Best hikes, treks, tramps in the world.
I’ve been an MSR Hubba hiker for perhaps 20 years.
BUT if I bought a new tent today, it would be the Durston X Dome 1+.
I’m not buying today because it’s been SOLD OUT for as long as I can remember. 😀
I finally put my email address on the waiting list.
Click PLAY or watch the best review I’ve seen so far on YouTube.
Best Ultralight Pack Overall: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 ($369)
Most Versatile Ultralight Pack: Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 ($274)
Best Frameless Pack: Nashville Pack Cutaway ($326)
Most Comfortable Ultralight Pack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315)
Best Load Hauler: ULA Circuit ($300)
Best Minimalist Pack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 ($379)
Lightest Large Capacity Pack: Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 ($399)
Well-Priced & Comfortable Ultralight Pack: Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 ($275)
Frameless Pack with Good Organization: Pa’Lante V2 ($240)
Best Budget Buy: Durston Kakwa 55 ($199)
Best Crossover Pack: REI Flash Air 50 ($299)
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.
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 …
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
There are other better, heavier, and more expensive options.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
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.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
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.
My main use case is taking a photo / starting video recording remotely.
Of course I put my iPhone on a tripod.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
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.
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
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
besthike.com 