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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow is an inside favorite among some of the staff here. Put a layer of 1″ open cell packing foam, and adjust the cushion...
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Snowclaw Guide Shovel
The Snowclaw Guide Shovel is not our top pick for avalanche safety (it doesn’t have the muscle to plow through consolidated avalanche debris) but we highly recommend it as a...
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Gaia GPS App
Our pick for the best online trip planning, mapping, and navigation service. It offers a terrific smartphone app that can be used in the field to access maps and track...
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Petzl Actik Core 450 Headlamp
The Petzl Actik Core 450 Headlamp is bright enough for off-trail nighttime navigation, offers rechargeable (and interchangeable) batteries, and energy-saving task lighting modes. It’s one of the best sub-3-oz headlamps...
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Petzl Bindi Ultralight Headlamp
If you need a tiny light with a minimalist headband, the 1.2-oz Petzl Bindi Ultralight Headlamp is going to be hard to beat. We like it for its durability, brightness,...
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Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket
The Patagonia Micro Puff series offers one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios of any synthetic-fill jacket. It uses a high-efficiency fill (Plumafill), a unique partial-baffle construction that minimizes cold spots,...
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Gossamer Gear Gorilla Backpack
Built for organization and efficiency, with an internal frame for stabilizing loads. Unlike the Mariposa, the Gorilla has accessible water-bottle pockets on both sides.
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Gossamer Gear Kumo Backpack
The Kumo is a good option for those who want to experiment with tiny, ultralight gear kits but still want some comfort and features in a pack.
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Gossamer Gear Murmur Backpack
A truly minimalist, stripped down, small, ultralight pack with just enough features and carrying comfort for ultralight pack weights. This one is recommended for experts only who know exactly what...
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Inov8 G270 Trail Running Shoes
With a Graphene-infused sole for improved durability and traction, the Inov-8 G270 may be a good option for long-distance hikers who need to get as many miles as possible out...
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Ursack Major
If bear canisters aren’t required, we recommend the Ursack Major for food storage. It’s much easier and faster to use than a bear bag hanging system. Three sizes are available:...
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La Sportiva Akyra Trail Running Shoes
The La Sportiva Akyra is our recommendation for a technical trail shoe that has a very grippy sole for wet rock, and an aggressive lug pattern for mud, snow, and...
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Smartwool NTS 150 Merino Beanie
When you need a beanie hat for active, high-output use, you’ll want a merino wool cap that’s as thin as possible for maximum versatility. The Smartwool NTS 150 Merino Beanie...
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ZPacks Pack Liner Dry Bag
At 44L, the ZPacks Pack Liner Dry Bag is one of the lightest ways to protect your gear inside your pack in wet environements. Make with Dyneema Composite Fabrics, this...
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Altra Lone Peak Trail Running Shoe
The Altra Lone Peak is characterized by a 0-mm differential between the heel and toe (“zero-drop”), and a very wide toe-box. This combination makes for a natural hiking stride and...
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Hoka Speedgoat Trail Running Shoe
The Hoka Speedgoat has matured into one of the most comfortable trail shoes on the market, due primarily to its durable upper, Vibram sole, and very comfortable midsole. Due its...
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Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks
By separating each toe with fabric, the chance that friction-induced blisters will form between toes goes down dramatically. This is the strategy behind Injinji Toe Socks. The Midweight Mini-Crew model...
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Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters
Ultralight gaiters suffer a variety of limitations, not the least of which are durability, maintaining long-term water-resistance, and closure failures. If you abuse gaiters via bushwhacking, mountaineering, or snow travel...
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Darn Tough Hiker Boot Midweight Hiking Sock
While it’s tempting to use “ultralight” socks for “ultralight” backpacking, they quickly reach their limits when it comes to durability and comfort in inclement conditions. If you’re looking for a...
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Merino Buff
For all of the benefits of the slightly lighter microfiber Buffs, we actually recommend the Merino Buff for backpacking in cooler conditions. It’s warmer and cozier for no additional weight.
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