjustable hand straps; and EVA foam grips that extend down the shaft, useful when hiking very steep terrain or backcountry skiing.

The foam grips are among the softest I’ve ever held—the foam actually depresses under pressure from a finger (and rebounds instantly). The flick-lock levers require no tool to easily and quickly adjust pole length. With an impressively broad adjustment range of 61-135cm (24-53 inches), these poles are good for most hikers and backpackers.

The poles collapse to a packed length of 61cm (24 ins.), putting them near the least-packable end of the trekking poles spectrum, but comparable to other, sturdier and heavier models

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The locking levers occasionally loosened and collapsed when weighted—although not very many times, and not a single time on my most-recent backpacking trip with them. While it’s very easy to tighten them up again, that slippage doesn’t tend to happen with high-end adjustable poles.

While the poles seem strong enough for skiing, random slipping may be more annoying for on-snow users than hikers and backpackers. However, the fixed piece attaching the upper lever mechanism to the shaft broke on one pole after a few years of use, a failure likely covered under the lifetime warranty.

Another demerit: I lost one of the trekking baskets in the Grand Canyon, and I’m not sure how—which means it wasn’t some noticeable event, so it came off too easily.

At a few ounces over a pound per pair, the Ultra Strong poles are heavier than most poles for hiking, but not much heavier than other, more-durable poles, making them ideal for many dayhikers and backpackers.

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Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles

Adjustability/Sizes

Packability

Versatility

Weight

Durability

The Verdict

While these aren’t the lightest or most compact model available, for many hikers and backpackers on a budget, who don’t mind having to readjust the poles occasionally when they slip, the Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles represent a super value.

4.1

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affililate link to purchase the Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles at montemlife.com.

Get 15 percent off any purchase at montemlife.com using the exclusive discount code BIGOUT15MOG.

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I almost never hike without poles. Read why in my “10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier.”

See my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-montem-ultra-strong-trekking-poles/feed/ 2 28739 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-storm-headlamp-2/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-storm-headlamp-2/#respond Wed, 08 Aug 2018 09:00:57 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=28782 Read on

]]> Headlamp
Black Diamond Storm
$50, 3.9 oz. (with 4 AAA batteries, included)
backcountry.com

As darkness and light rain both fell on a partner and I for the last couple of miles of a 27-mile dayhike the length of western Maine’s brutally rugged Mahoosuc Range, I slipped the Storm onto my head—which helped prevent my shuffling and occasional staggering from turning into falling. I also used this ultralight headlamp in campsites from Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve and Yosemite National Park to backpacking the Grand Canyon’s Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop. Through all that field testing, the Storm proved itself one of the best high-performance headlamps on the market today. Here’s why.

Few backcountry headlamps have the Storm’s range of features and power, and perhaps none do at its price. For starters, it sports 350 lumens of power in its two LED bulbs—a very bright spotlight and an excellent LED proximity beam for illuminating a campsite, tent interior, or a map or book page. That’s brighter than most headlamps in this weight class. Night vision mode offers three colors: the most common, red, plus green (useful for hunters because it doesn’t disturb game animals), and blue (which cuts through fog). The Storm is rated IP67, meaning it’s both dustproof and waterproof to one meter for up to 30 minutes.

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As with other BD headlamps, the Storm has a couple of features I use frequently: Power Tap technology, which allows you to switch instantly between a dimmed level (that you set) and full brightness simply by tapping the side of the casing; and Brightness Memory, which lets you power the light on and off at a chosen brightness level without having to go to full power (draining batteries).

While the instructions can appear complicated at first glance, using the Storm is fairly intuitive; and anyone who’s owned a BD headlamp of recent vintage will find it familiar. Depress the power button once for on-off, twice to change modes—for instance, from spotlight to proximity beam in white, or from red to green to blue when in a night mode. Press it three times to enter strobe for whichever mode it’s in. In any mode, hold it down when turned on to dim and brighten. Hold two seconds to change between white and red LED modes, and double-click in red mode to switch to green and blue; all three colors have a strobe option.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Like other BD lamps, the Storm locks off by depressing the power button for four seconds (a blue light will blink rapidly for three seconds when it’s locked off)—a very useful feature to prevent accidentally draining your batteries inside your pack.

Operating on four AAA batteries, it has a longer battery life than many ultralight competitors: BD puts it at 40 hours of battery life at high power, and says that’s based on testing battery life down to the threshold of what is considered “usable” light, for which the industry standard (also used by other companies) is 0.25 lux at two meters. At low power, battery life is up to 120 hours, according to BD.

But that leads to a minor drawback of the Storm: Four batteries make it slightly heavier than the lightest headlamps, and it feels a little bulkier on your head. Although it never bobbed, even when hiking fast, runners may find it a little large. A lever lock provides easy access to the battery compartment without requiring a tool. Any rechargeable batteries can be used in the Storm.

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Whether you’re hiking or descending from a climb after dark, route-finding, starting a dawn-patrol ski run long before sunup, firing up a stove, or just kicking around the campsite at night, the Storm is one of the two or three most versatile, high-performance ultralight headlamps on the market.

At just $10 more than the popular Black Diamond Spot, the Storm has more features and brightness, along with slightly more weight. Some users may not need that enhanced performance. But hard-core wilderness backpackers, climbers, hunters, and ultra-hikers will appreciate the brightness boost, watertight housing, and rangy feature set that can handle any adventure—at a competitive price.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a Black Diamond Storm headlamp at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or ems.com.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

See my “Gear Review: The 5 Best Headlamps,” and all of my reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Subscribe now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-storm-headlamp-2/feed/ 0 28782 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/are-you-still-wasting-money-on-outdoor-gear/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/are-you-still-wasting-money-on-outdoor-gear/#respond Thu, 28 Jun 2018 09:00:29 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=22860 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

What if every time you laid down money for hiking, backpacking, or other outdoors gear, you always knew exactly what you needed and were invariably satisfied with your purchase for years afterward? What if you knew every time whether it was smarter to spring for the pricier piece of gear or go for the cheaper model? What if you always knew when and where to find the best gear at rock-bottom sale prices?

Read on to learn how you can become that expert gear buyer—just in time for ongoing gear sales at many online retailers.

Like me, you love getting out dayhiking, backpacking, climbing, and/or trail running. We need the right gear and apparel for those activities. That stuff costs money. So we have to make choices over what we need, the best products among myriad models, which of them represent the best value, and ultimately, what we can afford.

More than two decades as a professional gear tester and reviewer have taught me a lot about making informed gear choices and when and where to shop for gear. Here are my tips for becoming a smarter gear consumer who understands how to get the best value for your buck. Please share your thoughts on my tips or your own best tips in the comments section at the bottom of this story.

 

Top 3 Tips For Buying Gear

For starters, my three top rules about buying outdoor gear would apply to buying almost any consumer product:

1. Do some research to understand what you need and the differences between choices available. (Start with the categorized menus and buying tips at my Gear Reviews page.)

2. Don’t buy at the last minute. Planning ahead usually gives you more choices and opportunities to find discounted prices. (Save money and support my work on this blog by making purchases through these links at moosejaw.com and rei.com, as well as links you find in the many gear reviews at The Big Outside.)

3. Assess price in terms of the gear’s value to you. If you use it infrequently, perhaps less-expensive gear (assuming it’s of adequate quality) will suit your needs just fine. But if you use it a lot and can afford it, high-quality gear pays for itself many times over in the currency of your quality of experience. And that matters.

 

Buy smartly. Read my “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear” and
“Why and When to Spend More on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Use These Expert Gear-Buying Tips

Shop for any gear and you will quickly discover: There are a lot of choices out there. Sometimes it can be difficult or even overwhelming to sort through them all and discern which product is best for your needs—which is critical, because we all have individual needs and purposes for gear.

See my pro tips on finding the right backpack, backcountry tent, shoes or boots, sleeping bag, rain jacket, and sleeping bag in these articles:

5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack
5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent
How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent for You
Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots
Pro Tips: How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry

Those articles are premium content, which means that reading them requires a full paid subscription to The Big Outside, which costs as little as five bucks for a month, or pennies over four bucks a month for a full year. That’s a great value when you consider how much you will save as a more-informed gear consumer. Read more about subscribing here.

In the left sidebar, you’ll find a tag cloud with links to all reviews in categories like backpacking gear and backpacks.

 

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No Time? Cut to the Chase

If you simply want my recommendations on the best gear, you can find a long list of Best in Class reviews at my Gear Reviews page, including the 10 best backpacking packs and down jackets; the best ultralight backpacks; the five best backpacking tents, rain jackets, and headlamps; and the best daypacks for hiking. (All of those articles are free content, and you support my work on this blog anytime you make a purchase through a link to an online retailer in any of my reviews.)

 

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You’ll also find hundreds of reviews at The Big Outside, ranging from the best new stuff on the market to gear and apparel that’s a year or more old but still of high quality—and may be available now at a price steeply discounted from its original price, simply because it’s no longer new. As I point out in my “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear,” this is stuff that went on sale new at higher prices just months earlier—it’s current technology, not ancient crap.

Looking for great prices soon? Bookmark sites like moosejaw.com, REI Garage, Sierra Trading Post, and theclymb.com, and watch for seasonal sales going on now or coming up soon.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/are-you-still-wasting-money-on-outdoor-gear/feed/ 0 22860 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salewa-wildfire-hiking-approach-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salewa-wildfire-hiking-approach-shoes/#respond Thu, 07 Jun 2018 09:00:03 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=28240 Read on

]]> Hiking/Approach Shoes
Salewa Wildfire
$129, 1 lb. 11 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 6-12, women’s 3-9
moosejaw.com

The term “approach shoes” can misleadingly imply that those shoes aren’t made for dayhikers who largely stick to trails, perhaps only occasionally wandering off-trail, when actually, that couldn’t be further from the truth. For years, I’ve found that shoes lumped into this category are my favorite picks for typical dayhikes of any distance, on trails ranging from packed dirt to rocky, and I’ve liked them for performance aspects that should appeal to most hikers: good fit and breathability, protective uppers, and outstanding traction. Hit those targets while making the shoe lighter and it’s even more attractive. That’s why I tried out the low-cut Salewa Wildfire on hikes ranging from a nine-mile, roughly 2,500-foot jaunt to Observation Point and Hidden Canyon in Zion National Park to hiking and scrambling on spring days at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve.

The most conspicuous quality of the Wildfires are the mesh uppers, which are impressively armored with an Exa shell overlay on an injected 3D cage, protecting the mesh fabric while keeping the shoe relatively lightweight, as well as a reinforced toe and rand that extends from toe to heel. The uppers kept debris out while providing excellent breathability, keeping my feet dry even hiking in temperatures around 80° F. The only conceivable weak spot for durability appears to be the exterior mesh at the shoe’s collar, but that shows no damage from my use so far.

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Not following the traditional definition of “approach shoe,” the Wildfires are designed more for hiking and scrambling any terrain than easy rock climbing (as with some other approach shoes, although that seems to be growing less common). The smoother “climbing zone” patch of outsole under the inside edge of the toes smears well on steep rock, thanks in part to a special rubber compound that provides stickiness on dry and wet rock; it’s not the stickiest of outsoles among the many approach shoes I’ve reviewed, rather falling somewhere in the middle of the field in that aspect. The aggressive, moderately deep, diamond-shaped lugs and braking edge on the heel grip best on loose ground like dirt, scree, and mud. So the Wildfire are fully capable of transitioning from trails to scrambling steep, rocky, off-trail terrain.

The medium-volume fit cradled my heel and midfoot securely while allowing for good toe space. The lacing extends to the toes and integrates with the 3D cage and wires reaching to the heel and sidewalls, wrapping the flexible uppers like a sock around the foot. Even the tongue—which never slips out of place—feels like part of an entire sheath enclosing my foot. One result of this close fit is that slipping into these shoes isn’t quite as effortless as with many shoes—you must loosen the top laces a bit, but not so much that it’s a hindrance. Although these low-cuts do not cover the ankle bones, soft padding at the shoe’s collar cushions the foot just below the ankle.

The Wildfire’s EVA midsole has adequate support for hiking on or off-trail with a daypack, but not as much torsional rigidity as some of the best shoes in this category (like the La Sportiva TX3 and the Scarpa Epic Lite). With generous forefoot flex, the shoe strides as well as any lightweight low-cut.

 

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Salewa has been making high-quality, durable hiking, backpacking, and technical footwear for a number of years. Among the lighter and more nimble models of approach-style hiking shoes, the Wildfire is a good shoe for dayhikes of any distance on any terrain, as well as off-trail peak scrambling and ultra-hikes with a light daypack. These shoes come in at a competitive price, too—they’re worth trying on. They’re also available in Gore-Tex versions.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase any version of the men’s or women’s Salewa Wildfire shoes at moosejaw.com or rei.com.

 

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes, approach shoes, and backpacking boots, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Subscribe now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salewa-wildfire-hiking-approach-shoes/feed/ 0 28240 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-patagonia-nine-trails-20l-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-patagonia-nine-trails-20l-daypack/#comments Tue, 22 May 2018 09:00:11 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=27999 Read on

]]> Daypack
Patagonia Nine Trails 20L
$129, 20L/1,220 c.i., 1 lb. 11 oz. (S/M)
Sizes: S/M and L/XL
backcountry.com

What’s an ideal daypack for three-season hikes? When you’re only carrying food, water, extra clothing, and perhaps some incidentals like camera gear (as I do), a daypack of 15 to 20 liters is ideal for most dayhikers in three-season conditions: They’re light on your back but offer all the space and features you need. Sometimes the story behind a piece of gear will appear sparse, precisely because it dispenses with the superfluous in service to functionality. On various dayhikes from Zion National Park to a 27-mile, 16-hour traverse of western Maine’s Mahoosuc Range, I found the Nine Trails 20L hits a sweet spot for supremely easy access, low weight, capacity, and comfort.

Simplicity and quick access take top priority in the men’s Nine Trails 20L and the women’s Nine Trails 18L. Rather than having a traditional lid with two buckles and a drawcord to open underneath it, a U-shaped top zipper quickly opens up the main compartment. While the zipper does not extend down along the pack’s sides, the way some clamshell-style daypack zippers expose much of their contents, this one offers a reasonably wide mouth for seeing and accessing what’s inside, without any danger of contents falling out of it. The main compartment has adequate space for everything needed on an all-day, three-season hike: food, water, extra clothing, and it fit my DSLR and two lenses, in addition to three liters of water and everything else I needed for multi-hour hikes.

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The large front pocket holds a jacket and smaller items, and the two side pockets each hold a liter bottle. But I found it difficult to reach into the side pockets while wearing the pack, and basically impossible to replace a bottle in one of those pockets with the pack on—especially when the pack is stuffed full, reducing the space in the side pockets. The two hipbelt pockets swallow two or three energy bars each, but not a large smartphone.

Under a storm flap on the pack’s front side, there’s also a zippered pocket for smaller items like a map and sunglasses, and there’s a smaller, zippered valuables pocket inside the main compartment. However, when the front pocket and inside pocket are both filled nearly to capacity, their bulk effectively shrinks the pack’s mouth opening, making it a bit more difficult to pull bulkier items (like a DSLR camera) out of (or place items in) the main compartment.

The Nine Trails probably most stands out from comparable daypacks for its highly breathable, three-layer back panel. The outermost layer, against your back, is comprised of monofilament mesh with molded dimples for moving sweat and promoting air flow. A middle layer of perforated foam boosts breathability, while the innermost layer consists of a PE framesheet that flexes to move with your torso along its vertical axis, but has more rigidity along its horizontal axis—especially, I found, when the pack is stuffed full—giving it the support to carry at least 15 pounds comfortably. The well-padded, perforated (for breathability) shoulder straps and lightly padded hipbelt carry a load of that size well.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Available in two sizes, the Nine Trail S/M, designed for torsos measuring 16 to 19 inches, fit my 18-inch torso quite well.

A single, horizontal compression strap on each side shrinks the pack when underfilled and is positioned to secure collapsed trekking poles tucked into either side pocket. The 210-denier nylon ripstop fabric in the pack bag—durable enough for most situations that dayhikers encounter—is tougher than some models of comparable weight and capacity. That fabric is treated with a polyurethane coating and a DWR (durable, water-repellent finish) for enhanced durability and a high degree of water resistance.

Like many lightweight daypacks, the “softest” parts of the Nine Trails 20—the external areas most susceptible to damage—are the stretch pockets on the front, sides, and hipbelt. But unlike daypacks that use lighter stretch-mesh fabric, these consist of a solid fabric that should prove more durable. It showed no damage from Zion’s coarse rock.

The Patagonia Nine Trails 20L lacks some of the bells and whistles found on larger or heavier models—and that’s exactly its strength. It’s no more and no less than a comfortable, relatively light, and highly accessible pack ideal for hikers who prefer simplicity.

There’s also a men’s Nine Trails 28L ($159) and Nine Trails 14L ($139), and two women’s versions, the Nine Trails 26L ($159) and Nine Trails 18L ($129).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s Patagonia Nine Trails 20L at backcountry.com or patagonia.com, the men’s Nine Trails 28L at backcountry.com, patagonia.com, or the men’s Nine Trails 14L at backcountry.com or patagonia.com. Or buy the women’s Nine Trails 26L at backcountry.com or patagonia.com, or the women’s Nine Trails 18L at backcountry.com or patagonia.com.

See all of my reviews of daypacks I like and my picks for the eight best hiking daypacks, plus my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks) and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Join now and a get free e-guide!

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-patagonia-nine-trails-20l-daypack/feed/ 1 27999 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-gregory-citro-20-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-gregory-citro-20-daypack/#comments Tue, 27 Feb 2018 10:00:28 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=27070 Read on

]]> Daypack
Gregory Citro 20/Juno 20
$170, 20L/1,220 c.i., 2 lbs. 3.5 oz. (without reservoir)
One men’s and one women’s size
Citro: backcountry.com
Juno: backcountry.com

On a 16-mile, roughly 5,000-vertical-foot October dayhike of 11,749-foot Mount Timpanogos in Utah’s Wasatch Range, on a day when I needed clothes for temperatures ranging from around 50 to the 30s Fahrenheit, with strong, cold winds at higher elevations, I carried the Citro 20 for several hours with about 15 pounds of water, food, clothing, and camera gear inside. That day convinced me that many hikers would like the men’s Citro 20 and women’s Juno 20. Here’s why.

Weighing just a few ounces over two pounds, with 20 liters of capacity, these packs are designed for dayhikes of any distance, including long days. While not the lightest packs of this capacity, and too heavy and bulky for trail running, their weight is largely explained by good organization and features that allow them to cross over well to activities like bike commuting.

A lightweight, wire perimeter frame with a leaf-spring in the lumbar area—as well as a foam pad for comfort—provides rigidity along the vertical axis and slight flex along the horizontal axis, and helps transfer much of the pack weight onto your hips. That translates to the Citro 20 and Juno 20 easily carrying 15 pounds, and some hikers will find them comfortable hauling up to 20 pounds.

Gregory’s moisture-wicking, VaporSpan back panel’s open mesh pattern ventilates well. But although they both have the concave shape to lift the pack off of your back, it’s not a typical trampoline-style back panel, which allows air to flow easily through from both open sides. Instead, the back panel’s mesh sides have a slight backward angle to them, to facilitate air flow—which works decently, but not as well as completely open sides. However, the benefit of the VaporSpan’s design is a closer, low-profile fit that’s more stable and avoids the tendency of some trampoline-style packs to feel as if the load is pulling backward against your shoulders.

The perforated mesh and soft, EVA foam shoulder straps compare for comfort with the best hiking daypacks. The mesh waist belt lacks any padding, relying on its width to disperse pack weight over the hips; consequently, it’s the limiting feature determining the maximum weight the Citro or Juno will carry before feeling like too much on your hips, but keeps pack weight down and minimizes the waistbelt’s bulk, keeping you cooler and giving the packs a lighter feel.

Besides, most dayhikers have no need to carry more than 15 pounds: Even with my DSLR camera and two lenses inside, as well as food, three liters of water, and clothing for an all-day hike in cold temps, I didn’t exceed 15 pounds and had space to spare.

With no lid on the pack, the main compartment is accessed via a single, clamshell-style zipper—much more convenient than having to release one or more buckles and flip a lid open. Inside, there’s a zippered mesh pocket for valuables, as well as a zippered, external sunglasses pocket that has extra space for a hat and light gloves. Two spacious, zippered hipbelt pockets fit three bars each or any phone or GPS.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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The feature set will appeal to many dayhikers. The Citro and Juno packs come standard with Gregory’s excellent, three-liter 3D Hydro bladder (a $36 value; read my detailed thoughts on it in my review of essential backpacking gear accessories). The bladder slides into a separate, zippered pocket behind the back panel, for easy refilling without having to empty other pack contents.

Deep, stretch-mesh pockets on each side swallow a liter bottle, and I can reach into them while wearing the Citro; the stretch-mesh front pocket is large enough for a rain shell. Magnetic clips quickly snap and hold the sternum strap buckle in place and secure the hydration hose to that strap; but as I’ve experienced with other magnetized hydration hoses, this one occasionally pops off when I’m moving fast or going through rough terrain.

Exterior stow options include attachments for two ice axes or poles, side compression straps, and a smart elasticized loop on the left shoulder strap to stash sunglasses or collapsed poles to free up your hands for scrambling or firing off some photos.

The biggest ding against the Citro and Juno is that each comes in just one size—meaning they will best fit men and women who fall into the middle of the range of torso sizes. The Citro 20 fit my 18-inch torso well.

There are two larger-capacity versions: the Citro 25 ($130) and Citro 30 ($150).

Gregory Citro 20 and Juno 20

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

For dayhikers who bring more than the carrying capacity of many ultralight daypacks (like another personal Gregory favorite, the men’s Miwok 18 and women’s Maya 16), the Citro 20 and Juno 20 are among the most featured and comfortable daypacks on the market.

4

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Gregory Citro 20 or another size at backcountry.com or gregorypacks.com, or the Gregory Juno 20 or another size at backcountry.com or gregorypacks.com.

Gregory has updated the Citro and Juno packs with a Citro 20 H2O($170), Citro 30 H2O ($180, also in Plus size), Juno 24 H2O ($170), and Juno 30 H2O ($180, also in Plus size). See them all at gregorypacks.com.

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there.
Join now and a get free e-guide!

See my “Gear Review: The 8 Best Hiking Daypacks” and all of my reviews of daypacks I like, plus my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack” (which apply to daypacks) and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-gregory-citro-20-daypack/feed/ 4 27070 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-ascendant-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-ascendant-hoody/#comments Wed, 31 Jan 2018 10:00:11 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=26723 Read on

]]> Breathable Insulated Jacket
Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody
$249, 12 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

The range of activities, conditions, and seasons in which you wear a jacket arguably says more than anything else about its value, so I’ll tell you what I’ve done (so far) in my Ascendant Hoody: On a 39-mile, mid-September backpacking trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, I wore it in camp on cool, windy mornings and evenings. I’ve worn it as a middle layer on days of skiing downhill at resorts, and as an outer or middle layer skiing up and downhill in the backcountry. And I’ve regularly pulled it on to ride my bike on errands around town this winter. Its versatility derives from having just the right amount of breathable insulation to make it the insulated jacket you grab more than any other all year.

The Ascendant Hoody joins the new generation of jackets with breathable insulation—making them something you can wear on the move, not just insulation when inactive. The critical ingredient is Polartec’s latest iteration of its breathable Alpha synthetic insulation: Alpha Direct. Sewn into the jacket as a solid, thin lining, it gives the Ascendant a more-slender profile than a puffy down jacket. But don’t let the looks deceive: I found it warm enough over just a T-shirt and midweight, long-sleeve top sitting in camp in the Winds in temps in the low 40s Fahrenheit, with steady wind. Being a synthetic, Alpha retains its ability to trap heat even when wet; but unlike non-breathable synthetic insulation, once wet, its breathability means your body heat moves through it faster than through traditional insulation, speeding up the process of drying it.

In terms of warmth and breathability, the Ascendant falls in between two other OR jackets with breathable insulation: the warmer Uberlayer Hooded Jacket, which is very much a winter piece, and a lighter favorite of mine, the Deviator Hoody. While backcountry skiing, I get warm enough when skinning uphill that I may wear only a long-sleeve top in temps no colder than the mid- to upper 20s. But the Ascendant gives me just the right warmth I need climbing uphill when the combination of ambient temperature and wind chill dips to the low 20s or colder. The Ascendant’s particular balance of warmth and breathability makes it more versatile across all seasons as part of a dynamic layering system.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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I’ll illustrate an important distinction about the Ascendant Hoody with a real-world situation that almost any backpacker or climber could encounter: The day after we finished our September backpacking trip in the Winds, over a foot of new snow fell there. Had that storm hit while we were there, we would have needed adequate boots (and gaiters), shells, tents, bags, and layers—all of which we had. But my Ascendant Hoody would have been much more useful than a standard, non-breathable down or insulated jacket because I could have worn it while hiking through that snowstorm; a down jacket would likely have trapped body heat and sweat inside, potentially even dampening the down to the point of rendering it ineffective. Versatility matters in the kind of circumstances many of us encounter.

The insulation’s breathability demands pairing it with a breathable shell fabric, and OR got it right with the stretchy Pertex Microlight nylon ripstop stretch-woven shell. Moderately windproof, it’s more importantly very air-permeable, so it helps the Alpha insulation offload heat when you’re working hard but temps still demand an insulating layer. You can feel some wind coming through the shell—an indicator of its breathability, which is what you’re after when climbing uphill in cold temps.

The shell doesn’t repel falling snow as well as a shell jacket (like another OR favorite of mine, the Skyward Jacket); but that’s why you carry a shell. At 20-denier, the fabric is lightweight—be careful not to catch it on sharp edges. But that said, a slight tear wouldn’t present the same problem as you’d have with a down jacket that could start leaking feathers; Alpha insulation consists of solid panels, more like fleece than feathers. Besides, slight tears are why duct tape exists.

The athletic cut fits closely, but with some stretch to the fabric, it doesn’t inhibit movement at all. The hood, adjustable in the back and elasticized, fits snugly around the head and under a helmet. Thumb loops inside the cuffs keep the sleeves from riding up, and the cuffs fit well either over a lightweight glove (or the removable inner glove of any 3-in-1 glove system) and under a warmer, over-the-cuff-style glove.

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The two hand pockets are warm and roomy enough to stuff gloves or a hat inside; but I wish they had zippers, so that I could keep a second pair of gloves in them (or dry out a wet pair) without fear of losing them. There’s a drawcord hem to seal in warmth. The jacket stuffs into a hand pocket, packing down to about the size of a cantaloupe—making it as packable as high-quality down jackets that offer comparable warmth.

The Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody’s breathability and degree of warmth make it a legitimate four-season shell for summer backpacking, shoulder-season dayhiking and climbing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, bike commuting, or throwing on after you finish a trail run. And it costs less than many insulated jackets that are less versatile.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or outdoorresearch.com.

Was this review helpful? If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Thank you.

 

See my “Review: The 10 Best Down Jackets” and see all of my reviews of breathable insulated jackets, insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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Tell me what you think.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-outdoor-research-ascendant-hoody/feed/ 2 26723 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-thermoball-active-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-thermoball-active-jacket/#respond Thu, 18 Jan 2018 10:00:10 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=26515 Read on

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Hybrid Insulated Jacket
The North Face ThermoBall Active Jacket
$150, 14.5 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
ems.com

The December sun was about to drop over the horizon, and the air temperature was dropping even faster—but I was enjoying the skate-skiing around Bear Basin, in the quiet ponderosa pine forest outside McCall, Idaho, too much to head for the car just yet. It didn’t matter. I knew I could wring out the last minutes of daylight and stay warm, despite my base layer being quite sweaty, thanks to the hybrid design and unique insulation in the ThermoBall Active Jacket.

Yet another iteration in the family of outerwear using the ThermoBall synthetic insulation that TNF developed with PrimaLoft, the ThermoBall Active Jacket is built for moderate to highly aerobic activity in temps ranging from just above to well below freezing, because it traps heat in your body’s core while dumping excess heat and moisture through the sleeves, shoulders, and sides. I wore it on winter days for highly aerobic skate-skiing and while backcountry skiing, in temperatures ranging from the low 20s Fahrenheit to around freezing.

This hybrid jacket weds three different types of fabric and insulation. Its torso (front and back) is filled with PrimaLoft ThermoBall synthetic insulation, which consists of small, round fiber clusters that—unlike typical continuous-filament synthetic insulation—trap heat in air pockets to mimic the warmth and compressibility of 600-fill power down feathers; but like synthetics, it also retains warmth when wet. The sleeves, top and back of the shoulders, and side panels consist of a water-repellent, ripstop nylon shell with a DWR (durable, water-repellent treatment) to shed light precipitation. And a layer of stretchy, midweight grid fleece extends across the shoulders, to the elbows inside the sleeves, and under the arms, to offer minimal warmth with high breathability (which requires having a base layer that’s right for the temps).

For me, as someone who heats up quite a bit in my core when moving, just below freezing probably marks the upper end of this jacket’s comfortable temperature range for high-exertion activities. For moderate exertion, it would be fine in a wider range of temps, also depending on sun and wind. I found the insulation itself only mildly breathable: I sweated hard while skate-skiing, but afterward, while my base layer was wet, the jacket’s wicking, FlashDry liner was damp.

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. And follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

If the jacket has a fault, I found that the ThermoBall insulation provides significantly more warmth than the light sleeves—a larger imbalance between core and arms than I’ve found in other hybrid-insulation jackets. Part of the reason is that the ThermoBall insulation extends throughout the core, whereas some similar hybrid jackets place insulation only in the front, or place less insulation in the front and back. Of course, people who get cold easily might consider that a strength rather than a fault of the ThermoBall Active Jacket. Plus, those hybrid jackets that lack insulation in the back require you to produce heat constantly—standing around for more than a couple minutes cools you off rapidly—and become less effective when wet.

The trim fit accommodates only one or two lightweight to midweight base layers underneath. Still, the moderately bulky nature of the insulation and the jacket’s weight—there are much lighter hybrid-insulation jackets—make it less appealing for running than for snow sports or cold-weather hiking. The two zippered hand pockets warmed my hands nicely and the left one has a port for an earbuds cord. Another benefit of ThermoBall insulation: I launder this jacket regularly with no negative effects.

For moderate- to high-exertion activities in temps near and below freezing, especially for people who find they need more insulation in their core, and for high-speed sports like Nordic skiing, The North Face ThermoBall Active Jacket delivers huge core warmth that doesn’t disappear if it gets wet.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s The North Face ThermoBall Active Jacket at ems.com or moosejaw.com, or a women’s The North Face ThermoBall Active Jacket at ems.com, or moosejaw.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my “Review: The 10 Best Down Jackets” and all of my reviews of hybrid insulated jackets, insulated jackets, and outdoor apparel that I like.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-thermoball-active-jacket/feed/ 0 26515 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-msr-lightning-explore-22-inch-snowshoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-msr-lightning-explore-22-inch-snowshoes/#respond Wed, 20 Dec 2017 10:00:47 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=26159 Read on

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Snowshoes
MSR Lightning Explore 22-inch
$280, 3 lbs. 15 oz. (men’s), 3 lbs. 11 oz. (women’s)
Sizes: men’s and women’s 22-inch and 25-inch, men’s only 30-inch
backcountry.com

Here’s the thing about snowshoes: This isn’t rocket science. In fact, it’s not even bicycle science. The basic concept of the snowshoe has been around for at least 4,000 years. But while today’s models essentially resemble the footwear worn by ancient Eurasian hunters and others who were trying to mimic the oversized feet of snowshoe hares, they employ modern materials and designs, and they differ in purpose and details that affect performance noticeably in the backcountry. And that’s exactly where the Lightning Explore 22-inch snowshoes, um, float above the competition.

Snowshoes for general hiking distinguish themselves from one another most obviously when you get into ungroomed snow in the backcountry, and they will differ in these performance aspects:

• Traction moving up or down in steep terrain.
• When traversing a slope at an angle (as opposed to straight up or down).
• In varying snow conditions, from deep powder to icy crust that either holds your weight or collapses.
• In the ease of use of the harness, while wearing gloves.
• In durability for hard abuse in variable terrain and snow conditions, including mixed snow, ice, and rock.
• Total weight.

I like the MSR Lightning Explore because it does all of the above very well.

 

Get the right pack for you. See my “Gear Review: The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
and my “Top 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack.”

 

I wore these on days of snowshoeing in Idaho’s Boise Mountains in difficult conditions: heavy, wet snow, which can challenge the traction and performance of snowshoes, especially while traversing and descending, when wet snow will tend to slide out from underfoot. But the Lightning Explore gave me excellent traction and stability in that snow, even on steeper slopes.

Traction is superior thanks to several design features. The 360° Traction aluminum frames sport sharp teeth along both side edges that improve grip, especially when traversing a slope laterally or at an angle up or down. Two horizontal bars with more teeth, under the ball of the foot and the heel, enhance forward and braking traction.

The steel Pivot crampon below the toes digs two 1.25-inch teeth into the snow with each stride. MSR uses martensite steel in the crampon, which is an exceptionally hard carbon steel that gains its strength through heating a solid carbon and iron crystalline structure to 1,250° F, and then rapidly cooling it, trapping its carbon atoms inside the iron atoms; MSR says that changes the shape of its crystals, greatly increasing the steel’s strength and rigidity. That’s a long way of saying this crampon will not wilt from repeated scraping on rock under body weight.

 

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The ratcheting-buckle system of MSR’s HyperLink bindings is everything a snowshoe harness should be: simple and quick to use, very secure—my boot never slipped out of position—easy to adjust wearing heavy gloves, and comfortable. It also leaves no slack strap to trip over when walking. The TPU-coated nylon decking material easily shed the heavy, wet snow I was hiking on, preventing it from balling up underfoot. A Televator bar on each snowshoe flips up and locks in place to keep your heel elevated when ascending steep slopes, greatly reducing calf fatigue; that’s a standard feature on high-end snowshoes and mandatory for snowshoeing in mountains.

At under four pounds per pair, these snowshoes are reasonably lightweight, considering their features and durability. The men’s Lightning Explore comes in three lengths—22, 25, and 30 inches—all measuring eight inches wide. The women’s come in two lengths, 22 and 25 inches, and measure 7.25 inches wide—better for the narrower gait of most women. Taller women can certainly use the men’s model.

 

See my “10 Tricks for Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier” for tips that help with snowshoeing, too.

 

The MSR Lightning Tails ($60, 9 oz./pair, sold separately) add five inches (13cm) of length for flotation in deep, light powder, or for someone with a combined body and pack weight of up to 250 pounds (on the men’s 22-inch model). Attaching the tails isn’t intuitive for the non-mechanically inclined, but very simple to accomplish in seconds the first time after reading the brief, clear instructions. Once installed, the tails remain as solidly connected as if they were part of the snowshoe frame, without any wobble or looseness. For most people in most situations, though, the tails aren’t necessary; and even with the best snowshoes, longer tails create a larger sliding surface under your feet, which makes any snowshoe more likely to slip out from under you when descending.

Whether you’re snowshoeing into rugged mountains (including when mountaineering or backcountry snowboarding without a split board) or hitting gentler terrain in ungroomed snow, it’s worth spending a little extra for a pair that will perform better in all snow conditions and prove more durable. (When my 80-year-old mother, an active hiker and snowshoer, needed new snowshoes, I got her these.) By all measures, in all circumstances, the MSR Lightning Explore 22-inch snowshoes excel.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a pair of the men’s or women’s MSR Lightning Explore Snowshoes 22-inch at backcountry.com, ems.com, moosejaw.com, or rei.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to sign up for my FREE email newsletter by entering your email address in the box in the left sidebar, at the bottom of this story, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-msr-lightning-explore-22-inch-snowshoes/feed/ 0 26159 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-brooks-cascadia-12-trail-running-and-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-brooks-cascadia-12-trail-running-and-hiking-shoes/#respond Tue, 24 Oct 2017 09:00:33 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=25328 Read on

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Hiking/Trail Running Shoes
Brooks Cascadia 12
$130, 1 lb. 10 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-15, women’s 5-12
moosejaw.com

Lightweight, low-cut, trail-running shoes that cross over well to dayhiking and ultralight backpacking can look similar, but many share the same three shortcomings: inadequate support and cushioning for rugged trails; not enough toe space, especially for longer outings; and uppers that lack the durability for the abuse of rocky trails. Wearing the Brooks Cascadia 12 on fall trail runs of up to 10 miles, and on a 16-mile, roughly 5,000-vertical-foot dayhike of Utah’s 11,749-foot Mount Timpanogos, I found these shoes excel where other models fail at all three of those performance metrics—while still weighing in lighter than many competitors. Here’s why.

With this latest iteration of the popular Cascadia—a neutral-support shoe with a traditional, 10mm drop—Brooks has ramped up the cushioning. For me, the shoes delivered a soft ride that never caused soreness or fatigue even on longer runs or the 5,000-foot descent off Timpanogos. Brooks says that its BioMoGo DNA midsole foam, featuring the company’s proprietary polymer, reacts to a runner’s stride, weight, and speed to provide a degree of cushioning customized to the impact forces created by a runner with each step. A ballistic rock shield—a thermoplastic EVA sheath between the outsole and midsole from the midfoot forward—protects the forefoot by dissipating the impact of sharp objects like rocks.

The shoes also feature what Brooks calls a segmented crash pad, a caterpillar-shaped system of shock absorbers that boost the cushioning and smooth out heel-to-toe transitions. Lastly, the chassis gains stabilization from a wide platform and outsole pivot posts on both sides of the heel and forefoot.

The medium-volume fit has a distinctively spacious forefoot that gave my toes plenty of room and never felt confining, even on longer runs when feet can expand slightly, sometimes making toes hot. The heel cup feels very solid and supportive; and while, as with any low-cut, it doesn’t cover the ankle bones, triangular plastic plates on each side protect the heel and lower Achilles.

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to get email updates about new stories and gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box in the left sidebar, at the bottom of this post, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

The mesh uppers are super breathable—ideal for mild to hot temps, but my feet felt a little chilly when running trails with temps in the low 40s Fahrenheit. They also have strips of TPU overlays to protect the mesh and provide a bit more stability for the foot. Durability is further enhanced by a rubber toe bumper and reinforced fabric that extends to the side walls—farther on the lateral (outer) side on the foot, which typically suffers more abuse.

The widely spaced, multi-directional lugs on the outsole bite well on dry ground (packed dirt, scree, rock), brake securely going downhill, and even performed fine in granular, loose, early-season snow on the upper sections of the trail up Timpanogos (although the shoes clearly are not designed for snow). But the one fault I found was that they were more prone to slipping on wet rock than other shoes I’ve worn. I’d say they’re best for running on trails that are generally dry, which makes sense with the non-waterproof uppers. (Note: My feet didn’t really get wet in the snow, but it was cold and dry and had very low water content.)

The Brooks Cascadia 12 have jumped to the top of my list of favorite low-cut shoes for trail runs of any distance and dayhiking in mostly dry conditions; and they’re a solid shoe for ultralight backpacking, as long as you’re not heading out regularly in wet conditions.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s Brooks Cascadia 12 shoes at moosejaw.com, summithut.com, or rei.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes, trail-running shoes, and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Hiking Boots.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-brooks-cascadia-12-trail-running-and-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 25328 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-cerium-lt-hoody/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-cerium-lt-hoody/#comments Wed, 27 Sep 2017 09:00:03 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24972 Read on

]]> Hybrid Insulated Jacket
Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody
$400, 11 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL
arcteryx.com

In the evening shade of a windblown campsite at around 10,500 feet in Titcomb Basin, an alpine valley in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, I pulled this jacket on and instantly felt warmth infuse my torso and arms. Throughout that mid-September backpacking trip in the Winds, wearing this puffy jacket over just a couple light base layers kept me warm in evening and morning temperatures in the 40s Fahrenheit, while fitting like a glove. Similarly, on a five-day hike in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park in the first week of March, the Cerium LT Hoody over two warm base layers kept me comfortable on mornings in the mid-20s. I had to keep reminding myself it weighs just a few ounces over a half-pound.

The Cerium’s sky-high warmth-to-weight ratio—it’s one of the two or three warmest down jackets at this weight that I’ve worn—is explained by the 850-fill down stuffing in the hood, sleeves, and torso. High-quality down creates more space between feathers, increasing the heat-trapping efficiency, which translates to more warmth per ounce of jacket.

But since water is the enemy of down, flattening feathers and eliminating their ability to trap heat, Arc’teryx placed its Coreloft synthetic insulation—a lightweight, breathable, and thermally efficient siliconized polyester yarn that’s highly compressible and demonstrates excellent loft retention—in areas prone to getting wet: the shoulders, cuffs, chin guard at the top of the zipper (which gets wet with condensation from your breath), and the armpits.

The combination of insulation types delivers the benefits of down (warm, light, and compact) and synthetics (retaining heat when damp). Spitting rain showers didn’t seem to affect the jacket at all, thanks in part to a durable, water-repellent (DWR) treatment on the shell fabric. One warning: The lightweight shell fabric, while durable for its weight, is more susceptible to tears than heavier fabrics. Similarly, the light front zipper, while keeping jacket weight down, raises durability concerns; but a little care in using it can avoid problems. I’ve seen no damage to this jacket in several trips over the past few years.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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It feels like the jacket was tailored for me, with a trim fit throughout that provides enough space for a couple of base layers. Outstanding shoulder articulation paired with enough sleeve length prevents the cuffs from sliding up your forearms when reaching. Given the jacket’s slim profile, you can easily layer a shell over it without feeling like the Michelin man.

The close-fitting, under-the-helmet hood also elevates this jacket above many insulation pieces. Popping it up mimicked the sensation of wearing the top half of a sleeping bag—if the bag had a hood that seemed designed around a sculpture of my head. Adjustable using just one drawcord in the back, with an elasticized hem, it wraps snugly around your face to trap body heat very efficiently—ensuring the hood stays put even in strong winds and helping to explain the jacket’s exceptional warmth for its weight. When zipped up, the soft chin guard comes up to lip height, nice in chilly temps.

The two zippered hand pockets warmed my chilled digits quickly and have space for three-season gloves and small items like a map and headlamp. while elasticized cuffs and an adjustable hem seal in your body heat. The jacket stuffs easily into a stuff sack attached to the zippered inside pocket—no losing this sack—and packs down to barely larger than a liter bottle.

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You don’t necessarily see the value in an expensive puffy jacket with just a cursory look at it. The proof comes in wearing it in backcountry situations. Whether sitting around a wilderness campsite on a chilly evening or morning, pulling it on for added warmth while climbing, or using it as a middle or outer layer in your favorite snow sport, the Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody is a versatile, standout puffy jacket for users willing to pay for performance.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody at arcteryx.com or any item in the Cerium series at arcteryx.com.

Was this review helpful? If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Thank you.

 

See my “Review: The 10 Best Down Jackets” and all of my reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like at The Big Outside.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Join now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-cerium-lt-hoody/feed/ 4 24972 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-petzl-actik-core-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-petzl-actik-core-headlamp/#comments Wed, 20 Sep 2017 09:00:19 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24878 Read on

]]> Rechargeable Headlamp
Petzl Actik Core
$88, 3 oz./85g (with Core rechargeable battery)
backcountry.com

If you agree that a rechargeable headlamp is the way to go—as it is for any backpacker, dayhiker, climber, trail runner, backcountry skier or other user willing to foot the added up-front cost, knowing it eventually pays for itself through what you save not buying (and throwing away) batteries—then the question boils down to which rechargeable headlamp is the best for most backcountry recreationists. Numerous backpacking and other trips with Petzl’s compact, rechargeable Actik Core have convinced me that this one ranks among the best.

The Actik Core has the usual white and red modes (for night vision) and two beam patterns—a spot beam for seeing straight ahead and a proximity beam for illuminating a wider area. Its maximum brightness in white mode of 350 lumens makes it one of the brightness ultralight headlamps—and even more significantly, it delivers that much power even when using the rechargeable battery. Other rechargeable headlamps only achieve maximum brightness with standard batteries; they aren’t as bright operating on their rechargeable battery.

On a September night in the Wind River Range, I found this headlamp, with a nearly full charge, clearly lit up trees about 300 feet away across a meadow, a range consistent with Petzl’s claims for the Actik Core’s max range (95 meters). That kind of range can make a difference when navigating an off-trail route, searching for rappel anchors, or trying to find a campsite in the dark.

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Operation is simple and intuitive: Hold the power button for two seconds to switch between white and red modes. The middle white setting puts out enough light to hike a trail or see across a campsite in the dark, while the dimmest (five lumens) will light a tent interior dimly and is adequate for reading. Red has one brightness level and a blinking mode that Petzl says is visible for up to 700 meters for 350 hours.

The comfortable, reflective headband has a 100-decibel emergency whistle—a unique and useful feature on a headlamp.

The 1250 mAh Core battery charges via a standard USB port. It took about two hours to fully charge it the first time when plugged into my laptop; Petzl reports it can take up to three hours. Access the battery compartment easily by lifting a tab to open the back of the headlamp; the Core battery’s power indicator glows red while charging and green when fully charged. At the brightest setting, Petzl says the Core battery’s charge lasts two hours; between the middle and dimmest brightness settings, it ranges from seven to 160 hours.

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While with standard batteries, brightness diminishes steadily as the batteries drain, the Core battery maintains constant brightness over the duration of a charge before power drops off abruptly; you’ll appreciate that on a long slog after dark. It can also run on three standard alkaline, lithium, or Ni-MH AAA batteries. (Petzl cautions against mixing battery brands or new and used batteries.)

Its biggest shortcoming is that, unlike some headlamps (including many Black Diamond models), the Actik Core does not have a lockout switch to prevent it from accidentally turning on. But with its low-profile power button, that never happened to me.

The Verdict

Powerful, intuitive to use, and versatile, the Petzl Actik Core is a top-performing, rechargeable headlamp for backpackers, dayhikers, climbers, trail runners, bike commuters, and other outdoor recreationists.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Petzl Actik Core at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my “Gear Review: The 5 Best Headlamps,” (the Actik Core is one of them), and all of my reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, backpacking gear, and trail-running gear at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-petzl-actik-core-headlamp/feed/ 5 24878 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-akyra-trail-running-and-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-akyra-trail-running-and-hiking-shoes/#respond Wed, 06 Sep 2017 09:00:10 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24794 Read on

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Hiking/Trail Running Shoes
La Sportiva Akyra
$140, 1 lb. 11 oz. (US men’s 9.5)
Sizes: men’s Euro 38-47.5/US 6-14, women’s Euro 36-43/US 5-12
moosejaw.com

Build a shoe for running and hiking mountain trails, and it’s hard to keep that footwear from putting on weight—shoes intended for that level of hard use simply need more support and stability under the hood than your average, wafer-light shoes for running asphalt, or no-drop shoes with minimal underfoot cushion and support. So when I saw Sportiva’s Akyra weighing in lighter than many models in this category—and having owned and liked previous Sportiva mountain-running shoes that crossed over smoothly between running and dayhiking—I pounded the Akyra on a variety of trails, discovering much to like about them and one minor complaint.

I wore the non-waterproof Akyra shoes on a dayhike of almost 12 miles and more than 3,000 feet up Cannon Mountain and North Kinsman Mountain in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, a dayhike of eight miles on the forested trails on the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, and on trail runs of up to 10 miles in the Boise Foothills. Each outing featured mostly dry trails and weather, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit.

 

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A stable trail-running shoe with a more traditional 9mm drop, the Akyra have good support, thanks to a soft, dual-layer EVA midsole, a firm heel cup, and a thick heel for a cushioned strike when running. Enhancing stability are narrow, horizontal strips of plastic over the midsole exterior (below the uppers), extending from heel to midfoot on each side. The medium-volume fit cradles the heel and midfoot well, preventing any slippage, but the toe box feels a little cramped; I had to loosen up the lower laces, especially when running (as opposed to hiking), to give my toes some space so they wouldn’t get hot. The shoes run a bit small: I normally wear a U.S. men’s 9, but the Akyra fit me well in size 9.5.

The AirMesh uppers breathe fairly well, generally keeping my feet from overheating, even on a hot, humid day and a sweaty hike on steep trails in the White Mountains. Flexible TPU Microlite Skeleton overlays on the uppers protect the mesh and provide added support over the top of the foot. But despite cutouts in the overlays, that protection comes at the price of some breathability. Still, though, we’re talking about breathability on a scale of non-waterproof shoes, which as a group are far more breathable than any waterproof footwear.

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The Akyra’s outsole is built for rugged terrain. Sticky Frixion rubber with an aggressively in-cut heel for braking, and relatively deep, well-spaced lugs for a shoe in this category, deliver all-around good traction for hiking and running on a variety of trail surfaces: packed dirt, loose dirt or sand and pebbles, and mud. But I slipped at times on steep rock slabs, especially if they were at all wet or covered with a thin layer of dirt or debris—not a surprise when the outsole design favors aggressive lugs over the kind of smoother outsole found on approach/scrambling shoes. (The latter feels “stickier” in part simply because more of the outsole’s surface area makes contact on smooth rock). Sportiva’s Trail Rocker2 outsole shape also gives a sharp upward curve to the forefoot, for a supportive and smooth transition from outer heel to inner toe when running.

For trail runners and hikers who frequent rugged, up-and-down trails, the Akyra is a light, breathable shoe with impressively good support for weighing barely north of a pound-and-a-half per pair.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s La Sportiva Akyra shoes at moosejaw.com or rei.com, or the women’s La Sportiva Akyra shoes at rei.com, or the women’s La Sportiva Akyra GTX shoes at moosejaw.com.

If you’re a fan of this shoe category and La Sportiva, I recommend also looking at two of my all-time favorite crossover shoes, the La Sportiva TX3 for hiking and scrambling (read my review), and the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor for trail running and hiking (read my review).

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes, trail-running shoes, and backpacking boots, my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” plus all of my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-akyra-trail-running-and-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 24794 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-best-new-hiking-daypack-of-2017-the-exped-skyline-15/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-best-new-hiking-daypack-of-2017-the-exped-skyline-15/#comments Wed, 09 Aug 2017 09:00:19 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24325 Read on

]]> Daypack
Exped Skyline 15
$129, 2 lbs. 5 oz.
One size
moosejaw.com

Daypacks come in many sizes and designs these days, some for multi-sport use, some more specialized. But real technological innovation happens rarely in that market. Now comes Exped’s new Skyline 15, which, with one simple adjustment that takes a few seconds, essentially shape-shifts between two different types of pack. To see whether it really measures up to its promise, I took it out for a true test on a rugged dayhike in New Hampshire’s White Mountains on a day of hot temperatures and humidity.

I wore the Skyline 15 on a 12-mile dayhike over Cannon Mountain and North Kinsman Mountain, sweating profusely in the humidity on some notoriously steep and rocky trails, because it would test this daypack’s most unique design element: Exped’s Switchback suspension. With many daypacks, you choose between two basic designs: Either a suspension system with a gap between your back and the pack, maximizing air flow to keep you cool; or a spine-hugging back panel to deliver the most stability when scrambling off-trail or in any difficult terrain that demands movement more precise than simply walking a trail.

The Skyline transforms in seconds between both types of pack. An adjustable band, aligned vertically in the middle of the back padding, can be repositioned using a hook-and-loop strip to customize the amount of arc (or bowing) in the back pad—kind of like pulling back the string on a bow. The design allows you to either have the pack hug your spine for optimum stability, or create a gap for optimum air flow. And it works: I liked the air flow when I had the Switchback suspension bowed, and the stability on very steep, rocky trails with the suspension flush against my back. The one, non-adjustable size fits torsos 16.5 to 20.5 inches, and not surprisingly, fit my 18-inch torso well because I’m right in the middle of its range.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Weighing under 2.5 pounds, the pack carries at least 20 pounds comfortably, thanks to a flexible, plastic framesheet with spring steel reinforcement, and adequate—but not overdone—EVA padding on the back pads, shoulder straps, and the wide hipbelt, which distributes weight to prevent pressure points; that EVA padding is also mesh-covered to ventilate and dry quickly.

Access is fast, with a single, panel-loading zipper providing a wide mouth into the main compartment, which has space for food, a three-liter bladder, extra clothes, plus the DSLR and two lenses I carried. A second, door-like front zipper opens into the main compartment, so you can yank out a jacket instantly. The two side pockets are deep and wide enough for a liter bottle, with a compression strap that helps secure their contents. The two zippered hipbelt pockets may be the most voluminous I’ve seen on any daypack—holding multiple bars, or a large smartphone with room to spare—without getting in the way of swinging arms while hiking. On the inside, there are two zippered mesh pockets and two stash pockets for bottles or an ultralight umbrella. The pack’s also a good size for a plane carry-on.

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Adjustable front attachments secure trekking poles or an ice axe. The included rain cover tucks into a zippered bottom pocket. PU-coated, 210-denier high-tenacity ripstop nylon fabric gives it a durable exterior.

The Verdict

The well-organized, streamlined Skyline 15’s innovative design offers great versatility for dayhikes of any distance (including ultra-hikes), mountain biking, one-day peak climbs, and bike commuting. I hope it’s not too techy for the hiking market to appreciate.

The larger Skyline 25 ($139) is just an ounce heavier.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase an Exped Skyline 15 at moosejaw.com or an Exped Skyline 25 at moosejaw.com.

Tell me what you think.

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See all of my reviews of daypacks I like and my six favorite daypacks, plus my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack” (which includes daypacks) and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

 

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NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-best-new-hiking-daypack-of-2017-the-exped-skyline-15/feed/ 2 24325 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-komperdell-c3-carbon-power-lock-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-komperdell-c3-carbon-power-lock-trekking-poles/#respond Wed, 02 Aug 2017 09:00:27 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24271 Read on

]]> Trekking Poles
Komperdell C3 Carbon Power Lock
$150, 1 lb./pair
moosejaw.com

I know: Choosing trekking poles can feel a little like picking out the best straw from a dispenser in a restaurant—they all kind of look the same. But poles are not straws, of course; they differ, and finding a pair you like does depend on how you’ll use them. Taking the C3 Carbon Power Lock poles on a five-day, 80-mile backpacking trip in the North Cascades National Park Complex and a three-day, 40-mile hike in Utah’s Dark Canyon Wilderness (and my wife used them on a nine-day trek of the 105-mile Tour du Mont Blanc) convinced me that they compare favorably against more-expensive, top-performing, all-around trekking poles for dayhikers, backpackers, and climbers. Here’s why.

For starters, adjustable poles certainly differ in their length range. Adjustable from 105-140cm (41-55 inches), these have more length than most poles I’ve reviewed at this blog, good for tall hikers or anyone descending steep, off-trail terrain, when you want plenty of length. No matter how you use poles, you want them to be reliable, and the Power Lock 3.0 mechanism, with a lever that locks in place after adjusting the pole length, is intuitive to use and never slips.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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With the two upper sections made of carbon and the lowest section made of Titanal, these three-section poles are strong and slightly lighter than many comparably sturdy poles out there—although they’re not ultralight poles. (Titanal is an aluminum alloy that adds stiffness to the poles and can flex and bend without yielding; it’s stronger than 7075 aluminum and resists abrasion, which is the reason to use it on lower sections of hiking and ski poles.) The short foam grip and wide, easily adjustable wrist strap—which accommodates thick gloves—remained comfortable for long days with thousands of feet of ascent and descent.

One strike against these poles: Their packed length of 68cm (27 inches) ranks them among the least-compact trekking poles; that matters if you’re trying to fit them in luggage, or collapsing them to attach to the outside of a daypack or small backpack, because they may stick out above the top of the pack, potentially snagging in thick vegetation or low, overhanging tree branches.

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Komperdell also offers a three-year, no-questions-asked guarantee to repair any damage to poles for free; that’s valuable, because while carbon poles are very strong, they can break surprisingly easily under unusual stresses. (I have broken a carbon pole from another brand.) That guarantee and the blend of attributes of the C3 Carbon Power Lock poles make them a good value for the price.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the Komperdell C3 Carbon Power Lock trekking poles at moosejaw.com, sunnysports.com, or rei.com.

Was this review helpful? If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Thank you.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my other reviews of trekking poles and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

I almost never hike without poles. Read why in my “10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-komperdell-c3-carbon-power-lock-trekking-poles/feed/ 0 24271 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-crest-low-bdry-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-crest-low-bdry-hiking-shoes/#respond Wed, 19 Jul 2017 09:00:14 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24178 Read on

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Hiking Shoes
Oboz Crest Low BDry
$150, 2 lbs. 5 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s US 8-14
moosejaw.com

Finding one ideal shoe or boot to cover your feet for dayhikes in any conditions, and crossover to light backpacking, poses a real challenge. Finding one that achieves those lofty objectives at a relatively affordable price can feel like winning a lottery. Encouraged by its design and price—and having plenty of experience with other Oboz models—I wore the new Crest Low BDry on outings ranging from dayhikes in humid, hot Costa Rican rainforest to a three-day, 40-mile backpacking trip in May in Utah’s Dark Canyon Wilderness. I found much to recommend them and a couple of minor nitpicks.

They have the support for carrying over 30 pounds—as I did in Dark Canyon—at least for people accustomed to backpacking in low-cut shoes, who don’t need the greater ankle support and protection of midweight, mid-cut boots. That’s because of the compression-molded EVA midsole, plus a polyurethane heel plug that gives the heel more rigidity and support, a partial nylon shank positioned only beneath the mid-foot, and a 1mm plate under the forefoot. The plate provides slightly enhanced stiffness and protection from rocks, and means the shoe doesn’t have quite as soft a flex as many lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners—which is a good thing if those lighter shoes aren’t supportive enough for you. The Crest Low is a bit heavier and feels somewhat beefier than many lightweight low-cuts precisely because there’s more under the hood here to lend them greater support.

We backpacked that 40-mile loop in the Dark Canyon Wilderness in three fairly long days, under a warm sun for many hours of the trip; and by the second day, I felt hot spots just beginning to form on the balls of my feet simply because the medium- to high-volume fit of the Crest Low has a little too much space for my midfoot and toes, allowing my feet to slip slightly when walking at a strong pace on flatter terrain. That might have created blisters if I hadn’t taped the balls of my feet as a preventive measure (one recommendation in my “7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters When Hiking”). With any footwear, a good fit is critical, and these shoes may be best for people with slightly wider-than-average feet.

 

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The boa-style lacing system, where you pull the shoelace through a locking drawcord and tuck the excess lace into a stretch fabric pocket at the top of the tongue, is simple and fast; but I prefer the greater control of traditional laces, which allow micro-adjusting the tightness differently between the forefoot and upper foot (and may have allowed me to compensate for the slightly loose fit). Plus, one of the pull tabs on my pair of shoes broke off—a minor failure that didn’t prevent me wearing the shoes. The shoes also come with standard laces.

Oboz’s proprietary B-Dry waterproof-breathable membrane kept water out when I stood in shallow creeks to test them, and easily repulsed a light rain while dayhiking a coastal trail on the edge of Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. They also proved moderately breathable: Even under a hot desert sun with temperatures around 70° F in Dark Canyon, and in extremely humid and warm weather in Costa Rica, my feet got only a bit sweaty.

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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They’re built to withstand more abuse than many lighter low-cuts, with uppers made from a blend of synthetic leather and an abrasion-resistant synthetic textile. The nicely padded, flexible, close-fitting collar didn’t let in much trail debris, even when I hiked miles of sandy trail in Dark Canyon. The outsole features relatively deep, multi-directional lugs that deliver good traction on a variety of loose surfaces—sandy and pebbly trails, mud, and dry dirt. Bonus: Oboz insoles are much higher quality than those found in most hiking shoes and boots, with a shaped heel cup, good arch support, and EVA foam padding in a range of densities to balance cushioning and support.

The Oboz Crest Low BDry offer one of the best values in a low-cut, waterproof-breathable shoe for dayhiking and lightweight backpacking. There’s also the Oboz Crest Mid BDry ($165).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the Oboz Crest Low BDry shoes at moosejaw.com, or rei.com, or the Oboz Crest Mid BDry at moosejaw.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Hiking Boots.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Subscribe now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-crest-low-bdry-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 24178 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-ultra-gore-tex-surround-mid-hiking-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-ultra-gore-tex-surround-mid-hiking-boots/#comments Wed, 21 Jun 2017 09:00:14 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=23999 Read on

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Hiking Boots
The North Face Ultra Gore-Tex Surround Mid
$190, 2 lbs. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11
backcountry.com

The heat and humidity fell onto us like a wet blanket; I broke into a sweat just lacing up my boots for the dayhike of 3,740-foot Cerro Chato, a dormant volcano with close-up views of its larger and more-famous neighbor, Arenal Volcano, in Costa Rica’s tropical Northern Lowlands. And yet, I wanted waterproof-breathable boots for Costa Rican trails notorious for slick mud. The crazy-steep path up Cerro Chato would not only challenge us physically, it would challenge the breathability of The North Face Gore-Tex Surround Mid boots. It would also help me assess whether these very lightweight mid-cuts are the answer to chronically wet hikes in persistently hot, humid conditions—which you don’t have to go to Central America to find, as any hiker in the Eastern U.S. can confirm.

Although waterproof-breathable membranes have long been a big selling point for hiking footwear, avid hikers who have logged enough miles in waterproof boots understand the conundrum of them: The “breathable” half of that hyphenated adjective often seems to be defined very generously. Truth is, if you regularly hike in a humid, wet climate, where temperatures can vary widely from cool to steamy, waterproof footwear is a curse as often as it’s a blessing. If you live in a climate that’s dry, at least during the prime hiking season, you might logically question why you’d need waterproof footwear, even on multi-day backcountry hikes—especially given how quickly a pair of highly breathable, non-waterproof, low-cut shoes with synthetic or mesh uppers will dry out if they get wet. (See my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Hiking Boots.”)

The North Face Ultra Gore-Tex Surround Mid boots address that conundrum. I wore them in some of the most extreme and challenging conditions for which they were designed: on both Cerro Chato and hiking along Costa Rica’s Rio Celeste, in humid weather with temps in the 70s and 80s. They passed the breathability test with flying colors: My feet got only slightly sweaty. And no moisture penetrated the boots even when I splashed through puddles, shallow streams, and mud—not even when I sprayed the boots with a garden hose at the Rio Celeste trailhead post-hike to wash off mud caked on them.

Surround is the most breathable Gore-Tex membrane, and TNF places mesh of different densities in the uppers for enhanced breathability where you need it, in the boot’s tongue and above the toes, while putting more-durable mesh in the sides. Plus, TNF’s FlashDry fabric in the collar helps release heat and moisture. But Surround is better suited to hikes where your feet are only exposed to incidental wet conditions like that, not sustained wet conditions. For trips where you expect rain, wet trails, including wet trailside vegetation constantly weeping onto your feet and legs—especially in cooler temperatures—you’re better off with backpacking boots with the standard Gore-Tex membrane (and perhaps low or high gaiters), which is much more reliably waterproof in severe conditions.

The boot’s comfortably close, medium-volume fit cradled my feet evenly, with a firm and supportive heel cup, preventing my heel and midfoot from slipping at all, even on steep descents, while giving my toes plenty of wiggle room without the boot freely boxy. Abundant flexibility allows for easy striding and hiking in them without any break-in time; I could hop nimbly over rocks and roots. The mid-cut height protects the ankle from bashing against rocks and provides support against a rolled ankle that you can’t get from comparably lightweight, low-cut shoes. The Ultra effectively offers advantages over low-cuts while cancelling out the usual edge that low-cuts have in lower weight and keeping feet cooler.

There’s one potential fit problem: The positioning of a metal lace hook directly above the seam stitching the tongue to the interior side wall could create a pressure point on some people’s feet (as a few people have commented on at TNF’s website). It did not bother me while hiking, even on the steep Cerro Chato trail; but I was also hiking at an easy pace with my family. Apparently, not all commenters at TNF’s website had the problem, either. I did reach out to The North Face asking about that, and got this response from the company’s footwear product coordinator: “Through our own fit testing program, we did not experience that issue or receive that feedback, so we think that problem is isolated to one or two individuals on the forum. Therefore, we do not have any plans to address the concern by making changes to the current model.”

Try the boots on, lace them up snugly, and walk around in them, including up and down, before buying (or make sure the retailer has a good return policy).

The dual-density midsole has a soft cushion to it, but very little rigidity or torsional support; I’d reserve these boots for dayhiking or ultralight backpacking, because carrying a heavy pack in boots with a light, soft midsole can leave all but the strongest feet sore. PU-coated leather overlays in high-abuse areas of the uppers—at the toes and along the sidewalls—lend greater durability than you find in many shoes and boots this light. The Vibram MegaGrip outsole combines smaller, shallower lugs with wider and slightly deeper lugs, a smoother surface under the toes for scrambling steep rock, and a slight edge under the heel to enhance downhill braking, for good, all-around traction in a variety of terrain. It delivered good traction when I scrambled up steep, wet, slick roots and muck on Cerro Chato.

For dayhikers and ultralight backpackers who regularly head out in warm, humid conditions on trails that are occasionally wet, The North Face Ultra Gore-Tex Surround Mid boots will keep your feet drier than most waterproof-breathable boots.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase The North Face Ultra Gore-Tex Surround Mid men’s boots at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com, or the women’s boots at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com.

 

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Hiking Boots.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to get email updates about new stories and gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box in the left sidebar, at the bottom of this post, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

The Big Outside is proud to partner with sponsors Backcountry.com and Visit North Carolina, who support the stories you read at this blog. Find out more about them and how to sponsor my blog at my sponsors page at The Big Outside. Click on the backcountry.com ad below for the best prices on great gear.

 

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-ultra-gore-tex-surround-mid-hiking-boots/feed/ 4 23999 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-revolt-headlamp-2/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-revolt-headlamp-2/#comments Tue, 06 Jun 2017 09:00:38 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=23799 Read on

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Rechargeable Headlamp
Black Diamond ReVolt
$60, 3.5 oz. (with 3 AAA batteries, included)
moosejaw.com

Updated in 2017, Black Diamond’s ReVolt rechargeable headlamp quickly became the one I grabbed from a drawer full of headlamps, for trips ranging from backpacking 40 miles in May through Utah’s Dark Canyon Wilderness, to backcountry skiing for four days in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and camping in Idaho’s Sawtooth Valley. Beyond the convenience of running on either its USB-rechargeable NiMH batteries or standard AAA alkaline batteries, it offers a variety of modes and features not found in other headlamps—including BD’s PowerTap technology to instantly cycle between brightness settings, plus being waterproof—at a competitive price.

A single click of the power button turns on the TriplePower white LED, a focused beam with a range that I found effectively illuminates objects at a distance of at least 100 feet on a dark night in the backcountry when using the rechargeable batteries (BD claims 68 meters/223 feet on a full charge). Holding the power button depressed dims and brightens that bulb; and at the upper end of brightness, the DoublePower white LED kicks on in tandem with the TriplePower white LED. BD states that they deliver together a max brightness of 300 lumens, but that’s only with alkaline batteries; the rechargeables deliver a max brightness of 175 lumens, still plenty bright enough for most backcountry needs.

The DoublePower white LED is a proximity bulb—which can be turned on alone by double clicking the power button—that disperses light more broadly over a shorter distance, and is also dimmable. Alone, the proximity bulb illuminates a trail well enough for hiking, but I usually prefer using the TriplePower white LED and its dimming/brightening function for most purposes. When the two white bulbs are both on, at the ReVolt’s max brightness, they throw more light, of course, but the proximity bulb does not increase the maximum distance of the headlamp’s light; it simply better illuminates a wider area immediately in front of you. Still, the two white-light modes, along with the dimming function, provide more than enough range and variety for dayhikers, backpackers, climbers, trail runners, and backcountry skiers, whether you’re hiking a trail, searching for rappel anchors, or trying to follow an off-trail route in the dark.

The unique PowerTap technology is something I found myself using often: In either of the two white modes, you can dim the light, then tap the right side of the headlamp casing with a finger to instantly toggle back and forth between that dimmed level and max brightness—very helpful whether you’re in camp or on the move and need to briefly see something at a distance.

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

 

When the headlamp’s off, holding the power button down for a couple of seconds switches between the white TriplePower LED and the DoublePower red LED—which brightens your immediate surroundings while allowing your eyes to remain adjusted to darkness. When in red mode, holding the button down dims/brightens that light, and triple clicking it activates the red strobe mode.

Like other BD lamps, the ReVolt locks off by depressing the power button for several seconds—a critical feature to prevent accidentally draining your batteries inside your pack, which I’ve seen happen with headlamps that lack a lockout feature. Depending on how you use the ReVolt’s modes, the rechargeable batteries last anywhere from six to 75 hours on a single charge, and fresh alkalines 20 to 175 hours, according to BD. Using the rechargeable batteries, I got through the three aforementioned backcountry trips with the ReVolt’s meter still showing green—meaning at least 50 percent charge remaining.

 

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The IPX8 rating means it’s waterproof in water more than a meter deep for 30 minutes—which effectively means in any precipitation or anyplace most backcountry users might accidentally drop it and still be able to retrieve it (like a creek or fairly shallow lake). The three-level power meter lights up green, orange, or red to give an approximation of remaining power in the batteries. The widely adjustable strap fits even the biggest skulls and helmets and is comfortable to wear for hours. Rechargeable batteries typically last for several hundred recharges before reaching the end of their lifespan, but they can also lose effectiveness over time, even if not used much.

An excellent value for its versatility and features, BD’s ReVolt headlamp is ideal for most outdoor activities and eliminates the cost and waste stream of throwaway batteries—thus, erasing over time its higher price compared to non-rechargeable headlamps.

BUY IT NOW You can support The Big Outside by clicking any of these links to purchase a Black Diamond ReVolt at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my “Gear Review: The 5 Best Headlamps” and all of my reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-revolt-headlamp-2/feed/ 2 23799 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-osprey-talon-22-and-tempest-20-daypacks/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-osprey-talon-22-and-tempest-20-daypacks/#respond Wed, 17 May 2017 09:00:10 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=23394 Read on

]]> Daypacks
Osprey Talon 22 and Tempest 20
$170, 20L/1,220 c.i., 1 lb. 11 oz. (men’s S/M)
Sizes: men’s S/M and M/L, women’s XS/S and S/M
ospreypacks.com

Daypacks are a little like flavors of ice cream—there’s something for everyone’s taste, and they vary so greatly that you can get to feel like one isn’t nearly enough. So how do you find the right model when you want a quiver of one daypack for all purposes? In pursuit of the answer to that enduring philosophical conundrum, I carried Osprey’s Talon 22 on a dayhike to the highest point in California’s Death Valley National Park, 11,049-foot Telescope Peak, on dayhikes in Costa Rica, including the crazily steep and rugged peak Cerro Chato, and numerous other hikes.

Updated for 2021, the men’s Talon and women’s Tempest suspension is constructed around a flexible, lightweight, plastic framesheet. A seamless, wide, foam hipbelt forms one continuous piece with the mesh back panel, wrapping around the hips and lumbar to distribute pack weight very evenly, without pressure points.

The position of the soft, foam shoulder straps adjusts in a range of about three inches to customize the fit to your torso. It delivered good comfort and stability for carrying up to about 15 pounds (some people might even carry more weight), whether I was hiking, scrambling, or running—although with less weight when running, and it’s larger than I’d normally use for running. (The Talon 44 and Tempest 40 also have an aluminum peripheral frame for supporting more weight.)

The AirScape back panel and perforated foam padding in the hipbelt and shoulder straps create excellent ventilation, which kept my back cool in the smothering heat and humidity of Costa Rica.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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These packs have more organization than you’d find in many competitors in this weight class. A clamshell zipper opens halfway down the pack to give wide access to the main compartment, which has adequate space for food, water, and clothes for a long day in the mountains. The packs have stretch side pockets big enough for a liter bottle; two spacious, zippered hipbelt pockets that each fit a larger phone and a fat energy bar; a zippered top pocket larger than you’ll find on many mid-size daypacks; and a stretch-mesh front pocket that swallows a jacket and gloves. Side compression straps shrink the pack to stabilize contents with a partial load.

An external sleeve for the hydration bladder—slotted between the framesheet and main compartment—adds the convenience of not having to empty the pack to refill water. I like the useful little features, especially the trekking pole attachment strap on the left shoulder strap, to quickly stash poles and free my hands to shoot photos, eat on the move, or scramble. A loop with a bungee tie-off holds an ice axe.

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A small, stretch-mesh pocket on the left shoulder strap holds a couple gel packets, and there are attachments on the front for a bike helmet and a light and an emergency whistle in the sternum strap. Durability compares with many lightweight daypacks: While mesh pockets are always vulnerable to tearing if you’re not careful, the 70-denier by 100-denier nylon body fabric, with 420-denier nylon on the bottom, won’t bruise easily.

Osprey Talon 22 and Tempest 20

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

Osprey’s Talon and Tempest hit a sweet spot for features, comfort, organization, and low weight that ranks them among the most versatile, multi-sport daypacks on the market today—at a competitive price for this level of quality. For dayhikes of any distance, mountain biking, bike commuting, or adventure racing, when you need a little more space and want comfort and features without extra weight, they’re among the top-performing and lightest daypacks in that category.

4.3

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s Osprey Talon 22 or another size at ospreypacks.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com, or a women’s Osprey Tempest 20 or another size at ospreypacks.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See my picks for “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks” and all reviews of daypacks and reviews of hiking gear at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I reviewed gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-osprey-talon-22-and-tempest-20-daypacks/feed/ 0 23394 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-epic-lite-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-epic-lite-shoes/#comments Wed, 03 May 2017 12:11:38 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=23138 Read on

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Hiking/Approach Shoes
Scarpa Epic Lite
$135, 1 lb. 14 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 39-47/US 6-13, women’s Euro 36-42/US 5-10
moosejaw.com

The hardest footpath to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi, North Carolina’s 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell, runs you through a gauntlet of character-building trail conditions lurking in those rough Appalachian Mountains. Hiking the Black Mountain Crest Trail entails climbing a cumulative 3,500 vertical feet over 12 miles on an earthen rollercoaster that traverses 13 summits above 6,000 feet, over ground littered with wet, slick leaves, while hopping the occasional small pond of mud and carefully treading over slippery roots and granite slabs. I could hardly have thought up a better place to try out Scarpa’s new Epic Lites. And I’ve worn very few models of shoes over the years that handle all kinds of terrain as nimbly as these.

I also tested out the Epic Lite on other dayhikes in the mountains of western North Carolina, while carrying a pack filled with at least 30 pounds of climbing gear, water, and food at Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park, and on many gym workouts. Among low-cut hiking-approach shoes, they stand out for design features that depart from traditional approach shoes—stepping out ahead in a recent trend toward lighter, more breathable and comfortable designs that makes this category of shoes more practical for everyday hikers.

In the Epic Lites, that begins with board-lasted construction—fairly unique among lightweight shoes, which usually have a less-supportive strobel last or a slip last. Board-lasted shoes are made with a firm board that provides a platform, boosting underfoot support and protection. And yet, the Epic Lite’s forefoot has plenty of flex for easy, fast striding, so they don’t feel stiff, and they’re as light as many low-cut shoes that don’t offer as much support.

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. And follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

Scarpa’s proprietary Sock-Fit DV construction uses a stretchy, soft-shell material in the tongue, creating a close fit that wraps around the top of your foot, while delivering better breathability than leather or synthetic nylon and reducing bulk. Even on the sweatiest gym workouts, my feet stayed dry; but they also never felt cold even in chilly October temps and nearly constant, strong wind on the Black Mountain Crest Trail. Mesh uppers help make them more breathable, while synthetic leather along the side walls and wrapping the heel, a stout rubber toe bumper, and welded TPU reinforcements over the mesh ensure against these shoes getting shredded when you venture off trail.

 

The medium-volume fit gave me enough wiggle room for toes without my heel or midfoot ever slipping, while the shoe’s heel provides abundant support and cushion for long miles in rugged terrain, thanks in part to the rubber rand wrapping completely around it. Likewise, the EVA midsole felt soft carrying upwards of 20 pounds (about half of it photography gear) throughout my multi-hour outing on the Black Mountain Crest Trail.

The Vibram MegaGrip outsole—with a smooth “climbing” tread under the toes, widely spaced, moderately deep lugs, and a pronounced heel brake—gripped well on all of the Black Mountain Crest Trail’s terrain. As with other shoes in this category, lacing extends to the toes to let you fine tune the fit as needed over the course of a long day.

Scarpa describes the Epic Lite as a crossover hiking-approach shoe with a running influence; I’d say it performs best for hiking and scrambling, and I’d run short distances at any easy pace in them, but I wouldn’t recommend them primarily for running.

They’re not designed for hiking in persistently wet, cold conditions, or for hikers who need the greater support of mid-cut boots with a little more rigidity. But whether you like scrambling off-trail to rocky summits on days that involve a lot of miles and vertical feet on and off-trail, or you’re a hiker who rarely ventures very far off trail, or even an ultralight backpacker seeking shoes that are highly breathable, the Epic Lite shoes excel for their excellent traction, breathability, and durability.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s Scarpa Epic Lite shoes at moosejaw.com or rei.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

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See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-epic-lite-shoes/feed/ 2 23138 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-iota-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-iota-headlamp/#respond Wed, 15 Mar 2017 09:00:18 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=22779 Read on

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Ultralight Rechargeable Headlamp
Black Diamond Iota
$40, 2 oz.
backcountry.com

Even as backcountry headlamps continually shrink without compromising brightness—indeed, today’s ultralight models keep getting more powerful—my first impression of Black Diamond’s Iota is how darn tiny it is. Smaller than a golf ball, it’s nearly unnoticeable on your head: After turning it off, you could forget you’re wearing it. This two-ounce beacon also represents a leap forward in the affordability of rechargeable headlamps. While the Iota’s relatively short burn time on a full charge limits its versatility, it will appeal to people who want an affordable, ultralight, rechargeable headlamp for outings of up to two or three hours.

BD says the Iota’s single TriplePower LED bulb projects 150 lumens at max brightness for more than 100 feet. Testing it on fall hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the North Cascades National Park Complex, and while car-camping in Idaho’s Sawtooth Valley, I found that the oval beam of light it throws illuminates a broad area well for perhaps half that claimed distance; beyond that range, dark forest and land swallow the light because the beam expands with increasing distance. Still, it adequately lit a pitch-black, forested section of the Appalachian Trail for me to hike that steep, rocky path before dawn, and it casts enough light for trail running.

 

Unlike some rechargeable headlamps, the Iota does not use batteries. A full charge of its lithium ion battery lasts 40 hours at the dimmest setting—really only bright enough for tasks at hand distance or reading—or two hours on high. BD says a charge lasts an average of three hours. Thus, the Iota’s only practical for relatively short, multi-day trips, unless you’re also carrying a portable, solar-powered recharging unit and you can count on consistent sunshine. But the Iota recharges via mini-USB in three hours (during the day or overnight) from a variety of devices, making it useful for short adventures or when you’re confident of needing light for only part of your day, like an early-morning trail run or hike.

Holding the power button down controls the dimming function. The Iota’s PowerTap technology allows you to instantly switch between the most-recently set level of dimness and max brightness by simply tapping the right side of the casing (marked by a bulb icon). Click three times quickly to engage white strobe mode. There is no red mode. The Iota’s lockout feature prevents it accidentally turning on in a pack: Hold the power button down for several seconds; a blue light flashes when lockout is engaged. Hold the power button down again to turn it back on. A power meter indicates remaining battery life in three levels—imprecise, but adequate. The IPX4 rating means it can withstand splashes of water or a light drizzle, but don’t let it get soaked. Lastly, the comfortable, adjustable strap will help you forget it’s on your head after you turn it off.

For multi-day trips or activities like mountain biking and alpine climbing, you’ll need a brighter headlamp with a much longer burn time, or battery life on a full charge. But for early-morning or evening trail runs, hikes, or schlepping back to the car after getting off a climb at dusk, the Black Diamond Iota will light your way without creating more battery waste or setting you back as much as other rechargeable lights.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a Black Diamond Iota headlamp at backcountry.com.

See all of my reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, and backpacking gear at The Big Outside, and my stories:

“The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun”
“Gear Review: The Best Gear Duffles”
“My Top 10 Favorite Backpacking Trips”
“10 Tips For Getting Outside More”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to get email updates about new stories and gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box in the left sidebar, at the bottom of this post, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

The Big Outside is proud to partner with sponsors Backcountry.com and Visit North Carolina, who support the stories you read at this blog. Find out more about them and how to sponsor my blog at my sponsors page at The Big Outside. Click on the backcountry.com ad below for the best prices on great gear.

 

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-iota-headlamp/feed/ 0 22779 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-stretchdown-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-stretchdown-jacket/#respond Thu, 09 Mar 2017 10:00:39 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=22585 Read on

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Down Jacket
Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket
$260, 1 lb. 2 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

From backcountry skiing in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains in a below-zero wind chill, to resort skiing on a sunny but frosty day with temperatures in the teens Fahrenheit, this puffy jacket stood out for three reasons. First and foremost, it kept me warm whether as my only insulating layer over one base layer and under a shell (while resort skiing) or when I simply pulled it on over other layers in the backcountry. Second, it felt noticeably more comfortable than some bulky, stiff puffy jackets, because both the fabric and the down-filled chambers actually stretch. And third, after I got its lining wet with sweat or its shell damp from falling snow, it still kept me warm.

It did all of that because it’s stuffed generously with Hardwear’s 750-fill Q.Shield waterproof down feathers, which repel moisture and retain loft (read: continue trapping heat) even when wet. Plus, the unique, stretch-welded channel construction moves with you and traps heat more efficiently than jackets with standard stitching. Beyond that new technology, it employs some standard design features like a close-fitting, standup collar, elasticized cuffs, and adjustable hem to block cold air from creeping inside. Plus, the length extends halfway down the butt—better coverage than some lighter puffy jackets.

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

The two zippered hand pockets quickly warmed my cold fingers and held things like extra gloves securely. The zippered chest pocket is roomy, fitting more than just a map or hat; and two deep, inside stuff-it pockets are spacious enough to swallow big gloves or climbing skins when backcountry skiing.

It’s not breathable like some modern insulation, and admittedly, having a down jacket that stretches with you may seem a bit like a solution to a problem you don’t have. But sometimes tech breakthroughs anticipate what consumers want. (Think: iPhone, or in the outdoor industry, the advent of ultralight gear.) When you’re cold and you need to move, whether it’s skiing down a mountain, a chilly descent off a climbing route, or simply getting campsite chores done, you may appreciate a down jacket that’s more comfortable because it moves with you. Besides, it delivers enough warmth for a winter layering system, while weighing just over a pound and packing into a three-liter stuff sack, so it pulls double duty as a campsite puffy for summer-fall backcountry nights in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit—all at a price competitive with other puffy jackets with a comparable warmth-to-weight ratio but no stretch. Some backcountry travelers may prefer the hooded version, which is $290. (I tested the hoodless version; in the above photos, I’m wearing the StretchDown Jacket over a soft-shell jacket with a hood.)

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a a men’s or women’s Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket or Hooded Jacket at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See all of my reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-stretchdown-jacket/feed/ 0 22585 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-nano-air-light-hybrid-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-nano-air-light-hybrid-jacket/#respond Wed, 22 Feb 2017 10:00:25 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=22399 Read on

]]> Hybrid, Breathable Insulated Jacket
Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket
$249, 10 oz./284g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XXS-XL
backcountry.com

Throughout four straight days of backcountry skiing in the mountains above Lake Tahoe in early February, winds gusting at 40 to 50 mph buffeted us—the pockets of protected terrain seemed rare—and snow fell for three of those days, heavily at times. A few days later, I was Nordic skate skiing and snowshoeing in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, on days ranging from overcast and windy to breezy with warm sunshine. On all of those days, temperatures were cold enough—from the low 20s to the mid-30s Fahrenheit—to quickly chill me if I either under-dressed for the wind or sweated from overdressing. And for hours at a time on those days of widely ranging conditions and exertion levels, I wore Patagonia’s new Nano-Air Jacket.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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Whether skinning or snowshoeing uphill carrying a pack in wind, or creating my own wind on skate skis, every time I needed a touch of warmth and maximum breathability, I turned to this hybrid insulation piece. That’s because it traps sufficient heat in my torso while releasing excess heat off my back and arms. It achieves this through a hybrid design that puts 40g FullRange synthetic insulation, which stretches and breathes, in the front of the jacket, upper shoulders, and top sides of the sleeves, and a much more breathable, wicking, stretch waffle knit on the back of the sleeves, in the sides, and covering the entire back.

It also sports a very lightweight, 20-denier, nylon ripstop shell and lining. The result is a jacket with exceptional mechanical stretch and air permeability (40 CFM on front and 130 CFM on back). This jacket offloads body heat about as fast as you produce it.

Everything about the Nano-Air Jacket is low bulk and low profile, for functioning as an outer layer without getting in your way, or layering under a shell. When I wore it as an outer layer while skinning uphill for several hundred feet, the shell fabric, treated with a DWR (durable, water-repellent finish), repelled heavily falling snow well enough that it never got more than superficially damp.

The two zippered front pockets, positioned mid-chest, above a pack or harness belt, each has the space for a pair of winter gloves. The stretchy, close-fitting cuffs have thumbholes and slip easily inside virtually any type of glove, helping keep my hands warm. The hem isn’t adjustable, but stretches and fits snugly to keep cold drafts out.

The jacket lacks a hood, for fitting more unobtrusively under a hooded shell, and the collar fits closely around the neck to block drafts.

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As manufacturers increasingly specialize their outdoor apparel, designing jackets that are better at mimicking how our bodies behave—moving with us and releasing and trapping heat variably in different areas—the lightest and most breathable garments are precisely the ones with the greatest versatility. Those are the ones you’ll wear the most when active because you’re less likely to overheat and need to peel them off, and they feel comfortable and layer effectively underneath shells.

Patagonia’s Nano-Air Jacket stands out as one of the lightest and most breathable in this expanding category. I’ll wear it for everything from backcountry and Nordic skiing in winter to hiking and climbing from spring through fall.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or a women’s Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket or Nano-Air Hoody at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this review, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

See all of my reviews of breathable insulated jackets, all insulated jackets, and all outdoor apparel that I like.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Subscribe now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-nano-air-light-hybrid-jacket/feed/ 0 22399 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-desolation-thermoball-jacket/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-desolation-thermoball-jacket/#respond Wed, 25 Jan 2017 10:00:13 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=22082 Read on

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Hybrid Insulated Jacket
The North Face Desolation ThermoBall Jacket
$199, 14 oz. (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S-XXL, women’s XS-XL
Men’s: moosejaw.com
Women’s: backcountry.com

Backcountry skiing in Idaho’s Boise Mountains in heavily falling snow, I pulled my Desolation ThermoBall Jacket on over my waterproof-breathable shell for extra warmth while digging a snow pit to assess avalanche conditions. Finishing that, with the Desolation ThermoBall’s shell damp from snow, I stuffed it inside my pack while we made a couple of downhill runs and climbs. Later, I pulled it on over my shell again for the ski down to our car, as snow continued dumping and temps were dropping fast. Although damp, the jacket kept me warm. It did the same on other ski tours in temps in the teens Fahrenheit, repelling light, falling snow and giving me the warmth I needed by simply wearing it over my shell—no getting blasted by cold wind to add a layer. That illustrates the versatility of The North Face Desolation ThermoBall Jacket, an insulation piece that won’t just sit in your pack.

This breathable, hybrid insulated jacket is made for being active in the cold, with PrimaLoft Silver synthetic insulation throughout the core and on the top surface of the sleeves, and a light, stretch fleece under the arms and in the side panels for breathability. The small, round ThermoBall synthetic fiber clusters mimic the loft of down feathers, trapping body heat in tiny air pockets to deliver good warmth for its low weight; TNF says it compares with 600-fill down.

But as I’ve found on days of backcountry skiing in heavy snowfall, the insulation retains its ability to keep you warm even when wet. And it breathes well enough to help dry damp base layers (depending on your exertion level), and release the heat and moisture I produced while telemark skiing off-trail bumps at a resort. Plus, a DWR (durable, water-repellent) treatment on the shell helps shed the variety of precipitation seen in freezing temps—keeping the insulation dry for a while, although heavy, wet precipitation eventually soaks through the shell. Still, the combination of the shell’s moisture repellency and the insulation’s performance when wet means that in normal use—short of, say, falling into open water—you’re not likely to soak this jacket so thoroughly that it’s rendered useless.

The fit is loose enough to allow pulling it on over a shell and a couple of base layers, but it’s a bit bulky in front. Lacking a hood, it layers more smoothly under a hooded shell. Stretch fabric in the shoulders and sides permits completely free range of motion—this jacket doesn’t ride up when you reach overhead. While the insulated collar stands tall, it fits loosely around the neck, letting drafts in, so I usually had to wear a base layer that covered my neck; I wish the collar either fit more closely or had a drawcord for adjusting the fit, like the hem does. Thumbholes in the cuffs make it a breeze to pull the sleeves inside gloves, which really helps keep hands warm on a frigid day.

Two zippered hand pockets and one on the chest stow gloves, hat, maps, electronics and such, and two inside stuff-it pockets are large enough for climbing skins. Tough nylon shell fabric in the shoulders and at the hem provides extra durability for regularly carrying a pack. The jacket stuffs easily into one of the hand pockets, packing down to slightly smaller than a football (a nice size for a backcountry pillow).

The North Face Desolation ThermoBall Jacket is a piece of insulation that may actually spend more time on your body than in your pack when you’re on the move in winter, and can double as lightweight, campsite insulation in summer.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a men’s The North Face Desolation ThermoBall Jacket at moosejaw.com or a women’s Desolation ThermoBall Jacket at backcountry.com.

See all of my reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like and these stories at The Big Outside:

“10 Smarter Ways to Think About Your Layering System”
“Review: 6 Super Versatile Layering Pieces”
“Review: The Best Base Layers and Shorts For Hiking, Trail Running, and Training”
“12 Pro Tips For Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside is proud to partner with these sponsors. Please help support my blog by liking and following my sponsors on Facebook and other social media and telling them you appreciate their support for The Big Outside.

 

 

 

Do you like The Big Outside? I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by a USA Today Readers Choice poll and others. Get email updates about new stories and free gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box at the bottom of this story, at the top of the left sidebar, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-north-face-desolation-thermoball-jacket/feed/ 0 22082 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-keen-aphlex-mid-wp-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-keen-aphlex-mid-wp-boots/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2016 10:00:41 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=21054 Read on

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Lightweight Boots
Keen Aphlex Mid WP
$160, 2 lbs. 3 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 6-15, women’s 6-11
moosejaw.com

Lightweight, mid-cut boots at this price make up a competitive category of hiking footwear, and quality varies significantly. Many models are, frankly, made for first-time boot buyers and bargain shoppers who make a choice based on a couple of simple criteria: Whether the boots feel good (often achieved with plenty of foam padding, which doesn’t necessarily translate to good performance) and have any kind of waterproof-breathable membrane (a high-demand feature for hikers). To see whether Keen’s Aphlex Mid WP rose above all that mediocre chatter, I wore them on a two-day, 34-mile backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in mid-October, hiking long days with plenty of elevation gain and loss.

A dual-density EVA midsole, with a partial shank, creates a soft cushion and stable platform that provided adequate support for carrying 25 to 30 pounds (including photography gear); my feet were a little tired but not sore or achy after 17-mile days with some 3,500 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss (as they have been on similar days in other shoes). Foam padding around the boot’s collar—which is tall enough to protect the ankles—and in the tongue enhance comfort. But there’s not a lot of torsional rigidity (lateral support) to these boots, and EVA, although widely used in lightweight footwear, wears out quickly. I suspect that a heavy pack (or a really big hiker), or frequent, hard use in really rugged terrain (Great Smokies trails aren’t terribly rocky or bony), would wear down the midsole’s cushioning quickly.

 

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The somewhat higher-volume fit cradled my midfoot comfortably and gave my toes plenty of space, but had a little too much space for my heels on my feet, which fit in US men’s 9 boots from most brands. I wore thicker socks to fill up much of that excess volume. The Keen Dry proprietary waterproof-breathable membrane kept water out even when I stood in streams to test it, and breathed well enough to prevent my feet from sweating much in the moderate temperatures I encountered: sunny days with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit, and generally dry trails. The synthetic and mesh uppers help keep my feet cooler, and are reinforced with a molded TPU exoskeleton and molded TPU at the toe and heel to protect them from the usual banging and abrading.

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Shallow, multi-direction lugs on the proprietary outsole grip well on a variety of surfaces that many hikers encounter—dry or wet rocks, scree, dirt—but aren’t deep enough to shed thick mud or snow well, and lack the kind of smooth “climbing tread” under the toes for smearing on steep slabs and scrambling, found in approach-style shoes.

While it’s not designed for extremely wet conditions, rugged terrain, or routine, hard use, the Keen Aphlex Mid WP offers a good value in a basic, comfortable boot for dayhiking or light backpacking on trails.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s Keen Aphlex Mid WP boots or low-cut shoes at moosejaw.com or rei.com.

See my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” all of my reviews of backpacking boots and hiking shoes, and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

See also my stories:

“My Top 10 Favorite Backpacking Trips”
“10 Tips For Getting Outside More”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”
“The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Subscribe now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-keen-aphlex-mid-wp-boots/feed/ 2 21054 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-l-l-bean-primaloft-mountain-pro-hoodie/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-l-l-bean-primaloft-mountain-pro-hoodie/#respond Wed, 02 Nov 2016 12:00:52 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=21042 Read on

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Hybrid Insulated Jacket
L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Mountain Pro Hoodie
$129, 1 lb. 6 oz. (medium regular)
Sizes: men’s S-XL
llbean.com

Frigid blasts of wind hit us periodically as we climbed in hot alpine sunshine in a snow-filled couloir on the Mountaineers Route on 14,505-foot Mount Whitney, in California’s High Sierra in mid-April. Those are challenging conditions in which to stay warm without rapidly overheating—a common challenge in a variety of weather circumstances when you’re outside in winter or in the mountains in shoulder seasons. Fortunately for me, Bean’s hybrid-insulation PrimaLoft Mountain Pro Hoodie handles wide-ranging conditions with aplomb, so I never got cold or sweated much.

I wore this piece a lot on that four-day climb of Mount Whitney, including most of our summit day, and on late-fall and winter hikes in the Boise Foothills. A hooded, full-zip fleece jacket, the PrimaLoft Mountain Pro Hoodie’s front, back, and hood consist of stretchable, 60g PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation, which packs a lot of warmth for its weight and bulk. Considered an industry benchmark for warmth-to-weight ratio, PrimaLoft Gold Active traps body heat in thousands of tiny air pockets between its ultra-thin fibers. Even when standing around for several minutes during snack and water breaks in random, cold gusts, I never got chilled. However, PrimaLoft Gold Active is not breathable, so the hoodie’s side panels and sleeves are made of highly breathable fleece. This hybrid design makes sense because those are the areas of your body where you need to release heat when active in cold temperatures, while it’s imperative to still keep your core warm.

The very comfortable, semi-relaxed fit has room for a warm base layer underneath, without having bulky folds of fabric that can get in the way when you’re climbing, skiing, or snowshoeing, and I could layer a shell over it. The helmet-compatible, adjustable hood moved with me when I turned my head, with and without a helmet on, and the jacket’s collar stands tall enough to cover my chin. Two spacious, zippered hand pockets warmed my digits quickly, and create deep, open pockets inside the jacket that are big enough to store climbing skins for backcountry skis or a backup pair of gloves (or dry them). The polyester mesh lining helps transfer moisture from damp base layers to the outside of the jacket.

This middle and outer layer is ideal for winter, early-spring, and late-fall activities like hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and climbing. It’s warm and heavier than other insulation pieces I’ve reviewed—weighing well over a pound and squashing down to about the size of a loaf of bread. The L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Mountain Pro Hoodie is best for a moderate activity level in temperatures near or below freezing, or a high activity level in temps well below freezing.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase an L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Mountain Pro Hoodie at llbean.com.

The Big Outside is proud to partner with these sponsors. Please help support my blog by liking and following my sponsors on Facebook and other social media and telling them you appreciate their support for The Big Outside.

 

See my “Review: Gear For Climbing Mount Whitney,” all of my reviews of insulated jackets, hybrid insulated jackets, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside.

See also my stories:

“12 Pro Tips For Staying Warm Outdoors in Winter”
“10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”
“The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Do you like The Big Outside? I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by a USA Today Readers Choice poll and others. Subscribe for updates about new stories and free gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box at the bottom of this story, at the top of the left sidebar, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button in the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-l-l-bean-primaloft-mountain-pro-hoodie/feed/ 0 21042 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-lifestraw-go-water-bottle-with-2-stage-filtration/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-lifestraw-go-water-bottle-with-2-stage-filtration/#comments Thu, 20 Oct 2016 10:00:41 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=20848 Read on

]]> Water Filter Bottle
LifeStraw Go Water Bottle With 2-Stage Filtration
$45, 8 oz.
22 ounces/650ml bottle capacity
backcountry.com

On an 80-mile, five-day backpacking trip in the North Cascades National Park Complex in September, I stopped filling my pack’s bladder by the second day. I didn’t need it—I could just top off my LifeStraw Go bottle every time we passed one of the frequent creeks along our route, and continue hiking with hardly a pause. Rare is the piece of gear whose convenience and utility actually change the way I behave, but the LifeStraw Go does exactly that.

I used it on several other trips, too, including a 34-mile, mid-October backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and a mid-September trail run-hike of about 20 miles in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and third-class scramble up 10,651-foot Snowyside Peak. Whenever there are fairly frequent water sources along a hike, the Go bottle enables me to carry less water and avoid the inconvenience of taking time to filter water: I can just dip and fill this bottle in a couple seconds and start drinking and hiking again. Measuring 9.3 inches/235mm by 3.1 inches/80mm, it holds 22 ounces/650ml of water, enough for at least an hour on the move. Using it is simple and quick: Flip up the mouthpiece (which folds down into the cap to avoid damage in transit) and start sucking as you would on a straw. It initially takes a few seconds to draw water up the filter, but once it’s flowing, the water comes basically as fast as you can drink through a straw.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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Without requiring batteries or pumping, the LifeStraw Go’s two-stage, hollow-fiber, 0.2-micron filter membrane with activated carbon removes 99.9 percent of bacteria, protozoa like giardia and cryptosporidium, and organic chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. The replaceable activated carbon capsule—the small piece inside the top of the filter unit—is good for treating 100 liters (over 26 gallons) of water, and the hollow fiber membrane filter for 1,000 liters (264 gallons). The filter and carbon capsule are easily dissembled without needing tools—just pull the filter off and pop out the carbon capsule.

A mini-carabiner on a nylon strap lets you clip the bottle to a pack strap—a good safety feature even when it’s in a pack’s outside pocket, to ensure against accidentally losing it in steep terrain. The BPA-free Tritan plastic bottle is lightweight—most of the weight is in the filter unit—and hard to break: I tried a few times, dropping it onto rocks with the weight of water inside, without causing any damage. Lifestraw recommends taking the bottle apart and rinsing all the parts with clean tap water before a first use and before storing it after use; and let the parts dry out before storing it. LifeStraw also commits a portion of profits to providing safe drinking water to schoolchildren in the developing world.

The Go has limitations, including that you can’t use it to filter water into another bottle or a bladder. But in places with less-frequent water sources, I can simply bring an extra plastic bottle or two (weighing about two ounces each) or a water bag to haul extra water for refilling my Go bottle. If I’m in a group of three or more people (like my family), carrying multiple Go bottles makes less sense because you’re adding the duplicative weight of multiple water filters to the group’s total gear weight, when you could carry one pump or gravity filter; then you’re choosing between unnecessary weight and the dip-and-go convenience of the LifeStraw Go.

Those minor limitations aside, though, the LifeStraw Go actually changes the way I think about managing water in the backcountry, enabling me to carry less water weight wherever there are frequent sources, without compromising convenience or safety. It has become my go-to water carrying and filtering tool on virtually all single- and multi-day, three-season backcountry outings, and indispensable for international trips where there are concerns about water safety.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a 22-oz. or 1L LifeStraw Go water bottle at rei.com or backcountry.com.

See all of my reviews of water filters and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there.
Join now to read ALL stories and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-lifestraw-go-water-bottle-with-2-stage-filtration/feed/ 5 20848 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-helinox-passport-fl120-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-helinox-passport-fl120-trekking-poles/#respond Thu, 13 Oct 2016 10:00:53 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=20735 Read on

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Trekking Poles
Helinox Passport FL120
$140, 11 oz. (120cm)
Sizes: 115-130cm
moosejaw.com

Yes, you read the weight listed above correctly: A pair of these adjustable trekking poles weighs just 11 ounces, which is several ounces below the weight of most hiking poles and the lightest model I’ve reviewed at this blog. With that tantalizing statistic in mind, I put them through the ringer on several hikes, including a 20-mile, 4,500-vertical-foot, trail run-hike in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains that included several hundred feet of third-class scrambling up 10,651-foot Snowyside Peak. I found several reasons to like them a lot, despite some shortcomings. Read on.

I also used them on a three-day backpacking trip with my teenage son in the Sawtooths; a 10-mile dayhike Idaho’s Boise National Forest; and four days of backpacking and dayhiking in California’s Death Valley National Park. A friend used them when we dayhiked the 32-mile, 10,000-vertical-foot Pemi Loop in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and my 79-year-old mom used them on a 4.6-mile hike on the rocky trails of the Blue Hills Reservation outside Boston.

 

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Manufactured by DAC, whose high-quality tent poles are used in many backcountry tent, these twist-lock, adjustable, three-section poles are made of DAC’s proprietary TH72M aluminum alloy, which has a high strength-to-weight ratio. They are light enough for trail running and strong enough for climbing steep, off-trail mountain terrain. Like other, very lightweight poles, you may feel a slight vibration in the Passports when planting them, but not to a degree that I ever found bothersome or even very noticeable, even in the most rugged terrain. They’re also manufactured with DAC’s Green Anodizing process, which involves no nitric or phosphoric acid and uses recycled water.

They have an adjustment range of 95cm/37.5 inches to 120cm/47 inches, adequate length for all but tall hikers. I’m 5’ 8” and set poles generally at 115cm on gentle terrain, 110cm going steeply uphill, and 120cm going downhill, so I max out the length on these poles. Their collapsed length is 53cm/21 inches—not as short as folding poles, but compact enough to tuck away under compression straps on a daypack or backpack. The soft, foam grip feels good on bare hands for many hours, and extends about halfway down the shaft of the top section, useful when briefly climbing steeply uphill—negating the need to make a quick adjustment just for a moment—and for carrying in your hands on flats.

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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I found the twist-lock mechanism easy to loosen or tighten securely with a quarter-turn, and they never collapsed unwanted when I was using them. The lightweight and comfortable wrist straps wrap unobtrusively around my hands and adjust easily by tugging on one of the straps. The Passport poles come with optional rubber caps for the carbide tips when hiking over predominantly rocky terrain, and a stuff sack to protect them from scratches in transit and storage.

Tall and heavy hikers may want longer, sturdier poles. But if you’re looking for ultralight trekking poles that are strong and adjustable, for hiking, ultralight backpacking, running mountain trails, or travel, and you stand no more than roughly average height, the Helinox Passport FL120s are what you’re looking for. The series also includes fixed-length, folding, Passport TL poles.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the Helinox Passport FL120 trekking poles at moosejaw.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my other reviews of trekking poles and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

I almost never hike without poles. Read why in my “10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Subscribe now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-helinox-passport-fl120-trekking-poles/feed/ 0 20735 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-five-ten-access-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-five-ten-access-hiking-shoes/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2016 10:00:06 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=20561 Read on

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Hiking/Approach Shoes
Five Ten Access
$140, 1 lb. 10 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 4-14
moosejaw.com

Five Ten bills the Access as a go-anywhere, do-anything shoe, so I thought I’d test the authenticity of that claim on an 8.5-hour, 20-mile, 4,500-foot, mid-September trail run-hike of the Alice Lake-Toxaway Lake Loop in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains—including, midway through our day, a 1,400-foot, third-class scramble up 10,651-foot Snowyside Peak. I was honestly a little nervous about committing my feet to these shoes for such a long day, mostly out of concern that they’re not really designed primarily as a trail-running shoe. As it turned out, my feet were as comfortable as they’ve ever been on an ultra-hike or long trail run. Here’s why.

Prior to that big day, I also wore the Access on dayhikes of up to about five miles on a four-day, mid-July, whitewater rafting and kayaking trip on the Green River through Lodore Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument. These shoes have a split personality: a hiking/approach shoe built on a trail-running last. Slipping my feet into them, they fit like trail-running shoes (other than the leather uppers; but there is a mesh version, too)—light, comfortably snug, wiggle room for toes. The simple lacing system mimics running shoes rather than the to-the-toes style of approach shoes, but Five Ten has integrated the laces into the sidewalls to wrap the uppers more closely to the contours of your feet.

The shoes delivered more cushioning than I expected, given the approach-shoe pedigree. Credit the thick EVA midsole with high rubber content. There’s more torsional rigidity built into this midsole than found in many shoes this light, to protect against rolling ankles. The wide heel platform also mimics the cushioning of running and light hiking shoes.

Sporting Five Ten’s sticky Stealth S1 rubber outsole with shallow, dot-pattern lugs and a smooth “climbing zone” under the toes for smearing on rock, the Access, not surprisingly, gave excellent grip scrambling several hundred feet of steep, third-class rock on Snowyside Peak. The shoe also has good sensitivity for edging and smearing on rock, despite the ample midsole. The outsole also provided good traction when I descended talus and crossed steep, loose scree gullies. The only time I slipped was descending a steep mountainside of heather—not what smooth soles are designed for, but then, I’ve slipped on heather in just about every shoe and boot I’ve ever worn while hiking down over heather. But this relatively smooth, high-friction outsole won’t shed thick mud or snow as well as a boot with deep lugs.

With a rubber toe cap and perforated nubuck leather uppers, the Access is well armored for rough, off-trail terrain; and the collar hugged my foot just below the ankle nicely, allowing in very few little stones. With the temperature in the low 40s for most of our 8.5 hours on that Sawtooths run-hike, reaching around 50 in the afternoon, my feet stayed mostly dry, although my toes got a bit warm and my feet sweaty toward the end. This leather version has a mesh tongue and perforated leather to improve breathability, but there’s also an all-mesh version, the (aptly named) Access Mesh ($130), that’s much more breathable and cooler for hot-weather use—though it doesn’t offer the protection of leather.

No, I wouldn’t recommend them primarily as a trail-running shoe; that’s not what they’re made for. But if you like heading into rugged mountains and canyons, sometimes off-trail, scrambling peaks, perhaps throwing in some easy running or even low-grade rock climbing, try on a pair of the Five Ten Access.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the Five Ten Access shoes at moosejaw.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

See also my stories:

“10 Tips For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”
“The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun”
“Buying Gear? Read This First”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Do you like The Big Outside? I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by a USA Today Readers Choice poll and others. Subscribe for updates about new stories and free gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box at the bottom of this story or in the left sidebar, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-five-ten-access-hiking-shoes/feed/ 4 20561 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-deuter-speed-lite-20-daypack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-deuter-speed-lite-20-daypack/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2016 10:00:18 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=20549 Read on

]]> Daypack
Deuter Speed Lite 20
$80, 20L/1,220 c.i. 1 lb. 3 oz.
One size
backcountry.com

At first glance, Deuter’s Speed Lite 20 struck me as a daypack with the right capacity and features for virtually any adventure—and super lightweight, which I like. So I decided to put it to a serious test, on an 8.5-hour, 20-mile, 4,500-foot, mid-September trail run-hike of the Alice Lake-Toxaway Lake Loop in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, including a 1,400-foot, third-class scramble up 10,651-foot Snowyside Peak. And there’s much to like about the Speed Lite 20.

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I also carried it with about 12 pounds inside (including two liters of water, a DSLR camera and two lenses, and a couple of jackets) hiking the 10-mile Around the Mountain Trail in Idaho’s Boise National Forest.

With a minimalist, highly flexible, U-shaped, Delrin frame, a half-inch of perforated mesh padding in the shoulder straps, and an unpadded, removable, webbing waist belt, it carries 10 to 12 pounds comfortably. Given that simple harness, I found it fairly stable when running at a slow, long-distance pace, but it started bouncing a bit when I had 2.5 liters of water or my camera gear inside. The thin back pad of perforated mesh breathes well, but being right up against your back, it still traps perspiration. Still, the hugging-the-torso fit and the tapered shape, which stays out of the way of arm movement, made the pack hardly noticeable on my back while running with poles or scrambling third-class rock. Another benefit of such a lightweight and flexible harness: You can fold the Speed Lite 20 in half, making it very packable.

The main compartment—accessed quickly via a deep, U-shaped, top zipper with big pull loops for grabbing with gloves on—has adequate space for food, water, and clothing for an all-day hike in the mountains (and it’s a good size for an airplane carry-on, fitting a large laptop). There’s a zippered top pocket that fits a sunglasses case plus small items, and the mesh side pockets can hold a liter bottle or snacks, gloves, map, etc. Most prominently, the front pocket—sewn into the pack at the top and bottom, with stretch mesh and partial openings on both sides, but no zippers—swallows a rain jacket and then some. Given the zipper-less, open sides on the front pocket, the sewn top makes it more secure than an open stuff-it pocket (and no zippers means one less part that can break); but the openings are a bit small for pulling out a jacket with gloves and a hat in there, too.

Two compression straps on each side hold trekking poles or skis, and they smartly can be extended around the front to clip on the opposite side, for maximum compression.

The PU-coated, 210-denier ripstop pack fabric is pretty tough; the external mesh represents the only durability concern. Other nice features include a tuckaway ice-axe loop, a light attachment on the front, and loops at the four corners of the front side for attaching an optional helmet carrier.

I give this pack one demerit for lacking hipbelt pockets—a detail I value especially in an ultralight daypack because I’m choosing it for long outings where I want the convenience of having much within reach without having to take the pack off.

But the mesh side pockets are within reach while wearing the pack, which partly makes up for the omission of hipbelt pockets.

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Deuter’s Speed Lite 20

Fit

Comfort/Support

Access

Weight

Features

Durability

The Verdict

Deuter’s Speed Lite 20 is an efficiently designed, lightweight daypack for any outing when you’re traveling light, whether on dayhikes of any length, adventure racing, peak bagging, or bike commuting.

3.4

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or women’s Deuter Speed Lite 20 or another Speed Lite size at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com or rei.com.

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See my “Gear Review: The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks” and my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” (which includes daypacks), plus all of my reviews of hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-deuter-speed-lite-20-daypack/feed/ 2 20549 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-leki-micro-vario-carbon-antishock-folding-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-leki-micro-vario-carbon-antishock-folding-trekking-poles/#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2016 10:00:08 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=20505 Read on

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Trekking Poles
Leki Micro Vario Carbon DSS Folding Trekking Poles
$220, 1 lb. 1 oz. (110-130 cm).
Sizes: regular/unisex 110-130 cm, Lady 100-120cm
moosejaw.com

How much does a good pair of trekking poles matter? I used these three-section, folding poles on a dayhike in August that I wasn’t certain I could finish: the 32-mile, 10,000-vertical-foot, nine-summit Pemi Loop in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. For the last few miles, the poles may have been the only thing holding me up. Whether or not you intend to take absurdly long hikes, this one did help me identify the many strengths of Leki’s Micro Vario Carbon DSS Folding Trekking Poles, and evaluate the usefulness of the antishock mechanism.

I also used these poles on various other outings, including a 12.5-mile, 2,500-foot trail run in the Boise Foothills, and a 4.6-mile hike on the rocky trails of the Blue Hills Reservation outside Boston. These are the first folding trekking poles with a shock-absorbing mechanism. Located just above the pole tip—where it prevents any shock or vibration from traveling up the shaft—the DSS (Dynamic Suspension System) antishock mechanism reduces peak impact force by up to 40 percent, according to Leki. A fair amount of downward force is required to compress the antishock. If you put only a little weight on it—such as when pushing off lightly with the poles while hiking gentle terrain—the poles won’t absorb the effort you’re putting into forward motion. That’s good.

 

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To explain: If you’re using trekking poles correctly, you’re employing them virtually all the time. You push off slightly with them (planting the pole tip behind you, at an angle) when hiking flatter ground or climbing well-graded trails; you lean on them more on steep ascents; and you use them for balance and to take some impact off your body when descending. An antishock element serves a useful purpose when you need it to absorb force, such as when descending; but you don’t want it to absorb the muscle force you’re putting into forward propulsion. Smartly, these poles don’t absorb (and waste) the generally slight force you put into using the poles to move forward; they can, however, absorb some of your effort when you lean hard on them climbing steeply uphill. That’s the subtle tradeoff with antishock poles. Conversely, non-antishock poles obviously won’t absorb (waste) any of your muscle effort, but they also won’t help lessen the impact on upper-body joints of going downhill. (The Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles are virtually identical, but without antishock; see my review.)

The other great advantage of these poles is that they’re much more packable than collapsible poles whose shaft sections slide inside one another: With a packed length of 15 inches/38cm, they attach to the outside of a small daypack without sticking out, and disappear inside even small luggage. With an interior cable connecting the three pole sections, they assemble quickly and simply: Just line up the sections and extend the upper one until a metal pin pops out to lock the sections together. Once locked, there’s very little play in the poles.

 

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A plastic locking lever on the upper section releases to adjust the pole length from 110 to 130cm (in the regular/unisex size); I find the lever easier to use than poles that adjust with a twist mechanism. I’m 5’ 8” and have the poles generally at 115cm on gentle terrain, 110cm going steeply uphill, and 120-125cm going downhill; someone well over six feet tall may not get as much length as they want going downhill with these poles. The Aergon Thermo foam grips are cushy, smooth, and ergonomically designed, with a forefinger groove, a small bumper for the heel of the hand, and an oversized head, so that I could place my hands in various positions depending on terrain steepness; this helps reduce hand fatigue. The extended foam below the grips allows you to momentarily hold a pole below the grip—say, on a briefly steep uphill—without holding cold metal.

The wrist straps are light, don’t absorb much sweat, and easy to adjust: Tug upward on the strap to pop open a locking lever atop the grip, adjust the straps to a good length, then snap the lever back in place. It’s quick and easy enough to do on the trail if, say, you’re putting on warm gloves and need a little more strap length. The carbon upper pole section is lightweight and strong, while slightly heavier aluminum is used in the lower sections.

At just over a pound, these poles are borderline light enough for trail running and training—not the lightest you’d want strictly for that purpose, but a good pole for crossing over between running and hiking. The lady poles are for shorter women or men with smaller hands; they have shorter straps and a grip that’s 15 percent smaller than the regular poles. The poles come with a stuff sack and rubber tip caps for using on consistently rocky terrain, like slickrock in the desert Southwest.

One caveat: These are a bit less sturdy than traditional, three-section, collapsible poles, which, while heavier and less packable, are generally better for hard use or for bigger people putting more weight on the poles.

That said, the Leki Micro Vario Carbon DSS Folding Trekking Poles survived the rocky trails of the White Mountains (maybe better than I did); they’re hardly delicate. I’d recommend them for ultra-hikers and ultralight backpackers as well as most dayhikers and backpackers.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase the Leki Micro Vario Carbon DSS Folding Trekking Poles at moosejaw.com or rei.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

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See my other reviews of trekking poles and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

I almost never hike without poles. Read why in my “10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier.”

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my Gear Reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Subscribe now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

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