Category: gear

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Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2025

As chosen by Clever Hiker.

Best Ultralight Pack Overall: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 ($369)

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Most Versatile Ultralight Pack: Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 ($274)

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Best Frameless Pack: Nashville Pack Cutaway ($326)

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Most Comfortable Ultralight Pack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315)

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Best Load Hauler: ULA Circuit ($300)

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Best Minimalist Pack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 ($379)

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Lightest Large Capacity Pack: Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 ($399)

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Well-Priced & Comfortable Ultralight Pack: Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 ($275)

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Frameless Pack with Good Organization: Pa’Lante V2 ($240)

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Best Budget Buy: Durston Kakwa 55 ($199)

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Best Crossover Pack: REI Flash Air 50 ($299)

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In 2025, I’ll be switching from the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 (as I’ve pretty much worn it out) to the Hyperlite Unbound 55. In my day hike testing, the Unbound is even better.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Ugreen’s 145W, 25,000mAh Power Bank

Increasingly on the trail, I need reliable power.

My latest purchase is Ugreen’s 145W 25,000mAh portable power bank.

… 3 ports: a USB-C port for charging the unit at a maximum power of 65W — capable of being fully recharged in 2 hours using a 65W AC charger — and for outputting up to 100W, another USB-C port that supports outputs up to 45W, and a USB-A port that allows for outputs up to 18W. 

… a small LED panel designed for a singular purpose — to display the battery capacity …

  • Battery capacity: 25000mAh
  • Total output: 145W
  • Charge protocols:
    USB-C1
    USB-C2
    USB-A
  • Bi-directional charging: Yes
  • Dimensions: 16 x 8.08 x 2.67 cm
  • Weight: 505 g (1.11 pounds) !

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There are other better, heavier, and more expensive options.

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My RAB Men’s Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket

I’ve been wearing a series of Helly Hansen LIFALOFT™ Hooded Insulator Jackets almost daily since 2019.

Love them. Especially because I can machine wash and dry those jackets without fear. I’ve washed some dozens of times.

But in 2025 I’m having trouble finding that jacket online.

As an alternative, I’m trying my first RAB synthetic puffy jacket.

Vancouver Island Balance Beam

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Synthetic primaloft equivalent to 650 fill.

CAD $230 shipped free to me. A good price. Not much more than I’ve paid for the Helly Hansen.

Click PLAY or watch a review on YouTube.

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Apple Watch for Photos / Videos 2025

My main use case is taking a photo / starting video recording remotely.

Of course I put my iPhone on a tripod.

A.I. generated image
  • Camera Remote on Apple Watch is fantastic. Within about 33 feet or 10 meters it provides these options:
    • photo timer delay
    • switch Camera (front or rear)
    • LIVE PHOTO (auto, on, or off)
  • all iPhone camera modes work with the app — aside from panorama
  • framing the photo / video from a distance is a plus
  • I always use LIVE PHOTO to later choose the best image
  • I set up the iPhone to get closer to birds / animals. And then click remotely when they are in frame.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Best Gear Shop in Canada – GearTrade.ca

I was shocked on arrival at the GearTrade warehouse in Okotoks, Alberta near Calgary.

I made the trip to try on the new Hyperlite Unbound 55 Backpack.

Loved it. Bought it.

A big upgrade from my current Hyperlite 3400 Windrider.

Most of the GearTrade.ca business is done online. But you can make an appointment to visit in person if you want hands-on before making payment. It’s a terrific place to ask for advice.

Click PLAY or watch on YouTube.

Kane tours the store. And interviews Jesse on the most popular equipment they sell. And his recommendations for any new hiker who wants to get properly set up for overnight hiking.

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EcoFlow Power Hat

USD $129.00 right now.

Your hat as a solar panel?

MIGHT work well if hiking many hours in a very sunny location.

EcoFlow says it’ll output a maximum of 5V / 2.4A, so you can expect it to keep your phone or tablet topped up rather than producing anything too life-saving. There’s no battery on board, naturally, so you’ll need to keep a long wire handy to run from your cap down to whichever pocket you keep your devices near.

Engadget

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My Drones CRASHING Montage 😀

I can laugh now — but each was traumatizing in the moment.

My first drone was the inexpensive Mavic Mini SE.

Though careful, I crashed it a LOT.

And finally killed it completely flying into the restaurant doors … twice.

Upgrading to the DJI Mini 4 Pro, I’m unlikely to crash. Often.

It has VERY good obstacle avoidance.

This montage includes perhaps half of my crashes.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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50 Tips from an Experienced Hiker

Mowser lives in Tasmania, a very challenging hiking climate.

Over his 30+ years hiking and guiding, he’s made many mistakes. And seen many more.

If you watch this entire video, I guarantee there will be some tips you’ll take to heart for your next adventure.

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If you like those, here are a few more.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.