Trail Running Vests for Day Hiking, a Review
Trail vests do not have to be Trail Running vests. They are not only for runners. In fact, most trail running is power hiking anyways. Our Favorite Trail running vests…
Gift Ideas for the Backpacker in Your Life
Six gift ideas for the backpacker or thru-hiker in your life
The Joys of Shoulder-Season Backpacking (and the Gear to Make it Work)
Shoulder season can be the best time for backpacking as summer crowds disperse, but the weather is still moderate.
US-Made and Cottage-Industry Backpacking Gear Companies
A list of our favorite made-in-the-US backpacking gear from cottage companies and brands who got big but still make their gear right here in the US
Three Lightweight Trail Shoes, and Which Might Be Best for You
Hikers shopping for new trail shoes face a bewildering array of choices. We compare three new models to help narrow down the choices
Coros Vertix 2 – A Watch Review
The Coros Vertix 2 is the second edition of the most robust watch in the Coros lineup. This new iteration has longer battery life, added features, and an improved screen.
Melanzana Grid Hoodie vs Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Hoodie
In the world of popular (but impossible to find) mid-layers, is the Melanzana Grid Hoodie or Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Wool Fleece a better option? Over the past few years, these companies have risen to the top of the backpacking fashion world. Both are recognizable, sought after, and often out of stock. Is one a better layer than the other?
Review: Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low Shoe
The Vasque Breeze LT NTX Low provides the stiff, solid cushioning underfoot of a trail boot but with a low cut. So if you’re looking for something lighter than a boot but sturdier than a trail runner, these could be the shoes for you.
Gear for a Local Overnight Backpacking Trip
Whenever I have two days off in a row, I try to squeeze in a quick backcountry trip. Here’s the gear I take for these trips.
Uinta Highline Out and Back Gear
This is the gear Backpacking Routes co-founder Jeff Garmire took on his out-and-back hike of the Uinta Highline Trail.