Region: Northeast (Connecticut)
Length: ~37 miles (4 days)
Physical Difficulty: Moderate

• The trails head straight uphill without switchbacks, making the rocky climb and descent for Outlook Point especially challenging.
• Long roadwalk on the Mohawk Trail.
• The AT is heavily used with stone steps easing some climbs and descents. The Mohawk Trail is less compacted but still easy to follow.

Logistical Difficulty: Easy

• Loop trail done in four days so resupply not needed.
• Plentiful water.
• Overnight sites well spaced.

Season: Spring, summer, fall

How to Get to the AT-Mohawk Trails Loop

The easiest access points for the loop:

Mohawk Trail crossing at the entrance to Mohawk State Forest on Route 4 in Cornwall

Mohawk Trail crossing at Routes 7 and 4 in Sharon

Appalachian Trail crossing at Routes 7 and 112 in Salisbury

The Mohawk Trail has several smaller parking areas, and parking areas on both trails can be found at the Connecticut Forest & Park Association trail map found here.

Hartford, CT, is about 40 miles from the Mohawk State Forest parking area on Route 4 in Cornwall, CT, and New York City is about 100 miles from the Routes 7 and 4 parking area in Sharon, CT.

About the AT-Mohawk Loop

The loop doesn’t have epic climbs and views, but it does have steady ups and downs and many roadwalks, including one for about three miles on Popple Swamp Road. The best views are at Outlook Point near the summit of Barrack Mountain (1,276 feet) and on Red Mountain (1,651 feet) although both trails have good limited views.

The Red Brook waterfalls in Dean’s Ravine are impressive and camping at the sanctioned tentsite in the ravine is among the high points of the hike.

The Mohawk Trail is part of the Connecticut blue-blazed trail system maintained by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, and like many trails in Connecticut the Mohawk Trail passes through state forests when possible and carefully treads on private land with landowners’ permission. Short relocations have moved the Mohawk Trail off some roads, but a big blow to the trail was a landowner’s request to move the trail off private property, resulting in the long Popple Swamp roadwalk. The CFPA is trying to get the trail off Popple Swamp Road and back into the woods.

Hiking the AT-Mohawk Loop

The Appalachian Trail in northern Connecticut followed what is now called the Mohawk Trail until 1988, when the AT was moved to its current path to avoid frequent roadwalks. The Mohawk Trail has one 3-mile-long roadwalk and several smaller roadwalks along its ~25.7 mile path. The ~12-mile relocated AT has two road crossings and one short roadwalk.

I hiked the loop over four days in two sections, both times parking at the large lot at the entrance to Mohawk State Forest on Route 4 in Cornwall. My first hike in March followed the Mohawk Trail south before connecting with the AT and heading north to the short roadwalk at the junction of Routes 7 and 112. Because the trail had icy sections I decided to return when the ice melted rather than attempt climbing the steep and probably icy trail up and down the Outlook. I returned in April to a dry and ice-free trail from Route 4 in Cornwall north to Routes 7 and 112 in Salisbury.

After parking in March at the entrance to Mohawk State Forest on Route 4 in Cornwall I followed the trail south, climbing a small hill, descending and then climbing again easily to the top of the Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, where the Mohawk Trail crosses ski trails. I chatted briefly with skiers who just came off the lift.

The trail heads downhill from the ski area and follows a short roadwalk before heading back into the woods through Cathedral Pines, a forest of old-growth white pine and hemlock trees that were mostly destroyed by a tornado in July 1989.

The trail emerges back onto a road, winding through farms and forest before beginning the 3-mile walk on Popple Swamp Road to the Housatonic River and Cornwall Bridge. There’s a liquor store and market on the eastern side of the bridge and a convenience store on the western side.

The Mohawk Trail follows Routes 7 and 4 across Cornwall Bridge and bears right on Route 7 after the bridge. The trail heads back into the woods just after the split with Route 4. From there it is a straight uphill climb to Pine Knob and the Appalachian Trail.

The difference between the AT and the Mohawk Trail is apparent immediately: where the Mohawk Trail is lightly traveled and at times it’s hard to tell there’s a trail the AT is heavily traveled and well-worn.

The AT also receives a lot of attention, evident by impressive stone steps that make the climbs and descents easier.

The walk to the Belter’s Bump campsite traverses low ridges, passing three camping areas along the way.

After passing Belter’s Bump the trail descends to Route 7, and crosses the road to a short walk to a large hiker parking area at the junction of Routes 7 and 112.

The trail crosses Route 7 again and winds through land around Housatonic Valley Regional High School before connecting to the northern terminus of the Mohawk Trail, which crosses Route 7 again and begins a steep climb up to Outlook Point.

Outlook Point may be only slightly higher than 1,000 feet but it’s not an easy hike with a loaded backpack. The rocky trail rises sharply to the Outlook, an opening on rock slabs with views to the west, and it’s a good spot to sit, snack, and relax after a steep climb. Especially because the descent is just as steep, dropping sharply along rock ledges.

After descending the Outlook the trail passes through Dean’s Ravine, where it follows Red Brook before climbing out of the ravine along an impressive stretch of waterfalls. This is a good place to fill up with water if you’re heading to Wickwire Shelter.

The trail from the ravine to Wickwire is flat and an easy hike. The CFPA map shows Wickwire Road running behind the shelter, and because of the apparent road access I was concerned that it might be a party spot. But Wickwire appears to be a little-used forest road and the shelter and area around it are nice.

The final leg of the hike goes up and down Red Mountain, at 1,651 feet the highest point of the loop. It’s an easy hike and there’s a view of undisturbed forest on the east side of the mountain.

When to Hike the AT-Mohawk Loop

Spring: Snow is typically gone by late March, but ice can linger on trails, as it did when I hiked. Bugs usually aren’t a problem in March and April, but they are out in May. April is the sweet spot for a spring backpacking trip in this area, and you might see early AT thru-hikers in Connecticut.

Summer: Buggy, wet, and sometimes uncomfortably hot and humid. AT thru-hikers are sure to be out in force, but the Mohawk Trail will be quieter.

Fall: Leaves begin to change color, the bugs are mostly gone, and the temperature can be cool and comfortable. I recommend hiking midweek for the most solitude.

The AT-Mohawk Terrain

Typical rocky Connecticut terrain, with ups and downs over low ridges.

Both trails shun switchbacks and head straight uphill, and the rocky climb and descent of Outlook Point is challenging with a full backpack.

The trail between Cesar Brook and Sharon Mountain campsites has impressive rock steps.

Red Mountain (1,652 feet) on the Mohawk Trail is the highest point on the loop.

Logistics: Permits, Camping, Water

Permits: Permits aren’t needed to hike either trail, but they are needed to stay at the one campsite and three shelters on the Mohawk Trail. Permit information can be found here.

Camping: Shelters and tentsites are nicely spaced along the loop, with the best sites on the AT.

AT Sites South to north:

Cesar Brook: Tentsites, bear box, box privy, wash pit, nearby stream on the AT north of the site. Recommended.

Pine Swamp: Shelter, tentsites, group site, bear box, wash pit, enclosed privy. Water is a short walk behind the shelter.

Sharon Mountain: Tentsites, bear box, box privy, wash pit. Nearby stream south of the site on the AT. Highly recommended.

Belter’s Bump: Tentsites, group site, bear box, wash pit, box privy. Water is from a spring a short walk south on the AT. Avoid if possible. Tentsites are small and it’s hard to find a level spot for a tent.

Mohawk Trail Sites South to North:

Mohawk State Forest Shelters 2 and 3: Both are five-minute walks from roads in Mohawk State Forest. No water sources, privy, or bear box. Avoid both shelters if possible.

Wickwire Shelter (also called the Cream Hill Shelter): Shelter, space for tents; no privy or bear box. The water source behind the shelter is shallow and it’s hard to fill a water pouch without stirring up sediment so it’s better to fill up at water sources a short distance north and south of the shelter. Permit required. The shelter is worn and could use an overhaul; I recommend setting up a tent.

Dean’s Ravine: Limited tent spots alongside Red Brook. Water is available from the brook; no privy or bear box. Permit required. The site is close to a paved road but it does not appear to suffer from overuse. Highly recommended for a night’s stay.

Water: Water is plentiful on both trails. I carried a liter and filled up at the water sources along the loop.

Route-Finding: Both trails are well-blazed and easy to follow.

Know Before You Go

Solitude: The Appalachian Trail can be very busy as thru-hikers pass through Connecticut from April to September. The Mohawk Trail is mainly used by day hikers, but because the shelters are close to roads they can be full on weekends in the summer and fall. In early March and April when I hiked midweek I saw only two people out for a day hike.

Clockwise or Counterclockwise?: I hiked clockwise, and was glad for my choice. Going clockwise meant I walked downhill for about a half-mile at the end of the Popple Swamp roadwalk rather than face a tiresome uphill climb on the road. And the camping spots lined up better for me on a clockwise hike.

Parking: The main parking areas are at the Mohawk Trail crossing on Route 4 at the entrance to Mohawk State Forest in Cornwall; the Mohawk Trail crossing north of the Routes 7 and 4 junction west of the Housatonic River in Sharon; and the Appalachian Trail crossing east of the Routes 7 and 122 junction in Salisbury. All three parking areas can be found on the CFPA interactive map here and on Google Maps.

Transportation: Driving your own car is the only practical way to get to the loop. When I hiked a half loop in March I was able to get an Uber back to my car, but service is spotty.

Cell Reception: Good throughout the loop.

Trail Guides: I used the Connecticut Walk Book guide for the Mohawk Trail and the Appalachian Trail Massachusetts-Connecticut guide for the AT. The AT guidebook can be purchased here and the Connecticut Walk Book is available here.

Bear Canisters: All the Appalachian Trail campsites on the loop have bear boxes. The campsites on the Mohawk Trail do not have bear boxes, and using a bear can or properly hanging food is strongly recommended.

Appalachian-Mohawk Trails Loop Resources

Connecticut Forest & Park Association

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Appalachian Mountain Club

Weather

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_{The 10000 Gen has two input/output USB-C ports and the NB Air has one.}

Overview: Nitecore 10000 Gen 3 and NB Air Power Banks

The Gen 3 and NBAir bring power banks to a new level of ultralight. The Gen 3 weighs 5.29 ounces and can charge battery-run gear for days in the backcountry. The NB Air weighs 3.14 ounces and is good for day hikes, trail running, or any other activities when I might need some extra juice for my phone or headlamp.

Nitecore 10000 Gen 3

MSRP: $64.95

NB Air

MSRP: $39.95

Weight: 3.14 ounces

Battery: 5,000 mAh

Charge Capacity: About one phone charge

Input, Output: One USB-C port

---

About the Nitecore Power Banks

The Nitecore 10000 Gen 3 keeps my cell phone, satellite communicator, and headlamp charged on multiday trips into the backcountry. The power bank handles two electronic devices at a time, and lighted bars on the battery case let me know how much power is left.

The NB Air is better suited to day hikes or trail running, with a 5,000 mAh battery. That’s enough for one phone charge. But if you use your rechargeable-battery gear sparingly it could be possible to go several days without recharging the power bank.

Power Bank Features

Battery Storage Capacity: 10,000 mAh (milliamp hours) for the Gen 3, 5,000 mAh for the NB Air.

Weight: 5.29 ounces for the Gen 3, 3.14 ounces for the NBAir. Both power banks go a long way toward helping me keep my pack light.

Charging Ports: Both power banks use USB-C ports; the Gen 3 has two ports, the NB Air has one. Pass-through charging is possible with the Gen 3 and its two ports, but not possible with the NB Air and its one port. USB-C ports provide faster charging and are becoming more widely used on power banks and rechargeable gear, but I still have some gear that uses USB-A ports. So I’m glad that the Gen 3 includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter. The NB Air does not come with a charging cord.

Charging Inlet: Neither power bank comes with a USB-C charging cord, so for the fastest charge I bought a USB-C charging cord for my phone. The USB-C to USB-A adapter included with the Gen 3 handles the rest of my rechargeable gear. Using a 20W wall block with a USB-C port provides the fastest charge for the power bank.

Pass Through Charging: If the Gen 3 and my phone battery are low I can connect the Gen 3 to an electrical outlet and my phone to the Gen 3, and charge both.

Charge Indicator: When either power bank is not in use tap the on button to see the battery level. The lights turn off in about 10 seconds.

• Four: 75% to 100%
• Three: 50% to 75%
• Two: 25% to 50%
• One: 10% to 25%
• One Flashing: Less than 10%

Water Resistance: The NB Air power bank has an IPX7 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to three feet deep for as long as 30 minutes. Nitecore does say the NB Air is not designed for underwater use and should be dried thoroughly if it’s dropped into water. The Gen 3 has an IPX5 rating, meaning the power bank can withstand rain but not submersion in water. The Gen 3’s IPX5 rating also means it can handle dust, which is good for use on desert trails.

Good to Know

Durability: Both power banks are encased in a solid carbon fiber frame with rounded corners that help reduce impact if the power bank is dropped.

What’s New: The 10000 Gen 3 has two USB-C ports, an upgrade from the Gen 2 that had a USB-C port and a USB-A port. The Gen 3 also has rounded, rubber corners for better protection from dropping. The Gen 3 also costs $5 more than the Gen 2.

About mAh: Power banks are rated by milliamp hours, or mAh, a measure of how many hours a battery can maintain its output. A 1 mAh battery can maintain an output of one milliamp for one hour, so if you want to know how many devices a power bank can charge it’s good to know the mAh of the battery. My cell phone battery is about 4,000 mAh, so the 10000 Gen 3 would charge it twice, with some battery juice left. Nitecore’s NU25 MCT UL headlamp, reviewed here, has a 700 mAh battery, so that’s a lot of charges on either Nitecore power bank.

Pros

Ultralight: Both power banks weigh less than six ounces, putting them solidly in an ultralight category.

Fast-Charging Ports: Both power banks have USB-C ports that provide faster charging than the older-style USB-A ports.

Small and Smaller: The Gen 3 is about the size of a half-deck of cards; the NB Air borders on tiny.

Cons

Charging Cords: Because older rechargeable gear uses USB-A ports, their cords cannot connect to either power bank. The Gen 3 comes with an adapter to connect a USB-A cord but the NB Air does not.

Overall Value

The two Nitecore power banks reviewed aren’t the least expensive in their power category, but they are at the top for ultralight weight. The 10000 Gen 3 is $10 more than the Gen 2, and the price may increase because of the new US tariffs on Chinese-made products. Both power banks are rugged and seem able to stand up to some hard use. I’ve had a Nitecore headlamp for many years and am satisfied that the brand is reliable. So if you’re serious about cutting ounces the Nitecore 10000 Gen 3 and NBAir are good choices.

Similar 10000 and 5000 mAh Power Banks

Anker 313

MSRP: $25.99

mAh: 10,000

Weight: 7.5 ounces

BioLite Charge 40

MSRP: $59.95

mAh: 10,000

Weight: 9.3 ounces

BioLite Charge 20

MSRP: $39.95

mAh: 6,000

Weight: 5.8 ounces

This product was donated for purpose of review.

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Overview: Nitecore NU25 MCT UL

MSRP: $36.95

Weight: 1.66 ounces (47 grams)

Special Modes: Location beacon, SOS, slow flashing

Maximum Brightness: 400 lumens

Maximum Runtime: 45 hours for the 6-lumen beam

MCT (Multiple Color Temperature):

• 3,000K, warm light
• 4,500K, neutral white light
• 6,500K, cool white light

Water Resistance: IP66. Good in rain, but not intended for full water submersion

Red Light: Yes

_{The diffusing sack transforms the NU25 into a lantern for use in a tent, shelter, or anywhere else overhead light is needed.}

About the NU25 MCT UL

Nitecore’s NU25 MCT UL, new in 2025, builds on the track record of the popular NU25 headlamp with a longer-lasting battery, a lighter weight, and three color beam options: warm, neutral white, and cool.

(The NU25 MCT is the third Nitecore headlamp to use multicolor beams, following the NU27 and the HA23 UHE.)

The warm light is good for fog, rain and snow; the neutral light is good for all-around use; and the cool light provides the highest level of visibility, making it good for night hiking.

The rechargeable battery has a higher capacity, lasting up to 45 hours on the 6-lumen low level, a 25 percent increase over the second gen NU25.

At 1.66 ounces (47 grams), the NU25 MCT UL is the lightest version of the headlamp.

_{The headlamp strap holds the NU25 comfortably on my head.}

Two Buttons, Many Lighting Choices

Controls: I read the NU25 user manual to fully understand the different light options and test them before heading into the backcountry, and I’m glad I did because there are a lot of lighting choices. I like that the light control buttons are two distinctly different sizes, making it easy to adjust the headlamp when it’s on my head. The controls on my first gen NU25 are small and the same size, and when I wear it I have trouble choosing the right button to press.

Main Beams: Long-pressing the large control button turns the main beams on and off. A quick press of the button cycles the light through its three main brightness levels: low, mid, and high (also called the night master beam). At each brightness level a quick press of the small mode button cycles the beam through the three color temperatures. When the headlamp is turned off quickly double-pressing the main button turns on the beams to ultra low, adding a fourth brightness level. The night master beam casts 400 lumens of light over a distance of 143 feet (132 meters), but it’s also the shortest-lasting beam at 2 hours and 40 minutes. The ultralow beam casts 6 lumens of light and lasts up to 45 hours.

Red Beams: Long-pressing the mode button while the light is off turns on the red beams, and quick pressing the main button cycles through the low and high red beams.

Battery Level: Quickly pressing the mode button activates four blue battery level indicators, and the battery lights flash when charging until the headlamp is fully charged.

SOS: Quickly double-pressing the mode button in any light status activates the flashing SOS beacon. Quickly pressing the main control button cycles the beacon through SOS, beacon and slow flashing. Double pressing the mode button returns the light to its previous function.

Lock and Unlock: Long-pressing both buttons locks the lights from turning on, and the beam will flash three times to indicate the headlamp has been locked. The headlamp will flash once to indicate lockout status if any single button is pressed during lockout. Double-pressing both controls takes the headlamp out of lockout and into the while ultralow beam.

_{The 400-lumen beam casts a broad swath of light.}

Battery Levels

Good to Know

Weight: The third gen NU25 is lighter than previous versions, weighing 1.76 ounces (50 grams) for the standard NU25 MCT and 1.66 ounces (47 grams) for the NU25 MCT UL.

Water Resistance: The NU25 is rated at IP66, meaning it can stand up to rain but not full water immersion.

Charging Ports: The NU25 has one USB-C charging port, compatible with Nitecore and other power banks. The headlamp comes with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable.

Removable Light: The main light box can be removed from the frame to use as a flashlight.

Diffusing Sack: I use the small sack to store the NU25 and put the headlamp inside it at night as an overhead lantern in my tent or shelter.

Versions: There’s a choice to be made when buying the headlamp: The NU25 MCT (1.76 ounces, 50 grams) or the NU25 MCT UL (1.66 ounces, 47 grams). The main difference is the headband. The MCT uses a solid headband, while the UL has a cord strap. And the UL has a slightly lighter design. Both headlamps have the same lighting options, lighting controls, and battery. So it comes down to whether the headband or cord strap is more comfortable for you. I tested the UL with a cord strap and found it to be as comfortable as my old first gen NU25 with a headband.

Pros

Beams: The different beams and color options give the third gen NU25 light variations for a broad range of activities.

Ultralight: I barely know the headlamp is on my head it’s so light.

Colors: The three color beams provide light for different situations: fog, snow and rain; all-around use; and night hiking.

Buttons: The two control buttons on top of the headlamp are different enough in size that’s it’s easy to tell which button I’m pressing when the headlamp is strapped to my head.

Cons

Cost: Nitecore products are made in China, so tariffs could raise the NU25’s price.

Overall Value

The NU25 MCT UL has a lot of lighting options packed into an ultralight 1.6-ounce package. The color light options help me see in conditions ranging from foggy days to reading in a tent or shelter, to night hiking. The cord strap on the NU25 is easy to adjust to prevent it from slipping on my head, and the headlamp rides so comfortably on my head that I barely know it’s there. I’ve used the first gen NU25 for years and have been impressed by its weight and durability and I expect the third gen will continue that track record. The NU25 stands out among headlamps for price ($36.95), features and ultralight weight. (Note: The price could increase with tariffs on Chinese-made imports.)

Similar Rechargeable Headlamps

Black Diamond Astro 300-R

This product was donated for purpose of review.

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Overview: Six Moon Designs Swift V

MSRP: $275
Weight: 2 pounds, 4 ounces; add 2 ounces for the vest harness
Capacity: 41 liters for the main body, 10 liters for the extension collar, and 5 liters for the exterior pockets, for a total carrying capacity of 56 liters.
Fabric: The pack body is made of Robic nylon and the outside pockets are made from lightweight and tear resistant UltraStretch.

About the Six Moon Designs Swift V

The Swift V has all the features I want in a backpack: plenty of space inside the main body, an extension collar that swallows my bear can, and lots of outer pockets that hold smaller gear so I don’t have to dig inside my pack while I’m hiking. The main pack fabric is Robic nylon, a strong but less expensive fabric that keeps down the pack’s price. The outer pockets are made from Challenge Sailcloth Ultra Stretch, a tough and durable fabric. I tested the Swift V with a vest harness, and loved how it transferred the pack’s weight to the core of my body, away from my hips and shoulders. The Swift V also comes with a shoulder harness and S-curve harness.

Swift V Carrying Capacity

Main Compartment: The roll-top main compartment holds all my gear for a five-day hike: tent, sleeping bag, clothes, accessories, and bear canister with food. And there’s a zippered pocket inside for storing cars keys and wallet. My bear canister fits into the pack horizontally or vertically, or it can be strapped to the top using the Y-strap. The extension collar can be rolled down and buckled to side straps, or the sides can be buckled together and attached to either the clip on the front mesh pocket or a buckle on the pack above the pocket. Side compression straps hold everything in place, including trekking poles or tent poles stored in a side pocket. For winter use there’s an ice axe loop at the bottom of the pack.

Front Mesh Pocket: Plenty of room to store clothing, a raincoat or lunch.

Side Pockets: Mesh pockets on each side of the pack hold a water bottle, tent poles or water filter. The pockets have a cord to tighten the opening so gear stays put.

Hipbelt Pockets: Two large zippered pockets that hold grab-on-the-go gear.

Vest Harness, Shoulder Harness Pockets: The storage pockets are different for each harness choice. The vest harness has three small pockets on each harness, one large enough to hold my phone, the others good for storing snacks, a small satellite communicator, lip balm, bug lotion, or hand sanitizer. There is even a small ring for attaching my satellite communicator. The shoulder harnesses hold a water bottle on each strap.

Water Bladder: A mesh bag inside the main compartment holds a water bladder.

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 Y-strap. I found that putting the bear can vertically at the top of the main compartment is the most comfortable.

Compression Straps: The side compression straps stabilize the pack’s load with a quick pull from the top of the yellow strap.

Harness Choices

Vest Harness: The Swift V vest harness puts the weight of the pack squarely on my core, shifting it off my hips and shoulders. It’s an extremely comfortable setup, but one that comes with a note of caution: Fitting the harness correctly takes practice. I watched the Six Moon Designs video here on how to adjust the vest harness and took several practice hikes before taking the pack on a multi-day trip. The vest harness adds two ounces to the pack’s weight.

Shoulder and S-Curve Harnesses: The shoulder harness is standard on most packs, and the S-curve harness is for people with broad chests.

Vest or Harness: Not sure which style to choose? The video here can help.

Swift V Comfort

Fit: The Swift V vest comes in small and large. SMD recommends the small vest for people 5 feet, 7 inches tall or shorter and with a torso of 14 to 17 inches; and a large vest for people 5 feet, 8 inches or taller and with a torso of 18 inches to 22 inches. I’m 5 feet, 10 inches and a large vest fits me, although on the smallest torso setting.

Sizing Help: Not sure what size to order? SMD’s customer service phone number is 503.430.2303, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific time

Versatility: Adjusting the harness torso length is easy on the Swift V, and along with a removable hip belt, harness options and removable Delrin hoop stay the pack can be dialed in to a variety of preferences. Removing the hoop stay and hipbelt lowers the pack’s weight to about 26 ounces.

How Much Weight?: SMD recommends a maximum 35 pounds for the pack with frame, 25 pounds with the frame removed. I keep my total pack weight at about 20 pounds and the pack with frame is very comfortable at that weight.

Pack Material

Fabric: The main body of the pack uses Robic nylon, a fabric that is resistant to tearing and abrasion. Robic is also water resistant, but not waterproof like Dyneema. Robic is less expensive than Dyneema, used in ultralight packs, and Six Moon Designs uses Robic in the Swift V to keep down the pack’s cost.

External Pockets: The outer pockets are made from UltraStretch, a lightweight and durable fabric with a tight weave that resists tearing. UltraStretch is made by Challenge Sailcloth, a company whose fabrics are increasingly being used in ultralight backpacks.

My Take

The Swift V is a superbly comfortable pack that transfers the weight to my core and off my hips and shoulders. Adjusting the vest harness takes a little longer than adjusting the straps on a shoulder harness pack, but the few extra minutes are worth it. And the adjustment straps have different markings that make it easy to identify which strap to pull. I like the pockets on the vest harness where I store snacks, my car keys, and my phone. This is a pack that I expect to wear comfortably for years to come.

Swift V Pros

Lightweight: The Swift V weight 38 ounces with the vest harness, less when the Delrin hoop stay and hipbelt are removed.

Comfort: Using the vest harness transfers the main pack weight to my core, away from my hips and shoulders.

Easy to Adjust the Harness: Six Moon Design includes a pack adjustment tool to make adjusting the harness easy.

Swift V Cons

Fitting the Pack: It take time to determine the best fit. The vest harness is a completely different experience than a shoulder strap harness, and learning to adjust the harness requires patience. Once I mastered the adjustments the pack is a dream on my back.

Number of Straps: The Swift V with a vest harness has a lot of straps, which was confusing my first day on trail with the pack. By the second day I was a pro.

Overall Value

The Swift V is a solid pack in its price range. SMD put a lot of thought into this pack and it shows in the load-carrying comfort and multiple storage points. The vest harness pockets make it easy to store and access small items I want to reach without taking off the pack. The vest harness also puts the weight on my core, and my hips and shoulders appreciate that after long days of hiking. Six Moon Design’s use of a durable, cost-effective fabric keeps the Swift V’s price well below that of Dyneema packs.

Similar Vest Harness Backpacks

Mountainsmith Zerk 40

MSRP: $224.95
Weight: 1 pound, 13 ounces
Capacity: 40 liters with fully extended collar
Material: Recycled nylon

Arc’teryx Aerios 35

MSRP: $250
Capacity: 36 liters
Weight: 2 pounds, 9 ounces
Material: Cordura nylon

Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36

MSRP: $190
Capacity: 36 liters
Weight: 21 ounces
Material: Robic nylon

This product was donated for purpose of review.

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_{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 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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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.

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

Overview: Brooks Cascadia 18

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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Overview: Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Top Quilt

About the Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Top Quilt

Outdoor Vitals made several changes to its StormLoft quilt, including loops that keep the neck drawcord from flopping around in the face and extended neck closure tabs that are easier to grab. But the biggest change may be the moisture-fighting nano-particles of gold permanently bonded to down clusters, a technology that Outdoor Vitals says surpasses other dry down treatments.

Comfort

Draft Collar: The draft collar uses down box baffles, considered the best baffle construction for warmth. The quilt is narrow at the neck for a better seal with the draft collar.

Footbox: The footbox is closed, with enough room for my lower legs and feet to move around. I can even store small gear such as a phone or water filter inside the footbox on cold nights.

Neck Drawcord: The drawcord is in the center of the collar behind my head, with loops on the side that hold the cord and keep it from flopping around in my face. I find it best to slip the drawcord through the two loops before connecting the two neck collar snaps.

Neck Snaps: Outdoor Vitals says the corners of the quilt are extended to improve how it wraps around the neck and make the snap tabs easier to grip.

Warmth

Temperature Rating: 0F, 15F, 30F, and a new 40F quilt.

My Experience: I slept with the quilt attached by straps to my 4.5 R-value air pad and was warm at a low temperature of 39F, the lowest temperature during my testing period in an unusually warm fall. Sleeping with the quilt strapped like this uses the pad as insulation from the cold ground while the quilt surrounds me on top, insulating me from the cold air. Sleeping with a three-season pad and balaclava on cold nights is a must. The 15F rating is considered the temperature for sleeping comfortably, and though 39F is the lowest temperature I slept at I expect that with 17 ounces of 800-fill down the quilt will be warm at 15F.

Zipper vs. Closure Straps: A zipper on some quilts keeps them closed, and keeps cold air out. The StormLoft’s two closure straps do not fully close the quilt, which is OK on warm nights, but on cold nights I strap the quilt to my sleeping pad and pull the quilt over me. I can toss and turn on my sleeping pad while the quilt stays attached to the air pad.

Storing Gear: I’m used to stuffing clothes, my phone, and even my water filter inside a sleeping bag on cold nights. I’m happy that when the quilt is strapped to my air pad I can store gear and clothes on my pad and they stay under the quilt.

Good to Know

Pad Straps: Two long pad straps connect to the quilt at about the chest and waist, and with the quilt threaded through the straps it’s held firmly to the pad, and against the top and sides of my body.

Closure Buckles: These short straps at the waist and chest pull the quilt mostly closed, but air still gets in through the gaps so I use these on warm nights. These are the same buckles the pad straps connect to.

Versatility: The StormLoft’s enclosed footbox provides warmth but rules out using the quilt as a blanket. And because the two closure straps don’t fully seal the StormLoft, I use the pad straps for sleeping on cold nights.

Storage, Warranty, and Cleaning

Roll-Top Dry Bag: The quilt packs small inside the bag and water rolls off the surface. Outdoor Vitals recommends sitting or kneeling on the bag to get the air out and further compressing the quilt, then rolling the top of the bag and sealing it.

Storage Bag: Although Outdoor Vitals recommends hanging the quilt as the preferred way to store it, the StormLoft does not have a traditional hang loop at the foot of the quilt so I thread a small carabiner through the neck closure snap tabs to hang the quilt. The StormLoft does come with a large storage bag that holds the quilt without compressing it.

Warranty: Outdoor Vitals promises that its gear will meet or exceed expected performance levels, and if it doesn’t will work with consumers to ensure that it does.

StormLoft Care: Outdoor Vitals recommends using a mild detergent such as Dreft or Nikwax and setting the washing machine on low spin or delicate wash with cold water. Hang the quilt until it’s dry, then loft and redistribute the down by putting it in a dryer with three dryer balls for 10 minutes on low or no heat.

The Gold Standard

Outdoor Vitals and other gear brands have begun using Allied Feather’s ExpeDRY down, which uses nano-particles of gold permanently bonded to down clusters in a chemical-free process.

Allied Feather says the gold particles create an electrostatic shield that provides a small hydrophobic barrier and weakens the hydrogen bond that allows water to form. By attacking the hydrogen bond of the water molecule, Allied feather says, ExpeDRY helps keeps moisture from condensing into droplets and speeds up drying of any water that may still be present.

Outdoor Vitals says that in its testing and in testing done by Allied Feather, ExpeDRY performs better in almost all scenarios when compared with HyperDry DWR treated down, which has been at the top of industry standards for about the past 10 years.

About Outdoor Vitals

Tayson Whittaker started Outdoor Vitals in 2014 with the aim of making quality outdoor gear at an affordable price. The Utah-based company sells direct to consumers, and members get a 10 percent discount on gear. The $10 (standard) and $25 (peak tier) monthly membership fees are credited to members’ accounts each month and can be used toward purchases.

StormLoft Pros

Weight: 1 pound, 8.3 ounces for the 15F regular length bag that I tested. Light, but not ultralight.

Sleeping Pad Straps: These easy-to-connect straps hold the quilt to a sleeping pad, providing a warm top and side layer of insulation on cold nights.

Easy-to-Use Hood Drawcord: The drawcord has been repositioned to the back of the head, with loops that the cord can be threaded through to keep it from flopping around.

StormLoft Cons

Cold Nights: Closing the quilt with the two short straps leaves a gap for cold air to get in. Strapping the quilt to an air pad is my preferred method of sleeping on a cold night.

Weight: If you’re looking for an ultralight quilt, the StormLoft might not be the one for you. But the quilt’s weight of 1 pound, 8.3 ounces is still a respectable lightweight sleeping setup.

Overall Value

At $374.97, $337.47 for Outdoor Vitals members, the StormLoft is a good price for a quilt. It’s more lightweight than ultralight, but only by a few ounces. The closure straps rather than a zipper mean the best way to sleep in cold weather is to strap the quilt to a three-season air pad and lie underneath the quilt. Overall, the StormLoft is a solid choice at its price, especially for people interested in seeing whether a quilt is for them.

Similar Cold Weather Top Quilts

Enlightened Equipment Enigma

Feathered Friends Flicker UL

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Quilt

Therm-a-Rest Vesper

This product was donated for purpose of review.

The post Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down Top Quilt Review appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

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.

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This product was donated for purpose of review.

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