Pillars - Pack & Trail https://packandtrail.com Outdoor Gear Reviews Mon, 11 Nov 2024 21:41:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://packandtrail.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cropped-PackandTrailIcon-Cropped-32x32.png Pillars - Pack & Trail https://packandtrail.com 32 32 Adventure-Ready USB Battery Packs https://packandtrail.com/blog/adventure-ready-usb-battery-packs/ https://packandtrail.com/blog/adventure-ready-usb-battery-packs/#respond Sat, 02 Jan 2021 05:28:00 +0000 https://pureoutside.rosscollicutt.com/?p=931 Everything is USB powered these days and I’m thankful for it. It means we can recharge quickly from any laptops and battery packs without having to carry around a bucket of disposable AAA and AA batteries. Battery Pack Reviews What is a mAh or milliamp hour? A milliamp hour (mAh) is a unit of measurement… Read More »Adventure-Ready USB Battery Packs

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]]> Everything is USB powered these days and I’m thankful for it. It means we can recharge quickly from any laptops and battery packs without having to carry around a bucket of disposable AAA and AA batteries.

Battery Pack Reviews

What is a mAh or milliamp hour?

A milliamp hour (mAh) is a unit of measurement for electricity. Every battery in a laptop, phone or drone will have a capacity measured in mAh. This is helpful when measuring battery pack size. If an iPhone X has a battery size of 2716 mAh and you have a battery pack of 3000 mAh then you’ll be able to charge your phone once. If you had a battery pack of 6000 mAh then you’ll be able to charge your phone twice. Keep in mind your phone will be on and using power as you are charging it.

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]]> https://packandtrail.com/blog/adventure-ready-usb-battery-packs/feed/ 0 Backpacking Stoves https://packandtrail.com/blog/backpacking-stoves/ https://packandtrail.com/blog/backpacking-stoves/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2020 14:07:00 +0000 https://pureoutside.rosscollicutt.com/?p=532 If you want a warm meal on your backpacking trip then you’ll need some way to cook it or at least heat up the water. Some people go stoveless on backpacking trips. All their food is raw, packaged or cold-soaked. It doesn’t reduce your weight not needing a stove. For the rest of us, a… Read More »Backpacking Stoves

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]]> If you want a warm meal on your backpacking trip then you’ll need some way to cook it or at least heat up the water.

Some people go stoveless on backpacking trips. All their food is raw, packaged or cold-soaked. It doesn’t reduce your weight not needing a stove. For the rest of us, a hot meal at the end of the day is one of the joys of backpacking.

On this page

JetBoilMightyMoStove-min.jpg

What exactly is a backpacking stove?

There are many different kinds of backpacking stove but they are basically small stoves with small portable fuel canisters. They can be iso-butane gas, liquid white gas, wood or alcohol. Basically anything that burns in a controlled way.

See more about what exactly is a backpacking stove is.

Answer These Before Buying a Stove

Before buying a stove, it’s helpful to know these answers to these questions. There are no wrong answers but they will help you find a stove that works well for you.

  • What kind of cooking do you want to do? Are you just boiling water for coffee and dehydrated meals or are you simmering gourmet meals on the trail?
  • How much do you care about weight? Does 70 grams (2.6 oz) sound heavy or can a 400 gram (14 oz) stove still be allowed in your pack?
  • How many people are you cooking for? Cooking for groups and families is easier with bigger pots and stoves.
  • Will you be backpacking in temperatures below freezing? Some stoves don’t well well below freezing.

What kind of stove should I buy?

There are 2 main kinds of stove you’ll see when you first start looking, canister stoves and liquid fuel stoves. We’ll look at each here and a couple other types you may want to consider down the road.

What is a Canister Stove?

Snowpeak Litemax on an iso-butane canister.

Snowpeak Litemax on an iso-butane canister.

Canister stoves are small stoves that connect to an iso-butane canister (like propane but lighter). They can connect directly to the canister or by a gas tube. This tube lets you put the stove directly on the ground and place the fuel canister away from the flames and food.

Canister stoves are typically small and light. The Snowpeak Litemax (review) weighs 56 grams (2 oz), about the weight of a tennis ball.

These stoves are easy to light as well. Turn it on and light the gas like a BBQ. There’s no priming involved. They’re usually less expensive than liquid fuel stoves as well.

The downside to canister stoves is that it’s hard to tell how much fuel is left in the canister and it’s not recommended to refill them. Canister stoves can be hard to use in temperatures below freezing as the gas becomes a liquid. Some stoves can use this liquid but most cannot.

Some canister stoves have a fuel line from the stove to the canister and are called a “remote” canister stove. Having the stove sit right on the ground means it’s more stable and can have a windscreen around it.

Find out more about canister stoves.

More about Canister Stoves

4 ways to light a canister stove

Why you can’t use a windscreen around a canister stove

Integrated Canister Stoves

MSRWindBurnerStove.jpg

Another category of canister stoves are integrated stoves. These stoves screw onto the top of an iso-butane canister just like a canister stove. The difference is they mount directly to a specialized pot.

Being attached to the stove makes them more stable and very wind resistant. The wind can be blocked on the side of the stove.

Since the wind is blocked and the stove is very close to the pot, these kinds of pots can boil water very fast. They are more difficult for regular cooking and simmering.

What is a Liquid Fuel Stove?

Liquid fuel stoves are larger backpacking and basecamp stoves that use liquid fuel instead of gas canisters.

They tend to use white gas (naptha) but some can also use kerosene or gasoline as well.

The benefits to using liquid fuel are the fuel bottles. You can just pour whatever fuel you like and however much you need into the fuel bottle. For your next trip, just refill. Some of the stoves can use different kinds of fuel like kerosene or gasoline but most can’t.

Liquid fuel works well in the cold below freezing. Cold expeditions always use liquid fuel stoves.

The downsides to liquid fuel stoves is that they’re usually bigger and they take a bit of time to prime and light. It’s a process to prime the stove with a bit of fuel, light it, then slowly release more fuel from the bottle.

More about Liquid Fuel Stoves

Pros and Cons to Liquid Fuel Stoves

Canister and Liquid Fuel Stoves

Some stoves can use both gas and liquid fuel. They do require pulling it apart and changing the jet to make this possible though. The jet is part of the stove that shoots the fuel out to be ignited. This jet is different for the gas and the liquid fuels.

These stoves are good for someone who wants one stove all year. Summer months can just use canisters so it’s easy to use. Winter months and longer trips can use the liquid fuel so you can work in the cold or refill.

More about canister and liquid fuel hybrid stoves.

What is an alcohol stove?

If you venture into the ultralight backpacking word at all, you’ll see some people using what look like a small tin can for a stove. Some of them might actually be cat food can with holes in the side.

Alcohol from drug or hardware stores can be refilled in a small bottle to power these stoves so it’s easy to take just the amount of fuel you need.

The downsides to alcohol stoves is there is no on/off switch. The alcohol you put into the stove needs to burn out. They don’t have the same output as a larger canister or liquid fuel stove and will take a bit longer to boil water.

What is a wood backpacking stove?

If you are in an area that allows burning wood, you might be able to use a small wood-burning stove. They are typically a small cylinder or foldable box made of made. After putting the box together, you can add small pieces of wood and branches and light.

The obvious benefit to wood stoves is not having to bring fuel. You can find wood on the trail. This is also the downside. You’ll need to be allowed to burn wood on your tip. Many sensitive areas and parks do not allow burning wood part or all of the year.

If you are allowed to burn wood, you’ll need to gather it. At the end of a long day it can nice just to press the start button on a canister stove.

Stove Buying Tips

Weight

A stove is yet another thing to put in your backpack so keep in mind it’s weight. Try to go as light as possible while getting the features you need. Don’t forget the fuel. Take as little fuel as possible with a bit extra in case you are out longer than you anticipated.

Burner size

Small stoves will have small burners and larger stoves will have larger burners. Small burners will boil water fine but likely create hotspots on larger pots. If you are looking to use bigger pots or pans look for something with a larger burner. If you are just looking to boil water, any size burner is fine.

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Canister Stove

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Canister Stove

Air Temperature

Canister stoves don’t work well in temperatures below freezing. The gas turns into a liquid below freezing which doesn’t work well with most canister stoves.

Some canister stoves are able to use a ‘drip feed’ mode where you turn the canister upside down and the stove has been built to burn the liquid as well. This lets you use canister stoves in cold weather.

Recommended Stoves

MSR WhisperLite liquid fuel stove

MSR WhisperLite liquid fuel stove

For most new hikers, we recommend small canister stoves start. They are small, lightweight, easy to use and ready available in North America. Stoves like the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 (pictures to the right).

If you are backpacking in sub-zero temperatures, something like the MSR Whisperlite uses liquid fuel and works well in very cold temperatures.

If you need more options for fuel, there are multiple versions to the WhisperLite. The standard WhisperLite burns standard white gas liquid fuel. The International version can burn other liquid fuels like kerosene and gasoline. These are useful in places where you may not be able to buy white gas. The Universal version can also swap parts to connect to canisters for warmer weather.

Stove Reviews

Our thoughts on the latest and greatest camp stoves.

Glossary

For a whole glossary on backpacking stove terms, see our Backpacking Stove Glossary.

Accessories

Lighters

You’ll need to light your stove somehow. Some stoves come with a lighter built-in but often they do not. Small lighters like a mini BIC are great for easily lighting stoves. Peizo igniters and flint rods work well too. There are also rechargeable electric fuel free lighters. Always have a backup in case your main lighter gets wet or stops working.

Windscreens

Windscreens just block the wind from hitting the flame on your stove. If the wind is hitting your stove from the side then it’s blowing the heat out the side instead of up onto your pot or may blow the flame out completely. Liquid fuel stoves and remote canister stoves don’t sit right on top of the canister and can have windscreens around them. Windscreens around the stove and fuel can heat it up too much.

Bases

Some companies sell stabilizer legs that attach to fuel canisters to make them more stable. Some of the integrated canister stoves can get very tall and top heavy so it helps to have legs to stabilize the whole thing.

Fuel Canisters

Canister stoves need a canister of iso-butane gas for fuel. These can be found at any outdoor store. Some places more off the grid may not have this kind of gas fuel. If you are travelling, check where you are going has fuel as you can’t fly with these canisters.

Fuel canisters come in different sizes. I like to get the medium size (8oz) and take more than 1 if I need to. They’ll be easier to split up into multiple backpacks and less to carry when they are nearly empty.

Fuel bottles

Liquid fuel stoves will need a bottle for the fuel. There are different sizes available for the length of your trip. Try to get one that will be just big enough for the trips you’ll do.

Other Backpacking Gear

You’ll need more than just a stove to head out backpacking. Here are buying guides to all the other gear you need for backpacking.

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]]> https://packandtrail.com/blog/backpacking-stoves/feed/ 1 Cameras for Backpacking https://packandtrail.com/blog/cameras-for-backpacking/ https://packandtrail.com/blog/cameras-for-backpacking/#respond Thu, 28 May 2020 05:24:57 +0000 https://pureoutside.rosscollicutt.com/?p=903 There are 2 camps when it comes to hiking photos: those that never take a picture and just soak it all in and the rest of us. For the rest of us, it’s nice to take photos to share the trip and save the memory. Many small cameras out there are easy to take hiking… Read More »Cameras for Backpacking

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]]> There are 2 camps when it comes to hiking photos: those that never take a picture and just soak it all in and the rest of us. For the rest of us, it’s nice to take photos to share the trip and save the memory.

Many small cameras out there are easy to take hiking or there’s the one already in your phone: your phone. If you’ve got a phone, should you even take a separate camera?

We dig into those questions here with some suggestions for other great hiking cameras.

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The GoPro Hero 8 Black is a very small camera great for hiking

The GoPro Hero 8 Black is a very small camera great for hiking

Hiking Camera Buying Guide

Battery life

No matter how big or small your camera for hiking is, you’ll want it to have good battery life. If it doesn’t, you’ll be stuck carrying around battery packs so you don’t miss the shot. Plenty of cameras have great battery life and can last days taking hundreds of photos.

Try to find a camera with a battery that can last your entire trip. It’s always good to have a spare though. Vide takes a lot of battery power and you never know when you’ll want to take a timelapse or another mode that chews through battery power.

Size and weight

The size of a camera you want to carry is entirely up to you. You may not want to carry a DSLR that weighs a couple pounds but a phone or small point and shoot is ok.

Something like a Canon t7i is 747 grams ( 26 oz) whereas the Elph 180 point and shoot comes in at 111 grams (3.92 oz). If you’re looking at a smaller point and shoot, you might want to ask if your phone just would do the same thing. There are certainly cases where you don’t want to take or use your phone though. I’d much rather lose a cheap camera in the water than my phone.

Waterproof

Olympus Tough TG-6 waterproof camera

Olympus Tough TG-6 waterproof camera

Most cameras are not waterproof. Some of the more expensive models will have weather sealing meaning they can withstand snow and rain for long periods of time.

There are specialized models like the Olympus Tough TG-6 that are completely waterproof. The TG-6 will go down to 15 metres (50 feet) without any issues.

Action cameras like the GoPro Hero 8 can go in the water without a case down to 10 meters (33 feet) as well.

How are you going to hold it?

I don’t recommend holding a camera in your hand the whole time you hike. If the camera is buried in your pack, you probably won’t dig to find it often. Have it accessible.

There are many straps and cases that can hold your camera while you hike. Small cameras can fit in hip belt pockets or small pouches. Bigger cameras need to be attached with a Cotton Carrier, LowePro Front Pouch or something similar. Peak Design Camera clips also work well.

For more details on holding a camera see 5 ways to carry a DSLR camera hiking.

Best Cameras for Hiking

iPhone 11

With it’s stellar cameras the iPhone 11 is hard to beat for a camera hiking. With multiple lenses and portrait mode you can get some solid shots. If you’ve got a good camera on your phone, you may just want to take that.

Where the phones fall down is having the manual options to really get a good long exposure of a waterfall or a dark trail. Phones don’t typically have large zoom lenses to get far away pictures either.

GoPro Hero 8 Black

Action cameras have come a long way since the first GoPro. Their still images are pretty good but their video is really where they shine. If you want to have an all-in-one package that’s got very good video, is waterproof and can take some pictures, the GoPro Hero 8 Black is nice lightweight do-it-all camera.

Canon EOS RP mirrorless camera

If you’re looking to get exceptional pictures with some video, a larger mirrorless camera like the Canon EOS RP is a bit more to carry but will get far better photos than most cameras.

The RP is compatible with all Canon lenses but natively fits their new RF lenses which are extremely sharp but a bit on the pricey side. If you do want to get the best photos hiking check out the RP or it’s big brother the EOS R.

Sony RX100 II

For some solid photos in a point and shoot package, the Sony RX100 VII will get you there. It doesn’t have the interchangeable lenses like the larger mirrorless cameras will but then you don’t have to deal with the size and weight. Your wallet might not be happy to see the price though. It’s going to cost you the same amount as a larger DSLR camera.

Camera Reviews

We dig into the best cameras you can take hiking (or mountain biking or SUPing for that matter).

Photography Tips

Cameras don’t make great images, photographers do. Getting a decent camera for hiking is just the beginning to taking epics shots on your adventures. We’ve got a ton of great tips on how to make the most of your shots out adventuring.

Other Backpacking Gear

You’ll need more than just a stove to head out backpacking. Here are buying guides to all the other gear you need for backpacking.

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]]> https://packandtrail.com/blog/cameras-for-backpacking/feed/ 0 Headlamps: How to Buy One for Hiking https://packandtrail.com/blog/headlamps/ https://packandtrail.com/blog/headlamps/#respond Wed, 27 May 2020 04:00:08 +0000 https://pureoutside.rosscollicutt.com/?p=901 When the lights go out in the backcountry, it’s dark. Like really dark. If you want to do anything safely after dark, or get that dawn patrol in before work, you’ll need a some sort of light, Headlamps are easy to use, can be inexpensive and keep your hands free. Any light will work though.… Read More »Headlamps: How to Buy One for Hiking

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]]> When the lights go out in the backcountry, it’s dark. Like really dark. If you want to do anything safely after dark, or get that dawn patrol in before work, you’ll need a some sort of light,

Headlamps are easy to use, can be inexpensive and keep your hands free. Any light will work though. Some small flashlights come with straps to hold them in your hands or on your head.

Let’s dig into everything you need to know to buy a good headlamp for your adventures.

On this page:

IMG_0192.jpg

Headlamp Buying Guide

The Petzl e+Lite emergency headlamp

The Petzl e+Lite emergency headlamp

Lumens

Headlamp brightness is measured in lumens.

30 lumens works well for emergency use but for hiking or doing much at night you’ll want more. The e+Lite from Petzl is a very small 26 gram headlamp that puts out 30 lumens. It throws light about 7 metres. It’s a good size to have tucked away for emergencies.

For general purpose lighting and hiking at night, we recommend at least 300 lumens. They are packed into such a small package these days. The BioLite Headlamp 330 (330 lumens) and Petzl Actik Core (450 lumens) are both good picks for general purpose lighting.

450 lumen Actik Core shines out to 90 meters on maximum power. Standard and low will go to 45 and 8 metres.

Fit

Black Diamond Icon 700 Headlamp very bright and on the large end of headlamps.

Black Diamond Icon 700 Headlamp very bright and on the large end of headlamps.

Fit is important with headlamps. You may have it on your head for hours at a time.

Small, lightweight headlamps are usually soft and comfortable. They don’t have much weight to hang off your head.

When they get to a larger size like the Icon 700 from Black Diamond, they will be heavier with additional straps and battery packs.

Test out different headlamps if you can to see how they feel. All headlamp straps are adjustable.

We recommend looking for headlamp that’s as light as possible for how bright you need.

Battery life

Nitecore NU20 is very small and lightweight.

The bigger the battery the longer the battery. A bigger battery also means more weight. A Black Diamond Icon 700 with it’s large battery pack gets between 190 hours and 7 hours depending on the brightness you set it at. It needs a large battery pack to power than 700 lumens on max. It’s also going to weigh 236 grams (8.3 oz).

The Nitecore Nu20 headlamp on the other end is only 31 grams (1.09 oz). It packs 360 lumens into the small package so it’s not as bright as the larger headlamps but it’s much lighter. The battery lasts for 100 hours at a very dim brightness.

Most headlamps get between 50 and 150 hours at a decent brightness you can use for hiking. The low power setting is usually enough for tasks around camp when you don’t need to see very far and don’t want to blind your hiking buddies.

When checking battery life, make sure you know how bright the time corresponds to. The Nitecore NU20’s 100 hour battery life is based on it’s ultra-low 1 lumen low setting. The Icon’s battery life of 7 hours looks bad if you base it on the max power setting of 700 lumens. That could light up the whole campsite and you likely won’t use it for long.

If you can compare headlamps based on one of the medium settings, around 100 lumens, it will be a more fair comparison.

Battery style

Petzl Actik Core USB rechargeable battery pack

Petzl Actik Core USB rechargeable battery pack

Most headlamps run off AAA, AA or Lithium-ion rechargable packs. AAA and AA are easy to find at any store but are hard to recharge in the field. For USB rechargeable headlamps just take a battery pack and recharge it during the day or as it runs low on juice. Rechargeable units send fewer dead batteries to the landfill.

Petzl has taken a unique approach with some of their Core line of headlamps. The Actik Core comes with a rechargeable battery pack. You can easily get another battery pack to have a backup. It just charges through a micro USB port on the battery pack. The battery pack is conveniently exactly the same size as 3 AAA batteries. If you need to, take out the pack, put in three AAA batteries and you can race off to the outhouse when you need to.

Cost

Headlamps will start around $20 for a decent one and go up from there. Massive lights or very specialized versions can cost upwards of $400 and more.

For a good headlamp for hiking you can expect to spend $50 to $70. This will get you between 300 and 400 lumens and will be plenty for hiking in the dark and doing all your tasks around camp.

Reactive Lighting

Petzl have a unique feature in some of their headlamps called Reactive Lighting. Sensors on the front of the headlamp can detect distance to other objects and adjust the light level accordingly. You don’t want to beam 700 lumens at your buddies face when he’s right in front of you. But if you’re wanting to see across a dark field at night, then you do. The goal with the Reactive Lighting is to improve the battery life by only using the light you need.

Glossary

Lumens – a rating of light based on the amount of light from a candle. 200 to 300 lumens is plenty for hiking.

Accessories

Battery packs – These will be specific to the headlamp. Some of them are built in. The Core series from Petzl use the Core Rechargeable battery.

Headlamp Reviews

Check out our reviews of the latest headlamps.

Headlamp Tips

Other Backpacking Gear

You’ll need more than just a backpack to head out backpacking. Here are buying guides to all the other gear you need for backpacking.

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]]> https://packandtrail.com/blog/headlamps/feed/ 0 Backpacking Tents: Everything You Need to Know https://packandtrail.com/blog/backpacking-tents/ https://packandtrail.com/blog/backpacking-tents/#respond Tue, 19 May 2020 04:06:12 +0000 https://pureoutside.rosscollicutt.com/?p=897 Small, light backpacking tents are what most people use for shelter when they’re out backpacking. There are other options like hammocks and tarps but they require a little bit more experience and we don’t recommend you start there. A backpacking tent is small, light and easy to set up. They can hold 1 to 4… Read More »Backpacking Tents: Everything You Need to Know

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]]> Small, light backpacking tents are what most people use for shelter when they’re out backpacking. There are other options like hammocks and tarps but they require a little bit more experience and we don’t recommend you start there.

A backpacking tent is small, light and easy to set up. They can hold 1 to 4 people and usually are a mesh body covered with a waterproof fly.

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How to Buy a Backpacking Tent

Size

The size of your backpacking tent will be your biggest decision. Is it a 1-person, just for yourself? Is it a 2-person for yourself and maybe 1 other? Or is it bigger for the whole family, maybe a 3- or 4-person?

Most people opt for a 2-person. The size is great for 2 people or nice and spacious for 1. Many tent pads and camping spots fit a 2- or 1-person tent well. The pieces divide up in half easy. The tent body can go into one persons tent and the tent poles and fly can go into another.

Weight

Size and weight are closely linked with backpacking tents. A 2 person tent is going to weigh more than a 1 person. A 3 person tent is going to weigh more than a 2 person.

There are certainly exceptions to this as the price gets higher and the fabrics get thinner and thinner. A more expensive 2- or 3-person tent with very thin, lightweight fabric can weigh less than a 1-person tent made from thicker, heavier materials.

Buy as light a tent as you can afford. It’s a large piece of gear in your pack and can weigh 4 or 5 pounds or more.

Durability

Even cheap tents are quite durable. The thicker the fabric the more durable it is. That said, you still have to be quite careful with tents. The mesh and fly are thin can tear easily. A waterproof fly with a hole in it isn’t waterproof any more.

Putting down a tarp or ground sheet (often called a footprint) protects the bottom of your tent from sharp sticks and rocks. It’s easier to replace a small tarp or piece of plastic under your tent than a whole tent body. As with everything else, it is something more to carry carry in your pack.

Non-Tent Shelter Options

Tents are usually the easiest to start with for backpacking but there are other options. Hammocks and tarps are 2 other ways to stay dry and warm when backpacking.

Hammocks

Backpacking hammocks aren’t your normal backyard hammock on a stand but the idea is the same. A very thin, light piece of fabric is hung between 2 trees. A bug net and tarp usually sit on top to keep you out of the bugs and rain. The ground doesn’t have to be smooth or flat under the hammock but there needs to be trees or rocks to attach either end of the hammock to.

Some people love sleeping in hammocks and some people hate it. It’s a good thing to test out at home before going on a week-long backpacking trip. With no poles to hold up the hammock, they often pack down smaller and lighter than backpacking tents do. Keep in mind they’ll always be 1-person.

Tarps

If you’re comfortable, pitching a tarp above you to protect you from the elements is all you need to sleep outside. There are many different shapes of tarps from regular rectangles to tent-shaped shells. Tarps usually require some way to pitch them and hold them up, with either trekking poles holding up either end or a rope from one tree to another. Tying edges and corners to trees or tent pegs will hold everything taught.

Nothing

The minimalist approach to camping is just throwing your sleeping bag on the ground and sleeping under the stars. This doesn’t offer any protection from bugs or rain but it can feel very freeing.

Tent Glossary

Bathtub floor – The waterproof floor that comes up about 6 inches from the ground. Keeps water out if you end up in a puddle in the middle of the night.

Fly – A tent fly is the waterproof fabric that goes overtop of the mesh body. Not all tents are 2 layers like this but most for backpacking are.

Footprint – A small nylon tarp that fits to the bottom of your tent and protects it from sharp sticks and rocks.

No-see-um Mesh – The very fine mesh built into the bodies of tents. Keeps out bugs like no-see-ums and mosquitos.

Gear Attic – An optional small hanging shelf in the top of some tents.

Tent Reviews

Other Backpacking Gear

You’ll need more than just a tent to head out backpacking. Here are buying guides to all the other gear you need for backpacking.

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]]> https://packandtrail.com/blog/backpacking-tents/feed/ 0 Backpacking Packs: Everything You Need to Know https://packandtrail.com/blog/backpacking-packs/ https://packandtrail.com/blog/backpacking-packs/#respond Mon, 27 Apr 2020 00:18:50 +0000 https://pureoutside.rosscollicutt.com/?p=895 Small backpacks are great for day hikes and travelling but when it comes to staying out in the backcountry for multiple days we need something a bit bigger. It needs to hold our shelter like a tent, sleeping gear, food, water and clothes in a light enough package to carry for days straight. Backpacking packs,… Read More »Backpacking Packs: Everything You Need to Know

The post Backpacking Packs: Everything You Need to Know first appeared on Pack & Trail.

]]> Small backpacks are great for day hikes and travelling but when it comes to staying out in the backcountry for multiple days we need something a bit bigger. It needs to hold our shelter like a tent, sleeping gear, food, water and clothes in a light enough package to carry for days straight.

Backpacking packs, or multi-day packs, are big enough to hold food and gear for a multiple days, sometimes a week or more. They are one of the first things you’ll likely purchase when setting up your backpacking kit.

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Buying a Backpacking Pack

Capacity in litres

Every backpack has a size measured in litres. This is how much space is inside. Common sizes for backpacking are 50, 60 or 70 litres but the pack just has to be big enough to hold all your gear. If you have less gear, you can take a smaller pack.

If you are thinking of doing larger trips into the future, like 4-7 days, you’ll probably need a 60 or 70 litre pack. Most packs offer attachment points and webbing on the outside to lash other gear on if it just doesn’t fit inside.

Try to pack everything you need inside. Things fall off the outside, get caught on branches or get more wet than you’d like. Attach items to the outside only when you absolutely have to.

With a bigger pack comes the urge to fill it. You shouldn’t be taking the kitchen sink hiking. Only take the essentials.

Fit

Packs are usually sized based on their length. There will be a small, medium and large or small/medium and large/extra-large. Each manufacturer will have instructions on how to measure the length of your back to see which pack should fit you best.

Once you’ve got the pack size right, you can usually make minor adjustments to the shoulder strap height. This will help you dial in the exact fit you want. Fitting is easier when there’s a bit of weight inside

What you are looking for is to have the middle of the hip belts around your waist sit on the top of your hip bones. With the hip belts on the tops of your hip bones, the shoulder straps should comfortably come up and over your shoulders, staying in contact all the way over.

Once the pack is fitted properly, fill it up the rest of your gear or an equivalent amount of weight. With gear, food and water, packs can weigh 30 to 40 pounds or more. Spend as much time as you can with the pack on before you buy it, and before going on any trips to the backcountry. You don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere and find out the shoulder straps bearing 40 pounds don’t fit properly.

Weight vs Features

There will always be a trade off between weight and features. In a perfect world, we could have a featherweight pack with all the whizbangs and doodads.

Here’s a list of features a pack may have that adds functionality but also adds weight.

  • Shoulder strap and waist belt padding

  • External pockets

  • Webbing and attachment points

  • Included pack cover

  • Internal frame

Always try to get the lightest pack possible with the features you need. You may be happy paying a little extra cost in weight for a bit more padding or more external pockets.

Waterproofing

Most packs are not waterproof. They require some an accessory to make them waterproof. Usually people buy a thin waterproof cover called a pack cover. These need to be the right size for your pack. Sometimes they are included with your pack but often not.

Another option is to put everything in waterproof bags like a garbage bag or drybags inside your pack. The pack will get wet but it won’t matter since everything inside is waterproof.

Pack covers are a bit like rain jackets. Some trips you won’t need to use them at all. Others, you’ll use them the entire time. Backpacking in the Pacific Northwest it’s a requirement any time of the year.

Glossary

Pack Cover – A waterproof cover that covers the whole pack. Rarely comes with the pack and usually comes separately.

Sternum Strap – The small chest-level strap that pulls the shoulder straps together.

Iliac Crest – The top of your hip bones. Waist belts on backpacks should be centered on this one for the most comfortable carry of a bigger pack.

Other Gear

You’ll need more than just a backpack to head out backpacking. Here are buying guides to all the other gear you need for backpacking.

Questions

Do you have any questions about backpacking packs? Let’s hear them below!

The post Backpacking Packs: Everything You Need to Know first appeared on Pack & Trail.

]]> https://packandtrail.com/blog/backpacking-packs/feed/ 0 Hiking Boots https://packandtrail.com/blog/hiking-boots/ https://packandtrail.com/blog/hiking-boots/#comments Fri, 21 Feb 2020 14:49:15 +0000 https://pureoutside.rosscollicutt.com/?p=887 Everything you need to know about hiking boots

The post Hiking Boots first appeared on Pack & Trail.

]]> If there’s one piece of gear you won’t regret spending more money and time trying, it will be hiking boots.

In this post:

Recommended Hiking Boots

First up, our favourite boots. There are definitely other boot options out there but we’ve tested these in the past and like them.

Editors Choice: Tecnica Forge Hiking Boot

The Tecnica Forge heat moldable hiking boot

The Tecnica Forge heat moldable hiking boot

Our current favourite hiking boots. Tecnica has brought their heat-moldable boot technology from ski boots and has made the best fitting hiking boot we’ve ever tried. Where other boots don’t fit quite right, the Forge is heat-molded and fits very well with uncommonly shaped feet.

The Gore-Tex membrane provides excellent waterproofing. Thick lugs on the outside provide good grip in wet, slipper conditions. The thin kevlar laces have a rough texture that’s a little rough in the hand but this keeps them locked in place after tying.

Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid Hiking Boot

The X Ultra 3 Mid hiking boot from Salomon is our pick for a mid-sized hiker. They have a great general fit off the bat, fitting most feet no problem. We never recommend long hikes with new boots but you might be able to with these. The only downside is the mid size which doesn’t waterproof or protect as high as taller boots (but does keep the weight down). The Quest 4D 3 GTX boot is the taller step up from the X Ultra 3.

At our local outdoors shop this is always one of their best-selling boots.

Other Good Hiking Boots

Hi-Tec Sierra Lite I WP hiking boots

Another mid-sized hiker from Sierra is a great option for any kind of hike or snowshoe. I hiked the

Full review: Hi-Tec Sierra Lite I WP hiking boots

Hiking Boot Tips

Buying Guide: Fit

Fit is the most important factor when looking for boots. The boots could be a great price and have all the features you need but if they don’t fit, you’ll end up with blisters and sore feet every hike.

Blisters can happen anywhere on your foot but the most common spot is the heel. When your boot doesn’t fit well, your heel will slide up and down every step inside your boot. This creates a blister and sometimes rubs the skin right off. We probably don’t need to say how painful these are! Every step hurts.

So how should hiking boots fit? Look for these warning signs when trying on boots.

Heel slides up and down

If your heel slides up when down when you walk then you’re sure to get a blister. Tie your boots snug but not so tight it’s painful and your heel should not slide up and down and your foot should not slide left and right in your boot.

Pulling laces quite snug at your ankle here can help. If the top of your foot hurts or your foot starts going to sleep then it’s too tight. See if you can either lace the bottom looser and the top tighter or snug all the way up to get a good fit.

All boots are built on different molds and some will just be different than your foot. Try as many boots on as you can. Boots should fit very well right away.

Hotspots or pressure points

When walking around home or the store with a new pair of boots on watch out for parts that press hard against your foot. Everything should be soft and smooth inside. Over thousands of steps on a hike, any pressure points are going to hurt. Common pressure points are on the top of the boots where the laces are and sides around the toes. Loosening the laces a bit can help on top but not so much your foot slips around when walking. A boot should feel like a warm hug on your feet.

Toes are cramped

Toes need breathing room. Feet swell up after hours on the trail. They need a bit of room to slide forward when you’re walking downhill so they don’t get hammered into the end of your boot.

When you’re trying boots on, try them on at the end of a long day after you’ve walked a lot. Your foot might be a half size larger than in the morning. Find a good incline to walk down and see if your toes hit the end. If your toenails are being scraped off then it’s time to size up or look for a different model.

Try lacing differently

To change the fit of your boots, you can adjust the lacing along the top of your foot and at the ankle. You can lace your foot loosely and then your ankle tight. If your ankle gets loose during the hike you can try a double overhand knot (wrapping the lace around itself twice) at your ankle and then continuing to lace up your leg. This separates the foot part of the boot from the leg part and lets you pull one tighter than the other.

Breaking in boots

With leather hiking boots, the old stories say you should soak a pair of boots in the water and walk them dry. But the end of the walk the boot will be perfect formed to your foot and you’ll never see a blister.

Boots do need a bit of a break-in period but it shouldn’t take long. Ideally you can find a pair of boots that fit well right out of the box. Leather boots will still continue to form around your feet as you hike and they warm up.

Don’t hike with brand new boots!

Don’t do big hikes that is.

While those boots may feel great right of the box, try to do shorter hikes and then work up to longer ones with brand new boots. Your feet are still getting used to them and they are still breaking in around your specific foot shape. There may be a case where you need brand new boots right before a big hike but always try to get used to them and break them in first.

Try all the pairs on

Try on as many as you can. Many shops will let you walk around the shop for a while to test them out. Ask about return policy as you might be able to wear them at home inside and still return them (clean!) if they don’t fit. A huge benefit to your high quality local outdoor store is good boot-fitting and being able to try things on before you buy. an indication of a good outdoors shop is they’ll give you all the time you need to make a good decision.

Buying Hiking Boots

Of course even hiking boots have specs and features that we can look at for each boot.

Material

The materials boots can make a difference in how well they feel but the exact material won’t make much of a difference. There are amazing boots both made out of leather and synthetic. Leather typically molds to your foot a bit better over time because of the supple nature of the material. Don’t use that to avoid synthetic though. If a boot fits, it fits.

Manufacturers all use different food models, or lasts, to make their boots. They’ll even use different lasts between boot lines. I try to find brands that fit my feet well and stick with those. These can change over time.

Waterproofing

Many hiking boots are waterproof and this is one of the reasons to wear them. You can stomp through puddles, mud and snow without getting your feet wet. How boots stay waterproof is different.

Some boots have a waterproof membrane inside like Gore-Tex or eVent. The water is blocked by the waterproof membrane.

Other boots are just leather and don’t have a waterproof membrane inside. Leather can be coated with waxes that cause water to run off. They aren’t 100% waterproof but most of the time the wax prevents your feet from getting wet.

Taller boots will provide higher waterproofing. Boots are usually waterproof up to where the tongue splits from the side of the boot. Sometimes they split very low, reducing the waterproof height. Look for the height of the split to see how high the waterproofing goes.

Mid boot or tall?

X Ultra 3 Mid from Salomon.com

X Ultra 3 Mid from Salomon.com

Many boots are called a Mid or mid-sized boot and rather than being full height (and weight) they are 3/4 or middle sized. The X Ultra 3 Mid from Salomon is a good example of this. They only only have 2 lace hooks near the top of the boot because they aren’t as tall as a full sized boot. This makes them lighter than full boots but less supportive. They tend to be waterproof up to a lower level than full-height boots as well.

Weight

Hiking boots should be as light as possible for the features you need. There’s no sense in lugging around extra weight on your feet if you don’t need to.

There are cases where you’d like heavier boots. Taller and more supportive boots will be heavier. Boots with thicker soles or a shank (stiffener) in the midsole will be heavier. Waterproof boots will be heavier. If you want any of these features in a boot then it will be heavier than versions without.

At the end of the day, we try to take the lightest pair of boots that has the features you want.

Hiking Boots vs Trail Runners

Hiking boots aren’t the only option for footwear on your adventures. Trail runners are becoming more popular as lightweight options. What’s the difference?

Let’s look at hiking boots first. They’re taller for waterproofing, more supportive through the ankle and often built to withstand the rigors of hundreds of kilometres on the trail.

Trail runners are lighter, more flexible and can be more breathable in warm weather.

Which one should you pick?

It’s entirely up to you whether you hike in boots or trail runners. We tend to have both boots and shoes, wearing each depending on the weather and the trail.

Hiking boots are nice when the weather sucks. They’ll keep your feet dryer and warmer when it’s wet or snowy. If you know it’s going to be raining or you’ll be walking through puddles, streams or mud, boots can keep your feet dry. Boots also provide more ankle support. If the trail is rough, the chances of a rolled ankle will increase. You can limit or prevent those injuries with taller boots.

Hiking boots also tend to have thicker, more supportive midsoles and outsoles. This prevents the rocks and roots from pounding your feet on a long hike. Hiking with a heavy overnight pack only makes this worse. Multi-day hikes are definitely a good time to take the hiking boots.

When the weather is dryer, you’re moving faster or your pack is lighter, then trail runners would be our choice. They are more comfortable, lighter weight and breathe better.

If you’re new to backpacking, light hiking boots will be your best friend. Until you know exactly what you like doing and how you like to pack, light hikers will keep your feet safe and dry.

Regardless of which you pick, hiking boot or trail runner, fit should be the most important thing.

Hiking Boot Glossary

There’s a lot of terms to know when looking up hiking boots. Here’s a quick rundown of some you may run across

Eyelet: A small metal or plastic ring, d-ring or hook that holds the lace on a boot.

Outsole: The rubber outer sole of a hiking shoe or boot.

Membrane: Waterproof boots usually have a boot made of waterproof fabric inside that keeps the water out. This is called the membrane.

Lugs: Grippy bumps on the bottom of the outsole for grip.

Shank: A stiff material in the midsole, sometimes metal or plastic to make the boot more stiff.

eVent: A waterproof membrane sometimes used in hiking boots and shoes.

Hiking Boot Reviews

Other Backpacking Gear

You’ll need more than just hiking boots to head out backpacking. Here are buying guides to all the other gear you need for backpacking.

What is Your Best Boot Tip?

Have any good tips or stories to share about hiking boots? Share it it with us below! New hikers would love to hear your best tips about lacing, sizing or fixing boots.

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]]> https://packandtrail.com/blog/hiking-boots/feed/ 1 GPS for Hiking https://packandtrail.com/blog/gps/ https://packandtrail.com/blog/gps/#comments Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:46:18 +0000 https://pureoutside.rosscollicutt.com/?p=878 Answers to all your questions about GPS units and phone apps.

The post GPS for Hiking first appeared on Pack & Trail.

]]> GPS is a term thrown around a lot these days but when it all comes down to it, something with GPS can show where you are on a map.

In this article:

What is a GPS?

GPS and Cell Reception

GPS units vs phone apps

GPS articles

IMG_0194.jpg


What is a GPS?

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It’s a series of satellites floating around the earth that talks to an antennae in your GPS unit or phone. Using the signal from multiple satellites and some very complicated math, the GPS can figure out where you are on a map.

When you have a clear view of the sky, the GPS can clearly see more satellites and it’s location will be more accurate. If you are in dense tree cover, amongst many buildings or in a canyon, there aren’t as many satellites to see and accuracy will be lower.


GPS and cell reception

GPS connection and cell reception on your phone are different things. You can have a GPS connection to the satellites but be too far from any cell tower to get voice or date for your phone. This is important for map data.

GPS apps on your phone usually need two things: GPS reception to figure out where you are and data connection to download maps. If there’s no data to download maps then your phone will know where you are but can’t download the street or terrain maps to show it. But most apps can go offline to solve this.

When you download maps offline, you’re eliminating the need for data when you’re off the grid. When the maps are downloaded to your phone, you won’t need a data connection, just GPS. If you move into a new area where you don’t have maps downloaded, then you won’t be able to see anything. Some apps automatically download these maps for you, but for most, you have to find the download option and pick which ones you want.


GPS units vs phone apps

Right now there are 2 main groups of GPS: dedicated GPS units and phones.

Dedicated GPS are like a Garmin 64 series GPS that are just a GPS. That is it’s only function. They will show you a map, track where you’ve been and let you navigate to waypoints and routes.

Phones obviously do a lot more. With an app on your phone you can see your location on a map, track where you’ve been, navigate to waypoints and routes and take photos. After you’re done, you can use everything else on your phone or upload the tracks and images to websites online.

Check out a few of our GPS phone app reviews:

Dedicated GPS usually have larger GPS antennae than phones do and so can connect to more satellites for a more accurate signals. They also can have much better battery life. Dedicated GPS usually have battery life measured in days where as phone battery life is measured in hours when using the GPS.


GPS Articles

GPS is an in-depth topic. Dig in to these other articles.

Other Backpacking Gear

You’ll need more than just a GPS to head out backpacking. Here are guides to all the other gear you need for backpacking.

The post GPS for Hiking first appeared on Pack & Trail.

]]> https://packandtrail.com/blog/gps/feed/ 1