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

The biggest dirty little secret in the outdoor industry is that waterproof/breathable rain jackets won’t keep you dry. It doesn’t matter if you buy a high-end $450 Arcteryx Gore-tex Parka or wear your bathrobe, they’ll both Wet Out in continuous rain and leave you soaking wet. What is Wet Out? Most 2-layer or 3 -ayer waterproof/breathable rain jackets and pants …

Most US Government Land Management Agencies, including the United States Geological Survey, the National Park Service, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Land Management publish FREE maps using a format called GeoPDF. Like Adobe PDF documents, these maps can be displayed on many different computers, tablets, and devices, including mobile phones. The ‘Geo’ part of a …

Recently on walkabout in the southern highlands of Scotland, I idly pondered how many nights I have spent under the Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar. I am not affiliated with Mountain Laurel Designs and am rarely given gear to test or review. I don’t feel that comfortable doing equipment reviews because by the time I feel qualified to comment, things have …

What is an Appalachian Trail Shelter? Appalachian Trail Shelters come in many different styles and sizes. Most are built-in a lean-to style with one wall open to the elements, but here are many different shelter designs in use up and down the trail. Some have covered porches where hikers can hang out, many have bunk beds, or even a second …