Hiking
Archive
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Gravis Travel Duffle.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Osprey Hornet 32 pack.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Arc'teryx Aerios 14 pack.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the JanSport Versteeg pack.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Osprey Verve 13 backpack.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Eagle Creek Adero 55 pack.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Marmot Freya 35 backpack.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the REI Crestrail 65 backpack.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Eagle Creek Salta Vita.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Timbuk2 Candybar backpack.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Camelbak Aventura.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Patagonia Nano Puff vest.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Merrell Avian Light Sport Hikers.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the First Ascent by Point 6 Lightweight Hiking Socks.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Outdoor Research Echo Duo Tee.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Ibex Shak Lite Half Zip Long-Sleeve.
By Stephen Regenold Asphyxiation is rarely a concern on a family camping trip. But this month, on a stormy night in northern Minnesota, my wife and I awoke lightheaded and out of sorts. “I feel on the verge of hyperventilating,” my wife said. It was after midnight, and our tent…
I am trying to decide between the Asolo Superfly GTX (sold in Europe) and Asolo Spyre GV (sold in USA). Do you know much about these boots and have any recommendations? Any help would be appreciated. Do you know of any problems with ordering from Europe? Roy Mooresburg, TN
By Stephen Regenold With the subtle pull of a single finger, the FlashPoint knife flicks open to reveal its stout and serrated three-inch blade. Unlike pocketknives of yore, which could sometimes bend a thumbnail before they opened up, today companies like Buck Knives seem to thrive…
Fire. Air. Wood. Water. Those are the essential ingredients for the Backcountry Boiler, an esoteric stove-type product called “the world's first ultralight chimney kettle.” It is made in Pittsburgh, and the stove is marketed to ultra-light backpackers and other wilderness types in need of hot water in the backcountry with…
I am going on a Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim day hike in several weeks. I have done a lot of hiking mainly in light boots but I am wondering about using trail runners for this one. Any suggestions? Mark Henderson, NV
What type of sleeping pad is best for backpacking, the self-inflating or the tubular kind? Also what's the best, thickest pad out on the market? Rich Sycamore, IL
What is the generally the best dog pack? I'm looking for maintained maneuverability, with loads up to 20 to 25 percent, maximum, of the dog’s weight, with priority on the dogs comfort and safety. Any ideas?Sa,Clemson, SC
ϳԹ magazine has chosen its Spring/Summer 2011 winners of the Gear of the Year awards, featured in the ϳԹ Spring/Summer Buyer’s Guide, on newsstands April 26th. ϳԹ's Buyer's Guide has 325 of our favorite products. Our testers and editors spent several months torture-testing the latest crop of…
ϳԹ magazine has chosen its Spring/Summer 2011 winners of the Gear of the Year awards, featured in the ϳԹ Spring/Summer Buyer’s Guide, on newsstands April 26th. ϳԹ's Buyer's Guide has 325 of our favorite products. Our testers and editors spent several months torture-testing the latest crop of…
Do I have to have boots with a foot shank for hiking the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island? Donna Victoria, BC
I am looking for a solid pack that is large enough for a bivy, a 32- to 45-degree down sleeping bag, an inflatable pad, and food for a night stay. But I also want to minimalistic. There are so many choices. Any suggestions? What should I be looking for? William Oakland, CA
By Stephen Regenold Clean drinking water in the wilderness is never guaranteed. No matter how pristine the lake or stream, microbes like giardia and cryptosporidium can inhabit the waters, threatening illness that might…
By Stephen Regenold Clean drinking water in the wilderness is never guaranteed. No matter how pristine the lake or stream, microbes like giardia and cryptosporidium can inhabit the waters, threatening illness that might…
I'm planning a three-month backpacking trip in Europe for the fall of 2011 with my girlfriend. I would like to know what bag should I buy and how big it should be?! I was looking at the Arc'teryx and Osprey bags but I really don't know what to look for! Mathieu Montreal, Quebec
All you need is the right iron, two slices of bread, filling, and heat.
By Stephen Regenold Few campfire treats compare to steaming, golden-edged pocket pies cooked over hot coals. Since I was a kid camping with my family in Minnesota's North Woods, until today with my own children, clamp-shut pie irons have been a staple culinary tool. …
I need a good, lightweight woman's hiking shoe that I can walk about 15 miles a day on hard surfaces and still use to hike a few trails when I go to China this summer. Breathable is a must, as its going to be hot.Charlie Los Angeles, CA
What jacket do you recommend for a great backpacking experience? I am looking for something synthetic (I'm allergic to down) that stuffs into a small bag, and keeps me warm. —Austin Burlington, North Carolina
I live in Tahiti and do some day hiking and getting ready to try more serious overnight trips. What's the best women's backpack adaptable for our climate : i.e., for hot, humid, and rainy in tropical to marine environments? Approximate capacity required: 3,000 cubic inches for one to two days Any suggestions? Mary AnneTahiti
I have been looking for a good minimalist water purifier. I have been looking at Katadyn Pocket water filter with Output Hose, but $ 320.00 seems dear. I just can't pull that trigger since usually I just boil water. But now I'm looking for more instant gratification nowadays—for under $120? FredSanta Monica, CA
I'm doing a one-day 30.1-mile hike on the AT in April to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. What are the best boots for training/distance hikes?CharlotteCharlotte, NC
We all need 4G. No question. But more electromagnetic radiation may mean more interference. We’ve long known that cell phones and VHF radios interfere with avalanche beacons—keep them a few feet away, or turn off your phone and radio when doing a beacon search. Now, telecom LightSquared has FCC approval…
What is the most compact one-man tent that can be used for winter camping in Vermont? I'm looking for something to mainly keep the elements out. I would need to fit it into a carry-on. Also, I am looking into a sleeping bag that can handle cold winter nights in the Green Mountains that I can also fit with my carry-on bag. Alex Columbia, MO
I'm trying to find lightweight hiking boots. I'm used to trail running shoes but want something more sturdy. But every hiking shoe I've tried forces my foot to pronate. Running shoes are neutral or they correct for pronation, but hiking boots encourage it, and it hurts my feet and knees. The stores sell expensive inserts, but those don't work for me, they leave my foot pronating with some arch support. Thoughts? Mark Seattle, WA
This column is part of a series of gear reviews based on tests in the 2011 Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race, a weeklong competitive event in southern Chile. The race stretched 300+ miles and included trekking, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, and wilderness navigation. Team…
I am about to embark on a three-week backpack adventure across the European continent. I am looking to only take one pair of shoes with me, so I need something that can withstand a wide range of terrain and conditions. What is the best all-around shoe for walking through cities, hiking, climbing, backpacking, etc.? I have considered the North Face Single-Track, the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX, and several different models from Inov-8. Am I on the right path? Robby Cleveland, TN
What is the best backpack for both fishing and photography? It needs to carry four or five fly boxes, two reels, and miscellaneous accessories, plus be able to carry camera equipment safely. Robert West Chester, PA
Would love you to recommend good shoe or boot for snowshoeing. I like to run in my snow shoes but need good shoe. Cindy Santa Fe, NM
My girlfriend wants a functional snow boot that will keep her warm, dry, and pretty. Help! —Dave Ostmann Chicago, Illinois
My son wants a bivy tent. He likes to hike for couple of days at a time on his own, usually in a moderate climate but sometimes in the snow. What do I need to look for? Specific models if possible. Sue Kingwood, TX
By Stephen Regenold Mike Kloser, a Vail, Colo., athlete and a former world-champion mountain biker, is something of a god in the sport of adventure racing. As the captain of Team Nike, Kloser dominated AR for years, including multiple world-champ titles and victories at banner events…
I'm going to Peru for a week-long hike to Machu Picchu. I think the tour guides carry the large gear (tents, food). What backpack should I get? My local store suggested an Osprey 40 but I really have no idea what to get. Help! Thanks.ChrisLouisville, KY
By Stephen Regenold The International CES trade show, the world’s largest gathering of consumer-technology companies, took place last week in Las Vegas. Here are five new products for the outdoors market that caught my eye on the show floor. GPS ‘Bug’ — The…
I am trying to find a good, durable approach shoe for both lightweight packing and climbing/canyoneering without have to change shoes. I am a minimalist when it comes to gear. I have read good things about the Five Ten Guide Tennies. Any thoughts or recommendations?FredSanta Monica, CA
By Stephen Regenold The annual International CES (Consumer Electronics Show), held this week in Las Vegas, is the world's largest gathering of consumer technology companies, geeks, and technophiles of all types. But hidden in the halls of technology are outdoor brands and dozens of gadgets that…
I need the perfect present for my boyfriend's birthday! He's a cyclocross racer, mountain biker, skier, rock climber, and camper, and loves all outdoor gear and tools. Any great ideas within the $150 range?? -Sara Las Vegas, NV
The steel head of my new hatchet was pounded out old-school style by a blacksmith in Sweden. His name is Mattias Mattsson, and beside a crown insignia stamped on the axe head, Mattsson marked his creation with a signature “MM” to personalize and claim the work as his…
What's the difference between synthetic insulation and down insulation in terms of staying warm? For example, how does 700 or 800 fill down compare to synthetics? PaulChicago, IL
As a recent transplant to Colorado, I realized I should be in the market for a decent winter boot (that could optionally be used year round). There are so many options out there with so many mixed reviews. I'd like to keep the purchase below $200. Any suggestions? JohnDurango, CO
Famed explorer Alan Arnette gives us the inside scoop on what he wears to stay warm in the South Pole
LOWA ALBULA GTX LADY, $280 Ah, November. That brief time of year when the air is crisp, the forest a carnival of color and the last of the Lady Frankenstein face paint has finally scrubbed off behind your ears. There couldn't be a better time to…
If you were only going to take one pair of shoes or boots to Belize to hike in the jungle, visit some ruins, and screw around on some zipline and cave tubing tours, what would you take? I'd love both a male and female option (for my companion).-AdamBoulder, CO
We may buy a small pack with the aim of paring down, but the Massif’s designers know us better than we know ourselves—we’ll still cram it full. And thus they have installed the best load-carrying system we’ve seen in a lightweight pack. Mammut’s aluminum Butterfly frame delivers rigid vertical…
Good for Backcountry This was our favorite pack for skiing around the resort. With its low profile, the Agent sits comfortably on a chair and stayed glued to our backs, even when hopping tight chutes out of bounds. Better yet, because the loops for its simple and…
Go ahead and cram this pack full on the hottest day. The stiff Butterfly suspension supports a load of rocks, and a mesh panel lets air cool your back. 3.1 lbs, 1,830 cu in; www.mammutusa.com Bonus: A rain cover is included.
While all the shoes here are made specifically for women, we found that the Terrastryder’s lower- volume forefoot, cushioned ankle, deep Achilles cutout, and sloping collar combined for the best fit of the bunch. It feels more like a sandal than a boot but still has bootlike stability,…
CRAG BAG PLUSTapering like an inverted missile nose cone, this two-pound-ten-ouncer is one sweet summit-poacher. The main chute easily gulps down a stove, fuel, clothes, and a tightly compressed sleeping bag. The front hopper accepted my Nalgene and a couple of energy bars, while exterior diagonal lash points secured my…
MOST WATERPROOF When Moab's worst rainstorm in years coincided with our weekend plans, the Dryshield prevented a soggy retreat. In conditions that would have soused a lesser pack's contents, the 500-denier, polyurethane-coated packcloth kept our stuff bone dry. Its streamlined features—there's little more than mesh pockets and ax loops on…
CHAMELEON When worn alone, the Outtabounds’ detachable 728-cubic-inch yo-yo pack was perfect for riding lifts. Insert it into the main pack and you have a 2,300-cubic-inch combo with stable support, effective compression straps, and simple carry system (lash your board vertically or skis diagonally). It proved the perfect package for…
THE WETTER, THE BETTER Not surprisingly, sandal maker Chaco’s first-ever light hiking shoe excels in soggy conditions. As one of our testers shimmied down a waterfall drainage, he bloodied a knee, but, thanks to a full-coverage rubber rand, the Canyonlands escaped scratch-free. The low-profile outsole provided plenty of friction as…
Organizers will appreciate the many pockets in this petite daypack. There’s also a hydration sleeve and a bottom pocket for the stow-away rain cover. Despite all these features, it’s (relatively) light and streamlined: The harness system and removable waist belt are supportive but not bulky. 2.7 lbs, 1,500 cu…
Marmot knows how to mold a harness to a woman’s body. The Diva’s hipbelt and shoulder straps conformed to multiple testers’ torsos, and we loved this pared-down pack for long but still fast-and-light hikes. 3.1 lbs, 2,150 cu in; marmot.com…
The quick-cinch laces and trademark toe bumpers are a given for Keen. But what impressed testers most was the warmth-to-weight ratio: The waterproof-breathable Growler is every bit as warm as the Lynx but weighs just a bit more than Columbia’s Omni-Tech. 2.6 lbs; keenfootwear.com…
Urban Hiker Half messenger bag, half backpack: That’s the easiest way to describe this 1,500-cubic-inch urban hauler. With a well-cushioned 15.4-inch laptop pocket and a DWR-coated, splash-resistant flap closure, it’s the perfect pack for biking to work or walking to the coffee shop. Thanks to the same breathable mesh padding…
Like the Sorels and Patagonias, these boots have a metallic lining—aluminum in this case—that reflects heat back to your foot and boosts warmth by about 20 percent. Its lower cut and sneaker-like comfort make it great for day hikes, but you’ll need gaiters if you’re going snowshoeing in powder.
Like the original, only better. The leather uppers are now seam-sealed and waterproof. When combined with the nine-millimeter-thick felted-wool inner boots—rated to 40 below zero—this is a pair of kicks worthy of ice fishing in Minnesota. 5.2 lbs; sorel.com…
Why They’re CoolRockered Vibram soles endorse an effortless, natural walking motion. Why don’t more companies use ’em? » On a trek through Arizona’s White Mountains, the shallow, omnidirectional lugs gave me solid traction over dirt and needles, and excellent grip on smooth rock. » The polyurethane midsole is a step…
Like the Energise, this pack’s air-cooled suspension prevents sweaty-back syndrome. Stretch-woven side pockets didn’t rip when caught on branches, and zipper finger loops made gloved entries a cinch. 2.6 lbs, 1,500 cu in; www.ospreypacks.com Crowd pleaser:It’s available in five different capacities.
When the going gets tough, the tough tighten up their Enigmas. Like an up-armored light hiker, the Enigma has the body of a sneaker and a Vibram sole shaped for cruising, but it plows through mixed terrain like a Hummer. Rigid support won’t wilt under a heavy pack, and…
ONE TOUGH CUSTOMERThe Breeze Low keeps its cool in warm weather with ultrabreathable nylon mesh, deployed here on both side panels and tongue. But the Breeze is no featherweight: Bands of leather cradle the scuff-prone mesh, shielding it from abrasion, and a plastic armor plate below the midsole guards against…
SPEED DEMON Can a running-oriented hydration pack double as a daypack? Yes, if it's designed as well as this one. During trail runs in the mountains above Santa Fe, the Riff's compression straps, foam back panel, and perfectly sculpted harness made for a stable, slosh-free ride. Yet on hikes the…
THE PLAYER Instead of carrying your iPod in your jacket, stow it safely in the padded compartment of this 1,281-cubic-inch pack. The controls and phone jack mount on the ergonomic shoulder straps, and you can work the buttons with gloves on. Tunes or no, the Audex has ample room for…
GREAT ANKLE SUPPORT In a world of Honda Elements and Subaru Outbacks, the Ranger is a Ford Bronco: old-school and well-built but certainly not flashy. The crux of this classically designed boot is the collar. Leather strips on the outer surface offer stiff resistance to ankle rolls, while the inner…