America’s Best Backpacking and Outdoor Adventures
Insulated Air Mattress Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air Mattress $180, 20×72 inches rectangular, 13 oz. (including its stuff sack) Sizes: 20×66, 20×72, 25×72, and 25×78 inches rectangular and 20×72 mummy moosejaw.com As air mattresses have continued getting lighter, more compact, and more comfortable, one would think a limit has been reached on how small they can get before sacrificing real …
All-Season Shell Jacket Montane Ajax Jacket $380, 16 oz. (men’s medium) Sizes: US men’s S-XXL, women’s 6-14 campsaver.com As the wind-driven snow came down heavily while a partner and I backcountry skied in Idaho’s Boise Mountains, I cinched the hood of my Montane Ajax Jacket closely over my head, looked around, and thought: “beautiful day.” We were skiing untracked, light …
Ultralight Rain Jacket Montane Minimus 777 Pull-On $280, 4.5 oz. (medium) Sizes: men’s XS-XL backcountry.com While any ultralight wind shell or rain jacket offers a lot of versatility, the Minimus 777 pushes the extreme low end in weight for waterproof-breathable outerwear, an appealing trait for hikers, trail runners, and climbers. And it demonstrated that versatility during the eight days I …
Michael, I stumbled upon your blog and have enjoyed reading your advice. I am currently deciding between the Gregory Baltoro 75 and 65. I have always had a 65L pack and was looking to upgrade to a new pack this year. When I compared the two packs I found that there was only four ounces difference in weight from the 65L to …
Hiking Shoes Oboz Crest Low BDry $150, 2 lbs. 5 oz. (US men’s 9) Sizes: men’s US 8-14 moosejaw.com Finding one ideal shoe or boot to cover your feet for dayhikes in any conditions, and crossover to light backpacking, poses a real challenge. Finding one that achieves those lofty objectives at a relatively affordable price can feel like winning a …