In episode 116 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we learn how to measure and interpret slope angles to help you navigate steep terrain and assess hazards in the backcountry.
The Vaer C5 Tactical Field Solar features a sapphire face cover, 316L stainless steel body, and a Japanese Epson VS-42 solar-powered movement that provides up to six months of power reserve at high precision. The watch is water-resistant up to 10 ATM (100 meters), offers a blacked-out aesthetic with exceptional lume performance, ensuring readability in low-light conditions.
The Silva Expedition NEO is a durable, high-precision compass designed for advanced navigation in challenging outdoor environments. It features a neodymium-powered needle that ensures swift and stable performance, and cannot be demagnetized, making it a reliable tool for professionals. The compass also includes a globally balanced needle for accurate readings worldwide, luminous markings for low-light conditions, a clinometer for measuring slopes, and adjustable declination for regional variations.
Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content.
Some (but not all) of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and visit one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently place an order with that retailer, we receive a commission on your entire order, which varies between 3% and 15% of the purchase price. Affiliate commissions represent less than 15% of Backpacking Light's gross revenue. More than 70% of our revenue comes from Membership Fees. So if you'd really like to support our work, don't buy gear you don't need - support our consumer advocacy work and become a Member instead.
Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.
In episode 115 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re sharing Big Talk about Tiny Things: Those little ultralight bits of gear that have an outsized impact on our experience in the backcountry.
Today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Garage Grown Gear, your hub for all things ultralight. Garage Grown Gear is dedicated to supporting the growth of small, startup, and cottage brands.
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Summary
In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re sharing Big Talk about Tiny Things: Those little ultralight bits of gear that have an outsized impact on our experience in the backcountry.
In this Episode:
R.I.P. Big Sky Sierra, July 21, 2015 – September 6, 2024.
The Alpenblow Micro Inflator is an ultralight, 8-gram (0.28 oz) device that inflates sleeping pads in approximately three minutes, drawing minimal power (18 mAh at 5V) from USB-C devices such as smartphones or power banks. Operating at a noise level of 42 dBA, it includes multiple nozzles compatible with Therm-a-Rest (WingLock), NEMO (Laylow), Big Agnes, Sea-to-Summit, and EXPED sleeping pad valves.
No mess, no fuss, virtually no weight. Take only what you need for any trip. The perfect solution for the gram-counting ultralighter. Multiple flavors. Good taste!
The Suluk46 Atani Titanium Tent Stakes are ultralight, flat-profile stakes available in 6-inch (5 grams) and 8-inch (9 grams) lengths, designed for optimal strength-to-weight performance.The wide upper section withstands significant guy-line forces, while the sharp, thin lower section facilitates penetration into hard ground.An upper indentation secures the guy-line loop, and the flat design prevents rotation.The 8-inch stakes include reflective tie loops for enhanced low-light visibility.
Battery-powered, rechargeable sleeping pad inflation pumps are small, light, and save you the hassle of having to blow up your inflatable sleeping pad without effort.
Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content.
Some (but not all) of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and visit one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently place an order with that retailer, we receive a commission on your entire order, which varies between 3% and 15% of the purchase price. Affiliate commissions represent less than 15% of Backpacking Light's gross revenue. More than 70% of our revenue comes from Membership Fees. So if you'd really like to support our work, don't buy gear you don't need - support our consumer advocacy work and become a Member instead.
Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.
In episode 114 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about the different types of synthetic fibers and fabrics used in outdoor apparel.
This episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Brynje, manufacturer of premium fishnet (open mesh) base layer apparel made with Schoeller polycolon and merino wool. Backpacking Light podcast listeners can enjoy 10% off with the coupon code BPL10 at Brynje USA.
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Summary
In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about the different types of synthetic fibers and fabrics used in outdoor apparel.
Fishnet solves the problem of slow movement (failed wicking) of sweat away from your skin surface by vastly increasing convective airflow in your baselayer. Brynje is the only company combining fishnet with hydrophobic polypropylene fiber, making it a nearly perfect base layer for cold conditions.
The Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button-Down is the only sun shirt integrating a full button-down front with a hood, offering adjustable ventilation rarely found in sun protective hiking apparel. Made from an 86% polyester, 14% spandex blend with antimicrobial and quick-drying properties, it includes zippered chest pockets, thumbholes, and a uniquely designed hood with a vent/hair hole and cinch cord. The body fabric is one of the highest air-permeable fabrics we've tested. Men's medium: 7.5 ounces (213 g) and up, depending on fabric choices.
Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content.
Some (but not all) of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and visit one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently place an order with that retailer, we receive a commission on your entire order, which varies between 3% and 15% of the purchase price. Affiliate commissions represent less than 15% of Backpacking Light's gross revenue. More than 70% of our revenue comes from Membership Fees. So if you'd really like to support our work, don't buy gear you don't need - support our consumer advocacy work and become a Member instead.
Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.
In this technical brief, we quantitatively evaluate the performance of lights considering brightness, battery life, and weight into an objective Lightbench Index.
In this guide, we’ll explore the primary categories of footwear for backpacking and hiking, including minimalist footwear, examining their unique benefits, limitations, and use cases.
In this guide, we’ll explore the primary categories of footwear for backpacking and hiking, including minimalist footwear, examining their unique benefits, limitations, and use cases. From minimalist hiking sandals to rugged mountain boots, we’ll dive into the design features and performance benefits that define each type, as well as the nuances of construction.
We sometimes refer to “hiking shoes” as “minimalist footwear” (vs. “hiking boots”). In this context, minimalist footwear can take on a variety of forms. The hybridization of design means the lines are blurry. The exact definition is less important than the idea that you aren’t resigned to wearing stiff, inflexible, heavy mountain boots for backpacking anymore. Photo: Ryan Jordan.
The outdoor recreation footwear market has evolved from a reliance on traditional hiking boots to a broader range of options designed for diverse environments and activities. This summary examines key footwear categories within a backpacking context, detailing their general uses, benefits, and limitations. Specifically, we’ll distinguish footwear into the following categories:
hiking sandals
trail running shoes
minimalist hiking shoes
non-minimalist hiking shoes
approach shoes
hiking boots
mountain boots
Backpacking footwear spans the range of minimalist, barefoot-style shoes (left) to mountain boots capable of securing mountaineering crampons (right). Photos: Ryan Jordan.
Hiking Sandals
Hiking sandals offer lightweight flexibility and are ideal for environments where breathability and packability are prioritized. They feature robust outsoles for rocky terrain and zero-drop midsoles (4–10 mm), which encourage a neutral foot posture. However, their open design exposes feet to the elements, making them unsuitable for extended trips in cold environments or very rugged terrain. These sandals appeal to lightweight backpackers, climbers, and water sports enthusiasts but lack the support and protection required for rigorous backpacking.
Use case: casual hikes, water crossings, climbing approaches.
Trail Running Shoes
Trail running shoes have gained popularity among backpackers for their lightweight design and versatility. With stack heights of 20–30 mm, they provide cushioning and protection from rough terrain. Aggressive treads, lugs, and optional rock plates enhance traction and defense. Wider toe boxes (100 mm+) and low heel-to-toe drops (4–8 mm) support a natural stride. While trail runners feel familiar to those accustomed to road running shoes, they offer less protection and structure than heavy-duty hiking boots, requiring an adjustment period for some users.
Use case: cushioned comfort for beginners who want to exit boots or experienced hikers seeking more speed and agility.
Minimalist Hiking Shoes
Minimalist hiking shoes combine the thin, flexible midsoles of hiking sandals with the added coverage of a protective upper. Designed to offer a closer-to-ground feel, minimalist hiking shoes prioritize flexibility and natural foot mechanics. These shoes cater to hikers seeking a lightweight, natural experience with more protection than sandals. However, minimalist hiking shoes typically lack the durability and support of traditional footwear, making them better suited for moderate hikes and lighter loads.
Use case: for hikers wanting to maintain natural biomechanics, and are willing to invest the time for their bodies to adapt.
Minimalist footwear is characterized by light weight, flexibility, fast dry times, low drop, a wide toebox, and lower stack heights than hiking boots or more traditional trail running shoes. Photo: Stephanie Jordan.
Non-Minimalist Hiking Shoes
Non-minimalist hiking shoes offer more robust protection and stability than their minimalist counterparts. Constructed from durable materials like nubuck leather and polyurethane, they provide enhanced durability at the cost of added weight. A snug fit can reduce blistering for some users by minimizing friction, but improper sizing may have the opposite effect. While less likely to feature wide toe boxes or zero-drop designs, these shoes strike a balance between comfort and sturdiness, making them ideal for backpackers who need lightweight yet secure footwear without the bulk of boots.
Use case: for hikers wanting more durability and protection for rugged terrain.
Approach Shoes
Approach shoes are a hybrid option designed for both hiking and climbing. Sticky rubber soles provide exceptional grip on rocky or uneven terrain, a feature favored by climbers and scramblers. While not suited for extended backpacking or icy conditions, they excel in scrambling and warm-weather adventures. Compared to standard hiking shoes, approach shoes include climbing-specific features, such as sticky toe zones, making them ideal for rocky trails and technical approaches.
Use case: for desert and mountain scrambling requiring stiff footbeds, climbing edges, and durable uppers for crack jamming.
Approach shoes are tuned to mountain scrambling in Class 2-4 terrain, and are characterized by footbed stiffness, durable uppers, and soles with edging platforms. Photo: Stephanie Jordan.
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots have been used by outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability, stability, and protection. Taller uppers provide ankle support and shield against trail hazards, while heavy-duty materials enhance longevity. Though heavier than other options, hiking boots offer time-tested reliability for rugged terrain and challenging conditions. High-cut versions provide extra support, while low-cut versions cater to hikers seeking more flexibility. These boots are best for those who value protection over lightweight design.
Use case: the traditional option, offering high durability and sole longevity.
Traditional hiking shoes offer more protection and immobility around the ankle and more durable uppers than trail running shoes, but are heavier and stiffer. Photo: Ryan Jordan.
Mountain Boots
Mountain boots occupy the extreme end of the footwear spectrum, designed for high-altitude and technical climbing. Incorporating waterproofing, insulation, and crampon compatibility, they are built for icy and snowy environments. Heavy and expensive, mountain boots prioritize safety and durability over comfort, making them indispensable for mountaineering but less suitable for general backpacking. Their specialized design ensures stability and protection in demanding conditions.
Use case: alpine environments requiring crampons; glacier, steep snow and ice climbing.
When crampons are required, mountain boots may be the safest option on very steep terrain. Photo: Ryan Jordan.
Criteria Summary
Stack Height
Stack height measures the amount of material between the foot and ground, primarily contributed by midsole cushioning, though outsoles, rock plates, and insoles can add to it. Higher stack heights provide additional cushioning and impact absorption but reduce ground feel, a feature often prioritized in minimalist footwear for improved proprioception. Minimalist footwear favors lower stack heights to enhance ground contact and proprioception, though this may reduce overall foot protection.
Stack height refers to the combined height of the outsole, midsole, insole, rock plate, etc. relative to the bottom surface of the outsole lugs.
Drop Height
The “drop” of a shoe refers to the difference between the amount of cushioning at the heel of the shoe versus the toe of the shoe. A high drop midsole can be used to protect the heel and lower body joints from the high impacts of long running strides, and lower or zero drop midsole encourages a more upright posture and midfoot strike, which some users associate with natural movement patterns. Minimalist shoes will generally feature these low or zero drops as they tend to prioritize natural movement and alignment.
Drop height is defined as the difference between the height of the user’s heel and the height of the user’s forefoot relative to the ground surface.
Toe Box Width
The toe box is the front part of a shoe where the toes rest, with traditional designs often tapering to a point, which can restrict movement and lead to foot issues. Wider toe boxes, common in minimalist footwear, allow for natural toe splay, allowing natural toe splay, which may improve balance and comfort on uneven terrain. However, a tighter toe box can offer benefits like improved control, reduced foot movement, and blister prevention in certain activities.
The Altra Lone Peak (blue) has a wide toe box, while the Hoka Speedgoat (grey) has a narrow toe box. Both shoes have similar forefoot width – don’t confuse forefoot width with toebox volume.
Upper Material
A shoe’s upper material can vary widely, with minimalist outdoor shoes often using woven mesh for its durability, breathability, and shape retention, which helps keep feet cool and dry. Mesh is also versatile, allowing for protective features like toe caps and heel supports. Leather uppers offer more robust protection and durability but require a longer break-in period and may stretch over time; both materials can be treated for water resistance.
Upper Stability
Shoe upper stability features are designed to keep the foot securely in position, often using heel cups, reinforced overlays, or polyurethane additions that prevent foot movement inside the shoe. These features are common in more rugged minimalist footwear, particularly for hikers carrying heavy packs, where additional foot security can benefit hikers carrying heavy loads or navigating rugged terrain. Midfoot shanks, often placed on the shoe’s outer edge, provide extra rigidity and stability, improving balance on uneven terrain and reducing the risk of ankle rolling.
Upper Height
Upper height refers to how high the shoe extends up the leg, with most minimalist options favoring low cuts to maximize ankle flexibility and range of motion. Some brands offer mid-height minimalist shoes, which provide more ankle protection, keep out dirt and debris, and reduce water entry. However, true stability is determined more by the midsole’s structure—its rigidity or plushness controls how well the shoe resists bending or twisting on uneven surfaces, which minimizes ankle rolling more effectively than upper height alone.
Cushioning Level
Cushioning level refers to the midsole thickness, impacting comfort, protection, and ground feel. Higher cushioning increases underfoot protection and impact absorption, though it may reduce ground feel and tactile feedback. Minimalist shoes aim to balance cushioning with flexibility, providing enough protection without sacrificing natural foot movement and ground responsiveness.
Midsole Construction
Midsole construction refers to the type and quality of cushioning in a shoe, with materials like EVA foam often used in minimalist shoes for lightweight comfort and flexibility. Unlike traditional hiking boots that may use rigid polyurethane for added stability, minimalist footwear prioritizes a softer, more flexible feel, sometimes blending foams of different densities for targeted protection. Stability features like shanks can be embedded within the midsole to enhance support, helping prevent ankle rolling and improve balance without compromising comfort.
Outsole Style
Outsole style refers to the tread design, material, and lug depth on a shoe’s sole, affecting grip and durability across surfaces. Minimalist shoes often have thin, flexible outsoles for better ground feel, with varied treads suited to specific terrains: mud-focused outsoles have deep, spaced lugs to shed debris, while mixed-terrain and all-terrain outsoles use smaller, multi-directional lugs for stability and versatility. The choice of outsole style directly impacts traction, adapting the shoe to specific environments and enhancing performance on various surfaces.
Rock Plate
Rock plates are thin, flexible inserts located near the forefoot in some minimalist shoes, designed to shield the foot from sharp rocks, roots, and other hazards on rough terrain. Rock plates distribute pressure from sharp objects, offering underfoot protection while maintaining flexibility and minimizing additional weight. Strategically integrated into the midsole, rock plates help prevent discomfort from sharp objects while preserving the shoe’s natural movement and responsiveness, making them a practical feature for those seeking both protection and ground feel in challenging outdoor environments.
Longitudinal Flexibility
Longitudinal flexibility refers to a shoe’s ability to bend along the length of the foot, allowing natural movement through the stride, which supports comfort and agility in minimalist shoes. High longitudinal flexibility allows the shoe to move closely with the foot on varied terrain, reducing strain and enhancing ground feel. In contrast, shoes with low longitudinal flexibility feel stiffer and can restrict natural foot motion, leading to a sense of restriction or discomfort, particularly on uneven surfaces.
Torsional Flexibility
Torsional flexibility is a shoe’s ability to twist along its length, allowing the foot to adapt to uneven terrain. High torsional flexibility lets the shoe follow the natural rotation of the foot, facilitating natural foot movement, which may improve comfort and adaptability on rugged surfaces. In contrast, shoes with low torsional flexibility feel rigid and may restrict this natural movement, which can lead to discomfort or a feeling of instability on uneven ground as the foot is less able to adjust to variations in the terrain.
Water Resistance
No shoe with a tongue can be fully waterproof, as the gusseted material connecting the tongue can’t be completely sealed. This means that water resistance in most shoes only extends up to the first lace hole, limiting their effectiveness in deep water. As a result, water-resistant minimalist shoes are designed to manage shallow puddles, small streams, or wet foliage but are less effective in deeper water or sustained exposure.
Stability / Arch Support
In minimalist shoes, arch support can slightly stabilize the midfoot, offering a touch of structure for those who need support over extended distances. However, shoes without arch support enable unrestricted foot movement, which activates the foot’s natural arch muscles and promotes a more adaptive, dynamic stride. This freedom can feel less stable at first for those accustomed to traditional footwear, yet over time, it can strengthen the arch and enhance foot flexibility for a more natural feel on varied terrain.
The Shoes
We included a few styles from each category, to provide the user with representative examples of lightweight footwear across the spectrum of weight, support, stability, protection, and durability.
The Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Sandals combine a 10mm high-performance sole for durable protection with a minimalist 215g weight (men’s size 9), delivering lightweight versatility for backcountry travel.
Benefits: low weight, high flexibility allows for natural foot motion.
Limitations: limited protection and support, no midsole arch, less suitable for technical trails, slippery footbed when wet, thin sole limits cushioning on rough terrain, lacing system requires frequent adjustment.
Use case: for those who prioritize natural movement and low weight in their hiking footwear.
The Bedrock Sandals Cairn 3D PRO Sandals feature a 14mm Vibram sole for rugged traction and a secure strap system, offering a precise fit and reliable performance for hikers and backpackers in diverse terrain.
Benefits: durable outsoles for slip resistance and longevity, some midsole arch support.
Limitations: somewhat heavier than so-called “barefoot” or “minimalist” sandals, break-in period required to relax out-of-the-box stiffness, thick sole limits ground feel, multiple adjustment straps are time-consuming to fine tune, heel strap closure accumulates debris.
Use case: for those who want a sandal with a little more structure, support, and traction.
The Xero Shoes Mesa Trail II features a 5.5mm FeelTrue sole with 3.5mm lugs for ground feedback and traction, paired with a lightweight 218g design (men's size 9) to support trail runners and hikers seeking minimalist performance.
Benefits: low weight, high flexibility, fairly durable upper for a minimalist/barefoot style shoe.
Limitations: minimal structure, support, and cushioning, shallow lugs limit traction on mud, wide toe box and high volume limits application on technical terrain.
Use case: for those who want enough traction for trail hiking with a barefoot-style feel.
The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG features a 3mm Firm Ground outsole with low-profile lugs for grip across mixed terrain, paired with a flexible design and 10.9 oz weight (men's size 9) to support natural movement during backcountry travel.
The Altra Lone Peak 8 Trail-Running Shoes feature a zero-drop platform and 25mm Altra EGO midsole for balanced cushioning, combined with MaxTrac outsoles for multi-surface grip, designed to support trail runners and hikers in varied terrain.
The Brooks Cascadia 18 Trail-Running Shoes feature a 20mm midsole with DNA LOFT v2 cushioning and an updated TrailTack outsole for stability and grip, providing versatile performance for hikers and trail runners on uneven terrain.
Benefits: cushioned heel and 8 mm drop offers a road-shoe-like feel for fast hikers.
Limitations: narrow toe box, drop is a little on the high side to provide barefoot-style physiological benefits, midsole lacks soft cushion feel, notable lack of durability in upper mesh and heel collar.
Use case: for those wanting to make a gradual transition away from traditional high-cushion, high-drop running shoes.
The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 features a 30mm ZipFoam midsole for cushioning and a Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole for traction, providing stable and responsive performance for hikers and backpackers on long-distance backcountry routes.
The Inov8 Trailfly features a 24mm PowerFlow+ midsole for responsive cushioning and a durable Graphene-Grip outsole for superior traction, designed to deliver stable performance on rugged, technical trails for hikers and backpackers.
The HOKA Challenger 7 trail-running shoes feature a 31mm heel and 26mm forefoot stack height with a 9mm drop, providing a cushioned, stable platform for mixed terrain. The 3.5mm lugs deliver traction on moderate trails and roads, making them suitable for longer hikes and light trail running
Benefits: plush feel (high stack height), rugged all-terrain outsole with good lug traction on hardpacked surfaces.
Limitations: narrow toe box, outsole lugs wear quickly, high stack limits ground feel and responsiveness and is borderline unsafe on steep, off-trail terrain, rocker design limits the feeling of a stable, supported heel.
Use case: versatility for hardpacked (dry) trails, gravel roads, and pavement.
The Scarpa Ribelle Run XT is designed for rugged, variable terrain, featuring a dynamic and responsive midsole combined with a durable, high-traction outsole. The shoe’s precision fit and lightweight construction support aggressive trail runners and backcountry travelers needing both stability and flexibility over challenging landscapes.
Benefits: underfoot protection, supportive upper, technical performance on steep terrain, durable sole and rand, good outsole traction in wet, mud, and snow.
Limitations: narrower fit than other minimalist designs, stiffer sole limits barefoot feel, heavier than the average trail running shoe, limited upper breathability, moderate break-in period.
Use case: technical, off-trail terrain when durability and support of an approach shoe isn’t needed, but you still need scree and scrambling performance.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX Trail-Running Shoes
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX Trail-Running Shoes feature a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane and a FriXion AT outsole with 6mm lugs for traction, providing stability and protection on technical trails. The 29mm heel and 21mm forefoot stack height offer cushioning for long-distance.
The Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX V2 boots combine a durable ripstop upper with a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing and feature a graphene-infused outsole with 6mm lugs for grip and longevity, making them suitable for rugged terrain and long-distance hikes.
Benefits: hiking boot style on a trail running chassis, durable and protective upper, rock plate, very good outsole grip on wet terrain.
Limitations: 9 mm drop is a little high for those seeking a minimalist-style experience, high pricing and limited availability in the US, limited breathability, snug fit.
Use case: for those prioritizing foot protection with a taller upper without sacrificing a trail running shoe feel.
The Scarpa Moraine WP hiking shoes feature a combination of suede and mesh uppers for durability and breathability, along with a GORE-TEX® lining for waterproof protection, making them versatile for various trail conditions.
Benefits: durable waterproof leather upper, rearfoot and heel stability, integrated RECCO reflector for SAR assistance.
Limitations: runs small (size up), fairly stiff for casual use or fast hiking, stiff ankle cuff requires a break-in period, tread pattern accumulates mud (narrow lug spacing).
Use case: for those wanting protection or support in a low-profile hiking shoe.
These versatile hiking shoes are built with a combination of suede leather and mesh uppers, offering durability and breathability, making them well-suited for a variety of trail conditions
The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Shoes feature a nubuck leather and Cordura upper for durability, a nylon shank for off-camber stability, and the O FIT insole for foot support, making them suitable for varied terrain during backcountry hikes.
The La Sportiva Jackal II Boa trail-running shoes are designed for rugged terrain, featuring the BOA® Fit System for precise foot adjustment and EVA/Infinitoo™ PU midsoles that provide cushioning and stability. The shoes also include FriXion® XT 2.0 rubber with 3.5 mm lugs for reliable traction.
The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 Hiking Boots combine a waterproof eVent bootie with Altra’s signature wide toe box and TrailClaw lug pattern for traction, offering hikers a comfortable, all-weather option for varied terrain.
The Altra Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boots feature a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit upper for lightweight waterproofing and a Vibram Megagrip outsole designed for excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
Benefits: Cushioned midsole, wide toe box, zero-drop design, waterproof, pretty good breathability for a waterproof shoe.
Limitations: Heavier than other trail-running-shoe-style hiking boots, high stack height reduces ground feel and stability on technical terrain, traction is moderate on wet surfaces.
Use case: For hikers prioritizing comfort and cushioning on long-distance trails with moderate wet weather exposure.
The HOKA Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX features a Gore-Tex waterproof upper and an aggressive Vibram Megagrip outsole with deep lugs for exceptional traction on rugged, technical terrain. Designed for comfort over long distances, it offers ample cushioning while providing stability and support for both trail runners and hikers in wet conditions.
The HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots feature a waterproof nubuck leather upper combined with a GORE-TEX membrane for all-weather protection and a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs for reliable traction on varied terrain. Their cushioned EVA midsole and eco-friendly materials balance comfort, durability, and sustainability.
The Scarpa Rapid combines a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs for traction on varied surfaces and a TPU-reinforced upper for durability and protection. Its Sock-Fit LW construction ensures a secure fit, making it a versatile option for hiking, light climbing, and technical trail use.
The La Sportiva TX4 EVO Approach Shoes feature a durable leather upper reinforced with recycled fabric for added sustainability and a Vibram® Megagrip™ outsole with Impact Brake System™ for stability and grip on technical terrain. These shoes are designed for versatility across hiking, scrambling, and light climbing scenarios.
Benefits: Extremely durable, good wet rock traction, supportive and protective upper, sticky outsole for scrambling and climbing.
Limitations: Heavier than most approach shoes, stiff out of the box, requiring a break-in period, limited breathability in hot climates.
Use case: For climbers and hikers needing a reliable shoe for technical approaches and scrambling – with plenty of durability.
Minimizing Blisters
Flexible footwear has a significant impact on minimizing blister formation because it minimizes the shear forces at the skin surface caused by feet moving inside the shoe. Flexible footwear lets your feet move with the shoe, minimizing friction at the shoe-sock-skin interface.
In No More Blisters, we outline five strategies for avoiding blisters:
Flexible Footwear, Wide Toebox
The Xero Mesa Trail is as close to a gold standard for flexible shoes with a wide toe box for trail hiking as any barefoot/minimalist shoe style available. Because it’s a barefoot style, it offers minimal padding, minimal structure, and high flexibility. They feel more like a slipper than a shoe. They are an interesting option for hikers who want to experiment with short hikes in barefoot-style shoes, or for very experienced trail hikers with strong biomechanical adaptation to hiking in minimalist footwear.
The Xero Shoes Mesa Trail II features a 5.5mm FeelTrue sole with 3.5mm lugs for ground feedback and traction, paired with a lightweight 218g design (men's size 9) to support trail runners and hikers seeking minimalist performance.
Toe socks isolate each toe to minimize friction between the toes. Toe Socks are made by several companies, including Injinji, which offers toe socks for the outdoor and running communities.
Injinji toe socks minimize friction between the toes to help mitigate blister formation. A variety of styles can be worn as standalone socks or as liners in combination with conventional socks for hiking and backpacking.
In very warm temperatures, a lubricant decreases friction – essential for avoiding blisters in hot weather. In very wet conditions, the lubricant acts as a skin protectant, mitigating the effects of maceration, which causes dermal layer separation, blisters, and skin cracks. In very cold temperatures, a lubricant maintains hydration and pliability of the skin, which aids against the cracking and peeling of foot skin common among winter backcountry hikers and skiers.
Body Glide Foot Glide is an anti-chafe stick formulated to prevent blisters, hot spots, and irritation caused by friction from socks, footwear, or straps. It's both a lubricant and a protectant, so it can be used for hand skin protection in sun, wind, and cold. It is applied directly to the skin before activity, creating a dry, invisible, non-greasy barrier. The formula contains plant-derived oils, waxes, and extracts with anti-inflammatory vitamins. It is water- and sweat-resistant, free from petroleum, lanolin, mineral oils, parabens, and phthalates.
Debris gaiters are usually made with highly breathable, close-fitting (stretchy) woven fabrics like nylon, or knit fabrics like polyester. These fabrics are generally uncoated so they are comfortable in warm temperatures. Their purpose is to keep sand and dirt out of your shoes – keeping your feet cleaner and avoiding the grit that causes abrasion, cuts, and blistering while you are hiking.
Allowing your feet (especially the skin) to recover in camp (overnight) is an essential part of maintaining foot health on multi-day trips. This includes keeping your feet clean with a pH-neutral soap that won’t dehyrate your skin, and keeping them warm throughout the night with an ultralight bootie (which helps maintain skin hydration).
In the old days (not the good old days), travel in icy winter landscapes required stiff boots and mountaineering crampons. With the advent of short-spiked traction crampons with flexible harnesses, we can now enjoy the winter season with flexible trail running shoes and other types of minimalist backpacking footwear.
Kahtoola Microspikes feature 12 spikes, 3/8” length, and a wide forefoot pattern for traction and security of variable icy and packed snowy terrain. An elastomer harness stays flexible in below zero (F) temperatures for security on flexible footwear. Durable chain links withstand repeated stress on steep terrain.
In episode 113 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about current PAD PUMP trends in the ultralight cottage industry, the challenges faced by small businesses during the holiday season plus a few interesting stocking stuffers.
together with
Today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Garage Grown Gear, your hub for all things ultralight. Garage Grown Gear is dedicated to supporting the growth of small, startup, and cottage brands.
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Summary
In episode 113 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about current PAD PUMP trends in the ultralight cottage industry, the challenges faced by small businesses during the holiday season plus a few interesting stocking stuffers.
The Nitecore NU20 Classic Headlamp delivers 360 lumens of bright, consistent light with a lightweight design and USB-C rechargeable battery, offering reliable hands-free illumination for hikers and backpackers in demanding backcountry environments. Its compact form and efficient power management make it ideal for extended outdoor use.
The Alpenblow Micro Inflator is an ultralight, 8-gram (0.28 oz) device that inflates sleeping pads in approximately three minutes, drawing minimal power (18 mAh at 5V) from USB-C devices such as smartphones or power banks. Operating at a noise level of 42 dBA, it includes multiple nozzles compatible with Therm-a-Rest (WingLock), NEMO (Laylow), Big Agnes, Sea-to-Summit, and EXPED sleeping pad valves.
The Pad-Pal Air Pump by Rex Creations efficiently inflates sleeping pads with minimal effort using its compact, rechargeable design. Its lightweight build and integrated USB charging make it a convenient tool for hikers and backpackers seeking quick, reliable inflation on multi-day trips.
Save your breath, and leave the bulk of an inflation bag at home. One of the few pumps that actually works well and is still very light, with a decent battery life. You'll get 15 to 25 mattress inflations on a single charge if you use a full-sized mattress.
The Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 Power Bank provides 10,000mAh of high-capacity, lightweight portable power with fast USB-C charging, designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable energy for devices during extended trips in the backcountry. Its slim profile and durable construction offer efficient power management in rugged environments.
Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content.
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Knowing how to properly care for your feet can make or break a hike, especially on longer trips. In this article, I examine available data on common foot and ankle injuries and discuss how to prevent them, as well as what to do when they occur in the field.
Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used over the past year – the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!
Introduction
Each year, our staff selects their favorite backcountry gear from the past 12 months, and we look forward to you sharing your favorite gear of the year as well in the forum comments below!
Our Staff
This year’s staff picks contributors include our authors, educators, researchers, and operations staff:
Sarah Bennett
Bailey Bremner
Bill Budney
Roger Caffin
Jeff de Graffenried
Chase Jordan
Ryan Jordan
Stephanie Jordan
Matthew King
James Montavon
Sarah Ortiz
Jeffrey Podmayer
Drew Smith
Anna Swarts
Emyelene VanderVelden
Iago Vazquez
Mark Wetherington
Ronni Wilder
John Zombro
Table of Contents • Note: if this is a members-only article, some sections may only be available to Premium or Unlimited Members.
The Warbonnet Outdoors Original Blackbird features a unique dual-layer design that accommodates an integrated underquilt while offering versatile storage options with its built-in shelf. This design enhances insulation and organization for hikers and backpackers seeking efficiency in lightweight backcountry setups.
Ronni Wilde’s article on gear for aging backpackers made the case for spending some weight on a bigger and better sleeping pad. An alternative strategy is to spend that weight on a hammock. I had a minimalist Hennessy Hammock for years, but was never really satisfied with it. The Warbonnet Outdoors Blackbird Hammock is just a few ounces heavier, but provides a much better sleeping space. In particular, the geometry of the Warbonnet makes for a flatter lay and better accessibility to night-time essentials (water, electronics, extra layers). Wrapping oneself in a down cocoon (underquilt below, top quilt above) creates a delightful sleeping experience. No pressure at all on aging hips and shoulders. The weight penalty (around 3 lbs for hammocking vs sub-2 lbs for tenting or tarping) is too great for me to consider hammocks for long hikes where I am covering 20+ miles per day. But the Warbonnet is now the foundation of my sleep system for shorter trips. – Drew Smith
The Durston X-Mid Pro 1 is a new addition to my kit this year. Once I figured out how to pitch it, which didn’t take long, it has been perfect for my solo treks. It is very enjoyable to use this piece of gear! – Jeff de Graffenried
R-4.8, 3 inches thick, longitudinal baffling, 20D polyester fabrics, internal baffle welding increases stability and reduces air movement, insulated with polyester microfibers, oversized outer chambers create a cradle, Schnozzel bag included for inflation. Availalbe in medium, medium-wide, and long-wide sizes.
As I am aging, getting adequate sleep has become very important to me both on and off trail. Two years ago, I purchased the Exped Ultra 5R MW sleep pad, and it has been a great addition to my sleep arsenal. Although it’s a pound heavier than the ultralight pad I had previously been using, the extra comfort, warmth and space this pad affords me is well worth the extra weight to me. I am a restless side sleeper who flips from side to side frequently, and my hips don’t get as sore during the night with this pad. It is also much quieter than my previous pad; I don’t feel like I’m waking up those camping nearby every time I roll over. – Ronni Wilde
The NEMO Down Mummy Sleeping Bag utilizes a lightweight down fill with a water-resistant shell to provide superior insulation and moisture management. Its tapered design minimizes weight while maximizing heat retention, making it ideal for backpackers and backcountry travelers prioritizing warmth and packability.
I know this is not the lightest item, but the Nemo Coda Down Mummy Sleeping Bag is really nice to be warm again after using quilts that leave something to be desired over the last few years. No drafts, incredibly warm, a decent amount of features. – Bailey Bremner
The Tarptent Double Rainbow Li offers a lightweight, two-person design with a double-wall construction that enhances ventilation and weather protection. Its versatile setup options and ample internal space make it an efficient choice for couples and backcountry travelers seeking balance between weight and comfort.
The Tarptent Double Rainbow Li tent is a great 2p ultralight tent for those who do not carry trekking poles. It is high quality and simple to set up, making it a great tent to lend to ultralight-curious friends. – James Montavon
The Gossamer Gear G4-20 Backpack features a minimalist design with a lightweight frame and adjustable components, optimizing load distribution for comfort on long hikes. Its 20-liter capacity is suitable for ultralight backpackers seeking efficiency and versatility in a packable, functional solution for backcountry travel.
The Gossamer Gear G4-20 Backpack is versatile and comfortable for multi-day trips, even when carrying glacier gear, food, and a helmet. Its large side pocket fits crampons and a harness, while the front kangaroo pocket holds a helmet, snacks, and rain gear. I love that the design allows for quick transitions and easy access to essentials. – Jeffrey Podmayer
Jeffrey Podmayer wearing his Gossamer Gear G4-20 pack high on an alpine ridge (Photo Credit: Jeffrey Podmayer)
The TINY is a versatile sleeping bag that functions as an envelope bag when zipped or transforms into a duvet when fully unfolded. It features a hidden zipper for easy wear as a shawl and buckled cuffs to maintain warmth while allowing for full mobility in various settings.
This versatile AegisMax WindHard Tiny Pro, 32F wearable quilt is multi-function, well-stuffed with 800 FP down, and has a light 10D shell. The baffled, 500 g (18 oz) fill, totalling about 28 oz (800 g), for two inches of loft, delivers a good warmth to weight ratio. The zippered head hole has a baffled collar so there is no cold spot when in quilt mode. The pad straps are too short, so I attach one side to separate pad straps (not included). – Bill Budney
Arc’teryx Sigma FL Pant
Arc’teryx Sigma FL Pant (Photo Credit: Trek Inn Outdoor Shop).
I love these hybrid soft-shell pants for summer alpine adventures. They’re light enough for a hot
and sunny approach, while still providing sufficient protection in cold, windy conditions. I bought these pants used, wore them for a whole season, and they still look brand new. Unfortunately, they are now discontinued – keep your eyes out for them in used gear marketplaces. – Sarah Ortiz
The Duluth Trading Company Armachillo Sun Shirt features a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric with built-in UPF 40+ protection to shield against harmful UV rays. Its breathable design enhances comfort during outdoor activities, making it a practical choice for hikers and backpackers seeking effective sun protection in backcountry environments.
I picked up a Duluth Trading Company Armachillo Sun Shirt at a steep discount (Duluth Trading Co has many sales) and I couldn’t be happier, especially for the price point. I like that it is cut athletically with a longer torso so I don’t feel like I’m swimming in it while also not riding up if I raise my hands over my head. – Anna Swarts
The Fjäll Räven Abisko Women’s Trekking Tights HD are designed with a durable, stretchable fabric that offers moisture-wicking properties and UPF 50+ sun protection. Their reinforced areas enhance durability while maintaining comfort, making them suitable for hikers and backpackers seeking versatile and resilient performance in diverse backcountry conditions.
I have been living in the Fjäll Räven Abisko Women’s Trekking Tights HD for more than just this year. They are in the higher price range for tights but they are completely worth it. I have bushwhacked, scrambled, slid, and swam in these tights. They have seen some hard wear and are still in fantastic shape. – Emyelene VanderVelden
The Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button-Down is the only sun shirt integrating a full button-down front with a hood, offering adjustable ventilation rarely found in sun protective hiking apparel. Made from an 86% polyester, 14% spandex blend with antimicrobial and quick-drying properties, it includes zippered chest pockets, thumbholes, and a uniquely designed hood with a vent/hair hole and cinch cord. The body fabric is one of the highest air-permeable fabrics we've tested. Men's medium: 7.5 ounces (213 g) and up, depending on fabric choices.
The Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Long Sleeve Shirt is my go-to for easy ventilation and sun protection. I love the big and secure chest pockets, especially when using it as a travel shirt- I can carry my phone and wallet (or my Ombraz!) securely and keep my pants pockets empty. – James Montavon
James Montavon showcasing his Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Long Sleeve in an alpine meadow (Photo Credit: James Montavon).
The Kathmandu Heli R Women’s Hooded Down Jacket features high-fill-power down insulation for warmth and a water-resistant outer shell for protection in variable weather. Its lightweight design and adjustable hood provide efficient warmth and mobility, making it ideal for hikers and backpackers needing compact, reliable insulation in cold conditions.
I have a couple of down jackets with no hood (and pack an Enlightened Equipment Hoodlum), but I find with my sleep system, I sleep in my puffy most of the time and I find the jacket plus the Hoodlum rather bulky and uncomfortable. I bought a Kathmandu Heli R Women’s Hooded Down Jacket (synthetic hooded jacket) and found that it was far more comfortable and slightly lighter (and packable) than the jacket/hoodlum or the synthetic hooded jacket. This is also simpler, one less piece I have to remember when packing up. – Emyelene VanderVelden
The Montbell Rain Umbrero is a lightweight, packable rain hat with a water-resistant fabric and adjustable chin strap for a secure fit. Its wide brim provides added protection from rain and sun, making it an ideal accessory for hikers and backpackers seeking versatile headwear in variable weather conditions.
Light (1.8 oz), cool, rain proof and sun proof, plus the harness is brilliant: UHMWPE cord keeps the hat off of my head, like a weightless umbrella. The Montbell Rain Umbrero chin strap is Y-shaped on each side, like four guylines. It cannot blow off even in moderately strong wind. Folding it is a bit strange, but it can pack mostly flat(ish). If enough ultralighters wear them then they will become the new style! – Bill Budney
The Outdoor Research Echo is as close to nothing as I have found (that is also presentable anywhere). I did not miss short-sleeved shirts at all this past Summer. Not once. – Bill Budney
The Outdoor Research Swift Hat is a lightweight, quick-drying cap made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. Its built-in UPF 50+ protection and adjustable fit make it a practical choice for hikers and backpackers seeking reliable sun and weather protection in dynamic outdoor conditions.
The Outdoor Research Swift Hat is my go-to hat for non-alpine backpacking and hiking. It has a unique construction with light, soft mesh covered by a loose fabric panel, strategically placed to provide extra shade for the bald spot on my head. The two layers create a breezier feel than other hats I’ve tried. Also worth noting: it’s large enough to fit comfortably on my size 7 3/4 head. – Matthew King
The Packa is a lightweight, rainproof jacket designed to double as a pack cover, providing full rain protection for both the wearer and their gear. Its unique design allows for easy access to pack pockets while keeping gear dry, making it ideal for hikers and backpackers in wet conditions.
Rain Jacket, poncho and pack cover. Not perfect. But The Packa has been my favorite piece of raingear for most conditions, except for high exposure, alpine terrain. Not the lightest or smallest, but comfort can trump weight. I pair it with a ULA rain skirt, chaps or rain pants depending on temperatures. The taping has failed, and seam sealing the outside has become a necessity. – Iago Vazquez
The ULA Gear Rain Kilt is a lightweight, breathable rain skirt designed to provide full lower-body protection while maintaining ventilation. Its adjustable waistband and simple design make it an efficient, packable option for hikers and backpackers seeking effective rain coverage without added weight.
Rain kilts are great when it is warm out and not too windy. They also work well for warmth when the temps dip unexpectedly and to find some privacy when needed. The ULA Gear Rain Kilt is easy and fast to deploy, and it has a simple velcro system that works generally well. – Iago Vazquez
I always have cold feet when I sleep, and after receiving Goosefeet Gear Down Socks for Christmas last year,the problem is solved! The perfect addition to your backpack at only 2 oz for a pair. My favorite part is the elastic ankle cuff, which prevents drafts and keeps them from sliding off. – Stephanie Jordan
The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low Trail Running Shoe - Women's features a waterproof eVent® upper, Altra's Balanced Cushioning™ platform, and a grippy MaxTrac™ outsole, engineered to deliver reliable performance in varied trail conditions, keeping feet dry and stable across wet, rocky, and unpredictable terrain.
Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low’s are my favorite shoes for winter hiking. The waterproof construction keeps my feet warm and dry. The wide toe box leaves plenty of room for wool socks and a liner. And that wide toe box keeps my toes relaxed and splayed out in the cold so they don’t cramp up. These, with my MICROspikes, give me access to long trail hikes in the winter – my favorite hiking season of all! – Stephanie Jordan
Thin-walled Tritan plastic than what you'll find in Nalgenes and other (heavier) water bottles. At 35mm, the opening is still small enough for easy glugging, but much easier to fill in lakes and stillwaters than narrow-mouthed 28mm bottles. Light - 3.2 oz. The 20-ounce capacity is perfect for shoulder strap or hip belt use or easy retrieval from backpack side pockets.
I feel a bit self-conscious recommending the Backpacking Light Tritan Water Bottle, but it’s truly a great one. I use mine daily for work and take it hiking on weekends. The size of the lid is Goldilocks perfect: large enough for adding powders and still comfortable for drinking. RJ mentioned you can remove the metal part of the cap to save weight, though he didn’t explain how. I was pleasantly surprised when mine popped off in the dishwasher, revealing a smooth plastic cap underneath. Perfect! – Matthew King
The Big Sky International Insulite Insulated Food Pouch features a durable, insulated design that helps maintain food temperature in the backcountry. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it a practical solution for hikers and backpackers looking to keep meals warm or cool during extended outdoor trips.
The Insulite Insulated Food Pouch by Big Sky International has been an unexpected treasure this past hiking season. I like cooking Knorr pastas out on trail, but they require a lot of fuel to cook the noodles. I ordered this pouch at the start of this past summer (size medium, 10” x 10”) for the purpose of trying to reduce fuel usage. I have not mastered cooking my Knorr noodles in this pouch, but what I have discovered is that it’s a terrific way to keep more delicate food items fresher while on trail. Two of my guilty eating pleasures while backpacking are fresh spinach leaves and chocolate. I always bring these items when I backpack, and when I stick them in this little pouch inside my food bag, they stay much fresher. This was not my intended purpose for this insulated pouch, and I intend to keep working on figuring out how to cook/rehydrate Knorr noodles with this, but in the meantime, it’s been a great addition to my food system. – Ronni Wilde
The Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System 1.0L is a lightweight, fast-flowing filter with a 0.1-micron hollow fiber membrane that removes bacteria and protozoa. Its collapsible design and easy-to-use squeeze mechanism make it an efficient water purification solution for hikers and backpackers seeking portability and convenience.
The MSR Titan Kettle is a lightweight, durable titanium cooking vessel, designed for efficient boiling and cooking. Its foldable handle and compact design make it an ideal option for hikers and backpackers seeking a reliable, space-saving cookware solution for backcountry meals.
I’ve been using MSR Titan Kettle for over 15 years; it’s probably the oldest item in my backpacking kit. I’ve sipped coffee from it on chilly mornings on backpacking trips in a dozen different states, fetched water from hard-to-reach potholes in the desert with it, and used it to prepare hundreds of meals. While it’s not the lightest or fanciest, it’s one of the most useful pieces of gear I have. – Mark Wetherington
DIY SUL Remote Inverted Canister Winter Stove V7
As many of you know, I like making remote inverted canister stoves. I have made two sorts: ones with a more conventional upright burner, and others with a Vortex Burner. The latter tend to roar. I have sold many of both sorts to BPL members over the years. All my previous stoves have been very light – typically about 85-90 grams. After the V6 stove I got to wondering just how small and light I could make an upright version. One thing led to another, and I came up with the V7: a remote inverted canister stove for serious winter use, weighing about 45 grams, suitable for 1 or 2 people. It uses a titanium BRS-3000T burner head and it can push out over 2.5 kW at full power. I do recommend running at medium power: it uses less fuel. The stove goes well with a little titanium foil windscreen. – Roger Caffin
Read about the design and construction of Roger’s Stove here!
Roger Caffin’s V7 Remote Inverted Canister Stove (Photo Credit: Roger Caffin).
The Snow Peak Ti-Double 450 Anodized Mug is a lightweight, double-walled titanium mug with excellent heat retention and durability. Its 450ml capacity and compact design make it a practical, high-performance choice for hikers and backpackers seeking reliable, lightweight gear for hot beverages in the backcountry.
The Snow Peak Ti-Double 450 Anodized Mug is the first new item in my meal kit in a long time. Utensils are pretty minimal, a spork, a pot lid for a plate (maybe, sometimes it’s straight out of the bag and no pot), and a mug with a lid. I started with a plastic mug that was second hand (and free). 10-ish years ago I moved to a GSI Outdoors Infinity Mug. My gripe with both of my previous mugs is that my coffee is cold by the time I get to drink it (worse now that a toddler frequently interrupts coffee time.) I finally splurged and got a titanium double wall. So far it’s been my favorite new backpacking item. It cannot be used as a cookpot but neither can plastic mugs. The titanium is a slight weight penalty (149g vs 108g) but hot coffee is worth it. – Emyelene VanderVelden
The Snow Peak Titanium Spork is a lightweight, durable eating utensil made from high-quality titanium, offering a spoon and fork in one compact tool. Its corrosion-resistant design makes it an ideal choice for hikers and backpackers seeking a practical, long-lasting utensil for backcountry meals.
I love the Snow Peak Titanium Spork because it can be used for eating (obviously!), but even more, its sturdiness can be used to cut cheese, which makes eating my lunch that much easier. The only struggle I have with it, is that it blends into the rocks with its gray color, making me double check that I have it before I walk away from a breakspot or camp! – Jeffrey Podmayer
Navigation & Electronics
Paper Maps
Navigating with map and compass (Photo Credit: Ryan Jordan).
With how frequently and consistently we are bombarded with technology in our daily lives, it is sometimes nice to separate ourselves from technology and the security it provides and immerse ourselves in the backcountry. Navigation the old fashioned way using map, compass, and navigational skills such as triangulating one’s position and following handrails reconnects us to the landscape around us and disconnects us from the GPS ping, leading to a more natural wilderness experience. – Chase Jordan
Get 2X (or 4x with the Moment Pro Camera app) closer to your subject using a smartphone. Adds depth to portraits, landscapes, and video. Lots of glass and edge-to-edge sharpness on the latest iPhone and Android phones.
The Moment 58 mm lens ekes out a bit of telephoto depth when I’m using my smartphone as a camera. I’ve enjoyed bringing different perspectives of landscapes and wildlife back into my backcountry photography on trips where I haven’t been able to afford the extra weight of a separate camera. – Ryan Jordan
Mountain goat in the Central Colorado Rockies, taken with an iPhone 12 Pro and Moment 58 mm M-series lens. – Ryan Jordan photo.
I love all the features that are crammed into such a small headlamp at a modest weight. It’s easy to recharge, has many different modes, and is comfortable to wear. – Bailey Bremner
It’s small, light, rechargeable, & bright – everything I need in a headlamp – Jeff de Graffenried.
I ordered the Nitecore NU25 400 Lumens Headlamp last spring and used it throughout the summer, and it has become one of my favorite backpacking tools. I wasn’t sure how I’d like the threaded cord headband, but I am pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it is on my head. The lamp is so lightweight that it doesn’t bother me at all, and I even forget I’m wearing it at times. The headlamp is bright, simple to use, and I like that it’s rechargeable (my previous headlamp was not.) – Ronni WIlde
The Alpacka Scout Packraft is a lightweight, durable inflatable boat designed for solo backcountry adventures. Its compact size, stable design, and high-performance materials make it an ideal choice for hikers and backpackers looking to navigate rivers and lakes with minimal weight and maximum portability.
Even though I only used it on one backpacking trip this year, the Alpacka Scout brought me so much joy and a new perspective on the landscape in Glacier National Park that I feel compelled to include it. My fiancée and I did a three-night trip with low miles between the campsites — all of which were at lakes — so bringing along packrafts as a way to experience the lake in a more meaningful way was a great call. We were able to paddle around in the evenings and mornings for hours due to our leisurely itinerary and enjoy the views from the middle of the lake, rather than just the shore. We accessed great spots for fishing that would’ve been impossible to reach by foot and some nice swimming spots. The packrafts were worth every ounce of weight for the fun and freedom to explore they brought us. – Mark Wetherington
The Alpaca Raft Scout on a large lake (Photo Credit: Mark Wetherington).
The Alpacka Raft Forager Packraft is a versatile, durable inflatable boat designed for lightweight backcountry travel. Its larger size and higher weight capacity make it ideal for carrying gear, while its rugged construction ensures reliable performance in a variety of water conditions for solo or tandem adventures.
The Alpacka Raft Forager packraft was a new item for 2024 and just opens so many doors to incredible adventures, though it certainly ups the skill and weight game too. I love that it is able to fit me, my boyfriend, and both of our dogs in addition to all of our gear. It is pretty durable for an inflatable, you can scrape over rocks without worrying too much. Mostly it’s just so cool to be able to float back to the car at the end of a loop or hike to a stunning lake and paddle the next stretch. – Bailey Bremner
The Mammut Wall Rider MIPS Climbing Helmet combines lightweight comfort with advanced protection, featuring MIPS technology for added rotational impact safety. Designed for climbers, it offers a secure fit and ventilation, making it ideal for long, demanding routes in diverse conditions.
The Mammut Wall Rider MIPS helmet is the perfect all-around climbing helmet. It’s light and comfortable for alpine climbing and mountaineering, and it features MIPS technology to protect the wearer from brain injury following impact from climbing falls and falling rocks. I highly recommend this helmet for backpackers looking to take their first steps into mountaineering. – Sarah Ortiz
Sarah Ortiz climbing with her Mammut Wall Rider MIPS Climbing Helmet (Photo Credit: Sarah Ortiz).
The Verve Craft Instant Coffee Variety Pack offers high-quality, single-serve instant coffee in a range of flavors, perfect for outdoor adventures or quick breaks. Each packet dissolves easily, providing a convenient and flavorful caffeine boost with no brewing equipment required.
I originally picked up the Verve Craft Instant Coffee Variety Pack as a replacement for my Kuju Coffee Single Serving Pourovers that were out of stock at the local REI, but I was more than pleasantly surprised. I found all of the coffee flavors delicious, and even the fruitier profiles weren’t overpowering and sweet. Probably my favorite instant coffee I have found. – Chase Jordan
Kate's Real Food Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Bar delivers 12g of protein and 360 calories per bar, offering a nutrient-dense source of energy in a compact, convenient package designed to fuel sustained exertion for backcountry travelers.
Kate’s Real Food Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Bar is a nutritious and delicious snack for a long trek giving 3 grams of protein. I look forward to one daily and never tire of the yummy combo of chocolate and peanut butter. I like to get a move on in the morning, so it makes for a quick breakfast with a cup of coffee and the ability to get on the trail fast after breaking down camp. – Stephanie Jordan
The Benchmade Bugout features a 3.24-inch S30V stainless steel blade and a lightweight design, offering precision cutting and durability for backcountry tasks. Its Axis lock mechanism ensures reliable, one-handed deployment and secure blade operation in various outdoor conditions.
I have had one of the original Benchmade Bugout folding knives probably for 15 years. I think this is one of those rare products that is truly versatile and worth its rather hefty price. It is a large pocket knife but it’s quite light for its size. The type of steel that mine has is slightly different from the current model with CPM-S30V stainless steel, but it’s similar. Great combination of edge retention and easy re-sharpening. Excellent modified drop point blade design. Easy to carry within a zippered pocket or using the clip to ride higher. Good ergonomics and slip resistance in the handle. Axis locking mechanism. Great warranty. I’ve used this knife for everything from field processing an elk, cutting rope and “bratwurst/marshmallow sticks,” food prep, to light bushcrafting. It’s still as good today as the day I bought it. Rarely can you say something like that. – John Zombro
Consider this pick to be an extension of Ronni Wilde’s excellent article on gear for aging backpackers. Diclofenac is a topical gel used to reduce inflammation and pain in bony joints (wrists, ankles, knees, not hips and shoulders). I can confirm that these joints get achy in aging backpackers. Formerly prescription-only, diclofenac was approved for over-the-counter sale in 2020. Voltaren is the most-common brand name. Like other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), diclofenac does have side-effects and contraindications. You can read about those here. – Drew Smith
Geotag Photos Pro automatically records GPS data while you take photos, syncing location information with images for easy mapping and organization. Compatible with iPhone and Android, it offers precise geotagging, enabling accurate location tracking for outdoor activities, fieldwork, or travel documentation.
One of life’s great mysteries is why crappy pocket cameras are GPS-enabled for geotagging, but high-end point-and-shoots (e.g, Sony RX100, Canon G7X) are not. Assuming you carry a smartphone along with your camera, Geotag Photos Pro provides a good solution for geotagging. The phone app allows you to set the frequency of GPS pinging to your preferred balance between location precision vs battery drain. I find a 10-minute interval provides decent precision and uses only a few percent of phone battery charge per day. You need to make sure your camera time setting is the same as your phone. Once back in civilization, you transfer the GPX track on the phone to a folder containing your photos. The app matches the time-stamps on the photos with the GPX track time-stamps and writes geotags to the photo files. The process takes approximately a minute, and you can now import your tagged photos into an editor. – Drew Smith
The Gerber Dime Keychain Multi-tool combines 12 essential tools, including pliers, scissors, and a knife, into a compact 2.75-inch design. It provides a lightweight, durable solution for everyday tasks and quick fixes while on the go.
I’ve really enjoyed having the Gerber Dime Keychain Multi-tool in my pack. Since it’s lighter than a full multitool it obviously can’t do heavy duty tasks, but I’ve found that it is plenty strong enough to do the things I need it to on a trip, like fixing zippers, tightening trekking poles, and cutting cheese. – Anna Swarts
The Gossamer Gear LT5 Three-Piece Carbon Trekking Poles offer lightweight, adjustable support with a 100% carbon fiber construction. Designed for backcountry travel, they provide strength and stability while minimizing pack weight for long-distance hikers and backpackers.
After many years, I replaced my long lasting and trusty REI aluminum poles with these lightweight telescoping carbon fiber gems. – Jeff de Graffenried
Local Library
From photocopying and printing maps to borrowing out of print guidebooks, my local library has helped me plan and prepare for trips. With books free to borrow and a nominal fee for copies, it’s one of the most cost-efficient pieces of “gear” around! – Mark Wetherington
Bitterroot Public Library, Hamilton, Montana (Photo Credit: Bitterroot Public Library).
Ombraz Sunglasses feature a patented armless design for a secure, all-day fit without pressure points, using adjustable cords for comfort. Lightweight and durable, they offer polarized lenses for clear vision and UV protection, making them ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, running, or water sports.
I lose or break sunglasses all the time, and I have very sensitive eyes. Ombraz Sunglasses have solved this problem. They’ve gone around the globe with me this year and are now indispensable. – James Montavon
The Sea to Summit Mosquito Head Net provides lightweight, full head protection from insects with fine mesh that offers maximum visibility and airflow. Ideal for backcountry travelers, it’s designed to fit over hats or helmets and packs small for easy storage during hikes or camping in bug-prone areas.
Often it’s the little things that are overlooked, but this is a piece of gear that I bring on all warm weather trips. I have found that it is one single piece of gear that doesn’t weigh me down when I don’t need it, but really makes a huge difference when I do. When the bugs are out in full force, I enjoy being able to at the very least breathe without sucking them in! – Anna Swarts
Injuries can hinder our ability to adventure on the trail. I’m recovering from ACL surgery and have been limited to shorter day hikes as my knee heals and the muscles in my leg strengthen. My journey has been fraught with muscle knots all along my calf and hamstring, for which two lightweight, inexpensive tools have been incredibly helpful: a lacrosse ball set and cupping set.
The small cups in the set weigh 34 grams each, while the larger one is 80 grams. The smaller foam ball in the lacrosse set weighs 19 grams. When I’m finally able to set out for a multi-day trek again, I plan to bring the two small cups (plus some extra vaseline) and the foam ball with me as day-to-day recovery tools. – Sarah Bennett
In episode 112 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about the analog Backcountry experience and some of the gear that can help feed your need for a digital-free backcountry life.
This episode is sponsored by Vaer Watches, home to beautifully designed, extremely durable, expedition-worthy wristwatches masterfully crafted in the USA.
From Day 1 Vaer has had a simple mission: build watches that can be trusted anywhere, including the most extreme outdoor environments. Over the years we've had the opportunity to continually put this ethos to the test, working with explorers and athletes who have continued to showcase the unique appeal of extreme durability, and timeless design.
In episode 112 of the Backpacking Light podcast, we’re going to learn about the analog Backcountry experience and some of the gear that can help feed your need for a digital-free backcountry life.
The Vaer C5 Tactical Field Solar features a sapphire face cover, 316L stainless steel body, and a Japanese Epson VS-42 solar-powered movement that provides up to six months of power reserve at high precision. The watch is water-resistant up to 10 ATM (100 meters), offers a blacked-out aesthetic with exceptional lume performance, ensuring readability in low-light conditions.
The Silva Expedition NEO is a durable, high-precision compass designed for advanced navigation in challenging outdoor environments. It features a neodymium-powered needle that ensures swift and stable performance, and cannot be demagnetized, making it a reliable tool for professionals. The compass also includes a globally balanced needle for accurate readings worldwide, luminous markings for low-light conditions, a clinometer for measuring slopes, and adjustable declination for regional variations.
The Field Notes Expedition Edition is a durable, weatherproof notebook designed for challenging environments. It features a high-visibility "Antarctic Survey Orange" front cover and a "Polar Night Black" back cover, both made from Yupo Synthetic paper—a tearproof and waterproof material. The 48 interior pages are printed with a light gray dot-graph pattern, suitable for various types of note-taking. Due to the nonporous nature of the synthetic paper, writing instruments like ballpoint pens, pencils, or fine-tip Sharpies are recommended for optimal performance.
The Fisher Stowaway Space Pen has an anodized aluminum barrel that measures 3.9 inches when closed and extends to 5.13 inches when open. The pen features Fisher's pressurized thixotropic ink cartridge, enabling it to write in extreme conditions, including temperatures ranging from -30°F to +250°F and in wet (including submerged) environments. It writes at any angle, even upside down, and on almost any surface.
Key Findings of ART – walking in nature improves directed attention abilities, nature provides a restorative environment that helps replenish cognitive resources, and exposure to natural environments leads to improved cognitive function compared to urban settings.
Stress Reduction Theory – exposure to nature reduces physiological stress responses.
What are we doing to our backcountry experience in nature if we rely on smartphones in the backcountry?
If you were to leave digital navigation technology at home, what would you do instead, and how would it make you feel? How Ryan Feels – Enhanced Mindfulness, Mental Clarity, and the awareness of the subconscious connection to turned off electronics.
Digital Detox: taking extended breaks from digital devices can have positive digital effects.
Featured Episode Tip: How to Determine Compass Direction Using an Analog Watch
Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content.
Some (but not all) of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and visit one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently place an order with that retailer, we receive a commission on your entire order, which varies between 3% and 15% of the purchase price. Affiliate commissions represent less than 15% of Backpacking Light's gross revenue. More than 70% of our revenue comes from Membership Fees. So if you'd really like to support our work, don't buy gear you don't need - support our consumer advocacy work and become a Member instead.
Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.
In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, Ryan and Lloyd discuss lessons learned from starting a business in the outdoor industry.
Episode Sponsor
Today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Garage Grown Gear, your hub for all things ultralight. Garage Grown Gear is dedicated to supporting the growth of small, startup, and cottage brands.
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Summary
In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, Ryan and Lloyd discuss lessons learned from starting a business in the outdoor industry.
Backpacking with confidence is challenging when food isn't securely stored from wildlife. Hanging food is time-consuming and can be complicated. Carrying a bear canister is heavy and bulky. The Ultralight Food Locker by Adotec offers peace of mind with its certified bear-resistant design, keeping your food safe and secure.
Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content.
Some (but not all) of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and visit one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently place an order with that retailer, we receive a commission on your entire order, which varies between 3% and 15% of the purchase price. Affiliate commissions represent less than 15% of Backpacking Light's gross revenue. More than 70% of our revenue comes from Membership Fees. So if you'd really like to support our work, don't buy gear you don't need - support our consumer advocacy work and become a Member instead.
Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.
In episode 110 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about how natural and synthetic fibers influence thermoregulation.
Episode Sponsor
This episode of the backpacking light podcast is sponsored by ARMS OF ANDES, manufacturer of premium base layer apparel made with alpaca wool. Backpacking Light podcast listeners can enjoy 15% off with the coupon code ALPACALIGHT at armsofandes.com.
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Summary
In episode 110 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about how natural and synthetic fibers influence thermoregulation.
Unlike synthetic socks, Arms of Andes Alpaca Slipper Socks provide a bit more versatility (comfort) across wider temperature ranges while sleeping. The 300 gsm fabric weight allows the socks to be worn in both warm and cool conditions without your feet getting clammy.
Got cold feet while you sleep? Farpointe Alpha Camp Socks are made with Polartec Alpha Direct, so they keep your feet warm without costing you a lot of pack weight.
Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content.
Some (but not all) of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and visit one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently place an order with that retailer, we receive a commission on your entire order, which varies between 3% and 15% of the purchase price. Affiliate commissions represent less than 15% of Backpacking Light's gross revenue. More than 70% of our revenue comes from Membership Fees. So if you'd really like to support our work, don't buy gear you don't need - support our consumer advocacy work and become a Member instead.
Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.
In episode 109 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn how fishnet base layers work.
Episode Sponsor
This episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by BRYNJE, manufacturer of premium fishnet (open mesh) base layer apparel made with Schoeller polycolon and merino wool. Learn more at brynjeusa.com.
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Summary
In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn how fishnet base layers work, we’re gonna talk about a bigger battery and why or why it may not be better than two littler batteries, and we’ll talk about how the most comprehensive backpacking skills education program that we’ve ever offered will help you become a backcountry expert.
Fishnet solves the problem of slow movement (failed wicking) of sweat away from your skin surface by vastly increasing convective airflow in your baselayer. Brynje is the only company combining fishnet with hydrophobic polypropylene fiber, making it a nearly perfect base layer for cold conditions.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is currently the only satellite messaging device on the market that can transmit photos and audio messages (voice memos) via satellite.
WEIGHT:
4.1 ounces (116 g)
WHAT'S UNIQUE:
can transmit photos and voice memos
reverse-charging capability
integrates with both Garmin Messenger (messaging) and Garmin Explore (navigation) smartphone apps
Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content.
Some (but not all) of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and visit one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently place an order with that retailer, we receive a commission on your entire order, which varies between 3% and 15% of the purchase price. Affiliate commissions represent less than 15% of Backpacking Light's gross revenue. More than 70% of our revenue comes from Membership Fees. So if you'd really like to support our work, don't buy gear you don't need - support our consumer advocacy work and become a Member instead.
Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.
This article explores how fishnet base layers offer superior moisture management and comfort for cold-weather backpacking by promoting rapid moisture vapor transport and minimizing condensation.
Introduction
Managing moisture (including perspiration and precipitation) while backpacking in cold temperatures can be challenging. It’s easy to reach a level of physical exertion that causes significant sweating and body heat generation, even during winter conditions. The primary challenge arises from the stop-and-go nature of backpacking, where the hiker generates heat and perspiration while active, and undergoes rapid cooling due to evaporation of that same perspiration while inactive.
In this article, we present:
moisture transport mechanisms in base layer fabrics;
the problem with wicking and cold temperatures: the Mancusi Dilemma;
the idea that wicking isn’t all it’s cracked up to be;
the case for fishnet fabrics; and
ventilation options for outer layers.
Moisture transport mechanisms in base layer fabrics
The transport of perspiration moisture in both vapor and liquid form in a layered clothing system is controlled by a complex system of interrelated processes including diffusion, convection, evaporation, condensation, and wicking. These processes occur in the following transport pathways:
As you hike (or exercise), your skin temperature warms and accumulates water vapor that results from either insensible perspiration or the evaporation of liquid sweat at the skin surface. Because your skin is now a warm, humid environment, that increases the vapor pressure near the skin surface, which drives moisture vapor towards cooler, lower-humidity areas (your layered clothing system, and eventually, the outside environment). These vapor pressure-driven processes include both diffusion and convection. These processes are represented in the diagram below by the orange lines.
In addition, as you perspire and generate liquid sweat against your skin, that liquid enters into your clothing system via wicking (e.g., a diffusive analog known as capillary action). Liquid travels along the surface of individual fibers and through pores (capillaries) within the textile structure of the fabric. This process is driven by surface tension forces and drives moisture from areas of high liquid moisture content to areas of low liquid moisture content. These processes are represented in the diagram below by the green lines.
Evaporation and condensation also occur in this system: at the skin surface, inside the layered clothing system, and between the outer surface of the clothing system and the outside environment. These processes are represented in the diagram by the yellow lines.
The problem with wicking and cold temperatures: the Mancusi Dilemma
In a conventional knit-fabric wicking base layer, the fabric pores are very small, and the fibers are hydrophilic. This creates high levels of surface tension forces that drive wicking. Therefore, it’s presumed that wicking is the dominant transport mechanism of moisture away from the skin surface and into the outside environment.
However, a problem arises after a very short period of time following the onset of sweating: the fabric starts to become saturated with perspiration. At this point, the liquid water concentration gradient approaches zero, capillary action halts, and wicking no longer occurs. You just get wetter and wetter. Mancusi et al. (Mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of heat and moisture transfer in a porous textile medium, Journal of the Textile Institute, Vol. 107 No. 5, July 2015) showed that this occurs much faster than we think. During steady exercise, relative humidity reached 100% across 90% of the fabric thickness within 20 minutes. Once the air inside of the fabric becomes saturated with moisture vapor, condensation occurs, and at that point, you are wearing a ticking time bomb of fabric that’s only going to get wetter. I call this the Mancusi Dilemma.
Then, when you stop, evaporation becomes the dominant moisture transport mechanism at the skin surface and inside your layered clothing system. Since evaporation requires heat, if outside temperatures are cold, that source of heat is your body, and you get chilled within minutes. This is commonly known as the “flash-off” effect – the rapid drop of body temperature that results in evaporative cooling when you stop hiking.
Some of my recent research investigates the impact of wicking at the micro-scale using infrared microscopy. The following image shows a 50-microliter drop of water wicking through a hydrophobic polyester base layer fabric. The ambient air, water, and starting fabric temperatures were 22.2 °C (72 °F). As the water droplet wicked through the fabric, the edges become areas that were dominated by evaporation. The heat driving that evaporation resulted in a drop in temperature of the fabric in these regions by more than 3 °C (6 °F). This is a notable temperature drop. Not only can there be a loss of body heat driving the evaporation phase change, but now we have a cold fabric next to skin that has the potential to drive conductive heat loss from the body. This is why it’s so easy to feel chilled if you’re wearing a damp base layer next to skin if you’re not exercising at a high enough intensity to combat this heat loss.
Infrared image of a water droplet (purple) wicking through a hydrophilic polyester base layer fabric (yellow). Once evaporation becomes the dominant moisture transport mechanism (see the dark purple edge of the droplet near the top of the image), the fabric temperature cools because heat loss (from the fabric, air, and user’s body) occurs during evaporation.
So maybe wicking isn’t all it’s cracked up to be
We’ve been investigating the wicking process for the past few years. You can catch up by reviewing the Related Content section at the end of this article.
My research into the impact of wicking on physiological comfort continues to validate the idea that maybe we shouldn’t trust that wicking is the be-all-end-all of fabric performance for hiking in cold temperatures.
Here’s why.
If we can avoid the Mancusi Dilemma described above (i.e., rapidly achieving moisture vapor-saturated air inside the clothing system), then we can short-circuit the process of moisture vapor condensing inside the clothing system and wetting it.
The Mancusi Dilemma can be minimized when:
Rapid transport of moisture vapor away from the skin surface and through the base layer fabric;
Minimal wicking inside the fabric structure (to minimize liquid water surface area and subsequent rapid evaporation); and
Rapid convective expulsion of moisture to the outside environment.
These three factors can be optimized with the strategic application of a layering system where a fishnet made with hydrophobic fibers constitutes the base layer and outer layers are highly ventilated.
The case for fishnet
Rapid transport of moisture vapor away from the skin will occur in two scenarios: (1) when vapor diffusion through the fabric is maximized and (2) when external convective forces (e.g., caused by normal bellowing of clothing during physical movement) can reach the skin surface.
Vapor diffusion is governed primarily by pore size (diameter) and overall fabric porosity.
On the left, a tightly-woven polyester knit fabric commonly used in base layer apparel by most major manufacturers. On the right, a polypropylene fishnet from Brynje. The fishnet porosity (24.4%) is about 3.2X the knit fabric porosity (7.7%). However, the diameter of the pores in the fishnet (3.0 mm) are 30X larger than the diameter of the pores in the knit fabric (0.1 mm). Vapor transport through the fabric is proportional to the transport constant (sometimes called the diffusion coefficient) k, which can be estimated from the Kozeny-Carman equation. This equation considers both pore diameter and overall porosity, but it’s pore diameter that has a more profound effect on the rate of vapor transport through the fabric – k for the fishnet fabric (46 sq. m.) is 46,000X higher than k for the knit fabric (0.001 sq. m.). In reality, the measured vapor transport rates are not this dramatically separated because we have ignored factors such as tortuous paths, molecule adsoption-desorption processes, and fabric thickness. However, this illustrates the magnitude of differences in vapor transport through fabrics with big holes (fishnet) vs. fabrics with small holes (knits).
In this example, the fishnet has holes that are 30X larger than the knit and an overall porosity that is 3.2X higher than the knit. However, the compounding effects of these differences are dramatic – the vapor transport coefficient through the fishnet is orders of magnitude higher than through the knit.
The larger holes of the fishnet serve another purpose – they allow for cool, dry air (e.g., from the outside environment) to be exchanged with warm, humid air next to the skin (through the bellows effect that occurs during movement). As a result, moisture vapor can be rapidly transported away from the skin surface, lowering humidity underneath and inside the base layer.
In addition, the case for fishnet (or any base layer, for that matter) is strengthened if we consider the hydrophobicity of the fibers.
Because wicking works “best” (sic) when fibers are hydrophilic, and wicking is the process we are trying to short-circuit (minimize), then it follows that hydrophobic fibers may be the best option. Barring hydrophilic chemical treatments, fibers that maintain intrinsic hydrophobicity throughout their life cycle include polypropylene (synthetic) and alpaca wool (natural).
My personal preference is a fishnet base layer made with polypropylene fibers. It retains the highest degree of hydrophobicity, the lowest amount of water absorption, and the fastest dry time.
The author wearing a polypropylene fishnet base layer underneath an alpaca wool shirt during a winter trek in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Ventilation options for outer layers
Recently, I proposed spending a few ounces of pack weight on raingear with extensive ventilation options, such as a full-zipper, adjustable hood, cuffs, and waist, and pit zips. After all, even if you wear a hydrophobic fishnet base layer, if you encapsulate it in an outer layer of clothing that’s poorly ventilated, you’re still going to suffer the Mancusi Dilemma and eventually reach 100% RH inside your clothing system (and subsequently suffer the same consequence of liquid moisture condensation and accumulation).
Outer layers with extensive ventilation options allow two things to happen – warm, moist air can exit the system (minimizing condensation), and cool, dry air can enter the system (allowing for additional humidity to be generated during exercise without condensation).
Summary
In this article, we explored the challenges of moisture management in cold-weather backpacking, focusing on the limitations of traditional wicking base layers. It introduces the “Mancusi Dilemma,” where wicking fabrics quickly become saturated, leading to condensation and discomfort. I propose fishnet fabrics as a solution – their open pore structure and hydrophobic properties facilitate rapid moisture vapor transport and minimize condensation. Don’t neglect the importance of well-ventilated outer layers to enhance moisture expulsion. By combining fishnet base layers with breathable and ventilated outerwear, backpackers can potentially achieve superior moisture management and comfort in cold conditions.
Learn more
Our clothing systems module in Basecamp Live dives deep into the science of thermoregulatory comfort, which forms the basis of various layering system frameworks for different environmental conditions. Basecamp Live is our most comprehensive live online skills course for backcountry users.
This article is sponsored by Brynje of Norway. The sponsor did not participate in any way whatsoever in defining the topic, editorial direction, outline, link or product placements, review, or editing of this manuscript. This article is the original work of the author and was developed solely by the Backpacking Light editorial team with no participation from the sponsor. The author has been wearing and using fishnet base layers made by Brynje and others since 1987.
Sponsor’s Message:
Take advantage of innovative fabric structure (big holes) for more effective thermoregulation.
👉🏽 Fishnet (mesh) has big holes. That means the warm, moist air generated during moderate- and high-exertion exercise (like backpacking) can be transferred away from your skin rapidly, before it has a chance to condense into sweat. That sweat then causes both conductive and evaporative cooling.
👉🏽 Fishnet made of merino wool is comfortable and soft next to skin, but when it’s made of polypropylene, the fabric is more hydrophobic and doesn’t absorb as much moisture. This means it dries faster, and doesn’t wet out like more hydrophilic base layers (e.g., so-called “wicking” polyester knits).
👉🏽 Those big holes do double-duty as you layer over your fishnet base layer by trapping warm air. That makes fishnet very warm for its weight – when paired with another layer over it – and much more breathable than conventional knits when well-ventilated. These two properties are rare in base layer fabrics. Fishnet mesh with these properties makes for a very effective type of fabric construction for cool- and cold-weather hiking.
Brynje of Norway has set the gold standard for manufacturing technical fishnet base layers for more than a century. It’s no surprise that you’ll find Brynje base layers on the backs (literally) of the world’s most prominent alpinists, explorers, and Nordic skiers.
On episode 108 of the Backpacking Light podcast, Nikki Stavile interviews Brian Noakes of El Coyote quilts, and we talk about a new satellite messaging device that can now send photos and voice memos.
Episode Sponsor
This episode of the backpacking light podcast is sponsored by ARMS OF ANDES, manufacturer of premium base layer apparel made with alpaca wool. Backpacking Light podcast listeners can enjoy 15% off with the coupon code ALPACALIGHT at armsofandes.com.
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Summary
On today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, Nikki Stavile interviews Brian Noakes of El Coyote quilts, and we talk about a new satellite messaging device that can now send photos and voice memos.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is currently the only satellite messaging device on the market that can transmit photos and audio messages (voice memos) via satellite.
WEIGHT:
4.1 ounces (116 g)
WHAT'S UNIQUE:
can transmit photos and voice memos
reverse-charging capability
integrates with both Garmin Messenger (messaging) and Garmin Explore (navigation) smartphone apps
Today’s podcast guest is Brian Noakes, the founder and owner of El Coyote Quilts. Brian is a backpacker, bikepacker, former helicopter pilot and gear designer who brings a minimalist design to high quality hand-crafted quilts for backpackers. Today’s discussion ranges from Brain’s background, how El Coyote got started, and design considerations, including discussion around fabric choices and the advantages to going with a small cottage company.
El Coyote Quilts is a small, family-run, cottage shop based in Arizona. They take a minimalist approach to custom making some of the highest quality, down, quilt style sleep systems on the market.
Founder, Brian Noakes is a commercial helicopter pilot, backpacker, bikepacker, fly fisherman, gear maker, and passionate outdoorsman.
Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content.
Some (but not all) of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and visit one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently place an order with that retailer, we receive a commission on your entire order, which varies between 3% and 15% of the purchase price. Affiliate commissions represent less than 15% of Backpacking Light's gross revenue. More than 70% of our revenue comes from Membership Fees. So if you'd really like to support our work, don't buy gear you don't need - support our consumer advocacy work and become a Member instead.
Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.
Today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Garage Grown Gear, your hub for all things ultralight. Garage Grown Gear is dedicated to supporting the growth of small, startup, and cottage brands.
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Summary
In episode 107 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we are going to learn about backpack ventilation and have a chat about pack design and its impact on thermoregulation with Vaucluse founder Brice Sokolowski.
Find information about all of our upcoming Member Q&A’s, Webinars, Live Courses, other live events, and more on our Events Calendar Page.
Interview with Brice Sokolowsi
Today’s guest is Brice Sokolowski, the founder of Vaucluse Ventilation Gear, a new startup company that manufactures aftermarket backpack ventilation systems to help keep you drier and sweating less when you’re carrying a backpack. The interview covers a range of discussions ranging from gear design to the entrepreneurship journey.
Vaucluse Gear manufactures attachable ventilation frames that easily fit on your favorite backpack to increase airflow. Their gear is designed to attach to backpacks (framed or frameless) in seconds and upgrade airflow, reduce back heat, and increase comfort. Made in the USA.
Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content.
Some (but not all) of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and visit one of our affiliate partners (usually a retailer site), and subsequently place an order with that retailer, we receive a commission on your entire order, which varies between 3% and 15% of the purchase price. Affiliate commissions represent less than 15% of Backpacking Light's gross revenue. More than 70% of our revenue comes from Membership Fees. So if you'd really like to support our work, don't buy gear you don't need - support our consumer advocacy work and become a Member instead.
Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.
Satellite communication devices have become essential tools for backcountry travelers who prioritize safety and connectivity during their adventures. The newly released Garmin inReach Messenger Plus aims to challenge established products with its ability to send photo and audio messages. The inReach Messenger Plus weighs 4.1 ounces and has an MSRP of $500.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is currently the only satellite messaging device on the market that can transmit photos and audio messages (voice memos) via satellite.
WEIGHT:
4.1 ounces (116 g)
WHAT'S UNIQUE:
can transmit photos and voice memos
reverse-charging capability
integrates with both Garmin Messenger (messaging) and Garmin Explore (navigation) smartphone apps
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is the first satellite communications device capable of transmitting both photos and voice memos via the Iridium Satellite Network using the Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) protocol. Photo: Garmin.
Editor’s Note: This is a product preview of a device we haven’t thoroughly tested in the field yet. We will update this article in response to new developments.
Watch the Overview Video
Ryan Jordan and Emylene Vandervelden discuss the market context, impacts, and technical features of the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus in this video:
Overview
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is a compact satellite communicator designed for backpackers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It addresses the need for reliable communication when off the grid using the Iridium Message Transport Protocol (IMTP) for audio and photo messaging and navigation via GPS/Galileo/QZSS/Beidou networks. It offers features backcountry users have come to expect, with durable construction, long battery life (a reported twenty-five days on a single charge), two-way messaging, SOS functionality, and basic navigation capabilities via the Iridium satellite network, promising connectivity in remote environments where cellular signals are nonexistent. The device competes directly with other well-known communicators like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 and Zoleo, but with a few unique upgrades from the Garmin inReach Messenger that aim to set it apart.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus transmits photos via satellite messaging using the Garmin Messenger smartphone app. Photo: Garmin.
The inReach Messenger Plus has the same features that sets the Garmin inReach Messenger apart from products like Zoleo or the Spot Gen4:
On-Device Display: View incoming messages to send both preset and custom messages (via on screen keyboard).
Group Messaging: Allows users to send group messages via the Garmin Messenger app.
Weather Forecasts: Provides weather updates to help users make informed decisions about their travel plans.
TracBack: A geographical ‘breadcrumb’ feature is usable without smartphone pairing.
Reverse Charging: Connect a smartphone to the device via USB-C to operate a low-battery phone.
In addition to those features, it can communicate using voice and photo messages.
Tech Brief: The Iridium Messaging Transport Protocol
The Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) protocol brings a modern, cloud-native solution to small- and moderate-sized Internet-of-Things messaging needs. The IMT leverages the Iridium Certus satellite modules, offers seamless integration with cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), and uses industry-standard protocols, such as Python and JSON, for data transmission.
The unique feature of IMT that allows the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus to send photos and voice memos is its publish/subscribe (Pub/Sub) messaging model. Pub/Sub simplifies the communication between devices and applications without requiring a constant connection. This means that IMT can handle data packet sizes ranging from 1 to 100,000 bytes, providing flexibility for various applications, from machine-to-machine (M2M) communications to more detailed weather forecasts to photo and voice memo transmission.
Compared to Iridium’s existing Short Burst Data (SBD) protocol, which has been widely used for transmitting smaller packets of data, IMT offers significant enhancements. While SBD is ideal for low-bandwidth, short messages, IMT’s capability for larger packet sizes and integration with modern IoT frameworks makes it more suitable for complex applications. Additionally, IMT’s use of AWS’s cloud infrastructure ensures better scalability, security, and private queue management, providing a robust framework for modern satellite communication solutions, which is a key advantage for backcountry users and IoT devices operating in remote locations.
Market Context
The inReach Messenger Plus is priced at $500, positioning it competitively but at the upper end of the market. The inReach Messenger Plus appears appropriately placed in the market for its feature set. On the more expensive side for many users, it may be highly desirable for users who have a high need (or desire) for more nuanced communication. Staying in touch with loved ones and being able to see pictures and hear their voices can be particularly compelling for long distance hikers, wilderness guides and other backcountry users who spend extensive time away from home.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus (front and side views shown) weighs 4.1 ounces (116 g). Photo: Garmin.
Garmin inReach subscription plans start at $15 per month, with options for higher messaging limits and additional features such as premium weather forecasts, at additional cost. (Garmin does not list pricing for voice and photo messages yet, but it seems likely there will be a premium.) The pricing structure can be annual or flexible, allowing users to pause their subscription during off-seasons (or upgrade their subscription for 30 days at a time for big adventures) which is a welcome feature for seasonal adventurers.
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus (Compared to...)
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is the only satellite messaging device capable of transmitting both photos and voice memos. See how it compares to other devices.
Garmin InReach Messenger Plus
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Garmin inReach Messenger
Zoleo Satellite Communicator
SPOT Gen4
battery life (active tracking at 10-15 minute intervals, 8 hr/day)
25 days
10-14 days
20-30 days
6-8 days
20-40 days
battery type
rechargeable lithium
rechargeable lithium
rechargeable lithium
rechargeable lithium
4xAAA
interface
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
Micro USB
Micro USB
reverse charging
yes
no
yes
no
no
photo messaging
yes
no
no
no
no
audio messaging
yes
no
no
no
no
messaging
2-way
2-way
2-way
2-way
1-way
group message conversations
yes
yes
yes
no
no
send check-in messages from device*
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
send custom messages from device*
yes
yes
yes
no
no
send custom messages from app*
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
activate SOS from device
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
seamless messaging (network-independent)**
yes
yes
yes
yes
n/a
tracking
yes
yes
yes
limited (Location Share+)
yes
local storage of track data
no
yes
no
no
no
start/stop from device
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
track retrace
yes (TracBack)
yes (TracBack)
yes (TracBack)
no
no
satellite network
Iridium (communications) and GPS/Galileo/Beidou (other)
Iridium
Iridium
Iridium
Globalstar
SOS monitoring
Garmin Connect (formerly IERCC)
IERCC
IERCC
IERCC
IERCC
plan costs
$15 - $65
$15 - $65
$15 - $65
$20 - $56
$12 - $15
weather forecasting (integrated)***
yes
yes
yes
yes
no
view forecast on device***
yes
yes
yes
no
no
mapping/navigation on device
no
yes
no
no
no
mapping/navigation in app
yes
yes
no
no
limited
visual display
yes
yes
yes
no
no
show incoming messages?
yes
yes
yes
no
no
smart watch integration
yes
yes
yes
limited
no
waterproofing****
IPX7
IPX7
IPX7
IPX8
IPX8
user rating @ REI
n/a
4.2 / 5.0
4.0 / 5.0
4.2 / 5.0
2.9 / 5.0
companion app
Garmin Explore & Garmin Messenger
Garmin Explore & Garmin Messenger
Garmin Messenger
Zoleo
The Spot App
App Store rating
3.6 / 4.4
3.9 / 5.0
4.4
4.1 / 5.0
2.1 / 5.0
dimensions
3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches
3.9 x 2.0 x 1.0 inches
3.1 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches
3.6 x 2.6 x 1.1 inches
3.5 x 2.7 x 0.9 inches
weight
4.1 ounces
3.5 ounces
4.0 ounces
5.3 ounces
5.0 ounces
msrp
$500
$400
$300
$200
$150
Features
Some unique features that set the inReach Messenger Plus apart from everything on the market today (including other Garmin products) include its photo and voice message sharing.
Photo: Garmin.
The features that set it apart from other brands in the marketplace include its on-device display, group messaging features, TracBack, and reverse charging (all of which are also found on the inReach Messenger.)
Photo Sharing
Unique among satellite communicators, the inReach Messenger Plus supports photo sharing, allowing users to send images along with their messages.
This feature adds a level of richness to communications, whether it’s capturing a stunning landscape or sending visual information during an emergency.
Photo sharing makes the inReach Messenger Plus stand out, offering a more engaging way to keep in touch. The inReach Messenger Plus connects to the Garmin Messenger smartphone app and connects to the Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) to send photo and audio messages. Older inReach devices use Short Burst Data (SBD) packets when sending messages and cannot send photos.
Photo Quality with the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
The Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) protocol allows for data packets of up to 100,000 bytes to be transmitted at a time. This is what allows large files like photos and audio to be transmitted via the Iridium Satellite Network.
Photos that are transmitted from a user’s smartphone via their Garmin inReach Messenger Plus are about 0.9 MP (e.g., 1080 x 810 for a typical landscape-oriented iPhone photo) and about 200 KB to 300 KB in size (this depends on the photo complexity).
When the user activates the Garmin Messenger smartphone app with a non-satellite data connection (i.e., WiFi or cellular), the app syncs with a higher-quality version of the photo via the Amazon AWS Virtual Private Cloud environment. This version of the photo is about the same pixel density but with less compression, and is about 50% larger (in terms of file size) than the photo that was originally transmitted.
Left: A photo of Ryan Jordan hiking in Wyoming’s Snowy Range, as originally transmitted by the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus via satellite using the Iridium Message Transport protocol (download this image here). Right: The same photo synced from the Amazon AWS Virtual Private Cloud environment after the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus returned to a high-bandwidth (WiFi / Cellular) connection (download this image here). Photo: Ryan Jordan.
Voice Messaging
In addition to text and photo messaging, the inReach Messenger Plus offers the ability to send voice messages. This feature adds a personal touch to communications and can be particularly useful when typing is inconvenient (e.g., when injured or in very cold temperatures) or when conveying nuanced information. Voice messaging provides a versatile way to stay connected, blending the immediacy of talking with the reliability of satellite communication.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus can transmit voice memos of up to 30 seconds in length. This also uses the Iridium Messaging Transport Protocol. Photo: Garmin.
Reverse Charging
Additionally, the inReach Messenger Plus includes a safety reverse charging feature that allows it to charge a connected smartphone, providing enough power to send custom text messages via the Garmin Messenger app. This capability adds an extra layer of security, ensuring you can maintain communication even when your phone’s battery is running low, making it a reliable companion for prolonged expeditions in remote areas.
The ability to charge an almost-dead smartphone can be exceptionally valuable in situations where a rescue could be hours (or days) away.
On-Device Display
The inReach Messenger Plus features a simple monochrome display that shows essential information such as message status, battery life, and satellite connectivity. While the screen is minimalistic compared to color displays, it’s designed to conserve battery life and provide all necessary information at a glance. The interface on the device itself is straightforward, but still offers essential feedback without the need to engage with the companion apps.
Group Messaging
One of the nice features of the inReach Messenger Plus is its group messaging capability. This feature allows users to communicate with multiple contacts simultaneously via the Garmin Messenger app, making it easy to coordinate with a group during backcountry trips. Whether planning a meetup spot or sharing updates on changing conditions, group messaging ensures everyone stays informed without the hassle of managing separate conversations.
It’s also important to note the functionality this feature provides Garmin to Garmin communication for groups with multiple Garmin devices. In remote areas where cellphone service is rare, this useful feature can be invaluable.
Off-Grid Navigation
The inReach Messenger Plus includes off-grid navigation capabilities, such as tracking your route and marking waypoints. These navigation tools are sufficient for basic route planning and keeping track of your progress in unfamiliar terrain. The inReach Messenger Plus also allows users to send their waypoint coordinates to their contacts from the device, without pairing to the Garmin Explore app from a smartphone.
The inReach Messenger Plus allows users to share their planned routes with friends and family directly from the Garmin Explore app. This feature not only keeps loved ones updated on your location and progress but also adds a layer of safety by providing others with detailed information about your planned path. Route sharing can be valuable in remote areas where conditions change rapidly and rerouting may be necessary.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus pairs with the Garmin Explore smartphone app to provide a full suite of navigation functionality. Photo: Garmin.
This feature can also be used in urban areas where you want to track your route, and collect information about topography, or record other route details while training for a trek or ultrarun.
Garmin TracBack function using the smartphone interface. No smartphone required, however, to use it effectively. Photo: Garmin.
What is interesting about Garmin’s TracBack tool is that it does not need to be connected to a smartphone. TracBack allows a wanderer to venture on unmarked trails and be guided back to their starting point once a trek with no destination is over. This can be helpful for the hunter and gatherer hobbyist, the photographer looking for the perfect angle, or anyone else who likes to take a road less traveled. None of these features is particularly surprising from Garmin but the amount you can do without smartphone connection is an intuitive and welcome touch.
Checking the Weather
Access to weather forecasts is critical when venturing into remote areas, and the inReach Messenger Plus delivers by providing weather updates through its app. Users can check the latest forecasts for their current location or planned route, helping to make informed decisions about travel plans. The ability to receive weather data off the grid is a valuable feature that enhances safety and preparedness. What sets the inReach Messenger Plus apart from most competitors is that this can be accessed from the device, no smartphone needed.
Weather report as shown on the Garmin inReach Messenger Plus device display. Photo: Garmin.
Conclusion
The satellite communication device marketplace includes devices with three distinct use cases. First are users who will prefer a device which is a network-independent messaging device which needs smartphone capabilities (like the Zoleo). Second, are users who want adequate messaging and fuss-free tracking and navigation, (for example inReach Mini 2 users). Finally there are users who primarily want communication and tracking during emergencies (Spot Gen4 type). A fourth use case developed when Garmin released the inReach Messenger, which focused on communication with loved ones with some peace of mind features to let friends and family vicariously experience the route traveled, and know where to send help in case of emergency.
The inReach Messenger Plus represents a significant advancement for the fourth use case, offering reliable connectivity, robust design, and user-friendly navigation and safety features with a more personal touch to communication. It stands as a strong contender against established models, providing a valuable tool for those who venture into the backcountry but want or need more connection with home. As always, thorough testing and real-world use will be essential to fully validate its capabilities, but initial impressions are promising.
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is currently the only satellite messaging device on the market that can transmit photos and audio messages (voice memos) via satellite.
WEIGHT:
4.1 ounces (116 g)
WHAT'S UNIQUE:
can transmit photos and voice memos
reverse-charging capability
integrates with both Garmin Messenger (messaging) and Garmin Explore (navigation) smartphone apps
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Ronni Wilde writes about her adventures lightening her pack to allow her to do more backpacking at an older age.
Introduction
As an older backpacker, what has become apparent to me over the past few years is that my needs on trail are changing. As we age, we may encounter various new challenges, including muscle loss, joint and muscle pain, a slower metabolism, reduced energy levels, hormonal shifts, changes in mental sharpness, balance, vision, and hearing, as well as increased concerns from family members about our safety while hiking in the wilderness.
Elderly hikers are more likely to suffer from balance-related falls, cardiopulmonary-related events (including strokes and heart attacks), and slower recovery times in response to the type of exertion demanded by hiking several hours a day with a heavy backpack.
Without addressing these emerging issues, aging backpackers can risk discomfort, disorientation, injury or worse. The good news is that as gear improves and technology allows for increasingly lighter equipment, there are ways to improve gear choices, even on a fixed income.
During the past four hiking seasons, I have continued my quest to keep my pack weight as low as possible, but I have also added some items to my arsenal that I believe will help keep me out there longer and with less discomfort and risk. Although the cost of new gear can be a challenge, I found ways to accomplish my goals: I didn’t have the money to replace all my gear with ultralight alternatives right away, so I decided to chip away at it as I could. I scoured online gear sites, budgeted for purchases and waited for sales. I started asking my family for gift cards to REI and Amazon for holidays and birthdays, and created wish lists on those sites so that they would buy me what I really wanted for special occasions. I also shopped used gear websites and stores, where I found some great deals on slightly used gear at a fraction of the price of the new versions. Slowly but surely, I made positive changes.
The author hopes that by adding a few creature comforts while keeping pack weight low, she can keep visiting places like this (Goat Rocks Wilderness, Washington).
The other challenge posed during this process of creating more comfort on trail was doing so without increasing my pack weight. At this point, I’m quite happy with my new items, but in adding them, I have had to figure out how to compensate for the extra weight by finding ways to scale back. Thus the great conundrum of the aging backpacker: skimp too much and be miserable and hurting in the backwoods; add weight and increase the possibility of pain and injury. Here are a few ways I have tackled this problem.
Three summers ago, while hiking the Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood in Oregon, I met a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker. During our chat, he told me about an unfortunate event that had happened to him at a town stop in California: He left his pack outside a little store while doing a quick resupply, and when he came out, his pack was gone. When locals in this trail town heard of the young man’s plight, they rallied together and replaced all his gear. Some of the replacements were second-hand, and most were not of the same brand he’d had before, but he was grateful that his hike didn’t have to end abruptly in that little town. When I met him, he had been using his new-to-him gear for a month, and he told me about a pleasant surprise he’d experienced: The Exped Ultra sleep pad he’d been given was now his favorite piece of gear. The used pad donated to him had a puncture in it that was duct-taped over, and it was much heavier than his previous pad, but even so, he said it was the most comfortable pad he’d ever slept on and that he planned to purchase a new one.
1. A more comfortable sleeping pad
That conversation launched what would become a four-year pack reprioritization for me. I wondered if there were tradeoffs I could and should make as an older hiker to help me stay stronger, last longer and feel better while on trail. I had been using a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlight pad, gloriously tiny and weighing just 8.8 ounces (249 grams), but I had been waking up multiple times a night with sore hips while using that pad. It was also noisy, narrow and a bit slippery, too, so I slid off the pad numerous times each night. Could I justify switching to the Exped Ultra 5R MW, weighing in at 1.6 pounds (0.74 kg)? And if I did make the change, could I find a way to shave off that added pound elsewhere in my pack? I decided it would be worth a try.
I ordered the Exped, and have now slept on it multiple times. The added cushion and comfort — and better sleep — are worth every extra ounce, so the next step for me was to find a way to shed a pound from my pack to keep the scales balanced. I began with the most obvious place: my pack itself.
R-4.8, 3 inches thick, longitudinal baffling, 20D polyester fabrics, internal baffle welding increases stability and reduces air movement, insulated with polyester microfibers, oversized outer chambers create a cradle, Schnozzel bag included for inflation. Availalbe in medium, medium-wide, and long-wide sizes.
I had been carrying an Osprey Aura AG 65 (3.8 lbs / 1.7 kg) and started researching ultralight packs. Though the Osprey’s frame was comfortable and provided nice support for me, I decided I was ready to graduate to an ultralight pack.
I chose the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 (2.1 lbs / 1 kg), which instantly shaved off the extra pound of weight and then some. Perfect! The pack went on sale during a Memorial Day weekend special the following spring, so I snatched it up. With this, I pondered other changes I might make that would create more on-trail comfort while simultaneously shaving off weight.
By switching to the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60, the author shaved off a pound of pack weight, allowing for the addition of a comfier sleep pad.
Now with a new pivot hip belt system, customizable belt options, and more functional load lifters. 60L capacity, S-curve harness, large external stretch mesh pocket, trekking pole attachments, Robic fabrics (100D and 210D). 30 lb comfortable load carrying capacity.
A year later, the summer after my Timberline hike, I took a four-night backpacking trip in the Goat Rocks Wilderness of Washington, and three of my hiking partners were carrying ultralight camp chairs. This seemed an unnecessary indulgence to me, but at the end of the long and tiring hiking days, I looked longingly at those chairs, and snuck in a few sits on them. Blessed relief! Sitting on the ground was uncomfortable and at times even a bit painful for me — particularly with no support for my back — so I came home and did my research. I purchased the Helinox Chair Zero (1 lbs / 0.5 kg) during a sale at REI. Though I wouldn’t carry my chair on a thru-hike, for shorter trips and section hikes, that extra pound brings much comfort. The problem? Now I had to find a way to cut my pack weight down by another pound.
Envying her buddies relaxing in their chairs after a hard day, the author added a Helinox Zero chair to her pack and compensated for the extra pound by scaling back in several other areas. The chair will mostly be used during shorter trips.
The most popular ultralight camp chair in the world, and one of the lighter pole-framed sling chairs available. 7000-series aluminum shock-corded frame, Aramid ripstop nylon support fabric. 14" x 4" x 4" packed size. 25" seat height, 20" width, 18" depth. 265 lb seating capacity. See our review.
On a trip in the Strawberry Mountains of Eastern Oregon last summer, one of my backpacking partners questioned why I was carrying a Kevlar Ursack food bag (5 oz / 28 g). I loved the security of knowing that my food bag was incredibly critter-proof, but I had to admit it was a bit heavy for my purposes, and its large capacity made it tempting to pack more food than I needed. Upon returning home, I purchased an REI Lightweight Stuff Sack (1 ounce) and shaved off several ounces. While I might opt to use my Ursack on a thru-hike, for shorter trips and when I know I’ll do a bear hang, the REI sack is just fine. This gear swap, however, still left me 12 ounces over my previous pack weight because of the chair, so I had to find more ways to tip the scales back in the right direction.
Simple, durable, affordable, light, and well-made. A very good choice for a stuff sack when you don't need to spend the money on DCF or silnylon and need more durability. Available in 15L and 20L sizes for sleeping bags, shelters, food bags, etc.
In preparation for this year’s backpacking season, I found a significant way to reduce my pack weight. After several years of sleeping in my beloved Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 (classic version) tent (3.5 lbs / 1.6 kg), I took a big leap and purchased a Durston X-Mid Pro 2 with DCF (Dyneema) flooring (17.9 oz / 507 g). By investing in the new Durston tent, I cut my base weight back by another 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg). My new tent was expensive, but after budgeting for it all winter, I was able to order it in the spring. I did a couple of practice pitches in my backyard, and took the tent out recently for its maiden journey. I love it! The reduction in pack weight by switching to this tent is notable and provided welcome relief during my recent outing.
My quest to add comfort while concurrently reducing pack weight won’t stop with my new tent: I have figured out that there are other ways I can safely trim back.
An old Coast headlamp was traded out for a Nitecore NU25 UL headlamp, and the Coleman mini lantern is no longer part of the gear list. These changes save the author 9.6 ounces.
A few of those include:
First Aid Kit – My previous kit contained an abundance of supplies, from multiple sizes of Band-Aids to gauze and scissors, tweezers, a sewing kit, a variety of medicines, two emergency foil blankets and more. Now, my kit has the basics of what I might need, but not as much or as many of each item. I no longer pack my fears in my first aid kit; I include just enough to get by until help arrives if I have an emergency. My kit went from 18 ounces (510 g) to 9 ounces (255 g).
Lighting – Up until now, I used a Coast headlamp I purchased at Costco, (3.8 oz / 108 g) and packed a Coleman mini lantern (7.4 oz / 210 g) as a backup light. I recently upgraded to a Nitecore NU25 UL headlamp (1.6 oz / 45 g), and, knowing my phone has a built-in flashlight I can use as a backup, I will no longer carry the mini lantern. These simple modifications will save me 9.6 ounces.
Food – I will still carry one extra day’s worth of food as prescribed by the 10 essentials, but I won’t carry extras beyond that. Knowing that it takes weeks for hiker hunger to set in, I don’t worry about packing extra food and snacks. It’s extra weight that I’ll likely bring home with me.
Water – This is a tough one for me: I have an irrational fear of running out of water on trail. While doing a 100-mile section hike on the PCT from Willamette Pass to Santiam Pass in Central Oregon a few years ago, there was a long waterless stretch over hot, steep, exposed lava rocks that involved an overnight dry camp. I had to carry about 24 hours’ worth of water, and in my fear, I carried 7 liters (!) of water (15.43 pounds). My trail buddies dubbed me “Water Girl” after that irrational carry, and I wound up dumping 2 liters at the next water source. My back complained about my bad judgment for weeks, and I learned the hard way to not go overboard with water.
Hiking in the barren, volcanic terrain of the Cascade Mountains in Central Oregon prompted the author to act upon her fear of running out of water. She carried 7 liters of water for a long waterless stretch with an overnight dry camp, and learned the hard way not to carry more water than she needs. Two liters were dumped at the next water source, and her back was unhappy for weeks.
Enjoying the process
A four-day backpacking trip on the Timberline Trail three years ago is when the author’s quest to add comfort while reducing pack weight began.
I’m still learning how to balance the scales with my pack weight, and I know I’m not finished yet. Likely, I will never be finished, as gear evolves and my needs continue to change. But to date — even with my added creature comforts — I’ve managed to reduce my pack weight by more than 4 pounds (2 kg), and it’s made a big difference in my comfort and energy levels on trail. By replacing my gear one item and one sale at a time, I have lightened my load without emptying my bank account, and I’ve had a lot of fun in the process.
In this updated gear guide, I’ll provide some insight into the backcountry electronics I use, discuss their use cases, and explain why I chose those brands and models.
Introduction
I spend a fair amount of time as an outdoor educator studying backcountry electronics. It’s an area of outdoor skills education that we cover extensively in our courses, including Basecamp and Trek Planning.
One important trend over the past few years is the move toward rechargeable devices. Now that we have high-performance rechargeable headlamps, cameras, smartphones, inflation pad pumps, satellite communicators, and GPS watches, we can now consolidate our charging using portable battery chargers (PBCs). We’ve covered PBC performance is covered extensively in BatteryBench.
In this updated gear guide, I’ll provide some insight into the backcountry electronics I use, discuss their use cases, and explain why I chose those brands and models.
I will focus on lighting, photography, satellite messaging, GPS watches, and portable battery chargers.
Revision Info:
This article was first published here in July, 2018. It has since been revised and updated to reflect the author’s changing practices, preferences, and gear recommendations. Last update: September 3, 2024.
Lighting
The use of electronic devices in the backcountry is a relatively new phenomenon. Of course, disposable battery-operated flashlights have been around for decades, so those don’t really count. But with the increasing prevalence of rechargeable electronics found in hiker kits, the relatively new genre of USB-rechargeable lights can’t be ignored.
I use five lights depending on the use case.
When this article was initially written in 2018, I was using the Petzl Bindi Headlamp. Since then, its weight, form factor, and performance haven’t changed, and its price has decreased by ten bucks.I still use the Bindi when I want a tiny-form-factor (pocketable) headlamp for task lighting around camp. It’s not really powerful enough for extensive nighttime trail hiking. It lacks a bright flood pattern and suffers from poor battery life when powering it in high beam mode (200 lumens). It makes a great addition to my day hiking kit, when I occasionally need a light-duty headlamp to get me back to the car during a late-in-the-day romp in the woods.
One of the lightest rechargeable headlamps available. On its highest setting, it throws a 200 lumen beam up to 36 m for 2 hours. On its low setting, battery life extends to 50 hours with a 6 m, 6 lumen beam. Includes both white and red LED lighting.
If I know I need a headlamp for more extensive trail hiking, I use the Nitecore NU25UL. It will throw 400 lumens at 70 yards for more than two and a half hours. Its flood pattern doesn’t illuminate long distances (which limits depth perception), and the battery is relatively small (650 mAh), so it’s not my first choice for early morning alpine starts, snow-covered landscapes, or bushwhacking. In looking back at my gear lists from the past year, however, the Nitecore NU25UL accompanied me on more than 50% of my nights in the backcountry.
For most of my “casual” multisport adventures (including mountaineering and packrafting), I opt for an IP68-certified housing to prevent water ingress in heavy rain or submersion. In particular, while packrafting, I’m often on the water just before dawn, and may be using a headlight for the first hour (and often wearing it for a few hours). In addition, in cases where I’m paddling long days and can’t find a camp, I’ve been known to paddle for a bit after dark, if I know I’m not having to paddle Class 3 or higher whitewater. The Fenix HL50M is my headlamp of choice in these scenarios. Its 700-lumen burst mode and outstanding flood pattern give me the depth of field for off-trail, snow, and on-the-water navigation. I don’t use it in the winter or for long alpine climbs – its battery is just too small for extensive, hours-long navigation exercises in the dark.
The new v2 model features a Cree XP-G3 S4 white LED that outputs up to 700 lumens with a 377-foot beam throw. Includes a red LED for night-vision-saving task lighting. IP68 water-resistance (submersible) and a machined aluminum housing make this a reliable, durable performer for rough conditions. It has a relatively small battery (700 mAh), so pay attention to recharge needs if you plan to use high-output modes often.
The heavy end of my headlight range focuses on two features: battery life and flood illumination. Most headlights designed for long hours of use where a lot of light is required usually have the battery located in the back. However, advances in battery regulation, LEDs, and lenses in the past 12 months have now allowed for lights that weigh less than 4 ounces (113 g) with their battery integrated into the front housing for better comfort. I’ve tried a half dozen of these designs from Fenix, Petzl, and Biolite, and I landed on the Black Diamond Distance LT 1100. It’s the most stable headlamp I’ve used in this weight range because the battery stays fixed next to the headband (it’s separated from the pivoting lamp housing). A 2200-mAh battery gives it more than 4 hours of run time at its highest setting (600 lumens with a beam throw distance of 350+ feet), and the user depth perception is among the best I’ve experienced. This is my winter and alpine mountaineering headlamp when I know I’m going to spend a lot of time navigating early in the morning or at night among snow, bush, and glaciers.
An extreme-conditions headlamp with some unique features, including a 2200 mAh battery that remains stable against the headband because the lamp housing is a separately-pivoting unit. Burst mode provides 1100 lumens for 10 seconds, then turns off automatically. More than 4 hours of light in high (600 lumens) mode. Waterproof and submersible (IP67).
Finally, I do carry a keychain light. It’s always in my emergency kit. I rarely use it – unless the battery in my main light full discharges and I need something to tide me over until I can charge it again. Since this is a backup (emergency) light, I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about performance specifications. I just carry something as small and as light as possible, usually a Photon II Microlight.
The camera I use the most for capturing vlog-style and documentary trip video is the GoPro Hero 12 Black. It’s easy to use, captures high quality images and video, and I can rig it with my Rode lav mic systems for narration.
Out of the box, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is simple to use, provides very good image and audio quality, and is weatherproof. For documentary filmmaking, the GoPro Hero Black series captures files that hold up well in post, with options for professional audio integration. Still the gold standard for action cameras.
If you’ve followed my photography journey for more than a few years, you’ll know that I’ve been making images and movies with the Sony RX100 series was released in the summer of 2012. Since then, it’s gone through several iterations, and the newest Sony RX100 Mark VII version is a very significant upgrade:
Long Lens: 24-200mm (equivalent) lens. An incredible achievement for a camera that’s pocketable, has a mid-sized sensor, and only weighs 10.6 oz (I verified the weight – that includes the battery and SD card).
This is a game-changer for me, and it means I can (finally) leave my heavy, bulky Sony RX10 or 70-200mm lens for my Sony a6500 at home for trips where I really want to save weight – and I don’t have to give up telephoto capability! This adds a lot for me creatively, because I really enjoy long shots of hikers and campsites with dramatic scenic backdrops!
The little Sony RX100 has been my go-to camera for longer trips where I want to save as much weight as possible without giving up a powerful imaging device. Photo: Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Montana.
And yes, I think there’s still a place for a durable, waterproof point and shoot camera, especially when I want more flexibility (lens range) than what the GoPro offers. I own and use an Olympus TG-7 for mountaineering, packrafting, and winter backpacking – I especially appreciate it when the weather is foul because it’s easy to use while wearing gloves and I never have to worry about getting it wet, submerged, or snow-covered.
A smartphone has mostly replaced point and shoot cameras for many applications. However, for extreme weather, mountaineering, watersports (like packrafting), or snow/winter use, a waterproof, shock-proof camera is still the most reliable option. The Olympus TG series has left the rest of the pack in the past few years, and their latest iteration (TG-7) is a gem. For less than 9 ounces, you get terrific photo quality, ease of use, and one of the most durable camera bodies ever made.
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 offers the most performance (tracking, navigation, and messaging) in the smallest size of any satellite messenger on the market. It's our recommendation when you want to have the insurance of a standalone device if you don't want to use your smartphone or your smartphone fails in the backcountry.
The inReach Mini keeps me in communication via text messaging with my wife back home, and it serves as a powerful mapping GPS when paired with my smartphone.
In addition, I have used a Garmin inReach Messenger more often in the past few years because it’s more pocketable, has better battery life, and is a more straightforward device when I don’t need navigation functionality.
Lighter and smaller than a Zoleo and a more pocketable form factor than a inReach Mini 2, the Garmin inReach Messenger boasts a very long battery life, reverse charging, and a display that doesn't require a smartphone for monitoring weather, incoming messages, and more.
I’ve been using training watches for a long time, and years ago I migrated from a Polar V800 to the Garmin Epix Pro and Fenix AMOLED lines. here’s what I look for in a GPS watch:
GPS navigation that includes both GLONASS and Galileo sat systems for accuracy and speed; integrated color base maps that show trails; powerful route-following features that include a unique climb analyzer that allows you to manage your climbing output on long days.
Activity recording that includes the usual suite of location, speed and altitude data in addition to key health metrics that use wrist-top LED sensors for heart rate and pulse oximetry monitoring.
Tight integration with Training Peaks, which I use to monitor my training and recovery.
Bluetooth integration with smartphone notifications, the Garmin Connect App, and Garmin inReach satellite messengers for message notifications and route-finding.
I’ve owned three Garmin Fenix/Epix models: the Fenix 5X Plus, the Epix Pro 2, and the new Fenix 8 AMOLED. The Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED is supposed to represent the current state of the art in GPS watches (it’s the most recent model). It offers a beautiful screen, decent battery life, and an updated (simpler) user interface and menu system than previous Fenix and Epix models. However, because it’s such a new model, it suffers from immature firmware. If I had to buy a watch today, I’d stick with the much more refined Epix Pro 2. Garmin continues to release Fenix 8 firmware updates, but we’re likely not going to see this new model optimized until mid- to late-2025.
The Garmin Epix Pro 2 is currently our recommended premium watch for GPS, ABC (alti-baro-compass), and fitness (e.g., HRM, HRV, PulseOx) monitoring. With a bright AMOLED screen, mature firmware, and high level of customization, the Epix Pro 2 represents the current state of the art (and science, with its new sensor set) for outdoor smart watches.
The Fenix 8 AMOLED is the current standard-bearer of ABC/GPS fitness watches. It offers similar guts and sensor technology as the Garmin Epix Pro 2 (including multiband/L5), but with a modified (simpler) user interface and a new codebase. Recent firmware updates in late 2024 have improved responsiveness, battery life, customization features, and usability.
As an outdoor industry professional, I’ve enjoyed the privilege of testing a variety of watches from Garmin, Suunto, Polar, Apple, and Coros – and I always come back to the Fenix series for its professional features and solid integrations with Garmin Connect, Training Peaks, and the inReach ecosystem.
The watch is a very important part of my ongoing (years-long) effort to maintain and optimize my backpacking and mountaineering fitness. It sends the data I need to Training Peaks, which I then use to pretend I’m an unstoppable mountain machine:
I’m a total data junkie when it comes to tracking and training. The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus feeds this addiction and works seamlessly with my Training Peaks account, which is where this screenshot was taken.
Charging Batteries
When I think about backcountry electronics, I get excited about watches and satellite messengers and headlights and the apps I can put on my iPhone to enhance my experience in the backcountry.
For years, portable battery banks and charging cables were always an afterthought – what boring pieces of gear!
Until I started learning about the electrical engineering and design that went into making these things. That excited me because now I could make more intelligent decisions about which batteries and cables were good or bad for backcountry use.
As I learned more, and studied the design and production of batteries and cables, I discovered that there were indeed solutions to my years-long frustrations with underpowered batteries that never lived up to their capacity claims, and to cables that failed in the field.
Today, I’ve landed on two specific products that have given me new levels of confidence on long backcountry trips, because I know (from experience now) that they aren’t going to fail.
My battery of choice is the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2. Not just because it has an extraordinarily high capacity to weight ratio (7.3 Wh/oz) or because it’s encased in carbon fiber. But because of what’s inside – electronic circuitry that powers some of the most efficient (lossless) PD circuits available. With the right cables (more on that below), it powers my devices quickly, reliably, and efficiently.
PD USB-C cables are essential today if you want to get the most out of your battery (less energy wasted) with minimal charging time.
For iPhone and AirPods users, a modern USB-C to lightning cable is a must, but there’s a lot of garbage out there. I’ve purchased cables from the Big Online Retailer that were counterfeit (sold as name brands), slow (sold as PD but weren’t), and poorly durable (failed to charge after just a few uses).
But in September 2023, Anker quietly released a brand-new compact charging cable (available in USB-C to Lightning) that comes in a 12-inch length, offers 25k bend cycles (verified by independent testing labs), and true PD charging. This is a rare combination in a short cable.
My point is this – don’t overlook the little things when it comes to building your backcountry kit. I’ve spent years obsessing over things like miniature dropper bottles, mosquito repellent, toothbrushing comfort, pillows, batteries, and cables. This type of gear isn’t as sexy as a Dyneema tent or a 1000-fp down quilt or a titanium cookpot, but not dialing in the little things can create its own brand of misery.
My approach to calculating battery recharging needs is simple.
Determine the battery capacity of each device.
Estimate the number of times during a trip you need to recharge it.
Add it all up and select an external (recharging) battery (the power station) that has some more capacity than your total needs (usually 20% to 40%, as a factor of safety, to account for the charging efficiency of the external battery – which you’ll find in the manufacturer’s specs).
The following case study shows what I’ll need for a typical 8-day summer alpine trek:
Headlamp: 650 mAh battery x 1 recharge = 650 mAh
Satellite Messenger: 1,250 mAh battery x 1 recharge = 1,250 mAh
GPS Watch: 550 mAh battery x 2 recharges = 1,100 mAh
Sony RX100 VII: 1,240 mAh x 3 recharges = 3,720 mAh
Smartphone: 2,815 mAh x 3 recharges = 8,445 mAh
So the total battery capacity that I’m estimating is the sum of these totals or about 15,590 mAh. Lithium-ion power banks have a density in the range of about 1,200 to 1,800 mAh per ounce in terms of charging capacity-to-weight ratio. So the portable battery charger(s) that I’ll need to cover my charging needs will be around 10 to 16 oz. Going through this process is useful so you can compare the weights of an external power bank vs. taking spare device batteries (if your device supports them, like a camera), or using some type of solar charging system.
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