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

I’ve been using ultralight (sub 8 oz) carbon fiber hiking poles this year from Gossamer Gear and Backpackinglight.com. Hiking with them is a fantastic experience. They’re incredibly lightweight and easy to reposition with a flick of the wrist, greatly reducing arm fatigue. However, I’ve snapped 4 strapless ultralight carbon fiber poles since March (or one every 30 trail hours) and …

  Ibuprofen (trademarked at Advil or Motrin) is so popular amongst hikers and climbers that it is often called Vitamin I. Ibuprofen is an over the counter pain reliever and anti-inflammatory that can speed recovery during training or the main event. Muscle pain caused by inflammation can occur as a result of overuse, extended exercise, or physically-demanding work. In these …

  I’m not a big soup eater on the trail, so I was blown away when I tried a Packit Gourmet’s Tortilla Soup last week (2.7 oz) on a long backpacking trip. I made this meal on one of those nights when I was too tired to invest much energy in making an elaborate dinner. So instead, I just boiled …

There’s a tradition of charity unto others called Trail Magic on the Appalachian Trail and other long distance trails in the US. It takes many forms. Sometimes, people will leave cold drinks and snacks at trail crossings for thru-hikers, or they’ll pick hikers up on the road and take them home for a few days of rest and food. It’s …