Review: Lem’s Trail Blazer Mid Hiking Boots
Lems’ Trail Blazer Mid hiking boots combine a zero‑drop platform with a lightweight, breathable design, weighing just 13.7 oz per shoe. The mid‑height collar offers moderate ankle support while the wide toe box encourages natural toe splay. Though not waterproof and equipped with modest 3.5 mm lugs, the boots deliver reliable traction on hard‑packed trails and dry to mildly wet terrain. They target hikers who prioritize comfort and a minimalist feel over heavy-duty protection for technical routes.
Review: Showers Pass Cloudburst Hoodie
The Showers Pass Cloudburst Hoodie is a three‑layer, 15,000 mm waterproof jacket with an impressive 40,000 gsm breathability rating, targeting cyclists, trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. Weighing just 11.9 oz, it features athletic‑cut sizing, hip‑belt‑compatible torso vents that double as pockets, and a...
Review: MSR Reactor 1.7L Stove System
The MSR Reactor 1.7 L stove system combines a regulated canister burner with a hard‑anodized pot and lid, weighing 17.6 oz total. It boils a liter of water in roughly 3–3.5 minutes and maintains performance in wind and cold thanks to its enclosed...
Anker Hermes Rechargeable Backpacking Stove System
Anker Electronics announced a rechargeable, induction‑based backpacking stove called Hermes, which replaces traditional isobutane canisters with a USB‑C‑compatible lithium‑ion battery. The all‑in‑one unit integrates a 1 L pot, induction coil and battery in a 15.8‑oz cylinder, promising faster boiling, zero flame...
10 Best Trail Runners and Hiking Shoes of 2026
SectionHiker’s 2026 guide ranks the ten best trail runners and hiking shoes, highlighting models such as the Altra Lone Peak 9+, Hoka Speedgoat 7, and Danner Trail 2650 GTX. The list contrasts lightweight, quick‑dry trail runners with sturdier, waterproof hiking shoes, noting price points...
Review: Jetboil Flash 1.8L Stove System (New in 2026)
The 2026 Jetboil Flash 1.8 L stove system adds a larger pot, silicone‑covered folding handles, and a thermochromic window to Jetboil’s classic all‑in‑one design. Weighing 18.8 oz, it boils 1 L of water in about four minutes and costs roughly $165, undercutting the comparable...
Review: Sea-to-Summit Ultralight XR Insulated Sleeping Pad
The Sea‑to‑Summit Ultralight XR Insulated sleeping pad weighs just 14.6 oz while delivering an R‑value of 3.6, making it suitable for three‑season backpacking. Its proprietary Air Sprung Cells create a stable, mattress‑like feel that outperforms traditional tube‑style inflatables. The pad folds...
Review: Mountain Hardwear Alakazam 60 Backpack
The Mountain Hardwear Alakazam 60 is a 60‑liter, ultralight backpack built around the new ALUULA fabric, marketed for its waterproof, high‑strength properties. Weighing just under 2 lb, the pack costs $595 and features a roll‑top, side pockets, and a V‑shaped aluminum frame....
Altra Experience Wild 3+ Trail Runner Review
The Altra Experience Wild 3+ Trail Runner is positioned as a versatile, light‑trail shoe that blends protection, stability, and moderate cushioning. It features a 4 mm heel‑to‑toe drop, Vibram Megagrip outsole, and Altra’s signature roomy toe box, targeting both men and...
How to Pack a Frameless Backpack
The article explains how to pack a frameless backpack by creating a virtual frame with a foam or inflatable pad, then arranging gear by weight to achieve stability. It outlines step‑by‑step placement: pad against the back panel, light compressible items...