Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides
30 Exciting New Products From Outdoor Retailer 2022
30 Exciting New Products From Outdoor Retailer 2022
Published:
June 13, 2022
The CleverHiker team spent last week walking the halls of Outdoor Retailer in Denver, drooling over all the awesome new outdoor gear coming out in 2022/23. We put together this article to share the inside scoop on the new products we’re most stoked to get out on a trail!
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles Review
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles Review
Published:
March 31, 2022
Black Diamond’s Trail Ergo Cork trekking poles are some of our favorites for hiking on rugged trails where…
Six Moon Designs Rain Walker SUL Umbrella Review
Six Moon Designs Rain Walker SUL Umbrella Review
Published:
April 21, 2021
The Six Moon Designs Rain Walker SUL Umbrella strikes an excellent balance of low weight and luxury for those wanting the outstanding protection of a hiking umbrella without adding too much extra weight to their pack. It barely tips the scale at just 5.5 oz., which makes it the lightest full-size trekking umbrella on the market.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Review
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Review
Published:
December 14, 2020
If you’re looking for one sleeping pad that can keep you warm and comfortable for most of the year, the Therm-a-Rest XLite is it. The XLite boasts an unmatched warmth-to-weight ratio, packs down incredibly small, and is durable enough to last through many seasons of regular use.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Review
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Review
Published:
November 24, 2020
Tired of tossing and turning in your tent because you’re too cold to sleep? Give the Therm-a-Rest XTherm a try. With an R-Value (insulation value) of 6.9 and weighing in at under a pound, this pad is perfect for 4-season adventures and for those who tend to sleep cold.
Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes vs. Trail Running Shoes
Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes vs. Trail Running Shoes
Published:
June 17, 2020
Hiking footwear is a really personal choice, and people often have differing opinions on what type of shoe works best for hiking.
Hydro Flask Lightweight Trail Series Wide-mouth Vacuum Water Bottle Review
Hydro Flask Lightweight Trail Series Wide-mouth Vacuum Water Bottle Review
Published:
May 11, 2020
Hydro Flask’s Lightweight Trail Series Vacuum Water Bottles are seriously awesome. These bottles are 25% lighter than…
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Ultralight Fanny Pack Review
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Ultralight Fanny Pack Review
Published:
January 29, 2020
Hyperlite Mountain Gear makes some of our favorite ultralight backpacks, tents, and accessories, and they’ve done it again…
First Look: Therm-a-Rest’s New Valve System
First Look: Therm-a-Rest’s New Valve System
Published:
January 11, 2020
Therm-a-Rest is introducing their new WingLock air valve for 2020 and we were fortunate enough to get to test a first run sample. The new valve system is a great upgrade for the already awesome NeoAir sleeping pad line.
Zenbivy Light Bed Quilt Review
Zenbivy Light Bed Quilt Review
Published:
November 5, 2019
Love being warm and cozy but hate the feeling of constricting mummy sleeping bags? Zenbivy’s new Light Bed System might be the answer you’re looking for. The Zenbivy Light Bed (you choose your quilt and sheet) offers the temperature regulation and freedom of movement of a quilt, but it stays tucked in and retains heat more like a traditional mummy bag when the temperature drops.
Gossamer Gear G4-20 Backpack Review
Gossamer Gear G4-20 Backpack Review
Published:
November 1, 2019
Gossamer Gear’s G4-20 new backpack has been designed for ultralight backpackers by ultralight backpackers.
Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody Review
Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody Review
Published:
September 16, 2019
Arc’teryx recently released the Proton LT Hoody (men’s and women’s), which is their most durable, insulated climbing jacket to date. The Proton provides lightweight synthetic insulation for a range of activities from climbing to snow sports to backpacking.
North Coast Route Backpacking Guide – Olympic National Park
North Coast Route Backpacking Guide – Olympic National Park
Published:
August 28, 2019
The North Coast section of Olympic National Park – from Shi Shi Beach to Rialto Beach – is not your ordinary walk on the beach. This route features some of the most rugged and isolated coastal landscapes in the country. From tidepools full of life to sea stacks miles out in the ocean, every headland you round offers another breathtaking view.
NEMO Hornet 2P Tent Review
NEMO Hornet 2P Tent Review
Published:
August 13, 2019
The NEMO Hornet 2P is a great option for solo ultralight backpackers who like having a little extra space at camp. We liked the previous version of this tent, and NEMO has made some really great design improvements this year. The 2019 Hornet offers more headroom and corner struts in the foot for easier setup without adding any weight. You can find the Hornet on our list of the 10 Best Backpacking Tents.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol vs. NEMO Switchback Review
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol vs. NEMO Switchback Review
Published:
July 10, 2019
Closed-cell foam sleeping pads are a popular option among thru-hikers and lightweight backpackers on a budget, and the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol has dominated that market for many years with very little competition. New in 2019, the NEMO Switchback offers some long overdue updates. We were curious to see how the two matched up, so we tested them side by side to determine a winner.
35 New and Exciting Products From Outdoor Retailer 2019
35 New and Exciting Products From Outdoor Retailer 2019
Published:
June 26, 2019
The CleverHiker team spent last week walking the halls of Outdoor Retailer in Denver, drooling over all the awesome new gear coming to the backpacking world in 2020. Outdoor Retailer is one of the largest gear conferences in the world and last week we were fortunate enough to meet up with some of our favorite companies to get a sneak peek at their upcoming innovations.