Last up to date March 2023.
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Primary Winter 2023 Hiking Gear
There’s extra detail under, but for a fast glance at what I’m using on an everyday basis now and why, here it is.
1. Altra Lone Peak 6 Shoes ( REI | Amazon) – These are the most comfy trail shoes that I hold coming again to after attempting out many different options. I wear them with a heavier sock when it gets chilly out.
2. Garmin Mini 2 Satellite Communicator ( Amazon | REI) – The Mini 2 lets me share my location and status with household utilizing a textual content message. If I get into trouble, I can textual content back and forth with SOS/911.
3. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles ( REI | Amazon) – Trekking poles are a godsend on slippery and steep slopes, and stream crossings. The Trail Ergo are mild, and the cork works well with sweaty palms,
four. Gaia GPS App ( HikingGuy Premium Discount) – Gaia GPS is a nice way to get my hike track (a GPX) off the internet and synced to my telephone. I use a premium membership to save maps offline. I also use it to plan my hikes earlier than hitting the path.
5. Garmin Epix Gen 2 ( REI | Amazon ) – These watches are expensive however one thing to make use of 24/7. I use this for sleep monitoring, workouts, heart price, and for tracking my hike. It has preloaded mountaineering maps that help me navigate my hike.
6. Gregory Zulu 30 ( REI |Amazon) – Now that it is getting cooler this 30l pack is sufficiently big for all my layers, and the trampoline again nonetheless retains my again dry when I sweat. It’s rugged and handles something and every thing that I throw at it.
Use your gear at residence first on a simple walk and get used to it before you’re taking it out on the trail. Unboxing and setting up on the trailhead is usually a recipe for dangerous times.
Garmin Epix
Another choice for a dedicated GPS is to have a mapping smartwatch. They’re not low cost, however they embrace topographic maps, an accurate GPS, altimeter, and compass. The watch is also a health tracker, sleep tracker, can load different apps, and so on. It’s like an Apple Watch however constructed for outside enthusiasts and athletes (and has buttons as a substitute of a touchscreen – significantly better for the outdoors). The new Garmin Fenix 7 got here out, however I prefer the better screen on the new Epix (Gen2), and the multi-band GPS can’t be beat.If you need one thing related with out the maps, try the Garmin Instinct 2.
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Epix Prices: REI | Amazon
Garmin Instinct 2 Prices: REI | Amazon
Epix & Fenix 7 Review
Garmin GPSMAP 66
Why get a dedicated GPS unit? The interface won’t be as slick as a new smartphone, but a GPS like this is constructed for the outdoors, works in heavy rain, and with gloves on. You can also get more granular control over your track recording and navigation. The GPSMAP 66iincludes inReach satellite tv for pc communications. If you do not want inReach and just need a stable purpose-built GPS, I’d go for the highly-accurateGPSMAP 66sr.
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GPSMAP 66i Prices: REI |Amazon
GPSMAP 66i Review
GPSMAP 66sr Prices: REI | Amazon
GPSMAP 66sr Review
How to Use Your Garmin
Paper Maps
As good as electronic navigation is today, it is all depending on having energy and your system not breaking. As a backup, you need to always carry a paper map. Paper can be handy when you want to make some choices in a larger format—spreading out a paper map and understanding the panorama as an entire blows away scrolling a display any day. Put it in a ZipLoc bag to keep it protected. These are the maps that I like.
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National Geographic Trail Maps: REI | Amazon
Tom Harrison Cartography: REI | Amazon
Suunto M-3 D Leader Compass: REI | Amazon
Hiking Backpacks
Gregory Zulu 30 & Jade 28
After testing quite a couple of backpacks, the Gregory Zulu 30 (and Jade 28 for women) is, for most hikers, the most effective all-season day pack. First off, it is very comfy, and the mesh “trampoline” again keeps your back dry. Its 30L capability is enough for all the essentials and loads of layers for winter climbing. External pockets make it simple to seize gear. It’s onerous to search out something mistaken with the pack; if anything, it might be a bit lighter, but overall, it is not heavy. And its price-point makes it not only reasonably priced but generally a great worth.
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Women’s Latest Prices: REI |Amazon
Men’s Latest Prices: REI |Amazon
My Review Here
Osprey Hikelite 18
On shorter hikes and ones in the summer, I opt for a smaller and lighter pack. With a smaller load, I do not need hip belts to distribute the burden, and I can take them off this pack. It carries a bladder inside and can even have bottles on the aspect pockets. The 18 version is large enough for my necessities and some layers without further space flopping round. I love the trampoline back, which lifts the pack off my back and keeps it dry. At 1.5 lbs, it is the lightest small day pack I’ve found with a trampoline back.
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Amazon | Osprey
My Review Here
Altra Lone Peak 6
For most individuals, the Altra Lone Peak is a stable selection that may depart your feet feeling nice at the finish of any hike. The really feel is cushy and lightweight, and if it had a car equivalent, this is able to be a Cadillac or Mercedes Sedan. The grip is nice and so they’re fairly sturdy for this kind of path runner, which I assume is best in most conditions than a mountaineering boot, and here is why. The draw back of this shoe is that it won’t final as long as something like a mountaineering shoe. I’ve been using mine for lots of miles and my ft at all times really feel great. I even have a video on the small print of the Altra Lone Peak 6 here.
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Women’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon
Men’s Latest Prices: REI | Amazon
Topo Athletic Terraventure three
If you need all the features of a shoe like the Altra Lone Peak, however with some extra durability (at the expense of slightly comfort), the Terraventure is ideal. To perceive how these perform and what the variations are, watch my video on them here.
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Latest Price on Women’s Shoe – REI | Amazon
Latest Price on Men’s Shoe – REI | Amazon
HOKA Stinson ATR 6
When you need something really soft and forgiving, these HOKAs are a great choice. They’re also good if you want to hike long distances and your toes aren’t used to placing in that type of distance. They do have some drawbacks, and I advocate checking out my 300 mile review and why I wore them. I’ve discovered these HOKAs are the most effective of all of the HOKA choices for climbing.
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Latest Price on Women’s Shoe – REI | Amazon
Latest Price on Men’s Shoe – REI | Amazon
HOKA Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX Hiking Boots
I don’t put on these so much, but when the conditions are right, they’re nice. I discover that these mid-cuff and water-resistant sneakers are nice for chilly days in the snow. The GORE-TEX keeps the moisture out, my toes keep comfy and dry, and so they’re extraordinarily snug.
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Latest Price on Women’s Shoe – REI
Latest Price on Men’s Shoe – REI
General Hiking Gear
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
I’ve gone backwards and forwards on trekking poles, but I think for most individuals they’re a great funding. They help you dig in on the uphills, present stability on unfastened downhills, act as a brace when crossing streams, and can probably poke away aggressive wildlife in a pinch. The Trail Ergo Cork poles are an excellent balance of light weight, durability, affordability, and ease of use. If you want one thing ultralight and somewhat more expensive, I’ve had nice luck with the Black Diamond Z Polestoo.
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Trail Ergo Poles:REI | Amazon
Z-Poles:REI | Amazon
* Petzl Actik Core Headlamp(REI | Amazon)
The Actik Core a really brilliant, but lightweight, headlamp that is rechargeable but also can take AAA batteries. I always carry a headlamp (and some further AAAs) in case I get caught out after darkish.
* America the Beautiful Pass (aka the National Parks Pass) ( REI )
It gets you free admission everywhere you want a move in the USA outdoors of state and local parks (National Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation). Also works as an alternative of an Adventure Pass. Worth its weight in gold. Buy through REI and they’ll donate 10% of gross sales to the National Park Foundation.
* Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System( REI | Amazon )
Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Water Filter Bottle( REI | Amazon )
Even if I carry clean water with me in my backpack, I’ll have some sort of filtration system as properly in case that I want extra water. If I have clear streams available, I’ll use the Katadyn BeFree. If the water is extra sketchy or variable, I’ll take the Sawyer Squeeze, which attaches properly to a SmartWater bottle that you can get in any convenience retailer. They’re both gentle and effective, and simply work. Some people report the BeFree ripping, but I have not had that drawback after lots of of hours of hiking with it.
* Gregory 3D Hydro 3L Reservoir ( REI | Amazon )
When I don’t should filter water I use clean water in a hydration bladder. I just like the Gregory as a result of it is easy to fill, close, and has a fast launch so you can take it out of the pack and refill with out having to snake the hose out. Just don’t bite too onerous or chew on the valve, which might break it (it’s an inexpensive alternative if you do). I’ve obtained some ideas in your hydration bladder on this video.
* Ultralight Trowel ( REI | Amazon)
I carry this lightweight and effective trowel in case of “an emergency.” It stays in a Zip-Loc bag together with a small roll of single-ply toilet paper and hand sanitizer. It’s gentle and makes life easier when you want it. Some individuals additionally carry a bidet that matches on your water bottle.
* Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray( REI | Amazon )
Most of the time you don’t want bear spray, but in some places it is prudent or essential. It’s additionally good on mountain lions and people. If you could have anxiousness about creatures in the wild, I’d recommend studying my information to bears and my information to mountain lions. The extra you perceive, the better off you will be.
* Mini USB Battery Charger ( Amazon )
The nice thing about carrying USB devices like my cellphone, GPS, digicam, and headlamp, is that I just need one battery pack to cost them. New know-how has made these smaller and lighter than ever. I use this mannequin as a backup for day hikes and on overnight backpacking trips. Grab a short cable to cost what you need.
* Insect Head Net(Amazon )
These head nets look really silly, however they are a lifesaver and have saved me from madness many occasions. There’s nothing as maddening as climbing a mountain, sweating, and swatting gnats out of your face. I carry this with me all the time just in case.
* Individual Packs of Picaridin Insect Repellent ( Amazon )
I carry a few of those little lotion packets with me in my backpack and use them if I encounter insects. It’s easier than putting on repellent earlier than every hike. I just use it when I want it. I even have had nice luck withBen’s insect repellants.
* Osprey Pack Liners ( Amazon)
I never had nice luck with pack covers, however pack liners work great at preserving everything dry when it gets moist exterior. And having your gear inside the liner makes it easy to modify packs if you change it up once and while. If you don’t wish to invest in a liner, use a trash or contractor bag.
* Nutritionally Dense & Healthy Snacks
Generally I’ll convey a bag of salted nuts, which take care of cramping and diet on the identical time. I additionally like Probars, that are sweeter than nuts however still filled with healthy calories. And I’ll carry a number of Muir Energy Gels, which are the healthy and attractive equivalent of your standard (nutritionally horrible) gels.
* Electrolyte Chews ( REI )
I hold a quantity of of those with me in the summertime, and if I’m sweating a lot, I’ll pop one in my mouth. It helps me avoid cramps or any sort of weird bonks from the warmth.
* REI Membership( REI )
For $30 you get up to 10% on every little thing for all times. It’s a no-brainer.
Survival / Emergency Gear
I carry a couple of gadgets in the bottom of my pack in case of an emergency. The concept is you could make your self snug in case you have to keep out after darkish and anticipate rescue. Or if you have to signal a rescue without your InReach gadget.
* Emergency Bivvy( REI )
This is a light-weight sleeping sack that may help protect me from the weather and maintain me warm. If you want further warmth, merely stuff it with leaves or pine needles.
* SOL Fire Lite Fuel-Free Lighter( REI | Amazon)
This lighter is superb. It’s a USB charging, weatherproof, no-fuel lighter that burns extremely popular. There’s additionally an emergency flashlight and twine that you ought to use to start a fireplace. And it weighs less than 2oz. I’ll additionally carry a cheap Bic lighter as a backup.
* Zpacks Titanium Micro-Blade Knife ( Zpacks )
I used to hold a small Swiss Army knife, however I by no means actually used things like the corkscrew out on the path. Now I carry this mini blade that weighs about as much as a potato chip.
* Satellite Communicator (All Reviews Here )
A satellite tv for pc communicator enables you to text in the backcountry, where you do not have any cellphone signal. There is a subscription charge, like a cell phone, but if there’s an accident, you have entry to look and rescue. These things are value each cent to me and I highly recommend carrying one. At the highest of the information I really have some communicator recommendations. I consider it a key piece in my emergency arsenal.
* Whistle
Most sternum straps on backpacks embrace a whistle today, which you have to be blowing should you think a rescue is shut. Otherwise just grab an affordable one from the dollar store and keep it in a hip belt.
* Basic Medical Kit
I really have a small roll of Leukotape for cuts or blisters. And then I combo that with a gauze pad, small Neosporin packets, and small alcohol wipe packages. Consider taking a NOLS Wilderness First Aid course.
* Suunto M-3 D Leader Compass(REI | Amazon)
Although I know how to navigate with a compass, I don’t usually do it these days as a result of between my phone and GPS unit, there’s not an enormous want. But I have a strong compass in my pack in case I have to go there. This Suunto is light and good high quality. Not something I’d use if navigating on a daily basis by compass, however great if I want it in a pinch.
* Petzl e+LITE Emergency Headlamp (Amazon )
Light is actually important, so I carry a backup headlamp. This Petzl model is super-light, small, and has a whistle.
Hiking Clothing
I do not prefer to have plenty of crap in my closet, so I just spend money on a couple of key items of hiking clothes. In general I like clothes fromREIand Kuhl.They fit properly, are built for hikers, and wick/dry rapidly.
This is what I use on the trail:
* KUHL Renegade Convertible Pants(REI)
Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants(REI | Amazon )
I largely use my pants as shorts, and I have the choice for full pants if it’s cooler or I if need to protect my legs from brush.
* Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie ( REI )
KUHL Engineered Hoodie
( REI)
I switched to hoodies as my all-around layer and am actually pleased with all they have to offer. I can use it on cool mornings, hot days, or under a rain jacket. If you are going to carry a layer, you mind as well have a hood for some additional warmth or solar safety should you want it.
* REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt( REI )
I go together with a lightweight shirt as a base layer that wicks moisture and stays cool. If I must be warmer, I’ll pile some layers on prime.
* Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell ( REI | Amazon )
REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Pants ( REI)
A shell jacket and pants go in my pack simply in case. Obviously they are nice for rain, but they’re additionally nice to have in a pinch if it gets cool out, especially when combined with layers. The Black Diamond shell is sweet, but when value isn’t any object, the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket ( REI ) is the move.
* Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket(REI)
A very light-weight puffer jacket that you could stuff in your pack and have for cool nights or chilly summits. This Patagonia model has some room within the armpits so that you just can transfer round with a pack on.
* Smartwool NTS Merino 150 Beanie( REI | Amazon )
I hold this mild beanie in my pack and use to keep heat when temperatures drop.
* adidas Superlite Performance Visor( Amazon )
For me the visor keeps the sweat out of my eyes, gives me shade to see, and lets the heat escape. When it gets chilly, I’ll simply throw the beanie on top of this.
* Oakley Sunglasses ( REI )
I solely generally wear sun shades as a result of I enjoy the natural colours of the outside. But once I’m hiking in harsh circumstances just like the desert or snow, I can get photokeratitis (snow blindness), and it is no enjoyable trying to navigate or use the inReach when your imaginative and prescient isn’t 100 percent. I just like the Oakleys because they’re gentle, shatterproof, and depart my eyes feeling nice.
* Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Storm Hat( REI | Amazon)
I use this for shade on really sizzling hikes and likewise in heavy rain. I lately used it during continuous rainy days in Olympic National Park and it made my life a lot nicer. Versatile, gentle, packs flat, and fully worth it.
* ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.zero Boxer Briefs( REI | Amazon )
These underwear are gentle, quick-drying, and do not journey up as you walk. They simply work well.
* Darn Tough Hiking Socks ( REI | Amazon)
Darn Tough has a great reputation for a reason. They dry quick, don’t trigger blisters, and have a lifetime guarantee. They work nice for me and it is a no-brainer.
* NRS HydroSkin Wet Socks (REI | Amazon)
Wet socks are good for preserving feet warm in wet climate, and are additionally nice to put on on cool nights whenever you’re tenting. Check out this video should you’re planning on climbing in the rain.
Winter Hiking Gear
* Kahtoola MICROspikes (REI | Amazon )
When there’s an opportunity of snow or ice, I’ll take these micro-spikes. I keep them in somewhat stuff sack in order that if they arrive off, they don’t get everything soiled.
* REI Co-op Activator three.0 Pants ( REI )
These are great for cold climate days. They’re sturdy, heat, and stretchy.
* REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Half-Zip Top( REI )
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms( REI )
Darn Tough Mountaineering Socks ( REI )
When it’s chilly I just take these heavier layers and combine them with my regular hiking gear. There’s no want to purchase particular winter gear except you propose on spending plenty of time snowshoeing or winter mountaineering. Combining layers with good shells will normally do the trick.
* REI Co-op Minimalist GTX Mittens 2.0 ( REI)
Black Diamond WindWeight Convertible Mittens ( REI)
I’m a convert to mittens over gloves. If it is rainy or cool, I’ll just go along with the shell mittens. And then if it is going to be colder, I’ll wear the fleece mittens underneath. Or cold and dry, I’ll simply go along with the fleece.
Camping Gear
Want to camp right here too? Check out my information to Parsons Landing.I don’t do very lengthy thru-hiking; my longest trips are normally 4-5 days. Generally I prefer to hold things light with out buying specialised (and expensive) ultralight gear. Here’s what works well for me.
* Osprey Exos / EJa fifty eight Pack
This is a well-liked backpack with thru-hikers for a great cause: it’s light, sturdy, and roomy. This pack only weighs a fraction greater than my daypack (under 3lbs) and carries fifty eight liters, enough for a long trip. I respect the truth that it’s somewhat roomier for my 3-5 day backpacking journeys and easily suits a bear canister. I don’t need to jam every thing in there like a puzzle. And the again is well-ventilated so it would not turn into a soaked mess.
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Osprey Exos fifty eight: REI | Amazon
Osprey Eja fifty eight: REI | Amazon
* Hyperlite 3400 Southwest ( REI |Hyperlite)
When the circumstances are sloppy or moist and I’m not so worried about maintaining my again vented (aka rainy or cold situations), I go together with the 3400 Southwest, which is a 55l pack. Hyperlite has a stellar reputation within the ultralight world, and this pack is not solely mild, but in addition very powerful. I get the black mannequin, which is slightly thicker and would not present dust. I would use this all the time, but the again isn’t vented, and after I do hot hikes in the summer, the Osprey venting is far nicer.
* Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent ( Amazon |REI)
This is another prime pick of PCT hikers, which is the place I discovered about it. And now I just adore it. It’s easy to arrange, roomy, mild, and sturdy. If you’re taking the tent elements out of the bag and put them in my backpack individually, and it packs right down to nothing.
* Kammok Mantis Ultralight All-in-One Hammock Tent( REI)
When I’m backpacking in an space with timber I’ll normally use a hammock, and this one is the best. Everything is light and suits collectively in a single bag. It even has a bug net built-in (which is removable).
* Sea to Summit Ember Ultralight 25F Down Quilt( REI)
NEMO Disco 15 Sleeping Bag ( REI)
I love both of these sleep systems, and I switch between them when I head out tenting. I’ll often convey the quilt when it is somewhat hotter and if I want to have the power to use it more like a blanket. When I know that I simply wish to be warm, the sleeping bag retains more heat in however is a bit more constrictive. Both are very light and pack down small.
* Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm Sleeping Pad( REI | Amazon )
This inflatable pad is slightly costlier than most but it’s price it. It’s very comfortable and about as mild as you can get.
* NEMO Fillo Elite Luxury Pillow ( REI | Amazon)
I used to be a tricky man and just put garments in a stuff sack for a pillow, but I’ve mellowed out in my old age. This pillow is worth the few additional ounces. My high quality of sleep is a lot better.
* Sea To Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Bag Liner ( REI | Amazon)
A liner is one other piece of gear that I even have adopted recently. It means I don’t have to wash my quilt and adds further heat. In the summer I just use this without the rest and it is nice.
* Jetboil Flash Cooking System(REI | Amazon)
I’ve been utilizing a Jetboil since 2006, and it is great. It’s simple, heats water shortly, and simply works. I tried a MiniMo version for a while, however went again to the full-size Flash model because it’s easy to store the gas canister and components contained in the cup with none tricky strikes.
* Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork – Long( REI | Amazon)
I keep it simple. I boil water then dump it in the freeze-dried food bag, let soak, after which eat out of there with this lengthy spork.
* Bear Vault BV425( BearVault |REI | Amazon )
Ursack Allmitey ( REI )
Z-Packs Bear Hang Kit ( ZPacks )
If you’re not acquainted with protecting your food within the backcountry or which option to make use of, I advocate studying my information to bear security while camping, it could be helpful. If you need to understand how a lot food suits in a bear canister or Ursack, watch this video and this video.
* Cheap-o Lightweight Flip Flops
Don’t overlook to pack cozy sandals for when your hike is over. Beats walking on sticks and rocks barefoot in the center of the night time when you must pee. I simply get low-cost ones with the foam bottoms, which pack flat and weigh next to nothing. You can usually discover them in a drugstore or dollar retailer.
Post Hike Recovery
* Kane Revive Active Recovery Shoes ( Kane ) – I recently began carrying the Kane Revive to my hikes and after the hike, and I love them. I’m undecided about the energetic restoration properties, however they’re comfortable, let my foot breathe, and fit securely sufficient to drive in (unlike flip-flops). I even have runner associates who swear by these and so far so good for me too.
* Trigger Point Performance GRID X Foam Roller( REI | Amazon)
It looks hokey however rolling your back and legs on this factor does wonders.
* Pro-Tec Athletics Spiky Ball Massage Ball( REI | Amazon )
It’s principally a dog toy but simply spending a minute or two rolling your toes on this little ball makes them feel nice.
* NUUN Active Tabs Hydration Tablets( REI | Amazon )
Pop one in a big water bottle to make sure all your electrolytes and minerals are topped up. There’s no sugar or crap, just the stuff you want.
* GCI Kickback Rocker ( REI | Amazon| GCI)
This is a extremely comfy and durable chair that I maintain with me for relaxing after a hike. I additionally use it around the house. For the worth it’s a really good value.
Production Gear