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.

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 Jetboil Flash backpacking stove at backcountry.com.

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.

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 WindBurner Group Stove System at backcountry.com or cascadedesigns.com, or other WindBurner stoves and products at backcountry.com or cascadedesigns.com.

Plan your next great backpacking adventure in Yosemite, Grand Teton,
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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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Backpacks come in many sizes and designs for a reason: so do backpackers. Some of us need a pack for moderate loads, some for heavy loads, and others, increasingly, for lightweight or ultralight backpacking. Some prefer a minimalist pack, others a range of features and access. Everyone wants the best possible fit and comfort, and almost everyone has a budget. But no matter which type of backpacker you are, this review covers the best packs in each of those categories.

Each of my picks for the 10 best backpacking packs stands out for different reasons. I also point out two excellent packs for kids and small adults (at the bottom of the Gregory Paragon/Maven review). My judgments draw from many thousands of miles and more than three decades of backpacking and 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. Few reviewers have lugged as many packs around the backcountry as me.

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’m confident at least one of these packs will be perfect for you—plus you’ll find the best prices for them through the affiliate links to online retailers below. Purchasing gear through my affiliate links supports my work on this blog. Thanks for doing that.

I’ve listed the pack reviews below in order by weight because that’s the metric that most defines and influences a pack’s design and functionality. The ratings admittedly tend to favor more-featured packs, which are heavier, and that may not meet your needs; use the ratings as a comparison with packs of similar weight. The pack you ultimately choose may depend partly on weight, but also on design and on your budget. Each pack review in this article links to that pack’s complete review at The Big Outside.

Not sure what type of pack you need? Start with my “5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack.” See also my picks for “The Best Ultralight Backpacks.”

The comparison chart below offers a quick look at stats and features that distinguish these packs from one another.

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.

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The 10 Best Backpacking Packs

Tough, Waterproof Ultralight

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider
$395, 1 lb. 15 oz./879 g (55L)
hyperlitemountaingear.com

When the Windrider was delivered to my house, the box looked much too small to contain a backpack. Like the best sub-three-pound, ultralight packs, the Windrider handles 30 to 35 pounds well, but weighs anywhere from a half-pound to nearly a pound less than those competitors. It has the capacity for going several days between resupplies. Its tough Dyneema Composite Fabrics is fully waterproof. The fixed suspension comes in four sizes—more than offered by most high-end pack makers—and the simple harness system works.

Three big, external mesh pockets add nearly 10 liters of capacity, and the roomy, zippered hipbelt pockets offer convenience. A top-loader with a roll-top closure, the Windrider is noticeably bereft of features found on many other packs. But its minimalist design, durability, capacity, comfort, and low weight will appeal to many backpackers who prefer hiking over simply hauling.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest ($395, 55L/3,400 c.i., 2 lbs., four sizes) is virtually identical to the Windrider except that it replaces the durable, tearproof mesh used in the external pockets with a more durable, Dyneema Hardline fabric—same as used in the zippered hipbelt pockets on both packs.

Read my complete review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider.

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 Windrider backpack at hyperlitemountaingear.com or a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest backpack at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

Want an ultralight pack with more total capacity than the Windrider and seven external pockets, that weighs and costs less? See my review of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60.

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

Ultralight With Extras

Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55
Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55
$270, 2 lbs. 11 oz./1.22 kg (Focal 58)
gregorypacks.com

Backpackers who are willing to accept a reasonable weight penalty for some organizational features of traditional backpacks and the support to carry up to 35 pounds will like the top-loading men’s Focal and women’s Facet. They sport six external pockets, including two on the hipbelt and a large, stretch-mesh front pocket, and useful features like good compression and attachments for trekking poles or an ice axe. And they’re made with recycled fabrics.

Gregory’s attention to comfort in its ultralight backpack is evident in the aluminum perimeter wire frame with a fiberglass cross-stay and an HDPE framesheet that lend the pack substantial rigidity, distributing most of the load across the hips. The tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back. That support and comfort kept me smiling on strenuous days of hiking up to 12 miles with over 7,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss—including seven very steep off-trail miles—backpacking for six days in the Grand Canyon. These are well-designed, comfortable packs for ultralighters who want some organizational features of traditional backpacks.

Read my complete review of the Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55.

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 Gregory Focal 58 or Focal 48 at rei.com, backcountry.com, or gregorypacks.com, or a women’s Gregory Facet 55 or Facet 45 at rei.com, backcountry.com, or gregorypacks.com.

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

Ultralight Classic

Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58
$285, 2 lbs. 14 oz./1.3 kg (Exos 58)
Exos 58: backcountry.com
Eja 58: osprey.com

On a nine-day, nearly 130-mile hike through the High Sierra, mostly on the John Muir Trail, I found the updated-for-2022 Exos 58 keeps what has made it a classic since 2008 while getting even better. Now with improved comfort, thanks to an adjustable suspension with a four-inch fit range, and made with 100 percent recycled materials, the Exos and Eja come in two torso sizes and three capacity sizes. As before, the LightWire perimeter frame carries 30 to 35 pounds comfortably, while the perforated-foam hipbelt and shoulder straps distribute that weight nicely. And the trampoline-style back panel provides great ventilation across your back.

Made a bit more durable through little design improvements, the redesigned Exos 58 and Eja 58 have the capacity for weeklong trips and ultralight thru-hiking. At under three pounds, they have smart features like a removable, floating lid with two pockets, spacious pockets on the front, sides, and hipbelt, Z-style side compression, and a handy trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap. The Exos and Eja also come in 48-liter ($240) and 38-liter ($220) versions.

Read my complete review of the Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58.

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 men’s Osprey Exos backpack at osprey.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com, or any women’s Osprey Eja backpack at osprey.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See my review of another outstanding pack with the same price, weight, and basic design, though differences, the Gregory men’s Focal 58 and women’s Facet 55.

Be comfortable on your hikes. See “The Best Rain Jackets For Hiking and Backpacking.”

Comfort and Low Weight

Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5
$285, 2 lbs. 15 oz./1.33 kg
backcountry.com

Among similar, mid-size, ultralight backpacking packs, Deuter’s Aircontact Ultra 50+5 distinguishes itself for the adjustable, comfortable fit and smart design details that make a difference in your experience carrying it. I found the Aircontact Ultra 50+5 comfortable with up to about 35 pounds inside on hikes of three days on southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons loop and six days on the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route—and I severely overloaded it on the first day of my Grand Canyon trip without it leaving me feeling destroyed, which says something.

Credit for its comfort and stability going up and down very steep, loose trails on both trips goes to a spring steel wire frame that balances slight flex with structural support, plus hipbelt fins and shoulder straps that rotate to absorb your body’s movement, steadying the pack while hiking. Spacer mesh in the back panel, lumbar pad, shoulder straps, and hipbelt deliver nice ventilation and cushioning. This top-loader fit my gear, food, and often extra water for six days in its spacious main compartment, augmented by six external pockets including a large stretch-mesh front pocket as well as side and hipbelt pockets. Light but reasonably tough, 175-denier polyamide fabric makes it as durable as many backpacking packs in this weight class.

Read my complete review of the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+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 Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 backpack at backcountry.com, or any model in the Aircontact Ultra series at backcountry.com.

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Uniquely Adjustable Fit

Granite Gear Perimeter 50
$250, 3 lbs. 3 oz./1.4 kg
backcountry.com

When I loaded the Perimeter 50 with about 12 pounds of water on the first day of a 45-mile backpacking trip in Yosemite—bumping the pack’s weight over the 40 pounds that Granite Gear rates it to handle—I was pleasantly surprised at its comfort. That seems like a bonus for a backpack with a customizable fit and high functionality that carries a modest weight and price.

Granite Gear’s Perimeter series packs feature adjustability for both torso length and shoulder width, easily accomplished by resetting the position of a clip behind each shoulder strap. A spring steel rod lends the pack an ergonomic shape plus rigidity along the vertical axis and some horizontal flex, while a PE board cone disperses weight. A top-loader, it has eight external pockets, including a removable, floating lid pocket and a bottom zippered flap that can also carry a sleeping pad, and tough, Robic high-tenacity nylon fabric.

Read my complete review of the Granite Gear Perimeter 50.

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 unisex or women’s Perimeter 50 at backcountry.com, or a unisex or women’s Perimeter 35 at backcountry.com.

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Most Versatile

Granite Gear Blaze 60
$300, 3 lbs. 4 oz./1.47 kg
backcountry.com

How many pounds can a lightweight backpack carry comfortably? At just a half-pound heavier than some ultralight packs, the Blaze 60 hauled 40 pounds comfortably on a rugged, six-day, 74-mile backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon, and up to 35 pounds on a four-day, more than 40-mile backpacking trip that crossed four passes near and over 11,000 feet in the Wind River Range.

The Air Current framesheet flexes slightly, allowing the pack to move with your torso, especially in steep or difficult terrain. The ventilated back panel fits closely but has channels for air circulation and the Re-Fit hipbelt felt great even on long, arduous days. It has the capacity and support for long trips and the compression and low weight for short trips, plus super access with a wide top-loading mouth, a zipper into the main compartment, and six external pockets. It comes in three unisex and two women’s sizes, all adjustable, and the fabric is bombproof. The Blaze 60 ranks among the top all-purpose backpacks.

Read my complete review of the Granite Gear Blaze 60.

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 Granite Gear Blaze 60 backpack at backcountry.com, or a women’s-specific Granite Gear Blaze 60 backpack at backcountry.com.

Hike all of “The 10 Best Backpacking Trips in the Southwest.”

Excellent Fit, Features, and Durability

Mystery Ranch Radix 57
$299, 3 lbs. 11 oz./1.67 kg
backcountry.com

With the Radix 57, Mystery Ranch asks backpackers: How light is just right? I pondered that question carrying the Radix 57 on backpacking trips in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, southern Utah’s Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon, and two classic New Zealand hut treks, the Routeburn Track and the Milford Track, and found much to like and a couple of quibbles.

Mystery Ranch prioritized fit, features and functionality in a design that seems a hybrid of traditional bigger and ultralight packs, including six external pockets; zippered access to the main compartment; wrap-around compression that’s removable if needing repair; attachments for trekking poles or ice axe; a removable 7000 series aluminum frame and hipbelt; highly durable materials and construction; plus an unusually big range of four adjustable sizes each in men’s and women’s packs. On the downside, I found the hipbelt’s comfort limit was just a bit over 30 pounds—which seems low for a pack this heavy.

Read my complete review of the Mystery Ranch Radix 57.

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 Mystery Ranch Radix 57, Radix 47, or Radix 31 at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Score a popular permit using my
“10 Tips For Getting a Hard-to-Get National Park Backcountry Permit.”

Quiver of One Backpack

Gregory Paragon 60 and Maven 58
$300, 3 lbs. 12 oz./1.7 kg (Paragon 60)
Paragon 60: backcountry.com
Maven 58: backcountry.com

When Gregory rolled out the 2025 update of these popular packs, I took the Paragon 60 on a four-day, 40-mile walk in the Grand Canyon that included humping up the brutally steep Boucher Trail—which convinced me that the fully featured Paragon 60 and women’s Maven 58 still offer everything that many backpackers want for every kind of trip they take.

These packs have support for carrying at least 35 to 40 pounds comfortably, thanks to an alloy steel perimeter frame with a fiberglass cross-stay and Gregory’s cushy FreeFloat Suspension System. Adjustable for torso length in two sizes, both have Gregory’s Air-Cushion mesh back panel, consisting of 90 percent air, which helped cool my back on hot afternoons in the Grand Canyon. Their excellent organization includes a zipper providing access to the main compartment, six external pockets—and new for 2025, a stretch-mesh pocket on the left shoulder strap that’s sized to hold a Garmin inReach Mini or inReach Messenger device.

Read my complete review of the Gregory Paragon 60 and Maven 58.

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 Paragon 60 at backcountry.com, gregory.com, or rei.com, or a women’s Maven 58 at backcountry.com, gregory.com, or rei.com. And see all Paragon models at backcountry.com, gregory.com, or rei.com, or all Maven models at backcountry.com, gregory.com, or rei.com.

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

Ultimate  Comfort

Osprey Atmos AG 65 and Aura AG 65
$370, 4 lbs. 11 oz./2.1 kg (Atmos AG 65)
Atmos AG 65: ospreypacks.com
Aura AG 65: ospreypacks.com

These packs feel very different, in a good way, the first time you put one on, and that positive first impression bore out as I carried the Atmos AG 65 on a five-day hike in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, when I was often carrying 8.5 to 14.5 pounds (four to seven liters) of water; on a four-day family hike (bearing some of my family’s gear and food weight) on the Rockwall Trail in Canada’s Kootenay National Park; and on two treks in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park as well as other backpacking trips. The Anti-Gravity suspension feels more like putting on a jacket than a backpack. Consisting of a panel of lightweight, tensioned mesh extending from the top of the back panel to the hipbelt, it fully wraps around your back and hips while delivering ample air movement.

Adjustable for fit, including the hipbelt, they carry 45 to 50 pounds with supreme comfort and come loaded with features like nine pockets, a convenient trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap, and an integrated cover panel to replace the removable lid. Weighing well under five pounds, they’re a great choice for backpackers who usually carry moderate to heavy loads.

Read my complete review of the Osprey men’s Atmos AG 65 and women’s Aura AG 65.

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 any model of the men’s Osprey Atmos AG at ospreypacks.com or rei.com, or any model of the women’s Aura AG at ospreypacks.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

Get the right daypack for your hikes. See my review of “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks.”

Excels for Big Loads

Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60
$350, 4 lbs. 14 oz./2.2 kg (Baltoro 65)
Baltoro 65: rei.com
Deva 60: rei.com

For carrying loads of 50 pounds or more, I want a pack that’s supportive, comfortable, and tricked out. In every respect, the men’s Baltoro and women’s Deva packs have long filled the big-pack role extremely well, and trips in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and on the Teton Crest Trail demonstrated that the latest versions of these two packs are only better.

The Baltoro’s and Deva’s FreeFloat suspension system, updated in 2022, has 3D mesh and a foam-free design that improves air flow across your back; more adjustability in the torso length (in three sizes for men and women), shoulder harnesses, and hipbelt (and the latter two pivot independently, enhancing comfort); enlarged hipbelt pockets; an attachment for a bear spray holster; and a lighter carbon footprint with 31 percent less plastic. And the high-strength aluminum perimeter frame delivers serious support.

Features include a U-shaped zipper that opens up the entire main compartment; nine very functional external pockets; widely adjustable compression straps that cross over the pack bag; and attachments for sunglasses, trekking poles, and ice axes.

Read my complete review of the Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60.

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 a Gregory Baltoro 65 at gregory.com or rei.com; a Gregory Deva 60 at gregory.com or rei.com; or larger versions of the Baltoro at gregory.com or rei.com or the Deva at gregory.com or rei.com.

See my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack,” “Video: How to Load a Backpack,” all of my reviews of backpacks 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 avoid leaving anything important behind by using “An Essentials-Only Backpacking Gear Checklist.”

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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 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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 Distance Wind Shell at backcountry.com or blackdiamondequipment.com.

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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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Switching from a standard backpacking tent to an ultralight tent can shave pounds from your total pack weight—which for many backpackers will be the biggest step they can take toward a lighter pack. But it can be confusing to sort through the various ultralight tents out there, and the specs on them can look like a big pot of numeral soup, leaving you wondering: How are they different? And ultimately, which one is best for you?

I’ve tested and reviewed scores of tents of all types over a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear—formerly as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for about 10 years and even longer running this blog. I love the best ultralight tents, but I’ve also used some that had flaws or shortcomings not immediately obvious.

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.

This article will explain all you need to know to find the three-season, ultralight tent that’s best for you. See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent.”

Please tell me what you think of my tips or share your questions, suggestions, or favorite ultralight tent model in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Size Matters

Consumers of backcountry gear have grown accustomed to focusing on the weight of a product—which is smart—but not always paying adequate attention to other performance metrics. Think of your tent’s weight like it’s a prospective spouse’s feelings about starting a family: It’s a critical and potentially make-or-break factor, but it’s not the only question to ask when evaluating compatibility.

An ultralight tent is a two-sided coin: Before getting one, be certain that low weight ranks as a higher priority to you than other metrics like living space, or you might be disappointed.

Fans of them typically include ultralight backpackers, thru-hikers, climbers, and others who focus on the experience outside rather than inside the tent, who often spend much of each day on the move, and who don’t mind dealing with the inconveniences or quirkiness of a non-traditional tent design. Big people looking to trim pack weight may be smart to get a tent that’s not the absolute lightest, but still reasonably light while providing a bit more space (more on square footage below).

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That said, there are ultralight tents and shelters that do have adequate or even abundant living space, especially those employing non-traditional designs. Floorless tents and tarps that pitch using trekking poles weigh mere ounces while offering much more sheltered living area per ounce (or gram) than traditional tents. While not freestanding, when pitched and staked out properly they often stand up to strong wind as well as—and sometimes better than—any heavier, three-season, freestanding tent. Some have a single-wall or hybrid single- and double-wall design (see below) and optional mesh inserts for buggy conditions. Ventilation, of course, is almost never a problem under a tarp.

You may want a light ground cloth, and site selection and an adequately warm bag both become more important when you’re not in an enclosed tent. But if you really want to reduce shelter weight, when bugs aren’t an issue and you don’t anticipate relentlessly wet, windy conditions, a tarp or similar minimalist shelter is unquestionably the best choice. Plus, if you also want to move to a lighter, smaller-volume pack, you have to first reduce the bulk of your two largest pieces of gear: your tent and sleeping bag.

All of which leads to the conclusion: Yes, size matters. There are tradeoffs to reducing weight. For many backcountry travelers, though, the benefits of a lighter pack far outweigh any disadvantages of an ultralight shelter. Once someone switches to one, they don’t tend to go back to carrying heavier tents.

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How Light Should You Go?

What is an ultralight tent? There’s no hard definition, but I would include any kind of backcountry shelter that’s under about three pounds (1.4 kg). While somewhat arbitrary, that cutoff lumps in a wide range of products, from freestanding, double-wall tents that are significantly lighter than traditional models to shelters weighing a pound or less.

I’m not suggesting you ignore all tents over three pounds; there are two-person, three-season tents weighing mere ounces over three pounds that have their merits. What matters more are your personal needs and preferences in a shelter. That will dictate the design features you want, which (along with your budget) will largely dictate the weight of the shelter you choose.

See my picks for “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents.”

The weight of any kind of shelter (or any gear) basically depends on the type and amount of materials that go into it—a seemingly obvious fact, but one which affects everything from interior space to price. The visible differences include:

• Interior and vestibule space.
• One or two doors.
• Freestanding or requires staking (which includes semi-freestanding).
• Double- or single-wall.
• Whether it has dedicated tent poles or pitches using trekking poles.
• Whether it has a floor and/or bug-proof mesh walls.

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Freestanding or Not?

Tarps and some tents employ your trekking poles, eliminating the substantial weight and bulk of tent poles from your pack. These models can require a little more time and possibly some practice to pitch correctly—you’ll be wise to pitch it for the first time in your yard rather than during a rainstorm in the backcountry. But you’ll quickly familiarize yourself with the idiosyncrasies of one. And tent poles represent one of the single biggest chunks of weight you can remove from your pack, which is why these non-traditional shelters are the choice for serious ultralighters as well as any backpackers who simply want to pack as light as possible.

Besides, “freestanding” is a somewhat misleading term: While such tents do stand independent of stakes, they virtually always must be staked out, anyway, including their rainfly, to ensure that they stay put in wind and ventilate well.

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See my stories “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,”
and “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”

What’s Best for You?

As I’ve basically laid out above, choosing any kind of backcountry shelter, and particularly an ultralight one, requires asking yourself a few questions:

• How high a priority is low weight to you?
• How much space do you need?
• Do you usually backpack in buggy seasons and/or wet and windy conditions?
• Will this be your only tent or an alternative shelter to use in circumstances appropriate for it?

In the final analysis, if your goal is as light a backpack as possible, nothing gets you closer to that goal than your choice of a shelter. Find the lightest one that still serves your essential needs.

See all reviews of ultralight backpacking tents and ultralight backpacking gear, my “5 Expert Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent,” and my picks for the best ultralight backpacks 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.

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A good backpacking tent not only makes your trips more comfortable by keeping you warm and dry in foul weather—it’s critical safety gear and one of the heaviest and most expensive items you’ll carry. Those facts alone are motivation enough to find the right tent for your style of backpacking. But how do you choose from the many models out there, which come in a huge range of designs, weights, and prices? Whether you’re shopping for your first backpacking shelter or looking to replace an old one, this review will help make that choice easy for you.

I’ve tested scores of backpacking tents over more than a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear—including the 10 years I spent as Backpacker magazine’s lead gear reviewer and even longer running this blog. This article covers my picks for the 10 top-performing, three-season backpacking tents available today—eight two-person models and two ultralight solo tents—with links to my complete review of each one. I think you’ll find at least one tent here that’s perfect for you.

Each of these tents is different enough from the others to give you clear choices, and they range from midweight to ultralight—because I believe every ounce should be justified in the gear I carry. The tents are listed from lightest to heaviest. The comparison chart below offers a quick look at specs and features that distinguish these tents from one another and offers an overall rating based on specific criteria that are detailed in a ratings chart at the bottom of each tent’s complete review.

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Spend your money smartly when picking out the right tent for your adventures: Start with my “5 Expert Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “Ultralight Backpacking Tents: How to Choose One.” (Like many stories at this blog, both of those are partially free for anyone to read but require a paid subscription to read in full.) And see all reviews of backpacking tents at The Big Outside.

Grab one of these tents and your days on the trail—with a lighter pack—will improve as much as your nights in camp.

Please share your thoughts and questions about these tents or others you like in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

The 10 Best Backpacking Tents

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1
$675, 16.8 oz./476.3g
hyperlitemountaingear.com

For three nights in the Wind River Range, this non-freestanding, ultralight, solo pyramid tent stood up to gusts exceeding 40 mph, plus hard, wind-driven rain for hours on our last night in the Winds and rain on a weeklong hike through Glacier National Park. Made with highly durable and waterproof Dyneema Composite fabrics and weighing under 17 ounces, it pitches using one trekking pole and six stakes. With 21 square feet of interior space and a 54-inch peak height, it feels palatial. And the hybrid single-wall design with one mesh wall, two peak vents, and perimeter mesh around the floor creates good high-low venting. The Mid-1 is arguably the best ultralight solo backpacking tent available today.

Read my complete review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1.

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 Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1 solo backpacking tent at hyperlitemountaingear.com, or the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid 1 Tarp at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

See also my review of a modular ultralight tent that can accommodate one or two people, the SlingFin SplitWing Shelter Bundle.

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Gossamer Gear The One
$255, 1 lb. 2 oz./510g
gossamergear.com

Strong nighttime gusts on a six-day, 94-mile traverse of Glacier National Park on the Continental Divide Trail never rattled The One—affirming my impression that it is quite possibly the best value in a solo ultralight tent on the market today. A single-wall, non-freestanding A-frame that pitches using two adjustable trekking poles, with an interior tent featuring mesh bug netting and a bathtub floor, The One’s stability compares with many of the best freestanding, three-season tents. With a tall profile, nearly 20 square feet of floor space, and a 46-inch peak, living space is quite comfortable for a solo shelter. Cross-ventilation minimizes condensation and the vestibule shelters a pack and boots.

Read my complete review of the Gossamer Gear The One.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Gossamer Gear The One at gossamergear.com.

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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2
$730, 1 lb. 2 oz./510g
hyperlitemountaingear.com

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 Insert with DCF11 Floor
$420, 1 lb. 4.5 oz./581g
hyperlitemountaingear.com

Through nights of steady, cold rain and wind backpacking in the Wind River Range, my 20-year-old son and I enjoyed the cavernous interior of HMG’s Ultamid 2 pyramid-style tarp-tent and Ultamid 2 Insert. Pitching with two trekking poles and weighing two ounces over a pound, this two-person, single-door, well-ventilated, waterproof and highly durable, single-wall shelter sports 63 square feet of floor space and a peak height over five feet—that’s approximately twice the space and half or less the weight of every heavier tent in this review. The separate Ultamid 2 Insert adds a tough bathtub floor and mesh walls while keeping total weight under 2.5 pounds. Although not without shortcomings, it has virtually no competitors for space-to-weight ratio, stability in almost any weather, and durability.

Read my complete review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 and Ultamid 2 Insert with DCF11 Floor.

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 Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 at hyperlitemountaingear.com, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 Insert at hyperlitemountaingear.com, any of the various insert or floor options for the Ultamid 2 at hyperlitemountaingear.com, the Ultamid 4 at hyperlitemountaingear.com, and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid Voile Straps at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

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MSR Freelite 2
$500, 2 lbs./907g
cascadedesigns.com

Key fact about MSR’s updated Freelite 2: This double-wall, two-door, three-season, semi-freestanding tent weighs roughly three to nine ounces less than very similar tents in this category that have basically the same design… and has more interior space. Backpacking Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon in April and on two backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies in August, the Freelite 2’s 29 square feet of floor space and 39-inch peak height proved adequately livable for two of us. It withstood winds of 20 to 30 mph with no trouble and the almost entirely micro-mesh interior walls and the natural cross-ventilation of opposing doors prevented any trace of condensation even on a calm night just above freezing. If you prioritize those qualities in a tent, it stands above the most comparable competitors.

Read my complete review of the MSR Freelite 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 an MSR Freelite 2 at cascadedesigns.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com, or any Freelite tent model at cascadedesigns.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

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Nemo Hornet Osmo 2p
$480, 2 lbs. 1 oz./948g
backcountry.com

From a section of the Arizona Trail in April to camping in Idaho’s City of Rocks in June and backpacking in the Canadian Rockies in August, the Hornet Osmo 2p illustrated how it carves a narrow niche within a limited weight class of semi-freestanding, two-person, two-door, double-wall tents weighing precisely or barely over two pounds. For starters, Nemo’s proprietary Osmo fabric uses 100 percent recycled nylon and polyester yarns that boost strength and resistance to water and stretching without using chemicals. Set-up is a snap and its space-to-weight ratio compares with the best ultralight, double-wall tents. Features like the Flybar bridge pole and guy-outs on the exterior walls that clip to the rainfly to pull the walls outward create more space inside. Lastly, with poles that dissemble to just 12 inches long, the Hornet Osmo is more packable than competitors.

Read my complete review of the Nemo Hornet Osmo 2p.

Want a solo version of this tent? See my reviews of the Nemo Hornet Osmo 1p and the even lighter Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 1p tents.

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 Hornet Osmo 2p at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com, or any Hornet Osmo tent model at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com, or any Hornet Elite Osmo tent model at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com.

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Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2
$500, 2 lbs. 3 oz./992g
rei.com

At barely over two pounds, the semi-freestanding Tiger Wall UL2 stands out in a small class of two-door, ultralight tents for its relatively comfortable living space, as I discovered sharing it with my wife for four nights backpacking in the Wind River Range. I also found the tent pitches very quickly and intuitively using a hubbed and color-coded DAC Featherlite pole. While its biggest tradeoff is space, the 28 square feet and 39-inch peak height compare with two-door tents that weigh several ounces more. Excellent ventilation, design features like dual zippers on the doors and spacious interior pockets make it a leader in this tiny category. The latest version of the tent features the high waterproofness of the brand’s proprietary HyperBead fabric.

Read my complete review of the nearly identical previous version of the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2.

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 Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 at rei.com or backcountry.com.

You deserve a better backpack. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
and the best ultralight backpacks.

Sea to Summit Alto TR2
$449, 2 lbs. 9 oz./1162g
rei.com

The semi-freestanding, two-door, double-wall Alto TR2 weighs barely more than two-and-a-half pounds, but on a five-day hike in Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness it proved far more livable than its 27 square feet of floor space suggests. The recipe is vertical walls, a generous 42.5-inch peak height—and most uniquely, a bridge pole with arms that swing upward, boosting headroom. It kept two of us dry in rain, ventilates very well, stood up to moderate wind, and has smart design details like high-low ventilation and two-way zippers on both the interior and vestibule doors. Pitching it requires a little practice and time, but that’s a minor tradeoff for this nice balance of low weight with stability and comfort.

Read my complete review of the Sea to Summit Alto TR2.

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 Sea to Summit Alto TR2 at rei.com, or another version of the Sea to Summit Alto tent at rei.com.

Looking for a three-person tent? Take a look at the Sea to Summit Telos TR3 ($524, 4 lbs. 4 oz., fly and footprint pitch 3 lbs. 6 oz., at rei.com), which has a floor area of 39.5 square feet and a cavernous peak height of over 52 inches.

Lighten up with my expert tips in “Ultralight Backpacking Tents: How to Choose One.”

Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2P
$550, 2 lbs. 10 oz./1191g
nemoequipment.com

There are exactly two fully freestanding, two-person tents on this list with two doors and vestibules that weigh under three pounds, so if that’s what you’re shopping for, you already have a short list. With 29 square feet of floor space, a 41-inch peak height and beaucoup headroom, and spacious vestibules, the Dragonfly’s space-to-weight ratio puts this shelter in an elite class with the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 (below). But more importantly, it’s very appealing to backpackers who want to reduce their pack weight without reducing their living and sleeping space. Besides some nice details, the Dragonfly Osmo 2P is also an ounce lighter and 50 bucks cheaper than its main competitor.

Nemo has updated the Dragonfly for 2023 with the Dragonfly Osmo in one-, two-, and three-person models. It’s virtually identical to the model reviewed here but now made with 100 percent recycled Osmo fabric.

Read my complete review of the nearly identical previous version, the Nemo Dragonfly 2P.

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 Dragonfly Osmo 2P at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com, or another version of the Dragonfly Osmo at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com.

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Slingfin 2Lite
$505, 2 lbs. 10 oz./1191g
slingfin.com

Among the various small companies manufacturing ultralight tents with unique designs, few offer the appealing balance of livability, strength, and two doors found in the 2Lite from Slingfin. Pitching with standard DAC tent poles or trekking poles (trimming the weight to 2 lbs. 6 oz.)—with unique guylines that, when installed internally or externally, reinforce the tent’s strength—it stood up to winds of 30 to 40 mph on a hike of nearly 130 miles through the High Sierra, mostly on the John Muir Trail. With a 28.5-square-foot interior, a 41-inch peak height, 89-inch length, and dual 10.5-square-foot vestibules, the 2Lite Trek offers more space and features than found in other tents around 2.5 pounds.

Read my complete review of the Slingfin 2Lite.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking these affiliate links to buy a Slingfin 2Lite at slingfin.com and the 2Lite Trek Conversion Kit at slingfin.com.

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Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
$600, 2 lbs. 11 oz./1219g
backcountry.com

Sporting features—including two awning-style doors that can be rolled up for maximum ventilation and stargazing, better buckles, and abundant interior pockets—the Copper Spur HV UL2 remains one of the leading choices for backpackers seeking an ultralight tent that doesn’t compromise on sturdiness or livability. 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 vestibules are spacious, ventilation excellent, and the Copper Spur keeps the weather on the outside. If you’re looking for a freestanding, two-door, ultralight tent that doesn’t feel like a two-person coffin, you have very few options, and this tent remains one of the best.

Read my complete 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 UL2 at backcountry.com or rei.com or another version of the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL series at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See all reviews of backpacking tents, backpacking gear and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

Don’t miss my picks for “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year. And make sure you’re packing everything that’s important with “An Essentials-Only Backpacking Gear Checklist.”

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 my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

The choices in tents for backpacking seem to get better every year, with lightweight models continually getting lighter and other advances that make tents sturdier and more livable without adding weight. But with all the options out there, how do you choose? The answer is simpler than you might think: It comes down to understanding the key differences that distinguish tents from one another—which will help you understand what you need.

Like tents, backpackers come in different sizes and their needs in a tent vary depending on their style of backpacking and where they go. In testing scores of backpacking tents over a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear—formerly as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for about 10 years and even longer running this blog—I’ve acquired a sense of what to look for in a tent and how to help people pick out one they like.

The five simple tips in this article will help you find the tent that’s best for your needs. 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.

See also my story “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent for You,” which explains specific details and design differences that apply to all tents.

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents”
and all backpacking tent reviews at The Big Outside.

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 What Kind of Backpacker Are You?

Is tent weight your top priority, or weather resistance, or interior space and livability? You’ll spend countless hours and nights, as well as plenty of waking hours inside that shelter; make sure it’s going to be enjoyable, and it all comes down to your personal style of backpacking.

Consider these three backpacker profiles:

If you’re the kind of backpacker who’s not interested in rising early and rushing out of camp, and who prefers to hike for not much more than half the day and reach your next camp with time to relax in the warm afternoon sun and perhaps take a swim in a lake or creek, you may prefer a tent with good interior space. That becomes doubly true if your usual destinations present the prospect of rain keeping you inside that tent for hours. Weight may not be your top priority. Still, consider weight as you compare tents, because you do have to carry that shelter.

On the other hand, if you are the kind of backpacker who loves to hit the trail early and bang out big mileage every day—like many ultralighters and thru-hikers—then weight probably is your top priority, and you’re willing to tolerate some compromises in your tent to minimize pack weight because you have a higher ratio of hours spent hiking to hours spent in the tent..

Do you fall somewhere between those two descriptions—not an early-rising, big-mileage backpacker, but nonetheless keen to keep your pack weight comfortable? There are tent models that strike a balance between livability and moderate weight.

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#2 Read the Reviews Closely

Yes, there are a lot of gear reviews in the ether and in print. Find sources you consider authoritative and experienced, whose perspective is shaped by having slept in many tents: With tents especially, the average backpacker doesn’t buy or use very many models, and people have a natural bias to want to affirm that a purchase they made was a good one, so they’ll tend to comment positively—but vaguely.

Read reviews for details you can’t glean by simply checking out a tent in a store, like how well it stands up to wind and rain, the ease of pitching it and breaking it down, and whether it has a problem with condensation buildup, especially on chilly, calm nights.

Use reviews in conjunction with your preferences in a tent to narrow your list to a few finalists—or perhaps easily winnow it to one obvious good choice for you. And lastly, look for brands known for making good tents or that you’ve read good reviews about. You may ultimately settle on a tent from a brand after hearing or reading about another model from that same brand.

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#3 The Little Details Matter

But some little things matter more than others. Here are some key details to examine in a backpacking tent:

A tent will typically last for many years. Make sure you’re satisfied with it.

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, 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 The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

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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.

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.

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.

Make your backpacking trips better with the right gear.
See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents.”

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”
and “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes.”

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”
and “The 5 Southwest Backpacking Trips You Should Do First.”

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.

Buy smartly. Read my “10 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear” and
“Why and When to Spend More on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”

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.

Score a backcountry permit in popular parks like Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Grand Teton
using my “10 Tips For Getting a Hard-to-Get National Park Backcountry Permit.”

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.

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

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.
Want my help with yours? Click here now.

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.

Plan your next great backpacking adventure using my expert e-books.
Click here now to learn more.

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.”

Was this review helpful? Get full access to ALL stories at The Big Outside.
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.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.
Click here now to learn more.

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,
and other parks using my expert e-books.

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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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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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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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.

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there.
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/an-essentials-only-backpacking-gear-checklist/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/an-essentials-only-backpacking-gear-checklist/#comments Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:10:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24059 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

What do you need to pack for a three-season backpacking trip? While the specific items depend in part on factors like the time of year, your companions and backpacking style, the trip’s length and the weather forecast, this story provides a core checklist of essential gear to help you organize and efficiently pack—and avoid overpacking—for virtually any backpacking trip.

I use the checklist below for just about every three-season backpacking trip I take in the U.S. and around the world. I’ve developed it over more than three decades of multi-day backcountry trips and more than a quarter-century of writing about backpacking trips and testing and reviewing backpacking gear and apparel, including the 10 years I spent as a lead gear reviewer and Northwest Editor of Backpacker magazine 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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The list below is preceded by some insights on how I make gear choices. The links in this story and checklist will take you to menus of product reviews; photos link to stories about those trips.

See my Custom Trip Planning page to learn how I can help you plan your next trip—including answering all of your questions. Please share your thoughts on my list and tips and offer your own suggestions in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

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

How to Decide What Gear to Pack

I pare my checklist for any specific trip down to just essentials, which vary from trip to trip. As examples, I will carry a warmer down jacket on some, a lighter one on others, or a synthetic puffy jacket if I expect wet weather. On most trips, it’s just one puffy jacket; I don’t need an extra fleece or a vest on most three-season trips because, if it’s cool in the morning, I’ll hike in my long-sleeve jersey over my T-shirt, with my shell jacket on to trap a little extra warmth if needed, and then typically for no more than an hour or two until it’s warm enough to shed one or two layers.

I bring a tent when I expect bugs or significant rainfall, but a tarp for late summer or early fall if I only need protection from possible rain—for instance, after Labor Day in Yosemite or Sequoia national parks and any of the numerous wilderness areas in the High Sierra, like the John Muir Wilderness, when you don’t have to worry about mosquitoes and rain is not common.

For base layers, I’ll bring one T-shirt and one midweight long-sleeve jersey, which I’ll usually only need hiking on cool mornings, so I can keep it dry for sleeping in when needed. I’ll bring two pairs of socks for trips of up to five days and at most three pairs of socks for trips of more than five days—and if I expect very dry conditions, two pairs may suffice even on long trips.

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I allow myself a few luxuries on many backpacking trips, including a comfortable, lightweight or ultralight air mattress augmented by a short, folding foam sleeping pad that I use for lying around camp, as a stretching/yoga mat (which helps me feel better), and under my air mat when sleeping; plus an inflatable pillow and often an ultralight camp chair.

Incidental items like permit, passport, bug nets, gaiters, type of hat (it’s usually one wool hat and one ball cap or wide-brim sun hat), and pack cover also depend on the trip’s circumstances. I virtually always carry one DSLR body and two lenses. I’ll often have just one eating utensil and one mug/bowl that pulls double duty, and one pot, and I may just eat out of the pot. (See my reviews of cooking systems for backpacking.)

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Backpacking Gear Checklist

See my review of backpacking gear accessories for my favorite picks for many items on this checklist and click on links in this list for menus of reviews at The Big Outside.

___ GPS or mapping app (like Gaia)
___ Trail map(s)
___ First-aid kit
___ Permit and passport if needed
___ Camera, batteries, camera pack
___ Book or e-reader
___ Backpack, pack cover optional
___ Daypack if needed
___ Sleeping bag, inflatable pillow
___ Air mattress/sleeping pad
___ Chair kit
___ Tent/tarp
___ Toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste
___ Double-bagged toilet paper
___ Stove, fuel
___ Cooking kit
___ Utensil
___ Mug/bowl/plate
___ Water bottle, bladder
___ Water treatment
___ Trekking poles
___ Headlamp, batteries
___ Compass/GPS/altimeter
___ Matches/lighter
___ Multi-tool/knife
___ Stuff sacks
___ Lashing straps, mini-biners
___ Sunglasses, eyeglasses, case
___ Bug repellent/bug nets if needed
___ Sunscreen, lip balm
___ Boots/shoes, camp footwear if needed
___ Gaiters/low gaiters
___ Gloves/mittens
___ Warm hat, earband, sun hat, rain hat
___ Rain shell
___ T-shirt, long-sleeve shirt
___ Shorts, pants
___ Long underwear if needed
___ Underwear
___ Insulation/puffy jacket
___ Socks

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.
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See “5 Smart Steps to Lighten Your Backpacking Gear” and this menu of stories with expert tips on backpacking.

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.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/an-essentials-only-backpacking-gear-checklist/feed/ 6 24059 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.

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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,
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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.

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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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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/why-and-when-to-spend-more-on-outdoor-gear/feed/ 4 16677 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-backpacking-gear-for-the-john-muir-trail/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-backpacking-gear-for-the-john-muir-trail/#comments Wed, 28 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=14007 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

So you’re planning to thru-hike the John Muir Trail and making all of the necessary preparations, and now you’re wondering: What’s the best gear for a JMT hike? Having thru-hiked the JMT as well as taken numerous other backpacking trips all over the High Sierra—mostly between late August and late September, which I consider that the best time to walk the Sierra, to avoid snow and the voracious mosquitoes and blazing hot afternoons of mid-summer—I offer the following picks for the best ultralight and lightweight backpacking gear and apparel for a JMT thru-hike.

Indisputably one of the best backpacking trips in America—and among the very best I’ve taken over three decades of backpacking, including the 10 years I spent as Northwest Editor and lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog—the JMT meanders for 211 miles through the magnificent High Sierra, from Yosemite Valley to the summit of the highest peak in the Lower 48, 14,505-foot Mount Whitney (where backpackers must then descend another 11 miles to finish the trip at Whitney Portal trailhead). See my story about thru-hiking the JMT in seven days.

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With few opportunities to resupply along the trail—and given the generally dry weather in the Sierra in summer—you can easily and should hike the JMT with the lightest gear that works for you (or that you can afford). Maximum pack weight will depend on how many days you spend on the trail and your food weight, but it’s quite feasible to keep your base pack weight (everything but food and water) within 15 pounds or less—and certainly no more than 20 pounds—without compromising safety or comfort in camp.

See my stories “Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail: What You Need to Know,” “Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail: The Ultimate, 10-Day, Ultralight Plan,” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” my Custom Trip Planning page to learn how I can help you plan your JMT thru-hike and any trip you read about at The Big Outside, and my expert e-books to backpacking trips in Yosemite and other parks.

The following suggestions for major gear items would also be solid picks for almost any backpacker who wants to go lighter and hike more comfortably in many mid-latitude mountain ranges in summer—although items like your tent and footwear would depend on the typical weather and bugs (and time of year).

Most recommendations below have a link to my full review of each. Click on the name of any product to buy it; those are affiliate links, meaning you can support my work on this blog by purchasing through them, at no cost to you.

Please share your thoughts on these gear suggestions for the JMT, or your own suggested gear, in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

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Backpack

For a backpack, I like a few models that weigh under three pounds: two top-loaders with traditional features like lots of external pockets, the Osprey men’s Exos 58 or 48 ($260, 2 lbs. 11 oz. for the Exos 58) and women’s Osprey Eja 58 or 48 (read my review) and the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL ($250, 2 lbs. 11 oz. for the 50+5, read my review); and two mimimalist, utralight packs, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider ($349, 55L, 1 lb. 15 oz., read my review) and Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315, 60L/3,661 c.i., 1 lb. 14 oz., read my review).

See my picks for the best ultralight backpacks.

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Tent

In late summer, outside the buggy season in the High Sierra, I prefer using a backpacking tarp shelter like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 ($699, 1 lb. 2 oz., read my review), Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp ($229-$249, 10.5-15.5 oz., two sizes), and Slingfin SplitWing Shelter Bundle ($355, 1 lb. 5 oz., read my review). I often sleep under the stars on a clear night, but a tarp, besides protecting you from rain and some wind, can trap a surprising amount of warmth underneath it on a calm night.

If you want a two-person tent, get one that weighs under three pounds, like the MSR Freelite 2 ($465, 2 lbs., read my review), the Nemo Hornet Osmo 2p ($430, 2 lbs. 1 oz., read my review), the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 ($480, 2 lbs. 3 oz., read my review), the Slingfin 2Lite, which can pitch with trekking poles ($505, 2 lbs. 10 oz. or 2 lbs. 6 oz, read my review), or if you’ll accept higher weight for more space, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 ($550, 2 lbs. 11 oz., read my review).

My top picks for a solo ultralight are two that pitch with trekking poles, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1 ($599, 16.8 oz., read my review) and the Gossamer Gear The One ($255, 1 lb. 2 oz., read my review). For a solo ultralight tent that’s semi-freestanding, check out the Nemo Hornet Osmo 1p ($400, 1 lb. 13 oz., read my review).

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents,” all backpacking tent reviews at The Big Outside, plus “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent For You.”

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Sleeping Bag

For backpacking the JMT in late summer, I carry a down sleeping bag rated around 30 degrees F, with a high down fill rating (800 or above), because it’s warmer, lighter, and more packable than a synthetic bag or down bag with lower fill quality (if also more expensive), and well suited to the dry Sierra summers, where there’s little risk of getting a bag wet.

People who get cold more easily may want a bag rated 20 to 25 degrees, although you can wear layers to supplement the bag’s warmth.

My favorites are the Feathered Friends men’s Hummingbird and women’s Egret UL (30-degree, $609, 1 lb. 6 oz., read my review), the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion (32-degree, $490, 1 lb. 1 oz., read my review), the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 ($480, 1 lb. 6 oz. , read my review); and the Marmot Hydrogen 30 ($399, 1 lb. 9.4 oz., read my review).

Looking for an affordable down bag? I recommend the men’s or women’s Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30 ($245, 1 lb. 12 oz., read my review).

See “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags,” “10 Pro Tips For Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag” and all sleeping bag reviews at The Big Outside.

Want to tackle the JMT?
See “Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail: What You Need to Know.”

Insulation

When nighttime lows will generally remain above freezing, as is usually the case on the JMT at least into mid-September, take an ultralight puffy jacket like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer  2 Down Hoody ($360, 8.8 oz., read my review), the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody ($360, 10 oz., read my review), the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody ($329, 9 oz., read my review), or the warmer Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket ($389, 11 oz. , read my review) or Himali Accelerator Down Jacket ($330, 12.5 oz., read my review).

See “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is” and all puffy jacket reviews at The Big Outside.

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

Rain Shell

On the John Muir Trail—or anywhere in the High Sierra—in summer, where rain occurs only rarely and most often as a passing (although possibly quite intense) thunderstorm, you don’t need the kind of super-technical (and heavier) rain shell you might use in, say, in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest or the Northeast. In fact, if you generally head out in warm, dry weather—common in many Western mountain ranges in summer—you may only need a less-expensive and ideally lightweight shell, like the Black Diamond Fineline Rain Shell ($189, 10 oz./283.5g, read my review), an impressive value in part because it has an adjustable, full-coverage hood, a feature sometimes lacking in moderately priced rain jackets, and solid rain protection even for wet environments.

Another option for backpackers who rarely see rain is an ultralight, waterproof-breathable rain jacket, like the Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket ($165, 7.7 oz., read my review) or the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket ($170-$180, 6 oz., read my review).

See all reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets,” and my “5 Expert Tips For Buying a Rain Jacket for Hiking.”

See “10 Great John Muir Trail Section Hikes.”

Shoes and Boots

If all of your gear is light, on a well-constructed trail like the JMT that’s often dry in summer, get lightweight, highly breathable, non-waterproof boots or low-cut shoes like the PCT-inspired Danner Trail 2650 ($170, 1 lb. 7.5 oz., read my review), the La Sportiva TX3 ($159, 1 lb. 9 oz., read my review), or trail runners like the Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 ($155, 1 lb. 3 oz.), also available in a very light mid-cut, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX ($180, 1 lb. 9 oz., read my review).

If you prefer more supportive footwear that’s still relatively light, I recommend two shoes that are a super value and come in waterproof-breathable and non-waterproof, mid-cut and low-cut models: the Hoka One One Anacapa series shoes ($155-$185, 1 lb. 10.5 oz.-2 lbs., read my review), and the Oboz Katabatic series ($145-$190, 1 lb. 9 oz. to 2 lbs., read my review).

See all reviews of hiking shoes at The Big Outside.

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Trekking Poles

Trekking poles should be essential gear on any backpacking trip, but for the JMT—if you’re going lightweight or ultralight, as you should be—get very light poles that are ideally adjustable and very packable. Among the best are the folding and adjustable Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ ($220, 12 oz./pair, 105-125cm, read my review), the collapsible and adjustable Gossamer Gear LT5 ($195, 10 oz./pair, read my review), and the folding, adjustable MSR Dynalock Ascent Poles ($190, 1 lb. 1  oz./pair, read my review).

If you want to use a tent that pitches with trekking poles—eliminating the significant weight of tent poles from your pack—make sure your poles are sufficiently sturdy and telescope out to the needed length for pitching your tent; those poles are also usually collapsible (rather than folding or fixed).

See “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles.”

Get the gear that’s right for you. See my specific tips on buying a pack, tent, boots, and sleeping bag and all reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear and all stories about backpacking the John Muir Trail 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 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.”

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-backpacking-gear-for-the-john-muir-trail/feed/ 16 14007 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-things-to-know-before-buying-backpacking-gear/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-things-to-know-before-buying-backpacking-gear/#comments Wed, 14 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=23564 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

Are you in the market for a new backpack, boots, tent, sleeping bag or other backpacking gear or apparel? How do you find something that’s just right for you? What should you be looking for? How much should you spend? These are questions I’ve heard from many friends and readers over the years as they’ve waded through the myriad choices out there. This article lays out five simple but helpful tips to keep in mind when buying gear.

I’ve learned these steps over three decades 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—and helping people find gear they love. No matter what you’re shopping for—boots, pack, tent, sleeping bag, other backpacking gear, or some major piece of apparel like a rain shell or insulated jacket—you face a daunting array of choices, and everyone’s needs are different.

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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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But finding the gear that performs well and that you’ll be happy with really comes down to following a simple thought process described in the five easy steps below, which you can follow when buying almost any gear. Below them, you’ll find links to my stories offering specific tips on buying a new pack, boots, tent, sleeping bag, rain shell, and insulated jacket, plus reviews covering my top picks in several categories.

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.

Gear up smartly for your trips.
See the best-in-category reviews and expert buying tips at my Gear Reviews page.

No. 1 Decide Exactly What It’s For

A friend once asked me to recommend boots he could buy for backpacking that would also work well for climbing glaciated peaks (in the Pacific Northwest); I told him that was a little like shopping for a dump truck that would also give him good mileage as a commuting vehicle. If you set out in search of a pack or boots for every hike you ever take, then you will probably wind up with just that—which may serve your needs in an overly general way, but not be quite right for anything.

Focus on how you intend to use that item most of the time and buy something that’s good for that purpose. When you actually need or can afford more specialized gear that you will only use occasionally, get it then.

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No. 2 Decide Exactly What You Need

Do you need solid ankle support, or do you prefer really lightweight, nimble footwear? Are you a big guy who needs a roomy tent, or a lightweight or ultralight backpacker or parent backpacking with a young child with a top priority of minimizing gear weight? Do you want the lightest bag you can afford, or do you get cold easily and need a bag that’s a little fatter and warmer than the average person uses?

The reason for the almost infinite number of choices in gear is the infinite variability in the wants and needs of consumers. That can seem confusing but it’s ultimately good for you. Your first step in buying may simply be writing down your customized answers to numbers one and two in this list of tips and using that as a guide as you begin winnowing your short list.

Trips go better with the right gear.
See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents.”

No. 3 Get the Fit Right

Especially with footwear, packs, and performance apparel, fit and personal satisfaction go together like chips and salsa. You can be happy with a sleeping bag or tent that are not quite what you wanted (but are what you could afford); but no matter how much you spend, you’ll never be happy with a pack or boots that don’t fit you well. A poorly fitting pack can make you miserable, and poorly fitting boots can end a trip.

With those gear items for which fit becomes critical—boots and a pack—narrow your list to perhaps three or more options, based on steps one and two (above). Then go try them on and you will find the model you like.

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No. 4 Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

The best way to spend more than you want or need to spend—and be forced to settle for something that’s not quite what you wanted—is to wait until the last day or two before a trip and rush out to buy something.

You wouldn’t buy a car or a house that way, because you want to take the time to find something that feels just right for you.

Treat buying boots, a pack, tent, bag, or other major gear or apparel item the same way—those aren’t like batteries or stove fuel that you dash out to pick up at the last minute.

Plus, shopping around weeks or even months in advance gives you time to wait for sale prices—and that’s truly the best way to get the most value out of every dollar you spend.

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

No. 5 Spend What You Can Afford

This last nugget of advice goes both ways: If you can only afford an entry-level pack or other piece of gear, look for the best-quality item that’s within your budget (and fits you) and just buy it. Some brands that sell directly to consumer offer high-quality gear at very competitive prices. (Tip: Pick a brand name known for high quality, because they usually bring similar attention to quality to their affordable gear as they do to their pricier gear.)

Maybe it won’t be as comfortable or last as long as the high-end gear you coveted, but it will enable you to get out there and have fun and may last until you can afford something better.

See my “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”

By the same token, I always tell friends or readers seeking advice: If you can afford the best, why settle for something that will be less comfortable, or heavier, or not fit or perform as well as pricier pieces of gear or apparel that are within your budget? Measure the value in terms of your enjoyment and comfort as well as the cost per mile or day of use, because higher-quality gear, while pricier, often proves much more durable than cheaper stuff. That’s money well spent.

See my story “Why and When to Spend More on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”

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See these articles at The Big Outside for my pro tips on buying gear (most of them require a subscription to my blog):

“5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack”
“5 Expert Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent”
“How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent for You”
“Expert Tips For Buying the Right Boots”
“Pro Tips for Buying a Backpacking Sleeping Bag”
“5 Expert Tips For Buying a Rain Jacket for Hiking”
“The 12 Best Down Jackets” (includes buying tips for down and synthetic jackets)

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

See also these reviews of top picks:

“The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
“The 10 Best Backpacking Tents”
“The Best Ultralight Backpacks”
“The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking”

“25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories”
“The Best Trekking Poles”
“The Best Headlamps”
“The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks”

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.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-things-to-know-before-buying-backpacking-gear/feed/ 6 23564 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-smart-steps-to-lightening-up-your-backpacking-gear-kit/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-smart-steps-to-lightening-up-your-backpacking-gear-kit/#comments Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=41378 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

The fact that you opened this story means you already recognize a simple backpacking truth: Reducing the weight in your backpack will make this activity feel like an entirely different and far more enjoyable experience. But how do you navigate the transition from heavier to lighter gear—what should you replace first, second, and so on? This story will guide you through the most logical progression of steps to a lighter backpacking gear kit—and more comfortable, happier days on the trail.

I’ve learned the tips shared below as someone who began backpacking when gear was much heavier—and who has spent more than three decades backpacking many thousands of miles all over the U.S. and around world, including a quarter-century testing and reviewing countless packs, tents, boots, bags, and other gear as a past Northwest Editor and lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years and over a decade (and counting) for this blog.

If you have older gear, these steps can help you slash your base pack weight—which includes your gear and clothing but not food and water—potentially by 10 pounds or more. You will also significantly reduce your gear volume, allowing you to use a smaller, lighter pack. If you’re a new backpacker buying your first gear kit, use these steps to prioritize your gear purchases and focus on going as light as you can afford and that is practical for you.

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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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As I write in my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” which delves more specifically into my approach to managing gear weight, my evolution toward a lighter pack was driven by comfort, but also emerged from a gradual rethinking about why I’m out there: It’s not about having stuff. It’s about experiencing a place.

The steps below are ordered beginning with the heaviest gear items because they offer the most potential to reduce weight and bulk. And like many stories at The Big Outside, part of this story is free for anyone to read, but reading all of my tips in this story requires a paid subscription to this blog.

Please share what you think of my tips or your questions or suggestions in the comments section below this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Want to see my top gear picks? See my review of “The Best Backpacking Gear.”

Step 1—Your Tent 

For most backpackers, their tent is the heaviest and bulkiest single piece of gear they carry—making it the item where you can make the biggest dent in gear weight and the logical first step in creating a lightweight or ultralight kit. For example, switching from a two-person tent weighing from three to five pounds to a more compact one tipping the scales at two to two-and-a-half pounds slashes your shelter weight by as much as half. And even dropping a pound or close to it makes a significant difference as a percentage of your total base weight.

For many years, I have used two-person, three-season tents around 2.5 pounds or less and rarely found any need to use a three-season backpacking tent that weighs more than about three pounds. If you can afford just one immediate, major gear purchase, start with a new tent.

See my picks for “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and my stories “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “Ultralight Backpacking Tents: How to Choose One” (both of which require a paid subscription to read in full, as do other stories offering gear-buying tips linked below) and all backpacking tent reviews and an ultralight backpacking tent reviews at The Big Outside.

Bonus tip—Using an ultralight tent that pitches with trekking poles sheds the weight of tent poles. And ditch the ground cloth.

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Step 2—Your Sleeping Bag

A bag usually represents not only one of the heaviest items in your pack, but also one of the bulkiest—which means that switching to a lighter bag or an ultralight quilt will drop ounces and greatly help you downsize your backpack.

But many backpackers, regardless of the vintage of bag they own, tend to choose one rated for the coldest temperatures they think they might encounter—and then proceed to use that bag in significantly warmer overnight temps on the vast majority of their backcountry nights.

Don’t get a bag rated for conditions you rarely encounter—get one for the temps you usually encounter, which for many backpackers most of the time are lows above 40° F on summer trips. For some people, that may be a 30-degree bag, for others a 20-degree, depending on how cold you sleep. On the rare frosty night, either wear more layers to bed or eventually buy a warmer bag for those occasional, chillier trips.

See all reviews of sleeping bags and ultralight sleeping bags at The Big Outside and my articles “Pro Tips for Buying a Backpacking Sleeping Bag” and “10 Pro Tips for Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

Bonus tip—For maximum warmth per ounce and packability, get a bag stuffed with 800- or 900-fill-power down (or a higher fill rating).

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See more weight-slashing tips in my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.”

See also my “10 Tips for Spending Less on Backpacking and Hiking Gear” and “5 Things to Know Before Buying Backpacking Gear” and all reviews of 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 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.”

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-smart-steps-to-lightening-up-your-backpacking-gear-kit/feed/ 8 41378 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-whats-the-best-thru-hiking-backpack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-whats-the-best-thru-hiking-backpack/#comments Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:05:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=10760 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

Do you need an ultralight backpack? Many backpackers might answer “no” when, for many reasons, their answer should logically be “yes.” These packs aren’t just for thru-hikers. Typically weighing roughly from under two pounds/0.9 kilos to under three pounds/1.36 kilos (empty), ultralight packs have support for carrying 25 to as much as 35 pounds—making them ideal for more than just ultralight backpacking. For many or even most backpackers, that represents the range of pack weight they either carry on most trips—or could carry on most trips, with smart packing and reasonably light gear.

In other words, an ultralight pack just may be perfect for you. And this article covers the best ones out there today. My picks are based on extensive field testing of many packs of all types over more than 25 years of reviewing gear while backpacking and hiking all across the U.S., including the 10 years I spent as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine 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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As I wrote in my “5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack,” when backpacking ultralight or lightweight—keeping my pack weight between 25 and 35 pounds/11.3 to 15.9 kilos, which describes the vast majority of my backpacking trips—I want a backpack with low weight and minimal features like pockets and zippers, because I just don’t need more than that. Still, I like the convenience of quick access for some items, like a lid pocket or, more often, side and hipbelt pockets for snacks, map, sunglasses, and sunblock, plus a large front pocket where I can stuff items like a jacket or wet rainfly.

The pack you choose will depend on personal preferences regarding design features, price, weight, and capacity.

Ultralight Packs Defined

Some ultralight backpackers assert that only packs weighing under about two pounds/0.9 kilos empty are truly ultralight packs. (Some of the comments at the bottom of this story delve into that.) The semantic argument aside, packs that light have just a very basic frame or no frame. I have used packs with a minimal frame or none from various brands that all employ the same basic design, including on a seven-day thru-hike (averaging 31 miles per day) of the John Muir Trail, when we had our base pack weight (everything but food and water) under 15 pounds/6.8 kilos.

These packs are very minimalist, with a comfortable carrying capacity of about 20 to 25 pounds/9.1 to 11.3 kilos at best (for most people), and that assumes the user is diligent about loading the pack to achieve optimal distribution of weight. A frameless pack with a lightly padded hipbelt that also lacks structure does not support weight; the pack essentially hangs off your back, requiring your back and shoulders to bear the weight. Yes, a strong backpacker could carry 25 pounds/11.3 kilos or more in a pack like that; but for many people, that pack will grow increasingly uncomfortable as the miles pile up, day after day.

And if you start adding a pound here and there in gear, increasing your total pack weight to 25 pounds/11.3 kilos or higher, you should ask why you’re depriving yourself of the very noticeable improvement you will gain in comfort—with a weight penalty of only a half-pound to perhaps a full pound—by getting a pack with a frame. I’ve long believed that inadequate gear—whether it’s a pack loaded beyond its comfortable carrying capacity or a sleeping pad or air mattress that deprives you of adequate sleep—can easily create a net greater of energy from your theoretical “body battery” than you lose by carrying slightly heavier but more comfortable gear (pack, air mattress, etc.).

In other words, don’t get an ultralight backpack unless you plan to keep its full weight within your comfort zone (whatever that is). But bottom line: As I state above, many backpackers have light enough gear and combined food and water weight on most trips that they can comfortably use an ultralight pack. (I even sometimes slightly exceed an ultralight or lightweight backpack’s comfortable carrying weight on the first day of a longer trip, knowing I might be a little uncomfortable that first day, but by day two, it will feel fine and that helps keep my pack weight lower for the rest of the trip.)

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I prefer ultralight packs with some kind of frame structure, like those in this review, because they distribute the pack’s weight in a way that your body can carry more comfortably for hours on the trail, day after day. A frame helps shift most pack weight onto your hips, which is far more comfortable than having weight hang off your shoulders. I think many people would notice the difference, especially with more than 20 to 25 pounds/9.1 to 11.3 kilos in the pack.

Consider this: Even hiking daypacks designed for carrying more than 15 pounds/6.8 kilos have a frame.

Reviewed below are several backpacks that stand out in this category. Click on any affiliate links to purchase any pack below and support this blog at no cost to you; thank you for doing that. The capsule reviews below also link to full reviews of these packs at The Big Outside.

Please share your comments or questions about them, or suggestions for your own favorite ultralight pack, in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

See also these reviews of other top gear picks:

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

The Best Ultralight Backpacks

Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58

The men’s Osprey Exos 58 ($280, 2 lbs. 14 oz.) or Exos 48 ($260, 2 lbs. 12 oz.), and the women’s Eja 58 and Eja 48, have long ranked among the best ultralight backpacks. I’ve used and liked the Exos 58 a lot since it first came out in 2008, including on a four-day, 86-mile backpacking trip in Yosemite National Park, a weeklong hut trek in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains, and on a six-day, 94-mile hike through Glacier National Park. Most recently, I took the 2022 update of the Exos 58—most significantly, the updated Exos and Eja now have adjustable fit in two sizes each—on a nine-day, nearly 130-mile hike through the High Sierra, mostly on the John Muir Trail with some on- and off-trail detours.

The top-loading Exos and Eja carry 30 to 35 pounds comfortably thanks to Osprey’s LightWire perimeter frame, which transfers much of the pack weight onto your hips, where you want it, and they have the capacity for weeklong trips and ultralight thru-hiking—I started our High Sierra trip with 18 pounds of food and carried it on days ranging up to 19.5 miles and over 8,600 vertical feet of elevation gain and loss and finished every day impressed with how good the pack felt.. The trampoline-style back panel permits cooling air circulation. At just under three pounds, they have smart features like good compression, a removable lid, six exterior pockets, and a handy trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap.

Read my complete review of the Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58.

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 men’s Osprey Exos backpack at osprey.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com, or any women’s Osprey Eja backpack at osprey.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

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Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider ($379, 1 lb. 15 oz.), which I’ve used on two different trips in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, including seven days on the Wind River High Route, and numerous other outings, weighs just two pounds, has removable aluminum stays and a harness system that I found comfortable carrying 30 to 35 pounds, and is made with waterproof (and practically bulletproof) Dyneema fabric.

Its minimalist design features three roomy, exterior mesh pockets and zippered hipbelt pockets, and a roll-top closure with top and side compression for stabilizing under-filled loads. For its weight, it offers unique carrying comfort—thanks in part to coming in four fixed sizes—and capacity for long trips.

Read my complete review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider.

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 Windrider backpack at hyperlitemountaingear.com or a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest backpack at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60

After hauling the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315, 1 lb. 14 oz. for medium pack with small belt) on late-summer, multi-day hikes in Wyoming’s Wind River Range and Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness, I’ve come to understand why I’ve seen this pack on the backs of so many ultralighters: It sports much of what you’d want in an ultralight backpack with hardly a flaw.

It has more capacity than many two-pound packs, including seven roomy external pockets, most of them made with more-durable fabric than mesh. A top-loader with a roll-top closure that clips with two straps to the pack’s front side, the Mariposa has abundant space for five to seven days—and conceivably more—of food and three-season, lightweight gear, including a full-size bear canister (inserted upright; it will not fit horizontally). It has a removable, U-shaped internal stay that gives the pack the support and comfort for carrying 25 to 30 pounds—and perhaps up to 35 pounds for some backpackers—and comes in three unisex pack and interchangeable hipbelt sizes.

Read my complete review of the Mariposa 60 (also shown in lead photo at top of story).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 at gossamergear.com.

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Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and 45+5 SL

Updated for 2024, the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and 45+5 SL packs ($260, 55L/3,356 c.i., 2 lbs. 15 oz./1.33kg for the Ultra 50+5) distinguish themselves for their comfortable fit—they’re among the lightest packs with torso adjustability—and smart design details. I found the Aircontact Ultra 50+5 comfortable with up to about 35 pounds inside on hikes of three days in southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons and six days on the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route. And while it wasn’t “comfortable” when I severely overloaded it at the outset of my Grand Canyon trip, it also didn’t feel awful.

That comfort as well as stability going up and down very steep, loose trails on both trips owes to its spring steel wire frame and a framesheet that offers slight flex while providing some structural support. Plus, the hipbelt fins and shoulder straps rotate to absorb your body’s movement, helping to steady the pack while hiking. And the spacer mesh in the back panel, lumbar pad, shoulder straps, and hipbelt deliver nice ventilation and cushioning. This top-loader has a spacious main compartment that fit my gear, food, and water for six days, plus six external pockets including a large stretch-mesh front pocket as well as side and hipbelt pockets, and light but reasonably tough, 175-denier polyamide fabric.

Read my complete review of the 2024 Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and 45+5 SL.

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 Aircontact Ultra 50+5 backpack at backcountry.com, a Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL backpack at rei.com, or any model in the Aircontact Ultra series at backcountry.com or rei.com.

Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55

The Gregory men’s Focal 58 and women’s Facet 55 ($270, 2 lbs. 11 oz.), and the smaller Focal 48 and Facet 45 ($250), are designed for backpackers who are willing to accept a reasonable weight penalty for some organizational features of traditional backpacks and the support to carry up to 35 pounds. I found the Focal 58 comfortable carrying 35 pounds on strenuous days up to 12 miles with over 7,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss—including seven very steep off-trail miles—backpacking for six days in the Grand Canyon.

These packs sport six external pockets, including two on the hipbelt and a large, stretch-mesh front pocket, and useful features like good compression and attachments for trekking poles or an ice axe. Gregory’s attention to comfort in its ultralight backpack is evident in the aluminum perimeter wire frame with a fiberglass cross-stay and an HDPE framesheet that lend the pack substantial rigidity, distributing most of the load across the hips. The tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back. And they’re made with recycled fabrics and come in three non-adjustable sizes for men and women.

Read my complete review of the Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55.

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 Gregory Focal 58 or Focal 48 at rei.com, backcountry.com, or gregorypacks.com, or a women’s Gregory Facet 55 or Facet 45 at rei.com, backcountry.com, or gregorypacks.com.

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Mountainsmith Zerk 40

The Mountainsmith Zerk 40 ($225, 1 lb. 13 oz.) suited my needs quite well trekking hut to hut for six days on Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails—and I think much about the Zerk will also appeal to many ultralighters and thru-hikers. It takes a common template of ultralight packs—roll-top, frameless, spacious external pockets—and juices it with smart details and add-ons, tougher materials, and a touch of modularity, starting with nine external pockets, all but one within easy reach wearing the pack.

The Zerk’s wide foam shoulder straps take a page from trail running-hydration vests, improving comfort; and each has four pockets with adequate space for a phone, flexible bottles, and energy snacks. It carries about 30 pounds, with a removable foam back pad, has tough, recycled fabric, and comes with a bungee and an accessory strap for attaching a tent or bear canister atop the full pack. Two drawbacks: At 40 liters (fully extended), it has less capacity than some sub-two-pound packs; you must be a committed ultralighter. And it comes in one unisex size.

Read my complete review of the Mountainsmith Zerk 40.

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 Mountainsmith Zerk 40 backpack at backcountry.com or rei.com.

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REI Flash 55

The men’s and women’s REI Flash 55 ($219,  2 lbs. 10 oz.) is not only a steal, but it sports nice design features for ultralight backpacking, including a rolltop closure, six external pockets, customizable compression straps, and removable features to trim several ounces.

A steel, internal perimeter frame plus a contoured hipbelt made it comfortable carrying up to 30 pounds on a 40-mile hike in Utah’s Dark Canyon Wilderness.

Read my complete review of the smaller version of the pack, the Flash 45 (which is no longer available).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a men’s or women’s REI Flash 55 at rei.com.

ULA Circuit

The ULA Circuit ($300) weighs in at 2 lbs. 4.6 oz., but it’s spacious at 68 liters, and its roll-top closure extends farther than many competitors, giving you more capacity when needed. With a carbon fiber and Delrin suspension, a dense foam frame and an aluminum stay, it will carry up to 35 pounds, and the hipbelt and shoulder straps come in multiple sizes for customizing the fit for men or women and customizable features like embroidering your trail name on it. ULA’s 400 Robic fabric is highly durable, and the pack has a huge external front 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 ULA Circuit at ula-equipment.com.

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

Two Almost Ultralight Packs

Depending on how much weight you intend to carry, there are two other, more-versatile backpacks that weigh just a few ounces more than some of these, yet carry more weight comfortably and have more features: the Granite Gear Perimeter 50 (read my review) and the Granite Gear Blaze 60 (read my review).

See all backpack reviews and my picks for the 10 best packs for backpacking, including models that range from around three-and-a-half pounds to five pounds. See also my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack,” “Video: How to Load a Backpack,” all reviews of backpacking gear and ultralight backpacking gear, and my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for numerous stories with my picks for best gear and tips on buying gear.

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 “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.”

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-whats-the-best-thru-hiking-backpack/feed/ 49 10760 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-best-base-layers-and-shorts-for-hiking-trail-running-and-training/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-the-best-base-layers-and-shorts-for-hiking-trail-running-and-training/#comments Sat, 12 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=18449 Read on

]]> 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.

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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.

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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.

Was this review helpful? Get full access to ALL stories at The Big Outside.

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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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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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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/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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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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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.

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there.
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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-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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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 expert e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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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.

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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-sea-to-summit-spark-pro-9c-15f-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-sea-to-summit-spark-pro-9c-15f-sleeping-bag/#respond Thu, 26 Sep 2024 12:07:58 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=64890 Read on

]]> Ultralight Sleeping Bag
Sea to Summit Spark Pro -9C/15F Bag
$689, 1 lb. 11 oz./765.4g (regular)
Sizes: unisex regular and long ($689)
seatosummit.com

We woke up from our first night in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains in mid-September, at well over 10,000 feet beside a creek that sang soft lullabys to us all night, to find ice crystals in our water bottles and one full water bladder that had been left outside the tent partly frozen. But the overnight temperature dropping to below freezing had hardly registered with me as I slumbered soundly zipped up inside my Sea to Summit Spark Pro -9C/15F sleeping bag—one of the warmest for its weight, most packable, and well constructed ultralight sleeping bags you’ll find.

I slept in the Spark Pro -9C/15Fbag for three nights backpacking in the San Juans in mid-September, with the other two nights at over 11,000 feet along the Continental Divide Trail, where the low temperature remained only slightly above freezing (no ice in our water).

I also stayed comfortably warm inside it, wearing a couple of light and midweight tops, long underwear, a wool hat, and socks, for three nights backpacking mostly on the Uinta Highline Trail in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness in the first week of October, when we slept under the stars each night and awoke to frost and moisture on our bags, that substantial dampness not penetrating noticeably through the shell or appearing to compromise the bag’s loft or warmth much.

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Stuffed with one pound, 0.9 ounces/480 grams of water- repellent, 950-fill Ultra-Dry Down (in the 15-degree regular; the 30-degree regular has 10.9 ounces/310 grams of down and the long versions of both bags, of course, have a bit more), the Spark Pro ranks among an elite group of the few very best down sleeping bags for warmth per ounce of bag weight, packability, and in the down’s resistance to water: Compared to standard down bags, it keeps you warmer when invaded by any moisture, whether condensation inside a tent, rain penetrating a backpack and the bag’s stuff sack, or condensation inside the bag from moisture released by your body.

The Ultra-Dry Down’s non-PFAS treatment also enables those goose feathers to dry much more quickly than standard down if the bag gets wet. Vertical baffles in the chest, horizontal baffles in lower bag’s top side and throughout the bottom side, plus box-wall baffle construction distribute the down evenly, avoiding cold spots. And this bag provides a visual demonstration of its high-quality down every time you pull it out of its stuff sack, quickly lofting up to about four inches thick.

And at just one pound, 11 ounces/765.4 grams (for the regular, on my scale), the total weight of the Spark Pro -9C/15F compares with many good-quality, 30-degree mummy bags.

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Sea to Summit uses an international standard called ISO 23537 to test and assign two temperature ratings to its sleeping bags: a lower limit and a comfort rating. The -9° C/15° F rating represents this bag’s lower limit; its comfort limit is -3° C/27° F.

On the night the temperature dropped below freezing, with the bag zipped up completely, I slept comfortably for most of the night in just a light wool T-shirt, underwear, and socks, only pulling on a long-sleeve top and a wool hat in early morning (the coldest time of the night and the time when your body often feels coldest because it needs more food). To me, that demonstrates this bag is true to its comfort rating. In temperatures at its lower limit, I would personally expect to need a base layer or two, top and bottom, plus a wool hat to feel warm enough.

I’ve pushed plenty of bags to their limits without getting miserably cold, but I sleep warm; people who don’t would definitely not enjoy pushing this or any bag to its lower limit, but would probably find the Spark Pro -9C/15Fidealfor nights no colder than several degrees above freezing Fahrenheit/three to four degrees above freezing Celsius. (See my “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags.”)

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Sea to Summit’s Free-Flow three-zipper design expands the versatility of the Spark Pro bags. A quarter-length zipper on the upper right side of the bag enables you to fold down the top of the bag like a quilt on mild nights. A footbox zipper ventilates that end of the bag—a feature I virtually never use in bags because my feet are rarely too hot, but which makes more sense in combination with the ability to fold the top of the bag down like a blanket. The two-way, full-length main zipper (left side) slides remarkably smoothly—never snagging, which isn’t true of most “no-snag” zippers in bags I’ve used.

Some ultralight sleeping bags achieve their low weights by using less insulation (read: less warm) or by reducing fabric and insulation weight through tighter dimensions (read: feels claustrophobic to some people). But the Spark and Spark Pro series bags have comfortable dimensions of 61x53x40 inches/155x135x102 centimeters (at the shoulders, hips, and feet, size regular), which compares with some of the better ultralight bags I’ve reviewed.

I found it has adequate space while maintaining thermal efficiency and without making the bag overly bulky: I could fit a long-sleeve top and pants in the foot of the bag (to add a little insulation and keep those clothes warm for when I put them on in the morning) and easily lift both knees to my chest while lying on my back in the bag, as well as dress in the bag with it zipped up. The 72-inch/185-centimeter length is standard for regular bags.

While the Spark Pro is not available in women’s sizes, and the unisex sizing likely favors the builds of more men than women, some women will find the unisex bag works for them because body shapes and sizes vary greatly within genders as much as between genders, rendering the fit of sleeping bags less gender-dependent. Sea to Summit recommends women use the comfort temp rating as their guide.

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In the smart features department, waterproof-breathable fabric in the hood and footbox repels moisture from condensation on tent walls in the areas of the bag most likely to brush against walls. The hood and collar cinch closely around your head using separate drawcords on opposite sides, which I find simplifies a task that’s often done in the dark when half-asleep; but if you’re a side sleeper (like me), either of those cords might brush against your cheek (as with many bags).

Stuffed inside the durable, 40-denier compression sack that comes with the bag, the Spark Pro 15F/-9C regular packs down to seven liters in volume, according to Sea to Summit—although I think I compressed it significantly smaller than that, to about the size of a soccer ball. Either way, that’s a very compact package for a bag with this much warmth. Sea to Summit gives the compressed volume of the 30F/-1C as 5.3 liters; based on my experience with the 15F/-9C, I suspect it can go smaller than that.

That’s due, in part, to the ultralight, 10-denier nylon lining and shell with a non-PFAS DWR (durable, water-resistant treatment), which is lighter and more packable than shell fabrics used in heavier sleeping bags, but also slightly less durable—although most users are very unlikely to tear a sleeping bag.

The Sea to Summit Spark Pro -1C/30F ($549, 1 lb. 5.8 oz./619g, regular) is a good choice for someone who doesn’t get cold easily and typically sleeps outside on nights around or well above freezing.

Another option, Sea to Summit’s Spark series of bags rated 45, 30, 15, and 0 degrees ($349 to $649), differfrom the Spark Pro primarily in that they use 850+-fill Ultra-Dry Down, lack the footbox zipper and short right-side zipper, and come in women’s sizes. In other words, at $100 cheaper for the same temp rating than the Pro series, you get an ultralight bag that’s still quite warm for its weight and packable—and actually a few ounces lighter than its Pro counterpart, due to having fewer features.

The Verdict

Featuring virtually the highest quality down available, giving it superior packability and warmest for its weight, as well as comfortable dimensions, excellent construction, and versatility in a wide range of temperatures, the Sea to Summit Spark Pro -9C/15F sleeping bag ranks among the few very best ultralight sleeping bags out there today.

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See all reviews of sleeping bags, air mattresses, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside, plus my “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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-sea-to-summit-spark-pro-9c-15f-sleeping-bag/feed/ 0 64890 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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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-nemo-hornet-elite-osmo-1p-ultralight-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-nemo-hornet-elite-osmo-1p-ultralight-tent/#respond Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:02:46 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=64482 Read on

]]> Ultralight Solo Backpacking Tent
Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 1p
$580, 1 lb. 7 oz./657g
nemoeequipment.com

From the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route to Montana’s Beartooth Mountains, Nemo’s top-of-the-line Hornet Elite Osmo 1p solo ultralight tent withstood winds gusting to around 30 mph/48 kph and shrugged off light rain, while providing comfortable living space, excellent ventilation, and a tiny footprint that enables pitching it on the most improbably small patches of flat ground—all in a surprisingly compact package that weighs less than the low-cut hiking shoes I wore in the Beartooths.

Two partners and I took turns sleeping in this solo tent (we also had a two-person tent on the trip) over five nights backpacking in Montana’s Beartooths in August, where we had strong winds and light rain at times, which the tent handled very well—although the strongest gusts caused the rainfly to flap loudly if we weren’t careful about getting a taut pitch. I also slept in it on two of five nights backpacking the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route in mid-April, where we saw winds gusting to around 30 mph/48 kph at times and about 90 minutes of rain early one morning.

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It’s worth noting that Nemo’s very similar, but somewhat heavier (and less expensive) Hornet Osmo 1p—with the same poles as the Elite model—withstood gusts around 40 mph/64 kph and driving rain for several hours in the Wind River Range, although I occasionally had to brace the walls with my hands to avoid damage during the strongest gusts, which caused the windward wall of the tent to bow deeply inward. (As I wrote in my review of the Hornet Osmo 1p, in fairness, most of today’s best three-season backpacking tents are not designed for wind that strong, and our camp in a lake basin at well over 10,000 feet was completely exposed.)

For starters, Nemo sets the Osmo tent series apart with its proprietary Osmo ripstop fabric, used in the rainfly and floor of the Hornet Osmo tents. That fabric combines 100 percent recycled nylon and polyester yarns to provide greater strength and four times better water repellency and reduce fabric stretch when wet by a factor of three, according to Nemo. Plus, Osmo fabric achieves that water repellency with a finish that’s free of PFC/PFAS chemicals and meets flammability requirements without chemical additives. I’ve seen no durability issues so far after using three of the Hornet Osmo tents.

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With the Hornet Elite tents, Nemo has pared down the design to create shelters even lighter than the standard Hornet Osmo models. While still a reasonably lightweight tent, the Hornet Osmo 1p ($400) weighs six ounces/165 grams more than the Hornet Elite Osmo 1p. That’s more than your ultralight headlamp and stove combined. The difference in weights between the Elite and standard Hornet Osmo 1p is entirely in tent fabric: The Elite uses a lighter version of Osmo and less of it because the floor measures three inches narrower at the head end.

As far as I’ve seen, the Hornet Elite Osmo 1p exists in its own category of three-season, semi-freestanding, double-wall, solo tents weighing under 1.5 pounds/680 grams (including only the inner tent, rainfly, and poles). While it’s not as light as non-freestanding solo shelters that pitch using trekking poles, it’s pretty darn close and significantly faster and more intuitive to pitch than that type of tent.

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At a minimum weight of 1 lb. 7 ounces/657 grams (again, just the tent, poles, and rainfly), the Hornet Elite Osmo 1p compares favorably against two top solo tents that share this semi-freestanding design and similar materials, both of which have slightly less interior space but a slightly larger vestibule: the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1 Solution Dye weighs seven ounces more (see my review of the Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye), and the MSR Freelite 1 comes in three ounces heavier while having the same floor length and peak ceiling height but less width at the head end (see my review of the Freelite 2).

With 21.8 square feet/two square meters of interior space, a 39-inch/98cm peak height, and a floor measuring 87×40 inches//221×102 centimeters at the head(it tapers to 32 inches/31 centimeters wide at the foot), the Hornet Elite Osmo 1p offers a relatively spacious interior and good headroom for an ultralight solo tent. It’s twice the width of a standard 20-inch-wide air mattress at the head and 12 inches wider at the foot, creating extra space for your stuff, and long enough for tall people: A friend who’s nearly six feet and broad-shouldered found it comfortably roomy.

The interior door is reasonably large for a tent in this weight class, for easy entry and egress—made even easier by having the door on the side rather than at the head end, which also improves ventilation. The vestibule has 6.9 square feet/0.6 square meter of storage, enough to keep shoes and a midsize backpack under one side of it.

While the Hornet Elite Osmo 1p has a good space-to-weight ratio for any double-wall tent, any tent in this weight class is targeted more to minimalists who prioritize low weight over living space—who will likely occupy the tent primarily during sleeping hours and often spend most of each day on the trail. And its small footprint comes in handy when the best spot you have for your tent is a tiny patch of flat ground.

The smart and easy-to-use door tiebacks are a nice detail. Inside, there’s just one storage pocket—typical of minimalist, ultralight shelters—located just inside the door, convenient for grabbing your headlamp or other small item from outside.

As with all tents using this basic semi-freestanding design, set-up is simple and fast. Y-shaped, color-coded DAC Featherlite NSL poles that join at a single hubbed intersection feature a center ridgeline that forks to two corners—a common pole structure that trims weight but requires staking (thus, it’s “semi-freestanding”).

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The short Flybar snaps into place across the main ridge pole’s high center point to pull the side walls outward, creating nice headroom. While that’s a common feature in backpacking tents, the Flybar’s flexible design makes it easier during setup than some others and distributes tension evenly. Triangulated corner guy-outs pull the lower tent walls outward to minimize contact between any condensation on the walls and your sleeping bag. Just four clips and three grommets attach the interior tent to the poles and the Hornet requires just six stakes. Cords on the interior tent’s two sides clip to the rainfly, pulling the walls outward, a smart feature in a tent where the walls are unavoidably close.

The 15-denier nylon ripstop with no-see-um mesh interior walls and the double-wall design of the Hornet Osmo series enable excellent ventilation—despite lacking the cross-ventilation of two opposing doors in the one-person models—aided by the bottom edge of therainfly being elevated off the ground to promote low-high air flow. In the Beartooths and Grand Canyon, we saw overnight lows in the 40s and 50s F/about 4 to 13 C, with never a trace of condensation under the rainfly, which tends to plague many ultralight, single-wall tents. Those are not conditions that normally cause condensation, of course; but my experience with the Hornet Osmo tents has demonstrated their ventilation: Sleeping in the Hornet Osmo 1p on the kind of calm, cool nights that do cause condensation buildup, I saw only minimal dampness on the underside of the rainfly—not nearly enough to drip or even rub off on a sleeping bag brushing against a wall.

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and “Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites.”

 

The Hornet Elite Osmo 1p does not have Nemo’s signature, unique large cutout in the rainfly at the head end of the tent, overlapping a solid panel on the lower part of that interior tent wall, to aid ventilation. Counterintuitively, the purpose is to reduce fabric weight because more of mesh—which is lighter—is used in the tent.

With all Hornet tents, the rainfly door zips open beyond the high point of the interior door, giving them a drip line that permits rain to fall inside. With a little care, though, you can enter and leave the tent letting virtually no rain inside, possibly by not unzipping the rainfly door entirely.

The packed size of 19x4x2 ins./48x10x5 cm makes it more packable than comparable tents. All new Nemo tents come with a 100% recycled fabric pole bag (instead of wasteful, single-use poly bags).

See my review of Nemo’s Hornet Osmo 1p and Hornet Osmo 2p and all models in Nemo’s Hornet Osmo series and the brand’s other ultralight tents at nemoequipment.com/collections/ultralight-tents.

Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 1p

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Livability

The Verdict

For lightweight and ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers looking for one of, if not the lightest double-wall, semi-freestanding, solo tent, one that’s easy and quick to pitch and take down, holds up in strong wind, and feels very livable, the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 1p belongs on a short list that’s very short.

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 Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 1p at nemoequipment.com or rei.com, or any Hornet Osmo tent model at backcountry.com, nemoequipment.com, or rei.com.

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside. See also “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “Ultralight Backpacking Tents: How to Choose One.” (Both of those stories require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read in full, which costs as little as $7, or under $5 per month for an entire 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.”

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-nemo-hornet-elite-osmo-1p-ultralight-tent/feed/ 0 64482 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-aircontact-ultra-505-and-455-sl-backpacks-2/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-aircontact-ultra-505-and-455-sl-backpacks-2/#respond Mon, 15 Jul 2024 23:02:48 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=63982 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacks
Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5
$285, 55L/3,356 c.i., 2 lbs. 15 oz./1.33kg
Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL
$250, 50L/3,051 c.i., 2 lbs. 11 oz./1.21kg
One adjustable size in both models
Aircontact Ultra 50+5: backcountry.com
Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL: rei.com

To put Deuter’s updated-for-2024 Aircontact Ultra 50+5 ultralight backpack through the paces, I took it on a pair of quite rugged but also quite different backpacking trips this spring: a three-day hike through southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons with a max weight of about 30 pounds in the pack, and six days and about 60 miles backpacking the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route, repeatedly carrying extra water—and starting out with more than 40 pounds inside, including over 10 pounds of water and 11 pounds of food. As I expected, those trips revealed much about the Aircontact Ultra backpacks and why they might appeal to lightweight and ultralight backpackers.

First, I must acknowledge that 40 pounds significantly exceeds Deuter’s recommended max weight for these packs: I knew that but wanted to gauge the Aircontact Ultra’s comfort by exceeding its weight capacity and then seeing when it starts feeling comfortable as my pack weight decreased each day—as I sometimes do with packs in this weight class because, almost inevitably, many backpackers overload ultralight packs at the outset of a trip, or at various points during a long-distance hike, accepting a day or more of compromised comfort for the benefit of having a pack that’s lighter and will be adequately comfortable for most of the trip. I’ve done that countless times.

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In the Grand Canyon, having more than 40 pounds/18.1 kilos in the Aircontact Ultra 50+5 was certainly not “comfortable.” But nor was it all that bad. On that first day, we backpacked about six miles of rough dirt road just to reach the South Bass Trailhead, and then descended the often steep, loose, and rugged South Bass Trail for some 3,400 feet before turning onto the Tonto Trail—logging nearly 15 hard miles that day. Rather than feeling destroyed from severely overloading this pack, I simply felt some discomfort, predictably in my hips and shoulders, but no lingering soreness.

While I certainly wouldn’t recommend overloading this pack that severely, I think some long-distance and other avid backpackers could do the same for a day or two without major consequences. (Strong caveat: I sure don’t promise that result for everyone or even most people.)

Truer to the intended use of these packs, on the Owl and Fish canyons loop, the Aircontact Ultra 50+5 felt immediately comfortable starting out with that trip’s max weight of about 30 pounds/13.6 kilos inside—in line with Deuter’s recommended maximum load of 26 to 33 pounds/11.8 to 15 kilos—and it remained comfortable throughout that three-day hike. As Deuter’s max load recommendation implies, any pack’s max load comfort will vary between individual users, of course.

In Owl and Fish as well as the Grand Canyon, the pack delivered a stable carry going up and down very steep, loose trails, thanks to a spring steel wire frame and a framesheet that offers slight flex, meaning it moves a bit with your torso while providing some structural support. The hipbelt fins and shoulder straps rotate to absorb your body’s movement, helping to steady the pack while hiking.

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Unlike the simple, wide, entirely flexible fabric hipbelts found in some (usually lighter) packs in this category—which rely on the belt’s width to distribute pack weight over the hips—the Aircontact Ultra’sflexible hipbelt features a bit of structure to help support some of the weight that the pack frame distributes to the belt. For 2024, Deuter altered the hipbelt foam to meet bluesign environmentally responsible standards and improve the ergonomic fit at the lumbar. I suspect those design elements helped prevent my hips from really hurting when I overloaded the pack in the Grand Canyon.

The three-dimensional, perforated spacer mesh in the back panel, lumbar pad, shoulder straps, and hipbelt rebounds when not weighted, pulling air into the mesh as you move—creating nice ventilation and cushioning. Another smart change made with the 2024 models is that Deuter carved out the center of the back pad to improve air flow, achieving that objective without compromising comfort at all. That was noticeable on hot days of hard hiking in the Grand Canyon.

I had used and reviewed the previous iteration of Deuter’s Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL on a five-day backpacking trip in the Wind River Range and on a three-day hike on the 22-mile Death Hollow Loop in southern Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. That enabled me to compare the fit of these two packs and changes made in the 2024 versions.

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TheAircontact Ultra 50+5is made for torsos ranging from 17 to 24 inches/43 to 61 centimeters, according to Deuter. (Learn how to measure your torso in my “5 Expert Tips for Buying the Right Backpacking Pack.”) The Ultra 45+5 SL is for women and anyone with a torso measuring 14 to 22 inches/35 to 56 centimeters.

Deuter’s three-position torso-length adjustment system, located behind the back pad, is one of the easiest adjustment systems to access and change that I’ve seen. With these packs, it provides about 1.5 inches/3.8 centimeters of fit range—that’s not much compared with, say, the Osprey men’s Exos 58 and women’s Eja 58, packs nearly identical to the Aircontact Ultra 50+5 in capacity, weight, and price, which have four inches of adjustable fit range.

I got the previous version of the Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL on Deuter’s recommendation for my 18-inch torso length and it fits me well enough: The hipbelt has plenty of adjustment range, but I found the shoulder straps near their fit limit for me; anyone with a torso over 18 inches or a bigger chest and torso than me (see next paragraph) should go for the Aircontact Ultra 50+5. With the new Aircontact Ultra 50+5, my torso seems to fall near the bottom end of its fit range: As mentioned above, it carried comfortably for me with the recommended max load and, impressively, wasn’t terrible when I overloaded it.

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The long and short is that my torso is on the cusp between those two packs, leading me to two conclusions: first, that anyone near the limits of either pack’s stated fit range may not find it comfortable; and second, that the Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL fits my 18-inch torso a little better than the Aircontact Ultra 50+5—with the caveat that the Ultra 45+5’s shoulder straps are almost fully extended (very near their limit) with my 38-inch chest and five-foot, eight-inch, 152-pound build.

The top-loading Aircontact Ultra 50+5’s main compartment had enough space for my six days of food and five liters of water starting out in the Grand Canyon, with compact, ultralight gear (including my sleeping bag and solo tent), but also an ultralight camp chair. I had nearly filled the smaller Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL with gear and food for three-day trips but managed to squeeze five days of food into it in the Winds.

The modular, side Z-compression straps can be repositioned to girth hitch and buckle across the front of the pack, a cool feature that lets you attach a larger piece of gear, like a tent or foam pad, or simply compress the pack (if under-filled) across its front.

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If you’re really counting grams, the removable, floating lid and its straps can be left behind to shave about three ounces/85 grams, and the drawcord top closure for the main compartment has a flap that snaps down to cover it—one of the 2024 additions. But I think that lid pocket, with very good volume for a midsized, ultralight pack, justifies its minimal weight with the space and quick access it provides.

The six external pockets include a large stretch-mesh front pocket that can swallow a wet rainfly and jacket and stretch-mesh side pockets that hold a liter bottle. Deuter increased the angle of those side pockets to make them a bit easier to reach inside while wearing the pack, compared with the previous generation of Aircontact Ultra’s (like the 45+5 SL I’ve reviewed), but it’s still a bit of a contortionist act. The two half-liter, zippered hipbelt pockets each hold four or more bars or a smartphone with room to spare.

The 175-denier polyamide ripstop Ultra HD fabric helps minimize the pack’s weight while making it as durable as many backpacking packs in its weight class. Deuter uses durable water-repellent finishes (DWRs) that are harmless to human and animal health and free of toxic PFAS “forever” chemicals.

Other packs in the series include the Aircontact Ultra 40+5 and Aircontact Ultra 35+5 SL (both $240).

Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL

Comfort/Support

Fit

Access

Features

Weight-to-Performance

Durability

The Verdict

Although still ranking among the heaviest ultralight backpacking packs, the updated-for-2024 versions of the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL carry 30 to 35 pounds comfortably and sport smart features in a package that will especially appeal to backpackers who often straddle the gray zone between lightweight and ultralight.

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 Aircontact Ultra 50+5 backpack at backcountry.com, or a Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL backpack at backcountry.com, or any model in the Aircontact Ultra series at backcountry.com, including some of last year’s models at sale prices while stock lasts.

See my picks for “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “The Best Ultralight Backpacks,” my “5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack,” and all of my reviews of backpacks, backpacking gear, ultralight backpacks, 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 “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 all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-aircontact-ultra-505-and-455-sl-backpacks-2/feed/ 0 63982 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-marmot-hydrogen-30-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-marmot-hydrogen-30-sleeping-bag/#respond Fri, 07 Jun 2024 20:38:22 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=63498 Read on

]]> Ultralight Sleeping Bag
Marmot Hydrogen 30
$419, 1 lb. 9.4 oz./720g (regular)
Sizes: unisex regular and long ($419)
backcountry.com

For backpackers prioritizing low gear weight who don’t tend to get cold very easily, a sleeping bag rated 30 degrees Fahrenheit can function as their go-to for most three-season trips. And Marmot’s Hydrogen 30 remains one of the perhaps three highest-quality and warmest ultralight mummy bags at this temperature rating, as I affirmed sleeping in it for two nights on southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons loop in early May, four nights in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains in August, and five nights on the Grand Canyon’s Gems Route in mid-April.

Just three of those backpacking nights that I slept in the Hydrogen 30 were inside a tent: one quite windy night in the high 30s F, with a below-freezing wind chill, in Owl Canyon, and two nights in the Grand Canyon. My four nights sleeping out under the stars included a calm night in the mid-40s in Fish Canyon and three nights with winds gusting up to 30 miles per hour at times and overnight lows in the 40s and 50s in the Grand Canyon. In every circumstance, I stayed perfectly warm, even partly opening the bag on the milder nights. I also slept quite well in this bag out under the stars for two nights in the 50s in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve.

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The 800-fill down, treated with ExpeDry to make it dry faster if it gets wet, gives it a high warmth-to-weight ratio and an EN comfort rating of 36° F/2° C, limit rating of 27° F/-3° C, and extreme rating of -3° F/-19° C—while still weighing a modest one pound 9.4 ounces/720 grams (regular length).

Its weight trails close behind the very lightest and it’s warmer than all but a couple of them with which the Hydrogen 30 compares closely for warmth: As I wrote above, it packs enough warmth for nights that creep toward its temp rating (unless you sleep cold; see my “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” for tips on that). And it stuffs down to a compact 4.6 liters/280 cubic inches/12.2×5.9 inches. When pulled from its stuff sack the Hydrogen lofts up to about three to four inches.

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This bag kept me warm on nights that fell within the temperature range that backpackers will typically encounter in summer in mid-latitude mountains and in spring and fall in the desert Southwest.

Warmth if boosted, of course, by the adjustable hood, which closes evenly and comfortably around my face and head, while the draft collar and tube along the zipper protected me from chilly air outside and strong, cool gusts when I enjoyed long, deep slumber under the stars.

On mild nights when I kept the bag partly open to ventilate, the short second zipper on the upper right side of the bag’s top side (opposite the main zipper) enabled me to fold a flap of the bag down off my shoulders and upper torso, like a blanket—a nice feature because opening the main zipper just on one side to fold a triangle of the top of the bag off you often just results in the flap flipping back over you. The anti-snag slider on the full-length main zipper (on the left) works well. The wraparound construction of the footbox also boosts warmth.

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The circumference measures 61 inches at the shoulders, 56 inches at the hips, and 44.5 inches at the feet—roomier than other leading ultralight, 30-degree bags like the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 and Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30 at a weight penalty of just a few ounces and a price lower than both. I found there’s plenty of space to move my feet around and stuff a little extra clothing down there to boost insulation and keep that clothing warm for morning. Its length is the standard 72 inches/183 centimeters (regular bag). An internal zippered pocket fits a smartphone to keep it out of the cold.

While the sizes are unisex, I think unisex sizing makes sense in sleeping bags because body shapes and sizes vary greatly within genders as much as between genders.

The 75 percent recycled, Pertex Ultralight 20-denier ripstop shell fabric, with a PFC-free DWR (durable, water-repellent treatment), blocked those strong gusts quite well when I slept under the stars.

For backpackers on a budget, the Marmot Lost Coast 30 ($219, 2 lbs. 6 oz./1.07 kg, regular), with 600-fill down, while heavier and bulkier, is even slightly roomier and has the zippered internal pocket.

The Verdict

With a bit more space than some of the best and lightest ultralight down sleeping bags, while weighing just a few ounces more—and costing less—plus a high warmth-to-weight ratio and packability, the Marmot Hydrogen 30 certainly ranks among the few very best ultralight, 30-degree, mummy bags.

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 Marmot Hydrogen 30 at backcountry.com, or a Marmot Lost Coast 30 at backcountry.com.

See all reviews of sleeping bags, air mattresses, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside, plus my “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-marmot-hydrogen-30-sleeping-bag/feed/ 0 63498 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hyperlite-mountain-gear-mid-1-ultralight-solo-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hyperlite-mountain-gear-mid-1-ultralight-solo-tent/#comments Wed, 01 Nov 2023 17:28:32 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=60711 Read on

]]> Ultralight Solo Backpacking Tent
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1
$675, 16.8 oz./476.3g
hyperlitemountaingear.com

After crossing Texas Pass, at around 11,460 feet, a friend and I descended into the incomparable Cirque of the Towers in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, reaching the shore of Lonesome Lake—where the sky suddenly darkened, soon followed by thunder and lightning. We hustled to pitch the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1 as a temporary shelter and both dove inside just as the full force of that thunderstorm walloped us with pounding wind and rain, even spawning a new, little stream that flowed under one end of the tent. But we stayed warm and dry inside it while waiting 30 minutes or more for the storm to pass. And that’s just one tale of the weather the Mid-1 endured, demonstrating its value as one of the very best ultralight solo backpacking tents available today.

I swapped this with another solo tent with two different friends for three nights in the Wind River Range in mid-August and six nights in Glacier National Park in September, with lows from the upper 30s to around 50° F (3-8° C) and strong wind every night in the Winds, with gusts exceeding 40 mph/64 kph and perhaps 50 mph/80 kph, plus hard, wind-driven rain for hours on our last night in the Winds and light rain one morning in Glacier. And the Mid-1 stood up solidly in all of those conditions.

I also slept in it for two nights while backpacking the 22-mile/35.4-kilometer Boulder Mail Trail-Death Hollow Loop in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in early October, with clear nights in the high 40s. And on a subsequent September backpacking trip in the Winds, the Mid- stood up to wind gusts around 40 mph; and after that night grew dead calm and the temp dropped to around 40° F—conditions that often result in condensation inside a tent—I woke in the morning to find just slight condensation on the inside wall, only above my head.

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First of all, at 16.8 ounces/476.3 grams (for the tent only, not including stakes, guylines, stuff sack, etc., and certainly not the trekking pole weight), the Mid-1 certainly ranks among the very lightest ultralight solo backpacking tents—as well as one of the roomiest. And when pitched properly, as evidenced by its performance in severe conditions in the Winds, it is about as sturdy a shelter as you’ll find, suitable for virtually any three-season backpacking trip.

Made with highly durable and waterproof Dyneema Composite fabrics (DCF5 in the rainfly and DCF10 in the floor), this non-freestanding, pyramid shelter pitches using one adjustable trekking pole that ideally extends to 135 centimeters, although it pitches tautly and to an adequate height with a pole extended to 130 centimeters. It barely even shook through hours of wind gusts to 40 and possibly 50 mph in the Winds—and that was without staking out any guylines using the 11 tie-outs around the tent’s exterior. (Use trekking poles that are relatively sturdy and extend long enough; many do not.)  

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Pitching is simple and relatively quick for a non-freestanding tent: First, stake out the four corners, leaving some slack in the stake lines to fine-tune the tension later. Insert the trekking pole, handle upward into the tent’s peak and inserting its tip through the exterior floor loop in the center of the door-side mesh wall. Then extend the pole to 130 to 135 centimeters; its height will determine the steepness of the walls and slightly alter how close the ceiling is to your face when lying down. Then stake out the vestibule and rear wall; the tent requires six stakes for optimum stability and ventilation.

I found it easiest to achieve balanced tension on all stake points and an elevated bathtub floor (to keep water out) and still maximize venting through the perimeter mesh by tightening tension on all the stake lines only after all six stakes are in the ground and the trekking pole is extended to full height. And small adjustment straps inside the tent enable you to raise and lower the sidewalls of the bathtub floor to create a higher splash guard in heavy rain, which does reduce venting through the perimeter mesh.

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While it requires more time to pitch than a typical ultralight, freestanding tent, I could pitch it within a few minutes by myself after just a few times (including, of course, a practice session in my back yard before its inaugural trip).

One drawback of any pyramid tent is that the walls slope downward from the single center pole. But with 21 square feet of interior space and a bathtub floor measuring 96×32 inches/244x81cm, plus a peak height at the center of 54 inches/137cm, the Mid-1 provides abundant living space for one person.

At five feet, eight inches/1.73 meters tall, I had more than enough length and width to sleep without the sloping wall anywhere near my face or my head brushing it when I rose to sit up, with plenty of floor space remaining for my puffy and rain jackets, extra clothes, plus items like my camera gear, electronics, and various stuff sacks. I slept with my head at the door end of the tent—often with that side of the vestibule rolled up and tied back, for better ventilation and to see the night sky—and never felt like the sloping wall was too close to my head. The crescent-shaped door zips smoothly—most smoothly when the tent is pitched properly—and is reasonably large for easy in and out.

Mediocre to poor ventilation dogs many single-wall tents, especially smaller two-person and solo models, but the hybrid single-wall Mid-1 performs closer to a double-wall tent in this respect, thanks to No-See-Um Mesh comprising the lone interior wall (where the inside door is located), plus two peak vents and perimeter mesh around three sides of the bathtub floor, enabling good high-low venting, even with the vestibule door zipped up in heavy, wind-driven rain.

While there’s no doubt that windy nights helped ventilate the tent, it also developed very little condensation inside even on calm, cool nights in the upper 30s F (about 3° C). But on another trip in the Winds, a six-day, 64-mile traverse, much of it on the Continental Divide Trail, I had two nights near and below freezing when condensation and ice formed on the sloping wall over my head; fortunately, I could brush the ice off easily onto my air mattress and quickly dump it on the ground outside before it melted inside the tent, and use a shirt to wipe condensation off the walls when the temp was above freezing (drying the shirt quickly in the sun afterward).

Still, freezing and calm nights are still the bane of this tent, especially with the vestibule closed up. But the spacious interior also means your bag and clothes will rarely brush against the walls if they do develop condensation.

The vestibule, with a waterproof zipper and a cool little detail in the magnetized tieback for rolling up one side on dry nights, has enough space to store a midsize pack and boots under one side of the vestibule, leaving the other side (where the interior tent door is positioned) unimpeded for entering and exiting.

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Another common drawback of pyramid tents is a drip line that enables rain to fall directly into the interior because of the sloping walls. But the Mid-1’s design creates a drip line that keeps light rain out because the vertical mesh wall does not slope into the vestibule area (see photos). In heavier, windblown rain, though, I unavoidably had to close the vestibule nearly to the ground to keep rain out; but I did leave it open several inches above ground level for better ventilation without allowing any rain inside.

The tent’s packed dimensions of 8.5×5.5×5.5 inches/cm make it slightly bulkier than some of the most packable solo tents, which is the nature of Dyneema fabric and probably its only drawback. Still, at slightly larger than a football, it’s not a very big package to slip inside a backpack.

HMG also offers the Mid 1 Tarp ($450, 8.8 oz./250g), which, of course, lacks a floor or bug protection.

Planning your next big adventure? See “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips”
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Livability

The Verdict

Extremely light at just over a pound, waterproof, highly durable, and impressively stable in strong wind, with good ventilation, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1 represents arguably the very best solo tent available today for backpackers, bikepackers, and other backcountry travelers who prioritize low weight and high performance.

4.4

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 Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1 solo backpacking tent at hyperlitemountaingear.com, or the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid 1 Tarp at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside. See also “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “Ultralight Backpacking Tents: How to Choose One.” (Both of those stories require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read in full, which costs as little as $7, or under $5 per month for an entire year.)

Let The Big Outside help you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to 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 “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-hyperlite-mountain-gear-mid-1-ultralight-solo-tent/feed/ 2 60711 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-nemo-hornet-osmo-1p-ultralight-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-nemo-hornet-osmo-1p-ultralight-tent/#comments Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:49:40 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=60364 Read on

]]> Ultralight Solo Backpacking Tent
Nemo Hornet Osmo 1p
$460, 1 lb. 13 oz./822g
backcountry.com

The wind never cut us a break while backpacking in the Wind River Range in August. For hours a day on the trail, it literally knocked us off-balance at times. And then it pounded us every night. Finally, on our last evening, it blew in with a violent thunderstorm that generated gusts probably exceeding 40 mph/64 kph and perhaps reaching 50 mph/80 kph, accompanied by driving rain for several hours. Although a friend (in another tent) and I didn’t sleep a wink until that storm abated well after midnight, the Nemo Hornet Osmo 1p kept me dry and survived those tempests while demonstrating its strengths and nice design features.

I slept in this tent for two of our three nights in the Winds and three of six nights backpacking in Glacier National Park in mid-September; on both trips, a friend and I swapped out using the Hornet Osmo 1p and another solo tent I was testing out, so both tents received nine nights of hard testing (as of this writing, with more use to come). Across those nights, low temperatures ranged from around 50 Fahrenheit to the upper 30s (about 3 to 10 Celsius). In addition to nightly, strong gusts in the Wind River Range, plus hard rain one night, we saw rain one night in Glacier.

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And the Hornet Osmo 1p stood up solidly to most of those severe conditions. The strongest gusts caused the windward wall of the tent to bow deeply inward, bending the pole so much that I occasionally had to hold the walls up with both hands to avoid damage. But in fairness, few backpacking tents—not only in this weight class, but most of today’s best three-season backpacking tents—are designed for those conditions. We also could have camped at a more protected spot at a somewhat lower elevation instead of in a lake basin at well over 10,000 feet with no wind breaks of any kind. (An earlier thunderstorm had already passed and we had bluebird skies when we set up camp.) On another night in the Winds, in a camp partly protected by trees near Washakie Lake, the Hornet Osmo 1p tent held up fine in gusts well over 30 mph.

As I wrote in my review of Nemo’s Hornet Osmo 2p, I think what most distinguishes the Hornet Osmo tents from competitors in this category is less about weather—tents with this structural design in this weight class will deliver enough protection for most backpackers—and more about details that are easily overlooked but affect the user experience in almost every aspect from setup to interior and vestibule space and ventilation.

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Most distinctively, Nemo’s proprietary Osmo fabric, used in the rainfly and floor of the Hornet Osmo tents, combines 100 percent recycled nylon and polyester yarns to rise above traditional nylon in its performance in rain. Nemo says the nylon fibers provide 20 percent more strength than standard nylon (of similar weight) while the hydrophobic polyester fibers increase the fabric’s water resistance by a factor of four and reduce the amount it stretches when wet by a factor of three.

Plus, Osmo achieves water repellency with a finish that’s free of PFC/PFAS chemicals and meets flammability requirements without chemical additives. I’ve seen no concerns about durability so far.

The Hornet Osmo 1p exists in a small category of semi-freestanding, double-wall, solo tents weighing under two pounds/907 grams. These tents are not as crazy-light as non-freestanding solo shelters that pitch using trekking poles, but they are significantly faster and more intuitive to pitch and their double-wall design avoids the condensation that tends to plague many single-wall tents.

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At a minimum weight of 1 lb. 13 ounces/822 grams (just the tent, poles, and rainfly), the Hornet Osmo 1p offers ease of use and good living space at a minimal weight penalty versus competitors. To compare it with two solo tents that share this semi-freestanding design and similar materials and both have slightly less interior space but a slightly larger vestibule: the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1 Solution Dye weighs an ounce more (see my review of the Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye) and the MSR Freelite 1 comes in three ounces lighter (see my review of the Freelite 2).

With 22.3 square feet/2.1 square meters of interior space, a 39-inch/98cm peak height, and a floor measuring 87×43/31 inches/222×108/79 (it tapers from head to foot), the Hornet Osmo 1p offers a relatively spacious interior and good headroom for an ultralight solo tent. It’s a bit more than twice the width of a standard 20-inch-wide air mattress at the head end and 11 inches wider at the foot end, creating extra space for your stuff, and long enough for tall people.

The interior door is reasonably large for a tent in this weight class, for easy entry and egress—made even easier by having the door on the side rather than at the head end, which also improves ventilation. The vestibule has 7.3 square feet/0.7 square meter of storage, enough to squeeze shoes and a midsize backpack under one side of it; and you can roll up one or both sides of the vestibule for maximum venting and a view of the night sky (and we had some amazing Milky Way skies in both the Winds and Glacier).

While the Hornet Osmo 1p has a good space-to-weight ratio for any double-wall tent, any tent in this weight class is targeted more to minimalists who prioritize low weight over living space—who will likely occupy the tent primarily during sleeping hours and often spend most of each day on the trail.

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The smart and easy-to-use door tiebacks are a nice detail. Inside, there’s just one storage pocket on the wall at the head end, where you wouldn’t want to place much weight or bulk. But again, the point of this tent is to offer no more than what’s necessary, minimizing weight. Besides, many backpackers seeking an ultralight solo tent likely have their system and organization down and may not prioritize pockets.

As with all tents using this basic semi-freestanding design, set-up is simple and fast. Y-shaped, color-coded DAC Featherlite NSL poles that join at a single hubbed intersection feature a center ridgeline that forks to two corners—a common pole structure that trims weight but requires staking (thus, it’s “semi-freestanding”).

The short Flybar snaps into place across the main ridge pole’s high center point to pull the side walls outward, creating nice headroom. While that’s a common feature in backpacking tents, the Flybar’s flexible design makes it easier during setup than some others and distributes tension evenly. Triangulated corner guy-outs pull the lower tent walls outward to minimize contact between any condensation on the walls and sleeping bags. Just six clips and three grommets attach the interior tent canopy to the poles and the Hornet requires just six stakes.

A friend who backpacked with me and had never seen this tent before proclaimed it “very easy to pitch.”

The 15-denier nylon ripstop with no-see-um mesh interior walls enable excellent ventilation, aided by the bottom edge of the rainfly being elevated off the ground to promote low-high air flow. On calm, cool nights, I saw only minimal dampness on the underside of the rainfly—not nearly enough to drip or even rub off on a sleeping bag brushing against a wall. Ventilation improves greatly when the rainfly door is kept at least partly open.

Much credit for that ventilation goes to another unique Nemo tent feature: a large cutout in the rainfly at the head end of the tent, overlapping a solid panel on the lower part of that interior tent wall. During that violent thunderstorm in the Winds, the swirling wind occasionally caused spritzes of mist to blow under that cutout and spray me very lightly, but not enough to get anything even slightly damp. In a typical rainstorm, no rain blows inside even as that cutout creates exceptional air flow.

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With all Hornet tents, the rainfly door zips open beyond the high point of the interior door, giving them a drip line that permits rain to fall inside. With a little care, though, you can enter and leave the tent letting virtually no rain inside, possibly by not unzipping the rainfly door entirely.

The packed size of 12.5×7.5×3 inches/32x19x7 centimeters makes it more packable than comparable tents. But its packed length is most unique: While I normally load tent poles separately into my pack—standing them up in one corner to accommodate their length—the Hornet’s tent poles are so compact when folded that I could leave them inside the divvy cube stuff sack with all the tent components and easily lay it horizontally into my pack. All new Nemo tents come with a 100% recycled fabric pole bag (instead of wasteful, single-use poly bags).

Other models in this series are the Hornet Osmo 2p ($480, 2 lbs. 1 oz./948g) and Hornet Osmo 3p ($580, 2 lbs. 13 oz./1.28kg), plus two lighter models, the Hornet Elite Osmo 1p ($600, 1 lb. 7 oz./657g) and Hornet Elite Osmo 2p ($700, 1 lb. 11 oz./779g).

See my review of Nemo’s Hornet Osmo 2p.

Nemo Hornet Osmo 1p

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Livability

The Verdict

For lightweight and ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers seeking a solo tent that doesn’t compromise on performance details like ease of use, strength, living space, and ventilation, the Nemo Hornet Osmo 1p and the entire Hornet Osmo series deserve a serious look.

4.5

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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 Nemo Hornet Osmo 1p at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com, or any Hornet Elite Osmo tent at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com.

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside. See also “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “Ultralight Backpacking Tents: How to Choose One.” (Both of those stories require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read in full, which costs as little as $7, or under $5 per month for an entire 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.”

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-nemo-hornet-osmo-1p-ultralight-tent/feed/ 6 60364 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-black-diamond-astro-300-and-astro-300-r-headlamps/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-astro-300-and-astro-300-r-headlamps/#respond Thu, 07 Sep 2023 18:11:51 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=60097 Read on

]]> Rechargeable Ultralight Headlamps
Black Diamond Astro 300-R
$45, 2.6 oz./75g
blackdiamondequipment.com

Black Diamond Astro 300
$25, 2.6 oz./75g
blackdiamondequipment.com

How simple and inexpensive a headlamp do you want for the backcountry? Or to frame the question from a different angle: How complex a headlamp do you need? Using Black Diamond’s rechargeable Astro 300-R and the optionally rechargeable, battery-powered Astro 300 on a pair of backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies—the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park and the Nigel, Cataract, and Cline Passes Route in the White Goat Wilderness—as well as a four-day hike in the Wind River Range and camping at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve, I became very acquainted with the strengths and shortcomings of two of today’s most affordable ultralight headlamps.

The two Astro models are identical except for the Astro 300-R being strictly rechargeable, powered by a 1500 mAh Li-ion battery with a micro-USB charging port—like all of BD’s “R” series headlamps. At 40 bucks, the Astro 300-R is certainly one of the most affordable rechargeable ultralight headlamps out there and arguably the cheapest that offers reliable performance in the backcountry.

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As with BD’s other traditional battery-powered headlamps, the Astro 300 runs on either AAAs or the rechargeable BD 1500 battery pack ($35, sold separately). The main benefit that “dual-fuel” design offers is the option of a backup power source if the BD 1500 drains its charge—and the Astro 300 and BD 1500 combo actually saves you five bucks versus the Astro 300-R. Plus, the BD 1500 can be used in other battery-powered BD headlamps.

Operation and features are otherwise the same in both Astro models. The single power button turns them on and off, always powering on in the same mode and brightness level last used. The button controls dimming function and clicks between the white light and white strobe modes. Holding the button down when it’s off engages lockout mode.

In their primary, white area mode, both headlamps throw a round beam that fills much of my peripheral vision with even lighting; the white strobe mode does the same. The max brightness of 300 lumens, with a range of 180 feet/55 meters, is certainly bright enough for hiking or even running a trail in complete darkness. You’ll probably be comfortable walking in the dark at medium power (150 lumens), at which the range is 115 feet/35 meters, and at lower brightness levels in camp—prolonging battery life. And the range of 26 feet/eight meters at low power (six lumens) provides dim light for small tasks or finding something in your tent.

The run time, or battery life of the Astro 300 using AAAs, is four hours at high power and 140 hours at low power, with 16 hours of reserve power, according to BD. For the Astro 300-R, a full charge lasts six hours at high power and 140 hours at low power, with 1.5 hours of reserve power.

The easily adjustable, low-profile headband, made from recycled materials, remains comfortable on your head for hours and does not bounce when you’re moving quickly. The IPX4 waterproof rating, comparable with some mid-priced headlamps, means it withstands splashing water from any direction—it’s likely safe in rain but don’t stop this headlamp into water.

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The Astro headlamps lack the multiple modes found in other BD headlamps, and PowerTap technology, which allows you to tap the side of the casing to cycle between max brightness and whatever dimmed level you previously set. Those are definitely nice features, worth their added cost, and more important for more technical users, but absolutely not a deal-breaker for many users seeking simplicity and affordability.

Do the Astro 300 and 300-R offer all you need in a headlamp? The biggest shortcoming of the Astro is that the area mode does not give you the stronger, focused beam of a spotlight mode, especially for seeing an object at a distance. These headlamps are not an ideal choice for hiking or route-finding off-trail or when climbing. Otherwise, though, they deliver all the functionality that many outdoor users need. And some people will definitely prefer the simplicity of the Astro lights over models with more modes and functions but also more complexity in operating them (and cost).

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The Verdict

While not as versatile as the best headlamps available today, the Black Diamond Astro 300 and rechargeable Astro 300-R offer backpackers, dayhikers, trail runners, hut trekkers, and others affordable options for a simple but adequately bright and functional ultralight headlamp, including the ability to use either AAAs or a rechargeable battery in the Astro 300.

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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 Black Diamond Astro 300-R at blackdiamondequipment.com or backcountry.com, a Black Diamond Astro 300 at blackdiamondequipment.com or backcountry.com, the BD 1500 rechargeable battery at blackdiamondequipment.com, or any BD headlamp at blackdiamondequipment.com or backcountry.com.

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See “The Best Headlamps,” all reviews of Black Diamond headlamps, and all reviews of 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

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-astro-300-and-astro-300-r-headlamps/feed/ 0 60097 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-nxt-air-mattress/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-nxt-air-mattress/#respond Thu, 13 Jul 2023 15:35:10 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=59591 Read on

]]> Insulated Air Mattress
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
$200, 11.5 oz./330g (size regular short, not including stuff sack or pump sack)
Sizes: four sizes from 20×66 inches/51x168cm to 25×77 inches/64x176cm
cascadedesigns.com

Choosing the absolute lightest air mattress you find doesn’t always go well: The hours of sleep lost to discomfort may exceed the weight savings in ounces. Put another way, the personal energy lost through a poor night of sleep may eclipse what you gain from shaving a few ounces of pack weight. The latest iteration of Therm-a-Rest’s ultralight NeoAir XLite air mats, the NXT, will flip that equation to the positive side of the energy ledger for many backpackers, as it did for me on several spring and summer backpacking trips.

I have (so far) slept on the NeoAir XLite NXT for a total of 32 nights, including: four nights on a pair of three-day hikes in April on a section of the Arizona Trail along the Gila River and in Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon; another four nights 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 early August; three nights in the Wind River Range and four nights in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains in mid-August; three nights on an August backpacking trip in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains; five more nights in the Wind River Range and six nights in September in Glacier National Park; three freezing nights in Utah’s High Uintas and two more nights on the 22-mile Boulder Mail Trail-Death Hollow Loop in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in early October. And my wife used it for two nights on southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons loop in early May.

On the Arizona Trail and in the Canadian Rockies and Winds, I slept on this air mat in the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30, comfortable in just underwear and a light T-shirt or a midweight, long-sleeve top on nights in the 40s F/4-8° C; and inside the Nemo Riff 30 in similar temps in the Escalante and on nights down to the upper 30s in Glacier. But facing chillier nights in Aravaipa, I used the Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy 15F/-9C on this air mat and stayed perfectly warm wearing just a T-shirt, underwear, and socks on one night that dropped to just above freezing.

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The XLite NXT looks good in direct comparisons with other top three-season air mats of key metrics like thickness, weight, and packability. At three inches/7.6cm thick (a half inch fatter than the previous XLite), it matches some competitors that are slightly heavier and exceeds the very short list of air mats that are lighter. As someone who’s been sleeping on the ground for more than three decades and is done with pads that aren’t comfortable—and I’m always looking to review air mats that hit a nice balance of comfort and low weight and bulk—I’m happy to say I slept quite soundly on the XLite NXT.

And yet, this ultralight pad weighs in at 13 ounces/370g (regular) and measures 9×4.1 inches/23x10cm stuffed (regular), roughly the dimensions of a one-liter water bottle. That’s a nice weight-to-comfort ratio. As a five-foot, eight-inch side sleeper who curls up a bit, I found the regular short length (20×66 inches/51x168cm) perfectly fine for me—and I’ll take that weight savings when it comes with no comfort penalty.

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The XLite NXT uses ThermaCapture technology to radiate body heat back to you and a Triangular Core Matrix, consisting of two stacked layers of triangular baffles to create a stable surface and minimize heat loss; Therm-a-Rest says it’s six times quieter than the previous XLite generation. The result is an R-value of 4.5, meaning it’s warm enough for shoulder-season adventures and temps around or below freezing—it even approaches the level of insulation adequate for temps well below freezing and sleeping on snow or frozen ground, which is an R-value of 5 or higher.

That puts the XLite NXT at the leading edge for warmth-to-weight ratio.

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Using the voluminous Therm-a-Rest Pump Sack (included) to inflate the air mat eases that process, although it doesn’t necessarily speed it up, unless you’re quite fast at repeatedly opening the sack to let air inside and then rolling it up tight to force that air into the air mattress. I often found it faster to the XLite NXT by simply blowing into the valve, which requires about 15 to 20 strong breaths, whereas using the air bag took me several minutes. Either way, inflating it is aided by the efficiency of the one-way WingLock valve, which Therm-a-Rest says cuts the inflation time by two-thirds; a simple turn of the valve’s “wings” deflates it almost instantly.

The 30-denier ripstop nylon fabric, with durable TPU laminate, offers greater protection from punctures than some lightweight air mats have.

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT MAX ($230-$250, 1 lb. 3 oz./540g) is a rectangular version available in two sizes, both 25 inches/64cm wide and from 72 to 77 inches/183-196cm long.

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The Verdict

Hitting a sweet spot for comfort and packability, at one of the lowest weights and highest warmth-to-weight ratios you’ll find in a three-season air mattress, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT sets a new standard for ultralight air mats.

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See all reviews of air mattresses, sleeping bags, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside, plus “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips For Staying Warm in a 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 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.”

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 my reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-nxt-air-mattress/feed/ 0 59591 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-mountain-hardwear-phantom-30-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-phantom-30-sleeping-bag/#respond Wed, 28 Jun 2023 02:26:44 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=59377 Read on

]]> Ultralight Sleeping Bag
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30
$580, 1 lb. 6 oz./624g (unisex regular, 72-inch)
Sizes: unisex short ($440), regular, long ($480)
backcountry.com

Look at specs when shopping for a high-quality, ultralight, three-season sleeping bag and you might quickly trim your short list to about five models, all at basically similar weights and price points. But having slept in most of those top bags—and after sleeping in Mountain Hardwear’s Phantom 30 on cool nights on backpacking trips from a section of the Arizona Trail in the first days of April and camping at Idaho’s City of Rocks in June to the Canadian Rockies and Wind River Range in August—I place the Phantom 30 among the two or (maybe) three very best ultralight mummy bags for its strategic balance between low weight and excellent warmth. Here’s why.

I slept oblivious to the air temp wearing just underwear and a light T-shirt or a midweight, long-sleeve top on nights in the 40s F/4-8° C on several trips: for three nights in the Wind River Range in mid-August, where we had a lot of wind every night; for a total of four nights on 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 early August; while backpacking a section of the Arizona Trail along the Gila River in the first days of April; and camping at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve in June. In the White Goat Wilderness, we had very heavy dew both nights that soaked our tents inside and out, with the condensation inside getting our bag shells wet but not appearing to affect this bag’s warmth or loft at all.

On another, five-night hike through the Winds in early September, I had two nights around freezing, when I had to wear a wool hat and fleece hoodie and stuff my down jacket into the foot end of my Phantom 30 to keep my feet warm; those measures made the bag warm enough for me to sleep, but I don’t get cold easily and I think many users would not want to push this (or virtually any 30-degree bag) to its limit.

Beyond its status as one of the perhaps five very lightest mummy bags you’ll find in this temperature rating category, the Phantom 30 compares in weight to the lightest and nicest ultralight backpacking quilts.

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But I’d argue it’s one of the two or three best ultralight mummy bags for its excellent balance of both low weight and warmth for a bag rated around freezing. That comes down to a key material in Hardwear’s Phantom series bags: the 850-fill down, very nearly the highest fill rating found in sleeping bags (and only six percent less warmth and loft per ounce/gram compared to 900-fill down). That lends the Phantom a top-of-the-charts warmth-to-weight ratio and packability among ultralight sleeping bags.

Also, the bag contains 10 ounces/284 grams of down fill (in the regular), giving the Phantom a fat four inches of loft. That translates to the Phantom 30 weighing a few ounces more than the very lightest bags with this temp rating—but also delivering noticeably more warmth. That means you can push this bag to its temp rating—or lower—without regret (unless you normally sleep cold; see my “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” for tips on that.)

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That helped keep me warm—even, at times, keeping the bag partly unzipped because I felt too warm—on nights that fell into the temperature range most backpackers will encounter in summer in mid-latitude mountains and in spring and fall in the desert Southwest. As someone who sleeps relatively warm, I’d confidently take this bag out on trips with expected overnight lows around freezing and slightly below (adding some clothing layers as needed).

The adjustable hood‘s face gasket closes evenly and comfortably around my face and head when I want to burrow deeply inside the bag, while the draft collar and tube along the zipper protected me from chilly air outside.The lightweight, anti-snag, two-way zipper has a nice pull tab for grabbing even with light gloves on and never caught on shell fabric.

The Phantom’s dimensions reflect a design priority for minimizing weight and packed volume, measuring 58 ins./147cm at the shoulders and 52 ins./132cm at the hips, and the standard 72 inches/182cm long (regular bag); and while Hardwear does not provide a girth measurement at the foot box, I found there’s plenty of space to move my feet around and stuff a little extra clothing down there to boost insulation and keep that clothing warm for morning.

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Overall, at five feet, eight inches and about 150 pounds, I found the regular Phantom 30 certainly efficient in its internal space but also more than roomy enough—for a mummy bag. I believe unisex sizing makes sense in sleeping bags because body shapes and sizes vary greatly within genders as much as between genders. That said, larger or wider people might prefer a bag with more generous dimensions.

The regular Phantom measures just 6×13 ins./15x33cm in its compression stuff sack (2.5 oz./71g), which outweighs standard stuff sacks by perhaps an ounce but delivers added value of $15 to $30 (the cost of buying a compression sack separately) and makes the bag more packable.

The 100 percent recycled, 10-denier ripstop nylon shell with a DWR (durable, water-repellent treatment), among the lightest fabrics used in bags, is adequately durable for normal use with some care.

Mountain Hardwear also offers the Phantom 15 ($580-$610, 2 lbs. 1 oz./941g) and Phantom 0 ($700-$740, 2 lbs. 11 oz./1162g). See my review of the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0 sleeping bag.

Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30

Warmth for its Weight

Warmth When Wet

Space

Packability

Features

The Verdict

For its excellent balance between very low weight and warmth that bests many competitors with the same temp rating, the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 has earned its status as one of the very best ultralight mummy bags for backpacking.

4.2

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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 unisex Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 at backcountry.com or rei.com, or any other Phantom bag model at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See all reviews of sleeping bags and all reviews of backpacking gear at The Big Outside, and my “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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 reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-phantom-30-sleeping-bag/feed/ 0 59377 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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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-nemo-hornet-osmo-2p-ultralight-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-nemo-hornet-osmo-2p-ultralight-backpacking-tent/#respond Tue, 23 May 2023 18:28:52 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=58771 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Nemo Hornet Osmo 2p
$480, 2 lbs. 1 oz./948g
backcountry.com

Sleeping in this ultralight tent while backpacking a section of the Arizona Trail along the Gila River in the first days of April and backpacking southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons loop in early May, camping in Idaho’s City of Rocks in June, and backpacking the Nigel, Cataract, and Cline Passes Route in the Canadian Rockies in August, I had a chance to not only test its performance, but also to consider the unique little niche it fills. If you’re seeking the lightest and most packable shelter that possesses all the ease of use, protection, and convenience of traditional double-wall tents as well as a degree of livability that will suit many backpackers, the Hornet Osmo 2p offers much to like.

While camping two nights in the Hornet Osmo 2p at Idaho’s City of Rocks in June, thunderstorm cells unleashed lightning, thunder, and hard, wind-driven rain on both afternoons and evenings. Throughout that hard pounding, everything inside remained dry (including me). In Owl and Fish canyons, the tent held up well through a few hours of winds gusting over 40 mph one night. In the Canadian Rockies, we had calm nights with overnight lows in the low 40s Fahrenheit and a very heavy dew that soaked all three tents in our party both nights. On the Arizona Trail hike, we had moderate wind at times, lows in the 30s and 40s, and no precipitation. My daughter also shared this tent with a friend when we backpacked three days on the Skyline Trail in Canada’s Jasper National Park, where we had rain showers one night.

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I think what most distinguishes the Hornet Osmo from its closest competitors is less about weather—tents with this structural design in this weight class will deliver enough protection for most backpackers—and more about details that are easily overlooked but play a noticeable role in how much you’ll like a tent.

Nemo’s Hornet Osmo 2p belongs to a small club of semi-freestanding, two-person, two-door, double-wall tents weighing precisely or barely over two pounds/907 grams. These tents share similar designs on a macro scale but differ mostly at the micro level, in details that impact the user experience in almost every aspect from setup to interior and vestibule space.

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One major difference arises in materials. The Hornet Osmo tents employ Nemo’s proprietary Osmo fabric, which uses a combination of 100 percent recycled nylon and polyester yarns. Nemo says the nylon fibers provide 20 percent more strength than standard nylon (presumably nylon of similar weight) while the polyester fibers resist stretching when wet by a factor of three and the fabric’s water resistance has increased by a factor of four. Plus, Osmo achieves water repellency with a finish that’s free of PFC/PFAS chemicals and meets flammability requirements without chemical additives. I’ve seen no concerns about durability so far.

As with all tents using this basic design, set-up is a snap. Color-coded DAC Featherlite NSL poles that join at a single hubbed intersection feature a center ridgeline that forks to two corners—a common pole structure that trims weight but requires staking, which makes it “semi-freestanding.” The short Flybar bridge pole crosses over the main ridge pole to pull the walls outward, creating nice headroom—a feature common in backpacking tents but the Flybar’s flexible design makes it easier during setup than some others and distributes tension evenly. The Flybar also enables pitching the tent with just three clips. Clips and grommets attach the interior tent body to the poles and the Hornet requires just six stakes.

In the City of Rocks, gusts up to 30 mph merely rippled the tent fabric, not bending the poles or affecting structural integrity a bit.

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Unique guy-outs on the canopy exterior walls clip to the rainfly to pull the walls outward, keeping them from sagging inward to brush your head or against your bag. Triangulated corner guy-outs pull the lower tent walls outward to minimize contact between any condensation on the walls and sleeping bags.

I found the excellent ventilation enabled by the mesh walls and ceiling panels and the two opposing doors prevented condensation even on calm nights just above freezing. Much credit for that ventilation goes to another unique Nemo tent feature: The head end of the tent has a large cutout in the rainfly overlapping a solid panel on the lower part of that interior tent wall, such that no rain blows inside even as it creates exceptional air flow. Also, the bottom edge of the rainfly is elevated five or six inches off the ground to promote low-high ventilation.

On our two calm nights in the low 40s in the White Goat Wilderness, that heavy dew thoroughly soaked all three tents outside and inside with condensation, including a more spacious, double-wall tent used in our group, which might presumably be less susceptible to condensation inside just for the fact of greater space. With a cold creek not far from our camp combined with dead air holding a lot of moisture plus cool temps, our little test pool of three different tents demonstrated that virtually any tent would have seen condensation inside.

The tent walls sagged inward on those nights of heavy dew—but I could minimize that problem with more careful staking and balancing the tension on the rainfly’s corner and vestibule stake points. Overall, the Hornet Osmo 2p ventilates as well as other tents of similar dimensions and design and better than most, thanks to that rainfly wall design.

Comparing the Hornet Osmo 2p’s dimensions with two similar competitors in its weight class that I’ve reviewed, the MSR Freelite 2 and the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye: The Hornet’s 27.5 square feet/2.6 square meters of floor area offer slightly less space than those other two; the peak height of 39 inches/98cm is identical; and the floor dimensions of 85×51 inches/215x130cm, with the floor tapering to 43 inches/108cm wide at the foot end, compares with the Tiger Wall but the Freelite does not taper.

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From a user perspective, that’s a snug backcountry abode best suited to people who don’t mind occasionally bumping one another. This is a typical tradeoff for a double-wall tent with such a low weight and high space-to-weight ratio. With this or any tent of similar dimensions, some people might want to consider whether they will occupy it primarily just during sleeping hours or often spend considerable waking hours inside, due to temperatures and weather.

The only pockets are two overhead—not much for keeping track of small items like headlamps when inside—and those overhead pockets aren’t good for anything solid or weighing more than you’d want to bump your head against.

The two vestibules, each 7.1 sq. ft./0.7 sq. meters, are slightly smaller than the other two tents but provide adequate storage space for a mid-size backpack and boots. The rainfly doors zip open beyond the high point of the interior tent doors, meaning the Hornet Osmo has a drip line that permits rain to fall inside. With a little care, you can enter and leave the tent letting virtually no rain inside and possibly not having to unzip the rainfly entirely. But the shallow vestibule also occasionally meant an unzipped, wet rainfly door stuck to my back when crawling inside, splashing some water droplets (not much) onto gear inside—like my sleeping bag.

The packed size of 12.5×7.5×3.5 inches/32x19x8.5cm makes it more packable than comparable tents that have only slightly more living space. But its packed length is most unique: While I normally load tent poles separately into my pack—standing them up in one back corner to accommodate their length—the Hornet’s tent poles are so compact that I could leave them inside the divvy cube stuff sack with all the tent components and easily lay it horizontally into the bottom of my pack.

All new Nemo tents come with a 100% recycled fabric pole bag (instead of wasteful, single-use poly bags).

Other models in this series are the Hornet Osmo 1p ($460, 1 lb. 13 oz./822g) and Hornet Osmo 3p ($580, 2 lbs. 13 oz./1.28kg)—both also among the lightest in their categories—and the even-lighter Hornet Elite Osmo 2p ($700, 1 lb. 11 oz./779g) and Hornet Elite Osmo 1p ($600, 1 lb. 7 oz./657g).

See my review of the Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 1p tent, in which I encountered very strong wind and heavy rain.

Nemo Hornet Osmo 2p

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Livability

The Verdict

While it may not be the right tent for two bigger people, the Nemo Hornet Osmo 2p represents one of the lightest and most packable two-person, double-wall, semi-freestanding tents, with ease of use, protection, and livability that will appeal to many lightweight and ultralight backpackers.

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 Nemo Hornet Osmo 2p at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com, or any Hornet Osmo tent model at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com, or any Hornet Elite Osmo tent model at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com.

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside. See also “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “Ultralight Backpacking Tents: How to Choose One.” (Both of those stories require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read in full, which costs as little as $7, or under $5 per month for an entire 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.”

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-nemo-hornet-osmo-2p-ultralight-backpacking-tent/feed/ 0 58771 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.

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 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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Join now for full access to 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 “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-msr-freelite-2-ultralight-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-msr-freelite-2-ultralight-backpacking-tent/#comments Fri, 28 Apr 2023 12:46:15 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=58231 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
MSR FreeLite 2
$500, 2 lbs./907g
cascadedesigns.com

MSR’s newest version of the Freelite 2 immediately baffled me. I wondered: How can this double-wall, two-door, three-season, semi-freestanding tent weigh anywhere from three to nine ounces less than very similar tents in this category that have basically the same design… and still have more interior space? Searching for some explanation other than some implausible, sudden, radical shift in the laws of physics, I took the Freelite 2 for a spin in Arizona’s Aravaipa Canyon and on two backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies—and found many ways in which MSR’s latest versions of its Freelite series distinguish themselves from a pack of doppelgangers.

To give a bit of back story, you might have noticed something about today’s three-season backpacking tents: A lot of them look very much alike. That’s no coincidence. Companies have found designs that resonate with backpackers—which says something about how far tents have evolved. But it also means you have to look more closely at the little details when choosing a tent because that’s where the competition happens.

I took the Freelite 2 on a pair of two-night backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies in early August, sharing it with a my wife on the 27.3-mile/44k Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park, where we had rain showers one night; and my daughter and a friend slept in it on the Nigel, Cataract, and Cline Passes Route, where a very heavy dew soaked all three tents in our party both nights. Both of those hikes saw overnight lows in the low 40s Fahrenheit. I also shared it with another friend for two nights while backpacking Aravaipa Canyon in the first week of April. While we had very dry weather in Aravaipa, strong winds buffeted our camp at times and overnight lows ranged from just over freezing to the low 40s Fahrenheit. And my wife and I shared it for three nights on an August backpacking trip in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and relatively calm winds.

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Perhaps the most significant changes to the updated Freelite tent series are that they’re lighter—by a whopping half-pound, or the equivalent of four days of trail food, a big deal in the world of backpacking tents—and have three more inches of peak height.

At a mere two pounds/1.1 kilogram, with 29 square feet/2.7 square meters of floor area and a peak height of 39 inches/one meter, MSR appears to be taking on a specific sub-category of ultralight, two-door, double-wall, three-season backpacking tents. Compare some of the bestselling tents that meet that description and not only does the Freelite 2 weigh anywhere from three to nine ounces less than very similar tents while offering more interior space—but some similar freestanding tents that have a little more space are upwards of 10 ounces or more heavier.

Those metrics may appeal to people who want a light tent but have a limit to how much they want to bump into each other or how much time they want to dedicate to practicing pitching it the first time. (From my viewpoint, that’s a lot of backpackers.) That’s even more appealing on mostly fair-weather trips like Aravaipa, where we’re in the tent only to sleep and maybe read a bit before sleeping.

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My tallest tentmate, who’s about five feet 10 inches, and I—both of us well acquainted with larger and smaller tents—found the Freelite 2 predictably snug for two people but perfectly livable. In short: more comfortable than I’d expect from a two-pound, double-wall tent with all these features.

It goes up quickly and easily. The Y-shaped, hubbed, DAC NFL 8.7mm aluminum poles feature one center ridgeline that forks to two corners—an increasingly common pole shape in this tent class, which trims weight but also requires staking, spawning the term “semi-freestanding.” A second, short, eyebrow pole crosses the main ridge pole to elevate the ceiling above the doors, creating more headroom—another common design element in lightweight tents. Clips and grommets attach the interior tent body to the poles and the Freelite requires just six stakes.

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This structurally sturdy shelter withstood gusts of 20 to 30 mph without any suggestion that such winds even tested the tent, and the rainfly drip line keeps rain outside the interior when vestibule doors are open.

The almost entirely micro-mesh interior walls, aided by the natural cross-ventilation of opposing doors, facilitate excellent air flow that prevented any trace of condensation inside even on a calm night just above freezing in Aravaipa and on nights in the low 40s on the Skyline Trail.

On our two calm nights in the low 40s in the White Goat Wilderness, that heavy dew thoroughly soaked all three tents outside and inside with condensation, including a more spacious, double-wall tent used in our group, which might presumably be less susceptible to condensation inside just for the fact of greater space. With a cold creek not far from our camp and that combination of dead air holding a lot of moisture plus cool temps, I think any tent would have seen condensation inside. The Freelite 2 basically ventilates as well as other tents of similar dimensions and design.

The two doors are reasonably large for a tent in this weight class, for easy entry and egress. And the smart, no-curve door zippers, with two zippers closing to the same point at one corner, enables one-hand operation because they never get stuck around a corner and eliminates fumbling around for the zipper pull in the dark.

Eschewing the tapered floor of many lightweight tents, the Freelite floor’s rectangular shape, measuring 84×50 inches/213×127 centimeters, creates a bit more storage space at the foot end while also slightly increasing the tent’s footprint negligibly—most backpackers will appreciate the extra living space but won’t find the bigger footprint problematic. (This isn’t a mountaineering tent.) The Freelite features abundant interior pockets, including a ceiling mesh pocket convenient for using a headlamp as an overhead light.

The combined 15 square feet/1.4 square meters in two vestibules, slightly less than found in comparable tents, provides space for boots and a mid-sized backpack; and each door can be kept half-open or rolled completely back for maximum cooling, air flow, and stargazing.

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The tradeoffs for such a low weight and high space-to-weight ratio are typical of tents in this weight class. The ultralight, 15-denier ripstop nylon fabric in the rainfly and tent floor, both treated to repel water, reduces weight but is not as durable as heavier fabric; and the 10-denier micro-mesh is obviously more vulnerable but no different than most three-season tent interior walls. The packed size of 18.×4.5 inches/45.7×11.4 centimeters is typical of tents around this weight.

The Freelite tents’ Fast and Light Body, sold separately ($130 for the Freelite 2)—used instead of the interior tent when bugs are not an issue—have a bathtub floor and low walls at each end, to provide more protection from the elements and help prevent your stuff from rolling or slipping outside overnight. The Freelite 2 Fast and Light setup trims the shelter’s weight by six ounces.

Other models in this series are the Freelite 1 ($440, 1 lb. 10 oz./0.74kg) and the Freelite 3 ($570, 2 lbs. 6 oz./1.1kg).

MSR Freelite 2

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Livability

The Verdict

If you’re a fan of the high space-to-weight ratio, ease of use, and good ventilation of double-wall, two-door, three-season, semi-freestanding backpacking tents, imagine one that’s even lighter and more spacious. That’s the MSR Freelite 2.

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 an MSR Freelite 2 at cascadedesigns.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com, or any Freelite tent model at cascadedesigns.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside. See also “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “Ultralight Backpacking Tents: How to Choose One.” (Both of those stories require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read in full, which costs as little as $7, or under $5 per month for an entire 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 The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-msr-freelite-2-ultralight-backpacking-tent/feed/ 4 58231 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.

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.

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-deuter-aircontact-ultra-505-and-455-sl-backpacks/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-aircontact-ultra-505-and-455-sl-backpacks/#respond Fri, 14 Apr 2023 15:05:31 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=58101 Read on

]]> NOTE: See my review of the updated-for-2024 versions of the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and 45+5 SL backpacks.

Ultralight Backpack
Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5
$250, 55L/3,356 c.i., 2 lbs. 11 oz./1.2kg
Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL
$250, 50L/3,051 c.i., 2 lbs. 11 oz./1219g
One adjustable size in both models
Aircontact Ultra 50+5: backcountry.com
Aircontact Ultra 45+5: backcountry.com

Many mid-size, lightweight and ultralight backpacking packs share more similarities than differences—because the design details they share have proven popular and work. Still, Deuter’s Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and 45+5 SL distinguish themselves from some competitors for their adjustable, comfortable fit and smart design details that make a difference in your experience carrying it, as I found using the Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL on a five-day, late-summer backpacking trip in the Wind River Range and a three-day hike on the 22-mile Boulder Mail Trail-Death Hollow Loop in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in early October.

For starters, the Aircontact Ultra 50+5 is unisex and made for longer torsos, up to 21 inches (learn how to measure your torso in my “5 Expert Tips for Buying the Right Backpacking Pack”). The Ultra 45+5 SL is for men or women with slightly shorter torsos. I got the Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL on Deuter’s recommendation for my 18-inch torso length. While that pack fits me well and the hipbelt has plenty of fit range, I found the shoulder straps near their fit limit for me; anyone with a torso over 18 inches might prefer the Aircontact Ultra 50+5 (which may also have fit me just fine).

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Deuter’s three-position torso-length adjustment system, located behind the back pad, enables a better fit than non-adjustable suspension systems seen in some packs in this weight class and is one of the easiest pack-fit adjustment systems to access and change I’ve seen. With each model, it provides for about two inches of torso fit range.

I started out in the Winds with over 35 pounds in the Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL and it initially felt overloaded. I found it comfortable with a max pack weight around 35 pounds or a bit under, even on days up to over 12 miles—consistent with Deuter’s recommendation of using it for loads of up to 12 to 15 kg, or about 25 to 33 pounds. That comfort comes thanks to a spring steel perimeter wire frame and a framesheet that offers slight flex, meaning it moves a bit with your torso but, unlike lighter, essentially frameless packs, it provides some structure to help support a load. Pivoting hip fins help steady the pack while hiking.

The three-dimensional layers of perforated spacer mesh in the back panel, lumbar pad, shoulder straps, and hipbelt rebounds when not weighted, pulling air into the mesh as you move—delivering nice ventilation and cushioning. Unlike the simple, wide, entirely flexible fabric hipbelts found in some packs in this category—which essentially rely on the belt’s width to distribute pack weight over the hips—the Aircontact Ultra’shipbelt, while flexible, features a little structure to help support some of the weight that the pack frame distributes to the belt. The shoulder straps have a bit of rotation where they attach at the top of the back panel, enabling the pack to move with your torso instead of feeling like it’s tugging against you.

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

The top-loading Aircontact Ultra packs have an adequately spacious main compartment for outings of three or four days if, like me, you carry one or more “luxury” items like an ultralight camp chair; or up to six or seven days if you pack highly efficiently and carry light gear, with Z-compression straps on both sides. I found myself filling the Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL with gear and food for three days.

The six external pockets include a large stretch-mesh front pocket that can swallow a wet rainfly and a jacket and stretch-mesh side pockets that hold a liter bottle but are a little difficult to reach into for me (perhaps owing to me falling at the upper limit of the Ultra 45+5 SL’s fit range).

The two half-liter, zippered hipbelt pockets will hold four or more bars or a smartphone with room to spare. If you’re really counting grams, the removable, floating lid and its straps can be left behind to shave about three ounces/85g; but that lid pocket, voluminous for a pack of this size and weight, is worth its minimal weight for the quick access and space it offers. The front features six loops for attaching gear to the outside.

The 200-denier polyamide fabric provides a durable exterior that will hold up to hard use for years; the exterior parts most vulnerable to tearing, as with many packs in this weight class, are the stretch-mesh front and side pockets. Deuter impregnates the pack fabric with water repellency rather than using chemicals known as harmful to people and the environment.

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Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL

Comfort/Support

Fit

Access

Features

Weight-to-Performance

Durability

The Verdict

While among the heaviest ultralight backpacking packs, the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL are comfortable packs with an adjustable fit, ideal for lightweight backpackers willing to accept several extra ounces for smart features and the support for up to 35 pounds.

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 Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 backpack at backcountry.com, or a Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL backpack at backcountry.com.

See my picks for “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “The Best Ultralight Backpacks,” my “5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack,” and all of my reviews of backpacks, backpacking gear, ultralight backpacks, 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 “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 categorized menus of all gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-deuter-aircontact-ultra-505-and-455-sl-backpacks/feed/ 0 58101 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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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 Hoka One One Anacapa Low GTX or the Anacapa Mid GTX 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,” 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-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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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a men’s or a women’s Mammut Kento Light HS Hooded Jacket at backcountry.com.

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-mountainsmith-zerk-40-ultralight-backpack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountainsmith-zerk-40-ultralight-backpack/#respond Fri, 04 Nov 2022 16:29:53 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=55375 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpack
Mountainsmith Zerk 40
$225, 40 liters/2,440 c.i., 1 lb. 13 oz./822g (including removable accessories)
One unisex size, fits torsos 16-19 inches
backcountry.com

Within the rather exclusive category of ultralight backpacks weighing two pounds or less, one sees similarities, most commonly and conspicuously a frameless, roll-top design with large external pockets. The Mountainsmith Zerk 40 takes that template and juices it with some smart details and add-ons, tougher materials, and a touch of modularity while keeping it significantly under two pounds. That suited my needs quite well trekking hut to hut for six days on Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails—and I think much about the Zerk will also appeal to many ultralighters and thru-hikers.  

On our six-day hike on the 33-mile/54k Laugavegur and 15.5-mile/25k Fimmvörðuháls, I carried a maximum weight of around 35 pounds/15.9k, which included all of my own food (you cook your own meals in the huts), water, sleeping bag, and extra clothing, my DSLR camera and two lenses, as well as incidentals like toiletries and an iPad. It also functioned well fully compressed as a daypack on two half-day hikes of the peaks Blahnukur and Brennisteinsalda in Iceland’s Fjallabak Nature Preserve.

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A simple, frameless, ultralight pack, it resembles others in this category with its roll-top access to the main compartment—with a top and two side compression straps that securely compress the top of the pack, augmented by Z-compression side straps to further squeeze the pack when unfilled, helping to keep it quite stable while hiking even steep trails.

Like similar ultralight packs, it has large external pockets: nine on the Zerk—more than some other packs, though the Zerk’s include four pairs of overlapping pockets that naturally affect one another’s total capacity. The front stretch mesh pocket has substantial space: I stuffed my sandals for the huts and river crossings as well as, at times, my rain jacket and pants, warm gloves, and other small items into it without reaching its capacity. The angled side pockets—an inner and outer pocket on each side, easily reached while wearing the pack—hold a liter bottle with space to spare. I kept a liter bottle on one side, while using the other side pair of pockets to organize light gloves, low gaiters, and a beanie.

The Zerk’s distinctive, EVA foam, wide shoulder straps improve comfort by dispersing weight better than narrower straps. Taking a page from trail running-hydration vests, each has a two-compartment pocket with adequate space for a phone, flexible water bottles, and energy snacks and similarly small items. I also found those pockets useful for holding a second camera lens, to have quick access to it. (I used one of those pockets for that, with snacks in the others.)

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The pack comes with some useful features: a bungee cord that you easily install in your preferred configuration through five or all seven front gear loops, with enough stretch that, if you actually fill the front pocket, you can still tuck a jacket under the bungee; and a removable accessory webbing strap that can be run through four small gear loops for attaching a large piece of gear atop the pack, like a tent or bear canister—the latter required in some parks, including Yosemite, Grand Teton and the Teton Crest Trail, and on the John Muir Trail and PCT throughout the High Sierra.

As with any ultralight pack, the Zerk’s frameless design, removable foam back pad, 1.5-inch-wide, removable webbing belt, and lack of external load-control straps that you’d see on a heavier pack prioritizes minimizing weight over support and comfort with heavier loads. As expected, I found the Zerk comfortable carrying up to around 30 pounds (as Mountainsmith states as its max weight). When I had around 35 pounds inside, I felt the weight more heavily on my shoulders.

Still, when properly loaded and kept within its intended max weight, the Zerk 40 was comfortable hiking for hours. And the one unisex size, which fits torsos from 16 to 19 inches/40.6 to 48.3cm, suited my 18-inch torso just fine, as did the belt, with a huge fit range for waists 28 to 48 inches/71 to 122cm. That said, it’s not likely a good fit for a much bigger person (I’m 150+ pounds with a 38-inch chest and 30-inch waist) or someone with a small torso and/or narrow shoulders. The adjustable sternum strap features a safety whistle.

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The main compartment has a wide mouth and interior that makes loading and unloading an easy chore—although, as with any roll-top pack that lacks a lid, accessing the main compartment is somewhat tedious, demanding that and you keep items you’ll need to access quickly and routinely while hiking in exterior pockets. Consistent with its minimalist design, the Zerk lacks a bladder sleeve, with only a click for hanging a bladder.

At 40 liters/2,440 cubic inches with the collar fully extended—and 32 liters/1,952 cubic inches with the roll-top fully compressed, more the size of a large daypack—the main compartment is not as spacious as some packs weighing two pounds or less. On our six-day hut trek in Iceland, I filled it despite not carrying a tent, air mattress, or kitchen gear. This is an ultralight pack for a very efficient packer outfitted with ultralight, compact gear, not someone who brings many comfort items.

Still, it has the capacity for ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking up to about five days between resupplies, and the roll-top offers good extension for overfilling the Zerk—although that can compromise comfort by making it top-heavy, especially with a tent or bear canister on top, but largely only if your load exceeds about 30 pounds. Plus, it makes for an ideal hut pack or large daypack.

While not waterproof, the 210-denier Extreema recycled nylon pack fabric proved very tough while helping keep the pack’s overall weight very low, and it demonstrated good water resistance in the many rain showers we hiked through in Iceland: I packed everything in stuff sacks that are largely waterproof in rain (but not made for full immersion) and did not use a rain cover and the interior never got wet. Any roll-top closure naturally provides a high degree of water resistance in rain when hiking, anyway.

The 100-denier x Span 840-denier stretch mesh used on six of the Zerk’s exterior pockets—two on the side, four on the shoulder straps—shows impressive durability, appearing unfazed by dropping the pack against abrasive volcanic rocks on the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails.

Lastly but most importantly: With all of this, the Zerk 40 falls on the lighter end of the weight continuum of ultralight backpacks at one pound, 13 ounces (822g) with the belt, front bungee, and accessory strap attached and two ounces lighter without them. (I weighed it at 1 lb. 12 oz./794g with the belt and bungee, not the accessory strap.)

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Mountainsmith Zerk 40

Comfort/Support

Fit

Access

Features

Weight-to-Performance

Value

The Verdict

While it has less capacity than other ultralight packs of similar design and weight, the minimalist, featherweight Mountainsmith Zerk 40 stands out for its simple yet innovative, modular, roll-top design and abundant external pocket space, which will appeal to committed ultralighters backpacking with up to about 30 pounds.

3.7

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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 Mountainsmith Zerk 40 backpack at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See my picks for “The Best Ultralight Backpacks” and “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs,” “5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack,” and all reviews of backpacks, backpacking gear, ultralight backpacks, 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.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.
Click here now to learn more.

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.”

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 categorized menus of all gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountainsmith-zerk-40-ultralight-backpack/feed/ 0 55375 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.

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 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.

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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-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-slingfin-2lite-ultralight-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-slingfin-2lite-ultralight-backpacking-tent/#respond Wed, 19 Oct 2022 11:53:11 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=54988 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
SlingFin 2Lite
$505 (includes seam sealing; $30 less to order without seam sealing and do that yourself)
2 lbs. 10 oz. for the 2Lite, 2 lbs. 6 oz./1191g for the 2Lite Trek
SlingFin.com

Backpackers seeking an ultralight, two-person tent with decent space and solid performance in a range of backcountry circumstances actually have several good choices these days—including six of my 10 picks for the best backpacking tents. And yet, there are many reasons they should consider the 2Lite from SlingFin, as I concluded by the first night of a long hike through the High Sierra in August, when strong gusts pounded our camp at nearly 10,000 feet all night.

A partner and I slept in the 2Lite for eight nights on a hike of nearly 130 miles through the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wildernesses and Kings Canyon National Park, mostly on the John Muir Trail with some on- and off-trail variations—where this tent stood up well in strong winds.

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SlingFin previously sold the 2Lite and the 2Lite Trek (which I reviewed) as separate models, with the Trek version designed for pitching with trekking poles instead of the head pole included with the 2Lite. Now SlingFin offers the optional 2Lite Trek Conversion Kit ($45) for pitching the 2Lite with trekking poles, shaving four ounces from the total weight while likely creating a structurally stronger tent. I don’t see any reason to carry superfluous pole weight—and the only downside to getting the conversion kit is added cost. (Note: I tested a pre-production sample of the 2Lite provided to me by Slingfin in August because they did not yet have a production tent available.)

The two-person, two-door, double-wall, non-freestanding 2Lite pitches quickly and intuitively in just a few minutes, although I’d recommend that anyone not familiar with this two-pole design practice setting it up in their yard the first time. Two DAC Featherlite poles (8.5mm and 9mm), a longer one for the head end and a shorter one for the foot end, with reinforcements at critical bends, arc over the head and foot ends. The all-mesh interior canopy attaches with several clips—and as with any double-wall tent with two doors and an all-mesh interior canopy, ventilation is excellent.

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Six stakes for the tent body and vestibules create a taut, stable structure that withstood winds over 30 mph in the High Sierra, thanks in part to smart details like back-tacked stitching on stress points and reinforced guyouts. The 2Lite also comes with extra guylines that can be installed internally or externally to boost the structural stability in strong wind—although it already has adequate stability for typical conditions backpackers will encounter (and I didn’t need to install those extra guylines during eight nights at elevation in the Sierra).

While no ultralight tent with this design can be described as palatial, the 2Lite provides good living space for a two-door tent weighing two pounds, 10 ounces—or two pounds, six ounces without the front pole, which isn’t needed when pitching with trekking poles.

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The 2Lite’s 28.5 square feet of internal floor area matches that of many ultralight, two-person, two-door backpacking tents; but the pole structure lifts the side walls at the tent’s head end and the floor width tapers from 50 inches at the shoulders to 40 inches at the foot, making this shelter livable for two people who prioritize low weight over capacious accommodations. It fits two standard, 20-inch-wide air mattresses side by side, though with little room to spare.

The 41-inch peak height and 89-inch length represent some of the highest measures for those metrics among competitors of similar weight. And the two large tent doors enhance livability: You don’t have to compress your body into a ball to enter and exit this tent. Those doors roll up completely for more convenience when unpacking or packing sleeping gear in bug-free camps. Spacious interior pockets provided plenty of storage for headlamps and other items.

Plus, in its stuff sack, thanks in part to short pole sections, the packed tent measures a compact 13×5 inches, smaller than many competitors.

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The two vestibules measure 10.5 square feet each—larger than found on many tents in this weight class—creating abundant space for boots, wet layers, packs, and even cooking without impeding the entry. The vestibule doors roll up completely, letting you open up the tent in dry weather to create a nice, airy feeling, ventilate well, cool the inside, and afford you a view of the night sky. The nearly vertical side walls and doors and rainfly coverage create a good drip line, meaning that no rain falls inside when doors are open. We saw only light rain in the Sierra but this design will protect well even in hard rain.

From the sil/sil 10-denier nylon 66 ripstop rainfly—the same rainfly fabric used in SlingFin’s SplitWing and Portal tents, which have held up well in my use—to the walls and mesh of the interior tent and the PE-coated, 20-denier nylon ripstop floor, the fabrics are all ultralight and more susceptible to tearing than heavier tent fabrics, so exercise reasonable care in using them. SlingFin says they no longer use any PU fabrics in tents because they hydrolyze (get sticky and lose waterproofness) over time. They’ve switched to PE on tent floors because it’s less slippery than sil/sil and can be seam taped, and transitioned to only sil/sil flysheets because of its tear strength, durability, and excellent durable hydrophobic properties.

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SlingFin 2Lite

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Value

The Verdict

For an ultralight, two-door, double-wall tent, the SlingFin 2Lite offers good living space and strength in strong wind, making it an excellent choice for ultralight backpacking, thru-hiking, bikepacking or touring, and multi-day sea kayaking.

4.5

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You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking these affiliate links to buy a SlingFin 2Lite at slingfin.com and the 2Lite Trek Conversion Kit at slingfin.com.

See “The 10 (Very) Best Backpacking Tents” and all reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside. See also “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “Ultralight Backpacking Tents: How to Choose One” (both of which require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read in full).

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 “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-slingfin-2lite-ultralight-backpacking-tent/feed/ 0 54988 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-nemo-tensor-insulated-air-mattress/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-nemo-tensor-insulated-air-mattress/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:02:06 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=54923 Read on

]]> Insulated Air Mattress
Nemo Tensor Insulated Air Mattress
$200, 13 oz. (regular mummy, not including stuff sack or pump bag)
Sizes: four sizes from 20×72 inches to 25×76 inches
backcountry.com

The search for the right backpacking air mattress tends to boil down to two competing objectives: finding a mat with the lowest possible weight without compromising on comfort. And different people will define comfort differently—thus affecting the weight of their air mat choice. But many backpackers and other users may find Nemo’s Tensor Insulated hits a sweet balance between those competing objectives, as I did sleeping on it for eight nights on a nearly 130-mile, August hike through the High Sierra, much of it on the John Muir Trail, and for four nights in early September in the Wind River Range.

On both trips, I slept in the Sierra Designs Cloud 35 and the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 bags and our coldest nights dipped into the 40s F. I also slept on the Tensor Insulated air mat under the stars very warmly zipped up inside the Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy 15° F/-9° C bag on a late September night in the upper 30s in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve. And my wife slept on the Tensor (and in the Mobile Mummy 15° F/-9° C) for a total of four nights 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.

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Three inches thick, the Tensor’s undulating lateral Spaceframe baffles and low-stretch, die-cut trusses to minimize springiness create a nicely cushioned bed with good stability: I flop around during the night but never bounced or rolled off the air mat. To the contrary, even though it’s not one of the thickest backpacking air mats out there, I found it quite comfortable, with hipbones and elbows never bottoming out on the hard ground.

Nemo rates the Tensor Insulated to 15 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to its notably quiet PrimaLoft synthetic insulation and a new, continuous TPU film inside to prevent convective heat loss.

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Those updates elevated the air mat’s R-value to 4.2, meaning it delivers significantly more insulation from a cold ground than the previous generation of the Tensor Insulated, which was rated 3.5. That means this air mat is now legitimately warm enough for shoulder-season adventures and temps around and below freezing—although you’d probably want a higher R-value air mat for temps well below freezing and sleeping on snow or frozen ground—and Nemo achieved this without the mat gaining weight. The uninsulated Tensor’s R-value also went up, from 1.6 to 2.5, making it more suitable for cool nights but not temperatures dropping near freezing.

At 13 ounces for the insulated regular mummy air mat and a pound packed (including the Vortex pump sack and staff sack), the Tensor weighs in lighter than many competitors with comparable comfort and dimensions; and it measures a compact 3×8 inches/20×7.5cm packed, slightly larger than a liter bottle, taking up noticeably less space in a backpack than heavier air mats.

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The two-piece Laylow valve, with separate valve flaps for inflating and deflating, make both chores a breeze and deflation almost instantaneous. The Vortex pump sack that comes with the Tensor lets you employ the Bernoulli effect to quickly inflate the mat by blowing a light breath into the open sack and rolling the air into the mat (several times)—much easier than making yourself dizzy blowing air directly through the valve and minimizing moisture entering the air mat. The Vortex sack adds little weight to the package and has a shape and size that makes it a bit faster inflating an air mat than other such pump sacks I’ve used.

Lastly, the updated Tensor’s 100 percent recycled and bluesign-certified, 20-denier polyester fabric on top and bottom is likely not as puncture-resistant as some air mats that use a heavier fabric, but it offers durability that compares with many ultralight models.

The Tensor series comes in four models each in both insulated and non-insulated: regular and regular mummy, both 20×72 inches, and wide (25×72) and long wide (25×76) versions.

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The Verdict

Comfortable, notably quiet, lightweight, and packable, the Nemo Tensor Insulated Air Mattress will appeal to many backpackers and other backcountry travelers who want an ultralight air mat that doesn’t compromise on comfort.

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See all reviews of air mattresses, sleeping bags, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside, plus my “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a 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 “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 all my reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-nemo-tensor-insulated-air-mattress/feed/ 2 54923 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-therm-a-rest-vesper-32-ultralight-backpacking-quilt/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-therm-a-rest-vesper-32-ultralight-backpacking-quilt/#respond Wed, 21 Sep 2022 16:31:27 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=54646 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Quilt
Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32 Quilt
$380, 16 oz. (regular)
Sizes: regular and long
cascadedesigns.com

For seven nights in huts on Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails in July—and to fit all of my clothing layers, food for a week, and other stuff inside my 40-liter pack while keeping it as light as possible—I decided to take the Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32 Quilt for its minimalist weight and excellent packability. And it turned out, that hut trek mimicked sleeping outside on mild nights, presenting ideal circumstances for weighing an ultralight backpacking quilt’s strengths and shortcomings.

I slept quite comfortably under the Vesper 32 in full hut dormitory rooms, with windows usually open for ventilation and nighttime lows outside in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit, though it was always warmer in the hut—probably in the low 50s on the coolest nights and much warmer on other nights in crowded rooms with the heat of many bodies and little ventilation. Given that range of sleeping conditions, I was glad to have a quilt, which I could pull over me or throw off as needed, like a blanket in a bed, without fumbling with a zipper.

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Ultralight backpacking quilts are most popular among thru-hikers and weight-conscious backpackers. But many backpackers would find a quilt adequately warm for their summer trips and reap the benefits of its thermally efficient, lightweight, compact design; for some people, it feels much more comfortable than a snug sleeping bag. There are good reasons that backpackers who switch from a bag to a quilt rarely switch back.

The Vesper’s box baffle construction uses mesh walls to maximize loft and eliminate cold spots and perimeter side baffles to help trap body heat. Unlike a simple blanket, the Vesper has a knee-deep, insulated foot box with a 37-inch girth that keeps feet tucked warmly inside and helps anchor the quilt so that it doesn’t slip off while sleeping.

The 8.5 ounces of 900-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down makes the Vesper quite warm for its wispy weight (EN comfort rating 41° F and limit 32° F)—I could immediately feel warmth encompass me when I covered myself with the quilt—and as light and compressible as any sleeping system you’ll find, besting even the lightest bags. It packs down to 5×6 inches in its stuff sack and even smaller when using a compression sack.

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Therm-a-Rest and Nikwax say Nikwax Hydrophobic Down absorbs 90 percent less water and dries three times faster than untreated, standard down feathers, retaining its loft much more effectively when wet than standard down. (Learn more about Nikwax Hydrophobic Down at nikwax.com/en-us/materials/nhd, where a video shows a person floating in a glacial lagoon in Iceland inside a sleeping bag stuffed with that hydrophobic down; there’s no indication of whether the bag’s shell is waterproof with taped seams.)

Like other hydrophobic down, it will lose loft when it gets quite wet. While many people using a backpacking quilt will not likely sleep in situations where it could get quite wet, that can happen in common situations like heavy condensation inside a small, ultralight, single-wall tent or an unexpectedly heavy dew when sleeping outside.

A snap at the top corners of the hoodless quilt keeps it wrapped around your shoulders and two detachable, stretch straps connecting the quilt’s sides around your torso and thighs help keep the quilt wrapped around you.

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But as with any quilt, lacking a zipper means it doesn’t seal around your body, of course, and at 58 inches wide at the shoulders and 51 inches at the hips, the Vesper just barely wraps completely around me. (I’m five feet eight inches, 150 pounds, with a 38-inch chest and 30-inch waist.) The Verper Quilt flaps don’t overlap, leaving a small gap, which I positioned beneath me (against my air mattress); but some users, especially people who shift position a lot in their sleep, might prefer a quilt that wraps more completely around their body.

Some sleeping bags have a greater circumference at the shoulders, including Therm-a-Rest’s Parsec 32, at 62 inches—but it’s a half-pound heavier than the Vesper.

The 10-denier nylon ripstop shell and liner fabric is about as light as you’ll find in any quilt or bag; it’ll last as long as you’re somewhat careful with it.

Besides those minimal features, it’s otherwise basically a high-quality blanket, best for mild to cool nights backpacking—depending on your personal cold tolerance—or summer hut trips. For some people, colder temperatures demand an enclosed sleeping bag for your body, especially backpackers (like me) who toss around in their sleep.

The Vesper line includes the Vesper 20 Quilt ($430, 1 lb. 3 oz. regular), for backpackers who need more warmth, and Vesper 45 Quilt ($350, 12 oz. regular), for backpackers seeking the lightest, most compact quilt for mild nights.

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Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32 Quilt

Warmth for its Weight

Warmth When Wet

Space

Packability

Features

The Verdict

Stuffed with the highest quality, water-resistant, 900-fill down, the Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32 Quilt offers ultralighters, thru-hikers—and many backpackers—an incredibly light and packable sleeping system with all the warmth needed on many, perhaps most, trips.

4.3

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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 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

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-therm-a-rest-vesper-32-ultralight-backpacking-quilt/feed/ 0 54646 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul2-solution-dye-ultralight-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul2-solution-dye-ultralight-tent/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2022 22:08:39 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=54621 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye
$500, 2 lbs. 3 oz./992g
rei.com

If you’re shopping for an ultralight tent with two doors that doesn’t require an engineering degree to pitch, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 has long had much to recommend it—including a weight of 18 ounces per occupant. Now, B.A. has made the latest update of this laudable shelter even more appealing to weight-conscious backpackers, with fabric that’s highly resistant to UV degradation and comes with substantial green cred, thanks to a production process that uses radically less water, energy, and chemicals.

I shared this tent with my wife for four nights backpacking in the Wind River Range, when we had no rain but some wind. I’ve also tested and reviewed the previous generation of this tent, the Tiger Wall UL2—which, except for the fabric, is basically identical to the current model—backpacking in the Grand Canyon, on nights that lived up to the canyon’s reputation for wind that can push an ultralight shelter to its structural limits. But the Tiger Wall UL2 withstood afternoon and evening gusts of 30 to 40 mph as well as steady rain on a separate camping trip in Idaho’s (also notoriously windy) City of Rocks National Reserve.

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Big Agnes redesigned the Tiger Wall UL2—one of the very lightest two-person, two-door, semi-freestanding tents on the market—with solution-dyed fabric, which besides being extremely light, uses 80 percent less energy and chemicals and 50 percent less water in production, according to Big Agnes. That makes it better for the planet, including the places where we like to pitch tents.

At barely over two pounds, the Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye is almost in a class all its own—and beyond weight, it outclasses competitors of similar weight by many measures. The Tiger Wall UL2’s fast-fly setup—just the rainfly, poles, and a ground footprint ($80, 6 oz., sold separately here), weighs 1 lb. 11 oz. And yet it’s sturdy enough for most three-season circumstances that backpackers face, standing up to moderate winds and with a rainfly and drip line that keep rain outside the tent’s interior. While you should avoid very exposed camps with this tent and many others in its weight class, its radically low weight and bulk plus an easy setup make it ideal for backcountry travelers who prioritize weight and don’t need a shelter for extreme conditions.

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The semi-freestanding, hubbed, and color-coded DAC Featherlite pole assembles in seconds and, with just three grommets to insert pole ends into and several clips to erect the interior canopy, the tent pitches quickly and intuitively. The two corners at the foot end must be staked to make the tent taut but staking a tent is essential in the backcountry, anyway. An adequate distribution of staking points around the perimeter keep the tent stable and quiet in moderate wind—even in the exposed camps above 10,000 feet that we had in the Wind River Range.

The short, bridge section of the pole lifts the side walls of the mesh canopy outward, improving headroom and making the interior feel spacious and livable. Plus, the ends of that pole sit in tiny pockets on the rainfly, improving the tent’s structural integrity.

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As usual with ultralight backcountry shelters, living space represents the biggest tradeoff. The interior’s 28 square feet of floor space and 39-inch peak height (enough for six-footers to sit up, although some will find their head rubbing the ceiling), comparable to some two-door tents that weigh a few to several ounces more, make the Tiger Wall reasonably comfortable for two average-size people. No, it’s not spacious—two big people might find it cramped—but my wife and I (five feet 10 inches and five feet eight inches) had enough sleeping space and length. We fit two standard, 20-inch-wide air mats in there with little room to spare.

The tent features abundant interior pockets, including capacious mesh pockets overhead and at the foot end that can be used for drying damp layers.

The two vestibules, eight square feet each, have space for a midsize pack and boots and the two flaps roll and tie back, creating the options of a completely close vestibule, having it partly open, or fully tied back for maximum cooling, air flow, and stargazing. The ventilation created by having two opposing doors, two-way vestibule zippers, and an all-mesh canopy eliminates condensation as an issue in the great majority of three-season weather conditions.

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And seemingly minor design features, like the TipLok buckles, elevate the Tiger Wall’s performance and ease of use, as do the dual zippers on the two large doors that open separately and join at a bottom corner of the doorway; this allows opening just one side slightly to pass something through or to put on shoes without letting bugs inside.

The rainfly and tent floor are made of water-repellent, silicone-treated, solution-dyed nylon ripstop with a 1200mm PU coating, while the tent body is comprised of lighter solution-dyed nylon and mesh. The nine stakes that come with the tent are light and durable and hold well in ground—among the better stakes I’ve used. The packed size of 5.5×18 inches occupies proportionately less space in a pack than heavier tents; that goes far in enabling you to use a smaller, lighter backpack.

The Tiger Wall UL3 ($500, 2 lbs. 10 oz.) weighs just seven ounces more, but adds 10 square feet of interior space, making it lighter but more spacious than many two-person, two-door, double-wall tents—so it legitimately pulls double duty as a two- or three-person shelter.

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Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Livability

The Verdict

While compromising somewhat on living space, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye balances reasonable livability and comfort with solid three-season stability and performance as one of the lightest, two-door, double-wall tents on the market. And with the new fabric, not only will you sleep well inside it—you won’t lose any sleep over its carbon footprint.

4.4

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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 Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 at rei.com or backcountry.com.

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside. See also “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.” (Both of those stories require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read in full.)

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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-big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul2-solution-dye-ultralight-tent/feed/ 2 54621 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-osprey-exos-58-and-eja-58-ultralight-backpacks/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-osprey-exos-58-and-eja-58-ultralight-backpacks/#respond Mon, 12 Sep 2022 22:24:56 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=54496 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpack
Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58
$280, 58L/3,539 c.i., 2 lbs. 14 oz./1.3kg (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s S/M and L/XL, women’s XS/X and M/L
Exos: backcountry.com
Eja: osprey.com

Osprey’s men’s Exos and women’s Eja packs would seem like shining examples of gear proven to perform so well for so long that redesigning them risks customer backlash. As a longtime fan of the packs, I was eager to take the Exos 58 on a long cruise—nine days and nearly 130 miles through the High Sierra in August, mostly on the John Muir Trail with some on- and off-trail detours. I came away from that walk convinced that, with what they changed and what they kept in the Exos/Eja, Osprey done made these packs even better.

I started the hike with 10 days of food (18 pounds, in case we went over nine days), which pushed my pack weight toward 40 pounds—which, not surprisingly, felt too heavy for the Exos 58. Still, while Osprey rates it for 30 to 35 pounds, the pack carried surprisingly well, distributing the weight evenly: It simply felt too heavy without making any specific body part, like my shoulders, bear the burden painfully. A few days into the hike, once the weight had dropped to around 35 pounds and under, it felt much better even on two consecutive 17-mile days, one of those with a cumulative 8,000 vertical feet of up and down.

I also found the Exos 58 comfortable with around 30 pounds inside backpacking 60 miles over four days in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness in early October.

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The pack’s LightWire perimeter frame carries 30 to 35 pounds comfortably by shifting a large portion of the pack weight onto your hips, while the flexible, wide, breathable, perforated-foam hipbelt and contoured shoulder straps distribute that weight nicely, without any pressure points: I carried the Exos 58 for upwards of eight hours a day—on days ranging from 9.9 to 19.5 miles, six of them with around 5,000 to over 8,600 vertical feet of elevation gain and loss—and finished every day impressed with how good the pack felt.

The Exos and Eja lines come in two torso sizes and three capacities (38L, 48L, and 58L) with adjustable suspensions in all of the packs—the most significant update for 2022. A very easy-to-use ladder of five positions for the shoulder straps allows you to quickly adjust it within the pack’s four inches of fit range for torso length. My 18-inch/46cm torso fell in the middle of the ladder on the S/M Exos—and the middle position on the torso-fit system best for me, meaning there’s room within that range for people with a torso measuring 16 to 20 inches (although 19 inches is on the cusp between S/M and L/XL and someone with a 20-inch torso is probably better off with the L/XL).

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Although Osprey made no changes to the suspension, changing the harness from fixed to adjustable improved the fit for most people by greatly reducing the chance of your torso falling between sizes—as a result, improving comfort, which I definitely noticed. The taut, trampoline-style back panel keeps the pack off your back, allowing excellent ventilation.

I shoehorned my ultralight gear—plus a bear canister and a collapsible camp chair (see both in this review)—and food for a whopping 10 days inside the Exos 58 for our Sierra hike. With careful packing, the top-loading Exos 58 has the capacity for weeklong trips and ultralight thru-hiking. Its wide mouth eases the task of loading and unloading even a bear canister—although a large canister cannot fit horizontally inside the pack, only vertically, which definitely makes packing more complicated.

Made from 100 percent recycled materials, the Exos and Eja packs have gotten somewhat more durable. While the materials used—bluesign-approved, recycled, 100-denier, high-tenacity nylon ripstop in the pack body and bottom and 400-denier high-tenacity nylon in accents—are not themselves more durable, the packs now have stronger mesh in the back panel and other areas that increases durability in high-wear areas. One example: Osprey had observed that a particular seam failed more often than other seams in the last generation of these packs because it joined separate pieces of open mesh and was under heavy pressure. They redesigned it and that seemingly small improvement may keep a lot of packs from going in for repairs.

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Responding to popular demand, Osprey brought back the two hipbelt pockets on the Exos and Eja. Otherwise, many features from the previous version of the Exos and Eja have carried over into this 2022 update, including:

• The extendable and removable floating lid, which you can leave home to trim the pack’s weight, replacing it with the integrated FlapJacket flap that clips over the mouth of the main compartment;
• The zippered lid pocket and under-lid pocket both offer space consistent with competitors in this category;
• The spacious front mesh pocket, where I stashed a wet rainfly and shell jacket, and the two dual-access side mesh pockets, which you can reach inside when wearing the pack, each of which holds a liter bottle;
• Z-compression straps on both sides for shrinking the pack as well as tucking objects inside those straps;
• The trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap;
• The ice axe loop with a bungee tie-off;
• And a safety whistle integrated into the sternum strap.

The Exos/Eja lines include the smaller Exos 48 and Eja 48 ($260, 48L/2,929 c.i., 2 lbs. 12 oz.) and Exos 38 and Eja 38 ($240, 38L/2,319 c.i., 2 lbs. 11 oz.).

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Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58

Comfort/Support

Fit

Access

Features

Weight-to-Performance

Durability

The Verdict

While there are lighter ultralight packs, the smartly reimagined Osprey men’s Exos 58 and women’s Eja 58 remain leaders in comfort and features for ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking with 30 pounds or more inside, while still light enough to use for shorter trips.

4.2

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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 any men’s Osprey Exos backpack at osprey.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com, or any women’s Osprey Eja backpack at osprey.com, backcountry.com, or rei.com.

See my picks for “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “The Best Ultralight Backpacks,” “5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack,” and all reviews of backpacks, backpacking gear, ultralight backpacks, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

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 categorized menus of all gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-osprey-exos-58-and-eja-58-ultralight-backpacks/feed/ 0 54496 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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-sierra-designs-cloud-800-35-degree-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-sierra-designs-cloud-800-35-degree-sleeping-bag/#respond Sun, 21 Aug 2022 11:29:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=45404 Read on

]]> Ultralight Sleeping Bag
Sierra Designs Cloud 35
$300, 1 lb. 7 oz. (men’s regular)
Sizes: men’s regular and long (35- and 20-degree), women’s 20-degree (one size)
sierradesigns.com

Mummy-style sleeping bags deliver high warmth efficiency for their weight because they trap heat so well—but can sometimes feel like they’re trapping you inside, too. Backpacking quilts mimic the feeling of sleeping under a comforter at home, but may too easily let cold air underneath on chilly nights outdoors. With its zipperless design and integrated comforter in the bag’s upper half, the Sierra Designs Cloud 35 bag achieves the strengths of mummies and quilts without their weaknesses.

I slept in the ultralight men’s Cloud 35-degree for eight nights on a backpacking trip of nearly 130 miles through the High Sierra in August, mostly on the John Muir Trail, with lows often in the 40s Fahrenheit and strong wind; for four nights that ranged from the high 40s to near 60° F on a 78-mile backpacking trip on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier in early September; and on five nights of camping in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve in June and early October, with lows down to the 40s—staying quite warm wrapped inside the bag in temps not far above its EN comfort rating of 36° F/2° C. The 35-degree bag has an EN limit rating of 26° F/-3° C.

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Weighing just under 1.5 pounds, the Cloud 35 has a good warmth-to-weight ratio, thanks to being stuffed with 9.5 ounces of PFC-free, 800-fill, water-resistant Dridown down (in the regular, 10.4 ounces in the men’s long, and 20.5 ounces in the women’s 20-degree version). That high-quality down also makes the 35-degree bag very packable, stuffing to 13×7 inches or smaller.

Most unique about the Cloud bags is their zipperless, comforter-style design with a crescent-shaped flap on the upper half of the bag that you can flip to one side or wrap around your torso like a blanket. The comforter flap’s crescent shape maintains some tension on the flap to keep it from opening up while you sleep, and an insulated shoulder pocket at the flap’s upper corner helps keep it wrapped around you.

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The design’s benefits include much easier ventilation and exiting the bag—no fumbling with a zipper in the middle of the night—and a sleeping experience more like lying in your bed than squeezed inside a zipped-up mummy bag. The single flap also reduces bag weight compared to having two overlapping flaps.

While not as secure as a zipper, the flap mostly stayed wrapped around me unless I turned a lot. As a side sleeper, I found the flap, not surprisingly, stayed in place over me better when I slept on the side where the flap opens, with a hand in the shoulder pocket to hold the flap in place, than when I slept on my opposite side, where the flap and shoulder pocket could slip off my elevated shoulder. On a night that I slept under the stars and the wind blew hard most of the night, it did continually blow the flap off me unless I slept on the same side, with my hand securing the flap closed.

The Cloud 35’s dimensions of 60 inches at the shoulders, 58 inches at the hips, and 40 inches at the feet (men’s regular) offer unusually spacious dimensions for moving around—again, replicating a sleeping experience closer to your bed at home than a mummy bag.

The adjustable hood snugged fairly well around my head on cooler nights. You can insert a 20-inch-wide air mattress into the half-length fitted sleeve on the bag’s bottom side to keep from sliding off the mat—although that prevents side sleepers from turning the bag (and its hood) with their body. The 15-denier shell fabric has enough durability for normal use, but avoid catching this lightweight fabric on sharp edges.

The Sierra Designs Cloud 20 ($340, 1 lb. 15 oz.) comes in both men’s and women’s versions; the women’s bag comes in one size with a length of 74 inches and differs from the men’s primarily in the amount and placement of the down fill.

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Sierra Designs Cloud 35

Warmth for its Weight

Warmth When Wet

Space

Packability

Features

The Verdict

Stuffed with high-quality, 800-fill, water-resistant Dridown, the zipperless Sierra Designs Cloud 35 and Cloud 20 bags carve out a unique niche among sleeping bags for backpacking with exceptional comfort along with good warmth and packability for their weight.

4.1

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See all of my reviews of sleeping bags that I like and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, and my articles “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a 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 “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip,” “10 Tricks for Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier,” 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 “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip,” the 10 tricks for making hiking and backpacking easier, and the lightweight backpacking guide without having a paid membership.

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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

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-sierra-designs-cloud-800-35-degree-sleeping-bag/feed/ 0 45404 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-slingfin-splitwing-ultralight-backpacking-shelter/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-slingfin-splitwing-ultralight-backpacking-shelter/#respond Fri, 24 Jun 2022 18:10:07 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=53749 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Shelter
SlingFin SplitWing Shelter Bundle
$400, 1 lb. 5 oz./595g (entire bundle, including six DAC stakes weighing 2.4 oz.)
slingfin.com

Over nearly three decades of testing and reviewing backpacking gear, I’d say the category that has seen the most technological advances is backpacking tents. Still, a radically different tent comes along only rarely—and the latest is Slingfin’s SplitWing Shelter Bundle, a package of three modular ultralight shelter components that constitutes one of the lightest and most versatile, three-season backpacking shelters available today.

The SplitWing Shelter Bundle is comprised of three components that can all be purchased separately (purchasing the bundle saves $25): the floorless SplitWing UL Tarp ($180 purchased alone, 7.9 oz. not including the six included DAC stakes, which add 2.4 oz.), the SplitWing Mesh Body ($135 purchased alone, 11.2 oz.), and the SplitWing Vestibule ($55 purchased alone, 2 oz., 6.8 square feet).

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I slept alone in the SplitWing UL Tarp and Mesh Body on a four-day, roughly 50-mile, late-September backpacking trip in Yosemite, when nights dipped into the 40s but we got no rain or bad weather. I also slept solo under the tarp only, sometimes with the vestibule installed, on a five-day, 46-mile, early March hike in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, where we had some wind—including one night with gusts of 25 to 30 mph and rain showers. Although I worried about that weather while in this shelter—especially about the loose dirt holding the stakes in the ground (they never popped out)—the tarp and vestibule held up in that wind and kept me dry.

For starters, the defining fact about the SplitWing Bundle is this: You’d be hard pressed to find a lighter shelter for one to two people that includes a rainfly, mesh interior body for bug protection with a floor, and a vestibule. And when using only the SplitWing Tarp, you have a shelter with adequate space for two people and their gear at an almost absurd weight of four ounces per person. With all three components, the shelter ranks among the lightest solo backcountry shelters.

In addition, few backcountry shelters pack down smaller than the SplitWing, with all three components fitting inside one stuff sack measuring 10x5x5 inches, or slightly larger than a bread loaf. They each also come with individual sacks.

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Pitching with two adjustable, collapsible trekking poles for significant weight savings over a traditional tent with dedicated poles, the SplitWing Tarp accommodates one or two people, with a copious 37.8 square feet of sheltered area when combining the tarp and the removable SplitWing Vestibule (without the Mesh Body).

Using the tarp sans vestibule, sheltered area ranges from a snug (for two people) 27 square feet to a fairly roomy 32 square feet, depending on the height at which you set the tarp’s front trekking pole, which ranges from 100cm/39 inches to 130cm/51 inches, a peak height greater than many backcountry tents.

That spotlights another aspect of the SplitWing: Like some tarp shelters—but unlike many ultralight tents that pitch with trekking poles set at a specific length—the SplitWing Tarp can be pitched in various configurations, a versatility enhanced by two “wings” at the front end, allowing you to increase floor area with a low pitch or maximize headroom with a taller pitch.

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The wings can be guyed out at varying positions to customize the weather protection, headroom, and wind profile. Plus, the adjustable guylines permit elevating the bottom edge of the tarp off the ground for more ventilation and headroom without, up to a point, compromising protection from precipitation. The tarp has a panel at the foot end to close it off, increasing protection from wind and rain.

With any floorless tarp, of course, one drawback is the lack of a floor—an inconvenience I find most undesirable in desert environments, where you’re often camping on very fine sand, which can infiltrate your sleeping bag (especially in wind) and cling annoyingly to the exterior fabric of an air mattress. A light but durable ground cloth comes in handy in those situations.

The vestibule lacks a zipper, closing with a buckle and hook-and-loop tab. That’s arguably less convenient than a zipper but simple, quiet, and easy to grow accustomed to using—and helps create a lighter structure. The vestibule can be rolled back to leave one side open for ventilating and easier coming and going. A pole pocket eases setup integrated with the tarp.

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With no interior pole structure, the SplitWing Mesh Body attaches to the tarp via five toggle rings: three along its peak and one on each side wall. Those can be left attached when packing up the shelter for quick setup later, which also keeps the interior tent dry when pitching in rain. Its floor area of 24.8 square feet (the vestibule adds 6.8 square feet of storage space) makes for a quite cramped shelter for two people. While it’s possible to share the Mesh Body, I’d recommend that only for two (or at least one) relatively small people and trips where you can count on mostly dry weather, using the SplitWing primarily just for sleeping. Otherwise, the Mesh Body creates a spacious solo shelter.

For an airy, bugproof shelter on dry nights, the Mesh Body can be pitched alone with two trekking poles rigged in basically the same fashion as the tarp. When using the Mesh Body and/or SplitWing Vestibule, the front pole length must be set at 110 centimeters.

Shelters that pitch using trekking poles typically require a bit more setup time compared to a freestanding, double-wall tent and involve specific steps—and the SplitWing is no different. After first staking out the tarp’s two foot-end corners, you use one trekking pole fully collapsed to guy out the foot end, followed by the other pole extended with its grip secured in the tarp’s pole pocket. Stake the two front wing guylines and corners and you have a sturdy shelter. After practicing the setup in my back yard before my maiden voyage with the SplitWing, I found it simpler and faster to erect than some ultralight shelters that pitch with trekking poles.

Slingfin recommends staking the two front guy lines to the same stake in the middle at most pitch heights (including at 110cm height for the accessories). This provides a little more tension in the wings and slightly better rain coverage. Similarly, when using the vestibule, it and the guylines should go to the same stake.

For backpackers not using trekking poles, Slingfin sells Carbon Poles for the SplitWing ($71, 3.9 oz., fixed length, or $86, 4.6 oz., adjustable).

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I must point out two complaints about the SplitWing, both of which will affect users differently. First, a key design features that enable much of its versatility—the wings—tend to partly obstruct the shelter’s entrance. At five feet eight inches and about 150 pounds, I found myself having to duck low when entering and exiting and occasionally catching a shoulder or foot on the wings’ guylines. A bigger person may find that more annoying than I did. Even when offsetting the front pole slightly, as Slingfin recommends, that pole only further hinders easy access and egress.

Slingfin does suggest a way to alleviate some of the contortions of coming and going: With the guylines attached to wire gate clips on the wings, rather than tied in directly, you can unclip the guylines from the wings can when coming and going, allowing the guyline to remain staked. It’s easiest to do this by “back-clipping” the guyline (like you’re not supposed to do when lead climbing, for the climbers reading this) by grabbing and using the guyline itself to press against the wire gate to open it. I suppose that’s no less convenient than opening a vestibule zipper (if there was one) but it doesn’t entirely eliminate that critique.

Also, while the peak height is adjustable and can be set to provide good headroom around the front trekking pole (as well as a taller doorway), as with virtually any shelter that pitches using trekking poles fore and aft, the walls slope off that center peak, greatly limiting the area where headroom is good. You simply won’t sit up in this shelter as comfortably as in some freestanding, two-person tents that feature a “bridge” or “eyebrow” pole to elevate more of the ceiling above opposing doors—especially when sharing the SplitWing with another person.

While it goes without saying that any tarp provides excellent ventilation, it’s also quite good with the Mesh Body in place and obviously gets limited with the vestibule fully closed up, although air flow under the perimeter helps a lot. The SplitWing Mesh Body has a good drip line, though blowing rain can get inside without the vestibule in place.

Lastly, with any ultralight fabric, durability can be a concern. The 10-denier nylon ripstop sil/sil used in the SplitWing tarp, vestibule, and Mesh Body is very thin and light but has 20-denier, PE-coated nylon ripstop reinforcements at high-stress points—the same fabric used in the Mesh Body floor.

In addition, with tents, the usual first points of failure are the tent body floor and zippers. The entire SplitWing Bundle sports just one zipper—on the Mesh Body (none on the tarp or vestibule). That zipper is straight to ensure longer life and has pre-installed spare zipper sliders, so when the first set wears out, you don’t have to ship the mesh body to Slingfin for a zipper repaired. (Slingfin tells me it’s usually the slider that wears out, rather than the zipper chain itself, so this will dramatically increase the lifespan of the zipper.) Plus, I’ve found that reasonable care in using an ultralight shelter usually prolongs its useful life.

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SlingFin SplitWing Shelter Bundle

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Livability

The Verdict

While it has some shortcomings—as do many tents, especially ultralight models—the modular SlingFin SplitWing Shelter Bundle has virtually no rivals for minimalist weight, packability, versatility, and affordability among ultralight backcountry shelters.

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 SlingFin SplitWing Shelter Bundle at slingfin.com or any individual components of it: the SlingFin SplitWing UL Tarp at slingfin.com, the SlingFin SplitWing Mesh Body at slingfin.com, the SlingFin SplitWing Vestibule at slingfin.com, or the SlingFin SplitWing Carbon Poles at slingfin.com.

See all reviews of SlingFin shelters, “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.” 

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-slingfin-splitwing-ultralight-backpacking-shelter/feed/ 0 53749 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.

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.

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-therm-a-rest-parsec-32-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-therm-a-rest-parsec-32-sleeping-bag/#respond Fri, 29 Apr 2022 11:33:41 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=52606 Read on

]]> Ultralight Sleeping Bag
Therm-a-Rest Parsec 32
$400, 1 lb. 9 oz. (regular)
Sizes: unisex small, regular, and long
moosejaw.com

It was an amazing spot to sleep under the stars for our last night on an early-April backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon: perched on a plateau high above the Inner Gorge of the Colorado River, gazing across the canyon at the Tonto Plateau and South Rim. We waited until dusk had nearly faded to darkness to lay out our sleeping bags atop our completely exposed, flat cowboy-camping ledges, hoping the relentless, strong wind would abate with evening’s arrival and not threaten to launch our bags to New Mexico—but it didn’t. So I burrowed inside my Therm-a-Rest Parsec 32 for warmth—and only opened my eyes once or twice briefly during the night, enough to glimpse the brilliant glow of the Milky Way.

I stayed perfectly warm sleeping in this bag under the stars (no tent) for five nights on a six-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon in April, with lows in the 40s and low 50s F and strong winds some nights that made it feel chillier than the ambient air temps. That experience aligns with the Parsec 32’s EN temperature ratings of 41° F comfort, 32° F limit, and 5° F extreme.

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It’s warm enough for typical overnight temps of summer in most mid-latitude mountain ranges or spring and fall in the Southwest canyon country except for people who tend to get cold more easily.

This bag’s nearly 12 ounces of PFC-free, 800-fill down creates four inches of loft, complemented by a warm, adjustable hood that closes snugly around your head and face, plus a draft collar and zipper tube and the thermal efficiency of a mummy design. Therm-a-Rest says the water-resistant Nikwax Hydrophobic Down absorbs 90 percent less water and dries three times faster than untreated, standard down feathers.

In practice, that translates to the Parsec delivering the good warmth-to-weight ratio of high-quality down while also not losing loft (read: warmth) if exposed to moisture on, say, a rainy, multi-day trip with constantly damp air (even inside a tent).

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The bag’s zoned insulation places more down on top than the bottom—not necessarily desirable for side sleepers, but I’m one and my back never felt cold.

The 100 percent recycled, 20-denier shell and lining offer a bit more durability than the 10- and 15-denier fabric used in many ultralight bags at only a slight weight penalty. The shell has a DWR (durable, water-repellent treatment). The two-way, anti-snag zipper, backed by thick fabric strips on both sides, never gets stuck.

At just over one-and-a-half pounds, it weighs less than many similarly rated competitors—and yet it provides a comfortably roomy sleeping experience with dimensions of 62 inches at the shoulders, 57 inches at the waist, and 46 inches at the feet plus a length of 80 inches (in the regular). I never felt constrained shifting around inside this bag.

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The sizing is unisex: Therm-a-Rest no longer makes bags in men’s and women’s models. My take on that is that sleeping bags aren’t boots or packs—gender simply doesn’t matter that much when it comes to a sleeping bag. My wife gets cold very easily and she has virtually always slept in a men’s bag over the 30 years we’ve backpacked together (because I regularly have new bags to test). Her comfort in a bag has less to do with its contours than how warm it is—period.  

Like all Therm-a-Rest sleeping bags, the Parsec comes with a compression stuff sack and easily packs inside it, squishing down to just slightly larger than a bread loaf at 6×8.5 inches.

Therm-a-Rest Parsec 32

Warmth for its Weight

Warmth When Wet

Space

Packability

Features

The Verdict

Lighter and more packable than many bags with the same temp rating, the Therm-a-Rest Parsec 32 delivers good warmth and comfortable space for three-season backpacking, and offers the added value of water-resistant down, at a lower price than top-rated ultralight bags that are just ounces lighter.

4.5

For colder temps or cold sleepers, there’s also the warmer Parsec 20 ($450, 1 lb. 12 oz., regular) and Parsec 0 ($530, 2 lbs. 6 oz., regular).

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Want an even lighter three-season bag? See my reviews of the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32F, Sierra Designs Cloud 35, and Feathered Friends men’s Hummingbird UL 30 and women’s Egret UL 30.

See all reviews of sleeping bags that I like and all reviews of backpacking gear, and my articles “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

And don’t miss my picks for “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 “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

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-therm-a-rest-parsec-32-sleeping-bag/feed/ 0 52606 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-focal-58-and-facet-55-ultralight-backpacks/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-focal-58-and-facet-55-ultralight-backpacks/#comments Wed, 20 Apr 2022 21:22:22 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=52455 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpack
Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55
$270, 58L/3,539 c.i., 2 lbs. 11 oz./1.22kg (men’s small)
Sizes: men’s S-L, women’s XS-M
gregorypacks.com

Starting my six-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon with more than the recommended max weight in my Gregory Focal 58 and planning some strenuous days of hiking up to 12 miles with over 7,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss—including seven very steep off-trail miles—I knew I’d put this pack to a serious test. Not a problem for the Focal 58, though, which proved not only comfortable but has a nice feature set, too.

I carried the men’s Focal 58 (the women’s model is the Facet 55) for four of our six days in the canyon—we had two layover nights and dayhiked from a couple of camps—with 25 to over 35 pounds inside, including, at times, up to four liters (8.5 pounds) of water.

Replacing Gregory’s similar Optic and Octal (which were four ounces lighter) for 2022, this top-loader has an internal, tubular, perimeter wire frame—tubular to trim weight while maintaining stability—with an HDPE framesheet and a fiberglass cross-stay that prevents barreling and lends the pack substantial rigidity: The frame has very slight flex to it, resulting in better support and stability when pushing the pack’s weight capacity.

Gregory says the Focal 58 carries up to 35 pounds comfortably and I found that just about spot-on: With six days of food, almost three liters of water, camera gear and various gear I was testing, I began our Grand Canyon hike with the pack a bit north of 35 pounds and a hard first day hiking nearly 11 miles, partly off-trail, with over 7,000 feet of cumulative uphill and downhill; by day’s end, I felt those miles a bit in my shoulders, which I attributed to having overloaded the pack beyond its recommended capacity. (I sometimes do that on the first day of a trip, rather than choosing a heavier pack, knowing that by day two my pack weight may drop into the comfortable zone.)

But I noticed the pack felt considerably more comfortable once its weight dropped to around 35 pounds and under, even on two more 12-mile canyon days with significant up and down.

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Gregory’s FreeFloat suspension sports flex panels that allow some movement of the pack with your body. The tensioned, ventilated back panel enables abundant air flow across your back, which makes a difference in comfort on strenuous hikes and hot temps. But because the pack bag rides fairly close to the back panel and the frame efficiently transfers weight to the hips, I never got the feeling of the pack hanging off my shoulders—except when I exceeded its recommended weight, and even then, it wans’t bad. Even on our last day’s 4,400-foot uphill slog from the Colorado River to the South Rim, the Focal carried comfortably.

The very breathable, perforated foam in the shoulder straps, lumbar pad, and hipbelt softened the load, with the entire harness wrapping very comfortably around hips and over shoulders to distribute the weight and prevent pressure points; and it’s treated with odor-controlling Polygiene.

These fixed (non-adjustable) packs come in three men’s and women’s sizes, fitting torsos from 16 to 22 inches in the men’s Focal and 14 to 20 inches in the women’s Facet. While I’ve worn a men’s medium in other Gregory packs, the men’s small Focal fit my 18-inch torso well, even though I’m on the cusp between men’s small and medium.

A wide mouth provides easy access and when loading and unloading the spacious main compartment, which had adequate space for six days‘ worth of food, a four-liter water dromedary at times, and the usual gear plus a favorite ultralight camp chair. The pack lacks a separate zipper accessing the bottom for a sleeping bag, but I and don’t miss that zipper and rarely use it on other packs; I consider it superfluous weight.

There are six external pockets (not including the zippered pocket on the lid’s underside): two spacious zippered hipbelt pockets that each hold a large smartphone plus two or three energy bars; a zippered lid pocket with good space for packs in this category; two stretch-mesh side pockets that hold a liter bottle and are easily reached while wearing the pack; and a large, stretch-mesh front pocket that swallows a wet rainfly or jacket with room to spare.

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The removable, floating lid allows you to extend the pack’s capacity or leave the lid behind if you want to shave a few ounces of pack weight, replacing it with a weather flap that comes with the pack.

The pack fabric—comprised of almost 50 percent recycled materials—is reasonably durable, high-density, 100-denier nylon with 210-denier nylon in the bottom and a PFC-free DWR—comparable to many packs in this weight class and price point. The three external mesh pockets suffered no damage from the abrasive rock in the Grand Canyon, but I was careful with it; that mesh could tear easily.

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The Focal and Facet also sport some useful features found on heavier, traditional packs, including: front attachments for trekking poles or one ice axe; adjustable Z-compression straps that permit you to attach a foam sleeping pad to one side or across the lower front; top compression on the main compartment; and a whistle on the sternum strap. The internal bladder sleeve is conveniently compatible with Gregory’s nice 3D Hydro reservoir, allowing you to easily clip that bladder onto a hook that holds it in place.

The smaller versions of these packs are the men’s Focal 48 ($250, 2 lbs. 10 oz.) and women’s Facet 45 ($250, 2 lbs. 8 oz.).

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Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55

Comfort/Support

Fit

Access

Features

Weight-to-Performance

Durability

The Verdict

While among the heaviest ultralight backpacks, the Gregory men’s Focal 58 and 48 and women’s Facet 55 and 45 are well-designed, comfortable packs for backpackers who are willing to accept a reasonable weight penalty for some organizational features of traditional backpacks and the support to carry up to 35 pounds.

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 men’s Gregory Focal 58 or Focal 48 at rei.com, backcountry.com, or gregorypacks.com, or a women’s Gregory Facet 55 or Facet 45 at rei.com, backcountry.com, or gregorypacks.com.

See my picks for “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “The Best Ultralight Backpacks,” my “5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack,” and all of my reviews of backpacks, backpacking gear, ultralight backpacks, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

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 categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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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.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-focal-58-and-facet-55-ultralight-backpacks/feed/ 2 52455 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-phantom-0-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-phantom-0-sleeping-bag/#comments Sat, 05 Feb 2022 00:29:42 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=50718 Read on

]]> Winter Sleeping Bag
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0
$710, 2 lbs. 9 oz./1162g (regular, 72-inch)
Sizes: short, regular, long
backcountry.com

The forecast made me sit up and wonder: Will my bag be warm enough? For the three nights in late December that I planned to spend in a tent in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, lows would drop into the teens and single digits Fahrenheit—slipping below the “comfort” rating and approaching the “limit” rating of my Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0. And this on my maiden voyage with the bag; I had not used it yet. As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about with this extraordinarily warm and packable, ultralight winter sleeping bag.

I found the Phantom 0 impressively warm even on a night that plunged to 3° F—10 degrees below its EN comfort rating of 13F/-11C and near its 0F/-18C limit rating. And yet, I slumbered comfortably wearing only midweight top and bottom layers and warm socks, adding a wool hat only during the night. I have long observed, as a warm sleeper rather than a cold sleeper, that only the highest-quality down bags will keep me warm down to their temp rating. (I didn’t have nights in this bag anywhere near the Phantom 0’s bone marrow-thickening extreme rating of -38F/-39C.)

One defining metric tells much of the Phantom 0’s story: A bountiful 30 ounces of 850-fill-power goose down constitutes three-fourths of the bag’s total weight. Stuffed fat with nearly the highest-quality down on the market (there are a few bag models with down rated at 900-fill) explains this bag’s two major advantages: a sky-high warmth-to-weight ratio and excellent packability.(The down quality also partly explains the price.) Even after being compressed for hours, this fat bag lofts up quickly.

Not only does the Phantom 0 have a greater fill weight and lower total weight than many bags in this temperature-rating category, but at about 2.5 pounds, it weighs no more than many 600-fill down bags that carry an EN limit rating of 20F. Plus, it packs down to 8.25 ins./21cm x 16.5 ins./42cm. Sold with a compression stuff sack included (3.5 oz.), the Phantom 0 compresses as compactly as some 20-degree down and synthetic bags. It bears noting the obvious point that I’m drawing comparisons between the Phantom 0 and bags that are in an entirely different class for warmth.

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As anyone who has carried a heavy and bulky bag (something I have done) knows from experience, weight and bulk are a big deal when you’re talking about a winter bag. Any attempt at keeping a multi-day pack manageably lightweight in winter goes out the window if your bag’s weight soars toward four pounds and, when stuffed, it occupies a disproportionate share of your pack’s volume.

Other features making this a very warm bag include a fat draft collar and face gasket and a draft tube inside the zipper to efficiently trap heat; a mummy cut for efficiency trapping heat; and a four-chamber hood, which keeps the insulation from migrating, creating cold spots. I found the hood adjusts easily to form a close fit around my face and can be closed up to a small breathing hole on really cold nights.

Apropos for a winter bag, this mummy has good space inside for fitting extra clothing at your feet (to boost insulation around the part of your body that can get cold quickly), with an 86-inch length—but just as important, respectable space around your torso, with a relatively roomy 58 inches of girth at the shoulders and 52 inches at the hips (all measurements for the size regular bag). I stuffed a very warm down jacket, unzipped and open, inside the bag with me and never felt too cramped—but that comfort may vary between individuals (I’m 5’8’’, 155 pounds, with a 38-inch chest and 30-inch waist).

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The contoured footbox also has space to pack some extra layers around feet—and allows your feet to assume a natural position when sleeping. The two-way zipper enables ventilating from either end—although I’ll never have to ventilate my feet in winter, I suppose some people might—and its zipper pull glows in the dark.

The DWR-treated, 10-denier nylon Ghost ripstop shell fabric contributes to making the bag more compressible but is at the lighter end of bag fabrics, so take care not to let it contact any sharp objects. The lining is made with recycled, 20-denier nylon taffeta.

Other Phantom versions include the highly water-resistant Phantom 0 Gore-Tex Windstopper shell ($760, 3 lbs. 7 oz., regular), the Phantom 15 ($520, 2 lbs., regular), and the Phantom 30 ($510, 1 lb. 5 oz., regular).

A tip: Get the Gore-Tex shell only if you plan to sleep without a shelter and may get snowed on. A Windstopper shell will keep much of that external moisture out of the bag’s insulation; but if you’re in a tent, most of the moisture penetrating the insulation is likely to come from your body, and you’re better off with the standard ripstop shell, which will allow that body moisture to exit the bag more quickly than Windstopper.

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Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0

Warmth for its Weight

Warmth When Wet

Space

Packability

Features

The Verdict

Among the warmest and most packable ultralight sleeping bags in its temperature rating, with comfortable space inside and a nice hood and other features, the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0 ranks among the very best bags for winter backpackers or campers, mountaineers, and people on chilly, three-season trips who need extra warmth even on nights that won’t approach the Phantom’s comfort or limit ratings.

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 the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0 at backcountry.com, or other versions of the Phantom at backcountry.com or rei.com.

See all of my reviews of sleeping bags that I like and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, and my articles “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a 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 “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

Click here now to plan your next great backpacking adventure using my expert e-guides.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-mountain-hardwear-phantom-0-sleeping-bag/feed/ 2 50718 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hyperlite-mountain-gear-ultamid-2-ultralight-pyramid-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hyperlite-mountain-gear-ultamid-2-ultralight-pyramid-tent/#comments Sun, 14 Nov 2021 17:15:10 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=48938 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2
$730, 1 lb. 2 oz./510g
hyperlitemountaingear.com

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 Insert with DCF11 Floor
$420, 1 lb. 4.5 oz./581g
hyperlitemountaingear.com

I’ve encountered every form of mountain weather over more than three decades of backpacking, but rarely conditions like my son and I faced over three days in August in the Wind River Range: hours of daytime hiking through cold rain and wind and long nights of sheltering from that weather. Besides our invaluable time together in the wilderness—and even occasional glimpses of the mountains through a veil of air impersonating gumbo—the trip provided the redeeming benefit of seeing how impressively the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 performed, keeping us comfortable and dry.

A two-person, single-door, non-freestanding, single-wall, floor-less, pyramid-style shelter, the Ultamid 2 employs a design that has withstood the test of time, enduring because of the pyramid tent’s exceptional space-to-weight efficiency, stability in harsh weather, and reasonable ease of use.

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The Ultamid 2 pitches using two trekking poles lashed together with HMG’s sturdy Ultamid Pole Straps ($19, sold separately) and positioned at the tent’s center—which creates sloping walls—and staking the shelter’s eight stake guylines around its perimeter. It can also be suspended from a peak point, like a tree branch that’s at an appropriate height off the ground.

It can be pitched alone, as a floor-less pyramid-style tarp shelter, or with any of a variety of inserts or a ground cloth available from HMG. We used it with HMG’s Ultamid 2 Insert with DCF11 Floor—creating a bug-proof, waterproof, very stable and spacious ultralight shelter with mesh interior walls and a floor—and we tested it using two different models of adjustable, collapsible trekking poles.

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Pitching the Ultamid 2 takes several minutes, even after you’re practiced at it, partly because it requires adjusting and balancing the tension and length on the eight reinforced, three-foot, 2.8mm stake guylines around the tent perimeter—but one person can pitch it. How you position the stakes and set the length of their guylines determines how high the bottom edge of the rainfly/tarp rises off the ground—the higher it rises, the greater the air flow from the floor to the two vents at the tent’s peak, helping to minimize condensation.

Using only the eight stake guylines around the perimeter, we found the Ultamid 2 more than equal to the steady wind blowing throughout two nights camped in thinly forested terrain by lakes in the Winds: The walls hardly moved. But the Ultamid 2 also has four center panel tie-outs on the walls and one tie-out on the cone for suspending the shelter under a tree; it also comes with an additional 100 feet of 2.8mm guyline. The cone’s design prevents deformation when using oddly shaped poles, paddles, sticks, or skis.

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The Ultamid 2 area measures a cavernous 63 square feet (six feet, 11 inches by eight feet, 11 inches)—more than twice the floor area of many heavier, two-person, freestanding tents, abundant space for two people plus all gear with room to spare. Both the Ultamid 2 and the Insert reach a peak height of five feet four inches. Even with the sloping walls, that provides plenty of headroom to sit upright around the shelter’s center pole. In a pinch, you could sleep four people under the Ultamid 2 (or inside the Ultamid 2 Insert), although that would be tight, leave no space for gear, and require climbing over one another to go in and out.

Erected underneath the Ultamid 2, the optional Ultamid 2 Insert’s area measures slightly smaller than the Ultamid 2 at six feet, four inches by seven feet, 12 inches, maintaining space between the mesh and exterior walls while still creating a spacious shelter for two people and their gear.

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With fully taped, waterproof and durable, DCF8 Dyneema composite fabric walls, the Ultamid 2 is a legitimate four-season, ultralight shelter. The tough fabric is highly resistant to tearing—although I did puncture a small hole in the top due entirely to operator error (accidentally punching the tip of one trekking pole through the fabric while erecting it, after the tent’s corners were staked, putting tension on the fabric). The hole never expanded, a credit to the fabric, and post-trip, I easily patched it using Gear Aid Tenacious Tape; HMG also sells a Dyneema Repair Kit ($19). The Insert’s tough, waterproof DCF11 floor has a deep bathtub well that protected us from rain-splashed mud getting inside.

The Ultamid, like any pyramid-style tent, does not have a good drip line: Rain will directly enter the front side of the tent when the door is open. But there’s significant spacing between the outer, waterproof walls and the interior, mesh walls of the Ultamid 2 Insert, so we rarely brushed against damp ceiling and had only minor condensation buildup on a night of hard rain in the Winds, when we had to close the door to keep rain out.

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While condensation has classically proved the bane of single-wall, waterproof tents, the Ultamid design achieves good high-low ventilation thanks to dual peak vents with no-see-um mesh and ground-level air circulation under the elevated edges of the rainfly’s entire perimeter. The door’s two-way zipper also allows opening it slightly from the bottom to boost ventilation in rain.

Over three late-December nights of camping in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, with lows ranging from the single digits to the mid-teens Fahrenheit, my son and I slept inside only the Ultamid 2, using a standard tarp as a floor. We also threw snow around much of the tent’s perimeter, except the door area, limiting floor-level ventilation. Predictably, given that, the low temps, and snow falling each night, a thick layer of frost formed on the inside walls of the Ultamid 2; and although it flurried onto us when we brushed the walls, it was never warm enough to melt and drip, so it wasn’t much of a problem. When we packed up the Ultamid on our final morning, that frost fell off almost completely by simply shaking the shelter—the Dyneema fabric easily sheds frost.

There’s no vestibule, but we could tuck our boots under the lower edge of the tent outside the door to keep them dry; we could even lengthen the stake guylines to elevate the door side of the Ultamid higher off the ground and away from the tent interior enough to cook under it in the rain (leaving the bottom of the door partly unzipped to help ventilate and avoid carbon dioxide buildup inside from the stove).

Relative to its living space when pitched, the Ultamid 2 packs down to a very compact package measuring 8.5x6x5.5 inches.

There’s also the larger Ultamid 4 ($880, 1.4 lbs.).

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Livability

The Verdict

While it’s quite expensive and has shortcomings, you’d be hard-pressed to find a backpacking shelter that compares with the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 for living space, space-to-weight ratio, stability, durability, and protection in almost any weather and any season.

4.3

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See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all of my reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.” 

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-hyperlite-mountain-gear-ultamid-2-ultralight-pyramid-tent/feed/ 6 48938 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-gossamer-gear-mariposa-60-ultralight-backpack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gossamer-gear-mariposa-60-ultralight-backpack/#comments Thu, 14 Oct 2021 20:30:32 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=48359 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpack
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
$315, 60L/3,661 c.i., 1 lb. 14 oz./850.5g (medium pack with small hipbelt)
Sizes: unisex S-L for both pack and hipbelt
gossamergear.com

Certain items of gear rise to the status of “classic” based on their enduring popularity—especially with ultralight backpacking gear—and that rings true for the Mariposa 60. After hauling it on late-summer, multi-day hikes in Wyoming’s Wind River Range and Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness, I’ve come to understand why I’ve seen this pack on the backs of so many ultralighters: It sports much of what you’d want in an ultralight backpack with hardly a flaw.

Central to this pack’s appeal is its weight: Few backpacking packs weigh under two pounds—in fact, even many of today’s best daypacks weigh more. For backpackers whose top priority is low weight, the Mariposa 60 automatically vaults ahead of many of its best competitors on the short list of these backpackers.

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I found the Mariposa 60 carried quite comfortably with about 25 pounds inside on a three-day, 22-mile, August backpacking trip in the Wind River Range (that was cut short by terrible weather). Wearing it backpacking about 45 miles over five days through Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness in September, I began with just over 30 pounds, which seemed to push the pack’s comfort—and more specifically, to overwhelm the hipbelt. But it felt better after I ate some food ballast, reducing the total weight closer to 25 pounds.

The pack’s suspension system is comprised of a unisex harness with light, flexible, ergonomic shoulder straps and hipbelt that are perforated for ventilation and lack any kind of rigid structure. There’s also a removable back/sit pad, with the option of upgrading to the more deluxe air flow sit pad or a thinner and lighter pad or forgoing the pad completely (which compromises comfort and requires loading the pack carefully to avoid objects jabbing into your back).

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The Mariposa achieves some transfer of load weight from shoulders to hips with a lightweight, U-shaped, internal stay—a common feature of packs in this category. That’s a minimalist design that keeps pack weight low but obviously cannot deliver the amount of support and rigidity typical of heavier packs with more substantial internal suspension systems. (On the flip side, ultralight packs that are even lighter than the Mariposa 60 may have no support structure like an internal stay.)

Gossamer Gear describes the pack’s max carrying capacity as “best with loads under 30 pounds but will handle up to 35 just fine.” I found the first part of that sentence more accurate, although I expect the second part may prove true for some backpackers for whom 35 pounds is nothing. But for many people—including me, and I’ve carried far more than 35 pounds over innumerable days and miles in a variety of backpacks over the past three decades of testing gear—the Mariposa harness doesn’t really provide the support for that much weight, instead shifting that weight onto the only backup support system: your torso. However, it comes close.

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The pack comes in three unisex sizes with an interchangeable hipbelt in three sizes, allowing for fit customization that compares with what’s offered by some of the most-respected brands in much larger packs: Most backpackers will find a Mariposa size that fits them well. I fall in the middle of the sizing range for the medium pack and, as expected, it fit me quite well. But my 30-inch waist falls within the wide sizing range of both the small and medium hipbelts, so I tried both and found the small better for me. In fact, I swapped out the belt myself and that process took at most 15 minutes the first time—you have to line up the two ends of the removable, U-shaped stay with their slots on the back of the hipbelt—but was simple enough.

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A top-loader with a roll-top closure that clips with two straps to the pack’s front side, the Mariposa’s 36-liter main compartment has abundant space for five to seven days—and conceivably more—of food and three-season, lightweight gear, including a full-size bear canister (inserted upright; it will not fit horizontally). On our five-day hike in the Pasayten, I even brought my favorite luxury gear item—a one-pound camp chair (scroll down in this review to see it)—plus some superfluous gear I was testing; and while I filled the Mariposa up, it fit everything well. Dedicated ultralighters will find this pack’s capacity often more than enough.

One common drawback of ultralight backpacks is their minimalist organization, especially skimping on external pockets. The Mariposa 60 eliminates that concern with seven external pockets that add a combined 24 liters of capacity. The voluminous stretch-mesh front stuff pocket will swallow a wet rainfly and shell. The deep pocket on one side accommodates an ultralight shelter, air mattress, or both folding trekking poles and an umbrella. Gossamer Gear also sells separately its Lightrek Pack Bungee Attachment ($5) for attaching poles or other items to the Mariposa using its external gear loops and two plastic attachments for seating pole ends.

Two smaller pockets on the other side hold a liter bottle—I could reach into the lower pocket to grab and reinsert a bottle while wearing the pack—and plenty of small items like a map, gloves, and snacks. The two zippered hipbelt pockets each easily accepts a smartphone with room for a couple of energy bars as well. The zippered lid pocket, positioned on the main compartment’s extendable collar fabric (because the Mariposa does not have a traditional lid) is convenient for small items; but filling the pack cuts into that pocket’s volume.

Other nice touches include a safety whistle on the sternum strap, one axe loop, and six D-rings on the shoulder straps. Lastly, the 100-denier and 200-denier Robic nylon pack fabric will survive serious abuse; the only true durability weakness is the stretch-mesh front pocket.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60

Comfort/Support

Fit

Access

Features

Weight-to-Performance

Durability

The Verdict

For ultralight and lightweight backpackers who commonly carry no more than about 30 pounds—with deliberate emphasis on that caveat—the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60’s sub-two-pound weight, custom-fit comfort, and features make it a top performer in this category.

3.9

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See my picks for “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “The Best Ultralight Backpacks,” my “5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack,” and all of my reviews of backpacks, backpacking gear, ultralight backpacks, and ultralight backpacking gear 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 categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gossamer-gear-mariposa-60-ultralight-backpack/feed/ 2 48359 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-sea-to-summit-alto-tr2-ultralight-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-sea-to-summit-alto-tr2-ultralight-backpacking-tent/#respond Thu, 16 Sep 2021 22:11:22 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=47962 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Sea to Summit Alto TR2
$449, 2 lbs. 9 oz./1162g (rainfly, tent, and poles)
rei.com

Backpacking five days in September through some of the northernmost mountains in the Lower 48 in Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness—sharing the trails with Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers finishing up their 2,650-mile walk as well as backpackers on shorter journeys—we wanted a shelter that could protect us from the wildest, late-season weather possible. It would also be nice if it wasn’t too heavy, given the rugged terrain there. Sea to Summit’s Alto TR2 fit the bill and demonstrated its cred as an outstanding ultralight tent.

A two-person, two-door, semi-freestanding, double-wall tent, the Alto TR2 kept my wife and me dry inside during a couple hours of early-morning rain, and it held up quite well in moderate winds on some nights, including at one campsite in a meadow just above Rock Pass on the PCT.

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“Semi-freestanding” may sound like an oxymoron, but it simply means that the tent’s pole structure gives it shape but pitching the tent properly nonetheless requires staking it out. In practice, even freestanding tents require staking for optimal performance, so semi-freestanding confers the advantage of reduced overall tent weight without compromising stability. Conveniently, you can also still flip the tent upside-down and shake dirt and debris out before removing the poles when packing it up—something that’s hard to do with a fully non-freestanding tent.

The Alto TR2 is fairly easy to pitch once you get the hang of the proper sequence—which I practiced in my yard pre-trip—but still took me several minutes in the backcountry. The hubbed pole system is shaped like a wishbone with one long ridgeline pole running the tent’s length, spliced into two short poles at the foot end, and a “tension ridge” bridge pole crossing over the high point to hold up both tent doors. Two adjustable guylines smartly connect very easily via toggles through loops at the tent ends to increase stability in wind.

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By staking out the center of the head end and the two corners at the foot end first, then erecting the poles and clipping up the tent’s mesh canopy before staking out the rest of the tent’s perimeter, and finally adjusting the tension on the seven stake points (including the two vestibules), it’s simple to achieve a balanced tension that keeps the floor and walls taunt. The pole and tent grommets are color-coded where the pole’s three endpoints are inserted into two grommets at the foot end and one at the head end. The two pockets on the underside of the rainfly are also color-coded to match the two ends of the tension ridge pole, allowing you to quickly align the rainfly.

But most uniquely, the upward tilt of the arms of the tension ridge that extends over both doors magnifies the living space—especially headroom—compared to many two-person tents in this weight class. It feels larger inside than the 27 square feet of floor space implies, while the 42.5-inch peak height exceeds what you’ll find even in many heavier backpacking tents. Overall interior space is modest but comfortable for two people—wide enough for two standard air mattresses (53 inches at its widest, 38 inches at the foot end) and 84 inches long, fitting even very tall people.

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The interior tent doors have two-way zippers and are tall and broad, making entry and egress very easy. The vertical walls create a drip line that keeps rain out of the tent interior in a light shower but wind can easily blow rain inside unless you close the vestibule doors at least partly.

The all-mesh interior provides excellent ventilation; we saw no condensation on cool, rainy mornings or cool, calm nights. Plus, the Alto TR2 creates very good high-low air movement from the multi-directional, covered apex vents at the rainfly’s very highest point—uniquely enabled by the tension ridge—and the baseline venting at the bottom enabled by two-way zippers on the vestibule doors that allow you to vent from the bottom without letting rain inside the interior shelter. A large, zippered panel directly below the apex vent, accessed from inside the tent, allows the free flow of air through that vent—and differs from high vents in other three-season tents in its position at the very top of the rainfly as well as in not having a mesh panel that inhibits air movement more significantly than you’d assume mesh would. (Want to learn more about the new S2S ultralight tents? Watch this lengthy but informative video.)

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The combined 18 square feet of storage area in the two vestibules compares with other tents in this weight class—adequate for storing boots and a midsize backpack. The tent doors can be rolled back completely on dry, mild nights for better air movement and stargazing.

The rainfly, tent floor, and mesh interior canopy are all made with 15-denier fabric—very lightweight but also more susceptible to tears than heavier fabric, so it warrants being careful in where you set it up and when packing it up. The deep bathtub floor keeps mud from splashing inside in a hard rain.

I like the little details like the upper pull tab on the two-way tent door zippers being shorter than the lower zipper tab, to differentiate between them in the dark; the horseshoe shape of the tiny rainfly clips that attach to the tent stake loops at three points, allowing you to easily connect and disconnect them with a quick 90-degree rotation; the adjustable lines that attach rainfly corners to the tent’s staked corners and the vestibule doors; and the separate stuff sacks for the rainfly and tent body (as well as the stakes and poles, as with most tents), more convenient for splitting up the tent’s components with a partner.

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The Alto TR2 Lightfoot footprint ($50, 8.4 oz., sold separately), allows you to leave the interior tent home and pitch the tent in bug-free weather with just poles, rainfly, and a waterproof floor made of more-durable, 68-denier polyester—a setup that shaves seven ounces from the shelter’s weight. The downside in a tent this small is that items you bring inside may more easily get pushed out from under the rainfly.

Other versions include the Alto TR1 solo tent ($499, 2 lbs. 1 oz.) and the Alto TR2 Plus ($449, 2 lbs. 13 oz.), constructed with fabric interior walls and a higher-specification waterproof floor for shoulder-season use in colder, wetter weather. And backpackers who prioritize space over low weight may prefer the Sea to Summit Telos TR2 ($599, 3 lbs. 4 oz.).

Sea to Summit Alto TR2

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Value

The Verdict

At just an ounce over two-and-a-half pounds, the Sea to Summit Alto TR2 delivers surprising livability for an ultralight tent, along with good stability and ventilation, making it a great choice for ultralighters, thru-hikers, or anyone who prefers a lighter backpack without compromising on their shelter.

4.5

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Looking for a three-person tent? Take a look at the Sea to Summit Telos TR3 ($599, 4 lbs. 4 oz., fly and footprint pitch 3 lbs. 6 oz., at backcountry.com), which has a floor area of 39.5 square feet and a cavernous peak height of over 52 inches; or the Sea to Summit Telos TR3 Plus ($649, 4 lbs. 9 oz., fly and footprint pitch 3 lbs. 6 oz., at backcountry.com or seatosummitusa.com), built for pushing your adventures into wintry conditions.

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all of my reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.” 

And don’t miss my picks for “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

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.

 

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-sea-to-summit-alto-tr2-ultralight-backpacking-tent/feed/ 0 47962 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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See “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” and all of my reviews of insulated jackets and outdoor apparel that I like 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 “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-six-moon-designs-lunar-solo-ultralight-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-six-moon-designs-lunar-solo-ultralight-backpacking-tent/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2021 17:10:40 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=47317 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
$250 ($35 extra for seam sealing), 1 lb. 9 oz. (without the optional, 2-oz. carbon pole)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
sixmoondesigns.com

At around 7,000 feet in Yellowstone in September, the season can turn on a dime—and the last 24 hours of an otherwise beautiful, five-day backpacking trip on Yellowstone’s Bechler River Trail demonstrated that, delivering steady rain and wind all night and on our last day of hiking (which featured a bone-chilling river ford). The trip’s range of weather put a spotlight on the strengths of the classic, ultralight Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent, as well as its one major weakness.

A single-wall, one-person, hexagonal tent with a floating floor, the Lunar Solo pitches using one trekking pole set to a 49-inch/124.5cm peak height and tilted slightly outward, requiring a pole that extends to at least 125cm. Six Moon Designs also sells a two-ounce carbon pole that can be used instead, but most backpackers buy a tent like this in order to drop the weight of a tent pole from their pack and a trekking pole is stronger than the optional carbon pole.

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Pitching it properly requires placing the six stakes in a specific sequence: the front (door side) corners first, followed by the vestibule and the middle rear corner, then the two other rear corners and finally the front center. I spent about 30 minutes pitching it the first time in my back yard, figuring out the correct tension between the guyline that extends from the tent’s apex under the vestibule door and the position of the tent corners to have it all look good. (Six Moon designs provides instructions on pitching the Lunar Solo here.)

Once you’ve dialed in the procedure, it goes up within maybe five minutes—not quite as easily as a freestanding tent, but that’s one of the tradeoffs for the weight savings. When staked out properly, the tent has a taut pitch that stands up well to moderate winds.

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The hexagonal, 26 square feet of interior space and 49-inch peak height exceed those measures in some solo shelters. But because it pitches using a single pole, the walls all slope downward from the peak, limiting headroom and living space inside. By comparison, the Gossamer Gear The One ultralight solo tent pitches with two trekking poles, creating more headroom and nice livability, even though its actual dimensions and peak height are less than the Lunar Solo’s.

The 20-denier, silicone-coated polyester fabric in the walls and 40-denier, six-inch-deep bathtub floor—which prevents rain splashing inside—provide durability comparable to many ultralight shelters and stretches little when wet. Six Moon Designs offers seam-sealing for a $35 fee.  

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The 8.5-square-foot vestibule has adequate space for storing a lightweight backpack and boots while allowing you to come and go, and the vestibule door rolls back to boost ventilation and give you a view of the night sky. I could tie back or close the vestibule door while lying flat in my bag—it was entirely within reach. The vestibule does not quite reach the ground when staked out, which improves air circulation in order to help control condensation inside (more on that below) without getting anything inside the vestibule wet, except possibly anything near the vestibule’s edge getting splashed in heavy rain.

The tent door’s drip line permitted me to keep the vestibule wide open for ventilation when the rain fell lightly, although I had to close it during spells of hard rain.

That points to my major complaint about the Lunar Solo: It suffers from the typical bane of single-wall tents: condensation created by warmer air and the moisture you exhale inside the tent and colder air outside the tent’s thin wall. To minimize that problem, the Lunar Solo features an all-mesh wall on the door side and a six-inch band of mesh around the perimeter just above the bathtub floor—protected from rain by a low, external awning extending over the mesh. But those design elements only help when there’s air movement.

On a dead-calm night that dropped to around 40° F at over 7,000 feet in Yellowstone, I slept in the Lunar Solo beside a cold creek—which undoubtedly exacerbated the condensation that collected inside by morning. Still, even when properly pitched, in those conditions, the tent doesn’t ventilate well enough to prevent the heavy condensation that dripped onto my bag whenever I brushed the tent walls. Condensation also built up inside the tent on our rainy last night in lower Bechler Canyon, when I had to close up the vestibule at times.

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The condensation and sloping walls meant that I, at five feet, eight inches, couldn’t sit up anywhere but directly below the tent’s peak without brushing my head against a wet ceiling, or move around much without brushing my bag’s foot against a wet wall. Frankly, it’s not easy living in the Lunar Solo in wet conditions.

Six Moon recommends keeping the door open whenever possible and trying to avoid conditions that promote condensation buildup, such as prolonged rain or camping by water or at the bottom of a valley. But that’s not always possible: In Yellowstone, our designated campsites where always near the Bechler River or a tributary creek.

Six Moon Designs also sells the Lunar Duo ($375, 2 lbs. 13 oz.), which pitches with two trekking poles and has two doors and vestibules, thus minimizing the headroom and ventilation issues of the Lunar Solo.

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Value

The Verdict

At barely more than 1.5 pounds, pitching with a trekking pole, the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo provides impressively lightweight, sturdy shelter at a good price. But its condensation problem makes it best suited to drier climates.

3.7

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See “The 7 (Very) Best Backpacking Tents” and all of my reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

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See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.” 

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

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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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-six-moon-designs-lunar-solo-ultralight-backpacking-tent/feed/ 2 47317 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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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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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-sierra-designs-nitro-ultralight-backpacking-quilt/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-sierra-designs-nitro-ultralight-backpacking-quilt/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2020 14:20:44 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=41346 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Quilt
Sierra Designs Nitro Quilt 35/20
35-degree: $250, 1 lb. 5 oz.
20-degree: $280, 1 lb. 11 oz.
Women’s 20-degree: $340, 1 lb. 11 oz.
One size in each model
sierradesigns.com

For some backpackers, taking a quilt instead of a sleeping bag for multiple nights in the backcountry may seem risky—what if it’s not warm enough? In reality, many backpackers who switch from a bag to a quilt for its lower weight find it not only adequately warm but more comfortable than traditional mummy bags—and rarely switch back. Sleeping in the 35-degree Sierra Designs Nitro Quilt on several nights from Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, Hells Canyon, and City of Rocks to the Cascades showed me that it has the warmth and low weight and bulk of the best quilts and some features that set it apart.

The Nitro Quilt comes in both 35-degree and 20-degree versions, and both pack plenty of warmth for summer in many mountain ranges or spring and fall temperatures in the desert Southwest destinations like the Grand Canyon and the parks of southern Utah. Stuffed with 10.2 ounces of 800-fill, water-resistant DriDown feathers, the 35-degree quilt has an EN limit rating of 27° F and a comfort rating of 37° F. The 20-degree Nitro Quilt has 14.8 ounces of 800-fill, water-resistant DriDown and an EN limit rating of 21° F and a comfort rating of 32° F.

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While I didn’t experience any nights that challenged those ratings, I suspect they are pretty realistic: As someone who doesn’t get cold very easily, I believe the 35-degree quilt would keep me warm enough (wearing one set of base layers) down to the low 40s; and true to the meaning of the limit rating, I’d survive under the quilt if the temp plunged into the 20s.

I slept very comfortably under the 35-degree quilt on several nights with lows around or above 50° F on backpacking trips in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and Hells Canyon; camping in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve with nights around 50; on a six-day rafting and kayaking trip through Desolation and Gray canyons in southern Utah, with lows in the 50s and 60s; camping in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve, and on a mild night in a campground on the outskirts of Mount Rainier National Park prior to a five-day backpacking trip on the Wonderland Trail.

Not once did I feel like the quilt’s comfort range was challenged. In fact, although I took a 30-degree mummy bag on the Wonderland, expecting cooler overnight temps than we experienced, the quilt would have been more than warm enough for the coolest nights on that trip, which hovered in the upper 40s Fahrenheit.

At a few ounces under (for the 35-degree Nitro Quilt) or a few ounces over 1.5 pounds (for the 20-degree), the quilt boasts a high warmth-to-weight ratio. The stuff sack for both Nitro quilts measures 13×7 inches, but both can be squished down smaller in a compression sack—the 35-degree to about the size of a football. In fact, there simply are not many lighter and more packable sleeping systems for the backcountry.

To compare it with some better sleeping bags, the Feathered Friends men’s Hummingbird UL 30-degree bag (the women’s model is the Egret UL 30) weighs just an ounce more than the Nitro Quilt 35 and is unquestionably warmer, but is also, of course, more bulky, and costs $180 more. The Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32, four ounces lighter and a bit warmer, costs $110 more.

Don’t discount the value of the comfort of using a quilt—it’s more akin to sleeping in your bed, with the ability to pull it over you or shuck it partly off as needed, and to sleep in any position. Truth is, many of us use a sleeping bag unzipped, draped over us like a quilt or blanket on mild nights in the backcountry, when it’s too warm to crawl fully inside the bag.

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When wrapping the quilt around yourself, the V-shaped, oversized design has a circumference of 56 inches at both the shoulders and hips, which feels as roomy as sleeping under a blanket instead of inside a mummy bag. Sticking your hands into the insulated hand pockets lets you wrap the quilt around you for sleeping on your side or stomach. Its enclosed foot box with a spacious 40-inch circumference keeps feet from slipping out, and an integrated hideaway hood effectively functions like a hat if the temperatures drop low enough to need it. The 75-inch length fits people up to six feet three inches.

With a shell and lining both constructed of 15-denier nylon ripstop, as with a lot of ultralight gear, the Nitro Quilt will endure normal use, but avoid exposing it to sharp edges.

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SIERRA DESIGNS NITRO QUILT

Warm for its Weight

Warmth When Wet

Space

Packability

Features

The Verdict

If you get cold easily and happily use a 20-degree sleeping bag even on nights pushing 50, a backpacking quilt may not be for you (except on nights well above 50° F). But for many backpackers, the Sierra Designs Nitro Quilt 35 or 20, stuffed with high-quality, water-resistant, 800-fill down, will deliver all the warmth needed on many trips—perhaps most trips—and offers a comfortable sleeping experience. It may even relegate your traditional mummy bag to “backup” status in your kit.

4.1

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 35-degree or 20-degree Sierra Designs Nitro Quilt at sierradesigns.com.

See all of my reviews of sleeping bags that I like and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, and my articles “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a 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 “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness 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 Wilderness 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

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-sierra-designs-nitro-ultralight-backpacking-quilt/feed/ 6 41346 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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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.

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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-hyperlite-mountain-gear-dirigo-2-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hyperlite-mountain-gear-dirigo-2-backpacking-tent/#comments Sat, 29 Aug 2020 13:36:28 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=40873 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2
$900, 1 lb. 12 oz.
hyperlitemountaingear.com

For six nights on a 96-mile traverse of the Wind River High Route—two-thirds of it off-trail and camping in the alpine zone between 10,000 and 12,000 feet—the Dirigo 2 endured rain and strong winds. But our last night had me worried. Camped in a completely exposed meadow at nearly 12,000 feet, the Dirigo was hammered all night by steady winds of 40 to 50 mph—but it never even bent under an onslaught that would have flattened many backpacking tents. That performance closed the deal for me on the value of this incredibly sturdy and durable, two-door, two-person ultralight shelter.

The wind we faced throughout that August night camped above Baker and Iceberg lakes (watch the video below) and other nights at exposed campsites in the Winds, and hours of steady overnight rain, proved the Dirigo’s hardiness in the most trying three-season weather: At well under two pounds (14 ounces per person), it offers better protection against the elements than some tents twice its weight, and withstands moderate winds without even making much noise.

 

“Dirigo”—Latin for “I direct” or “I lead,” and the state motto for Maine, where HMG makes its gear—seems an appropriate moniker for this sturdy shelter, which I also tested on a five-day, 78-mile backpacking trip on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier.

Like other ultralight tents, the non-freestanding Dirigo pitches with trekking poles and eight stakes—and, importantly, you need poles that extend to 125cm (not all poles do). To achieve an even and taut pitch, you first lay the tent out flat and stake the four corners, initially without pulling the corner guylines tight. Insert the trekking pole handles into the reinforced grommets at either end of the short, carbon fiber Ridge Bar at the tent’s peak—which lends stability to the setup—and extend the poles to 125cm. Then stake out the vestibules and end guylines, and lastly, use the ample adjustment range on each stake loop and guyline to get a taut, balanced pitch.

It’s fairly easy and quick once you’ve tried it once or twice, but of course, not as simple or fast as with a freestanding tent.

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While quite stable when fully staked out, the trekking poles tilt slightly inward, which means you occasionally bump those poles when moving around inside the tent—and the drip line allows rain into the tent with either vestibule fully open (to maximize ventilation). To keep rain out and still allow some cross-ventilation, I left the bottom of each vestibule partly unzipped—the one-way zippers open from the bottom—and that kept everything inside dry.

Besides pitching with trekking poles, the Dirigo’s most conspicuous feature—which largely explains its price—is its fabric. A three-season, single-wall tent with an integrated, internal no-see-um bug mesh with zippered doors, its walls and floor are constructed of five different types of waterproof, ultralight, highly durable Dyneema Composite Fabrics, the same stuff used in HMG’s packs (like the 3400 Windrider) and its tough, waterproof stuff sacks and gear pods. The tent also comes fully seam-sealed.

Other tents will wear out, suffering tears or zipper failures, but you’ll be challenged to wear out the Dirigo.

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Livability is quite good for a shelter in this weight class: The 32.5 square feet of interior space (52×90 inches) and peak height of 45 inches outdo most double-wall tents that range from two to three pounds. With adequate sleeping space for two, ultralight backpackers who prioritize low weight over capacious living quarters will find it comfortable enough.

Impressively for a tent this light, the Dirigo has two doors and vestibules that, while smaller (6.25 square feet each) than found on some ultralight tents, are just large enough for storing boots and mid-size backpacks while allowing room to come and go. The vestibules can be opened partly or completely, with one or both flaps rolled up, leaving the tent open on one or both sides for stargazing or maximum ventilation.

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The bane of single-wall tents is condensation, and the Dirigo is no different—but performs better than some competitors. As with any tent, ventilation is best achieved by leaving vestibule doors at least partly open. But breathable fabric panels at both ends of the Dirigo help facilitate ventilation. On one calm night in the Winds, I awoke to find significant condensation on the inside of the tent walls, even though I’d left both vestibules partly open; but my companions using other single-wall tents had the same experience.

I otherwise had no condensation all week—even on that rainy night when I left the bottom of each vestibule partly unzipped—but I never completely closed the vestibules. After that rainy night, I was impressed to find no condensation in the morning—zero—but it had also been steadily windy all night. The Dirigo lacks anything like mesh panels at the bottom of each end of the tent, which might help it ventilate better and create a way for condensation running down the inside of the walls to drain outside.

With a packed size of 12x8x6 inches—it comes with what may be the beefiest tent stuff sack on the market, an HMG drawstring stuff sack made of DCF—the Dirigo 2’s bulk compares with other double-wall ultralight tents, most of which are heavier. DCF fabric is light but does have some bulk to it.

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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Value

The Verdict

Yup—this is a really expensive tent. But for backpackers, climbers, and others seeking the ultimate, ultralight, sturdy, livable, two-door, waterproof, and extraordinarily durable two-person shelter, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2 will pay for itself many times over in backcountry nights.

4

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 Dirigo 2 at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

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Thank you.

See my review of “The 8 (Very) Best Backpacking Tents” and all of my reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear that I like.

See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.” (Both of those stories require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read, which costs as little as five bucks, or just pennies over $4 per month for an entire 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 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.

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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Tell me what you think.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hyperlite-mountain-gear-dirigo-2-backpacking-tent/feed/ 6 40873 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-hyperlite-mountain-gear-3400-windrider-ultralight-backpack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-hyperlite-mountain-gear-3400-windrider-ultralight-backpack/#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2020 09:00:55 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=25085 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpack
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider
$395, 55L/3,400 c.i., 1 lb. 15 oz./879g (medium)
Sizes: S (fits torsos 15-17 ins.), M (17-19 ins.), L (19-21 ins.), Tall (21+ ins.)
hyperlitemountaingear.com

When the Windrider was delivered to my house, the box looked much too small to contain a backpack—if I’d had no idea, I might have guessed it contained a small tent. It’s not often that a backpack, or any piece of gear, leaves an impression on me before I even remove it from its packaging. Intrigued by its incredibly low weight—it’s one of the lightest packs made for lightweight backpacking and thru-hiking—I have loaded it up with about 30 to 35 pounds of gear, clothing, and food and taken it out on a three-day, 39-mile backpacking trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, a seven-day, 96-mile (two-thirds off-trail) traverse of the rugged Wind River High Route, and a five-day hike in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains, and other trips. Having used other ultralight packs that simply did not have the support for more than 20 to 25 pounds, I entered this experiment with healthy skepticism. But the Windrider made me a believer. Here’s why.

At under two pounds, it’s a half-pound to nearly a pound lighter than other ultralight packs I’ve reviewed, and compares in weight with competitors from other specialty pack manufacturers. Given its place among the lightest backpacks on the market, key questions are how well it compares in terms of carrying capacity and comfort and durability. In these areas, it excels.

Beyond its low weight, the most obvious unique quality of the 3400 Windrider is its fabric: fully waterproof and seam-sealed Dyneema Composite Fabrics (previously called Cuben Fiber), a non-woven, ripstop composite laminate originally designed for sails built for world-class sailboats. HMG describes it as 50 to 70 percent lighter than Kevlar, but four times stronger, saying it flexes without losing strength, floats, and is highly resistant to chemicals and even ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.

We hiked through waves of thunderstorms on both trips in the Winds, with heavy rain and hail, and the pack kept everything inside absolutely dry. I doubt it’s built to remain waterproof with long-term, full immersion—but given that it floats (which I don’t doubt because it’s largely airtight when closed tightly), that wouldn’t become an issue for backpackers. The pack fabric is so structurally strong, in fact, and the hipbelt so supportive, that the pack stands up on its own even when empty. I don’t know of a more durable pack in this weight class.

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The fixed suspension comes in four sizes—even most high-end pack makers offer only three sizes—each with a fit range of two inches, assuring that many people will find a size that feels good. However, HMG does not offer women-specific sizing. With two removable, contoured aluminum stays and an internal plastic framesheet, the pack carried 30 to 35 pounds with remarkable comfort for hours a day, directing most of the weight onto my hips.

But at 35 pounds, with the pack filled nearly to capacity, I felt a little tugging on my shoulders. HMG says the pack can carry up to 40 pounds comfortably, but as with virtually any backpack, the comfort limit depends on the user.

There isn’t a whole lot to the harness, but it works. The lightly padded Dyneema Hardline dual-density hipbelt, with one-eighth-inch closed-cell rigid foam, quarter-inch closed-cell foam, and spacer mesh closed-cell foam, distributes weight evenly and didn’t buckle at all under the max weight I put in the pack. The Dyneema Hardline shoulder straps with three-eighths-inch closed-cell foam padding and spacer mesh, and a quarter-inch-thick foam back pad appear thin, but were entirely adequate for the moderate load I carried. The frame allowed some air movement to ventilate my back, although not as much as packs with trampoline-style harnesses that hold the pack bag off your back.

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A top-loader with a roll-top closure and five external pockets, the Windrider is noticeably bereft of features found on many other packs, like a lid pocket, zippered external pockets on the pack body, or a panel zipper accessing the main compartment—all of which would add weight and/or prevent the pack from being waterproof. HMG describes the internal capacity as 55 liters when filled to its maximum while still being able to securely roll up the top closure (at least three twists when rolling it). With lightweight gear and efficient packing and food planning, that’s enough space for going several days between resupplies—making the Windrider unique in how long a trip (in days) it can handle relative to the pack’s weight (empty). The roll-top design essentially acts as compression and has some “slack” capacity to expand the pack upward. Two straps on each side deliver ample compression, and the Y-shaped top compression strap really cinches the load down.

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The three external mesh pockets add nearly 10 liters (600 cubic inches) of capacity between the larger front one—which easily swallows a rainfly and held my camp shoes, a jacket, and various small items—and the two on the sides, which each have space for a liter bottle and then some.

The durable, tearproof mesh used in those pockets will clearly survive hard use much better than the stretch-mesh used on exterior pockets of many lightweight packs—I tossed the full 3400 Windrider onto rocky ground and up against abrasive granite and it shows no damage.

The Dyneema Hardline zippered hipbelt pockets hold a large phone and a bar or two There’s nothing else in the way of features except an ice-axe loop and a single daisy loop on the front, an internal sleeve for a hydration bladder, and four external triglide buckles for attaching optional accessory straps.

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I got a little tired of having to open three clips and unroll the top every time I wanted to get something from inside the pack; and while the outside pockets have plenty of space, I wouldn’t want to keep some items there in the rain, like a long-sleeve top that I wanted handy. With no secure, zippered pockets (beyond the hipbelt) for small items like a map, lighter, and knife, I used a tiny stuff sack for them; but digging out that sack from the main compartment obviously lacks the convenience of a zippered external or internal pocket for them.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest ($395,55L/3,400 c.i., 2 lbs., four sizes) is virtually identical to the Windrider except that it replaces the durable, tearproof mesh used in the external pockets with a more durable, Dyneema Hardline fabric—same as used in the zippered hipbelt pockets on both packs.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider

Comfort/Support

Fit

Access

Features

Weight-to-Performance

Durability

The Verdict

HMG’s slogan is: “Precisely what’s needed and nothing more,” and that philosophy shows in its products. While its fabric jacks up the price compared to competitors, the Windrider stands out as a waterproof (and bombproof) pack with exceptional capacity and comfort for its impressively low weight—a strong choice for thru-hiking or lightweight backpacking, as long as you’re happy with minimalist organization.

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 Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider backpack at hyperlitemountaingear.com or a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest backpack at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “The Best Ultralight Backpacks” and all reviews of backpacks and ultralight backpacks, ultralight backpacking gear, and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. 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 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

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-hyperlite-mountain-gear-3400-windrider-ultralight-backpack/feed/ 4 25085 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul2-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul2-backpacking-tent/#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2020 13:55:55 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=39942 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
$600, 2 lbs. 11 oz./1219g
backcountry.com

As the wind gusted over 30 mph and at times 40 mph at our unprotected campsite in a big meadow beside the Snake River, on the Idaho side of Hells Canyon while backpacking in early June, I kept throwing nervous glances at our tents. But while three of them whipped and bent under the onslaught of air, the Copper Spur HV UL2 barely trembled—not what you’d necessarily expect from an ultralight backpacking tent. But that’s just one way this shelter defies expectations.

Long a fan of Big Agnes’s Copper Spur series and the previous iteration of the Copper Spur HV UL2, I took this new version, updated for 2020, backpacking for two nights in Hells Canyon, five nights in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness, and three nights on Nevada’s Ruby Crest Trail to see how its design changes measure up. I found that this tent retains its strengths while gaining some nice features—keeping it among my picks for today’s best backpacking tents (and I’ve tested a lot of tents over the past two decades as a longtime lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and running this blog).

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For starters, there aren’t many freestanding, two-door tents that weigh under three pounds, so if that’s what you’re shopping for, you already have a short list. For backpackers who want a very light shelter that doesn’t compromise on performance or livability, the Copper Spur HV UL2 strikes a unique balance of attributes in a crowded field of mostly inferior competitors.

The DAC Featherlite NFL and NSL pole architecture creates a sturdy structure that performed well in winds stronger than most backpackers would encounter in more-protected campsites—and the tent withstood those winds without me guying it out or using the hook-and-loop tabs to attach the rainfly to the poles. The poles also steepen the walls and lift the canopy above the doors, making the tent feel roomier than its 29 square feet of floor area, 40-inch peak height,and 88-inch length (all common dimensions for tents in this category). My wife (five feet, 10 inches) and I (five feet, eight inches) found the interior—wide enough for two standard (20-inch-wide) air mattresses laid side-by-side—while not capacious, still more than adequate for comfortable living and sleeping.

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New to the 2020 Copper Spur HV UL2 are two awning-style doors on both sides of the rainfly, which can be rolled up completely for maximum ventilation and stargazing, or extended as awnings using trekking poles to provide shade or rain protection without compromising ventilation (as happens when rainfly doors are zipped shut). Trekking poles supporting the awnings can be stood either upright, with the poles’ carbide tips planted in soft earth, or inverted with the grips down for better purchase on hard or rocky ground.

The two opposing doors and a single high rainfly vent also facilitate excellent ventilation. In my long experience with the Copper Spur series, condensation is negligible.

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The tent is quick and intuitive to pitch the first time, and the proprietary Big Agnes TipLok buckles at the four corners combine three functions in one tiny part: attaching the rainfly, securing the pole ends so that they don’t pop out while pitching (even when erecting the tent alone), and staking the shelter.

The tent doors have dual zippers that move smoothly, and smartly open from a bottom corner, allowing you to crack the door slightly to slide boots on outside without letting a squadron of mosquitoes inside. The doors stash conveniently into small pockets when fully opened. Spacious interior mesh and media pockets provide abundant storage and are positioned so as not to intrude on your living space when they are filled.

With nine square feet of space, each vestibule stores a mid-size pack and boots to one side without impeding entry and egress. Even with its awning doors rolled up, the rainfly overhangs the interior tent doors, so no rain enters when coming and going. In fact, I left a rainfly door rolled up throughout a mild night of light rain (and no wind) and the mesh door on the interior tent never got damp.

The rainfly and floor are made of silicone-treated, double ripstop nylon fabric, and the interior canopy of nylon and polyester mesh. A footprint (sold separately, $70) allows pitching it rainfly-only, without the interior tent, reducing the shelter’s weight to 2 lbs. 2 oz.

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Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Livability

The Verdict

Updated for 2020 with multiple new features—including two awning-style doors, better buckles, and abundant interior pockets—the Copper Spur HV UL2 remains one of the lightest and best choices for backpackers seeking a freestanding, ultralight tent that doesn’t compromise on sturdiness or livability. And with the new features, Big Agnes even knocked an ounce off its weight.

4.7

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See my review of “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all of my reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear that I like.

See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.” (Both of those stories require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read, which costs as little as five bucks, or just pennies over $4 per month for an entire 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 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.

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-big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul2-backpacking-tent/feed/ 7 39942 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

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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/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-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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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 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.

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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

 

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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.

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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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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 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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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.

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?

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.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-leki-micro-vario-carbon-black-series-trekking-poles/feed/ 0 37066 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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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-nemo-dragonfly-2p-ultralight-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-nemo-dragonfly-2p-ultralight-backpacking-tent/#comments Wed, 16 Oct 2019 13:05:28 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=35801 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Nemo Dragonfly 2P
$550, 2 lbs. 10 oz./1191g
nemoequipment.com

From clear, cool, late-August nights on the Teton Crest Trail, to mixed weather that included rain and wind on a five-day hike in Yellowstone’s Bechler Canyon area in September, the Nemo Dragonfly 2P displayed the weather protection and exceptional livability that distinguishes it as one of the very best two-person, three-season ultralight backpacking tents on the market today—at a very good price for this level of quality. Here’s why.

Most unique about the freestanding, two-door, double-wall Dragonfly 2P is its outstanding balance of low weight and livability: It represents quite possibly the top competitor to a tent I’ve long considered arguably the best in this category, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. And it’s cheaper. The Dragonfly’s floor area of 29 square feet matches that of the Copper Spur HV UL2, as does the 88-inch length, while the width of 50 inches tapering to 45 inches from head to foot ends creates a near match. Many backpackers will find the living quarters close but comfortable for two people to share and sleep in. And it’s two ounces lighter, at just over two-and-a-half pounds.

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The Dragonfly employs a frame similar to the Copper Spur HV UL2, consisting of one pre-bent, DAC Featherlite NFL 8.7mm hubbed aluminum pole that arches high, creating a 41-inch peak height that’s impressive in this weight category, and a second, short bridge pole over the top that expands the area of generous headroom in the center of the tent—tall people can sit up in the Dragonfly with room to spare. The materials and geometry of the Dragonfly lend it a degree of sturdiness comparable to the Copper Spur HV UL2 and other tents of similar weight. In Yellowstone, it withstood moderate winds without so much as bending.

With mostly mesh ceiling and walls, plus the traditional double-wall design and two doors creating cross-ventilation, condensation was never a problem, and the tent interior stays cooler on warm nights. The tent uses two different types of mesh: white around the sides, which offers a bit more privacy, and black mesh overhead, which blends into the sky to offer undiluted stargazing with the rainfly off at night.

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The trapezoidal vestibules provide a generous combined storage area of 20 square feet, with two stakeout points instead of the usual one for each, expanding their useable area. When unzipped, each vestibule’s two door panels can both be rolled back, creating multiple possible configurations, including leaving one panel in place as a wind shield, or rolling back both (on one or both sides of the tent) for better ventilation and sky viewing, while maintaining rain protection overhead because the drip line prevents water rolling off the rainfly into the tent interior. Strut vents at the top of each two-way vestibule door zipper pop easily into place, creating a gap that maintains some cross-ventilation even when you need both vestibules closed up in windblown rain or cold temperatures.

At one end of the tent, the rainfly reaches about midway down the interior wall, rather than nearly to the ground—adequate for keeping out rain while enhancing ventilation, but also making it easier for dust to blow up inside.

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

 

The Dragonfly includes excellent, small details that really make the user experience much better, like color-coded poles that simplify and speed up pitching; two large mesh interior pockets; and ceiling pockets for a light. As with any ultralight shelter, the fabric is reasonably durable, but certainly not compared to heavier tents: 15-denier sil-PeU nylon ripstop rated to 1200mm for waterproofing in the rainfly, and 20-denier sil-PU nylon ripstop also rated to 1200mm in the bathtub floor. The packed size of 19.5×4.5 inches is as expected for a tent of this size and weight.

Nemo has updated the Dragonfly for 2023 with the Dragonfly Osmo in one-, two-, and three-person models. It’s virtually identical to the model reviewed here but now made with 100 percent recycled Osmo fabric.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life. Click here now to learn more.

 

Nemo Dragonfly 2p

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Livability

The Verdict

Arguably one of the two best, most comfortable, two-person, freestanding, ultralight backpacking tents on the market—and the cheaper of the two—the Nemo Dragonfly 2P’s excellent weight-to-space ratio strikes an ideal balance between livability, low weight, and protection from the elements, with impressive attention to details.

4.7

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 a Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2P at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com, or another version of the Dragonfly Osmo at backcountry.com or nemoequipment.com.

See my “Review: The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all of my reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear that I like.

See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.”

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-nemo-dragonfly-2p-ultralight-backpacking-tent/feed/ 10 35801 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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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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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

 

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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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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.

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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/gear-review-tecnica-plasma-s-hiking-shoes/feed/ 2 34969 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-slingfin-portal-2-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-slingfin-portal-2-backpacking-tent/#comments Wed, 07 Aug 2019 09:00:10 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=34805 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
SlingFin Portal 2
$485, 2 lbs. 14 oz.
slingfin.com

Everyone wants a super lightweight tent—which makes sense: Give that your tent is one of the heaviest pieces of gear you carry, it offers great potential for weight savings. But not everyone wants the drawbacks of an ultralight tent, which can include tight living quarters and, in particular, so-so stability in strong wind. Enter the SlingFin Portal 2, one of the sturdiest sub-three-pound tents out there, as I discovered on a six-day, 74-mile backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon and stormy nights camping at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve.

In the Grand Canyon in mid-spring, the Portal 2 stood up to winds frequently gusting to 30 mph or more. And while camping at the City of Rocks in May, it also withstood similar winds—and survived a night of crazy wind events: The tent suffered no damage despite being lifted in the air by the wind—due entirely to the sandy soil not holding stakes well—and sent tumbling into sagebrush. But when the wind started blowing at least 50 mph one evening, I had to take the tent down because I was afraid poles would get snapped; I pitched it again later, after the windstorm passed.

Those were unusual conditions that would trash many three-season backpacking tents, but also a reminder that even the strongest ultralight tents have limits—don’t expect performance approaching the stoutest (and much heavier) three-season or mountaineering tents.

SlingFin carried some technologies from mountaineering tents over to the Portal, to improve stability and weather resistance while keeping it under three pounds. It pitches using two DAC Featherlite NFL 8.7mm poles and one NFL 9mm pole. A trekking pole can optionally be used to prop up the rainfly at the peak of each vestibule, bolstering the tent’s wind resistance and strength under snow loads. Pre-installed internal guylines (similar to Slingfin’s 2Lite Trek) can be tensioned from inside to increase lateral stability when the wind’s blowing—and they add virtually no weight to the tent. (See instructions on installing a second set of internal guylines at slingfin.com.)

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Ten external guy points are matched to toggles to attach the fly to the poles for added structural strength in multi-directional wind. The toggles also allow rolling the fly up halfway over the tent—opening up night sky views while facilitating a quick switch to full rain protection during the night, if necessary, a very nice feature.

In short, the design gives the sub-three-pound Portal 2 the wind resistance you’d find in tents weighing at least a pound more.

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The Portal 2’s livability compares favorably with leading competitors in this weight class (like the Big Agnes HV UL2), with two doors and vestibules, a snug but tolerable 27.5 square feet of floor area, good length (85 inches) and width at the head (51 inches) and foot (42 inches), and a generous peak height (44 inches). The pole architecture boosts headroom without the hubs found on tents from other brands; Slingfin told me they consider hubs a “weakness.” There are seven internal pockets: two each on the ceiling, at the head, and on the sides and one at the foot.

All of the above attributes are noteworthy in a tent that’s under three pounds, although the packed size of 14×5 inches is typical for a tent in this category.

The offset vestibules each have 8.4 square feet of storage area, similar to many lightweight two-person tents.

Ventilation is good, thanks to the mesh interior canopy, vents high on both vestibule doors that can be propped open with struts that still provide full rain protection even when open. Having two doors, of course, greatly improves any tent’s ventilation. Both vestibule doors roll back to create openings nearly the size of the tent’s side walls—which, combined with the ease of rolling back the rainfly, gives the tent a wonderful, open-air feeling on clear nights—and can be kept open in light rain because the drip line doesn’t allow rain inside the tent.

It’s not the fastest three-season tent to pitch; trekking poles aren’t required (and unnecessary in calm weather) but do improve stability, and add time to the job. But it’s easy and faster after you’ve done it once or twice. Matching reflective tabs on the rainfly and tent body make pitching easier.

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The Portal 2 is built with more durability than many ultralight tents. It uses 20-denier nylon ripstop in the floor, 15-denier nylon no-see-um mesh in the tent body, and an 1800mm, 10-denier nylon 66 ripstop silicone rainfly that, unlike PU coatings, doesn’t absorb water, meaning it won’t stretch and sag when wet. Slingfin employs fabrics with good UV and mildew resistance to extend their life, adds extra zipper sliders to double the lifespan of the zippers, and foregoes PU coatings that deteriorate over time. All stress-point seams are reinforced.

A footprint (sold separately, $67, 5 oz.) protects the tent floor and allows pitching the Portal 2 with only the rainfly, slashing the shelter’s total weight to two pounds two ounces. Alternatively, Slingfin also sells separately a Portal Tub Floor ($106, 7.5 oz.) that has sidewalls to keep water from splashing in when pitching it only with the rainfly, a setup that also weighs just two pounds two ounces.

The Verdict

While barely making the (arbitrary) weight limit for an ultralight tent, the Slingfin Portal 2 carves out a unique space in this category by striking a keen balance between solid stability and livability while weighing under three pounds, making it a good choice for any backpacker who wants to reduce pack weight while getting the wind resistance of a heavier tent.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a SlingFin Portal 2 at slingfin.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 “Review: The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all of my reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear that I like.

See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.”

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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SLINGFIN PORTAL 2

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Value

Summary

The Slingfin Portal 2 strikes a keen balance between solid stability and livability while weighing under three pounds, making it a good choice for any backpacker who wants to reduce pack weight while getting the wind resistance of a heavier tent.

4.5

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-slingfin-portal-2-backpacking-tent/feed/ 18 34805 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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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.

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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.

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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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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/gear-review-therm-a-rest-hyperion-32f-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-therm-a-rest-hyperion-32f-sleeping-bag/#comments Wed, 19 Jun 2019 09:05:32 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=34184 Read on

]]> Ultralight Sleeping Bag
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32F/0C
$520, 1 lb. 1 oz. (regular)
Sizes: small, regular, long
cascadedesigns.com

Why spend more money on a sleeping bag? Logical question, of course. But for any backpacker eager to shave a pound or more and significant gear volume from his or her backpack, an ultralight down bag offers one of the best ways of realizing that objective—as well as delivering maximum warmth per ounce. And one of the lightest and most compact bags in this category, Therm-a-Rest’s Hyperion 32F/0C, measured up in every way on a six-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon in May; a six-day float trip down Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River in July; a three-day hike on the Teton Crest Trail and a four-day trip in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, both in August; a five-day, late-summer hike in the Wind River Range; trekking hut-to-hut on New Zealand’s Routeburn and Milford tracks in late spring; and on chilly, rainy spring nights that pushed the bag’s limits camping in May in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve.

The Hyperion’s EN comfort rating of 41° F/5° C and limit rating of 32° F/0° C fell right in line with my experience: Sleeping in a tent at the City of Rocks on a night that dipped into the high 30s, I was warm enough in underwear, socks, and a warm, long-sleeve top, but felt like the bag was at its comfort limit for me. On the Teton Crest Trail, I also had a night in the high 30s where I needed a top and bottom layer to stay warm. In the Grand Canyon in early May and on the Middle Fork in July, nights only dropped to around 50° F, a temperature for which the bag was comfortable unzipped—although I slept out under the stars most nights on the Middle Fork, and on breezy nights by the water, the air cooled enough for me to zip the bag up and feel perfectly comfortable.

I don’t get cold very easily, so someone who does might not want to push this bag’s—or any bag’s—comfort limit. But given the Hyperion’s extraordinarily low weight, it makes sense and reduces your pack weight even if you need to wear a layer of clothing that you’re carrying, anyway.

But with just a half-length zipper (for weight savings), you can’t truly open it up and use it as a blanket on very mild nights. Still, I found it quite functional on mild nights unzipping it as far as it opens, tucking my feet and lower legs (which generally do not overheat) inside the bag’s bottom half, and opening the upper bag to use as a blanket over part of my torso.

The bag’s design places 70 percent of the insulation on the top and sides and 30 percent on the bottom/back side—ideal for back sleepers, a bit less so for side sleepers (like me), although my back did not feel noticeably colder. The draft collar and comfortably close-fitting, adjustable hood gave me a nice, snug seal on those chilly nights at the City of Rocks, while the lightweight zipper moves as smoothly as any I’ve seen on a sleeping bag, and doesn’t snag.

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The Hyperion is stuffed with nine ounces (in the regular) of 900-fill down—nearly the highest-rated down you can find—which translates to more warmth and packability than most bags of the same weight (and effectively, since few bags are this light, it’s as warm as bags several ounces to a pound or more heavier). According to Therm-a-Rest, the water-resistant Nikwax Hydrophobic Down used in this bag retains its loft up to 60 times longer, absorbs 90 percent less water, and dries three times faster than standard down. Box-baffled construction uses mesh walls to maximize loft and minimize cold spots, and the ThermaCapture lining features a reflective coating that increases the bag’s thermal efficiency without adding weight or bulk.

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The fit is generous at the hood, shoulders (57-inch girth), and through the hips (49.5-inch girth) for a person of average build, though a little snug in the legs (43-inch girth at the footbox).

The 10-denier ripstop nylon shell fabric, treated with a DWR (durable, water-resistant coating) to repel moisture, is as light as bag shells get—handle it with care to avoid tears—but my bag has seen no damage and shouldn’t with sensible use. Two removable straps on the bag’s bottom side allow integrating it with an air mattress (also most useful for back sleepers).

It comes with a compression stuff sack and packs down to roughly twice the size of a liter bottle—much smaller than most similarly rated bags.

There’s also a Hyperion 20F/-6C version ($550, 1 lb. 6 oz.).

THERM-A-REST HYPERION 32F/0C

Warmth for its Weight

Warmth When Wet

Space

Packability

Features

The Verdict

Among the lightest and most compact down bags, the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32F/0C packs a huge warmth-per-ounce ratio and is a good value for ultralighters, thru-hikers, or any backpacker who wants to sleep comfortably at night and carry less weight on the trail.

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 Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32F/0C sleeping bag at cascadedesigns.com or backcountry.com, or a Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20F/-6C at cascadedesigns.com or backcountry.com.

See all of my reviews of sleeping bags that I like and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, and my articles “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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 for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-book!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-therm-a-rest-hyperion-32f-sleeping-bag/feed/ 1 34184 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-big-agnes-tiger-wall-2-platinum-ultralight-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-big-agnes-tiger-wall-2-platinum-ultralight-tent/#comments Tue, 07 May 2019 09:00:58 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=33608 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum
$600, 1 lb. 15 oz.
moosejaw.com

The sub-two-pound, double-wall, freestanding tent has become like the two-hour marathon of the backpacking gear world: the holy grail that many have come close to achieving, without quite nailing it. Now Big Agnes has set the pace with the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum, a redesign of its Tiger Wall UL2 from 2018 that seizes the grail and—most importantly—avoids shortcomings endemic to other ultralight tents. Taking it out on a six-day, 74-mile spring hike through the Grand Canyon that—not surprisingly—tested the wind resistance of our shelters, I found much to recommend about the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum, and decided it ranks among the very best backpacking tents available today. Here’s why.

The Tiger Wall 2 Platinum remains almost identical to its predecessor, B.A.’s Tiger Wall UL2. But the Platinum version achieves deeper weight savings by using Dominico Textile, a fabric used in parachutes and hang gliders and known for its strength, quality, and durability.

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Like the semi-frestanding Tiger Wall UL2, the Platinum version incorporates a hubbed, Y-shaped main pole with a short bridge pole that crosses the center pole. The pole architecture helps create a shelter that’s quite sturdy, especially for an ultralight tent: It stood up to gusts of 30 to around 40 mph on spring nights in the Grand Canyon, which would be a test for any tent weighing three pounds, nevermind under two pounds.

Despite its weight, the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum delivers livability perhaps unmatched among double-wall, freestanding or semi-freestanding tents in its weight class—an admittedly small category, a fact for which this shelter stands out, anyway. While many ultralight tents trade off headroom and living space, this tent feels impressively livable for its weight, largely due to headroom that allows two people to sit up side by side, because of how that bridge pole lifts the walls above each door.

The living space compares with many lightweight two-door, double-wall, two-person tents: 28 square feet of floor area, 86 inches of length, a 39-inch peak height (enough for six-footers to sit up, although some may find their head rubbing against the ceiling), and a floor width that ranges from 52 inches at the head end to 42 inches at the foot. Two standard, 20-inch-wide air mats fit inside with virtually no room to spare at the foot end, but some extra space at the head end. I shared it with a friend—he’s five feet 10 inches, I’m five feet eight inches—and we never bumped each other while sleeping; and with a little sensitivity to the comfined quarters, we moved around inside without invading another’s space much. But two big people might find it cramped.

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Also like the Tiger Wall UL2, the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum is almost freestanding: The two foot-end corners require staking. But with any freestanding model, staking it out fully is almost always required not only to keep it from blowing away or bending in wind, but to achieve a taut pitch and maximize living space and ventilation. The Tiger Wall 2 Platinum’s design still makes it easy to pick it up and move it after assembling it, or shake dirt out of it before packing it up. The color-coded DAC Featherlite NFL poles and just nine clips make pitching and dismantling the tent quick and intuitive.

The two large doors not only increase convenience, but their dimensions make coming and going a breeze. The doors have dual zippers—one each along the bottom and top edges—that open separately and join at a bottom corner of the doorway. This design is either convenient or a nuisance, depending on your perspective and what you’re trying to do. It allows opening the door slightly to pass something through or to put on shoes without letting bugs inside; on the other hand, it forces you to deal with two zippers every time you enter or exit, not always a welcome task in the rain. The oversized zipper pulls are easy to locate in the dark.

With a mostly mesh canopy, two doors, and a double-wall design, ventilation is excellent. The rainfly doorways overhang the interior doors, creating a drip line that keeps rain out of the tent.

The two vestibules each have eight square feet of storage space—enough for a mid-size pack and boots, plus a bit of cooking space, which compares to many lightweight tents. Two-way zippers on the doors allow you to ventilate from the top or bottom, or unzip partway from the bottom to prevent windblown rain from getting inside.

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The interior has two standard mesh pockets and one oversized wall pocket with media cord ports. The rainfly and tent floor are made of silicone-treated nylon ripstop fabric, making that fabric waterproof and stronger per weight.

At an ounce under two pounds, the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum may have no rival in its category when it comes to space-to-weight ratio. (For comparison purposes, tent makers generally provided a minimum or “trail” weight that includes only the tent, rainfly, and poles—not stakes and parts like guylines that vary between models—as well as a packed weight that represents the total poundage for everything in the package.)

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The packed size of 18×5.5 inches (46x14cm) makes it among the most compact two-person, double-wall tents on the market, too.

One caveat: While this tent uses cutting-edge ultralight materials that have good strength and durability for their weight, I always advocate using some care with any ultralight gear—it usually doesn’t last as long as heavier gear. After several trips, I have seen some small tears in the rainfly doors.

At this weight and bulk, the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum ranks among the lightest and most compact ultralight backpacking tents, making it also a legitimate solo shelter for someone desiring a little extra living space than found in many one-person tents. Like many Big Agnes tents, a footprint can be purchased separately ($70, 6 oz.) to replace the inner tent, creating a shelter (with no bug screen) weighing just 1 lb. 10 oz.

The Tiger Wall 3 Platinum ($600, 2 lbs. 6 oz.) weighs just seven ounces more, but adds 10 square feet of interior space, making it lighter but more spacious than many heavier two-person, two-door, double-wall tents—so it legitimately pulls double duty as a two- or three-person shelter.

Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Value

The Verdict

For its groundbreaking low weight, livability, sturdiness, and ventilation—all the boxes you’d want to check off when buying an ultralight backpacking tent—the Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum stands out as one of the very best models for ultralight and long-distance backpackers, or anyone who simply wants to reduce pack weight.

4.4

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at not cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Platinum or a Tiger Wall UL3 Platinum at backcountry.com or Moosejaw.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 review of “The 8 (Very) Best Backpacking Tents” and all of my reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear that I like.

See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.” (Both of those stories require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read, which costs as little as five bucks, or just pennies over $4 per month for an entire 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 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 of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-big-agnes-tiger-wall-2-platinum-ultralight-tent/feed/ 11 33608 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-nemo-kyan-20-azura-20-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-nemo-kyan-20-azura-20-sleeping-bag/#comments Wed, 03 Apr 2019 12:01:24 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=33089 Read on

]]> Three-Season Sleeping Bag
Nemo Kyan 20/Azura 20
$220, 2 lbs. 3 oz. (men’s regular)
Sizes: men’s and women’s regular and long
Moosejaw.com

From sleeping under the stars in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains in August to a six-day backpacking trip on the Continental Divide Trail in Glacier National Park in September, I slept like a baby in Nemo’s Kyan 20. But even more impressive about the men’s Kyan and women’s Azura are the qualities that ensure you won’t lie awake at night questioning your decision to buy this bag: warmth when damp, respectable packability, and a price that seals the deal.

Nemo’s Feathercore construction uses a continuous sheet of Primaloft Silver synthetic insulation—which, like other synthetic insulation, traps heat even when wet—to minimize air flow and heat loss, while maximizing compressibility; the insulation also contains 70 percent post-consumer recycled material. Nemo claims the construction method reduces the bag’s packed volume by 40 percent, making it comparable in packability to affordable down (think: 650-fill power down). Compressing to roughly the size of a soccer ball, it doesn’t have the packability of 800- or 900-fill power down, but it’s also priced like a much more affordable down bag.

 

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The bag’s warmth is good, but not exceptional. While I found the Kyan 20 plenty warm enough for nights slipping down into the 30s Fahrenheit in Glacier in September, I need warm base layers top and bottom for temps in the 20s in this bag (and I sleep fairly warm): It’s not quite as warm as the most thermally efficient down bags with a comparable temp rating—but nor is it nearly as expensive as those bags. It was more than warm enough for a night camping under the stars in the Sawtooths in late August with an overnight low in the 40s.

Nemo’s unique Thermo Gills—a pair of long zippers on the top that, when opened, create insulation-free vents (with nylon fabric, not openings into the bag) that release heat for milder nights that aren’t quite warm enough to open up the bag. That’s a smart innovation that Nemo introduced several years ago and has stuck with.

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Zipping the Kyan up completely, I found plenty of shoulder and torso room to lie on my side and extend my arms almost fully, while the mid-section and foot box are adequately spacious if not as capacious as the roomiest bags I’ve reviewed—without much contorting, I could bring a knee up to my chest. The generous hood wraps comfortably around my head and has a close fit even without tightening the drawcord, and closes down snugly around my face when I do tighten it.

The full-length, two-way, burly YKK zipper runs silky smooth and never snagged, thanks to a stiffer fabric backing it on the draft tube (which also seals out drafts). The shell is made of 20-denier nylon ripstop with a DWR (durable, water-repellant coating), as found in many lightweight bags; and similarly, the 30-denier nylon taffeta lining is common and comfortable enough against skin.

Bonus: The Kyan and Azura come with a compression stuff sack. The summer versions are the Kyan 35 and women’s Azura 35, both $200 ($220 long), 1 lb. 12 oz. (regular).

The Verdict

A synthetic bag is a smart choice if you routinely sleep in wet climes—and a bag’s insulation doesn’t have to get rained on to get damp, moisture can enter the insulation from your body or humid air inside a tent on a trip with sustained rainy weather. And the Nemo men’s Kyan and women’s Azura offer the warm-when-wet benefit of synthetic insulation with the packability of affordable, mid-quality down—at a super value.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a Nemo Kyan 20 sleeping bag at moosejaw.com or campsaver.com, a Nemo Azura 20 at moosejaw.com, outdoorplay.com, or rei.com, a Nemo Kyan 35 at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com or rei.com, or a Nemo Azura 35 moosejaw.com or rei.com.

See all of my reviews of sleeping bags that I like and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, and my articles “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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 my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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NEMO KYAN/AZURA 20

Warmth for its Weight

Warmth When Wet

Space

Packability

Value

Summary

The Kyan 20 and Azura 20 have the warm-when-wet benefit of synthetic insulation with the packability of affordable, mid-quality down—at a super value.

4.1

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-nemo-kyan-20-azura-20-sleeping-bag/feed/ 2 33089 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.

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 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.

---

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

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-petzl-bindi-ultralight-rechargeable-headlamp/feed/ 0 29340 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gossamer-gear-the-one-ultralight-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gossamer-gear-the-one-ultralight-backpacking-tent/#comments Tue, 25 Sep 2018 09:00:28 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=29246 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Gossamer Gear The One
$255, 1 lb. 2 oz./510g
gossamergear.com

When the wind blew strong gusts on some nights during a six-day, north-south traverse of more than 90 miles on the Continental Divide Trail in Glacier National Park in September, I wondered out of self-interest how well Gossamer Gear’s The One would stand up to them—given its tall profile, lightweight materials, and design that utilizes trekking poles for pitching. As it turned out, I had no reason to worry. The One not only held up well, it demonstrated why it is quite possibly the best solo ultralight tent on the market today.

A single-wall, non-freestanding, A-frame tent that pitches using two adjustable trekking poles set to 125cm (or custom aluminum poles sold separately for $38), with an interior tent featuring mesh bug netting and a bathtub floor, The One tent takes several minutes to pitch, even once you’ve gotten the hang of it. Setup involves staking the four corners, followed by inserting trekking poles and staking the vestibule and rear guyline. It also requires a minimum of six stakes, or 10 if you want to secure the bathtub floor (rather than just having it hang in place, which works well enough)—and just pounding them in can take time when the ground is hard-packed dirt or rocky, as we encountered in designated campsites in Glacier.

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But when pitched properly, the stability with two trekking poles is as good as many freestanding, three-season tents, in part because its tall walls are angled to deflect wind. Nonetheless, Gossamer Gear recommends pitching the tent with one of the ends pointing into the wind, rather than the large front or back sides, and ideally finding a sheltered campsite. In Glacier, our campsites were in forest every night but one, when our tents sat at the edge of a meadow, and The One withstood direct gusts of 20-30 mph that night without a problem. While we had no rain in Glacier, The One’s entrance has a drip line that keeps rain out of the tent interior when coming and going.

The front side features a tall, wide, zippered door on the mesh interior tent and a vestibule that sheltered my 58-liter ultralight pack and a pair of boots on one side, so that I easily entered and exited without having to climb over that stored gear. The two vestibule flaps can be individually rolled up on clear nights to give you lots of fresh air (plus maximum ventilation to prevent condensation) and a partial view of the stars. With both vestibule flaps rolled back, The One’s front side becomes a tall, flat, vertical wall, so you might not furl both flaps up if the wind is hitting that side of the tent.

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With no door on the back side (it being a solo tent), the SilNylon wall has a beaked awning (see lead photo at top of story) that overhangs a triangle of mesh on the upper part of the wall, providing cross-ventilation and high-low ventilation created by floor-level mesh at the tent ends. This ventilation significantly minimizes condensation, a problem that plagues some single-wall tents. While I would expect some condensation on calm, cold nights with the vestibule completely closed up—and Gossamer Gear acknowledges that possibility on its website—my group (taking turns using it) saw no moisture accumulate inside the tent, even on a calm night in the high 30s.

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The interior living space of 16 square feet is excellent and the headroom may be unmatched among one-person backcountry tents, especially ultralight models. The floor has abundant space for one person, with 33 inches of width at the head end and 21 inches at the foot, plus 84 inches of length; the middle of the tent has four or five inches of space on each side of a standard, 20-inch-wide air mattress. The peak height reaches a cavernous 45 inches in the center of the tent (where you would sit upright). I’m five feet, eight inches, and I easily fit extra clothes and gear inside.

The One’s 1200mm, PU-coated SilNylon fabric is ultralight—7-denier in the body and 10-denier in the bathtub floor—meaning that to ensure a longer life for the tent, you should use a ground cloth, which obviously adds weight. The tent comes with taped seams, 14 stakes, and guylines rigged.

At a mere 18 ounces (without the optional tent poles when using trekking poles to pitch it) and packing down to 6×9 inches in its stuff sack, The One ranks among the very lightest and most-compact backcountry shelters on the market—and may be unmatched for living space, which explains its popularity among dedicated ultralighters. Although you should choose fairly protected campsites for it, that’s not difficult on many U.S. long trails or public lands.

And Gossamer Gear has knocked the price down to $217, a great value in a high-quality, ultralight, solo tent.

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Gossamer Gear The One

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Livability

The Verdict

A single-wall A-frame shelter that pitches using trekking poles, with stability as good as many freestanding, three-season tents, very good living space, and good ventilation to minimize condensation, the Gossamer Gear The One ranks among the few very best solo ultralight tents on the market today at an outstanding value.

4.3

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog by clicking this affiliate link, at no cost to you, to purchase a Gossamer Gear The One at gossamergear.com.

See my review of “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents” and all reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.” (Both of those stories require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read, which costs as little as five bucks, or just pennies over $4 per month for an entire 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 categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gossamer-gear-the-one-ultralight-backpacking-tent/feed/ 10 29246 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

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-feathered-friends-eos-down-jacket/feed/ 1 29174 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-osprey-exos-58-and-eja-58-ultralight-backpacks/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-osprey-exos-58-and-eja-58-ultralight-backpacks/#respond Wed, 19 Sep 2018 09:18:32 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=29159 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpack
Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58
$240, 58L/3,539 c.i., 2 lbs. 11 oz. (men’s medium Exos)
Sizes: men’s Exos S-L, women’s Eja XS-M
backcountry.com

It’s difficult and sometimes dangerous to improve on a piece of gear that’s nearly perfect in its simplicity and functionality. So when Osprey rolled out the redesigned Exos for 2018, along with a women’s version, the Eja, with some changes to this popular model—which became an ultralight pack archetype when it was introduced in 2008—I immediately wanted to see whether the changes represent an improvement. Taking it on a six-day, 94-mile hike on the Continental Divide Trail through Glacier National Park, I found definite improvements—including that it carries better than the previous iteration—and I think some backpackers may miss one convenient feature that’s absent from the updated pack.

For starters, Osprey finally made a critical update to its ultralight pack line, launching a women’s version, the Eja, with the same design as the Exos. Both models come in three torso sizes and three capacities (38L, 48L, and 58L). My 18-inch (46cm) torso falls on the cusp between a small and medium in the Exos 58; I chose the medium and it was comfortable with 30 pounds in the pack.

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I had no trouble fitting my ultralight gear—including one luxury, a collapsible camp chair (the 17-ounce Helinox Chair Zero)—and food for six days inside the Exos 58 without overloading it. While I see the Exos 48 as strictly for backpackers taking short trips with a very minimalist kit, and the Exos 38 as basically a large daypack or possibly useful for extremely ultralight backpacking, the Exos 58 certainly has the capacity for weeklong trips and ultralight thru-hiking.

With an empty weight just a few ounces over 2.5 pounds, the Exos carries 30 pounds or more comfortably, thanks to the fixed (non-adjustable) Lightwire alloy perimeter frame with a stabilizing plastic cross strut. Like its predecessor, the frame has slight flex along its vertical and horizontal axes, and the frame’s curved shape transfers much of the pack weight onto your hips, where you want it. The redesigned frame is a couple of inches taller and has more of a bell shape than the previous version of the Exos, which helps focus the load more directly onto the hips—an improvement in comfort that’s noticeable, particularly on longer days or when you’ve loaded the pack to its weight capacity.

Like comparably minimalist suspensions, this one can generate a little bounce in the load, primarily when the pack weight exceeds 25 to 30 pounds. It’s not very noticeable, though, and basically unavoidable unless you get a pack with a more substantial suspension, which means significantly heavier.

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The trampoline-style back panel with side ventilation keeps the packbag off your back, allowing air movement through that gap. I noticed the cooling effect on long climbs to mountain passes under a warm sun in Glacier. The shoulder straps made of highly breathable, perforated foam are improved over the previous version, made slightly wider near the top, with the foam extending farther down toward the armpit.

Perhaps the biggest design change appears in the hipbelt. While still made of breathable, perforated foam, it replaces the zippered pockets of the previous Exos with a cutout that improves breathability, and a different wrap and weight distribution intended to complement the frame’s increased length and pronounced bell shape.

Osprey gave me this explanation for the hipbelt redesign that eliminates the hipbelt pockets: “The decision to remove the hipbelt pockets from the new Exos/Eja was not based on either cost or weight savings but rather a small sacrifice in the name of comfort. During the design process of Levity/Lumina, we found that this style of pack carried much better and was significantly more comfortable with this contoured shape that is wider at the bottom. This bell shape gives a better wrap around the hip and really adds to the comfort. With the bottom of the pack being wider, the hipbelt is much shorter and there is not room for a pocket that would be worthwhile. Our design ethos puts fit and comfort first and we are sometimes faced with the decision of features vs. fit/comfort. Fit and comfort will almost always win that battle.”

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As I wrote above, I think the redesigned pack carries a bit more comfortably than its predecessor. A friend with me in Glacier who has been a contented owner of the previous Exos 58 for some years told me, “I think I’d miss the hipbelt pockets.” I’ve always been a fan of hipbelt pockets on a pack. But in reality, the ease with which you can reach into the side pockets while wearing the new Exos—and thus keep snacks in them—meant I didn’t really notice not having the hipbelt pockets on our Glacier hike. I agree with Osprey’s decision that comfort should trump convenience in this case.

Osprey kept other smart details in the new Exos and Eja. The lid pocket is removable, to reduce pack weight by 4.5 ounces when unneeded, and it has good space for a pack in this category, plus a spacious, zippered valuables pocket on its bottom side. A fixed flap clips over the top-loading main compartment when you don’t bring the lid. But the lid is not extendable—arguably a good thing, because you don’t want to overload this pack, and you especially don’t want to make it top-heavy. (You also don’t want to make a pack with a trampoline-style back panel front-heavy, which can tip the weight away from your back, making the pack pull uncomfortably against your shoulders. See my video on how to properly load a backpack.)

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That said, the voluminous, stretch pockets on the front (large enough for a wet rainfly) and both sides (which fit a liter bottle with space to spare) do allow you to begin a trip with the Exos or Eja loaded beyond recommended capacity (and ideally eat into that load to reduce it within a day).

The new Exos/Eja also retain a favorite feature of mine, the trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap, useful for freeing your hands to shoot a photo on the move or scramble steeper terrain. These packs have standard features like ample side compression and external attachments for gear, including a single ice axe. The redesign eliminated the stretch-mesh pockets on each shoulder strap for bars or gels. The lightweight, 100-denier, high-tenacity nylon pack fabric in the bag and 210-denier high-tenacity nylon on the bottom compares to many packs.

They also come in the smaller Exos 48 and Eja 48 ($240, 48L/2,929 c.i., 2 lbs. 8 oz.), Exos 38 and Eja 38 ($220, 38L/2,319 c.i., 2 lbs. 5 oz.) is sized for use as a large daypack or for extremely ultralight backpacking.

As a side note, Osprey also introduced what it’s calling “super ultralight” packs in 2018, the men’s Levity 60 and women’s Lumina 60 ($270, 1.9 lbs.), which Osprey says carry up to 25 pounds, and the smaller Levity 45 and Lumina 45 ($250, 1.8 lbs.). Osprey cautions that these packs are definitely for committed ultralighters—for lighter loads than the Exos/Eja. I hope to test and review one soon, but I agree that they appear to be designed strictly for backpackers—primarily thru-hikers—who are carrying extremely minimalist kits.

Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58

Comfort/Support

Fit

Access

Features

Weight-to-Performance

Value

The Verdict

For ultralight backpackers who may carry 30 pounds or more and need a pack that can handle trips or thru-hiking sections of up to a week—while being light enough for shorter trips—the Osprey men’s Exos 58 and women’s Eja 58 are not the lightest options on the market, but are leaders in terms of comfort and design, and available at a competitive price.

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 any men’s Osprey Exos backpack at osprey.com or backcountry.com, or any women’s Osprey Eja backpack at osprey.com or backcountry.com, or one of the Levity or Lumina packs at the links in the above paragraph.

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 backpacks, ultralight backpacks, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside. Click here to read my review of the previous version of the Osprey Exos 58.

See also my “Top 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack,” and my stories “Gear Review: The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “Ask Me: What’s the Best Ultralight Thru-Hiking Backpack?”

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-osprey-exos-58-and-eja-58-ultralight-backpacks/feed/ 0 29159 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-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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Click here now to learn more.

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

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-storm-headlamp-2/feed/ 0 28782 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-big-agnes-picket-sl-30-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-big-agnes-picket-sl-30-sleeping-bag/#respond Wed, 25 Jul 2018 09:00:53 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=28661 Read on

]]> Three-Season Sleeping Bag
Big Agnes Picket SL 30
$260, 2 lbs. 4 oz. (men’s regular)
Sizes: regular and long
moosejaw.com

I know I’m not the easiest person to share a tent with: I flop from side to side during the night. A side sleeper, I curl up with knees bent and extend my arms almost fully. I’ve always preferred mummy-style sleeping bags for their efficiency at trapping heat—but some feel a bit too much like a coffin. On numerous nights of backpacking and camping from the Grand Canyon’s Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop in May to Idaho’s City of Rocks in June and Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows area in July, I found that the stretch panels of the Big Agnes Picket SL 30 gave me an experience closer to sleeping in my bed at home.

The key feature is the stretch side panels filled with PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation, allowing much more mobility than a traditional mummy bag. The stretch insulation moves with the fabric, so you don’t open up gaps in the insulation that would let cold air inside. The panels stretch enough for me to easily bring my knees to my chest, extend my arms nearly completely while lying on one side and keep them inside the bag, even get dressed inside without it becoming a rigorous core workout.

PrimaLoft Silver insulation throughout most of the bag makes it warm enough for me to use on nights in the 30s Fahrenheit (but I don’t get cold very easily; cold sleepers often prefer a bag rated 20 degrees lower than the lowest temps they expect to encounter). In short, the Picket’s 21 ounces of insulation, offset quilted construction, and vaulted foot box deliver warmth that’s about average for bags in this category—neither exceptional nor inferior. Plus the synthetic insulation retains its ability to trap heat even when wet.

 

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The hood’s shape and draft collar provide an opening that’s fairly close-fitting but not claustrophobic with the zipper up but the hood not tightened at all, negating the need to cinch it tighter except on really chilly nights, while the one-hand hood drawcord operates very easily. The 65-inch zipper moves smoothly and extends nearly the full length of the bag—allowing for venting at the foot end or opening the bag up completely to use like a blanket (with just your feet tucked into the foot box), as I did on warm nights—and an anti-snag draft tube generally prevents fabric getting caught in the zipper and acted as an efficient wall against cold air.

The nylon ripstop shell has a water-repellent finish. The bag stuffs easily into its lightweight sack, measuring 8×17.5 inches (20x45cm) packed, although I could stuff it into a sack a bit more than half that size, rendering it as compact as just about any bag I’ve seen in this temperature rating.

 

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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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While down-filled bags still hold a slight edge for packability and usually warmth-per-ounce, the Big Agnes Picket SL 30 offers a very comfortable, synthetic alternative to down at a competitive price. The Big Agnes Bolten SL 20 ($290 to $300) is a 20°F version of the Picket.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a Big Agnes Picket SL 30 sleeping bag at moosejaw.com or campsaver.com, or the Big Agnes Bolten SL 20 at moosejaw.com or campsaver.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 sleeping bags that I like and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, and my articles “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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/gear-review-big-agnes-picket-sl-30-sleeping-bag/feed/ 0 28661 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-slingfin-2lite-trek-ultralight-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-slingfin-2lite-trek-ultralight-backpacking-tent/#respond Wed, 27 Jun 2018 09:00:52 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=28441 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Slingfin 2Lite Trek
$329, 2 lbs. 6 oz.
slingfin.com

The world of ultralight backpacking tents can sometimes resemble a sort of Galapagos Islands of backcountry shelters, where odd-looking species evolve along a track (that probably defies some basic rules of evolution) toward competing goals of becoming stronger and incrementally larger while becoming lighter. Looked at from that perspective, the 2Lite Trek from Slingfin—a small company co-founded by a former Mountain Hardwear designer—doesn’t depart radically from traditional tents, other than pitching with trekking poles. But a unique design allowed it to stand up to winds of 30 to 40 mph in the Grand Canyon and Idaho’s City of Rocks. It’s also relatively roomy and featured for a two-person tent weighing under 2.5 pounds.

The 2Lite Trek rippled and snapped a bit but was largely unaffected by relentless winds of 30 to 40 mph during three June nights of camping at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve and four May nights backpacking the Grand Canyon’s Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop. Even tents that outweigh the 2Lite Trek by a pound or more can bend in 30 mph winds. I tested it in wind, pitched with and without its rainfly, in both of the tent’s configurations: with trekking poles, as well as substituting the optional bow pole for trekking poles (more on the pole options below). A friend who used it on a six-day bikepacking trip in Arizona reported similar conditions and results.

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Without the rainfly on, the interior canopy walls naturally got pushed around some in those winds, but the poles held up well—reinforced by me taking about five minutes to install the internal guy lines at the head of the tent, which help stabilize it. The rainfly presents a broad, flat wall at the head end of the tent that I thought would act as a sail; but it sustained hours of direct winds gusting over 30 mph without so much as bending under that assault.

The unusually good stability for an ultralight tent that pitches with trekking poles owes to the unique design of the pole sleeve over the tent’s peak, which can be tensioned using adjustable straps at each end of it. Plus, the 2Lite Trek employs two small poles, at the peak/head and at the foot, which contribute a lot of structural integrity for their minimal additional weight.

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Weighing just two pounds, six ounces (without the optional front pole, which isn’t needed when pitching with trekking poles), its interior measures 89 inches (2.25m) long and has 28.5 square feet (2.6 square meters) of floor space, with a 41-inch (1m) peak height—that’s more living space than typically found in two-person tents in this weight class (more, for instance, than the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, which is two ounces lighter). It sits two standard, 20-inch-wide air mattresses side by side, though with little room to spare, so two average-size adults should expect to bump one another occasionally. After all, this is an ultralight tent, and none of them would be confused with a palace. In its stuff sack, the packed tent measures a compact 13×5 inches (33x13cm), comparable to its competitors.

The two vestibules extend the length of the tent, measuring 10.7 square feet each—larger than found on many tents in this weight class—creating space to store midsize packs out of the way, with space to spare. The vestibule doors roll almost completely back to really open up the tent in good weather. The 2Lite Trek has a good drip line: The vertical side walls and overlapping rainfly keep all but blowing rain out of the tent when entering and exiting.

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Pitching isn’t as complicated as with some ultralight shelters with unique designs, but worth going through a dry run in your yard the first time. A traditional double-wall tent, though not freestanding, it pitches using two trekking poles to reduce pack weight. (An optional front pole, weighing four ounces, can be purchased separately and used instead of trekking poles; that conversion kit costs $54. Slingfin’s 2Lite is identical except that it pitches using the front tent pole instead of trekking poles, and a different conversion kit, costing $45, can convert that model to the 2Lite Trek. My advice: Use trekking poles and get the 2Lite Trek.)

After staking out the four corners, you attach a fabric sleeve that toggles to the high points of the tent and anchors the two trekking poles. Slide a short, bow pole through that sleeve and into grommets at each end. Straps adjust the tension on the bow pole, increasing it for more stability in windy conditions. You only have to attach this fabric sleeve once, unless switching between the trekking-pole setup and the optional front-pole setup. An arched pole supports the lower, foot end of the tent.

Lastly, adjust your trekking poles to about 44 inches and insert them into pouches at each end of the fabric sleeve and ground-level side grommets; the trekking poles lift the front end of the tent. Cord loops at the corners of the rainfly secure it to the same stakes used on the tent body corners, and the two vestibules stake out independently. Tabs on the underside of the rainfly secure it to the arched pole to enhance structural integrity.

From the PU-coated, nylon ripstop rainfly to the walls and mesh of the interior tent, the fabrics are all 15-denier, while the floor is a PU-coated, 20-denier nylon ripstop—all very lightweight, as expected, but also more susceptible to tearing than heavier tent fabrics. When I had to use a couple of large rocks to “stake out” the vestibules in a campsite with ground too rocky to pound in stakes, the steady, strong wind caused the stake cord at the bottom of one vestibule door to rub back and forth over the rock (which had rounded sides, not sharp, but coarse granite), sawing it almost completely through.

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Yes, ultralight tents and other gear make the carrying part of backpacking trips more pleasant, and they’ll hold up fine as long as you exercise a reasonable amount of care when handling them and selecting campsites. But wear and tear happens faster.

I wouldn’t bother purchasing the optional footprint ($60, 5.5 oz.) for the 2Lite—you might as well just buy a tent with a more-durable floor.

Slingfin 2Lite Trek

Space-to-Weight Ratio

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Ventilation

Features

Value

The Verdict

Whether you’re a thru-hiker, dedicated ultralight backpacker or bikepacker, or simply want to prioritize minimizing pack weight and don’t mind a confined tent, the Slingfin 2Lite Trek offers good living space and strength in strong wind for this tent category, and two doors—rare qualities for a sub-2.5-pound tent—all at a competitive price.

4.6

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to buy a Slingfin 2Lite Trek at slingfin.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 of “The 8 (Very) Best Backpacking Tents” and all of my reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear that I like.

See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.” (Both of those stories require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read, which costs as little as five bucks, or just pennies over $4 per month for an entire 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.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-slingfin-2lite-trek-ultralight-backpacking-tent/feed/ 0 28441 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-big-agnes-insulated-axl-air-mattress/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-big-agnes-insulated-axl-air-mattress/#respond Wed, 20 Jun 2018 09:02:29 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=28361 Read on

]]> Insulated Air Mattress
Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air Mattress
$180, 20×72 inches rectangular, 13 oz. (including its stuff sack)
Sizes: 20×66, 20×72, 25×72, and 25×78 inches rectangular and 20×72 mummy
moosejaw.com

As air mattresses have continued getting lighter, more compact, and more comfortable, one would think a limit has been reached on how small they can get before sacrificing real comfort. But Big Agnes has raised that bar again—or lowered it, if you will—with the AXL Air. For four nights backpacking the Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop off the Grand Canyon’s North Rim in May, and several spring nights camping at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve, I slept like a baby on this plush air mattress, while it all but disappeared inside my pack on the trail. I’ve tested and own many air mats, and I don’t think there’s another I’d now carry instead for three-season backpacking. Here’s why.

The AXL stands alone by a few measures. Very few backcountry air mats weigh less than a pound, and even fewer come in as low as 12 ounces (without its one-ounce stuff sack)—and I haven’t found one under a pound that’s as comfortable as the AXL. Rolled up, the 20×72 rectangular size measures 3×6.5 inches (8x17cm)—the size of a liter bottle; the 20×72 mummy and 20×66 rectangular are both under 11 ounces.

 

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All sizes of the AXL Air measure 3.75 inches thick along the outer tubes and a deluxe 3.25 inches thick throughout the air mat’s interior tubes—fatter than other air mats that compete for weight, and as thick as some that are several ounces heavier—giving it elevated side walls that help keep you on the mattress. Similar to other air mats with its dimensions, it takes 23 to 24 strong breaths to inflate and it doesn’t deflate any faster or slower than comparably sized, single-valve mats. When deflating it, insert the tab end of the valve cap into the valve to hold it open. (Tip: After opening the valve to deflate any air mat, fold it up like an accordion and lie or sit on it to force most of the air out faster, before rolling it up.)

 

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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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While Big Agnes doesn’t give its air mats an R-value, the PrimaLoft Silver insulation and a heat-reflective Mylar layer trap heat efficiently enough to use the AXL in typical three-season temperatures, probably down to around freezing (but not on frozen ground). The ripstop nylon shell fabric is made with a high-tenacity yarn, a high-filament count, and aviation-grade lamination to increase tear strength and durability. According to Big Agnes, aviation-grade lamination is a TPU application that adds durability to the random ripstop nylon. It is lightweight, abrasion resistant, has high elasticity and helps to shed dirt and oil.

My AXL sustained a tiny hole early on my third trip with it, backpacking for four days in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, and I couldn’t locate the hole to patch it in the field. I repaired it later, at home. The takeaway: Like a lot of air mats, this one is susceptible to punctures.

Another plus: The AXL doesn’t make loud crunching noises when you roll around on it, like the insulation used in some air mats. An antimicrobial treatment inside the mat prevents the growth of microorganisms that can gradually degrade the material.

 

Big Agnes claims the Insulated AXL Air is the most comfortable and lightest ultralight, three-season pad on the market. Comparing it with the many air mats I’ve reviewed (now forming a sizable pile in my gear room), I have to agree.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase any size of the Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air Mattress at moosejaw.com, rei.com, or campsaver.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 air mattresses, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside. See also my related articles “Pro Tips For Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips For Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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-big-agnes-insulated-axl-air-mattress/feed/ 0 28361 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-sierra-designs-nitro-800-20-degree-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-sierra-designs-nitro-800-20-degree-sleeping-bag/#comments Thu, 31 May 2018 09:00:26 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=28155 Read on

]]> Three-Season Sleeping Bag
Sierra Designs Nitro 20-Degree
$320, 1 lb. 15 oz. (regular)
Sizes: men’s regular and long, women’s regular
sierradesigns.com

Choosing between sleeping bags can sometimes feel like getting the names of identical twins right—they look an awful lot alike. With bags, you can compare certain key specs: temperature rating, type and amount of insulation (or fill), total weight, and, of course, the price. Using those metrics, the new Sierra Designs Nitro bags look like a pretty good value, so I slept in the 20-degree Nitro 800 while camping on some cool and windy May nights at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve, and on a three-night, 39-mile backpacking trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range in mid-September, to see if its performance matches its impressive numbers.

While SD calls it a 20-degree bag, its standardized EN ratings of 28° F (-2° C) for comfort and 17° F (-9° C) for limit offer a good sense of what the average person will find it adequately warm for—although people who get cold easily (including many women) may not want to actually test those temp ratings. Not surprisingly, I found it more than warm enough for nights in the low 40s Fahrenheit; I didn’t have to zip it up completely, even in clammy, rainy weather (sleeping inside a tent). The bag is stuffed with 14.7 ounces of PFC-free, water-resistant, 800-fill-power DriDown, insulation that retains its ability to trap heat even when wet, and will dry out faster than bags stuffed with standard down feathers.

The women’s regular bag contains the same amount of down as the men’s regular, even though it’s four inches shorter, giving the women’s bag a higher density of insulation. That makes it warmer. But given how much more easily women get cold than men, on average, that difference in the bags merely helps justify giving them identical temp ratings.

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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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The high-quality down helps explain why the Nitro 800/20 Degree weighs in a few ounces south of two pounds—that’s light for a bag with this temp rating. Many lightweight bags achieve a comparable weight partly by literally cutting corners—reducing the bag’s volume, thus using less materials, which naturally translates to less weight but a claustrophobic fit. I’ve slept in too many that were just too tight for even my average build.

To SD’s credit, that’s not the case with the Nitro. It’s mummy cut is more generous than you’ll find in a lot of bags, with a 62-inch circumference at the shoulders, 56 inches at the hips, and 40 inches at the feet (in the men’s regular). I could spread my knees and feet comfortably apart and, as a side sleeper, extend my arms not quite completely straight, but enough to sleep basically in the position I would in my bed. Unfortunately, taller women are out of luck: The one women’s size bag only fits people up to five feet, eight inches.

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I like how, when the bag is completely zipped up, the roomy, adjustable hood fits fairly snugly around my face before I tighten it at all. That also meant I could keep my head outside the hood without letting any cold draft inside the bag. That’s thanks in part to a five-inch-wide draft collar extending all the way to the shoulders. The five-inch horizontal baffles and side wall baffles prevent down from migrating and causing cold spots.

Personally, I’m not a fan of SD’s zipperless foot vent; a couple of times, I inadvertently poked my feet outside the bag when shifting around. Besides, I know at most two or three people who stick their feet outside of their bag when camping; I’ve probably never done that. Still, this feature will appeal to some people—and it comes without additional zipper weight—and accidental foot exposure to cold air wasn’t a regular occurrence in the Nitro.

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On the other hand, I consider the half-length, 40-inch zipper ideal: minimizing weight by eliminating something I don’t need—that is, the ability to cool my legs when sleeping—while making it long enough to easily get in and out of the bag. However, the downside of a half zipper is that you cannot open the bag up fully to use it like a blanket on exceptionally mild nights—but then, most people don’t buy a 20-degree bag for exceptionally mild nights. I found the zipper not entirely snag-proof, but more importantly, it’s very easy to free it if and when it does snag on the inside fabric. The 15-denier shell and liner fabrics help minimize the total weight, but that’s about as light as bag fabrics get, so be gentle with this sack, especially if sleeping out under the stars.

You won’t find any new or special technology in the Sierra Designs Nitro bags—just a comfortable, high-quality, lightweight sleeping bag with water-resistant down at a competitive price. That’s enough reason to get one. SD also makes the Nitro in a men’s 35-degree version ($300, 1 lb. 6 oz.) and men’s and women’s 0-degree ($380, 2 lbs. 8 oz.) versions.

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 Sierra Designs Nitro 20 sleeping bag, or one of the other versions, at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or sierradesigns.com.

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See all of my reviews of sleeping bags that I like and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, and my articles “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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/gear-review-sierra-designs-nitro-800-20-degree-sleeping-bag/feed/ 2 28155 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-optic-58-and-octal-55-ultralight-backpacks/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-gregory-optic-58-and-octal-55-ultralight-backpacks/#comments Thu, 17 May 2018 09:00:06 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=27936 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpack
Gregory Optic 58 (men’s) and Octal 55 (women’s)
$210, 58L/3,539 c.i. (men’s medium), 2 lbs. 7 oz. (men’s small, without the included rain cover, 3 oz.)
Sizes: men’s S-L, women’s XS-M
moosejaw.com

No one loves loading extra water into their pack—especially upwards of 13 pounds of it, as I did as we left our last water source on our final evening backpacking the Grand Canyon’s Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop. We needed to haul enough liquid sustenance to get us through the 2,600-foot climb we were embarking on at 5:30 p.m., plus another 2,000 feet uphill early the next morning. That pushed my total pack weight up toward the limit of the ultralight Optic 58—as good a test as any. And Gregory’s first foray into ultralight packs not only handled that assignment well, it shines for many other reasons, too.

The men’s Optic 58 and women’s Octal 55 (plus smaller-capacity versions of both, the men’s Optic 48 and women’s Octal 45) represent the first ultralight packs from Gregory, a brand known for high-end comfort and design, especially in its packs built for big loads, like the men’s Baltoro and women’s Deva series. Having used many Gregory models, I was eager to take the Optic 58 out for four days on the rugged, 25-mile Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop off the Grand Canyon’s North Rim in May. I carried 25 to 30 pounds for much of the trip, but a maxium of about 35 pounds for more than two hours, including that six liters of water to our final, dry camp.

The frame, an aluminum perimeter wire with an HDPE framesheet, has very slight flex to it, which results in better support and torsional stability at the upper end of the pack’s weight capacity—30 to 35 pounds—as well as a bit of bounce, especially when hiking downhill or at a stronger pace. But you’ll get a little bounce in other ultralight packs, because the whole idea is minimizing weight, which is the best way to make a load more stable (and not bouncy). The fixed (non-adjustable) harness comes in three sizes, fitting torsos across a range from 16 to 22 inches in the men’s Optic and 14 to 20 inches in the women’s Octal; most people would find a size that fits. While I’ve worn a men’s medium in other Gregory packs, the men’s small Optic fit my 18-inch torso well, even though I’m on the cusp between men’s small and medium.

Gregory’s trampoline-style Aerospan suspension consists of a tensioned, highly ventilated back panel with side openings, that’s suspended slightly off the pack bag, to allow air movement across your sweaty back; that makes a difference in comfort on strenuous or relatively fast hikes and hot weather in places like the Grand Canyon. But because the pack bag rides fairly close to the back panel and the frame transfers weight very efficiently to the hips, I never got the feeling of the pack hanging off my shoulders. Even with a full, three-liter water sack far from my spine in the pack’s front pocket for a steep, 2,000-foot uphill slog, the pack still carried reasonably comfortably.

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The very breathable, perforated foam in the shoulder straps, leaf-spring lumbar pad, and hipbelt softened the heaviest loads I put in the Optic 58, distributing the weight nicely and never causing any pressure points. Still, this is an ultralight pack with a comfort limit of 30 to 35 pounds; pushing that capacity will overload the flexible hipbelt and the suspension.

Backpackers who want to go ultralight without switching to a more stripped-down style of backpack will like the traditional design of the top-loading Optic and Octal. A wide mouth and white interior make for easy access and good internal visibility when loading and unloading. There are six external pockets (I’m not including the zippered pocket on the lid’s underside because it’s not technically “external”): two zippered pockets on the hipbelt that each hold two or three energy bars (but not a large smartphone); a zippered lid pocket with the kind of space you’ll find in other packs in this category; two stretch-mesh side pockets that hold a liter bottle; and a large, stretch-mesh front pocket that will hold a wet rainfly or, as I found, a three-liter water bag.

I found the side pockets a little difficult but not impossible to reach while wearing the pack. The three external mesh pockets suffered no damage from the abrasive rock in the Grand Canyon, but I was careful with it; that mesh will tear easily if you’re not careful. The pack bag fabric is otherwise moderately durable 100-denier nylon with 210-denier nylon in the bottom—comparable to many lightweight packs.

Removing the two-pocket lid reduces weight by only three ounces, not much weight savings for sacrificing the organizational convenience and capacity of those pockets; plus, replacing it with the all-weather rain-and-dust cover (included) over the main compartment means you shave only two ounces. The ostensibly floating lid extends by only about an inch if you want to supersize the load—limiting the ability to overload the pack and make it top-heavy.

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The Optic and Octal also sport some basic, utilitarian features found on heavier, traditional packs. Front attachments hold trekking poles or ice axes. Adjustable Z-compression straps on both sides and top compression on the main compartment shrink the pack bag for stability when it’s underfilled, and the side straps held a short foam sleeping pad. There’s an internal bladder sleeve and hose port, of course. And the left shoulder strap has an elasticized strap for holding sunglasses or trekking poles—useful for hands-free photography or scrambling without stopping to remove the pack.

While adding organizational convenience, those pockets and other features also add about a half-pound compared to more-streamlined ultralight packs like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider and the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60.

The smaller men’s Optic 48 and women’s Octal 45 ($190) sacrifice significant capacity for the nominal benefits of shedding a few ounces and dollars.

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Gregory Optic 58 and Octal 55

Comfort/Support

Fit

Access

Features

Weight-to-Performance

Value

The Verdict

The Gregory men’s Optic 58 and women’s Octal 55 are well-designed, comfortable packs for ultralighters who want some organizational features of traditional backpacks and the support to carry 30 pounds or more.

4.2

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 a men’s Gregory Optic 58 or Optic 48 at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com or a women’s Gregory Octal 55 or Octal 45 at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com.

Tell me what you think.

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See all of my reviews of backpacks, ultralight backpacks, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

See also my “Top 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack,” and my stories “Gear Review: The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “Ask Me: What’s the Best Ultralight Thru-Hiking Backpack?”

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-gregory-optic-58-and-octal-55-ultralight-backpacks/feed/ 5 27936 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul2-ultralight-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul2-ultralight-backpacking-tent/#comments Wed, 16 May 2018 09:00:55 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=27926 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2
$400, 2 lbs. 4 oz.
backcountry.com

I got a little worried when the wind in the Grand Canyon started gusting to about 30 mph one evening—which I assumed would test the limits of the ultralight Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 tent’s structural strength. When the gusts continued to increase—at times exceeding 40 mph—I seriously thought we might lose one or more of our shelters roughly halfway through our May backpacking trip on the 25-mile Thunder River-Deer Creek Loop off the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. But the Tiger Wall stood up to those gusts, giving me yet another reason to like this supremely featherweight backpacking tent.

A friend and I used the Tiger Wall UL2 for four nights in the Grand Canyon—a place that will give shelters a hard test, especially ultralights, because it can be so relentlessly windy and rarely offer natural wind breaks like dense trees. But Big Agnes’s lightest two-door tent surprisingly rose to that challenge—and I say “surprisingly” because many backpacking tents, even heavier models, are typically built to withstand winds up to about 30 mph. The Tiger Wall also withstood afternoon and evening winds hitting around 30 mph, and a steady rain, on a weekend camping trip in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve.

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The hubbed and color-coded DAC Featherlite NFL pole structure not only makes pitching and dismantling the tent quick and intuitive, it’s quite strong for being so lightweight: The tent bowed a bit but never collapsed or suffered damage when winds in the Grand Canyon gusted to what I would conservatively estimate at 40 mph. The Tiger Wall falls just shy of freestanding; the two foot-end corners require staking. But that’s hardly a shortcoming, since any fully freestanding tent requires staking to create a taut pitch and stand up in strong winds.

As usual with many ultralight backcountry shelters, living space represents the most conspicuous tradeoff. Its 28 square feet compares with competitors in this exclusive and tiny club of two-person, two-door, double-wall tents that barely exceed two pounds. Other metrics are similar to what you’d find in this category: 86 inches of length, a 39-inch peak height (enough for six-footers to sit up, although many will find their head rubbing against the ceiling), and a floor width that ranges from 52 inches at the head end to 42 inches at the foot. You’ll fit two standard, 20-inch-wide air mats in there with little room to spare. Average-size people will bump into each other a bit, while two big people might find it too cramped.

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The two eight-square-foot vestibules each store a mid-size pack and boots, create some cooking space when needed, and exponentially increase the comfort, convenience, and ventilation of an ultralight tent compared to single-door models. The short, bridge section of the pole lifts the side walls of the mesh canopy outward, not only improving headroom—making the interior feel more spacious and livable than other tents in this category—but each end of that pole sits in tiny pockets on the rainfly, strengthening the tent’s structural integrity.

The interior is basic, with a mesh pocket on each side and a large, mesh ceiling pocket, which won’t hold much weight but facilitates drying out damp socks or T-shirts, and provides a spot to place a headlamp for diffused interior lighting. The two large doors have dual zippers—one each along the bottom and top edges—that open separately and join at a bottom corner of the doorway; this allows opening just one side slightly to pass something through or to put on shoes without letting bugs inside. The oversized zipper pulls makes locating them in the dark easier.

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With all-mesh walls and ceiling and a double-wall design, ventilation is excellent and condensation not a problem (with the possible exception of cold, calm nights with both rainfly doors completely zipped shut—not circumstances I encountered and not typical for an ultralight, three-season tent; but the taut pitch would help keep any dampness on the rainfly’s underside off the mesh walls). The rainfly’s vestibule doors have two-way zippers and hook-and-loop patches for multiple venting options, plus the rainfly doorways overhang the interior doors, creating a drip line that keeps rain out of the tent.

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As with many ultralight tents, this one employs very lightweight, 15-denier fabric, which demands a reasonable degree of caution handling it. The Tiger Wall UL2 measures just 5.5×18 inches (14x46cm) in its stuff sack, a compact package that stows away easily inside a mid-size backpack. Using the footprint (sold separately, $70, 6 oz.) instead of the interior tent canopy with the rainfly, the so-called “fast-fly” setup weighs just 1 lb. 11 oz. (including everything needed—footprint, rainfly, poles, and stakes).

Final analysis: Although snug for two people, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 is livable, relatively strong, and certainly one of the very lightest, two-door, double-wall tents on the market—light enough even to use as a solo tent if you want abundant space (although two doors and vestibules become superfluous weight for one person).

The Tiger Wall UL3 ($450, 2 lbs. 10 oz.) weighs just seven ounces more, but adds 10 square feet of interior space, making it lighter but more spacious than many two-person, two-door, double-wall tents—so it legitimately pulls double duty as a two- or three-person shelter.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at not cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 or a Tiger Wall UL3 at backcountry.com or Moosejaw.com.

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See my review of “The 7 (Very) Best Backpacking Tents” and all of my reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear that I like.

See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.” (Both of those stories require a paid subscription to The Big Outside to read, which costs as little as five bucks, or just pennies over $4 per month for an entire 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 categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul2-ultralight-backpacking-tent/feed/ 3 27926 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-klymit-insulated-v-ultralite-sl-air-mattress/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-klymit-insulated-v-ultralite-sl-air-mattress/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2018 09:00:03 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=27507 Read on

]]>

Insulated Air Mattress
Klymit Insulated V Ultralite SL
$120, 1 lb.
One size
klymit.com

Air mattresses for backpacking vary significantly in a few ways: comfort, price, weight, and packed bulk—and you often pay more for better comfort or low weight and bulk. But the Klymit Insulated V Ultralite SL bends that rule. So I took this relatively affordable air mat on a three-night, 39-mile backpacking trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range in mid-September, and camping in Idaho’s City of Rocks in spring, to see whether sleeping on it proves as sweet as its price.

With fat, V-shaped air tubes running down the mat’s center, standard dimensions of 72×20 inches tapering to 18 inches at the foot, and 2.5 inches of thickness, the V Ultralite SL was comfortable even for a side sleeper like me—my hipbones never dug into the ground. Square air tubes along its edges keep its perimeter stable, so that I never slid or bounced off it. Not surprisingly, for comfort it compares with some air mats of similar thickness, but not with the most cush backcountry mats out there. However, comparing it against two of my favorites for sleeping on, the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra is cheaper but heavier and noisier, and the Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated is heavier, bulkier when packed, and more expensive.

 

The R-value of 4.4 gives it a higher warmth rating than most three-season air mats—but flat spots between the V-shaped air tubes in the mat can allow for cold spots if you’re on frozen ground; consider this a warmer-than-average air mat for cold sleepers on three-season trips. The synthetic insulation is noticeably quiet—a relief for anyone who’s rolled around on an air mat with insulation that crunches with every movement (or shared a tent with someone who’s on one)—and it delivered all the warmth I needed inside a tent on September nights in the 40s Fahrenheit.

 

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The valve twists to open and close, and conveniently can be pushed in to seal it while inflating, so that air doesn’t leak out while you’re drawing your next breath. Inflating it requires 12 strong breaths, which is faster than some air mats. The 20-denier ripstop polyester fabric helps keep it fairly lightweight for an air mat of these dimensions—but that fabric is about as thin as you’ll find in even the lightest air mats, so be careful with it. (Fortunately, Klymit offers a lifetime guarantee. In fact, I returned the first Insulated V Ultralite SL that I received because I could not detect an apparent slow air leak, but Klymit immediately sent me a replacement that has not leaked.) The Insulated V Ultralite packs down to 4.5×7 inches, comparable to many competitors with equal inflated dimensions.

In today’s market of deluxe, super comfy, compact backcountry air mats, some of which cost upwards of $200, the Klymit Insulated V Ultralite SL delivers good comfort and competitive metrics in weight and bulk at a good price—albeit with potentially less durability.

 

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If you’re on a tighter budget, check out the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite ($95, 1 lb. 4 oz., R-value 4.4), which is also 2.5 inches thick, but 23 inches wide, as well as slightly heavier and bulkier when packed at 5×8 inches. Or if you plan to only camp in mild summer temps and want a real bargain, Klymit’s uninsulated Static V air mat ($55, 1 lb. 3 oz.) has the same inflated dimensions as the insulated version and an R-value of 1.3.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a Klymit Insulated V Ultralite SL at klymit.com or campsaver.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

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See all of my reviews of air mattresses and all of my reviews of backpacking gear at The Big Outside. See also my related articles “Pro Tips For Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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-klymit-insulated-v-ultralite-sl-air-mattress/feed/ 1 27507 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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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.

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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.

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-outdoor-research-ascendant-hoody/feed/ 2 26723 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

]]>

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.

 

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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.

 

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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

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]]> 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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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.

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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.

 

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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

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-arcteryx-cerium-lt-hoody/feed/ 4 24972 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-rei-magma-10-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-rei-magma-10-sleeping-bag/#comments Tue, 26 Sep 2017 09:05:16 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24956 Read on

]]> Three-Season Sleeping Bag
REI Magma 10 and Magma 17
$349, 1 lb. 13 oz. (regular) 10° F
Sizes: men’s and women’s regular and long
rei.com

On the last night of a 40-mile May backpacking trip in Utah’s Dark Canyon, a friend and I slept out under the stars and a heavy dew fell during the night. But I didn’t notice it until after waking up, seeing the droplets covering everything around me, and sticking a hand outside to feel my bag’s wet shell. Inside my REI Magma 10—which appeared to lose none of its loft, despite its shell getting soaked—I stayed warm and dry. That was a clincher moment in convincing me of what a super value REI’s men’s and women’s Magma sleeping bags represent in high-quality, water-resistant down bags.

I slept comfortably in this mummy bag for three May nights backpacking Utah’s Dark Canyon, including one night at over 8,500 feet when the low dipped into the 30s Fahrenheit and I left the rainfly off my tent and wore only underwear and a long-sleeve top. (A tent with its rainfly on is usually several degrees warmer than the outside air; but it doesn’t trap heat with the rainfly off.) The bag warmed up within a minute after I crawled inside, and I closed the bag and hood up completely.

I also used it on two nights in the 40s Fahrenheit on a 39-mile, mid-September backpacking trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, including a night when the bag’s shell got damp from heavy rain blowing into the tent before I woke up and closed the vestibule door (which I’d left open because it wasn’t raining when I fell asleep). And I pushed the bag’s temp rating on a night at 17° F before starting an early-March backpacking trip in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park: I had to wear a couple of top layers and long underwear and still was only marginally warm enough to sleep well.

It was more than warm enough for the temperatures I experienced; most nights, I didn’t even have to zip it up completely or put up the hood. I think the EN (European Norm) comfort rating of 22° F and limit rating 10° F for the men’s Magma 10, and 17° F and 3° F for the women’s Magma 17, are reliable measures for people who don’t get cold too easily; those who do may prefer to use these bags in temps at least 10 to 15 degrees warmer than those ratings.

I stayed dry when the bag got wet thanks to its 17.6 ounces (500 grams) of water-resistant 850-fill goose down feathers (in the men’s regular), and a down-proof Pertex shell that let no feathers leak out and repelled moisture. The shell dried quickly in the morning sunshine, thanks in part to its black color.

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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 bag’s generous dimensions—72 inches long, 60 inches of girth at the shoulders, and 57 inches at the hips (in the men’s regular)—allowed me to easily pull on pants while inside it. The warm, contoured hood’s two drawstrings let me adjust the fit as snugly as I wanted around my face, and it has space for a small, inflatable pillow, while an insulated neck yoke keeps cold air outside.

The horizontal baffles with variable spacing prevent the down from migrating, for thermal efficiency and to help minimize weight. The trapezoidal foot box provides comfortable space and keeps feet warm. The zipper moves smoothly, without snagging, thanks to a zipper cover and an internal anti-snag strip. The stuff sack measures 15×7.5 inches (eight liters), but a compression sack can squeeze this into a slightly smaller package.

REI has built a successful business model based partly on offering quality products at value prices. With the men’s Magma 10 and women’s Magma 17 sleeping bags, it has done that again.

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BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase any of the men’s or women’s REI Magma sleeping bags at rei.com.

See all of my reviews of sleeping bags that I like and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, and my articles “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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 my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-rei-magma-10-sleeping-bag/feed/ 1 24956 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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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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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

 

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Join now and a get free e-guide!

]]> 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

]]>

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-montane-minimus-777-pull-on/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-montane-minimus-777-pull-on/#respond Tue, 22 Aug 2017 09:00:57 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24428 Read on

]]>

Ultralight Rain Jacket
Montane Minimus 777 Pull-On
$280, 4.5 oz. (medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

While any ultralight wind shell or rain jacket offers a lot of versatility, the Minimus 777 pushes the extreme low end in weight for waterproof-breathable outerwear, an appealing trait for hikers, trail runners, and climbers. And it demonstrated that versatility during the eight days I recently spent trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc: Whenever the wind started howling, or the sky began spitting rain, or we stopped for a break at a high pass, I reached for this sub-five-ounce shell. Here’s why.

Everything about the Minimus 777 Pull-On is engineered to minimize weight—certainly making it one of the lightest rain shells on the market. The Pertex Shield waterproof-breathable laminate fabric combines 7-denier nylon on the exterior with a 7-micron breathable membrane and 7-denier tricot fabric on the interior. Micro-taped seams keep water out without compromising breathability.

While Montane promotes it for running, a waterproof-breathable shell this packable and adequately durable also makes a good “just in case” choice for dayhikers and backpackers heading out with a good forecast; I carried it for just that reason on a mid-October overnight hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

I found it fairly breathable, but not exceptional: In cool, strong winds on the Tour du Mont Blanc, I wore it hiking uphill at a moderate pace while carrying a 30-pound pack, without overheating. A friend sweated in it without it getting too damp inside during an 8.5-hour, 20-mile, 4,500-foot, mid-September trail run-hike and third-class peak scramble we did in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, in temps in the 40s Fahrenheit. Wearing it for an hour of aerobic Nordic skiing in heavily falling snow and temps in the mid-20s, I found the fabric repelled the snow well, but it did get clammy inside, and remained damp even after I wore it in my home for about 20 minutes afterward. Having a waterproof laminate makes it less breathable than ultralight wind shells that are only water-resistant, not waterproof.

 

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 hip-length, athletic fit provides space for one or two midweight base layers underneath, and the articulated shoulders translate to zero hem lift when I raise my arms overhead. The deep, AquaGuard front zipper allows plenty of venting and repels water. As with most ultralight shells, the hood lacks any adjustability, but has stretch panels on the sides and back to maintain a snug fit around head even in wind, and the light brim juts out slightly to provide a little face protection.

The elasticized hem and cuffs keep out cool gusts, and I could easily push the sleeves up to my elbows. The Minimus 777 packs into its one zippered chest pocket, reducing to slightly larger than my fist; and the pocket is large enough for a phone or a light hat or pair of gloves. While its abrasion resistance compares with many ultralight shells—and the Minimus has a seam stitch count of 12 to 13, denser and stronger than is typical of similar jackets—this is nonetheless made with thin fabric, so exercise care in how much you abuse it.

 

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While it’s not the least-expensive or most breathable rain and wind shell you can find, it is the lightest I’ve tested and reviewed over the past several years. If you’re a hiker, climber, or trail runner counting grams, and looking for a four-season, ultralight shell that breathes well enough for moderate to cold temperatures, sheds a steady rain, and all but disappears inside a pack, the Montane Minimus 777 Pull-On will deliver years of use to justify its price.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a Montane Minimus 777 Pull-On at backcountry.com, the men’s Minimus 777 Jacket at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com, or the women’s Minimum 777 Jacket 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 ultralight wind shells and ultralight rain jackets, trail-running apparel, climbing apparel, and hiking apparel that I like, and all of my outdoor apparel reviews 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-montane-minimus-777-pull-on/feed/ 0 24428 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-sierra-designs-flex-capacitor-40-60-backpack/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-sierra-designs-flex-capacitor-40-60-backpack/#comments Thu, 03 Aug 2017 09:00:07 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24293 Read on

]]> Backpack
Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60
$200, 2 lbs. 9 oz. (men’s S/M pack with S/M hipbelt)
Sizes: men’s S/M (fits torsos 16-19 inches) and M/L (fits torsos 18-21 inches), plus four hipbelt sizes (XS/S to L/XL)
backcountry.com

Many avid backpackers eventually find themselves facing an expensive quandary: the need for a second or even third pack to better handle the range of trips they take. Sierra Designs confronts that challenge with the Flex Capacitor, which changes size to cover a range of trips from weekends to a week or even a thru-hike. Curious about how it performs, I took it on a trip where a pack with that capacity range would come in handy: on a nine-day hike of the 105-mile Tour du Mont Blanc, where on some days I’d be carrying two people’s stuff, and on other days only my own (when that second person didn’t hike).

The pack’s unique feature is a gusset system that expands and contracts the capacity in a range from 40 to 60 liters—or more precisely, 2,400 to 3,400 c.i. in the S/M size and 2,550 to 3,650 c.i. in the M/L. Most packs that have a design which allows exceeding their normal capacity do so through a so-called “floating,” or extendable lid, which essentially lets you overload the pack by expanding it upward. But that makes the load top-heavy and significantly less comfortable to carry. By expanding its girth, the Flex Capacitor remains comfortable even at maximum capacity. Plus, its capacity expands by more than 40 percent, far more than packs with a floating lid can usually expand upward.

Horizontal compression straps reach around the pack body, helping to both shrink the pack down and attach an ice axe or trekking poles (the latter using either side pocket, too). With a lightweight, Y-shaped internal stay, a moderate amount of EVA foam padding in the shoulder straps and hipbelt (which comes in four sizes), as well as some rigidity in the pre-curved hipbelt, the Flex Capacitor was comfortable carrying about 35 pounds of climbing gear for three to four miles a day, and over 30 pounds (mostly clothing and personal items for two people) on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

I think many backpackers would find it comfortable with 35 to 40 pounds. That’s good for a pack barely north of two-and-a-half pounds, making it a legitimate ultralight pack. Still, while I found the hipbelt comfortable with the loads I described, it does not quite achieve the comfort of some of the best backpacking packs I’ve used (most of which are also heavier).

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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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A thick and firm lumbar pad and two upper-back pads help soften the load while allowing good air circulation across my back. With a fixed (non-adjustable) suspension, the pack comes in two sizes; the S/M fit my 18-inch torso well, as did the S/M hipbelt on my 30-inch waist.

In lieu of a traditional lid and a main compartment with a drawcord closure, this top-loader’s U-shaped top zipper gives one-step access to the main compartment, with a wide mouth that facilitates easy loading and unloading and swallows a bear canister no problem. The zipper on the main compartment tends to snag on the rain flap, but it’s easy to unsnag.

One compromise with this pack: It offers limited organizational convenience. It lacks a feature I like, a side zipper to provide additional access to the middle of the main compartment. There are no external pockets that would normally hold items you’d want to access during the day or keep outside the main compartment, such as water treatment or a wet jacket or rainfly. The lid pocket has almost no bellows to it, so it’s impractical for storing more than thin items like a map and phone.

But the two zippered hipbelt pockets are spacious enough for three to four energy bars each—though filling them completely can cause them to stick out far enough for forearms to brush against them while hiking—and the mesh side pockets each hold a liter bottle. A stretch-mesh pocket on the right shoulder strap holds a small water bottle or a phone. The pack body consists of 100-denier fabric, and the bottom of more durable, 420-denier nylon; this is a relatively tough pack compared to others in its weight class.

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The Verdict

For ultralighters or any backpacker seeking a sack with capacity versatility and a low weight, at a good price, the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 deserves a close look.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to buy a Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 or other size at backcountry.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 backpacks and backpacking gear I like, and my “Review: The 10 Best Backpacking Packs.”

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

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-sierra-designs-flex-capacitor-40-60-backpack/feed/ 13 24293 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-rei-flash-insulated-air-mattress-2/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-rei-flash-insulated-air-mattress-2/#comments Wed, 12 Jul 2017 09:00:04 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24117 Read on

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Insulated Air Mattress
REI Flash Insulated Air Mattress
$100, 15 oz. (regular, 72x20x2 inches)
Sizes: regular, regular wide, long, long wide
rei.com

Spending significantly less money on gear usually means getting significantly less performance, but that’s not the case with REI’s newly updated for 2017 Flash Insulated Air Mattress, I decided after sleeping on it for several nights, on a 40-mile May backpacking trip in Utah’s Dark Canyon Wilderness and camping at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve in June. While it doesn’t rank number one for any usual measure of air mats (like most comfortable or lightest), it just may deliver the best value, dollar for dollar, of any air mat designed for backpacking.

The Flash hits a combination of sweet spots unique among air mats: low weight and bulk and good price. At under a pound, it weighs in several ounces lighter than most air mats, and its packed size of 4×9.5 inches (for the regular) compares with, or is only slightly larger than many competitors. With two inches of thickness, it’s reasonably comfortable, though certainly not as plush as fatter air mats that are light enough for backpacking; but those are generally several ounces heavier and/or cost at least $70 more.

With separate valves for inflating and deflating, it inflates with about a dozen strong breaths, or in roughly half the time of many thicker 72×20-inch air mats. Open the deflate valve and it instantly releases most of its air, allowing you to roll it up in seconds. The weld-through construction helps decrease the inflation time while making the air mat more stable; I never felt myself rolling off an edge. REI’s proprietary dual-fiber synthetic insulation, combined with a Mylar reflective layer, give this air mat an impressive degree of insulation for its low weight and thickness: The R-value of 3.7 is a little higher than many three-season air mats. Although not warm enough for sleeping on snow or frozen ground, it gave me plenty of insulation for a night when the temperature dropped into the high 30s at around 8,500 feet in Utah’s Manti-La Sal National Forest in May.

The 30-denier ripstop polyester fabric is lightweight and reasonably durable, but I’d be careful not to test it against sharp rocks or spiky vegetation when the mat is fully inflated. While I tested the regular air mat—the lightest and cheapest of the four sizes available—the regular and long both also come in wide versions with six extra inches of width. That’s nice, but could create space problems in a compact tent.

In the final analysis, you can find air mats that are more comfortable or (slightly) lighter, but you’ll be challenged to find a better value in an air mattress for three-season backpacking than the REI Flash.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase an REI Flash Insulated Air Mattress at rei.com.

7/8/18 UPDATE: After several trips with this air mat, the flap inside the inflate valve that prevents air from leaking out while inflating somehow blew out, making it impossible to inflate the mat.

 

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 air mattresses and all of my reviews of backpacking gear at The Big Outside. See also my related articles “Pro Tips For Buying Sleeping Bags” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.” See more suggested stories by scrolling to the bottom of this review.

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-rei-flash-insulated-air-mattress-2/feed/ 2 24117 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

 

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-black-diamond-revolt-headlamp-2/feed/ 2 23799 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-rei-flash-45-backpack-2/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-rei-flash-45-backpack-2/#respond Wed, 31 May 2017 09:00:54 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=23695 Read on

]]> Backpack
REI Flash 45
$159, 47L/2,868 c.i., 2 lbs. 14 oz. (large)
Sizes: men’s medium (45L/2,746 c.i.) and large, women’s small (45L/2,745 c.i.) and medium (47L/2,868 c.i.)
rei.com

The challenge: Backpack a three-day, 40-mile loop in Utah’s Dark Canyon Wilderness, staying as light as possible, but having a pack capable of hauling extra water without compressing my spine. It struck me as a good opportunity to test out REI’s latest iteration of the Flash 45 backpack. Having used and reviewed the previous version of the Flash 45, I was curious to hike with this newly updated sack—which has gained about 10 ounces compared to eight years ago (not bad, compared to most people), but also appeared capable of handling more weight comfortably than its predecessor. I discovered that much is true, and that’s among a few improvements to a backpack that’s still under three pounds and, more remarkably, under $150.

The steel, internal perimeter frame with one horizontal stay, plus a contoured hipbelt and shoulder straps with a good amount of breathable, perforated foam padding for a pack this size, carried up to about 30 pounds comfortably, including a gallon of water at times. I’d say the pack’s comfort limit is 25 to 30 pounds; any more weight would overtax the hipbelt. Although the Flash has a breathable, mesh-foam back panel, even in mild temperatures in the 50s to around 60 Fahrenheit, my back got sweaty because the pack hugs you and doesn’t really allow air flow. The shoulder harness adjusts within about a two-inch range.

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REI’s UpLift Compression system employs ratcheting straps extending from near the top of the frame on each side down to dovetailed straps attached to the bottom front of the pack bag. Tightening those straps pulls the pack load upward and inward, not only compressing the load for better stability, but also shifting it somewhat closer to your center of balance (more so when the pack isn’t filled to capacity). I found it beneficial in keeping the pack’s weight more on my hips than on my shoulders, particularly appreciated on the hours-long descents and ascents we had in the Dark Canyon Wilderness, which backpackers face in mountains, too.

The top-loading Flash 45 has the capacity for a three- or even four-day trip, provided your gear is light and compact. I fit three days’ worth of food and all of my gear in the main compartment, including a relatively compact, 10° F down sleeping bag and a rainfly. And the extendable, removable lid allows overstuffing the pack for a trip’s first day (although that could make the pack top-heavy and carry less well). A top compression strap helps stabilize an under-sized load or holds an item you couldn’t fit inside, like a jacket or rope.

The pack has a pocket configuration that’s common for this category: six external pockets, including a stretch-mesh front pocket big enough for a rainfly; stretch-mesh side pockets that fit liter bottles and open at an angle conducive to reaching into them easily with the pack on; a zippered lid pocket that held everything I wanted to put in it; and two hipbelt pockets (one zippered, one with overlapping mesh flaps) large enough for a few bars, although the belt’s curved shape means a small camera or phone doesn’t easily slide into those pockets. External attachments hold an ice axe or trekking poles. The safety whistle on the sternum strap is a nice feature. One demerit: There’s only one side compression strap long enough to attach anything bulky, like a foam pad; the UpLift straps don’t have enough length for that.

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The 420-denier ripstop nylon bottom will withstand much hard use, and the 100-denier ripstop body fabric is adequately durable for normal use; both are not uncommon for packs in this category. And like many similar packs, the mesh side and front pockets are susceptible to tears if you’re not reasonably careful.

What don’t you get at this price? While it’s reasonably stable when hiking on a trail, it still lacks the motion-control design features that you’ll find in a more-expensive pack like the Arc’teryx Bora AR 50. And the Flash 45’s main compartment lacks any quick access such as a panel zipper or sleeping bag compartment zipper—it’s strictly a top-loader.

As REI often does with its brand products, it gave the Flash 45 design features with a proven track record of effectiveness on other backpacks on the market, plus a fairly unique feature—the UpLift Compression system—and sells it at a very competitive price for what you get.

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The Verdict

You can find packs that are more comfortable, feature-rich, minimalist, or capable of hauling more weight. But you will be challenged to find one that compares with the Flash 45 at a better price.

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 REI Flash 45 pack at rei.com, or a men’s or women’s Flash 55 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 my “5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack” and “Gear Review: The 10 Best Backpacking Packs,” all of my reviews of backpacks and backpacking gear I like, and these stories at The Big Outside:

“My Top 10 Favorite Backpacking Trips”
“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 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-rei-flash-45-backpack-2/feed/ 0 23695 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.

 

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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-big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul2-ultralight-backpacking-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul2-ultralight-backpacking-tent/#comments Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:00:50 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=22796 Read on

]]> Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
$450, 2 lbs. 12 oz.
backcountry.com

I’ll tolerate reasonably close living quarters in a tent that’s lightweight and performs well in the backcountry, because I prioritize my comfort on the trail (read: light pack) and usually only crawl inside the tent to sleep. But not all of my backpacking companions share my tolerance for a snug shelter. The Big Agnes Copper Spur line of tents have long made me and my elbowroom-loving tentmates happy, by marrying low weight and a high ratio of interior space per ounce. So with a new design making the Copper Spur HV UL2 roomier while keeping its weight under three pounds, I took it out on a five-day, 80-mile backpacking trip through the North Cascades with a six-foot friend to see whether the tent would measure up to the hype.

NOTE: This review covers the previous version of the Copper Spur HV UL2. The 2020 model adds awning-style doors and other improvements. Get it here and watch for my upcoming review of it.

For starters, there aren’t many freestanding, two-person tents with two doors and vestibules that weigh under three pounds, so if that’s what you’re shopping for, you already have a short list. The first time I picked up the Copper Spur HV UL2’s poles, I couldn’t believe how light they are (and I’ve tested a lot of tents over the past two decades). The new DAC Featherlite NFL hubbed pole structure creates steeper walls (as well as boosting structural strength by 25 percent, according to Big Agnes) that make the tent feel roomier than its 29 square feet, a standard footprint area for tents in this category. Plus, tall people will be happy with its 40-inch peak height and 88-inch length. My six-foot friend and I bumped into each other occasionally while sitting or lying down—as much as we would in many tents that are about as wide as two standard sleeping pads—but not enough to be annoying or keep us awake. Big Agnes claims the Copper Spur’s latest iteration increases interior volume by 20 percent over its predecessor, and that’s the difference you notice when inside 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 tent was quick and intuitive to pitch the first time, thanks to clips that attach the inner canopy to the poles and color coding of the poles and tabs on the tent. The tent doors have dual zippers that move smoothly, and smartly open from a bottom corner, allowing you to crack the door slightly to slide boots on outside without letting a squadron of mosquitoes inside. The doors stash conveniently into small pockets when fully opened. A couple of interior mesh pockets provide adequate organization.

Besides making the Copper Spur HV UL2 more livable, the two doors and vestibules improve ventilation. And with nine square feet of space, each vestibule stores a mid-size pack and boots. One rainfly vent helps minimize condensation—which was negligible on dry, cool nights with two people in the tent, although we never had sustained, cold rain—and the fly overhangs the vestibules, so no rain enters when coming and going. We hardly noticed when light rain fell early one morning in the North Cascades, while we were still in the tent; all seams are taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape (no PVC or VOCs).

Big Agnes says the lightweight, ripstop nylon fabric used in the rainfly and floor reduces weight and has 25 percent better tear strength than the tent’s previous generation. But as with any ultralight tent, it’s wise exercise some care with campsite selection and handling the tent when packing it up, to avoid tears. A footprint (sold separately, $70) allows pitching it rainfly-only, without the interior tent, reducing the shelter’s weight by 10 ounces.

The Verdict

The ultralight, freestanding tents with two doors and vestibules that weigh under three pounds comprise a very small club. The list grows by several models when the weight ceiling rises to three-and-a-half pounds—but those are a full half-pound heavier than the Copper Spur HV UL2, largely without improving on its space or performance. If, like me, you prefer minimizing pack weight, but don’t want to sleep in a breadbox and like the advantages of a freestanding, two-door design, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 has little competition.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to buy a Copper Spur HV UL2 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 at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my “Review: The 7 Best Backpacking Tents” and all of my reviews of backpacking tents, ultralight backpacking tents, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear that I like.

See also my “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Tent for You.”

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-big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul2-ultralight-backpacking-tent/feed/ 10 22796 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/gear-review-therm-a-rest-xtherm-air-mattress/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-therm-a-rest-xtherm-air-mattress/#respond Thu, 01 Dec 2016 11:00:14 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=21455 Read on

]]> Insulated Air Mattress
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
$230, 15 oz. (regular)
Sizes: regular (20x72x2.5 ins., tapered), large (25x77x2.5 ins., tapered), Max (25×77.2.5 ins., rectangular)
backcountry.com

When sleeping outdoors at any time of year, you have two simple objectives: comfort and warmth. We tend to associate the former with our choice of air mattress or pad and the latter with our choice of sleeping bag. But the air mat is actually the key to both goals, because dollar for dollar, your money achieves more warmth from an air mat or pad that adequately insulates your body from the cold ground (which can rapidly drain heat from you) than from your bag. In the NeoAir XTherm—which I tested on numerous trips, including several nights sleeping on snow—you get an all-season air mat with more insulation, pound for pound, than any competitor.

My teenage son and I took turns using the NeoAir XTherm on two trips camping on snow: a four-day, mid-April climb of the Mountaineers Route on California’s 14,505-foot Mount Whitney, with lows in the teens Fahrenheit; and three February nights in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, with lows that ranged down to just below freezing. I also used it sleeping outside on grass while on a mid-October backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and my son used it on a family backpacking and car-camping trip in southern Utah in late March.

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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 XTherm’s superior warmth-to-weight ratio comes from the ThermaCapture Radiant Heat Technology, which has reflective layers that bounce heat back to your body, giving it a winter-worthy R-value of 6.9 (compared to an R-value of around 3.3 for many three-season mats).

At 2.5 inches thick, with a tapered, mummy shape, it was comfortable on a variety of surfaces, from hard ground to packed snow. Inflating and deflating with a standard valve, it requires 19 to 20 strong breaths to make it firm, slightly less effort than thicker mats. Triangular Core Matrix construction traps air in dozens of tiny cells, minimizing air circulation that conducts heat away from your body, without the much greater weight and bulk of other air mats designed for sleeping on frozen ground. The construction technique also creates baffles that make the XTherm more stable—you don’t bounce off its edges.

Tough, 70-denier ripstop nylon fabric on the bottom resists puncture, while the 30-denier top has a no-slip surface. Its packed dimensions—4×9 inches, slightly larger than a liter bottle—compare with some the most compact three-season air mats.

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Air mattresses for sleeping on snow or frozen ground have always been heavier and bulkier than three-season air mats; and many winter campers would supplement an air mat with a foam pad underneath it, to beef up the insulation, while adding weight and bulk to their backpack. But with the weight and size of some of the smallest three-season air mats, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm has enough insulation for sleeping on frozen ground, making it the only air mat you need for camping year-round.

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 Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm air mattress at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com, or the similar Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX air mattress at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com.

See all of my reviews of backpacking air mattresses and sleeping bags that I like and all my reviews of backpacking gear.

See also my related “Pro Tips: How to Choose a Sleeping Bag” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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-therm-a-rest-xtherm-air-mattress/feed/ 0 21455 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-exped-synmat-hyperlite-duo-air-mattress/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-exped-synmat-hyperlite-duo-air-mattress/#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2016 11:00:11 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=21127 Read on

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Insulated Air Mattress
Exped SynMat Hyperlite Duo
$279, 1 lb. 12 oz. (with stuff sack)
One size
moosejaw.com

Let’s face it: Side-by-side air mats in a tent have a way of taking the love out of camping, because when curled up with your partner, one or both of you tend to slip into the gap between the mats. Not any more with the SynMat Hyperlite Duo. My wife and I shared it happily for three nights on a mid-July rafting and kayaking trip on the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument, and were surprised at how much more comfortable it is even than we expected.

I also slept on it by myself for a night of car-camping in Idaho’s Sawtooth Valley just because it feels like I’m sprawling out on a double bed. At nearly three inches thick, it’s plush, comparable to many air mats that are heavier and bulkier (per person). At 72 inches long, it accommodates six-footers, and it’s wide enough (41 inches at the shoulders, tapering to 32 inches at the foot end) that you rarely bump into your mate—no more than you would in any lightweight, compact, two-person tent. In fact, it covers the floor of many ultralight or midweight backpacking tents, which I found a nice convenience that just makes a tent more livable because you’re virtually always on an insulated, cushioned floor. It also eliminates the problem of two separate air mats sliding around or overlapping one another.

Really nice feature: The SunMat Hyperlite Duo has two sides with separate valves that inflate and deflated independently. That minimizes the degree to which one person’s nighttime shifting around disturbs the other person, and allows each person to personalize his or her mat firmness. Plus, one side of the mat still holds air if the other side leaks. The 20-denier polyester fabric is lighter than what’s used in many air mats—it’s fairly tough and will resist puncture, but don’t throw it down just anywhere. (I’m always careful to make sure there’s nothing sharp, whether rocks or vegetation with needles, where I lay it down.)

 

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.

 

With an R-value of 3.3, it has adequate insulation for three-season camping even when temps dip below freezing. Exped gives it a temperature rating of 21° F. The Duo packs down to 8×5.5 inches/1.6L, slightly smaller than two already-compact SynMat Hyperlite single air mats, although the Duo’s weight is exactly double the weight of the one-person Hyperlite, so you’re not reducing pack weight with the Duo.

I inflate the Duo using the Exped Schnozzel Pumpbag UL ($39, 2 oz., sold separately), a 42-liter/2,563 c.i., waterproof stuff sack made of ultralight, silicone-coated, 15-denier ripstop nylon with a valve that mates with the Duo’s valve: Simply connect the Schnozzel to the Duo’s valve, expand the sack to let air into it, then roll up the sack to force that air into the Duo. I’ve consistently found that it fills the Duo on the third time I roll up the sack of air, taking only a few minutes and requiring no dizzying 20 breaths from my lungs.

My advice: Put the love back into your camping relationship with an Exped SynMat Hyperlite Duo.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase an Exped SynMat Hyperlite Duo at moosejaw.com, rei.com, or campsaver.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 air mattresses and all of my reviews of backpacking gear at The Big Outside. See also my related Pro Tips articles “How to Choose a Sleeping Bag” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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-exped-synmat-hyperlite-duo-air-mattress/feed/ 2 21127 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-marmot-ion-20-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-marmot-ion-20-sleeping-bag/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2016 10:00:15 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=20836 Read on

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Sleeping Bag
Marmot Ion 20
$419, 1 lb. 13 oz. (regular)
Sizes: regular and long ($439)
moosejaw.com

Heading into Washington’s North Cascades National Park for an 80-mile backpacking trip in the last week of September, I didn’t want to take a chance on gear and clothing that might not stand up to cold, wet weather, maybe even sub-freezing nights and snow in that notoriously soggy mountain range. The hybrid-insulation Ion 20 fit the specs for that mission, thanks to its blend of high-quality down feathers and synthetic insulation and super warmth for such a lightweight bag.

I slept in it for four nights in the North Cascades, in mostly dry weather with lows that actually didn’t drop below around 40° F, and for one mid-October night in the 40s in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, when I slept outside, under the stars, without concern about dew settling on the bag. It was more than warm enough for those temps for someone who, like me, sleeps warm. I left it partly open every night, discovering the utility of Marmot’s nine-inch-long, “fold-down” second zipper, which lets you open both sides of the bag at your chest and shoulders for added ventilation, but also makes it easier to sit in the bag in a tent or in camp and keep both arms outside to use your hands for tasks. I think the Ion 20 is true to its EN comfort temp rating of 28° F (the EN lower limit rating is 17° F and the extreme rating is -15° F), but also that people who sleep cold would find its warmth perfect for three-season camping.

Marmot’s Composite Construction achieves the benefits of down (high warmth-to-weight ratio) and synthetic insulation (retains warmth when wet) by combining 850+-fill goose down around the body, head, and feet, with synthetic Thermal R Micro insulation on the bottom of the bag. Sporting nearly five inches of loft, the Ion 20 looks warm. The hood’s intricate, multi-baffle design delivers a close and comfortable fit when sealed up tight, while the wrap-around construction at the feet increases warmth at the typically coldest end of a bag. The curved-baffle construction minimizes unwanted migration of down feathers.

With a 60-inch circumference at the shoulders, 58 inches at the hips, and 41 inches at the feet (in the regular bag), I’d rank the roominess of the Ion in the middle of the pack of mummy bags: There’s enough space to not feel confining, and I could get dressed and undressed inside it; but sleeping on my side, I had to fold my arms up pretty close to my torso. The nearly full-length main zipper’s slider never snagged. The Pertex Quantum shell fabric is strong for its low weight, allowing maximum insulation loft while not leaking feathers or being susceptible to zipper snags. The combination of 12-denier and 15-denier nylon mini ripstop fabrics in the shell and lining also helps prevent zipper snags, but demands a little caution in handling the bag outside to avoid tears. The Ion 20 stuff sack measures 16×7 inches, but I packed the bag into a slightly smaller, roll-top stuff sack, so it didn’t fill the bottom of a 55-liter backpack.

The Marmot Ion 20 delivers equally high value and performance: You won’t find many bags with this temperature rating that are under two pounds, or with this level of quality of materials and construction at this price. It’s a good choice for anyone who routinely heads out in cold, wet mountains, or someone who wants extra warmth in a three-season bag without extra weight or bulk.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a Marmot Ion 20 at moosejaw.com.

See all of my reviews of sleeping bags that I like and all of my reviews of backpacking gear, and my articles “Pro Tips: How to Choose a Sleeping Bag” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

See also my stories:
“The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun”
“Buying Gear? Read This First”
“Ask Me: How Do We Begin Lightening Up Our Backpacking Gear?”
“10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier”
“My Top 10 Favorite Backpacking Trips”

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. 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 at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-marmot-ion-20-sleeping-bag/feed/ 2 20836 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

 

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]]> 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-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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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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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.

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’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!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-leki-micro-vario-carbon-antishock-folding-trekking-poles/feed/ 7 20505 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-tx3-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-tx3-hiking-shoes/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2016 10:00:40 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=20485 Read on

]]> La Sportiva TX3
$159, 1 lb. 9 oz. (men’s Euro42/US 9)
Sizes: Euro men’s 38-47.5, women’s 36-43
backcountry.com

If a shoe manufacturer asked me to design my ideal, low-cut hiking shoe, I’d say it should be lightweight, with good flex yet enough cushion and support for rugged dayhikes and ultralight backpacking. I’d want it supremely breathable, reasonably armored against abusive terrain, and to have an outsole that grips any surface. I’m still waiting for a shoe manufacturer to ask me. But La Sportiva seems to have read my mind with the TX3. That shoe jumped to the top of my list after several dayhikes, including a 16-hour, August ultra-hike of the 32-mile, 10,000-vertical-foot, nine-summit Pemi Loop in New Hampshire’s rocky and wet White Mountains, and a 27-mile, 16-hour traverse of western Maine’s Mahoosuc Range.

I also wore these shoes on various dayhikes from Wachusett Mountain in central Massachusetts to Idaho’s City of Rocks and on a 14-mile, 3,000-foot dayhike of 11,049-foot Telescope Peak in Death Valley National Park. Why do I like these shoes so much? In short, the TX3 hits every bullet on that wish list I just laid out.

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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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In a striking departure from traditional approach-style shoes with leather uppers, the TX3’s quick-drying, polyester mesh uppers and lining breathe so well that, despite me perspiring enough that my T-shirt was soaked on the Pemi Loop (where the weather ranged from fog and light rain showers to sunshine, warm temps, and high humidity), my socks hardly got damp. (I had brought a second pair of socks in case the first got too sweaty on such a long day, but I never used them.) Even though we hiked Telescope Peak at a strong pace—up seven miles and 3,000 feet in under three hours, and down in a bit over two hours—my feet stayed dry. And when we hung out on the summit for an hour, I didn’t even think to remove my shoes to cool my feet, as I’d normally do, because my feet felt fine. Nor are they “cold” shoes: On Telescope Peak in May, we started out in temps below freezing, and my feet never felt cold.

An air-injected rubber rand that wraps completely around the shoe guards the mesh from damage; it suffered none. And while the uppers obviously are not waterproof—thus making them very breathable—light showers never made them wet faster than they dried out as I walked. The compression-molded EVA midsole provides an excellent balance between cushioning and good flex for a nimble feel that allows a fast, natural stride: My feet felt great even at the end of long hikes (I did use a supportive, custom insole on our 32-mile dayhike, the Enertor Performance Insoles, which I like.)

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The Vibram Mega-Grip outsole—with round lugs, a smooth area of sticky rubber under the toes for smearing on rock, and an in-cut heel for downhill braking on loose surfaces like scree and dirt—blew me away with its grip on rocky trails and dirt whether the granite was wet or dry. Not until the last few hours of that 32-mile dayhike, on rocky trails that were slick from rain for hours, did I actually slip on loose stones and land (softly) on my butt. It was noticeable for the fact that I hadn’t done it all day.

The low-profile lacing system is simple and secure, never loosening up, and gives a fit and sensitivity I like for hiking and scrambling in rugged terrain. The fit is comfortably snug in the heel and midfoot, with extra room in the toes without feeling boxy. The shoe wrapped my foot so well that on the Pemi Loop—a distance for which I normally resort to preventive measures like pre-taping my heels to avoid blisters (and I’m not surprised if I get one nonetheless, given the mileage)—I didn’t use tape until about halfway through the hike. I suffered no more than one hot spot and one blister on the side of a toe that I think had nothing to do with the shoe’s fit. Lastly, Ortholite insoles provide odor control.

Once in a while, a gear maker comes out with a product designed exactly the way I’d do it. La Sportiva’s TX3 is that kind of shoe, ideal for dayhiking in any terrain, ultralight backpacking, scrambling, and low-grade technical climbing. The line includes the lighter TX2 ($125, 1 lb. 4 oz.), with collapsible uppers for easy packing, and the TX4 ($135, 1 lb. 12 oz.), similar to the TX3 but with nubuck leather uppers for added 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 La Sportiva TX3 shoes at backcountry.com.

See all reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots, plus all 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

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
Subscribe now to read ALL stories and get a free e-book!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-tx3-hiking-shoes/feed/ 11 20485 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-max-sv-air-mattress/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-max-sv-air-mattress/#respond Wed, 20 Jul 2016 10:00:15 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=19781 Read on

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Insulated Air Mattress
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite MAX SV
$180, 1 lb. (regular, with stuff sack)
Sizes: regular (72x20x2.5 ins.) and large ($210, 77x25x2.5 ins.)
moosejaw.com

Who enjoys blowing up an air mattress? At the end of a full day of backpacking, it always seems to take more breaths than you have left in reserve. Therm-a-Rest solves this problem with its SpeedValve, a large, fabric tunnel that draws in surrounding air when you blow into it, making the inflation process significantly faster and easier. After using the lightweight and compact Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite MAX SV on family backpacking trips in Utah’s Dirty Devil River canyon and while car-camping in southern Utah in late March, backpacking in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains in August, and on an 80-mile, five-day backpacking trip in the North Cascades National Park Complex in the last week of September, and my 15-year-old son sleeping on it for three nights on a mid-July rafting and kayaking trip through Lodore Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument, I give it high scores for comfort and convenience.

The distinctive feature is the SpeedValve, an innovation as uncomplicated and easy to use as technology gets: You simply blow into the open SpeedValve, and a simple law of physics causes more air to rush inside with your breaths. Therm-a-Rest claims the SpeedValve inflates a mattress in half the time of conventional valves; I found about a dozen (sometimes fewer) breaths would fill the mat, and I might add one blow through the standard screw valve to firm it up. But it’s unquestionably far easier than blowing up a traditional air mat, which often requires a dizzying couple dozen breaths for a regular-size air mat.

The roll-top, buckle closure on the SpeedValve requires sealing it tightly to avoid air leaking out, but I found that easy to do once you’ve inflated the mat, making it more rigid. The screw valve lets you release a little air to soften the mat to your preference. And the SpeedValve is reversible for deflating the air mat in seconds, greatly reducing the packing time.

 

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 Triangular Core Matrix construction and 2.5 inches of thickness make this rectangular mattress very comfortable and stable—no bouncing off the edges—and heat-reflective technology makes it warm for its weight. With an R-value of 3.2, it’s appropriate for three-season camping. The 30-denier, ripstop, no-slip nylon fabric is a bit tougher than the material used in some lighter air mats without adding much weight.

At one pound and measuring 9×4 inches, its stuffed size compares well with many of today’s air mats for backpacking. If you’re really counting ounces, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is four ounces lighter and more compact. But for convenience and comfort, the NeoAir XLite MAX SV excels.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite MAX SV air mattress 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 backpacking air matresses that I like and all my reviews of backpacking gear. See also my related Pro Tips articles “How to Choose a Sleeping Bag” and “Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

 

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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 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-therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-max-sv-air-mattress/feed/ 0 19781 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-aku-mio-surround-gtx-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-aku-mio-surround-gtx-hiking-shoes/#respond Wed, 22 Jun 2016 10:00:42 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=19476 Read on

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Hiking/Trail Running Shoes
Aku Mio Surround GTX
$200, 1 lb. 14 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-13

The pivotal question you might ask yourself before buying trail footwear is: How much do I need? You’re probably thinking along the lines of how much support you need in a shoe or boot. But that question could also refer to the delicate balance between how much protection you need from wetness on the outside getting inside, versus breathability so moisture on the inside gets released. The new Gore-Tex Surround technology alters that equation, and Aku’s Mio Surround GTX leaps feet first into this debate as a lightweight, low-cut shoe that could serve the needs of a wide range of dayhikers and backpackers.

I wore them on dayhikes of up to nine miles in southeastern Utah’s Grand Gulch Plateau and Arizona’s Canyon de Chelly National Monument, plus numerous trail runs on the packed-dirt footpaths of the Boise Foothills and the rocky, leaf-strewn trails of central Massachusetts. The Mio breathed well enough that my feet were nearly dry even at the end of very sweaty trail runs. That’s due to Gore-Tex Surround technology, which features side vents in the shoe’s midsole to release moisture and heat, and a “spacer” layer between the outsole and the shoe’s inner lining, allowing airflow under your foot. Gore says Surround increases breathability by 30 percent over their standard waterproof-breathable membrane. As for waterproofing: I stood in a shallow creek and the shoes didn’t leak.

 

But a nice interior is worth little without a reliable chassis, and on that front I found the Mio’s thick midsole of molded EVA provides enough shock absorption for hiking rocky trails carrying up to 20 or 25 pounds on your back, or for trail running. And the shallow, multi-directional lugs of the Vibram Megagrip outsole bite well into dirt and scree and do a respectable job of sticking to rock slabs. Micro-suede overlays guard the mesh uppers that help maximize breathability. The uppers are also shielded by Liba Smart PU at the toe and heel—areas receiving hard abuse—which Gore-Tex says is 40 percent lighter than rubber, with more abrasion resistance. The medium-volume fit provides a little extra space in the forefeet and toe box.

So why get the low-cut Mio with Gore-Tex Surround? In many ways, it’s ideal for dayhikers who want waterproof footwear just in case, but need optimal breathability more often—because their feet will more likely sweat than get rained on or slog through miles of puddles and mud. The Mio isn’t designed for extremely wet conditions like constantly muddy trails, heavy rain, or summer snow. But it is light enough for trail running and supportive enough for ultralight backpacking.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the Aku Mio Surround GTX shoes at campsaver.com.

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 Boots.”

See also my stories:

“The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun”
“Buying Gear? Read This First”
“Ask Me: How Do We Begin Lightening Up Our 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 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 at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-aku-mio-surround-gtx-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 19476 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-big-agnes-fly-creek-hv-ul2-mtnglo-and-fly-creek-hv-ul3-ultralight-tents/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-big-agnes-fly-creek-hv-ul2-mtnglo-and-fly-creek-hv-ul3-ultralight-tents/#comments Wed, 01 Jun 2016 12:33:30 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=19188 Read on

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Ultralight Backpacking Tents
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 mtnGLO
$440, 2 lbs. 1 oz. (not including stuff sacks and stakes)
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3
$450, 2 lbs. 15 oz. (not including stuff sacks and stakes)
moosejaw.com

As we searched for a campsite while backpacking in the canyon of Utah’s Dirty Devil River in late March, the wind picked up. Then the rain started. My wife and daughter pitched the new Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 mtnGLO in minutes without having even looked at it before—a testament to its simplicity. Once darkness fell a little while later, they turned on the lights—the tent’s built-in LED lights, that is—and I think they promptly forgot there was a storm just outside their nylon walls.

I also used the Fly Creek HV UL2 mtnGLO on windy nights car-camping in southern Utah, and that tent as well as the three-person Fly Creek HV UL3 on a three-day backpacking trip high in the Panamint Range of California’s Death Valley National Park in May, where I had the opportunity to backpack and test gear with folks from Big Agnes, Osprey Packs, and Oboz Footwear. (Later, I’ll post reviews of gear from those other brands that we tested in Death Valley.)

 

Building on last year’s introduction of its mtnGLO LED lights in some tent models, Big Agnes has brought internal lights to its one- and two-person, ultralight Fly Creek tents. B.A. also redesigned the Fly Creek pole structure—calling it HV, or High Volume—to make the tents roomier. My trips with these two tents gave me a chance to assess these changes.

The Big Agnes mtnGlo tents have flexible strips of tiny LED lights in the ceiling seams. Controlled by an inside switch and powered by three AAA batteries, the lights have two brightness levels: The brighter setting provides enough light to play cards, though not enough for reading, and the half-power setting dimly illuminates the tent interior for locating items or getting in and out. The lights pack away with the tent, so they require no set up or dismantling. They weigh just a few ounces and run 90 hours or more on a set of batteries. I quickly came to appreciate their convenience and soft light more than the harsh light of some lanterns and headlamps, and my family loves the tent lights.

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.

 

The DAC Angle Hub, exclusive in Fly Creek HV tents, creates steeper wall angles than in the first generation of Fly Creek shelters, resulting in a little more headroom and a vertical door that prevents rain from dripping inside when you come and go. While an improvement, the Fly Creek HV UL2 mtnGLO remains a small tent: At five feet, eight inches, I could only sit up straight in the center of the head end of the tent, where the peak height is a respectable 40 inches. The 28 square feet of floor space was fine for me sharing it with one of my young teenage kids (both are barely more than 100 pounds), but two average-size adults would be in very close quarters.

As my wife and daughter discovered, the Fly Creek tents go up very easily, thanks to a hubbed pole system and a mere eight clips (including the one hub connection) to attach the interior canopy to the poles, and quick clips attach the rainfly. The minimalist, ultralight poles make these tents best for fairly protected campsites, but both tents withstood gusts of 25 to 30 mph in the Dirty Devil River canyon and the Panamint Range. And the Fly Creek HV UL3 has an eyebrow pole not found in the two-person, which gives it a bit more stability and greatly improves the headroom.

 

With abundant mesh in the walls, the Fly Creek tents ventilate well, despite having just one door and no real cross-ventilation. On mild nights, everyone remained comfortable inside both models, and we saw virtually no condensation on cold, calm nights. All that mesh does have one drawback: Sand blew freely inside the Fly Creek HV UL2 mtnGLO during windstorms in Utah; but that would happen with any tent with predominantly mesh walls. The rainfly and floor are made of silicone-treated nylon ripstop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating, and all seams are taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape.

Final analysis: The Fly Creek HV UL2 mtnGLO is one of the lightest, two-person, double-wall tents you’ll find—and the lights make it that much more appealing. But unless you’re sharing it with someone you like being very close to, I suggest getting the three-person Fly Creek HV UL3, which is light enough (less than a pound heavier than the two-person) to use as a two-person shelter and have beaucoup space (39 square feet), and tight but tolerable for three people. I like using the Fly Creek HV UL2 mtnGLO as a solo tent—it’s light enough and gives one person extra space. The UL3 does not come with LED lights, but you can add a mtnGLO Tent Light Accessory Kit to it ($40, purchased separately).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links or the text ad below to purchase a Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 mtnGLO at moosejaw.com or rei.com, or a Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3 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 backpacking tents that I like, including the Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL2 mtnGLO, and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and ultralight backpacking gear, and my article “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent.”

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 my blog? Get full access to all stories at The Big Outside. Become a subscriber now!

 

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 post, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-big-agnes-fly-creek-hv-ul2-mtnglo-and-fly-creek-hv-ul3-ultralight-tents/feed/ 6 19188 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-spot-and-cosmo-headlamps/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-black-diamond-spot-and-cosmo-headlamps/#comments Wed, 25 May 2016 12:15:54 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=19048 Read on

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Ultralight Headlamps
Black Diamond Spot
$40, 3 oz. (with 3 AAA batteries, included)
Black Diamond Cosmo
$30, 3 oz. (with 3 AAA batteries, included)
moosejaw.com

A headlamp doesn’t have to take a big bite out of your gear budget—in fact, as these two models demonstrate, you can score a multi-featured backcountry lamp for as little as 30 bucks, and a high-performance model for less than you’ll probably spend on food and gas for a weekend trip. From backpacking trips in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains in October, Utah’s Dirty Devil River canyon in late March, and the Panamint Range of Death Valley National Park in May, to a four-day climb of the Mountaineers Route on California’s 14,505-foot Mount Whitney in mid-April and dayhiking the 32-mile, 10,000-vertical-foot Pemi Loop in New Hampshire’s White Mountains in August, I put the Cosmo and Spot through many hours of use. Both shined at the usual tasks, like lighting the way when pitching a tent or hiking off-trail in the dark, but my testing also spotlighted their differences.

Both redesigned for 2016, the Cosmo and Spot share many useful similarities. With both, one click of the power button turns on the TriplePower LED, two clicks powers up the dimmer white bulb (DoublePower LED in the Cosmo, SinglePower LED in the Spot), and three clicks puts the headlamp in white LED strobe mode. With both, holding the power button for two seconds with the power off switches it to the red LED for night vision (DoublePower in the Cosmo, SinglePower in the Spot); and both have a red LED strobe mode. Holding the power button down for two seconds with the lamp off in red LED mode switches both back to white light. They both have dimming capability through holding the button down.

 

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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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Each has a smart locking feature to prevent it from turning on accidentally in a pack—just hold the power button in any mode for four seconds and it locks off, with the Cosmo blinking red to indicate it’s locked, and the Spot’s power-meter light blinking blue. The Spot is waterproof up to a meter underwater for 30 minutes, the Cosmo water-resistant to splashing, rain, and a briefing, shallow immersion (but dry out the batteries and casing after immersing either of them).

They differ in brightness and range. The less-expensive Cosmo projects 160 lumens up to 200 feet/60 meters at its brightest setting, the Spot 300 lumens up to 260 feet/80 meters, according to BD. Many hikers and backpackers rarely need a headlamp to project a beam 200 feet or more—but that kind of power can be critical in an emergency, or route-finding or rappelling in the dark, and useful when skinning uphill before dawn for some backcountry turns. The Cosmo is pretty darn bright, but few ultralight headlamps match the Spot’s 200 lumens. The choice comes down to how you intend to use a headlamp.

The Spot’s unique PowerTap technology allows you to simply tap the right side of the casing (marked by a bulb icon) to cycle between the TriplePower LED and SinglePower LED—a feature I liked for circumstances such as rolling into a campsite late at night in the Panamint Range, after a few hours of backpacking in the dark, and switching from the brightest light for hiking to medium brightness for pitching my tent. The Spot also has dimming capability in red LED mode.

 

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They have an identical, streamlined housing, with an inset power button that rarely turns on accidentally, an adjustable, comfortably wide headband, and a battery compartment that’s easily opened with the flip of a small lever, requiring no tools. BD says the Spot’s burn time (how long it operates on one set of batteries) ranges from 50 to 200 hours, the Cosmo’s from 50 hours to 250 hours. I took several typical trips with both without having to replace the batteries.

My take: If you just want a headlamp that’s reliable, lightweight, functional in typical dayhiking and backpacking situations, and inexpensive, the Black Diamond Cosmo is a good value. But for only a few more dollars, the Spot offers high-performance features and brightness at a hard-to-beat price.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links or the text ad below to purchase a Black Diamond Spot at moosejaw.com, ems.com, sunnysports.com, or rei.com, or a Black Diamond Cosmo at moosejaw.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 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 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-spot-and-cosmo-headlamps/feed/ 4 19048 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-western-mountaineering-summerlite-sleeping-bag/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-western-mountaineering-summerlite-sleeping-bag/#comments Thu, 19 May 2016 10:00:07 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=18985 Read on

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Ultralight Sleeping Bag
Western Mountaineering Summerlite
$420, 1 lb. 3 oz. (regular)
Sizes: short, regular, and long
backcountry.com

The lightest sleeping bags for summer camping—meaning for temperatures from the 50s Fahrenheit to around freezing—rarely include features like a hood, a draft tube, and a two-way, full-length zipper. The Summerlite has all of those while weighing in at barely north of a pound and remaining true to its 32-degree rating. On a weeklong, late-March trip in southern Utah, I slept in it for nights of car camping and backpacking in the Dirty Devil River canyon, when the low dipped into the high 20s, and found it warm, spacious enough, and supremely packable.

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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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With 10 ounces of 850-fill down feathers packed inside continuous baffles that encircle the bag, the Summerlite’s four inches of loft looks pretty fat for a summer bag. Continuous baffles are simple fabric tubes enwrapping the bag, within which you can shift down feathers, moving them to the top or bottom side of the bag, depending on how much warmth you need. I did not experience any unwanted migration of feathers—although that’s more common with continuous baffles than other types of baffles (and down can clump and distribute unevenly if you wash a bag with continuous baffles and don’t dry it properly). Unlike with some lightweight bags, the Summerlite has a thick, insulated draft tube inside the zipper to keep out drafts. The full-length zipper let me ventilate on nights in the 40s; you can also open it up enough to use it almost like a quilt, with your feet tucked inside the foot box. The zipper moves smoothly, and when it occasionally snagged briefly, I could easily pull the ulralight fabric out of the zipper.

For a lightweight mummy, it has good space—enough to get dressed inside. I like the 59-inch shoulder girth, which is thermally efficient, as a mummy bag should be: It warmed up in seconds as soon as I slipped inside. But I could also partly extend my arms while sleeping on my side, so that when I did seal the bag up tight on colder nights, I didn’t feel shrink-wrapped. But I’m of average build; broader people might find the bag snug. I could close the adjustable hood up snugly, leave it wide open, or micro-adjust the face opening within a wide range.

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The bag packs into a one-ounce stuff sack that’s only slightly larger than a bread loaf. Construction is excellent and the bag should last many years. The first quality sleeping bag I ever bought was a Western Mountaineering, and I got a quarter-century of use out of it without the bag losing any loft or anything breaking (and I handed it down to someone who will get more years out of it).

One demerit: The hood adjustment strap hangs in the face of side sleepers. Still, the Summerlite is one of the lightest and most packable summer bags you will find that’s fully featured and built to last, and one of the best choices out there for ounce counters.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a Western Mountaineering Summerlite at backcountry.com.

See all reviews of sleeping bags, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside, and my articles “Pro Tips: How to Choose a Sleeping Bag” and “10 Pro Tips: Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag.”

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 reviews organized by categories and buying tips at my Gear Reviews page.

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!

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-western-mountaineering-summerlite-sleeping-bag/feed/ 1 18985 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-proton-gtx-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-proton-gtx-shoes/#respond Wed, 18 May 2016 10:00:31 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=17828 Read on

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Hiking/Trail Running Shoes
Scarpa Proton GTX
$169, 1 lb. 7 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 39-47, 48, women’s 37-41
moosejaw.com

Everyone wants ultralight footwear for all manner of outdoor adventures these days, from light hiking and ultra-hikes to trail running and ultralight backpacking. Bonus if you can scramble a peak in them. I feel the same way. But that kind of hybrid shoe can be a challenging find. I put some trail miles on Scarpa’s new Proton GTX, a low-cut, waterproof-breathable trail runner that crosses over to hiking, and found it packs a heap of performance and versatility into one of the lightest pieces of outdoor footwear you’ll find.

The Proton GTX (there’s also a non-waterproof version, the Proton, for $129) provides all the forefoot flex you’d want in a trail runner, with excellent stability and lateral support, thanks to a dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole with a high-density EVA trail plate, and a molded, external heel counter that’s rock solid around your heel but cushioned underneath.

Those features, plus the heel to forefoot drop of 21mm to 11mm for better cushioning, means these shoes behave like an ATV for running or hiking rugged trails—really not what you’d assume in a shoe that’s under a pound-and-a-half per pair. I pounded out numerous fall and winter trail runs of up to 10 miles—hiking at times in steeper, rockier terrain—from the Foothills above my Boise home to the rocky, rooted trails of New England, in dry, wet, muddy conditions and on snow, and these shoes have a very stable platform for all of those situations.

 

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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 deliberately stood and splashed around in shallow water to test the Gore-Tex membrane, and my socks never got damp. I also put a low gaiter on over the shoes and ran on snow, in temperatures just below and above freezing, without my socks getting wet. The Airmesh uppers really enhance the breathability—I’d find my socks almost dry after long runs when I worked up a good sweat. Granted, I didn’t test the shoes on really hot days, but for drier, hotter conditions, I’d go with a non-waterproof shoe for even better ventilation, anyway.

A welded TPU external frame protects the uppers on rocky trails, while the Vibram Genesis outsole has widely spaced, relatively deep, 4mm lugs that bite into loose dirt and mud, but aren’t really designed for sticking to steep slabs, and did slip occasionally when descending on wet, slick rock and roots.

Final analysis: I’d recommend the Scarpa Proton GTX for rugged trail running in wet, cool conditions, dayhiking or ultra-hiking with a light daypack, and for hikers who are accustomed to wearing lightweight low-cuts for 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 Scarpa Proton GTX 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, trail-running shoes, and backpacking boots, plus all of my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

See also 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 all of my Gear Reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Was this review helpful? Get full access to ALL stories at The Big Outside. Subscribe now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-proton-gtx-shoes/feed/ 0 17828 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-inhaler-ii-low-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-inhaler-ii-low-shoes/#comments Wed, 04 May 2016 10:00:35 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=18801 Read on

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Hiking/Trail-Running Shoes
Vasque Inhaler II Low
$120, 1 lb. 12 oz. (men’s US 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14, women’s 6-11
backcountry.com

For much of the trail mileage that most dayhikers, backpackers, and runners pound out, breathability is more important than waterproofing—our feet are hot more often than they face any prospect of getting wet. Since moisture and heat are two of the three elements that create blisters (the third is friction), unless you typically hike or run in a wet, cool environment, keeping your feet cool should really be your top concern when choosing footwear—and even more so the farther you hike in a day. On local trail runs of up to about 13 miles in the Boise Foothills, and southern Utah desert dayhikes in the San Rafael Swell and the Horseshoe Canyon District of Canyonlands National Park, the smart design of the Inhaler II Lows kept my feet dry and happy.

Lighter and more breathable than many low-cuts built for hiking, the Inhaler II Lows have airy, abrasion-resistant mesh uppers and ventilation ports at the toe and heel for excellent air flow throughout; I finished trail runs of more than two hours, with 2,500 feet of elevation gain and loss, in warm sunshine, with my socks only slightly damp. With such good breathability, the shoes dry out quickly, too: When I inadvertently got the toes of both shoes wet while crossing a creek on one trail run, they were almost dry by the time I reached my car 45 minutes later. The low- to medium-volume fit allows some wiggle room for toes (but may not fit people with wide feet well). The basic lacing system is quick to loosen and tighten, which is more convenient for hiking and trail-running shoes than the to-the-toes lacing found in technical/approach shoes.

But these aren’t flimsy trail runners. PU-coated leather overlays lend the uppers more structure and protect the sides, toe, and heel without compromising breathability. Vasque’s exclusive Vibram Pneumatic outsole with Megagrip rubber, and well-spaced, multi-directional lugs, provided good traction whether on slickrock or in loose dirt and scree. A molded EVA midsole with a TPU instep shank, plus dual-density EVA footbeds, protect your underfoot from rocks and deliver a nice balance of support, cushion, and flexibility: These shoes fit and feel like trail runners but have enough support for all-day hikes in the mountains, ultra-hiking, and even ultralight backpacking.

 

For hikers who need waterproofing, there’s also the Vasque Inhaler Low GTX ($160, 1 lb. 10 oz. for men’s US 7), which my teenage son wore on an overnight, lightweight, partly off-trail backpacking trip in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains (when he realized he had forgotten his backpacking boots at home), and on an eight-mile, 2,300-foot dayhike on the Iceline Trail in Canada’s Yoho National Park. They kept his feet dry through rain showers, thunderstorms, and muddy trail, and delivered confident traction for scrambling up and down steep talus and scree. They are moderately breathable—not nearly as breathable as the non-Gore-Tex Inhaler II Lows, of course.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a pair of men’s Vasque Inhaler II Low shoes at backcountry.com or the women”s Inhaler II Low at moosejaw.com.

See all of my reviews of low-cut shoes and trail-running shoes, and my stories:
“Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”
“The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun”
“Buying Gear? Read This First”
“5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and 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 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 USA Today, a Trip Advisor site, 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.

The Big Outside is proud to partner with these sponsors and supporters of national parks. 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.

 

 

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-vasque-inhaler-ii-low-shoes/feed/ 2 18801 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/looking-for-reviews-of-the-best-gear-look-here/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/looking-for-reviews-of-the-best-gear-look-here/#respond Sat, 21 Nov 2015 11:00:24 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=14566 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

I take a bit of a different approach to testing and reviewing outdoor gear at The Big Outside. I don’t try to blanket my readers with reviews of every new piece of gear hitting the market—I can’t do it, but frankly, a lot of it is average and not worth recommending. Instead, I find the best backpacks and daypacks, backcountry tents, shoes and boots, bags, outdoor apparel, and other gear that I actually want to use and would recommend to friends. Then I take it on my backcountry trips and see if it works in real situations. After two decades of testing and reviewing gear, including many years as a field editor and lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine, I think I have a pretty good eye for what outdoor gear and apparel performs well and delivers value and what’s not worth your money.

That’s what you’ll find at my Gear Reviews page—only reviews of products I would recommend to my closest friends.

If you’re looking for gear for hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, or another outdoor activity, that page organizes all of my reviews by category, so that you can quickly find what you’re looking for among the hundreds of reviews at The Big Outside.

Besides listing the various categories of outdoor gear and apparel reviews you can find at The Big Outside, such as backpack reviews and backpacking tent reviews, that page has links to several of my most helpful stories about gear, including my expert tips on buying gear, my favorite new gear of the year, and my popular ultralight backpacking tips.

Tell me what you think of that page by commenting in this story or at my About page.

My blog can help you find the right gear for your style of adventure. Good luck and have fun out there.

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 my blog? I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, and I appreciate connecting with my readers. I invite you to subscribe to this blog by entering your email address in the box at the top of the left sidebar or below, 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/looking-for-reviews-of-the-best-gear-look-here/feed/ 0 14566 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-nano-air-vest/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-nano-air-vest/#respond Fri, 16 Oct 2015 10:00:41 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=15304 Read on

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Breathable Insulated Vest
Patagonia Nano-Air Vest
$199, 8 oz./227g (men’s medium)
Sizes: men’s XS-XXL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

If I had a buck for every day I’ve worn a vest outdoors over the years, well, I might not have to rely on a blog as the source of my wealth. But with the recent advent of breathable insulation, the classic vest, in its various iterations, faces serious competition. Curious to see whether a new-tech vest with breathable insulation could still measure up among today’s diverse array of versatile insulation pieces, I wore the Nano-Air Vest on Idaho adventures from July through October, including dayhikes and backpacking trips in the Sawtooth and White Cloud mountains and a five-day whitewater rafting and kayaking trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. It may speak volumes about this vest to say that I wore it a lot.

I found it the most useful on an early-October backpacking trip in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains, when 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. While my body’s heat output varied with the terrain, and we were frequently in and out of the wind, I didn’t have to adjust layers: The vest stayed on over a midweight base layer, keeping me at the right temperature. It performed similarly when I hiked the first few uphill miles, in cool, morning fog, of a 12-mile dayhike of Thompson Peak in Idaho’s Sawtooths in July.

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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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With highly breathable, synthetic insulation, this vest is built for high-exertion activities, as well as acting as a versatile layering piece in any season. The fit is close, but the nylon ripstop shell fabric has four-way, mechanical stretch, making it feel like an outer layer of skin, as well as a DWR (durable, water-repellent treatment), so it sheds light rain. Even the synthetic insulation has mechanical stretch, so the entire garment moves with you. The tall collar keeps your neck warm, and the vest has a functional feature set with one zippered chest pocket and two zippered hand pockets, plus a drawcord hem.

Patagonia’s Nano-Air Vest has all the traditional advantages of a classic fleece vest—adding a bit of core warmth with exceptional breathability, while keeping your arms uncovered so you don’t overheat. But it raises the bar on thermal efficiency for its weight and packability, and it sheds light precipitation. This is a highly versatile, year-round layering piece for all but the warmest trips.

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 Nano-Air Vest at backcountry.com, patagonia.com, or patagonia.ca in Canada.

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 breathable insulated jackets, all of my reviews of insulated jackets, and all of my reviews of outdoor apparel that I like.

See also my stories “My 10 Most-Read Gear Reviews,” “Buying Gear? Read This First,” “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear,” “The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun,” and “Ask Me: How Do We Begin Lightening Up Our Backpacking Gear?”

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

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Subscribe now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-patagonia-nano-air-vest/feed/ 0 15304 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-exped-mira-ii-hyperlite-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-exped-mira-ii-hyperlite-tent/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2015 10:00:37 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=15121 Read on

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Ultralight Tent
Exped Mira II Hyperlite
$429, 2 lbs. 14 oz. (without the included stuff sack and eight sturdy stakes, at least six of which are needed to pitch the tent)
moosejaw.com

On the first of two nights backpacking with my 15-year-old son in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains, I got an immediate sense of what I liked about Exped’s sub-three-pound Mira II HL (besides its low weight): With darkness and rain rapidly approaching, we pitched the tent easily in a couple of minutes. We lived and slept comfortably inside, thanks to a design that maximizes space while minimizing weight. And when it rained through the night, we stayed dry despite keeping one vestibule door wide open to help ventilate the interior.

In the White Clouds, we also we had a clear, cold night just above freezing. I also used the Mira II HL camping alone one clear and calm September night, with lows in the 30s, at Redfish Lake in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains; and my family used it as one of our two tents for three calm, clear nights, with lows in the 40s, backpacking the Rockwall Trail in Canada’s Kootenay National Park in August.

With a partly freestanding design—it needs staking for a taut pitch—space is good for the weight. A design that uses three DAC Featherlite NFL poles—one running the length of the tent, a ridge pole over the top, and an arched pole at the head end—plus a generous, 43-inch peak height, creates ample headroom (I could kneel in the middle of the tent) and a sense of the space being larger than its 29 square feet. Meanwhile, the 85-inch length accommodates tall people, and the 49-inch width is more than two sleeping pads. Three of us played cards inside one buggy evening in Kootenay, and my wife and I found the interior space perfectly adequate for two sleeping adults.

 

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.

 

It’s  quick to pitch and dismantle because the poles slide readily through their sleeves, and there are six points where the rainfly clips to the tent body. I found six stakes (including the two for the vestibules) enough for most situations, including winds up to about 20 mph, which did not cause the tent to bow inward or the rainfly to flap at all. The tent canopy, with a mix of mesh and solid fabric, and the two doors create good ventilation; still, we did get condensation (as we did in the other, double-wall tent we used in Kootenay) on some nights that were either rainy or clear with lows in the 30s to 40s Fahrenheit. But the taut pitch kept the rainfly off the canopy, so nothing inside got wet, except when wind blew a little rain in through one completely open vestibule doorway.

The two doors are large enough for easy entry and egress, and the rainfly overhangs the doors slightly, creating a drip line that prevents a straight-down rainfall from getting inside. We stored backpacks and boots in the two seven-square-foot vestibules and still had enough space to come and go without climbing over gear. This tent uses lightweight materials, like 15-denier ripstop nylon in the canopy and 20-denier in the floor and rainfly, requiring a little care to avoid tent sites with sharp rocks and sticks. The entire tent packs down to the size of the 20° down sleeping bag I used on some of the same trips.

 

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

 

Overall, this tent provides a shelter sturdy enough for all but very exposed, windy campsites, with good space for under three pounds.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy an Exped Mira II HL 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 backpacking tents I like and all of my reviews of backpacking gear.

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

 

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-exped-mira-ii-hyperlite-tent/feed/ 4 15121 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vitchelo-v800-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vitchelo-v800-headlamp/#respond Fri, 02 Oct 2015 10:00:35 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=15109 Read on

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Ultralight Headlamp
Vitchelo V800
$50, 3 oz. (with 3 AAA batteries, included)
store.vitchelo.com

On dark nights and early mornings from New Hampshire’s Presidential Range to Idaho’s Boise Mountains and New Zealand’s Kepler and Dusky tracks, and other trips, I needed a headlamp that was very light, reliable, versatile, and above all, bright. Vitchelo’s V800 met all of those standards, plus proved itself to be reliable and distinctly simple to use.

I tested the V800 on a three-night, January ski trip to a backcountry yurt in Idaho’s Boise Mountains; on New Zealand’s Kepler Track and Dusky Track in early March, including hiking in the dark in dense, dark forest; and used it a lot on a five-day, family backpacking trip down Paria Canyon in Utah and Arizona in late March, without the batteries running low, even though those batteries had already gone through my New Zealand trip. When we hiked the last 90 minutes of a 17-mile dayhike over the four summits of the Northern Presidential Range in New Hampshire in the dark in June, I handed this headlamp to my 14-year-old son, so he’d have a bright light to descend very steep, rocky, slippery trail. He also used it for three nights on a 34-mile backpacking trip the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park in the Canadian Rockies in August, and a two-day backpacking trip in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains in September.

The Big Outside is proud to partner with sponsor Osprey Packs. 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.

The V800’s white LED bulb has three brightness levels and a blinking light; and the red LED bulb has solid and blinking modes. Vitchelo claims the range of the brightest, 168-lumen white power is 360 feet/110 meters, which would rank it among the brightest ultralight headlamps on the market; the useful range looked to me like well over 200 feet on a dark, winter night in the forest. Best of all about the V800: It has separate buttons for red and white lights—keeping it simple. You just click each to scroll through the lighting levels. The buttons rise only slightly above the headlamp housing, so I never had a problem with the headlamp turning on accidentally in a pack (although there’s no lockout mode to actually prevent that from happening). Unlike with some headlamps, the back of the water-resistant housing opens easily to access the battery compartment, not requiring a tool. The adjustable headband remained comfortable for long periods of hiking.

I give it one demerit: It’s not rechargeable—it runs on three AAA batteries (included). If you’d like a headlamp that’s lightweight, powerful, and doesn’t require an engineering degree to figure out, give the Vitchelo V800 a look.

See all of my reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, and backpacking gear that I like.

See also my stories “The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun,” “Buying Gear? Read This First,” “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear,” and “Ask Me: How Do We Begin Lightening Up Our Backpacking Gear?”

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

I invite you to subscribe to this blog by entering your email address in the box 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-vitchelo-v800-headlamp/feed/ 0 15109 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-asolo-magix-hiking-approach-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-asolo-magix-hiking-approach-shoes/#respond Wed, 16 Sep 2015 10:00:46 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=14777 Read on

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Hiking/Approach Shoes
Asolo Magix
$210, 2 lbs. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 41-47/US 8-12, 13, 14, women’s Euro 36-41/US 6-10.5
moosejaw.com

In their early days, approach-style shoes were basically rock-climbing shoes for easy routes that you could walk short distances in with marginal comfort. They have since evolved greatly into something designed more for hiking comfort and performance than for climbing. Much as I like climbing, that’s a smart evolution, in my opinion, because that turns them into all-mountain shoes ideal for hiking and scrambling long days in difficult, off-trail terrain—a task for which lightweight, low-cut hiking shoes can get trashed, and burlier boots are often too heavy and hot. (For skilled climbers, some approach models are also sticky and nimble enough for easy fifth-class routes.) But there’s still a tension between conflicting objectives with approach shoes: balancing walking comfort against design elements that protect your feet better, but can also make shoes heavier and hotter. With the low-cut Magix, Asolo seemed to take a shot at achieving that delicate balance, so I took them on several hikes, including a 12-hour, roughly 14-mile and 5,000-foot, mostly off-trail dayhike in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, to test whether they could deliver.

My Sawtooths hike involved bushwhacking, a long and steep, third-class scramble of 10,470-foot Horstman Peak, and many off-trail miles, on a sunny day with temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 70s Fahrenheit.  I also wore the Magix on a pair of family dayhikes: an eight-mile, 2,300-foot hike on the Iceline Trail in Canada’s Yoho National Park, and a late-afternoon, five-mile, 1,500-foot jaunt up Angels Landing in Zion National Park, the latter famously featuring scrambling on steep sandstone. On each outing, I carried a daypack weighing 10 to 15 pounds.

The Magix immediately stand out for a close, comfortable, medium-volume fit and high-quality, durable construction that goes far in justifying the price. Designed for sensitivity when scrambling, the toe box has decent wiggle room, but isn’t capacious; these shoes may not offer the best fit if you have wide feet or narrow heels. The water-resistant Schoeller K-Tech and suede uppers and perforated, velveeten lining make them more breathable and cooler than some approach-style shoes with leather or suede uppers: My toes certainly got warm by late afternoon under a hot, alpine sun, but not uncomfortably so, and my feet didn’t sweat excessively. The K-Tech along with the rubber toe bumper that wraps around to the sides also armor these shoes against rocks, protecting my feet in very abusive, off-trail terrain.

The PU midsole—more durable than EVA—has good rigidity to prevent side-to-side sloppiness, but also has ample forefoot flex at the toes, for comfort walking many miles. With lugs that are relatively deep and well spaced for hiking or approach shoes, and slightly less area of smooth, sticky rubber under the toes than comparable models, the Vibram Friction outsole handled a wide variety of ground well: biting into steep, loose scree and dirt, while still gripping confidently when hopping big granite boulders and smearing on sandstone slabs. The outsole platform extends only to the edge of the uppers—meaning the outsole isn’t wider than your foot, as found in many hiking shoes that are designed for better cushioning—which is smart in an approach shoe because it gives you better edging ability. Asymmetrical, to-the-toes lacing lets you dial in the fit. A nylon heel loop allows you to clip the shoes to a harness while climbing.

If you often hike in rugged, rocky terrain—whether on or off-trail—where traction and foot protection are priorities, but some approach shoes make your feet too hot, take a look at the Asolo Magix.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a pair of Asolo Magix 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. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes, approach shoes, and backpacking boots that I like, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” and these stories at The Big Outside:

“Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites”
“My Top 10 Favorite Backpacking Trips”
“10 Tips For Getting a Hard-to-Get National Park Backcountry Permit”
“10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”

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-asolo-magix-hiking-approach-shoes/feed/ 0 14777 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-leki-micro-vario-carbon-trekking-poles/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-leki-micro-vario-carbon-trekking-poles/#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2015 10:00:50 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=14647 Read on

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Trekking Poles
Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles
$200, 1 lb./pair (without storage sack)
moosejaw.com

From a four-day trip backpacking the Rockwall Trail in Canada’s Kootenay National Park, and a seven-mile, 2,300-foot dayhike on the Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park, to a rocky and often steep, 17-mile, 6,800-vertical-foot dayhike over the four summits of the Northern Presidential Range in New Hampshire, and an approximately 27-mile dayhike on Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River Trail (and other dayhikes of up to 10 miles during a six-day rafting trip on the Middle Fork), the Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles repeatedly demonstrated their usefulness and versatility.

These three-section, carbon-fiber poles lock together via an internal, Kevlar-reinforced tension cord, with a push-button release for collapsing them. But while other models of ultralight, three-section trekking poles come in a fixed length (different sizes, but non-adjustable), the SpeedLock below the handle on the Micro Vario allows for up to 20 centimeters/8 inches of length adjustment instantly—a unique and smart design detail.

 

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The Aergon Thermo foam grips have an unusually large head on them, enhancing comfort—even on days of hiking as much as 12 or 15 hours—especially when I held the poles by the top of the grip (for going downhill or frequently changing my grip in steep terrain). The lightweight wrist straps dry quickly when wet from sweat or rain. The poles are light enough to use for running trails (as I did with these poles on the Monoosnoc Ridge Trail in the wooded hills of central Massachusetts), but the lightweight carbon-fiber shafts were strong also enough to use to pitch a tent that requires trekking poles.

 

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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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BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to buy the men’s or women’s Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles 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.

 

I almost never dayhike or backpack without trekking poles, and I tend to favor ultralight models; but my complaints about some poles in that category are that I fear them bending under hard use, and they come in a fixed (non-adjustable) length. With the Micro Vario, Leki answers those concerns.

See my other reviews of trekking poles and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

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

 

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-leki-micro-vario-carbon-trekking-poles/feed/ 2 14647 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-princeton-tec-sync-headlamp/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-princeton-tec-sync-headlamp/#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2015 10:00:50 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=14391 Read on

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Ultralight Headlamp
Princeton Tec Sync
$30, 2.9 oz. (including three AAA batteries)
moosejaw.com

Hiking down the steep, rocky, frequently slippery trails of Mount Washington in the dark for the final 90 minutes of a 17-mile, 6,000-vertical-foot dayhike over the four summits of New Hampshire’s Northern Presidential Range, the last thing I needed was a headlamp that wasn’t bright enough or lost power. With the Sync, those issues weren’t a problem. In fact, its brightest setting threw a broad beam that illuminated the lower Tuckerman Ravine Trail well enough that two teenagers in our party who had forgotten their headlamps could see. Considering also that the Sync is one of the lightest, cheapest, and simplest headlamps on the market today, and it’s hard to find fault with it.

I also used the Sync on a four-day, 34-mile family backpacking trip on the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park in the Canadian Rockies, and a three-day, 34-mile backpacking trip on the Royal Arch Loop in the Grand Canyon; and I carried it (didn’t need to use it) on a 25-mile dayhike in the Grand Canyon, from Hermits Rest to Bright Angel Trailhead.

 

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If you don’t need a headlamp that requires reading a manual and costs more than your hiking shoes, the Sync may be just what you’ve been looking for. It has five modes that deliver all the versatility that virtually any backcountry user could need: dual beam (max output 150 lumens and max range 58 meters on fresh batteries), spot, high flood, low flood, and red. One dial spins quickly through the modes—no multiple clicking—and there’s a lockout position that prevents accidental turning on inside a pack or a pocket.

Burn time ranges from 75 to 200 hours—so you not only won’t lose power at a crucial moment, you don’t even really have to carry extra batteries (unless you’re on a long, committing expedition). It’s not rechargeable—it runs on three AAA batteries (included). And that’s about the only negative comment I can think of making about the Sync.

BUY IT NOW: You can support The Big Outside by purchasing a Princeton Tec Sync at moosejaw.com or rei.com.

 

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See all of my reviews of headlamps, hiking gear, and backpacking gear that I like.

 

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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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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.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-princeton-tec-sync-headlamp/feed/ 2 14391 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-sierra-designs-tensegrity-2-fl-tent/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-sierra-designs-tensegrity-2-fl-tent/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2015 10:00:21 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=14059 Read on

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Ultralight Tent
Sierra Designs Tensegrity 2 FL
$390, 2 lbs. 10 oz. (without the included stuff sack and nine sturdy stakes, which are needed to pitch the tent)
sierradesigns.com

When I first saw this tent displayed at the Outdoor Retailer trade show a year ago, I wanted to test it in the backcountry. The whole concept behind SD’s new Tensegrity line intriguingly throws out the playbook on what backpacking tents are supposed to look like: Gone are the inward sloping walls, traditional vestibules, and poles, all with the goal of making a shelter that’s not just lighter but more functional. I took the Tensegrity 2 FL on a six-day rafting trip down Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River—and mostly liked what I saw in this unusual shelter.

The non-freestanding, single-wall Tensegrity tents pitch using two trekking poles, one included DAC NFL arch pole that supports the tent’s foot end, and seven stakes. Eliminating tent poles shaves significant weight and bulk, making the tent light and compact while offering capacious space: While the Tensegrity 2 FL’s interior floor space is 29 square feet (and 88 inches long, with a peak height of 41 inches)—somewhat average for a two-person tent—the one-of-a-kind design makes it wider at the ceiling (57 inches) than at the floor (50 inches). Sitting inside really feels much roomier than many tents, certainly more than any bug-proof tent under three pounds. At the tent’s head end, a large awning can be pitched in three different configurations—angled to the ground lean-to style, straight outward (using two more poles), or rolled up completely. I found the angled option the best for protecting gear from rain, but really liked rolling it up for stargazing on clear nights.

In lieu of vestibules at the two side doors, it has a spacious 10-square-foot “gear closet,” which is smartly positioned at the front end of the tent (and accessed via a third, zippered door that’s large enough for entry and egress), so you don’t have to climb over your gear going in and out. It also means there’s no vestibule to crawl through, which really makes the tent more pleasantly livable. Plus, the enormous mesh wall at the head end and equally large mesh doors without vestibules lets you see the stars instead of feeling enclosed in a nylon cocoon.

Pitching it takes a little practice and time; I could eventually do it by myself, although it’s tricky when trying to tension two trekking poles. The Tensegrity proved sturdy enough to ward off rain and wind in violent thunderstorms on the Middle Fork. Awnings that extend out 12 inches over the side doors prevent rain dripping inside the tent when you come and go. The lightweight, silicone-treated, 30D nylon ripstop fabric in the floor and 20D polyester ripstop in the body, seam taped throughout, suffered no damage, but won’t be as durable as heavier fabric used in some tents.

The biggest demerit is that this shelter suffers from the bane of single-wall tents: condensation. On calm, humid nights with lows in the 40s, the ceiling collected a lot of condensation even with the solid door panels half to fully unzipped on each side to maximize ventilation (in addition to the big mesh door on the head end). One foggy morning, the condensation dripped from the ceiling onto sleeping bags and everything inside. But on other nights—one rainy, another clear and breezy, with my wife or son sharing the tent with me and the solid side doors unzipped for ventilation—we had zero condensation.

The Tensegrity 2 FL and its sister tents in that line are a good choice for backpacking in a relatively dry climate or on shorter trips in any weather. But on longer trips where you may face repeated rainy days, condensation and the inability to dry out the tent might eventually leave you with a wet shelter, inside and out. Unlike the FL version, the lighter and more-expensive Tensegrity 2 Elite ($490, 2 lbs., 2 oz.) requires seam sealing.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy this product at CampSaver.com.

See all of my reviews of backpacking tents I like and all of my reviews of backpacking gear.

See also my stories “The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun,” “Buying Gear? Read This First,” “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear,” and “Ask Me: How Do We Begin Lightening Up Our Backpacking Gear?”

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

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.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-sierra-designs-tensegrity-2-fl-tent/feed/ 2 14059 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-polaroid-cube-camera-2/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-polaroid-cube-camera-2/#respond Fri, 14 Aug 2015 10:00:46 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=13973 Read on

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Ultralight Point-and-Shoot Camera
Polaroid Cube
$100, 2 oz.
polaroidcube.com/shop/polaroid-cube.html

Anyone who’s lamented the weight and bulk of photography equipment in the backcountry—but wants to bring pictures back from every trip—can’t help but be curious about a point-and-shoot camera that weighs two ounces, is the size of an ultralight headlamp, cost just 100 bucks, and shoots 6-megapixel photos and high-definition 1080p video. That it comes from Polaroid, the company that changed consumer photography with instant cameras, only heightens the interest. So I picked up a Polaroid Cube for a six-day rafting trip down Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River to see what kind of pictures and video it could produce.

The photos and video in this review were all shot with the Cube (except for the picture of the Cube, of course). In the interest of showing the raw quality of the jpegs produced by the Cube, I didn’t edit them as I normally would all photos I take. With the simplest photo-editing software, even a free one like Picasa, you could improve these pictures. But the Cube produced images that are acceptably sharp for many novice photographers, with infinite depth of field (everything in focus) and good contrast. One photo (not included here) was heavily green, a problem that occasionally arises from bright sunshine flooding directly into the Cube, throwing off its white balance, according to a spokesperson for Polaroid; but that can be corrected in editing. Like many basic, point-and-shoot cameras, the Cube has trouble getting a balanced exposure if you have too large a contrast range within the frame, such as having the sun in or very near the background. The short video clip of my son catching a trout in the Middle Fork has decent image quality.

The Cube’s wide-angle lens provides a 124-degree perspective (Polaroid says it cannot convert that to a millimeter measure as for standard camera lenses). The lithium battery will shoot 90 minutes of video before needing to be recharged (using a USB cord, included); the charge lasts longer for photos. A screw cap on the Cube’s back side accesses the mini-SD memory card, recharging port, and a switch to toggle between lower-quality 720p and high-definition, 1080p video, which uses more memory. (With a 32 GB memory card, there’s little need to shoot in 720p.) The Cube is splash-proof, but I also got a plastic case (sold separately, $25; with suction mount, $40) that’s waterproof to 10 meters and completely protected the Cube so I could shoot as our raft went through whitewater rapids on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. A 32 GB memory card, required to operate the Cube, is sold separately for $24.

There are some downsides to such a simple and lightweight camera: There’s no indicator light for remaining battery charge. The suction mount I obtained with the waterproof case doesn’t have curved shape, so I couldn’t mount it on a helmet. But most problematic is the lack of a viewfinder—you don’t really know what’s framed in any picture when you aim the Cube. As an avid photographer, I found that disconcerting, and some of my shots were not framed the way I’d hoped. But I suspect you can get better at that with practice, and many casual shooters might not mind, anyway, given the Cube’s supreme convenience and tiny size.

The Cube Plus, $150, due out this month, will shoot 8-megapixel photos and 1440p video and sync to smartphones and tablets via wifi, allowing you to use either device as a viewfinder for the Cube Plus.

See my “12 Simple Tips For Taking Better Outdoor Photos” and “Ask Me: What Camera Equipment Do You Carry in the Backcountry?” See also all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear that I like and my stories “Buying Gear? Read This First,” “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear,” “The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun,” and “Ask Me: How Do We Begin Lightening Up Our Backpacking Gear?”

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

I invite you to subscribe to this blog by entering your email address in the box at the top of the left sidebar, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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