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

The Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket is a 6.3 ounce lightweight rain jacket (in a size men’s XL) that is light enough to be used as a wind shirt or a rain jacket. Specially designed for ultra runners in Europe’s Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, it has high waterproof/breathability ratings in lab tests, but like all waterproof/breathable rain jackets, is still susceptible to wetting out …

Smarts Mountain (3238′), located outside of Hanover, NH, is the first decent sized mountain that Appalachian Trail thru-hikers face when they enter the White Mountain National Forest. It has a fire tower on top with good views, a tent site, and an old warden’s cabin that hikers can camp or shelter at the summit. There are four hiking trails that …

Becoming a skilled and confident hiker or backpacker is a lifelong endeavor that requires continuous learning and practice. While reading hiking books can’t give you the hands-on experience that only comes by getting your clothes dirty and boots wet, they are a useful guide to expand your horizons and help you understand what you don’t know. Here’s my short list …

The forecast was grim. Rain showers were expected all day for our traverse of the Moat Mountain Range, a series of three ledgy peaks near Mount Washington. The Moat Mountain Traverse is a classic New England hike, much of it above treeline, with great views of Mount Chocorua, the Green Hills, and the Mountains in southwest Maine. We lucked out …