Blog | CleverHiker

A person wears a backpack facing away from the camera in a snowy setting.

Osprey Talon/Tempest 22 Daypack Review

Published: February 5, 2025

The Osprey Talon 22 and Tempest 20 are ideal for men (Talon) and women (Tempest) who want a versatile, comfortable, fully featured pack.

Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout Budget Tent Review

View of the Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout with the vestibules and inner door rolled back showing a backpack and sleeping bag inside. Large rock pinnacles and desert landscape in the background.

Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout Budget Tent Review

Published: February 4, 2025

Taking inspiration from Six Moon Designs’ popular Skyscape Trekker Model, the Skyscape Scout’s features are similar, but it’s instead constructed of a more affordable 190T polyester material, making exceptional lightweight gear more accessible.

Women’s Columbia Minx Shorty IV Winter Boot Review

A person walking in the snow while wearing the Minx Shorty boots in the woods.

Women’s Columbia Minx Shorty IV Winter Boot Review

Published: February 4, 2025

We love these boots for everyday use around town. Their minimal weight and comfortable build make them ideal for casual use.

Women’s UGG Adirondack III Winter Boot Review

A close up of a person wearing the UGG boots in the snow. One boot is rolled up and the other is rolled down.

Women’s UGG Adirondack III Winter Boot Review

Published: February 4, 2025

For a winter boot that perfectly blends fashion and function, look no further! We love that the wool lining and leather build make this boot warm, waterproof, and good looking.

Women’s Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Winter Boot Review

A close up of the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea with an artistic wall in the background.

Women’s Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Winter Boot Review

Published: February 4, 2025

We love these warm, lightweight, and fashionable winter boots for errands around town on a snowy day. While they are not tall enough for use in deep snow, they have many features that lead to great performance in snow and cold weather.

Women’s Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated Winter Boot Review

Women’s Oboz Bridger 7” Insulated Winter Boot Review

Published: February 4, 2025

No boot does it all, but these come pretty close. We love how well they performed all across the board including their water resistance, warmth, and traction. They look pretty good for a hiking boot too. Read on to learn more.

REI Stormhenge 850 Hybrid Winter Jacket Review

REI Stormhenge 850 Hybrid Winter Jacket Review

Published: February 4, 2025

Perfect for hiking or everyday wear, this jacket features responsibly sourced down, breathable fabric, and smart features for all your adventures.

Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter Budget Tent Review

campers at their tent site during alpenglow on the flanks of mt. hood

Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter Budget Tent Review

Published: February 3, 2025

This is a spacious two-person backpacking tent that weighs only 3.7 pounds at a very reasonable price; it is constructed of 190T polyester and 40D mesh with dual doors and vestibules and dual curved poles for increased headroom.

Tarptent StratoSpire 2 Budget Tent Review

The Tarptent Stratospire 2 pitched with the rainfly and one vestibule door open, revealing the inner mesh and sleeping bag inside. Desert landscape with distant mountains in the background.

Tarptent StratoSpire 2 Budget Tent Review

Published: February 3, 2025

As an ultralight non-freestanding shelter built with functionality, versatility, and comfort in mind, this tent is equipped with a plethora of features, thoughtfully designed, and constructed for an array of situations and adverse conditions.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

Front view of a person smiling while wearing the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody with the hood fully zipped, standing in a snowy landscape with trees in the background.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

Published: February 3, 2025

This versatile down jacket offers warmth, comfort, and weather resistance for cool-weather adventures. Though not the lightest, it excels in moderate conditions and is a reliable choice for everyday use.

New Favorite: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody Review

A person adjusting the zipper on the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody, with the hood up, standing outdoors in a snowy forest setting.

New Favorite: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody Review

Published: February 3, 2025

We went looking for a jacket that balances warmth and weight without compromising performance, and this one is one of the best.

Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review

A person standing in snowy terrain wearing the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket fully zipped with the hood up for maximum protection.

Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review

Published: February 3, 2025

Built for cold-weather adventures, this jacket combines 700-fill hydrophobic down with a Pertex Quantum shell for reliable warmth and durability. Ideal for climbing and mountaineering, it’s a top choice for those prioritizing insulation over weight.

Best Budget Down Jacket: REI 650 Review

A man in a blue REI 650 Down Jacket stands with his hands in his pockets, gazing off into the snowy forest during an early winter evening.

Best Budget Down Jacket: REI 650 Review

Published: February 3, 2025

This lightweight, budget-friendly down jacket excels in warmth, packability, and versatility. It is ideal for everyday wear and casual outdoor activities in cooler conditions.

REI Trail Hut 2 Budget Tent Review

A tent with no fly on sits in a grassy field with a sunset in the background.

REI Trail Hut 2 Budget Tent Review

Published: February 3, 2025

This is an easy to use, compact, and dome-style tent with increased interior space from an included ridge pole.

Men’s prAna Brion II Shorts Review

Men’s prAna Brion II Shorts Review

Published: January 31, 2025

We love this pair for its town-to-trail style. When it comes to shorts that transition easily from day hikes to a brewery with friends, this is the one you want.

Testing an $80 Tent: Clostnature Polaris 2 Review

The Clostnature Polaris 2 pitched with doors open and the awning deployed and a backpack under the vestibule. Rolling mountains in the background.

Testing an $80 Tent: Clostnature Polaris 2 Review

Published: January 31, 2025

Campers looking for an affordable shelter that sets up quickly and has all of the necessary features should consider this tent. Equipped with reinforced corners and a shade awning, it has everything you need for your next outdoor adventure.