stg-sectionhikercom-buttons.kinsta.cloud Backpacking Gear Reviews and FAQs

The Exped Ultra 5R Air Mattress is a lightweight inflatable sleeping pad that’s three inches thick and has an R-value of 4.8. It contains synthetic insulation, instead of reflective films, which makes it very quiet to sleep on, and is covered with a durable 20d polyester non-slip fabric. The pad has a pair of flat stemless valves for inflation and …

An insulated skirt? Could that possibly be an idea that has any merit at all? A few years back, I started to ask myself this question and I thought the answer would be “no”. I’d seen a couple of women on the trails wearing them, but I doubted it could add an interesting amount of warmth since a skirt is …

The Mystery Ranch Scree is a 3.1 pound daypack with an adjustable length torso that’s designed for carrying heavy loads in rugged terrain. It’s made with burly fabrics to withstand serious abuse, with a unique frame system that won’t buckle if you have to haul heavy gear. External daisy chains, a wrap-around compression system, and panel-loading access make the Scree …

Rock Spikes are Kahtoola Microspikes, Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultras, and any other lightweight (chain-based) winter traction aids with dull spikes that have been worn down from heavy use. Rather than throw them away, hikers and peakbaggers use them during the early winter and in late spring when the trails are icy but there’s a lot of bare rock and gravel …