Region: Northeast (Pachaug State Forest, Connecticut)

Length: ~31 miles (3 days)

Physical Difficulty: Easy

• The elevation gain is 2,848 feet, and two sections account for the bulk of the elevation gain: Mount Misery (441 feet) and about 2 miles of steep up and down scrambling through rocky ravines north of Beach Pond.
• Mostly soft dirt trails and forest roads. Some short, paved road walks.
• Water crossings can be tricky after heavy rain, but bridges, some in poor condition, span the deepest crossings. I had to take off my shoes and pants to wade across one deep crossing, but I suspect the deep water was because of torrential rains in the days before my hike.

Logistical Difficulty: Easy

• Loop trail done in three days, so resupply not needed. Only two sites where camping is allowed: Dawley Pond and Dry Reservoir shelters. Permits are required.
• Plentiful water. Late-winter rainstorms before my hike left trails covered in water.
• Some forest roads leading to trailheads are closed for the winter so it’s a good idea to call Pachaug State Forest headquarters to find where you can park in the off-season.

Season: Year-round

Net Elevation Gain: 2,848 feet

Note: We are having difficulties uploading a GPX file to the website, and will update the trip report when we are able to import the GPX.

Hiking the Pachaug State Forest Loop

The ~31-mile loop that I hiked combined parts of the Pachaug and Nehantic Trails in Pachaug State Forest, Connecticut’s largest state forest at 26,477 acres.

Horses are permitted on sections of the trail, and I saw two men riding horses and a fair amount of horse poop on trails. The trails also cross sanctioned dirt bike tracks.

Trailhead parking (shown on this interactive trails map) is scattered throughout the forest, but if you’re planning the off-season loop that I did I recommend parking on Fish Road, which has year-round access. The hike from Fish Road to the Dawley Pond Lean-to is ~14 miles, ~11 miles to Dry Reservoir Lean-to, and ~6 miles to Fish Road.

I parked at Fish Road and hiked south for 2 miles on the Nehantic Trail through mountain laurel stands before reaching Green Fall Pond. Water covered low-lying trail sections, a harbinger of wet trails to come for the rest of the hike.

I stopped for lunch at Green Fall Pond, a seasonal recreation area with swimming, picnic tables, outhouses, grills, and camping. This is the southern terminus for the Nehantic and Pachaug Trails.

Heading north from Green Fall Pond on the Pachaug Trail the route follows a low and mostly dry ridge for 4 miles to Route 165, crossing Route 138 along the way. The trail turns right onto Route 165, a state highway with narrow shoulders and fast-moving vehicles, for a short hike skirting the southern end of Beach Pond. The road walk enters Rhode Island at the bridge over the pond outlet, then crosses the road and heads back into the woods as the trail winds north along the pond’s eastern shore. The trail hugs the shore through the Arcadia Management Area in Rhode Island before veering away from Beach Pond and back into Connecticut and Pachaug State Forest. This is a nice stretch of the hike that offers waterfront access for hikers, unlike across the pond where the Connecticut shore is crowded with mega houses.

After leaving Beach Pond the trail begins a roughly 2-mile stretch through rocky ridges and ravines that were filled with water after late-winter rains. The trail becomes a scramble up and down the low but steep ridges, and is the most difficult section of the loop.

After the ridges the trail flattens out, and the hike to the Dawley Pond Lean-to is fast and easy. Although it’s called the Dawley Pond Lean-to, the three-sided structure is north of Dawley Pond, on Great Meadow Brook Pond.

The map here correctly shows the shelter’s location on Great Meadow Brook Pond. The Connecticut Walk Book, a comprehensive guide to Connecticut’s blue-blazed trails, mistakenly shows the shelter on Wickaboxet Marsh.

The shelter was clean when I arrived, but because it is so close to a road the shelter apparently can be a trashy party spot.

I filled up with water at the Great Meadow Brook Pond outlet just before reaching the clearly marked shelter side trail, and recommend filling up at one of the streams north of the pond if you’re coming from that direction. The pond shore is weedy and shallow at the shelter, making it difficult to get water.

The trail heading north from the shelter to Cedar Swamp Road passes stone walls and cellar holes, remnants of long-ago farms. An apparent gravesite for a 3-year-old girl who died in 1891, with fresh remembrances left at the site, sits along the trail through this section.

Emerging from the woods onto Cedar Swamp Road, the trail heads west for a short road walk. The road climbs easily to a wide-open hilltop farm—at 600-plus feet the highest point on the trail—where the wind blew fiercely from the northwest during my hike, pushing against me as I pushed back.

The trail crosses Route 49 to Hell Hollow Road, and the road walk isn’t well-blazed. But a sign does indicate the trail’s return to the woods, which loops north off Hell Hollow Road before heading south and crossing the road again.

The trail stays in the woods for several miles, crossing and following forest roads. The trail passes the Lowden Brook Cascades, and several deep pools in the brook below the falls look like promising cooling-off spots on a hot summer hike.

The walking continues to be easy to the Pachaug Trail junction with the Nehantic Trail. At this point the Pachaug and Nehantic Trails merge and head west through a recreation area popular for exercise walking. The trail soon veers left into the woods and begins ascending Mount Misery, supposedly named by European settlers for the area’s miserable farming soil. The hike to the 441-foot summit is easy and fast, and the main view is to the east and the forests I passed through on the first day of my hike.

The trail descending Mount Misery is blue-blazed but it’s easy to mistakenly follow—as I did—a herd path rather than the marked trail. At the base of the mountain the trail again follows a forest road before re-entering the woods.

A short distance later the Pachaug Trail heads south while the Nehantic Trail continues west to the Dry Reservoir Lean-to. The trail crosses a stream just before the shelter, and this is the water source for the shelter.

The Dry Reservoir Lean-to is clean, but small. I couldn’t stand up without bumping my head.

Although there’s no outstanding view at the shelter, I did see a stunning sunset and sunrise through the bare trees.

The final leg of the hike is ~6 miles, backtracking over Mount Misery and then south on the Nehantic Trail from the junction where the Pachaug Trail splits off to head north. The hike from that point back to Fish Road is flat and easy, with a short road walk on Route 49. Although blazes are few on the state highway the turnoff into the woods is clearly marked.

How to Get to Pachaug State Forest

Norwich and New London are the closest cities in Connecticut, each about a 30-minute drive to Pachaug State Forest. TF Green International Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, is about an hour drive away.

Trailheads: Fish Road, Green Fall Pond Road, Shetucket Turnpike, Brown Road, Hell Hollow Road, Fire Tower Road, and Headquarters Road.

About the Pachaug-Nehantic Loop

The trails are mostly flat, with easy vehicle access to trailheads. Because camping is allowed only at shelters, the loop I hiked requires at least 14 miles to a shelter the first day, and about 11 miles to a shelter the second day.

But there are opportunities for shorter loops using the many interconnecting trails in the state forest. And two shelters on the Narragansett Trail make a point-to-point hike possible on that trail, or possibly putting together a different loop hike.

Here’s the route I followed on my hike:

Day 1: Park in the parking area for about 6 cars on Fish Road in Voluntown, CT, at the Nehantic Trail trailhead. Hike ~2 miles south on the Nehantic to its southern terminus at Green Fall Pond, and at the pond take the Pachaug Trail north to Dawley Pond Lean-to. Total mileage, ~14 miles.

Day 2: Continue north on the Pachaug Trail to Hell Hollow Road, then veer south and after several miles connect with the Nehantic Trail at the recreation area. Hike west on the Nehantic-Pachaug Trails over Mount Misery, then head north on the Nehantic Trail when the Pachaug splits off to head south. The Dry Reservoir Lean-to is a short distance north on the Nehantic Trail. Total mileage, ~11 miles.

Day 3: Backtrack on the Nehantic Trail and Nehantic-Pachaug Trails to the junction where the Nehantic heads south and the Pachaug goes north. Follow the Nehantic Trail south to Fish Road. Total mileage, ~6 miles.

When to Hike the Pachaug-Nehantic Loop

Spring: April can be a good month for hiking as trees begin budding and wildflowers bloom; May is warm and still mostly bug-free. March is iffy. During my hike in early March streams were swollen—one required knee-deep wading—and trails were filled with water in low spots after a week of heavy rain. Temperatures for my hike were 29 to 45, but a few days later they reached the upper 60s.

Summer: Buggy, humid, and hot.

Fall: My favorite time for backpacking. The days begin cooling off in September, and October brings peak New England foliage. November can continue to have good weather good for hiking, but hunting season begins in the state forest.

Winter: Snow is rare, and when it falls usually melts within days, making the Pachaug a good winter hike if you have cabin fever.

The Pachaug-Nehantic Loop Terrain

The trail is mainly flat as it meanders through pine and hardwood forests. The Pachaug Trail follows low ridges north of Green Fall Pond and then rocky, steep ridges north of Beach Pond.

Mount Misery is the only significant climb on the Pachaug-Nehantic loop.

Ponds, marshes, and streams are plentiful, some next to the trail, others visible in the distance through the trees.

Logistics: Permits, Camping, Water

Permits: Permits are required to stay at the four shelters in Pachaug State Forest. Dispersed camping is not allowed. Information on obtaining permits from the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection can be found here.

Shelters: Dawley Pond and Dry Reservoir shelters are on the loop I hiked; Peg Mill and Legend Wood shelters are on the Narragansett Trail, which connects with the Nehantic and Pachaug Trails at Green Fall Pond. The shelters do not have bear boxes or privies.

Water: Streams and ponds are close enough along the trail that I didn’t worry about running short of water. I carried a liter and never ran dry.

Route-finding: The Pachaug and Nehantic Trails are marked with solid blue blazes; side trails use different-colored blazes and most are marked with signs. Blazes are sparse on road walks but signs mark trail turnoffs into the woods.

Know Before You Go

Clockwise or Counterclockwise?: It’s personal preference. I hiked the Pachaug-Nehantic Loop counterclockwise to get the longer-mile days out of the way on the first two days, with an easy hike to my car on day three.

Private Land: Parts of the loop pass through private land, making it important to follow the camping guidelines to preserve trail access.

Parking: The Connecticut Forest & Park Association, which maintains the 825-plus miles of blue-blazed hiking trails in Connecticut, has an interactive map on its website showing trails, shelters, and trailhead parking, with directions to the trailheads.

Transportation: Driving your own vehicle is the only practical way to get to the trail.

Cell Reception: Good throughout the forest.

Trail Guide: The Connecticut Walk Book is the ultimate guide to Connecticut’s blue-blazed trails. The book is compiled by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, which maintains the trails, and can be purchased from the CFPA or through Amazon.

Trail Updates: Trail information such as reroutes and damaged bridges can be found here. But the information does not appear to be updated online to indicate whether problems have been resolved.

Ticks: Lyme disease was first identified in Connecticut, and the ticks carrying the disease can be active year-round. I spray my clothes with permethrin and do careful tick checks of my body after every hike in the woods.

About the Forest: At 26,477 acres in six towns, Pachaug is the largest state forest in Connecticut. The word Pachaug derives from the American Indian term meaning bend or turn in the river, referring to the 9-mile Pachaug River. The forest was inhabited by Narragansett, Pequot, Wampanoag, Nipmuck, Pocumtuck, and Mohegan peoples, most of whom were driven from their lands by European settlers.

Tree Damage: Gypsy moths heavily damaged oak and maple trees in the 2010s, evidenced by swaths of clear-cut forests and the number of dead trees on the ground in the Pachaug State Forest.

State Campgrounds in the Forest: The Green Fall Campground and Mount Misery Campground in the forest are car-camping sites that offer base camps for hiking.

Pachaug State Forest Resources

Pachaug State Forest

Interactive Map of Trails, Trailhead Parking, and Shelters

Backpack Camping in Connecticut

Weather

The post Pachaug State Forest Loop appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

Jack Wolfskin’s Highest Peak 3L Jacket is a full-featured raincoat with pit zips, Velcro cuffs, a high collar, taped seams, and hood adjustments. And by using its proprietary fabric recycling process Jack Wolfskin has created a water resistant, windproof, and breathable coat made from 100% recycled and PFAS-free fabric.

Jack Wolfskin Highest Peak 3L Specs

MSRP: $239.95

Weight: 13 ounces for a women’s medium; 15 ounces for a men’s medium

Fabric: Texapore Ecosphere Pro Stretch 3L, Jack Wolfskin’s proprietary three-layer fabric that’s waterproof, windproof, and breathable.

About the Highest Peak 3L

The Highest Peak 3L jacket is a solid three-season rain and wind outer layer that doesn’t skimp on features. The two hip pockets are large enough to hold a phone and gloves, and have a solid inside lining. The hood has an easy-to-adjust tightening cord in the back of the hood, and two draw cords adjust the hood’s front opening. All the zippers have pull cords, making them easy to use while wearing lightweight gloves. The coat kept me dry and warm during hikes on several rainy, windy, and cold March hikes.

Highest Peak 3L Features

Weather Resistance: The Highest Peak 3L uses Jack Wolfskin’s Texapore technology to create a waterproof, windproof, and breathable rain jacket. All of the coat’s outer layer, membrane, and inner layer are made from recycled fabric without creating any waste, and are free from PFAS (so-called forever chemicals).

Why Three Layers?: Three-layer rain jackets provide the highest level of protection again rain and wind, and are more durable than two- or 2.5-layer coats. They also tend to be stiffer, heavier, and more expensive than two- and 2.5-layer coats.

Zippers: Robust zippers with pulls that can be grabbed while wearing lightweight gloves. The main zipper has an inner storm flop, and the pit zippers and outer pocket zippers have overlapping storm flaps.

Pit Zips: The 10-inch-long openings provide good ventilation, and the cord on the zipper pulls makes them easy to open and close.

Cuffs: A three-inch strip of Velcro gives the cuffs a wide range of adjustability.

Hem: Drawstrings inside the coat’s hem seal the bottom of the jacket against my hips.

Pockets: The two hip pockets are big enough to hold a phone, lightweight gloves, or trail snacks. The inside chest pocket can hold a car key, lip balm, or ID card, but not much else.

Hood: The cord at the back of the hood is easy to tighten and release, and when combined with the collar pull cords at the front of the coat, I can seal the hood around my head to keep out rain and wind.

Layers, Layers, Layers: What do the numbers used to designate coat layers mean?

• Two Layer: Typically an outer fabric that’s paired with an inner water resistant, breathable membrane. A hanging mesh liner is often added to protect the membrane against wear and tear. The two-layer design is mostly used for lower-priced coats, with limited water resistance and breathability.
• 2.5 Layer: Similar to two-layer coats, a water resistant, breathable membrane is bonded to the inside of the outer fabric. Then a printed or sprayed-on layer is applied over the membrane. These coats are lightweight, packable, and have a wide price range.
• Three Layer: Again, the membrane is attached to the inside of the coat’s face fabric. Then a full inside liner is attached to the membrane. Three-layer coats provide premium weather performance and durability, with a stiff feel.

Sustainability: Jack Wolfskin takes its commitment to the environment up a notch with the Highest Peaks 3L, the company’s first jacket sold in the U.S that is made from recycled fabrics.

Instead of recycling single-use plastics such as water bottles for fabric, Jack Wolfskin takes used polyester textiles and factory scraps, removes non-textile material such as zippers and Velcro, and spins the discarded textiles into new fabric.

The result is what Jack Wolfskin calls a Textile to Textile recycled jacket.

Warranty: Jack Wolfskin’s clothing comes with a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship; equipment has a limited two-year guarantee; and footwear carries a limited, one-year guarantee.

Highest Peak 3L Pros

Weather Protection: The three-layer configuration of the Highest Peak 3L is top of the line for durability, and rain and wind protection.

Pit Zips: 10-inch-long ventilation zips that are easy to open and close.

Hood: The drawcord at the back of the hood is easy to grasp in order to tighten or loosen the hood.

Pockets: The two side pockets are deep and hold an array of gloves, snacks, or a phone.

Taped Seams: Extra protection against rain and snow.

Highest Peak 3L Cons

Inner Chest Pocket: Good size for a car key or ID card, but too small for gear accessories I would like to stow there. A larger inner pocket would make up for lack of an outside chest pocket.

Overall Value

The Highest Peaks 3L is a robust hardshell jacket for three-season use, possibly crossing over into winter adventures in moderate conditions. Everything about the coat speaks to its versatility, from rainy days to wind-swept summits. And the price is low compared with many similar coats.

Similar Rain Jackets

Arc’teryx Beta LT

MSRP: $450

Weight: 13.9 ounces

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

MSRP: $179

Weight: 12.4 ounces

Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell

MSRP: $449

Weight: 10.8 ounces

The North Face Terrain Vista 3L Pro

MSRP: $270

Weight: Not available

Mountain Research Premonition UL

MSRP: $430

Weight: 11.2 ounces

This product was donated for purpose of review.

The post Jack Wolfskin Highest Peak 3L Jacket Review appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

The wood-fired Titan stove cooks hot backcountry meals for two to four people using thumb-sized wood collected at campsites.

Titan Stove Specs

MSRP:

• Just the Stove and Stuff Sack: $89.99 (on sale for $79.99)
• Stove, Cook Pot, Windscreen, and Tripod Kit: $194.99 (on sale for $179.99)

Weight: 16.5 ounces for the stove alone

Measurements: 5.1-inch diameter, 7.9 inches tall

Materials: Stainless steel

About the Titan Wood Stove

I tested the Titan Gear Kit, which includes the stove, cook pot, windscreen, and pot-hanging tripod. The windscreen and tripod are nice accessories, but not essential for cooking. Lighting the stove is easy using thumb-sized dry wood. I put finger-thick wood at the bottom of the fuel box, fire starter on top of that, and twigs on top. The fire starts quickly using dry wood and burns down to the thicker wood at the bottom, where it creates a bed of coals. I feed the stove as the flames lessen and have an 8-cup pot of water boiling in 9 minutes. I continue adding small amounts of fuel if I am simmering food that needs time to cook.

Titan Solo Stove Features

How It Works: The Titan and other Solo stoves are known as gasifier stoves because they have secondary combustion. The stoves’ base is a double-wall stainless steel cylinder with air holes around the botom and smaller holes at the top. Air sucked in through the bottom holes fuels the fire while heated air rising between the double walls causes a secondary combustion so the fire burns without smoke. Once a hot fire is going I see little smoke, but if the fire is struggling to burn wet wood there is a lot of smoke.

Two-Part Design: Build a fire in the base, then place the cooking ring on the lip of the base. The cook pot sits on top of the ring’s legs, and a gap in the legs allows wood to be fed into the fire. When I’m ready to pack up the ring flips over to fit into the stove base and they both fit into the pot.

Best Pot Size: The 1800 (1800ml/60 ounces) pot is plenty big enough to cook meals for two to four people. The pot can be purchased alone without having to buy the gear kit.

Storing the Titan: The stove and inverted cooking ring fit inside the 1800 pot, and together they fit inside the stuff sack that comes with the stove.

Best Use: Gathering wood and lighting the stove fire is easy in dry weather, a challenge when the woods are wet. This is definitely a stove for thick woods, not meadows or high elevations with scrub trees.

Stock Up on Wood: I collect enough dry wood to cook a meal before lighting the stove. That way I’m not searching for more wood while my meal cooks. And it’s a good idea to collect enough wood at night and store it in a dry spot so it’s ready for breakfast. Two to three handfuls of wood is enough for cooking.

Rainy Days: I spent about 30 minutes getting a fire going after a day of rain. Once I had a bed of coals built up the fire was easy to maintain.

Practice, Practice, Practice: It’s a good idea to light the stove before taking it into the backcountry. I lit the stove on a dry day and after a day of rain to hone my fire-lighting skills.

Fire Starters: A commercial or homemade fire starter makes lighting the wood much easier.

Cold Weather: I had a liter of water boiling in 9 minutes when the temperature was 34F.

Other Fuel: An alcohol burner is available for the Titan and Lite stoves.

Cleaning the Pot: I put the pot inside the stuff sack so soot doesn’t get on gear in my pack, and clean the pot when I get home.

Flexibility: The Solo stoves can be purchased as a kit with accessories included, or the stove alone with a pot, tripod, or windscreen added. Solo also sells fire starters, roasting sticks, a pellet adapter, and replacement parts.

Other Solo Stoves: The Lite weighs 9 ounces, fits in the 900 pot in the Lite Gear Kit ($154.99 MSRP), and is probably the best choice for backpacking. The Lite Gear Kit comes with a windscreen, an alcohol burner for an alternative fuel source, and a fire striker. The Campfire is more of a car camping stove, and weighs 2.2 pounds. The Campfire Gear Kit comes with 1.5 and 3 liter pots, and a tripod ($204.99 MSRP). Pots can be bought separately if you’re buying only the stove.

Windscreen: Because air drawn in through holes in the bottom of the stove feeds the flames, I wait until I’ve built a hot bed of coals before using the windscreen. The windscreen holds in the stove’s heat so if my bed of coals is large enough food in the pot continues cooking without having to add wood.

Environmental Considerations: Using a woodburning stove means no metal fuel tank that may or may not get recycled when it’s empty. Woodburning stoves are banned in some areas because of fire concerns, and campsites already stripped of wood can be harmed even more by collecting wood for the Titan.

Titan Pros

Easy to Use: Lighting the Titan and keeping the fire going require minimal attention as long as you have enough dry wood gathered.

Free Fuel: I live in the heavily forested Northeast and finding wood near my campsite is not a problem.

No Fuel Anxiety: I don’t worry whether my stove canister has enough fuel to cook supper, nor do I have to carry two partially filled canisters to ensure I have enough fuel.

Titan Cons

Weather Dependent: Finding dry wood in rain-drenched woods and starting the fire is difficult.

Limited to Forest Campsites: The Titan isn’t good at campsites with no trees or scrub trees. And some heavily used forest campsites may be stripped nearly bare of dead wood, making it difficult to find fuel for the Titan.

Overall Value

The Titan’s $89.99 price is on the high side when compared with other stoves, but it accommodates a pot that can cook meals for up to four people. The smaller Lite stove is a better choice for a backpacking trip with one or two people, and costs $69.99. Unlike folding stoves, the double-wall design in Solo Stoves is fuel efficient and good at keeping the fire and heat inside the stove, not spilling over onto the ground. And if the weather is wet the alcohol burner is a good option to ensure you’ll be able to cook a meal.

Other Woodburning Stoves

Toaks Titanium Stove

MSRP: $59.99

Material: Titanium

Vargo Hexagon Stove

MSRP: $59.99

Material: Available in titanium and steel

Emberlit Original Stove

MSRP: $44.99

Material: Stainless steel

This product was donated for purpose of review.

The post Titan Woodburning Solo Stove Review appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

The Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 hits a sweet spot for a three-season sleeping bag, combining a nearly unbeatable light weight with warm 900 fill down.

Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 Specs

MSRP:

• Small: $469.95
• Regular: $549.95
• Long: $579.95

Weight:

• Small: 1 pound, 3 ounces
• Regular: 1 pound, 4 ounces
• Long: 1 pound, 6 ounces

Shell: 10 denier nylon ripstop with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating.

Temperature Rating: Comfortable for sleeping to 32F; the lower limit is 20F; the extreme limit is -9F.

Insulation: The Hyperion is packed with 900 fill Nikwax hydrophobic goose down, water resistant down that follows the Responsible Down Standard certifying that waterfowl in the food supply chain are treated humanely.

About the Hyperion 20

The Hyperion 20 is a stripped down, ultralight sleeping bag good for three-season backpacking. Therm-a-Rest achieves ultralight status with the Hyperion by giving it high warmth-to-weight 900 fill down, a small half-zip, a slimmer width, and a small hood. Even with the smaller dimensions I find that the bag is comfortable. And the smaller size leaves less dead air to warm with body heat.

Hyperion 20 Features

Shell: Lightweight and thin 10-denier nylon ripstop with a durable water repellent coating. Ten denier is a thin fabric shell, but I have found that it holds up if given care and attention.

Insulation: The Hyperion uses 900 fill Nikwax hydrophobic goose down that Therm-a-Rest says dries three times faster than untreated down, absorbs 90% less water, and maintains loft 60 times longer than untreated down.

Box Baffles: The Hyperion uses box baffles—lightweight material placed between the shell and liner to form a box—that eliminate gaps that could create cold spots.

Draft Collar, Draft Tube: The draft collar snugged tight across my forehead and neck prevent cold air from getting inside the bag, and a draft tube runs the length of the side zipper.

Hood: Small. I can’t fit my inflatable pillow inside the hood, and use my backpack laid flat under the bag as a pillow. A drawcord on the right side (when lying on my back in the bag) tightens the hood around my face and shoulders. A snap keeps the hood closed and the zipper from sliding down.

Warmth: I slept comfortably while wearing lightweight thermal pants and shirt when the temperature was about 30, and began feeling the cold when the temperature dropped to 25F. Any lower and I would have put on a midweight shirt. That jibes with the Hyperion’s EN lower temperature limit of 20F, the temperature at which a warm sleeper (though not me) might still sleep comfortably. The comfort level is 32F, and the EN extreme limit is -9F.

SynergyLink Connectors: I am sold on these straps that hold the Hyperion flat to my air pad. And they are important to use because 70% of the Hyperion’s insulation is on the top and sides, while 30% is on the bottom. Does this mean you have to be a back sleeper to use the Hyperion and the straps? Not in my experience. I still toss and turn inside the Hyperion while the straps keep the bag stable and flat on my air pad.

Stuff Pocket: There’s no pocket in the bag to hold a phone or other temperature-sensitive gear, presumably to save weight. I put my phone and headlamp inside the bag when it’s cold at night.

Zipper: The half zip changes the way I get in and out of the bag. I slide in from the top, rather than rolling in as I do with a three-quarter-length zipper. The zipper is small and has inner and outer string pulls, and slides easily without snagging. The two-way zipper provides ventilation at the midpoint of the bag.

Fit: The unisex Hyperion cuts ounces with a slimmer profile, which also means there’s less empty space for your body to heat. I’m 5 feet, 10 inches, and weigh 160 pounds, and find that the 57-inch shoulder girth is good for me, but if you’re about my height and much heavier, you might consider a long bag with a wider 58-inch girth. The bag is very slim from the knees down, but with enough room that my legs and feet aren’t pinched. The Hyperion’s slim fit does not leave room for storing clothes inside at night.

Stuff Sacks: The storage stuff sack is large enough to hold the Hyperion without compressing it, and the bag has a hang loop, which is my preferred way of storing sleeping bags. The compression sack gets the Hyperion down to a small size.

Warranty: Therm-a-Rest will repair or replace gear found to be defective within the first two years of purchase. Sleeping bags are covered under the Better Sleep Guarantee, which means that if you are not completely satisfied with your bag, return it within three months with the original receipt of purchase for a full refund. No questions asked.

Hyperion 20 Pros

Weight: 1 pound, 4 ounces for a regular length. It’s hard to find another 20F down bag at this weight. The 900 fill down is warmer per square ounce than 800 or 700 down down fill, which is one of the factors in the Hyperion’s low weight.

Warmth: I’m warm sleeping to about 30F in the Hyperion, but begin to chill at 25F unless I put on extra clothing.

Zipper: Although the zipper is small, it slides easily without snagging.

Sleeping Pad Straps: I’m sold on the removable straps that connect the sleeping bag to the pad, ending my sometimes nightlong struggles to stay on the pad. Plus they keep the underside of the bag, which has less insulation, flat against my insulated air pad.

Easy Hood Drawcord: I like the single cord that draws the hood and neck draft tube close to my head, rather than struggling with one cord for the neck draft tube and another for the hood.

Hyperion 20 Cons

Small Hood: This is my biggest con. I can’t fit my inflatable pillow inside the hood, so I use my backpack as an outside pillow, stuffing my inflatable pillow inside the front mesh pocket.

No Stuff Pocket: I usually keep my phone within reach inside my sleeping bag, so the lack of a stuff pocket doesn’t bother me. But it’s a feature some people might miss.

Zipper: I’ve had to adjust to sliding in and out from the top of the bag because of the half zip, rather than rolling out with a three-quarter zip. But it’s an adjustment I’ve easily made.

Rough for Side Sleepers: Less insulation on the bottom of the Hyperion means that side sleepers expose their backs to cold air. I attach the Synergy Link Connectors to my air pad and toss from side to side inside the bag while it stays flat on the pad.

Overall Value

At $549.95 for the regular size, the Hyperion’s price is on the higher end for a three-season sleeping bag. It’s a comfortable, well-made sleeping bag that has ultralighters in mind: weight-saving 900 fill down, a slim cut, a half zip, and no stuff pocket. So if shedding weight without giving up comfort is your goal, the Hyperion is a good choice for a sleeping bag.

Similar 20F Sleeping Bags

Western Mountaineering AlpinLite

MSRP: $695, regular

Insulation: 850 fill down

Weight: 1 pound, 15 ounces

The North Face Trail Lite

MSRP: $250

Insulation: 600 fill down

Weight: 2 pounds, 4.2 ounces, regular

Big Agnes Torchlight 20F

MSRP: $329.95

Insulation: 600 fill down

Weight: 2 pounds, 11 ounces

Rab Neutrino 400 20F

MSRP: $435

Insulation: 800 fill down

Weight: 1 pound, 11 ounces

This product was donated for purpose of review.

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The Deckers X Lab Enduro Max Mid GTX are a new entrant among mid-height shoes that combine the high ankle support of boots with the low weight and flexibility of trail runners. The carbon fiber plates embedded in the midsoles give the Enduro Max a bounce on rocks and hard trails.

Mid Enduro Max Specs

MSRP: $249

Lining: GORE-TEX

Outsole: Vibram Litebase

Stack Height: 32 mm

About the Enduro Max

The Enduro Max combine a thick midsole cushion with a lightweight GORE-TEX upper that’s water resistant and supportive. The Vibram Litebase provides good traction on rocks, mud, and dry trail while cutting the weight of the outsole by 30 percent.

Enduro Max Features

Performance: The mid-height Enduro Max combine the support of trail boots with the lightweight and springy feel of trail runners.

Plush Out of the Box: The Enduro Max are super cushy, with a PORON Pad and carbon fiber plates in the midsole that together give the shoes their thick padding and bounce. I found the thick cushion comfortable while still giving me a feel for the trail.

PORON Technology: PORON is known for its shock absorption, durability, and flexibility. It’s also used for moisture absorption, helping to keep sweaty feet dry.

Carbon Fiber Plates: The technology was first use in racing shoes, and has increasingly shown up in trail runners. The plates produce a spring-like effect, which means less energy to push off from the ground, but on the downside the technology is costly and raises the price of shoes. Shoes with carbon fiber plates also can be less durable than traditional shoes.

Good Grip: The Vibram Litebase technology is lighter while maintaining Vibram’s solid grip, traction, and durability. The outsole has 3mm lugs that rest on larger individual raised sections to provide a solid grip on rocks and deep penetration in mud. It’s like having lugs on lugs.

Moisture Management: The E-TPEE sock liners wicked sweat away from my feet and the Gore-Tex lining helped keep water out. The sock liners are crucial because Gore-Tex mid-height trail runners can get hot inside on warm days.

Standout Colors: The bright colors ensure the Enduro Max stand out on the trail.

A Big Legacy: The Enduro Max draw inspiration from Jean-Luc Diard, who helped design the shoe at Deckers X-Lab, and who is a co-founder of HOKA. So it’s no surprise that the Enduro Max have the look and feel of HOKA shoes.

Fit: The size 12 Enduro Max are a spot on fit for my size 12 feet. The toe box has extra room and the width was generous for my narrow feet, but didn’t feel sloppy.

Stack Height: The 32mm stack height provides a lot of cushion for my feet. I bounced along rocky trails without feeling a thud in my feet.

GORE-TEX Lining: A GORE-TEX inner lining is good at keeping water out of shoes, but the inner sheath takes longer to dry when water gets in over the tops.

Low-Cut Enduro Max: The Enduro Max also come in a low-cut trail runner without a GORE-TEX lining. The stack height is the same, but at $199 the low cuts are less expensive.

Manufactured: China.

Warranty: Deckers X Lab’s one-year warranty applies to defective materials and workmanship. After one year problems will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Enduro Max Pros

Grip: Solid traction through rocks, mud, and dry trail.

Weight: Lightweight for a mid-cut shoe.

Stack Height: The 32mm stack height is a lot of padding under my feet, but I didn’t feel disconnected from the trail. And because I walk with with my heel striking first I appreciate the thick cushion in the heel.

GORE-TEX: My feet stayed dry through mud and water.

Big Heel Loop: I like the large loop at the back end of the shoe that makes it easy to pull the Enduro onto my feet.

Enduro Max Cons

The Downside of GORE-TEX: GORE-TEX is good for keeping water out, which it did in the Enduro Max. But once water gets inside the inner boot takes longer to dry than a trail runner without GORE-TEX.

Overall Value

The Enduro Max are a solid mid-height trail runner that provides good grip, high ankle support, and thick cushion under my feet. But the Enduro Max price is steep: $249 compared with a sub-$200 price for comparable shoes. The higher price may be due to the added cost of the carbon fiber plates. I do know the Enduro Max feel bouncier and cushier than the similar mid-height HOKA Anacapa and Salomon Cross Hike 2, both of which I’ve worn and reviewed.

Similar Hiking Shoes

HOKA ONE ONE Anacapa Mid GTX

MSRP: $195
Waterproof: Yes; GORE-TEX lining
Outsole: Vibram

Read a review here

Salomon Cross Hike 2 Mid Gore-Tex

MSRP: $190
Waterproof: Yes; Gore-Tex lining
Outsole: Rubber

Read a review here

This product was donated for purpose of review.

The post Deckers X Lab Enduro Max Mid GTX Review appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

The Jack Wolfskin Activate Thermic Pants are warm pants for cold-weather adventures, whether it’s hiking or snowshoeing. They’re wind and water repellent, and multiple zippered pockets are large enough to hold a phone, snacks, and lightweight gloves.

Activate Thermic Pants Specs

MSRP: $129.95 (on sale for $90.99)

Fabric: Flex Shield Thermic, a warm, breathable, and stretchy softshell fabric created by Jack Wolfskin that’s wind resistant and water repellent.

About the Activate Thermic Pants 

The insulated Activate Thermic pants keep my legs warm and dry when I’m hiking or backpacking, and the fabric breathes so my legs don’t overheat. The snug fit holds my body heat close to my legs and means less dead air to heat. I like the multiple pockets for stashing a phone and snacks. The pants are available in men’s and women’s sizes.

Activate Thermic Features

Comfort: Although the pants are snug they don’t restrict my movement, helped by the articulated knees. The thermal lining is soft against my skin.

Fit: I wear 36-inch waist pants, and the large Thermic are a good fit. I like that the pant legs, stretchy at the bottom, stay pulled down over my 9-inch winter boots, keeping snow that kicks up when I’m snowshoeing or hiking from getting inside my boots.

Water, Wind Resistance: The Flex Shield fabric used in the Activate Thermic pants is a softshell fabric that’s breathable, water resistant, and wind repellent. External moisture didn’t get in while I was outdoors in a snowstorm, and sweat didn’t build up inside.

Pockets: Two front, one rear, and one leg pockets, all with zippers, and all protected by insulation so gear, such as a phone, doesn’t get cold. I use the side hip pockets to stash my phone, while snacks go in the leg pocket

Warmth: I hiked in temperatures down to the mid-20s and my legs stayed warm without adding an insulated layer underneath.

Room for a Belt: Four belt loops hold up the pants if needed. The two front loops are near the zipper, keeping the pants from sagging in the front. The same goes for the two loops in the back that are close together. A metal hook and snap keep the pants fastened in front.

Sustainability: The Activate Thermic get the environmentally friendly Bluesign certification. All Jack Wolfskin clothing is free from PFCs and PVCs, and the company does not use nanotechnology that could produce controversial nanoparticles.

Color: Black

Activate Thermic Pros

Comfort: The Thermic pants hug my legs and waist without restricting movement. The close fit means less dead air that needs to be heated.

Warmth: Plenty warm in the 20s and above.

Four Pockets: All the pockets are insulated, and where you stash gear is personal preference. I put my phone in a side hip pocket because it flopped around in the leg pocket. Snacks go in the leg pocket, and I don’t like carrying anything in the rear pocket.

Activate Thermic Cons

None: I couldn’t find anything I dislike about the pants.

Overall Value

The Activate Thermic pants have what I want in winter pants: they’re soft and warm, wind- and water-resistant, and breathe to lessen sweat buildup. They have four pockets with zippers, all protected by insulation, that hold everything from a phone to snacks to lip balm. And the $129.95 price is on the lower end for comparable insulated pants. I have tested several Jack Wolfskin coats and have found the company’s gear to be high quality for a competitive price.

Similar Insulated Pants

Arc’teryx Gamma Pants

MSRP: $200

Mountain Hardwear Yumalino Pants

MSRP: $89 ($52.98 on sale)

North Face Freedom Insulated Pants

MSRP: $220 (on sale for $154)

This product was donated for purpose of review.

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The Paka Breathe Zip Hoodie is a comfortably soft and warm midweight layer for all seasons and activities. It’s made of Peruvian alpaca fiber handwoven by women artisans in Peru.

Breathe Zip Hoodie Specs

MSRP: $139

Fabric: Alpaca fiber

Intended Use: Good for a midweight inner layer or as an outer layer worn over a lightweight layer.

About the Paka Breathe Zip Hoodie

I wear the Breathe Zip Hoodie for running and hiking, and depending on the temperature and activity I wear it as an outer layer with a base layer underneath or as a next-to-skin layer underneath a down coat. The Hoodie’s thumb holes make it easy to slip on an outer layer, and the zippered side pockets hold snacks and my phone. The Hoodie has become my favorite winter layer because of its versatility and soft feel against my skin.

Breathe Zip Hoodie Features

Materials: 100% natural fabrics: breathable exterior alpaca fiber and organic Pima cotton lining. Pima cotton, native to Peru, adds to the Breathe Hoodie’s soft and smooth feel.

Comfort: The Breathe Hoodie, with flatlock seams, rests comfortably against my skin, with no itch or chafe. The hoodie is available in men’s and women’s sizes.

Moisture Management: Alpaca fiber is naturally water-resistant and highly breathable. But water resistant doesn’t mean waterproof. The hoodie soaked through in spots while I was wearing it as an outer layer in a snowstorm and was slow to dry, presumably because of the cotton lining. I’ll be putting a raincoat over the hoodie now when it rains or snow.

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.

Wind Resistance: The Hoodie blocked the wind when I wore it with a lightweight layer underneath on several windy-day hikes.

Warmth: I wore the Hoodie as a base layer under a down puffy while hiking with the temperature in the teens. I also wore it as an outer layer over a lightweight shirt while running when the temperature was in the 20s and 30s.

Thumb Holes: A generous, almost invisible thumb hole on each sleeve makes it easy to pull on an outer layer.

Zipper: The wide zipper guard keeps out the wind and a chin guard seals in the zipper pull so that it doesn’t scrape my neck and chin.

High Collar: The Hoodie zips up to the bottom of my chin, providing protection from cold air and wind.

The Hood: Wraps loosely around my head. Wearing a hat anchors the hood to my head, and pulls the collar up enough to cover my chin.

Two Side Pockets: I can fit a cellphone, snacks, and lightweight gloves inside the two zippered pockets.

Fit: I’m 5 feet, 10 inches, 160ish, and a size large is loose on me, which I like because it lets me wear layers underneath. Paka’s fit guide suggests a medium hoodie for me.

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 Hoodie flat to dry.

Colors: Black, Andean moss, timber, and charcoal blue.

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. Read here for more about Paka’s story.

Paka Breeze Zip Hoodie Pros

Simple and Light: The Breathe Zip Hoodie is a warm, versatile coat that that isn’t weighed down by extras.

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.

High Collar: I like that the collar reaches to my chin, keeping cold air and wind from slicing into my neck.

Locally Sourced and Made: OK, Paka clothing isn’t made in the U.S. But it is sourced and woven in Peru, and Paka’s sales help support Peruvian families.

Breathe Zip Hoodie Cons

Small Things: The hood and hem aren’t adjustable to seal in heat and keep out the wind and cold, but I prefer the Hoodie’s simple design to those features.

Slow to Dry: The cotton lining is slow to dry when it gets wet.

Overall Value

The Breathe Zip Hoodie has become my layer of choice because of its soft feel, warmth, and versatility for a range of temperatures. And the price is lower than similar alpaca and merino wool hoodies, making the Breathe Zip Hoodie a good outdoor layer that won’t break your budget.

Similar Hoodies

All-Paca Fleece Hoodie

MSRP: $165

Material: Alpaca fiber

Melanzana Micro Grid Hoodie V2

MSRP: $86

Material: Micro Grid fleece

Ibex Shak Hoodoo Hoodie

MSRP: $280

Material: Merino wool

This product was donated for purpose of review.

The post Paka Breathe Zip Hoodie Review appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody packs a lot of warmth into an ultralight coat with minimal features, making it a solid choice for backcountry travel.

Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody Specs

MSRP: $420

Weight: 6.7 ounces

Insulation: 1,000-fill goose down

Shell Fabric: 5D x7D ripstop nylon with a DWR finish

About the Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody

Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer down coat has built trail cred over the years for its light weight and warmth. And with the UL Hoody the Ghost Whisperer adds to its reputation by dropping 2 ounces of weight without sacrificing warmth and comfort. The result? A 6.7-ounce coat that packs small and light, and wears warm for outdoor adventures.

Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody Features

Insulation: The 1,000-fill goose down is at the high end for coat insulation, and provides warmth with less weight. The key to understanding fill is that a 1,000-fill down coat isn’t necessarily warmer than an 850-fill or 650-fill down coat. It just takes less down, and therefore less weight, to provide warmth. And it’s good to know that Mountain Hardwear uses high quality goose down that is collected using the Responsible Down Standard.

Ultralight: Everything about the UL Hoody screams ultralight, from its minimal features to the 1,000-fill down. It’s so light that it feels like a puff of wind could blow it away if I don’t hold tight when I’m putting it on.

Temperature Range: I was comfortable while hiking in the mid-20s with a light long-sleeve base layer on underneath the UL Hoody. The coat alone without a warm layer underneath is good at temperatures above the high 30s.

Pockets: Two large outer pockets with zippers that can hold a phone, lightweight gloves, or a snack. No inside or chest pockets in order to cut weight.

Zipper: Small-toothed zipper with a wind baffle on the coat’s inside. The zipper pull has a large enough cord attached so I can wear lightweight gloves while zipping the coat, but because the zipper is so small getting it started can be difficult.

Shell Fabric: 5D x7D 100% ripstop nylon. The shell fabric is thin and lightweight, making the coat best for non-contact activities, and has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish. I don’t wear the UL Hoody—or any down coat—on wet days.

Good Wind Resistance: I was pleasantly surprised by how well the UL Hoody cut the wind on cold, blustery days.

Hood: The hood doesn’t have drawstrings, but still clings loosely to my head. Wearing a hat underneath helps tighten the hood’s grip on my head.

Wrist Cuffs: The cuffs have an elastic binding, but I find they hang loosely on my wrists. Lightweight gloves help close the gap. The first baffle at both cuffs is filled with synthetic insulation to prevent the cuffs from wetting out.

Hem: The hem has stretch fabric, instead of a drawstring, around about three-quarters of the coat. Like the wrist cuffs, the hem fits loosely around my waist.

Fit: I’m 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and weigh 160ish. A large is a good fit for me, with room for a layer or two underneath.

Packability: The UL Hoody doesn’t have an inside pocket that it can pack into, but it is possible to stuff it into one of the outer pockets. Or I stuff it into a dry sack with the rest of my trail clothes.

Manufactured: Imported.

UL Hoody Pros

Ultralight: The 1,000-fill down and minimal features combine for an ultralight coat.

Best Use: The UL Hoody is a good coat for backpackers who want an ultralight coat to fight the morning chill or stay warm in camp at night.

Warmth: Good as a single layer in the upper 30s to warmer, best with inner layers when the temperature drops below freezing.

UL Hoody Cons

Few Features: The UL Hoody provides warmth and light weight, but that’s about it. If you’re looking for a coat with more features this isn’t the one for you.

Limited Versatility: Because of its thin outer shell the UL Hoody isn’t good for bushwhacking, rock climbing, or any activity that might rip the shell. I would not use the UL Hoody as an outer layer in extreme cold.

Overall Value

The UL Hoody is expensive, but falls in line with other 1,000-fill down coats. The question is whether the weight savings is worth the extra price. The UL Hoody weighs 6.7 ounces and costs $420; the Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody with 800-fill down costs $360 and weighs 8.8 ounces. If a few extra ounces aren’t important to you, the Ghost Whisperer/2 might be the coat for you. For ounce counters like me, I’ll go with the UL Hoody. Either way, the Ghost Whisperer is a trail-tested coat that should last years.

Similar 1,000-Fill Coats

Montbell Plasma 1,000 Alpine Down Park

MSRP: $479

Weight: 8.4 ounces

Shell Fabric: DWR-treated 7D ripstop nylon

Rab Mythic G

MSRP: $525

Weight: 9.8 ounces

Shell Fabric: DWR-treated 7D ripstop nylon

Eddie Bauer Microtherm 1,000 Down Hoodie

MSRP: $399 (on sale for $229.25)

Weight: 10 ounces

Shell Fabric: 10D ripstop nylon

This product was donated for purpose of review.

The post Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hoody Review appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

The Charge 80 is a dependable power bank that has days of power to charge cell phones and other battery-powered devices that backcountry hikers increasingly rely on.

Charge 80 PD Specs

MSRP: $79.95

Weight: 16.4 ounces (465 grams)

Battery: 20,000 mAh

Charge Time: Five to 10 hours

Charge Capacity: Five phone charges

Input: USB-C port

Output: One USB-C, two USB-A ports

About the BioLite Charge 80

The Charge 80 PD is powerful enough to keep my cell phone, satellite communicator, and headlamp charged on multiday trips into the backcountry. The power bank handles three electronic devices at a time, and lighted bars on the battery case let me know how much power is left.

Charge 80 Features

Battery Storage Capacity: 20,000 mAh (milliamp hours) is more than enough power to keep electronic devices charged for multiple days. I frequently backpack on four- to five-day trips, taking trip notes, snapping lots of photos, and tracking my route, so I appreciate that the Charge 80 will power everything I need to do that.

Weight: 16.4 ounces, 465 grams. Carrying a nearly pound-and-a-half power bank breaks with my ultralight mantra, but not having to be miserly about my cell phone usage justifies the extra weight.

Charging Ports:

• Two USB-A ports. These are the common charging hookups for cell phone, satellite communicator, and headlamp cords. A standard cell phone charging cord has a small connector on the phone end and a rectangular USB-A plug for connecting to a charging block.
• One USB-C port. This is the newest technology for USB cords, and provides faster charging for electronic devices. The cord included with the Charge 80 has a USB-C plug on one end and a USB-A plug on the other end for charging the power bank. The USB-A plug can be inserted into a laptop, but cannot connect to cell phones unless an adapter is used. Or a cell phone charging cord with a USB-C plug can be connected to the Charge 80, and provides the fastest charge.

Charging Time: It took me about 10 hours to fully power the Charge 80 using the included USB-C/USB-A cord connected to a 5-watt charging block. I bought a USB-C to USB-C cord and a USB-C compatible 20-watt charging block for about $20 and dropped the time for a full charge to about 5 hours. The USB-C input is a maximum of 18 watts, so a charging block higher than 20 watts won’t lower the charging time.

Charging Inlet: The Charge 80 comes with a short USB-C/USB-A cord to charge the battery. You can use your phone’s charging brick with a USB-A port to plug the cord into an outlet. Most cell phones come with a USB-A compatible 5-watt charging block that takes almost 10 hours to fully power the Charge 80. (See Charging Time above for how to lower the charge time to 5 hours.)

Charge Indicator: Lighted bars near the charging ports indicate battery life. Four bars means fully charged, one means it’s time to recharge the power bank. It took me two days of charging my cell phone and other electronics to reach three bars, four days to reach two bars, and five to deplete the battery. The bars light up when a device is inserted for charging, or pressing a button above the bars indicates battery level when a device isn’t charging. The low-battery light flashes when the power bank needs recharging.

Durability: The Charge 80 feels solid and has a protective cover. It’s not waterproof.

Total Power Output: 18 watts

Other Biolite Power Bank Sizes:

Charge 40 PD: 10,000 mAh, 9.3 ounces, $59.95. Provides nearly three cell phone charges, so good for an overnight hike or a hike of four to five days with careful electronics use.

Charge 20: 6,000 mAh, 5.8 ounces, $39.95. Provides nearly two cell phone charges, so good for day hikes or an overnight hike.

Dimensions: 6.7 x 3.2 x 1.0 inches (170 x 82 x 25 mm), about the size of my iPhone 11.

Temperature Limit: The approved operating temperature of the Charge PD series is -4F to 104F (-20C to 40C).

In the Box: Power bank charging cord and instructions. The instructions are minimal, and there’s little more in the way of guidance online. But the Charge 80 is easy to use, so it’s not a big deal. Charge the battery with the included cord and your own charging brick until all four bars are lighted.

Charge 80 Pros

Quick Charging: It takes two hours to charge my nearly depleted phone battery using a USB-C charging cord, and I can use the phone while it’s charging.

Multiple Ports: I can charge three devices at the same time, such as my phone, headlamp, and satellite communicator.

Battery Indicator: Lighted bars indicate the device is hooked up and charging, and the bars range from four (full) to one (time to recharge the power bank).

Small: The Charge 80 is about the size of my iPhone 11.

Charge 80 Cons

Weight: At nearly a pound and a half, the Charge 80 is at the high end of weight for power banks.

Long Charging Time: The Charge 80 takes a minimum of five hours to charge, so it might not be the best choice for long-distance hikers hoping for a quick charge during a short town stop.

Overall Value

The Charge 80 strikes a good balance for price, weight, and charging capacity. It’s not the least expensive or lightest 20,000 mAh charging block. But I like that it has enough power to keep all my electronic devices going for four to five days, and I can charge three devices at once. Less expensive power banks have two charging ports or do not allow charging using a fast USB-C port. For someone like me who uses multiple devices during extended backpacking trips the BioLite Charge 80 is a good choice.

Similar Power Banks

OtterBox Fast Charge

MSRP: $54.95

Battery: 20,000 mAh

Anker 325

MSRP: $49.99

Battery: 20,000 mAh

Nitecore NB20000

MSRP: $99.95

Battery: 20,000 mAh

This product was donated for purpose of review.

The post BioLite Charge 80 PD Review appeared first on Backpacking Routes.

The Sea to Summit Ascent 1 is a versatile and lightweight sleeping bag that can be used like a quilt in warm weather, opened at the feet and sides for ventilation on a cool night, and fully zipped with a mummy hood and shoulder baffles when the temperature drops into the 30s and below.

Ascent 1 Specs

MSRP: $399 (on sale for $239.40)

Temperature Rating: 35F comfort, 25F lower limit

Insulation: Ultra-Dry 750+ loft down

Size: Regular

Bag Weight: 1 pound, 14 ounces

Fill Weight: 11.6 ounces

Shell Fabric: 20D nylon

About the Ascent

Versatility is the Ascent’s strength: compatible Sea to Summit women’s bags can be zipped to the Ascent to form one bag; a zipper in the footbox can be opened for ventilation; a half zip allows the top of the bag to be folded down like a quilt; and the main zipper along with the footbox zipper can be opened to let the bag be more like a blanket. And the baffles lining all the zippers ensure that cold air doesn’t get in when the zippers are closed.

Ascent Features

Materials: The outer shell is made from lightweight 20D nylon, a durable but not heavy fabric weight.

Insulation: Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified 750+ loft duck down with Sea to Summit’s Ultra-Dry down treatment that protects the down from external moisture and internal condensation. Sea to Summit also says Ultra-Dry down dries faster than untreated down.

Temperature Rating: I was comfortable at 37F, just above the comfort rating of 35F, while wearing my usual night clothes: lightweight long-sleeve shirt, long bottoms, and socks. At 29F, the lowest temperature I slept in, I added a midweight top and was comfortably warm with the hood and shoulder baffles drawn tight. The lowest rated temperature for the bag is 25F, and I feel as though I would have been on the edge of comfortable warmth at that temperature.

Weight: 1 pound, 14 ounces for a regular size. Not ultralight, but still a lightweight bag.

Bag Construction: The vertical baffles over the chest are meant to prevent down from shifting while rolling over in your sleep, while the lower bag from about the waist down and all of the bag’s back have the traditional horizontal baffles. The footbox is squarish for more foot room.

Baffles: Generous baffles line all the zippers, the shoulders, and the hood.

Footbox: The footbox zipper lets you open the bag at the bottom for ventilation on warm nights, but when the temperature drops and the zipper is closed a baffle keeps cold air from getting in.

Mummy Hood: Although the hood is on the small side, my inflatable Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow fits inside.

Zippers: Mastering what Sea to Summit calls its Free-Flow triple-zip on the Ascent takes a few minutes, so it’s a good idea to practice before heading into the backcountry.

• Main Zipper: This one’s easy enough. The left side zipper is the standard two-way sleeping bag zipper, with top and bottom sliders. I can zip the sleeping bag closed around my head and open the bottom slider to provide ventilation.
• Half Zipper: On the right side of the bag, opposite the full zipper. This zipper slides down to make the sleeping bag more like a quilt or blanket.
• Footbox Zipper: This opens the sleeping bag at the bottom for additional ventilation. It’s even possible to slide your feet through the footbox opening and put on shoes, keeping the bag around you on cold mornings.

No-Snag Zippers: A wide strip of stiff fabric alongside the zippers keeps them from snagging on the baffles, ensuring the zipper didn’t snag during my nighttime visits to the privy.

Drawstrings: I like the separate drawstrings for the hood and shoulders, both of which have baffles to keep out air. These let me tighten the bag at my shoulders in moderate temperatures to keep cool air from getting into the body of the bag while letting the hood fit loosely around my head. The shoulder baffle also lets me use the bag more as a quilt, without using the hood. Or I can use the hood in cold weather and tighten both drawstrings to keep out cold air.

Inner Pocket: Big enough to hold a small headlamp, but I couldn’t fit my iPhone11 in it. And the 11 is small compared with the later iPhone models.

You’ll Stand Out: The neon green color of the Ascent means you’ll be able to pick out your bag in a packed shelter.

Fit: I’m 5 feet, 10 inches, 160ish pounds, and the regular size bag is a good fit for me.

Accessories: Lightweight Ultra-Sil compression bag for the trail and large storage bag for home.

Room for Two: The Ascent’s #5 YKK zipper allows the bag to be paired with the women’s Sea to Summit Altitude, Journey and Venture sleeping bags.

Bags for Different Temperatures: The Ascent comes in a 25F EN (European Norm) rated bag, which is what I tested, and in 0F and 15F bags. All have 750 fill down, and the bags listed below are regular size.

• Ascent 3: 0F, 2 pounds, 14 ounces, $499.

• Ascent 2: 15F, 2 pounds, 6 ounces, $449.

• Ascent 1: 25F, 1 pound, 14 ounces, $399.

Manufactured: In China

Ascent Pros

Zippers, Zippers, Zippers: The three zippers make the Ascent 1 a versatile bag for three-season camping.

Weight: The Ascent isn’t ultralight, but at 1 pound, 14 ounces it’s a bag that packs small and carries light.

Warmth: The Ascent lives up to its rating of 25F for the lowest temperature limit.

No-Snag Zippers: The wide, firm strip of fabric alongside the zippers makes the Ascent easy to get in and out of without fumbling with a stuck zipper.

Ascent Cons

Too Many Zippers?: The array of zippers may not be for hikers who just want to deal with one zipper.

Overall Value

The Ascent 1 has a lot going for it with the bag’s versatility, light weight, and warmth. The $399 price is slightly less than comparable sleeping bags, and Sea to Summit’s holiday sale makes the Ascent’s price more attractive.

Similar Sleeping Bags

Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20

MSRP: $469.95

Weight: 1 pound, 12 ounces

Insulation: 800-fill down

Rab Neutrino Pro 500

MSRP: $470

Weight: 2 pounds

Insulation: 800-fill down

Big Agnes Greystone 20

MSRP: $269.95

Weight: 2 pounds, 4 ounces

Insulation: 600-fill down

This product was donated for purpose of review.

The post Sea to Summit Ascent 1 Sleeping Bag Review appeared first on Backpacking Routes.