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

Trail Shoe Epiphany I love my new Inov-8 Roclite 320 trail running shoes. Having endured hiking in wet leather Gore-Tex lined boots for years, I can’t convey to you the freedom that I feel being able to splash through any puddle or stream with so little consequence. On hindsight, I wish I had worn trail runners like these on my …

Ultralight Rain Mittens I like to go backpacking in the early spring, but cold spring rain can really be murder on your hands if you hike with trekking poles on multi-day trips. So, this year I’ll be using a pair of ultralight rain mitts made of super breathable eVent fabric from Mountain Laurel Designs. At 1.5 oz per pair (unsealed), …

Fashionable Fleece? I’ve never really understood why people are willing to pay such a premium for Arc’teryx gear. But when I saw this Arc’teryx Covert Zip fleece sweater on sale, I decided to buy it and try it out. The truth is, I needed a few more fashionable sweaters for work, but I hate wool sweaters because they’re too hard …

For spring hiking this year, I’ve added a Patagonia R1 pullover fleece layer to my wicking system to give me a bit more warmth under a technical shell and to replace a synthetic vest that I’ve been using for the past few years. The problem with the vest is that it didn’t wick moisture away from my back when I’m carrying …