Uncategorized Archives - Backpacking Routes http://backpackingroutes.com/category/uncategorized/ Routes of the World Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:41:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/backpackingroutes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-BPR_icon_textured_4.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Uncategorized Archives - Backpacking Routes http://backpackingroutes.com/category/uncategorized/ 32 32 184093932 Nocs Provisions Zero Tube Review https://backpackingroutes.com/nocs-provisions-zero-tube-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nocs-provisions-zero-tube-review Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:02:32 +0000 https://backpackingroutes.com/?p=8563 The Nocs Provisions Zero Tube is a fun scope for viewing wildlife on the trail or scouting the route ahead.

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The Nocs Provisions Zero Tube is a single tube, long-distance scope that stashes comfortably in my backpack shoulder strap pocket so I have easy access when I want to view the summits on the trail ahead or birds in the trees nearby.


Overview: Nocs Provisions Zero Tube

MSRP: $179.95
Dimensions: 4.33 in. x 1.57 in. x 1.73 in.
Weight: 7.2 ounces


About the Zero Tube

The Zero Tube monocular is a fun addition to my pack on trips into the woods. Weighing 7.2 ounces, it doesn’t add significant weight. I especially enjoy using it to check on the two bald eagle chicks in an island nest near a hiking trail I maintain.

The Zero Tube is small enough to fit in one hand, but it does require two hands for adjusting focus. One hand holds the Zero Tube to my eye while the other twists the front tube to bring images into sharp focus. I do find that it can be hard to keep my hands still while looking through the monocular.

The extra-low dispersion (ED) glass used in the Zero Tube sharpens resolution, improves contrast, and delivers more accurate color so the image is crisp.

The eye cup is easy to twist, inward if you’re wearing glasses, outward if you aren’t.

The field of view (FOV) is 341 feet wide at 1,000 yards deep at the farthest distance from an object, with the field of view’s width decreasing at a closer distance. The closest focus is 4.9 feet.

Want to take a picture with your cellphone using the Zero Tube? Nocs has a smartphone adapter here that can do that.

I stuff the Tube into the included carry bag to ensure the lenses don’t scratch while carrying the scope in my backpack pocket. When I’m home I clean the outer lenses with the lens cloth that comes with the Zero Tube.


What Is a Monocular?

A monocular is like a small, hand-held telescope that you peer through using one eye, bringing faraway objects closer using internal lenses. The Zero Tube is Nocs Provisions’ smallest monocular, weighing 7.2 ounces and is 4.3 inches long and 1.73 inches wide. The Zoom Tube and Field Tube are two other monoculars made by Nocs Provisions. The Zero Tube has a magnification of 10, meaning it magnifies objects to appear 10 times closer than using just the naked eye. Twenty-five is the diameter in millimeters of the front, or objective, lens. The smaller size of the objective lens makes the Zero Tube compact and easier to carry but it also means the Zero Tube lets in less light than a larger lens. Because of its lens size the Zero Tubes focus is sharpest in bright daylight.

Nocs uses BaK4 (Barium Crown) prisms, which are efficient in capturing light. The dielectric and phase lens coatings increase light transmission and clarity, especially in low light.


Built for the Outdoors

The Zero Tube is at home on the trail. The outer shell is rugged, with raised ridges that ensure a solid grip. It’s waterproof, with an IPX7 rating, which means that it can withstand being submerged in three feet of water for 30 minutes. Nitrogen-filled chambers ward off internal fogging during fluctuating temperatures. And the Zero Tube has a lifetime warranty.


Good to Know

Warranty: The Zero Tube has a No-Matter-What™ lifetime warranty. Warranty and shipping information here.

In the Box: Woven wrist strap, microfiber pouch and lens-cleaning cloth.

Colors: Bone, off-piste, ultramarine, Audubon piping plover

Tripod Compatible: No. The Zero Tube is hand-held only.

Product Manual: Nocs has an essential user manual here.

Other Nocs Monoculars: The Zoom and Field tubes here.


Zero Tube Pros

Lightweight: At 7.2 ounces the Zero Tube rides lightly in my pack or pocket.

Rugged: The ridged exterior feels solid and provides a firm grip.

Carry Clip: Attaches to a belt, pack strap or coat pocket, keeping it within easy reach.

Carrying Pouch: Protects the Zero Tube while stowed in a pack or pocket.


Zero Tube Cons

No Lens Caps: The lenses are exposed, making it essential to pack in the provided microfiber pouch.

Low Light: Images lose some clarity in low light because of the small lenses.


Overall Value

The Zero Tube isn’t essential backcountry gear, but it sure is fun. And its low weight and small size make it easy to throw in a pack where it’s easy to reach. The $179.95 price is high for a monocular with 10 by 25 magnification, but if you’re someone who values lightweight gear, wants to scout the trail ahead or view wildlife at a distance, the Zero Tube can be a good choice.


Similar Monoculars

Vortex Optics Solo
MSRP: $109.99
Magnification: 10 x 25

Opticron Explorer
MSRP: $219
Magnification: 8 x 42

Celestron UpClose
MSRP: $22.95
Magnification: 10 x 25


This product was donated for purpose of review.

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Gossamer Gear Vetta 20L Daypack Review https://backpackingroutes.com/gossamer-gear-vetta-20l-daypack-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gossamer-gear-vetta-20l-daypack-review Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:01:21 +0000 https://backpackingroutes.com/?p=8581 The Gossamer Gear Vetta is for minimalist adventures with only the basics for a rigorous hike.

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The Gossamer Gear Vetta is for minimalist adventures when I’m carrying only the basics for my hike.


Overview: Gossamer Gear Vetta 20L

MSRP: $140
Weight: 14.5 ounces
Capacity: 20 liters

Fabric: 100D recycled robic nylon for the main body; 210D recycled robic nylon for the bottom. UHMWPE stretch mesh for the outer pockets. PFAS-free.


About the Vetta 20L Daypack

Gossamer Gear designed its Type II collection of packs for demanding adventures, and the Vetta is up to the challenge. It’s small and light, but capable of carrying everything I want for a rigorous day hike. Gossamer Gear uses UHMWPE fiber (also used in Dyneema) in the mesh pockets for its ultralight weight and strength.


Carrying Capacity

The Vetta’s main compartment swallows my raincoat and rain pants, a top layer, and other small gear I want firmly tucked away. The roll-top extension collar expands to give the pack 20 liters of inside storage in the main body, and closes with top straps or removable side compression straps.

The Vetta has a feature I love in Gossamer Gear packs — a zippered pocket on the top front of the pack for my wallet and a clip for securing my car keys. The pocket ensures that when I get back to my car I’m not digging deep to find my car keys. And it keeps my mind at ease on trail when I can easily check that my car key is still safely tucked away.

I also like that the strap buckles are large, and easy to see and connect, not reduced to a size that’s difficult to see and buckle.

The large, outside mesh pocket holds my lunch, water filter, first aid kit or anything else small.

The Vetta’s downside is that the two shallow mesh pockets on each side aren’t deep enough to hold thin Smartwater-style water bottles without them falling out. The slanted cut of the pockets lets water bottles slide out if I lean down to pick up something or while I’m taking the pack off.

So I’ve gone back to using Nalgene or similar-size water bottles that fit snugly inside the pockets and don’t fall out.

There’s also a water bladder pocket on the inside back of the main compartment with a hang loop and a slit for a hydration tube.

The stash pockets, one on each shoulder strap, are also small, and don’t hold much more than snacks, lip balm or hand sanitizer. They aren’t big enough to hold my phone, but Gossamer Gear has larger add-on shoulder strap pockets here.

Adjustable bottom and top stretch cords are good for storing trekking poles.

And inside the pack on the outside of the water bladder pocket is a pouch with zipper for stashing gear.


Comfort

The Vetta is a one-size-fits-all pack. I’m 5 feet, 10 inches and the pack fits me comfortably.

The shoulder straps have perforated foam cushioning and a foam back pad that doubles as a sit pad, a feature that Gossamer Gear puts in all its packs.

The sternum strap, with an integrated whistle, slides up and down for a custom fit.

The Vetta does not have a hipbelt, but the pack has attachment loops to add a Gossamer Gear minimalist Fastbelt.

Loops at the bottom of the shoulder straps that are good for resting arms by inserting thumbs instead of letting them hang have become standard on most Gossamer Gear backpacks.


Materials

The Vetta’s main body is made from PFAS-free 100D recycled robic nylon, a relatively low-cost fabric that helps keep the pack’s price down. The UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, an ingredient in Dyneema) stretch mesh used for the front and side pockets combines exceptional strength with abrasion and tear resistance.


Good to Know

It’s important to remember that the Vetta is a minimalist day pack, and the 20-liter capacity is geared toward ultralighters.

The shoulder strap and side pockets are small. The side mesh pockets aren’t deep enough to hold 1-liter water bottles without them falling out.

There’s no hip belt so the pack’s weight is squarely on the shoulders.

But smaller doesn’t mean skimping on features that I like such as the top zipper pocket, the removable sit pad and strap buckles large enough for me to see without putting on my glasses.

For someone who hasn’t reduced their gear to ultralight territory, Gossamer Gear’s Grit 28L pack, reviewed here, might be a good choice.


Vetta Pros

Ultralight: The Vetta weighs 14.5 ounces.

Stash Pockets: The slim top pocket that closes with a zipper is good for holding my car keys and wallet. Two small pockets on the shoulder straps hold small gear such as snacks, lip balm and hand sanitizer. And a pocket with zipper inside the pack keeps valuable gear safe.


Vetta Cons

Sizing and Fit: The Vetta comes in one size.

No Hipbelt: This may be a con for some people, but I don’t miss a hipbelt on the Vetta.

Shoulder Pockets: These are very small and don’t hold much gear. I can’t fit my phone inside them.

Side Mesh Pockets: Not deep enough to hold Smartwater-style 1-liter water bottles without them falling out.


Overall Value

Gossamer Gear uses durable robic fabric and a limited amount of Dyneema-like stretch mesh in the Vetta, keeping its $140 price tag well below the cost of packs made completely with Dyneema or Ultra fabrics. The Vetta’s price and minimalist features make it a solid choice for daylong adventures on trail .


Similar Day Packs

Osprey Talon 22

MSRP: $175
Weight: 2.38 pounds
Capacity: 22 liters

Black Diamond Distance 22

MSRP: $229.95
Capacity: 22 liters
Weight: 2.38 pounds

REI Flash 22

MSRP: $59.95
Capacity: 22 liters
Weight: 14 ounces


This product was donated for purpose of review.

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Zamberlan ExoTrail GTX Shoes Review https://backpackingroutes.com/zamberlan-exotrail-gtx-shoes-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zamberlan-exotrail-gtx-shoes-review Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:59:35 +0000 https://backpackingroutes.com/?p=8596 Zamberlan's ExoTrail GTX are solid mid-cut hiking shoes for adventures on any type of trail.

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The Zamberlan ExoTrail GTX are lightweight, moderately stiff hikers with solid underfoot support.


Overview: Zamberlan ExoTrail GTX

MSRP: $240 (on sale for $192)
Weight (per shoe): 12.7 ounces women’s, 14.5 ounces men’s
Lining: GORE-TEX
Outsole: Vibram Bayu with Megagrip
Stack Height: 34.7/24.7 for men’s and women’s shoes
Drop: 10 mm


About the ExoTrail GTX

Zamberlan’s new ExoTrail GTX are solid trail shoes with a firm sole under my feet. They’re lightweight and don’t weigh down my feet during miles on trail

The Helix lugs on the Vibram Bayu Megagrip outsole are deep enough to grip muddy trails while still providing good traction on rocks. And the lugs and outsole are good at shedding mud.

And as someone who has a perpetual black and blue big toe from stubbing it on rocks I especially appreciate the solid rubber toe rand that wraps over the front of the shoe because there’s a lot of protection there.

Zamberlan uses an EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam midsole, commonly used in trail runners and other athletic shoes, to absorb the pounding from rocky and rugged trails. I can feel the cushion when I’m hopping rock to rock.

The shoes’ uppers are breathable mesh with GORE-TEX water protection, and the inner membrane wraps comfortably around my feet. My feet stayed dry while intentionally testing the shoes in shallow water but I wasn’t able to give them a challenging test in a heavy rain.


Comfort

The ExtoTrail are best for wide feet, and Zamberlan has a size chart here. Zamberlan advises that it may be best to size down a half size for a good fit, but I found that a size 12 shoe was a good fit for my size 12 feet. Although the shoes were a bit loose on my feet, the fit wasn’t sloppy. I feel as though a size 11 ½ would be too tight.

There’s plenty of cushioning with a stack height of 34.7/24.7mm, and the 10mm heel-to-toe drop is what I need for my flat feet. Low-drop shoes don’t give me enough support for my flat feet.

The solid platform is stable on trail and my feet land solidly, without any play.

At 12.7 ounces per shoe, the ExoTrail are light enough that I can move easily on any kind of trail, especially rock hopping.

The GORE-TEX uppers breathe well on cool days, but when the temperature hit 70 my feet were hot inside the shoes.

After miles on the trail my feet feel good, with no hot spots or blisters.


Good to Know

Colors: Gray-denim, sepia/orange, black/orange

Sustainability: The mesh, laces, and footbeds use recycled material.

Replacement Insoles: Zamberlan sells replacement insoles for their shoes, found here.


The Zamberlan Story

Giuseppe and Maria Zamberlan started making shoes in Italy in 1929, and the company continues today under the guidance of brother and sister Marco and Maria, the third generation of the Zamberlan family.

Although some shoes are made overseas, the company makes its most traditional and prestigious models in Italy, in the same factory opened by Giuseppe Zamberlan nearly 90 years ago.


ExoTrail GTX Pros

Grip: Good performance on wet rocks and through mud.
Weight: Lightweight for a mid-cut shoe.
GORE-TEX: Good at keeping water out on slightly wet trails.


ExoTrail GTX Cons

GORE-TEX: Once water gets inside the Gore-Tex lining the inside doesn’t dry quickly. And my feet got hot when the temperature reached 70.


Overall Value

The ExoTrail are on sale for $192, down 20 percent from their original cost of $240, making them an attractive purchase for a shoe made by a company with a reputation for quality and durable footwear.


Similar Hiking Shoes

MSRP: $200
Waterproof: Yes

MerrellMoab3

MSRP: $140
Waterproof: Yes

KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof Mid

MSRP: $175 (on sale for $127.50)
Waterproof: Yes; KEEN.Dry breathable membrane


This product was donated for purpose of review.

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Osprey Downburst 36 Review https://backpackingroutes.com/osprey-downburst-36-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=osprey-downburst-36-review Sun, 30 Mar 2025 20:30:56 +0000 https://backpackingroutes.com/?p=8108 The Osprey Downburst 36 is a highly water-resistant pack mounted on Osprey's comfortable AirSpeed suspension.

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The Osprey Downburst 36 is a highly water-resistant pack that uses Osprey’s comfortable AirSpeed suspension, making rainy days (almost) a pleasure to be on trail.


The Downburst has the features I expect on an Osprey pack, but with a twist: it’s highly water repellent.

Overview: Osprey Downburst 36

MSRP:

  • $320 for the men’s 36-liter pack and the women’s 34-liter pack
  • $300 for the men’s 26-liter pack and the women’s 24-liter pack

Weight:

  • 3.37 pounds for the men’s 36-liter pack
  • 3.272 pounds for the women’s 34 liter
  • 3.2 pounds for the men’s 26 liter
  • 3.1 pounds for the women’s 24 liter

Fabric: 100% recycled nylon fabric with a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) treatment that gives the pack high water resistance and a rubbery feel. The 210D main fabric and 420D bottom fabric should hold up to years or use.


Osprey’s AirSpeed suspension makes the Downburst a joy to carry.

About the Osprey Downburst 36

The Downburst 36 builds on Osprey’s comfortable, breathable AirSpeed suspension by using a water resistant fabric that helps keeps gear dry during rainy hikes. The polyurethane-laminated external zippers provide extra water resistance. The Downburst’s fabric has a stiff, rubbery feel, but it works: My gear stashed inside the pack’s main compartment stayed dry during hours of rain. The outer front pocket and hip belt pockets, along with the water bladder compartment, are water resistant, but not waterproof and provide limited water protection. The Downburst isn’t ultralight, but Osprey’s comfortable suspension negates the extra weight on my back.


The Downburst 36 has room for my ultralight gear for a warm weather two-night, three-day hike.

Carrying Capacity

Main Compartment: The Downburst has a unique top-loading compartment that’s divided into two sections, both that close with a zipper: the compartment closest to the pack frame holds a water bladder or can be an easy-to-access stash compartment for rain gear; the outer compartment has a roll-top closure with an outer zipper flap for extra rain protection. There’s enough room for a well-equipped day hike or to hold minimal gear for a three-day trip, including a BearVault 450 bear can.

Front Pocket: The front pocket is solid fabric rather than mesh. The fabric is water resistant and has a top flap intended to seal off the pocket. My experience is that the flap doesn’t seal tightly enough against the main pack body to keep water out of the pocket.

Internal Mesh Pocket: The zippered mesh pocket in the pack’s main compartment is a good place for stashing car keys, a wallet, or any other small gear that I want to stay secure and dry.

Side Pockets: Room for one thin or one wide water bottle in each side pocket. Bottles can be stored upright or holster-style using the side pocket opening.

Hipbelt Pockets: Large pockets with water-resistant fabric and zippers. A big plus for me: I can fit my iPphone 11 inside the pockets.

Gear Straps: A fixed bottom loop and upper adjustable loop are good for storing trekking poles

Water Bladder: A water bladder fits inside a mesh pocket in the back compartment of the pack. A clip at the top of the compartment holds the water bladder and the hydration tube runs out a small hole at the top of the compartment.

Bear Canister: My BearVault 450 fits horizontally at the top of the pack’s main compartment, above the frame.

How Much Storage?: I can fit all my ultralight gear for a warm weather three-day trip inside the Downburst 36, including a bear can.


It’s easy to adjust the suspension for a range of torso sizes.

Comfort

Fit: The Downburst has five adjustment slots to move the pack up and down to accommodate different torso sizes, and the hipbelt can be tightened or loosened for different waist sizes. I’m 5 feet, 10 inches tall and have my pack at the second slot from the top.

Suspension: Osprey’s AirSpeed suspension provides superb comfort and ventilation. The pack rides comfortably on my back without any pressure from gear stored inside. One downside I found while wearing the Downburst in the winter is that the frame’s ventilation, while welcome in hot weather, lets cold air circulate against my back.

Load Lifters: A plus for keeping the pack’s weight off my shoulders and redistributing it to the hip belt.


Water Resistance

Fabric: The TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) fabric treatment has a stiff, rubber raincoat feel, but it works to keep gear inside the pack dry.

Main Compartment: Everything I stored in this front section of the pack stayed dry during hours of rain on multiple days. The pack closes with a zipper that’s covered by a flap, and then rolls down and closes with side straps for a tight seal.

Water Bladder Compartment: The compartment runs the length the pack but is narrow, limiting its storage capacity. It’s a good place for a water bladder or gear I want quick access to. The compartment closes with a zipper, and does not provide full water protection.

There’s plenty of room for snacks inside the hipbelt pockets.

Front Pouch: The pouch’s fabric is solid with a small flap at the top of the pouch cover, and uses straps that seal the top of the pouch against the pack’s main body. This creates a water-resistant seal that keeps gear inside mainly but not entirely dry. This is where I store gear that I don’t care if it gets a little wet, such as a water filter. The pouch has bottom holes for water to drain out.

Hip Belt Pockets: The pocket material is water resistant, but not fully waterproof. Gear inside got wet during rain.

Zippers: All of the pack’s zippers do a good job of repelling water, but because of the treatment used on them they are stiff and require a bit of a tug to close. They are good at keeping out moisture, but not a steady rain.

Shoulder Straps: The mesh shoulder straps dry quickly. There’s an adjustable loop on one strap for what Osprey calls “stow-as-you-go” for trekking poles, but I prefer to hang my satellite communicator there. Two loops high up on the shoulder straps hold hydration bladder hoses. There aren’t any attachments for accessory pockets.


There’s room at the top of the pack for my BearVault 450.

My Take

My first thought about the Downburst is that it feels like a rubber raincoat, with stiff and heavy fabric. But after loading up the Downburst and taking it on trail I forgot about the fabric and enjoyed Osprey’s superbly comfortable AirSpeed suspension. And when the rain came I was further impressed by the Downburst’s water resistance. The main pack compartment keeps gear dry even during a heavy rain. The other storage pockets are good at keeping out light moisture but not water from a heavy rain.


Downburst Pros

Water Resistance: The Downburst 36 provides excellent water protection for gear in the pack’s main compartment.

Comfort: The AirSpeed back panel is comfortable and ventilated.

Easy to Adjust the Frame: The Downburst has five adjustment points to dial in the frame for a comfortable fit.

Warranty: Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee is legendary, and the company says it 100% covers accidental damage: Any Pack, Any Reason, Any Era.


Downburst Cons

Balancing the Load: Stuffing the main compartment with a lot of gear creates a bulge that intrudes on the space in the secondary inner compartment and the outer pocket, and lessens the capacity of those storage areas. Because the main compartment is the most waterproof storage area I put the bulk of my gear there.

Nowhere for Drying Gear: Packs with front mesh pockets provide a space to store wet gear that can dry out in good weather. Wet gear doesn’t dry in the Downburst’s solid fabric front pocket.


The two side pockets can hold a water bottle stored upright or holster style.

Overall Value

Why would I recommend buying the Downburst? The $320 price tag for the 36-liter Downburst puts it in line with other water resistant packs with a similar capacity, but well above the price of a comparably sized pack without water resistance. It’s possible to buy a less-expensive pack and line it with a plastic bag, but if you’re tired of hassling with a bag that can tear and won’t stay put inside your pack, the Downburst is a good choice for a comfortable pack that keeps your gear dry.


Similar Water-Resistant Backpacks

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Waypoint 25

MSRP: $359

Weight: 23.5 ounces for a medium

Capacity: 35 liters

Material: Dyneema

Arc Haul Ultra 40

MSRP: $399

Capacity: 40 liters

Weight: 20 ounces

Material: Ultra

Outdoor Vitals CS 40

MSRP: $329.97; $296.97 for members

Capacity: 40 liters

Weight: 27 ounces

Material: Ultra


This product was donated for purpose of review.

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Outdoor Research Transcendent Hoodie Review https://backpackingroutes.com/outdoor-research-transcendent-hoodie-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=outdoor-research-transcendent-hoodie-review Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:39:39 +0000 https://backpackingroutes.com/?p=8075 Outdoor Research totally redesigns its Transcendent Down Hoodie with lighter, warmer down while keeping the coat's best features

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Overview: Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Hoodie

Outdoor Research completely redesigns its Transcendent Down Hoodie with 800-fill down, making it a warmer and lighter choice for cold-weather outdoor adventures.


Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Hoodie Specs

MSRP: $279
Fabric: 100 percent recycled 20D nylon shell and lining
Insulation: 800-fill responsibly sourced down
Weight: 13.3 ounces for a medium men’s coat; 11.6 ounces for a women’s medium


About the Transcendent Hoodie

The totally redesigned Transcendent Hoodie has 800-fill down and weighs 13.3 ounces, making it warmer and lighter than the old Hoodie and its 650-fill down and 16.2-ounce weight. The baffles are narrower to keep the down from shifting and the coat uses 100% recycled face and lining fabrics. It’s light and warm, but not stripped down. There are two outside zippered waist pockets, a zippered chest pocket and a deep stash pocket inside, and a hem drawcord. The collar is high on my neck for wind protection and the hood wraps comfortably around my head.


Transcendent Hoodie Features

Materials: Bluesign approved 100% recycled 20D nylon shell and lining.

Fit: The redesigned coat is slimmer than the old version, so take that into account when deciding on size. I’m 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weigh 160 pounds, and the medium size fits me. Because of the slim fit the coat is snug at the waist, so I recommend going with a large if you’re taller or heavier than me.

Wind Resistance: Good at handling light winds.

Water Resistance: Although water beads on the outer coat shell I wouldn’t wear it in the rain.

Warmth: The 800-fill down provides plenty of warmth for cold-weather adventures, with only a short-sleeved T underneath for temperatures above 30 and light to midweight base layers for lower temperatures.

Cuffs: The elastic cuffs are snug at my wrists, and expand enough to slip liner gloves underneath.

Zipper: The large main zipper is easy to pull without snagging, there’s a wind flap inside the coat that’s the length of the zipper, and a zipper garage at the hood.

High Collar: Zips over my chin, with a snug fit to keep out wind and cold air and a soft fabric strip that doesn’t scratch my chin and neck.

Waist Closure: A drawstring inside the coat draws the hem closer to my waist, sealing out wind and cold air.

The Hood: Wraps snugly around my head, with room for a hat underneath. But unlike the previous version there is no hood drawcord.

Two Side Pockets: The two side waist pockets are lined with tricot, a soft fabric that’s durable and moisture wicking. Both pockets have zippers and can hold gloves, a hat, or any other small gear I want quick access to.

Inside Pockets: OR moved the zippered chest pocket inside the coat and now there’s only one deep stash pocket. The coat has to be unzipped slightly to get at the chest pocket, so I don’t keep anything in it that I need to get to often. The pocket is more useful for keeping gear like a phone or satellite communicater safely enclosed inside the coat. The stash pocket, without a zipper, holds larger items such as liner gloves or snacks.

Stuff Pocket: The coat stuffs into the left pocket and has a cord to attach it to the outside of a pack.

Cleaning: Machine wash alone in cold water and tumble dry on low or line dry in the shade.


Transcendent Hoodie Pros

Lightweight: At 13.3 ounces, the coat is respectably lightweight.

Warmth: Good as an outer layer in subfreezing temperatures.

High Collar: Seals in the heat at my neck and keeps out the cold wind.

Pockets: The two outside and two inside pockets provide plenty of storage space.


Transcendent Hoodie Cons

No Hood Drawcord: The hood fits snugly around my head, but a drawcord would go a long way toward keeping out a strong wind.


Overall Value

The Transcendent Hoodie is a warm, lightweight coat that doesn’t doesn’t skimp on features. The coat’s four pockets—two inner and two outer– provide plenty of space for stashing small gear that I don’t want to keep taking my backpack off to get at. The collar zips up to fully cover my chin, although the hood would be better with a drawcord. The redesigned Transcendent Hoodie is more expensive–$279 compared with $225 for the older model—but packs more warmth and a lighter weight. And the price is a great deal compared with comparable coats, making the Transcendent a good choice for cold-weather adventures.


Similar Hoodies

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie
MSRP: $329
Insulation: 800-fill down

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody
MSRP: $360
Insulation: 800-fill down

Mammut Taiss IN Hooded Down Jacket
MSRP: $399
Insulatation: 850-fill down


This product was donated for purpose of review.

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PAKA Mountain Crew Review https://backpackingroutes.com/paka-mountain-crew-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=paka-mountain-crew-review Tue, 10 Dec 2024 20:34:03 +0000 https://backpackingroutes.com/?p=8065 The PAKA Mountain Crew is a comfortable midweight alpaca sweater that's at home on and off the trail.

The post PAKA Mountain Crew Review appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

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Overview: PAKA Mountain Crew

The PAKA Mountain Crew is a comfortable midweight alpaca sweater that’s at home on and off the trail.


Mountain Crew Specs

MSRP: $145
Fabric: 60% baby alpaca, 15% fine Merino wool, 25% nylon
Weight: 12.3 ounces


About the Mountain Crew

The PAKA Mountain Crew is a midweight layer that’s good as an outer layer in the 50s and 60s and as an under layer when the temperature dips lower. The stretchy alapaca/Merino/nylon fabric is soft against my skin and blocks a light wind. And it’s comfortable and stylish enough for everyday use off the trail.


Mountain Crew Features

Materials: The Mountain Crew’s alpaca wool is good at wicking moisture and resisting moisture.

Comfort: The fabric keeps its shape while allowing easy movement. Flatlock seams rest comfortably against my skin, with no itch or chafe.

Moisture Management: Alpaca fiber is naturally water-resistant and highly breathable, but don’t expect to wear it in the rain.

Odor Resistance: Because of alpaca fiber’s breathability, sweat passes through the material and away from my body. I’ve worn it over and over for outdoor activities without washing and have yet to notice a dirtbag smell.

Warmth: I wear the Mountain Crew as an outer layer with a lightweight layer underneath when the temperature is in the 50s and above. If it’s colder than that I put on a layer over the Mountain Crew.

Collar: The crew neck collar is comfortably loose around my neck, but a high-collar outer layer is a good idea if the wind is cold and biting.

Pockets: None.

Fit: I’m 5 feet, 10 inches, 160ish, and a size medium is a good fit for me. PAKA has a fit guide to determine your size.

Cleaning: PAKA says hand washing with cold water is best, but if washing in a machine set it at delicate with cold water. Lay the Mountain Crew flat to dry.

About PAKA:. The company sells a wide range of clothing made sustainably and ethically, woven by Peruvian artisans using Peruvian alpaca fur. 1% of sales supports regenerative agriculture and farming families and another 1% funds the education of young Peruvian women. Each woman signs the clothing she makes; my sweater was signed by Leonor P. Read more about PAKA’s story here.


Mountain Crew Pros

Simple and Light: The Mountain Crew is a lightweight layer without frills.

Comfort: The lining is soft against my skin and doesn’t itch or chafe.

Warmth: Good for a base layer in low temperatures and as an outer layer when the temperature climbs.

Peruvian Sourced and Made: PAKA clothing is sourced and woven in Peru, and PAKA’s sales help support Peruvian families.


Mountain Crew Cons

Collar: The crew neck collar lets in cold air when it’s windy, making it necessary to put on a top layer with a high collar.

Durability: The Mountain Crew snagged on branches and pulled a thread when I was clearing a trail blowdown, so I’m sticking to clear trails when I wear it.


Overall Value

The Mountain Crew has become my layer of choice because of its soft feel, warmth, and versatility for a range of temperatures. It’s a quality sweater that’s good for everyday and on-trail wear. (My wife says it’s stylish enough that I should wear it only off-trail.) But the price is higher than comparable wool sweaters, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for the least-expensive wool sweater.


Similar Wool Layers

Smartwool Sparwood Crew Sweater
MSRP: $105
Material: Nylon, Merino wool mix

Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Crew
MSRP: $115
Material: Merino wool

Royal Robbins Westlands Crew
MSRP: $130
Material: Wool, polyester mix


This product was donated for purpose of review.

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Brooks Cascadia 18 Review https://backpackingroutes.com/brooks-cascadia-18-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=brooks-cascadia-18-review Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:09:46 +0000 https://backpackingroutes.com/?p=8011 The Brooks Cascadia 18 are trail-trusted shoes with improved cushion and grip.

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The Brooks Cascadia 18 are stable, trail-gripping shoes with plenty of cushion for hikes in any terrain

Overview: Brooks Cascadia 18

MSRP: $140
Weight (per shoe): 9.9 ounces
Stack Height: 33mm/25mm
Drop: 8mm


About the Cascadia 18

The Cascadia 18 are a beast on trail, gripping rocks and mud while providing a stable cushion. The comfort where foot meets trail is superb, and the neutral support means my feet don’t rock and roll when landing. The 18s have been upgraded from the Cascadia 17 with softer midsole foam, improved outsole traction, and a reinforced upper for increased durability. I’ve worn the Cascadia 16 for years and am beyond happy to find that the 18s are just as comfortable and trail-worthy, and maybe a bit more durable.


Cascadia 18 Comfort

Fit: Comfortable out of the box, with no break-in needed. The Cascadia 18 come in medium and wide widths, and the size 12 medium width are a good fit for my slightly narrow size 12 feet.

Stack Height: 33mm at the heel, 25mm at the toes. Enough cushion to absorb the pounding of rocks under my feet, but not so much that I’m disconnected from the trail.

Foot Support: Neutral. My feet hit the ground with a stable stride.

Heel to Toe Drop: 8 mm is a lot of drop in a world dominated by zero-drop shoes, but for someone like me with flat feet a higher drop with arch support is more comfortable. And the Cascadia 18 arch support is just right for me.


Cascadia18 Trail Performance

New Outsole: Brooks’ TrailTack Green outsole rubber grips the trail on mud, rock, and wet surfaces. I hiked through all those conditions without slipping or sliding.

More Durable Mesh Upper: Breathable and quick drying after hiking on wet trails. The mesh has been upgraded from the Cascadia 17 with overlays in high-wear areas, which is good to know because my 16s have a small hole in the mesh after years of use.

Updated Midsole: Brooks says its Trail Adapt System, with what it calls DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, combines a rock plate and strategic zonal pods to provide stability on uneven surfaces. That’s a lot to digest, but the result is a stable shoe on rocky trails.

Lugs: 4.5mm. Deep enough for a good grip on the trail.


Good to Know

GORE-TEX Lining: The Cascadia 18 GTX have a GORE-TEX lining with water resistant protection. The GTX are $170, $30 more than the basic Cascadia 18.

Gaiter Connection: Velcro strips at the back of the shoes to attach gaiters.

More Sustainable: The Cascadia 18 are made with recycled materials equivalent to 10 plastic water bottles. And Brooks says the PrintDyed uppers save 66 percent of the energy and 75 percent of the water required for the traditional dye process.


Cascadia 18 Pros

Grip: The Cascadia 18 perform well on wet rocks and through mud.

Stable: My feet stay balanced while on trail or striding from rock to rock.

Cushion: A moderate level of cushion, with 33mm under the heel and 25mm under the forefoot.

Foot Protection: A rock plate to buffer my feet from rock-pounding.

Arch Support: The right amount of support for my flat feet.


Cascadia 18 Cons

Durability: My Cascadia 16 have a small hole in the upper mesh after years of use, but Brooks says it strengthened the mesh in the 18s.


Overall Value

The Cascadia 16 were my go-to shoes for years, and I’m pleased that the updated Cascadia 18 don’t mess with the shoe’s comfort and on-trail stability. They shine for all trail conditions when I’m carrying a backpack. The shoes I tested aren’t water resistant, but I found that they dry quickly, and a GORE-TEX version is available. The shoes also comes in medium and wide widths. The price is comparable to similar trail runners.


Similar Hiking Shoes

Salomon Speedcross 6
MSRP: $145

Merrell Moab Speed 2
MSRP: $140

HOKA Speedgoat 6
MSRP: $155


This product was donated for purpose of review.

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Osprey Exos Pro 55 Review https://backpackingroutes.com/osprey-exos-pro-55-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=osprey-exos-pro-55-review Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:42:41 +0000 https://backpackingroutes.com/?p=7958 The Osprey Exos Pro 55 combines superb comfort with a light weight that make it a solid choice for ultralight hikers.

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The Osprey Exos Pro 55 combines superb comfort and a light weight that make it a solid choice for ultralight hikers.


The Osprey Exos Pro 55 with the top pouch removed and the top flap covering the pack opening.

Overview: Osprey Exos Pro

MSRP: $290
Weight: 2.077 pounds for S/M; 2.165 pounds for L/XL.
Capacity: 55 liters for S/M; 58 liters for L/XL.

Fabric: The main compartment and bottom of the pack use Osprey’s proprietary NanoFly fabric and a mix of 100D nylon and 200d UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) ripstop. The fabric’s durable water repellent (DWR) treatment is made without environmentally harmful PFAS.

Note: The pack is also available as the women’s Eja Pro.


The Exos Pro has 5 ladder-style slots for moving the pack up or down on the frame, and the mesh panel is extremely comfortable.

About the Osprey Exos Pro 55

Osprey makes a successful dive into the ultralight market with the Exos Pro 55, cutting nearly one pound off the trail-tested Exos 58 without sacrificing comfort. The ventilated AirSpeed back panel is comfortable and puts cooling air between the pack and my back, unlike most ultralight packs that rest against my back with little ventilation and can get hot.


Exos Pro 55 Carrying Capacity

Main Compartment: The top-loading main compartment holds all my gear for a five-day hike: tent, sleeping bag, clothes, accessories, and bear canister with food. The bear canister fits into the pack horizontally or vertically, or it can be strapped to the top underneath the floating top pouch.

Front Mesh Pocket: Smaller than mesh pockets in other packs in the Pro 55’s weight category, but it still has enough room for my water filter, lunch, and a lightweight rain coat. Overloading the main compartment, creating a bulge, cuts into the storage capacity of the mesh pocket.

Side Pockets: A mesh pocket on each side of the pack can each hold two narrow water bottles or tent poles. There’s a holster-style gap in the side pockets for storing water bottles.

Two Hipbelt Pockets: One pocket with a zipper can hold small items, in my case two granola bars and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. The other pocket is open, and I take care that anything I put in it doesn’t fall out.

Top Pocket and Flap: The Pro 55 has two top closures: a floating pouch with a zipper and a flap under the pouch. The flap can be tucked into the pack if you’re using the top pouch, or the pouch can be removed and the flap becomes the top pack closure. I prefer to remove the top pouch, reducing carrying capacity by 9 liters and the weight by almost 3 ounces.

Water Bladder: A clip inside the pack marked H20 holds an internal hydration sleeve.

Bear Canister: My BearVault 450 fits horizontally or vertically inside the main body of the pack, or it can be strapped to the top of the pack, held in place by the top pocket. I found that putting the bear can horizontally on top of my tent at the bottom of the pack was the most comfortable spot.


The top pouch gives easy access to gear and adjusts to fit over a bear canister. It can be removed for a weight savings.

Exos Pro 55 Comfort

Fit: The Pro 55 comes in two sizes: small/medium and large/extra large. The frame has five adjustment slots to move the pack up and down 4 inches to accommodate different heights, and the hipbelt adjusts for different waist sizes. I’m 5 feet, 10 inches tall and have my pack on the second slot from the top.

Suspension: Osprey’s AirSpeed suspension provides superb comfort and ventilation. The pack rides comfortably on my back without any pressure from gear stored inside.

Load Lifters: Consistent with Osprey’s effort to keep features included on mainstream packs, the Pro 55 has load lifters that keep the weight close to my back.

How Much Weight?: The Pro 55 is extremely comfortable at about 20 pounds, the weight that I usually carry. Osprey recommends a maximum weight of 30 pounds.


External Essentials

Floating Top Lid: This is the classic top lid on most mainstream backpacks, with a key clip inside and adjustable straps to fit a bear can on top of the pack. The lid can be removed to save a few ounces and the pack’s top can be closed with a fixed flap.

Side Compression Cords: These cords do double duty to compress the pack and hold equipment such as trekking poles to the side of the pack. The straps are long enough to lash bulky gear to the sides of the pack, and though the buckles are small and the straps thin, the buckles are easy to connect and disconnect, and the straps slide easily and don’t slip loose. The straps also slide through small loops on the sides of the pack so they aren’t flapping around.

Shoulder Straps: The Pro 55 does not come with shoulder strap pockets, though it does have loops to attach pockets. Because the hip belt pockets are not large enough to hold my phone, I bought a shoulder strap pocket to store it.

Emergency Whistle: The sternum-strap emergency whistle has become ubiquitous on most packs.

Water Bladder: A hydration bladder fits between the pack and the frame, hung from a fixed strap.


Trekking poles or tent poles can be lashed to the side of the pack.

Pack Material

Fabric: The UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) is a high-abrasion, water-resistant and lightweight fabric, while the NanoFly fabric adds durability and water resistance. I’ve done some light bushwhacking in the Pro 55 and didn’t get any tears.

Rainy Days: The pack’s fabric has a durable water repellent treatment, but the extent of the water resistance is limited. My pack was soaked through after hiking an afternoon in the rain, although my gear stuffed into water resistant bags stayed dry inside.


My Take

Osprey’s AirSpeed suspension is the key to the Exos Pro 55, providing back comfort and ventilation. I can’t say it enough: This pack rides like a dream. The outside mesh pockets aren’t as large as those on some other packs in this class, but I wouldn’t call that a deal breaker. I would worry about rough off-trail use or butt-sliding down rocks because the pack’s fabric is thin.


Exos Pro 55 Pros

Lightweight: The Exos Pro 55 weighs about a pound less than the trail-proven Exos 58.
Comfort: The AirSpeed mesh back panel is comfortable and ventilated.
Easy to Adjust the Frame: The Pro 55 comes in two sizes (small/medium and large/extra large) and the frame is easy to adjust for a comfortable fit.
Warranty: Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee is legendary, and the company says it 100% covers accidental damage: Any Pack, Any Reason, Any Era.


Exos Pro 55 Cons

Durability: Osprey uses a thin fabric for the Exos Pro 55, but so far it is holding up.
Exterior Storage: The outer mesh pockets are small, and their carrying capacity shrinks if the pack is loaded to the bulging point.


Overall Value

Why would I recommend buying the Exos Pro 55? Comfort, comfort, comfort. At the end of the day my back felt just as good as it did when I put on the pack in the morning. And though the $290 price is a lot of money, it doesn’t come near the price of other ~2-pound packs that use Dyneema and Ultra fabrics. The Exos isn’t highly water resistant and its outside pockets are small, but for someone entering the ultralight market—or even someone already going ultralight—the Pro 55 is a solid buy.


Similar Backpacks

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50
MSRP: $275
Weight: 31.9 ounces (medium)
Capacity: 50 liters
Material: Robic

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction
MSRP: $379
Capacity: 55 liters
Weight: 31.2 ounces
Material: Dyneema

Six Moon Designs Swift V
MSRP: $275
Capacity: 50 liters
Weight: 2 pounds, 3 ounces
Material: Robic


This product was donated for purpose of review.

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Therm-a-Rest Space Cowboy Sleeping Bag Review https://backpackingroutes.com/therm-a-rest-space-cowboy-sleeping-bag-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=therm-a-rest-space-cowboy-sleeping-bag-review Mon, 17 Jun 2024 21:36:53 +0000 https://backpackingroutes.com/?p=7878 The synthetic insulation Space Cowboy sleeping bag from Therm-a-Rest is a good choice for cowboy camping under the stars in warm weather.

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Therm-a-Rest Space Cowboy

The Therm-a-Rest Space Cowboy is an appropriately named synthetic insulation, fast-drying sleeping bag that’s good for cowboy camping under the stars in warm weather.


Therm-a-Rest Space Cowboy Specs

MSRP:

  • Small: $199.95
  • Regular: $209.95
  • Long: $219.95

Weight:

  • Small: 1 pound, 10 ounces
  • Regular: 1 pound, 12 ounces
  • Long: 1 pound, 14 ounces

Outer Shell: 100% recycled ripstop nylon with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating.

Lining: 100% recycled ripstop nylon.

Temperature Rating: Comfortable for sleeping to 52F; the lower limit is 45F; the extreme limit is 21F.

Insulation: The eraLoft polyester fibers are spun with a hollow channel at their core, trapping more heat than solid fibers and shedding weight.


About the Therm-a-Rest Space Cowboy

The Space Cowboy is the sleeping bag I want to take for warm summer backpacking trips when I can spread it out under the stars and enjoy the shimmering lights above. (Space Cowboy is also the name of a Steve Miller song, but that’s for another story.) The eraLoft hollow fiber insulation holds in my body heat even on dewy nights, and dries fast in the morning sun. And the Space Cowboy has Therm-a-Rest’s trademark SynergyLink Connectors that keep my sleeping bag from sliding off my air pad.


Space Cowboy Features

Shell: 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a durable water repellent coating. The lining is also recycled nylon but without the DWR coating.

Insulation: Therm-a-Rest’s eraLoft synthetic insulation uses hollow polyester fiber that retains heat even when wet and keeps the Space Cowboy lightweight. The bag is insulation heavy on the top and sides, with less insulation on the bottom. The idea is that less insulation is needed on the bag’s bottom if it’s strapped to an insulated sleeping pad, which I’ve found to be true in Therm-a-Rest 0F, 20F, and 45F sleeping bags.

Anti-Snag Zipper: The two-way, three-quarter length zipper has beefy anti-snag protection, and can open at the bottom for ventilation.

Draft Collar: A draft tube runs the length of the side zipper and around the hood.

Hood: Large enough to fit my inflatable pillow inside. A drawcord on the right side tightens the hood around my face and shoulders while a snap keeps the hood closed and the zipper from sliding down.

Warmth: I slept comfortably in the low 50s, which fits with the sleeping bag’s temperature rating.

SynergyLink Connectors: I am sold on these straps that hold the Space Cowboy flat to my air pad. And they are important to use because most of the Space Cowboy’s insulation is on the top and sides. Does this mean you have to be a back sleeper to use the Space Cowboy and the straps? Not in my experience. I still toss and turn inside the bag while the straps keep the bag stable and flat on my air pad. Therm-a-Rest says the straps work best with air pads that are at most 3 inches thick, which I’ve found to be accurate.

Stuff Pocket: There’s no pocket in the bag to hold a phone or other temperature-sensitive gear, but because I sleep within the bag’s comfort limit of 45F—well above freezing—I leave my phone, water filter, and satellite communicator outside the bag at night.

Color: True to its under-the-stars theme, the Space Cowboy comes in one color: celestial.

Storage Sack: The Space Cowboy comes with one stuff sack that doubles as a long-term storage bag and a backcountry compression bag.

Warranty: Therm-a-Rest will repair or replace gear found to be defective within the first two years of purchase.


Space Cowboy 20 Pros

Weight: 1 pound, 12 ounces for the regular length bag that I tested. Light, but not ultralight.

Warmth: I’m warm sleeping to about 50F in the Space Cowboy.

Zipper: The anti-snag zipper slides easily, although it is not entirely snag-free. The two-way zipper provides good ventilation on warm nights.

Sleeping Pad Straps: These are one of my favorite features of Therm-a-Rest sleeping bags. The straps connect the sleeping bag to the pad, ending my sometimes nightlong struggles to stay on the pad. Plus they keep the bottom of the bag, which has less insulation, flat against my insulated air pad.

Easy-to-Use Hood Drawcord: I like the single cord that draws the hood close to my head.


Space Cowboy Cons

Stuff Sack: It’s not a deal breaker, but the Space Cowboy comes with a combined storage/trail stuff sack that tries to do two things without either being satisfactory. I hang my bag for storage and use a water-resistant, compressible stuff sack on the trail.

Rough for Side Sleepers: Less insulation on the bottom of the Space Cowboy means that side sleepers expose their backs to cold air if they don’t use the Synergy Link Connectors. I attach the straps to my air pad and toss from side to side inside the bag while it stays flat on the pad.


Overall Value

At $209.95 for the regular size, the Space Cowboy’s price is on the high side for a warm weather, synthetic insulation sleeping bag. The same goes for the sleeping bag’s weight, which is slightly more than comparable ~45-degree synthetic bags. If the slightly higher price and weight aren’t deal-breakers, the the Space Cowboy is a good choice for summer nights under the stars.


Similar Warm Weather Sleeping Bags

Big Agnes V Notch UL 40F

MSRP: $199.95, regular

Insulation: Primaloft Hi-Loft Ultra Silver

Weight: 1 pound, 6 ounces

Marmot Nanowave 45F

MSRP: $89

Insulation: Synthetic SpiraFil High Loft

Weight: 2 pounds, 1.5 ounces

Rab Solar Eco 0 Sleeping Bag

MSRP: $160

Insulation: Stratus synthetic

Weight: 1 pounds, 2 ounces


This product was donated for purpose of review.

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Jetboil Stash Cooking System Review https://backpackingroutes.com/jetboil-stash-cooking-system-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jetboil-stash-cooking-system-review Sun, 09 Jun 2024 12:26:11 +0000 https://backpackingroutes.com/?p=7861 The Jetboil Stash is a good choice for ultralight backpacking trips when all you do is boil water for coffee or dried meals.

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Jetboil Stash Cooking System

The Stash is Jetboil’s smallest and lightest cooking setup, making it a serious option for ultralight backpackers.


Jetboil Stash Specs

MSRP: $149.99

Weight: 7.1 ounces for the stove and pot; add 0.9 ounces for the stabilizer legs that attach to the bottom of the fuel canister

Boil Time: 2 minutes, 30 seconds for 16 ounces of water

Ignition: Lighter or match; no integral ignition


About the Jetboil Stash Cooking System

The Stash is a lightweight, easy-to-pack cooking system for one to two people. The collapsible stove, stabilizer legs, and a 100-gram fuel canister fit inside the 0.8 liter pot, held in place by a snap-on plastic cover. All but the fuel canister come with the Stash. The Stash’s light weight and fuel efficiency make it a strong competitor among ultralight canister stoves.


Cooking With the Stash

Strengths, and Weaknesses: The Stash’s strength is boiling water for coffee and dehydrated meals; its weakness is simmering food.

Boil Time: I recorded boil times of about 2.5 minutes for two cups of water, which is excellent for a cup of coffee and water for dehydrated meals.

Simmering: Getting the Stash to simmer is tricky, and there’s a lot of heat even at the lowest fuel output. The flame requires watching and continual adjustment to keep it going, and the slightest breeze can put out a simmering flame. Using a 100-gram fuel container, I boiled two cups of water 11 times, and simmered one meal at higher-than-optimal heat for 10 minutes, adding a little extra water to avoid burning the food in the pot.

Meals for Two: The 0.8-liter pot is big enough for boiling water for drinks and cooking meals for two.

Lighting the Stove: The Stash does not have a built-in fuel igniter, which saves weight. There is room to pack a cigarette-type lighter or matches inside the pot.


The Setup

Weight: Eight ounces; 7.1 ounces for the burner, storage sack, pot, and plastic pot cover, and 0.9 ounces for the stabilizer legs that attach to the bottom of the fuel canister. Add 7 ounces for a 100-gram fuel canister.

Burner: Titanium, with three arms that collapse flat, making the burner easy to pack. The arms are notched and keep the bottom lip of the pot centered and snugly in place. Although the burner is designed to hold the Stash’s pot, other pots can be used.

Pot: The aluminum 0.8-liter pot has Jetboil’s patented FluxRing heat exchanger, which directs heat from the flame to the bottom of the pot, rather than letting the heat flow up the sides of the pot. The result, says Jetboil, is more heat with less fuel. Indented markings on the pot designate cup, cup and a half, and two-cup levels.

Stabilizer Legs: Cooking with a canister stove requires setting up on an almost-perfectly flat surface. While that’s still true with the Stash, the stabilizer legs keep the stove balanced on rough surfaces. And the pot is top heavy when using a 100-gram fuel canister, making the stabilizer legs even more important.

Pot Handle: The rubber grip lets me grab the pot handle without burning my fingers on hot metal.

Plastic Cover: The cover snaps onto the pot, and has a center hole for letting steam escape when the water boils and a side pour spot. The spout can also act as a strainer for larger food such as noodles.

Fuel Canister: 7 ounces for a 100-gram canister, which is the size that fits inside the Stash’s pot and is good for about five days. The Stash can use a 230-gram canister, making the stove suitable for longer backcountry trips, but the larger canister does not fit into the pot.

Fuel Type: Jet Boil recommends its JetPower brand of fuel, and says that in a pinch MSR, Primus, and Snowpeak canisters have the same fuel mixture as JetPower and can be used. I found that MSR fuel worked fine for the Stash.


Packing the Stash

Easy to Pack: Illustrated instructions on fitting the burner, legs, canister, and lighter inside the pot, and snapping on the cover are printed on the side of the pot.

But Pay Attention: I tinkered with packing everything into the pot before getting it right, and advise paying careful attention to how the stove unpacks from the pot so that unlike me you remember how to put it together.

  • Fold up the orange plastic legs and put them at the bottom of the pot.
  • Put the burner in the stuff sack and stand it upright in the pot, on the opposite side of the handle.
  • Turn the canister upside down, nest a lighter or matches in the concave bottom, snap the pot cover onto the top rim of the pot, and fold the handle over the cover to hold it in place.

Jetboil Extras

Grande Coffee Press: Works with Jetboil Stash, MiniMo, SUMO, and SUMO TI cooking systems, along with 1-liter short and 1.8-liter spare cups.

JetGauge: Determine how much fuel is in your canister with the JetGauge’s digital display.


Stash Pros

Compact and Light: The Stash packs compactly into the included 0.8 liter pot, for a total weight of 8 ounces. Add 7 ounces for a 100-gram canister, which also fits inside the stove, and I have a complete cooking system for less than a pound.

Fast Boil Times: The Stash boils 2 cups of water in 2 and a half minutes, although boil times approached 3 minutes as the fuel canister neared empty.

Easy to Use: Attach the stabilizer legs to the fuel canister, thread the burner onto the canister, and light the stove. I’ve always been able to light the burner with one match, and the pot’s bottom lip fit snugly onto the notched arms so I’m always ensured that the pot is centered on the burner and won’t slide off.


Stash Cons

Hard to Simmer: The burner creates so much heat that it’s difficult to get the flame small enough to simmer while cooking. I add extra water to prevent food from burning to the bottom of the pot, although that makes for a soupy meal.

Susceptible to Wind: The flame burns strong when on full, but a slight wind can put out a simmering flame.

Small Fuel Canister: The 100-gram canister is good for a five-day trip that involves mostly boiling water for meals. Cooking meals that require simmering means packing a 230-gram canister, which does not fit inside the Stash’s pot.


Overall Value

The Stash comes as a package: burner, pot, pot cover, and stabilizing legs, at a price of $149.99. That might seem like a lot for a stove and accessories, but consider this: I put together my own stove setup with an ultralight burner and titanium pot that together weigh 6.8 ounces, for a cost of about $119. But my current stove setup doesn’t have the good-to-have features of the Stash: stabilizer legs that to me are essential when using the smaller 100-gram canister, a fuel-saving design, a pot that nestles firmly on the burner arms, and a setup that packs small and light. Those features make the well-designed Stash a solid choice at its price.


Similar Cooking Systems

Primus Lite

MSRP: $109.95

Weight: 12 ounces

Included: Burner and igniter that pack into a 0.5 liter aluminum pot.

MSR Windburner Personal Stove System

MSRP: $189.95

Weight: 16 ounces

Included: Burner, fuel canister stabilizer legs, and 4-ounce fuel canister fit inside the 1-liter pot. A plastic cover snaps onto the top and a plastic bowl covers the bottom of the pot.

Camp Chef Stryker

MSRP: $149.95

Weight: 19.4 ounces

Included: Burner with igniter, folding canister stabilizer, and lid that pack into the pot, which all go into a mesh storage bag.


This product was donated for purpose of review.

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