The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Shoulder Pocket is the most popular accessory pocket used by backpackers and for good reason. I’ve been using them for years and attach one to all of my backpacks so I can use my phone to take photos. The Shoulder Pocket is effectively waterproof since it’s made with Dyneema DCF, seam-taped, … The post Raffle: Enter to Win a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Shoulder Pocket appeared first on SectionHiker.com ..read more

The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack (updated in 2024) is a multi-day internal frame backpack that’s optimized for ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking. Now in its fifth generation, it’s a great backpack for people who want to transition from carrying a much heavier back to a lighter-weight one, without having to replace all of their … The post Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Backpack: A Comprehensive Review appeared first on SectionHiker.com ..read more

Backpacking packs and backpacking gear have gotten much lighter weight in recent years due to innovations in the materials and fabrics available to backpack manufacturers. Most 40-60L ultralight backpacks now weigh between 2 and 3 pounds. The ones we list below all have frames or frame stays and can usually carry between 25 and 35 … The post 10 Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024 (with Frames) appeared first on SectionHiker.com ..read more

Railriders Bone Flat Pants are thin lightweight long pants with mesh vents running down the inside and outside of the leg. I discovered them last summer when we had record heat and humidity in New England and I wanted long pants that were even lighter weight and more breathable to wear for hiking and fly … The post Railriders Bone Flat Pants Review appeared first on SectionHiker.com ..read more

The best hiking daypacks are functional, fit well, and durable. They have to be because they’re your home away from home, carrying all of your essentials including outdoor gear, food, water, and survival gear. Many daypacks are also good for multiple sports including mountain biking, climbing, skiing, or snowboarding. You can also use them for … The post 10 Best Hiking Daypacks of 2024 appeared first on SectionHiker.com ..read more

The Altra Timp 5 is a highly-cushioned zero-drop trail running shoe with a wide toe box that’s popular with hikers and backpackers. They have thick Vibram soles made with Megagrip rubber (new) that provide excellent traction on dry and wet surfaces with multi-directional lugs that assist in turning and braking. The uppers are made with … The post Altra Timp 5 Trail Runner Review appeared first on SectionHiker.com ..read more

The La Sportiva Wildcat is a moderately cushioned trail runner that provides excellent stability for hiking and trail running in rugged terrain. It has a mesh upper that drains water and dries quickly with nylon molded shanks and external thermoplastic stabilizers for extra stability. The toe box is moderately roomy and has a substantial front … The post La Sportiva Wildcat Trail Runner Review appeared first on SectionHiker.com ..read more

The REI Flash Stretch Rain Jacket is a reasonably priced ($169) 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable raincoat loaded with features that hikers will appreciate, particularly for winter hiking an shoulder-season use. It has a two-way adjustable hood with a front bill, pit zips, zippered mesh-lined hand warmer pockets, a zippered chest pocket, a high neck with a … The post REI Flash Stretch Rain Jacket Review appeared first on SectionHiker.com ..read more

The REI Flash Air 50 Backpack is an ultralight, roll-top backpack that weighs 1 lbs 14 oz. Available in men’s and women’s sizes, it’s quite similar to the REI Flash 55 Backpack (link to our review) with its reconfigurable pack-mod accessory pocket and strap system but is about a pound lighter in weight, has a … The post REI Flash Air 50 Backpack Review appeared first on SectionHiker.com ..read more

A headlamp is one of the most important 10 essentials for backpacking, hiking, fastpacking, trail running, climbing, and any other kind of outdoor adventure sport. Using your smartphone as a flashlight doesn’t cut it. But the days of carrying extra AA and AAA battery-powered headlamps are history.  USB rechargeable headlamps have become ubiquitous and are … The post 10 Best Rechargeable Headlamps of 2024 appeared first on SectionHiker.com ..read more