Hiking in long pants has always been a struggle for me. While the morning might start out cool enough to warrant long pants as soon as I start going uphill I’m generating enough body heat I just want to strip down to my shorts.

The Holy Grail: Arcteryx Stradium Pants

But then I get to the top of the climb, which is often exposed and/or windy, and I immediately want to put my long pants back on. Other times the air temp might not justify long pants but I want to protect myself from vegetation and bugs (overgrown trail, poison ivy, mosquitos) or intense direct sun (the desert or reflecting off of snowfields)… but once again, there is still the overheating issue.

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What are the best socks for a thru hike?

Durability and Performance:
If there was ever a true test of a hiking sock’s durability, a 2200 mile thru hike surely qualifies.

I’ve tried many different hiking socks over the years with varying results. As most already know, anything made out of cotton is out…absorbs too much water and they take forever to dry. For many years I was big fan of Smartwool but they seem to wear out surprisingly quickly (especially for the price). So my sock of choice now is a brand called Darn Tough out of Vermont (but widely available). They are a wool blend which makes for a more durable sock…so much so that they have a lifetime guarantee…now that’s standing behind your product! Continue reading →

Zpacks Hexamid Solo Plus Tent Review

In the summer of 2016 I completed a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail and my primary home for those 117 days was the Zpacks Hexamid Solo Plus. When I purchased the tent the goals were: ultralight weight (~18oz w/o stakes), use of a single trekking pole to set up, and I liked the idea of supporting a cottage industry that manufactures its products domestically.
Overall, I was very happy with the tent and it was well suited for the AT environment. Continue reading →

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Lightweight and Full Featured
The REI Flash 45 Pack is a fantastic lightweight, full featured pack capable of carrying a thru-hiker load if you can pack efficiently. I have had many packs over the years and each one seems to either represent improvements in technology and/or serve a specific need.

If this link to the REI Flash 45 no longer works unfortunately it may have been discontinued…in the meantime it’s on sale for $64 !

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This is not me…maybe 15 years ago!

The MEC T3 Hoodie is a terrific base layer that is impressively warm considering its minimal weight (7oz / 205gr). It is very similar to Patagonia Capilene Thermal weight but about half the price with better features (Canadian $ is weak so you get more for your money even after $15  for USA shipping)

I really like the fitted hood as I can wear it under my ski helmet on cold days (rather than bringing a balaclava). I also appreciate the extra long zipper (just above belly button) as it aides in ventilation. The thumb holes are more robust than on most shirts and with the extra long sleeve length it definitely helps to keep your hands warm. I haven’t had an opportunity to really test out the wicking/breathability of the shirt but the waffle knit helps to promote airflow.

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• An Umbrella, is great for not just the rain but also the sun. The big advantage is that you don’t overheat like you would in a rain jacket, especially when climbing up hill. It’s not too difficult to rig up to your pack so it’s hands free.

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