light gear – Andrew Skurka

Interesting gear tips by one of the top distance hikers in the world.

I wear running shoes year-round. Compared to hiking boots, running shoes are:

* Lighter
* More comfortable
* More breathable
* Faster drying

He favours Montrail running shoes including the Highline.

Men\'s Montrail Highline - Grey/Yellow

Andrew has also posted full gear lists from past hikes.

I also wore running shoes on my last hike. Very comfortable!

Cannondale’s LE Carbon clothing

Time Magazine’s annual “Most Amazing Inventions of the Year” issue rates the LE Carbon collection of cycling apparel one of 2005’s coolest inventions.

Cannondale utilizes TrapTekâ„¢ technology to imbed their proprietary QuadTex fabric with activated carbon made from coconut shells. This activated carbon provides Cannondale’s LE Carbon apparel with exceptional moisture management and odor adsorption characteristics.

When the body heats up, Quadtex Carbon’s MicroClimateâ„¢ activates, with 45% better moisture transfer than most fabrics. It keeps a body cool during hot days and heats up during colder ones. This revolutionary new fabric also traps odor during physical activity. The odor is “adsorbed” along with bacteria and is only released during a normal wash and dry cycle, during which the carbon re-activates itself again for another ride. Cannondale LE Apparel also boasts UV protection with an SPF rating of 50+.

details

gear – Mutha Hubba tent

We already love the 1 and 2 person Hubba tents. The big Mama version is a winner as well.

The mother of all Hubbas. Our lightest, most livable 3-person tent, the Mutha Hubba provides maximum interior space along with two stay-dry entrances and two large vestibules. Use it as a double-wall tent for full protection or as a freestanding tarp shelter with optional footprint to save weight.

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details on the MSR website

Merino wool is back “in”

I heard Chris Townsend on a podcast recently championing wool over synthetics. Especially when worn under a garment. Especially on longer hikes.

On one of his reviews of hiking socks:

Smartwool Hiking is my first choice with the well-priced Fox River Trailmaster a very close second.

Townsend routinely wears a different sock on each foot in order to compare them.

SmartWool Adrenaline Light Mini Crew Socks - Men\'s

gear – Swiss Champ knife

Amazon.com: Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife (Red): Sports & Outdoors

I’m still lugging the 1lb ! (.45kg) biggest Swiss Army pocket knife made.

Heavy — but at least I’ve got the biggest tool in the woods!

32 stainless-steel tools with a lifetime warranty. Essential to me are the corkscrew, tweezers, nail file, pliers, and large knife (which should lock, but does not).
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What’s your favourite camping knife? Leave a comment below.

gear – Petzl Tikka LED headlamp

One of the great innovations in my lifetime was the Tikka headlamp. Good illumination for reading, astonishing battery life, and so lightweight I actually carry 2 in my pack. Of course there are many good competitors.

Tip — install fresh batteries at the start of the trip.
Amazon.com: Petzl E43P2 Tikka LED Headlamp
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