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

REI’s Merino Midweight Half-Zip Base Layer Top is a 200-gram wool base layer available in men’s and women’s sizes.  It falls between Minus 33’s mid-weight Sierra 1/4 Zip (230 gram) and the Minus 33 lightweight (170 gram) 1/4 zip tops, at a comparable price.   However, REI frequently has these on sale, and you won’t ever find Minus 33 on sale. …

Today’s winter boots are waterproof, insulated, and compatible with traction aids such as microspikes and snowshoes. While 200 gram Thinsulate insulated mids are fine for commuting and short local walks down to about 10-20 degrees (F), we recommend buying boots with higher calf coverage and 400 gram Thinsulate insulation for all-day hikes and mountain climbs in colder temperatures. We are …

MSR has a group version of their WindBurner canister gas stove system. Whereas other versions are “upright” type stoves (where the burner mounts on top of the canister), this is a “remote” type stove (where the canister is off to the side, connected by a fuel hose). Goods New for Windburner Fans Two and a half years ago, MSR made a …

It’s amazing how some backpacking gear myths persist, even when there’s ample evidence to the contrary. Then there are the lies that gear marketers propagate to sell their products to people who don’t know better. Here are a few of my favorites: 1. Waterproof means waterproof. Think again. You’d think that waterproof rain jackets, waterproof rain pants, waterproof boots, waterproof …