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

Soto is a Japanese manufacturer known for its high-quality canister (Windmaster) and liquid fuel backpacking (Muka) stoves. Their newest canister stove, the Amicus (which means friend in Latin), is value priced at $44.95 with a built-in piezo igniter and includes many of the features found on their more expensive models including four folding pot stand supports and a recessed burner head …

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a cushioned trail running shoe that excels for hiking and running on moderate terrain and hard-packed trails. It has a moderate cushion and a flared outsole, providing good shock absorption and balanced comfort with a responsive toe-off.  A stack height of 4 mm makes them easier to transition to than a full zero drop trail …

Gossamer Gear is one of the original ultralight backpack manufacturers. They have continuously refined its products to adapt to the needs of lightweight backpackers, thru-hikers, and, more recently, day hikers, fast packers, and urban commuters.  I started using their packs in 2008 when I hiked The Long Trail in Vermont with a Mariposa 60 Backpack and have used every generation …

A Twins/Bonds Traverse is a 2-3 day, 20-mile traverse of North Twin, South Twin, West Bond, Mt Bond, and Bondcliff Mountains. This route is an alternative to the classic Bonds Traverse which approaches the Bondcliff Trail from the east over Mt Zealand. While the Twins/Bonds Traverse is a more strenuous and challenging route, it’s also considerably more scenic with far-reaching …