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5 most expensive hiking boots

Getting the most expensive hiking shoes could provide you with long-term happiness or a sense of fulfillment especially if you’re getting them for the right reasons.

Expensive hiking boots are a worthwhile investment because they have signature features that separate them from the regular hiking boots out there.

And because expensive hiking boots offer better quality than cheaper hiking boots.

If you are a luxury shopper and an avid hiker, you’re definitely going to love these shoes.

Without wasting much time, let’s get to the list.

La Sportiva Hiking Shoe (Most expensive)

https://amzn.to/3wRQMMm

There is a lot of thought put into the design of this shoe. It is very comfortable and fits true to size. Although I pondered going up a half size due to my wide feet, I am glad I didn’t do that.

As far as style goes, I love this shoe. I got the leather charcoal with orange lacing & they look really badass. I will definitely buy a 2nd pair as a backup.

Whether you’re walking around loosely laced or hiking up a steep hill, the lacing system provides the perfect fit.

Unlike most modern hiking shoes that are solely foam and cloth, these appear quite thin and dense, so I doubt they would absorb much water from the start.

This shoe is robust and comfortable.

KUQIZ Hiking Shoe

https://amzn.to/3QbqFXB

This is a very expensive hiking shoe. Designed with a rubber sole and bottom drainage hole, these shoes are nonslip, wear-resistant, and have a stable grip.

Featuring a lightweight and soft shoe body, the shoe body can be twisted easily without restriction, giving you the freedom to walk with zero pressure.

You will not experience stuffy feet with this shoe, your feet will breathe freely, it has elasticity, and it is skin-friendly.

SCARPA Men’s Kinesis Gore-Tex

https://amzn.to/3KKeH6v

The SCARPA Kenesis Pro GTX fit my requirements for a hiking boot with a cemented sole.

It is likely that your feet will sweat in these boots depending on how hard you are working on your body and the weather conditions.

The Vibram soles grip well and coupled with the stability of the boot, I can use my toe or boot edge to grab small footholds when the going gets steep and difficult.

They have excellent ankle support, bulletproof construction, a protective full rubber rand, and a firm shank.

Although not very flexible, the sole’s rocker action works well on the trail, even when walking quickly, so my feet are rarely sore after hiking for the day in these boots.

This boot is not extremely lightweight though.

SCARPA Men’s Zodiac Hiking Boot

https://amzn.to/3CSI8Be

This is one of the great hiking boots out there. The sole of this shoe feels comfortable and it generously protects the feet and toes.

It’s durable and water-repellent.

Timberland Men’s Flume Hiking Boot

https://amzn.to/3Q8GoXr

This is the cheapest expensive hiking boot on this list.

They’re comfortable and true to size. They’re water-repellent but not waterproof.

Padding on the ankle and back of the calf has lasted perfectly.

Notable Mentions

The Benefits of Buying The Most Expensive Hiking Boots

A cutting-edge technology backed by extensive research and testing
The material used for these shoes is high quality and durable. Its seams don’t rip and the soles don’t wear out easily.
Lining and materials that are resistant to water
It is common for hikers to develop blisters due to the low-quality materials in cheap hiking boots
An excellent heel brake that minimizes the likelihood of slipping on steep descents.
Ankle protection with increased stability and longer lifespan.

What Next?

Here you have it. These boots are quite expensive and too costly for a casual hiker to obtain.

Read Best hiking gear gift

Best hiking gifts for boyfriend

Getting the best hiking gifts for your boyfriend can be a quite daunting task.

My team and I have gone through the stress of looking for the gifts your boyfriend will fall in love to see. It is pleasing when he has happiness on his face as you’re giving him the gift.

Be assured that when you gift him one of these gifts, he would be pleased.

Without wasting much time, let’s get to it.

Best hiking gifts for boyfriend

Nike Men’s Manoa Leather Hiking Boot

This is a perfect Christmas present for hikers hence it deserves a mention. You’re probably wondering why. This boot has great traction, it’s sturdy, lightweight, and comfortable.

All of the above are the qualities that most men are looking out for when choosing a hiking boot. Get one for him and make him happy.

Apple AirPods Pro

https://amzn.to/3CHStQo

As his girlfriend, this is one of the best gifts you can give to him. The beauty and quality of these AirPods are quite an emotional trigger.

The noise cancellation of these AirPods is quite rare, and the sound quality and battery life are out of this world.

Any hiker would love these pairs when using them on the trail. The apple AirPods are a lot better and feel more secure in the ears than many others out there.

It’s quite expensive though.

CamelBak Ambush Pack

https://amzn.to/3R8pKZ7

Hydration reservoir capacity: 3L

Cargo capacity: 10L

Weight: minimalist design

Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation, Padding

Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, No hipbelt, Chest strap

Size: Unisex

This hydration pack has a military-grade design which makes it extremely exception from the others. It has extra functional pockets, it holds more water, it is BPA-free and that makes it free from plastic taste.

There is an adjustable length for each strap, and the chest strap has a Bungie side that relieves pressure. A nice feature is that the 3L bladder is easily removable through the top hole.

This hydration pack is excellent for short hikes. It comes in different colors and that means you have the option to choose if you don’t like the military-like color. It features a quick-release bite valve.

I highly recommend it.

Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody

https://amzn.to/3wmEdIL

Insulation: Synthetic Insulation

Weight: Lightweight

Fabric: The fabric is Water repellant.

Price: Expensive

Pockets: Chest pocket available

Hood: Hood present

The material of the jacket is made with 93 nylon and 7 elastane. Although it is heavier than other review jackets, it is however lightweight.

It features PrimaLoft Silver insulation which makes the hiking jacket retain warmth due to the high thermal efficiency of this material.

Panasonic Lumix TS30/FT30

https://amzn.to/3K7bEVv

Features

Type: Compact

Sensor: ½.3in

Megapixels: 16.1MP

Waterproof: 8m/26ft

Resolution: 720p (HD)

LCD: 2.7in, 230k dots

PROS

Affordable

Waterproof

Garmin Epix Gen 2

https://amzn.to/3pWKyHx

Whomever you’re giving this gift to will absolutely love it. It’s expensive and rare to see on the hands of other hikers.

Garmin is a popular brand that almost all hikers are familiar with. This watch, in particular, offers a variety of functions that includes, sleep tracking, workouts, heart rate, and tracking steps taken during a hiking journey.

It features a map for navigation.

The battery of this watch lasts for as long as 16 days without recharging it and it charges very fast.

If it’s any concern, there’s a gesture mode of 16 days which is plenty enough for you to test run it and probably return it.

You can never go wrong with this watch.

What Next?

Here are the best hiking gifts for boyfriend. Choose the best gift for him and make him extremely happy today.

Related Best hiking gear gifts

11 Best hiking gear gifts

It can be overwhelming to select the best hiking gear gifts for a partner, friend, or loved one because there are thousands of products out there.

Even at times, you may not know what best to give because your opinion might not be just enough.

But not to worry, my team and I have spent an exhaustive amount of time collating the best of the best hiking gear gifts that any hiking enthusiast will fall in love with.

Without wasting much time, let’s get to it.

Best hiking gear gifts

Osprey Hikelite 18

https://amzn.to/3cGtrGF

This bag is perfect for day hikes, and it’s cool for storing snacks, water, and clothes. It is comfortable, and durable.

It has a proper ventilation structure that causes it to breathe properly thereby keeping your back sweat-free and cool. It has fitted pockets for extra storage and you hit the backcountry.

It has a hip and chest strap that helps it to fit your body properly and to remain firm.

Garmin Epix Gen 2

https://amzn.to/3pWKyHx

Whomever you’re giving this gift to will absolutely love it. It’s expensive and rare to see on the hands of other hikers.

It features a map for navigation.

The battery of this watch lasts for as long as 16 days without recharging it and it charges very fast.

If it’s any concern, there’s a gesture mode of 16 days which is plenty enough for you to test run it and probably return it.

You can never go wrong with this watch.

Trigger Point Performance GridX Foam Roller

https://amzn.to/3eeNNHm

This is one of the best products for a hike post-recovery deep self-massage.

The GridX is a firmer roller compared to other rollers.

If you don’t know what it’s about, essentially, the goal is to improve the performance of the lymphatic system to decrease post-workout discomfort and downtime. By rolling against a firm object with your hands, you move anaerobic respiration byproducts away from your muscles and toward your lymph nodes.

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow

https://amzn.to/3THazbs

It’s lightweight, comfortable, durable, and capable of retaining warmth even in a negative ten Fahrenheit which makes it worth your money.

Whenever you’re going out to the backcountry during the cold weather for multiday hikes, this is definitely what you need.

This is not a traditional sleeping bag but serves the same purpose.

Osprey Levity 60 / Lumina 60

https://amzn.to/3CM4Xq9

https://amzn.to/3CIgVRP

These bags are a go-to for thru-hikers because they are lightweight, durable, and spacious with a capacity of 60 liters.

These two bags are basically the same. Levity is for men and Lumina is for women.

The main difference between the two is in the structural design. The shoulder and torso lengths of men and women are usually not the same therefore these bags cannot be used interchangeably.

Getting the right bag will improve your comfortability when on the trail.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

https://amzn.to/3ACtMSX

This is a go-to shoe for winter hikers because there’s a chance of snow or icy conditions as you hike the trail. It’s good to have these in your bag during a winter hike.

The spikes under the shoe add tremendous traction and confidence on slippery rocks and rough ledges with treacherous drop-offs, loose gravel, debris, and scree when they are covered in snow and ice.

The chains-and-spikes design makes this shoe unique.

Get one for him today.

Black Diamond Rain Jacket

https://amzn.to/3Q76KsO

This is a hardshell shirt that is best used for cold weather insulation because it is properly designed to help retain heat. It is lightweight and extremely breathable.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

https://amzn.to/3AvdsTG

Lightweight, very bright, rechargeable and takes AAA batteries. The strap is easy to adjust, the switch-on button is quite easy to use and it’s extremely useful for navigation during the night.

The only challenge with this awesome headlamp is that it has a single switch for two lights. This is not much of an issue though.

Counter Assault Bear Spray

https://amzn.to/3R7mNbo

This gear comes in pretty handy when you are hiking in bear country and mountain lion country.

Mini USB Battery Charger

https://amzn.to/3e0ETgE

This is a Power Delivery device with a USB-C port.

With a size similar to a typical man’s wallet, this unit fits nicely in a pocket. For the majority of people, it will fit in their front pocket along with their phone. That’s why it is a 10,000 mAh battery. The size makes them practical to carry around. The battery in a typical smartphone is around 3,000 mAh. So, you can charge this up to three full times.

Gregory Mountain 3D Reservoir

https://amzn.to/3TtzmQ1

My favorite hydration bladder to use if I don’t have to filter water is the Gregory because it’s easy to fill and close, and it has a quick release so you can easily take it out of the pack and refill it without snaking the hose out. If you bite on the valve too hard or chew on it, it will break (but it’s easy to replace).

What Next?

Here’s what you have it. Choose the best hiking gear gifts that fit the need of your friend or lover.

Read Best gift ideas for hiking lovers

11 Best gifts for female hikers

Getting the best gifts for female hikers can be daunting. But not to worry.

My team and I took our time to curate a list of the best out there and you’re going to love whomever you’re giving it to.

Your friend or love deserves the best of gifts and we’ve listed them here.

Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP Women’s Hiking Boot

https://amzn.to/3pW7vdK

This hiking boot would make a great gift for a new hiker who has the intention of hiking with their regular shoe.

It is non-waterproof, affordable, breathable, and durable. This boot is one of the boots that many hikers wish to have in their collection of boots.

Also, they provide excellent cushioning for both long and short trips.

Hand Care Gift Set

https://amzn.to/3CDReBQ

This is a perfect birthday gift for her. The fragrance of this hand care is so yummy that she’d love it and thank you for it happily.

In addition to deeply moisturizing, this hand care gift ultra-rich 20% organic shea butter hand cream absorbs quickly for immediate hydration.

Relax Gift Set

https://amzn.to/3pUAaQm

Make her spend her big day at an at-home spa by buying her this basket meant for relaxing.

It contains a pleasant scent that is perfect for bath time, from soap to bath bombs. Each item is of high quality. A light floral scent with a hint of marine salt is what appeals to my nose. It is very clean and conducive to bathing. Guaranteed to make bath time more enjoyable.

Saucony Peregrine 12

https://amzn.to/3AEkIN5

This is a women’s hiking shoe. It offers the same function, it’s lightweight, durable, and supportive and it gives a nimble feel.

This shoe is available in non-waterproof forms.

Diva Cup

https://amzn.to/3AvTqZo

It collects rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It’s reusable and better than pads. You might think it’s not worth it but she will love it once you gift it to her.

My female teammates can attest to it. However, there has to be a great maintenance culture in place for its effective use.

Fjallraven Abisko Tights

https://amzn.to/3BS813D

When my team and I decided to list out Christmas ideas for hikers, we decided to add women hiking pants.

This is because finding a good pair can be stressful and daunting. You don’t believe this? Ask her (whoever you are getting a gift for).

This is largely because of the style, the weather condition (rain, sun, and snow), and the trail activity level.

Fjallraven Abisko Tights is our best pick here. It’s a high waist hiking pant for women, tight fit, the material is stretchy, comfortable, durable, lightweight, and with pockets.

But expensive.

This, among other factors, makes it a perfect Christmas gift for her because there are fewer people buying it, which means there are very few people she’s going to see it on especially if she’s a fan of leggings.

Moon Cheese

https://amzn.to/3wMR0V9

The crunchy dehydrated cheese from Moon Cheese makes a great savory trail snack. It comes in a variety of delicious flavors such as gouda, cheddar, and parmesan. Those who are tired of protein bars and want a salty snack would love a variety pack of Moon Cheese, which is high in protein and gluten-free.

When it comes to cheese flavors, these are great

What Next?

Here’s the list of the best hiking gifts for females. Make your choice and buy one today.

Read Best Gift Ideas for Hiking lovers

11 Best birthday gifts for hikers

Getting the best birthday gifts for hikers can be quite daunting. There is hardly anyone saying anything about it except us.

Birthday gifts for hikers are quite different from the general list of hiking gifts out there.

A birthday gift should cause some excitement to whomever that is receiving it.

My team and I have given thought to these types of gifts.

Here’s the list

Best birthday gifts for hikers

Under Armour Men’s Tech 2.0 Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

https://amzn.to/3B0zWxF

Get him a T-Shirt such as this and see how happy he will be. This shirt is a great workout shirt that is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and fits perfectly.

It’s a great shirt for hikers and I highly recommend it.

Charmast 26800 Ultra Slim QC

https://amzn.to/3Qy4YSu

The importance of having a power bank whilst hitting the trail cannot be overemphasized. Sometimes, electronics like smartphones are among the essential items we used on the trail.

Hence having a power bank for charging and recharging is very important.

This massive power bank can charge your phone six times because it has a large capacity of 26800 mAh.

This is a great birthday gift for hikers too.

Hand Care Gift Set

https://amzn.to/3CDReBQ

This is a perfect birthday gift for her. The fragrance of this hand care is so yummy that she’d love it and thank you for it happily.

In addition to deeply moisturizing, this hand care gift ultra-rich 20% organic shea butter hand cream absorbs quickly for immediate hydration.

Relax Gift Set

https://amzn.to/3pUAaQm

Make her spend her big day at an at-home spa by buying her this basket meant for relaxing.

Apple AirPods Pro

https://amzn.to/3CHStQo

As his girlfriend, this is one of the best birthdays you can give to him. The beauty and quality of these AirPods are quite an emotional trigger.

The noise cancellation of these AirPods is quite rare, and the sound quality and battery life are out of this world.

Any hiker would love these pairs when using them on the trail. The apple AirPods are a lot better and feel more secure in the ears than many others out there.

It was quite expensive though.

Vibrating Foam Roller

https://amzn.to/3Tu5cvT

The foam roller is a massaging tool that an avid hiker would love because it helps to loosen up major muscle groups, therefore, reducing any sort of neck or shoulder pain.

This may not be for all hikers but it’s definitely worth mentioning especially for those who do hiking as a form of fitness and workout.

Urination Device

https://amzn.to/3wHDx0M

This is definitely not for all hikers but those with certain appendages. This however does not mean it is useless to others.

Lots of women have been found to love this.

What Next?

Here you have the list. Make your choices now and make your friend happy.

Read Best gift ideas for hiking lovers

11 Best gift ideas for hiking lovers

Your intent for searching for the best gift ideas for hiking lovers is the beginning of truly gifting them a thoughtful gift.

All hiking gifts are not the same hence we’ve carefully selected the best gift a friend or loved one will be happy to receive from you.

Here’s the list

Best gift ideas for hiking lovers

HydraPak Flux Water Bottle

https://amzn.to/3TsSLR9

It’s always essential to have a clean supply of water when hiking, whether it’s a day hike through Yosemite or a week-long trek through Patagonia. That’s why water bottles make ideal gifts for hikers of all stripes. You can’t just buy your hiking buddy a water bottle because they need lightweight and durable equipment.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite HIking GPS

https://amzn.to/3AwpBrL

The battery life of this device is great. It functions properly even with its mini-size user interface. It can easily be connected to a phone where you can send messages to anyone.

There are preset messages you can send to family members and they in turn can see your location from that message.

This is basically a satellite communication device and it’s very important during an SOS situation at events where cellular coverage would fail, this device won’t.

Outdoor Hat

https://amzn.to/3AzVz6j

https://amzn.to/3AYSFta

These are very important during bright summer hikes. It helps to protect the face and neck from the rays of the sun.

You can’t go wrong with these.

Solar Power Bank

https://amzn.to/3R8cKTB

What happens when your phone dies while on the trail?

To avoid the occurrence where you are stranded, you need to have a solar-powered charging bank to ensure a full charge always.

This device is a great thing to have if your friend or lover is always hitting trails.

CamelBak Ambush Pack

https://amzn.to/3R8pKZ7

Hydration reservoir capacity: 3L

Cargo capacity: 10L

Weight: minimalist design

Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation, Padding

Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, No hip belt, Chest strap

Size: Unisex

This hydration pack is suitable for a short day hike although it can still serve for an average day hike.

There is an adjustable length for each strap, and the chest strap has a Bungie side that relieves pressure. A nice feature is that the 3L bladder is easily removable through the top hole.

I highly recommend it.

Read Best Gifts For Female Hikers

Garmin Venu Fitness Watch

https://amzn.to/3Kvr0Dw

This watch is quite powerful. It has a weekly step challenge that puts you in a group with other Garmin users based on your level of activity. You won’t know most of these people though.

The GPS is accurate and the step is not that perfect however it gives you an idea of how active you’ve been.

Read Best birthday gift for hikers

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle

This water bottle turns any natural water source to clean and pure drinking water. Pretty much every hiker uses this water filter bottle when hiking in the backcountry.

What Next?

Choose of one these best gift ideas for hiking lovers.

Read: Best Christmas Gift for hikers

5 Best Hydration Pack For Hiking 2022

Hydration packs for hiking are different for biking, mountaineering, and running.

Hydration packs are built with different capacities and this is a huge determinant of whether they are for hiking or not.

They are majorly for short day hiking when their cargo capacity is between 5-18 liters, average day hikes when it is between 18-30 liters, and gear-heavy hikes when it is between 30-40 liter.

Generally speaking, hydration packs are the smaller version of backpacks but large enough to carry some critical items for your hiking journey.

Best Hydration Pack For Hiking 2022

CamelBak Ambush Pack (The Best for day hiking)

https://amzn.to/3R8pKZ7

Hydration reservoir capacity: 3L

Cargo capacity: 10L

Weight: minimalist design

Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation, Padding

Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, No hip belt, Chest strap

Size: Unisex

This hydration pack is suitable for a short day hike although it can still serve for an average day hike.

There is an adjustable length for each strap, and the chest strap has a Bungie side that relieves pressure. A nice feature is that the 3L bladder is easily removable through the top hole.

I highly recommend it.

CONS

Expensive

Osprey Skarab 22

https://amzn.to/3QLARXV

Hydration reservoir capacity: 2.5L

Cargo capacity: 22L

Weight: 23 oz

Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation, Padding

Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, Hip belt, Chest strap

Size: Men

This hydration pack is suitable for an average day hike and can even be used for a 5-day hike in summer due to its cargo capacity.

My favorite part of the pack is the comfort, space, and well-built construction. I have several Osprey travel backpacks, and this one seemed to meet that high-quality standard. However, I noticed there was a leak in the hose when I filled my water bladder with my pack.

This could be a little mistake on the production side. There is enough room in the main compartment for four people’s rain gear and an extra layer of clothing.

CONS

Expensive

CamelBak Women’s Octane 9 Pack

https://amzn.to/3R427AR

Hydration reservoir capacity: 2L

Cargo capacity: 5L

Weight: 12 oz

Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation

Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, Hipbelt present

Size: Women

This hydration pack is suitable for a short day hike.

For a snug and comfortable fit, it has multiple adjustment straps. In my experience, this pack doesn’t shift or move as I hike 8+ miles and climb up and down a variety of terrains.

Also, the bladder is a classic Camelback design, it’s the perfect size for a day hike because it holds a lot of water and other items.

This is one of the great CamelBak hydration packs out there.

Osprey Skarab 30

https://amzn.to/3Cqw2Pr

Hydration reservoir capacity: 2.5L

Cargo capacity: 30L

Weight: 25 oz

Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation, Padding

Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, Hip belt, Chest strap

Size: Men

This hydration pack is better for a day’s hike and even multi-day hikes.

With its large water bladder, the pack can carry extra clothing, microspikes, snacks, and extra snacks. The waist pockets can be easily accessed without having to remove them.

The pack is collapsible in case you want to use it for a day’s hikes without losing its beauty.

However, there are complaints that the hydration bladder might be missing sometimes. Being extra careful can solve this.

CONS

No rain cover

Expensive

What to Look For In a CamelBak Hydration Pack

Hydration Reservoirs

Noteworthy is their capacities, openings, and handle valves… Most times their capacities can be anywhere between 1L to 3L. The bite valve is responsible for proper suction

Cargo capacities

This is usually dependent on your needs such as personal hygiene, the weather condition such as summer or winter, and how long you plan to stay on the trail. The hydration pack capacity could be 18l, 22l, 25l, or 30l.

Here’s a guideline you can use for capacity choice

Short day hikes: 5-18 liters

Average day hikes: 18-30 liters

Long or gear-heavy day hikes: 30-40 liters

Weight

A hydration pack can feature a minimalist or a fully featured design. Minimalist designs are simply hydration packs with less structure and capacity.

While a full-featured design is structurally made for long or gear-heavy day hikes. The feature paddings and straps help to manage the weight of the gears you are carrying.

Hydration pack features

These include back panel and ventilation, straps, frame, and pockets.

Comfort

For comfort when carrying hydration packs, a back panel, hip belt, and shoulder straps are very important and a great indicator of the comfortability of a hydration pack.

All of these provide cushioning to the sternum, back, and entire body.

Sizing

This is very important for comfort too. A hydration pack specifically designed for men will definitely not feel comfortable for women and vice versa.

Therefore put torso length and the hip belt into consideration

What Next?

Hydration packs for hiking are different for biking, mountaineering, and running. Make your choice to choose the best that suits your need.

Read Best Sleeping Bag For Backpacking in Cold Weather

5 Best CamelBak for hiking

CamelBak is a big brand with products that cater to different aspects of hiking. This includes bottles, packs, coolers, reservoirs, filtration, and accessories.

All of these are hydration products that actively serve the hiking community in America. But most importantly their hydration packs are one of the best out there.

My team and I decide to review the best CamelBak hydration packs, bottles, coolers, reservoirs, and filters, therefore, making this post an Ultimate guide although we think know that it’s the hydration packs you came here for.

Please feel free to navigate these different subtopics using the jump links.

Top 5 CamelBak Hydration Packs For Hiking

Just like everything else, getting a hydration pack, there has to be some criterion for choosing the best, and CamelBak’s is no exception.

To get a quality hydration pack you have to look at these qualities; hydration capacities, weight, features, comfort, sizing

CamelBak Ambush Pack (Highly recommended)

https://amzn.to/3R8pKZ7

Hydration reservoir capacity: 3L

Cargo capacity: 8L

Weight: minimalist design

Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation, Padding

Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, No hipbelt, Chest strap

Size: Unisex

There is an adjustable length for each strap, and the chest strap has a Bungie side that relieves pressure. A nice feature is that the 3L bladder is easily removable through the top hole.

I highly recommend it.

CONS

Expensive

CamelBak Arete 18

https://amzn.to/3T7PlmF

Hydration reservoir capacity: 1.5L

Cargo capacity: 16.5L

Weight: 11 oz. minimalist design

Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation

Comfort: Shoulder Strap, No hipbelt

Size: Unisex

This hydration pack is best for short day hikes. It allows ventilation because the bag is made of mesh hence it’s also quick drying.

Although this pack has been rumored to have some minor leaks, it is negligible when the lid is tightly screwed and when it isn’t filled to the lid.

CONS

Water pouch minor leaks may happen

Cleaning the reservoir isn’t easy

CamelBak Mule Pack

https://amzn.to/3TmXzHV

Hydration reservoir capacity: 3L

Cargo capacity: 8L

Weight: 30 oz

Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation

Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, Hipbelt present

Size: Unisex

This bag is not big instead it is a slim hydration pack hence it is suitable for short day hikes. There are a number of advantages to this setup over a standard MULE pack, and it does exactly what is supposed to do.

Besides the tube leaving through the top of the bag, there are also slits on either side of the bag so that the tube can be routed up from the waist rather than over the shoulder.

CONS

It’s heavier a little bit

CamelBak Women’s Pack

Hydration reservoir capacity: 2L

Cargo capacity: 5L

Weight: 12 oz

Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation

Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, Hipbelt present

Size: Women

For a snug and comfortable fit, it has multiple adjustment straps. In my experience, this pack doesn’t shift or move as I hike 8+ miles and climb up and down a variety of terrains.

Also, the bladder is a classic Camelback design, it’s the perfect size for a day hike because it holds a lot of water and other items.

This is one of the great CamelBak hydration packs out there.

What to Look For In a CamelBak Hydration Pack

Hydration Reservoirs

Noteworthy is their capacities, openings, and handle valves… Most times their capacities can be anywhere between 1L to 3L. The bite valve is responsible for proper suction

Cargo capacities

Here’s a guideline you can use for capacity choice

Short day hikes: 5-18 liters

Average day hikes: 18-30 liters

Long or gear-heavy day hikes: 30-40 liters

CamelBak Cooler Backpack For Hiking

Weight

A hydration pack can feature a minimalist or a fully featured design. Minimalist designs are simply hydration packs with less structure and capacity.

While a full-featured design is structurally made for long or gear-heavy day hikes. The feature paddings and straps help to manage the weight of the gears you are carrying.

Hydration pack features

These include back panel and ventilation, straps, frame, and pockets.

Comfort

For comfort when carrying hydration packs, a back panel, hip belt, and shoulder straps are very important and a great indicator of the comfortability of a hydration pack.

All of these provide cushioning to the sternum, back, and entire body.

Sizing

This is very important for comfort too. A hydration pack specifically designed for men will definitely not feel comfortable for women and vice versa.

Therefore put torso length and the hipbelt into consideration.

CamelBak Water Bottles For Hiking

CamelBak Reservoir

Camelbak water filters

What Next?

Make choice your choice now and be a happy hiker. I highly recommend CamelBak Women’s Pack and CamelBak Ambush Pack

5 Best sleeping bags for backpacking in cold weather

The importance of having a sleeping bag is non-negotiable to a backpacker.

Of course, the sweet spot of a sleeping bag is in its ability to keep you warm by trapping heat within its fabric.

However, in extremely cold weather, a sleeping bag has to do more.

My team and I reviewed 5 of the best sleeping bag for backpacking in cold weather in the whole market. So this is definitely worth your time.

Best sleeping bag for backpacking in cold weather.

Therm-a-Rest Questar O

https://amzn.to/3AfaClN

Insulation: Down fill

Temperature Rating: -18C

Size: L

Style: Mummy

This sleeping bag features Nikwax-treated hydrophobic duck down that makes it weigh heavy and allows it to compress to a small size. This makes it portable to carry around.

The fill power is 650. This means it retains warmth at a good rate. It’s comfortable and durable. This is arguably one of the good sleeping bags out there even though it has a lower fill than others.

The sleeping bag is RDS-certified and it is DWR-treated.

Marmot Voyager 55

https://amzn.to/3wp4gz3

Insulation: Down fill

Temperature Rating: -10C

Size: L

Style: Mummy

This sleeping bag is super warm due to its down fill. It features a good quality material that makes it exceptionally good at retaining heat.

Although it possesses a good weight-to-warmth ratio, it’s pretty ultralight. It’s packable when compressed.

This sleeping bag is waterproof which means it repels water when it comes in contact. As already stated, mummy bags are the best style for backpacking in cold weather.

CONS

Coleman Sleeping Bag

https://amzn.to/3wKLySX

Insulation: Down fill

Temperature Rating: -12C

Size: L

Style: Mummy

This sleeping bag compresses down to around 12×12. It’s a little heavier than the rest however it highly retains heat thereby providing warmth.

This is a zero-degree bag that functions optimally in extremely cold weather in winter. It features a lot of space that won’t be enough for just one person. It provides comfort and is durable.

Putting the price into consideration, this bag is worth it.

CONS

Heavy

What To Look For In Sleeping Bag For Backpacking In Cold Weather

Insulation

When it comes to winter or cold weather conditions, down sleeping bags are undoubtedly recognized for their high-value insulation, ultralightweight, interior space, and compressibility.

The downside to down sleeping bags is that they are very pricey and tend to lose their quality when expose to water continuously.

Synthetic insulation is cheaper and requires less care unlike the other. But in terms of quality, synthetic sleeping bags are nowhere near down.

They’re heavier and bulkier and therefore need more filing in order to work efficiently in a similar temperature range.

Temperature Rating

This is an important factor that cannot be overemphasized. All sleeping bags have a temperature factor that determines the level of comfort you can get from it.

Therefore, to experience comfort with any sleeping bag you must adhere to its temperature rating critically.

For example, if a cold weather sleeping bag is rated 35 degrees, it, therefore, means when you use that same sleeping bag at a place with a weather condition of 25 degrees, then you will definitely not be comfortable.

Hence to experience comfort, you must use the bag somewhere with a higher temperature.

Since you know you are going to a place with cold weather, knowing the temperature of the place is critical to buying the right bag.

Work with the season rating degrees I gave above. You can learn more about the temperature rating here.

Size

We have the regular, mummy, spoon-shaped, rectangular cold weather sleeping bags. Side sleepers are advised to get a spoon-shaped sleeping bag.

Style

Sleeping bags come in different styles; mummy, quilt, wearable… Noteworthy is that mummy bags offer the best insulation compared to the other styles.

What Next?

Make your decision and one of the best sleeping bags for cold weather on the market.

5 Best hiking pants for cold weather

Pockets: Pockets are present

These softshell pant is absolutely splendid for cold weather. It insulates properly because it features multiple layers and keeps warmth.

It is moisture-wicking, breathable, and comfortable.

What To Look For When Choosing A Hiking Pant For Cold Weather

Hiking Pant Materials

Most hiking pants for cold weather are made of nylon and other fabric material like elastane and spandex. Elastane causes the pants to stretch while nylon causes insulation.

Weight

The weight of hiking pants isn’t always the top criterion however it is an important consideration given the fact that every ounce counts when going into the backcountry.

Waterproof and Wind Resistance

One of the features of good hiking pants for cold weather is their ability to breathe. Unfortunately, this feature cannot be merged directly with waterproofing. Because the design for both is mutually exclusive.

However good hiking pants should be water resistance and wind resistance.

Thickness

Generally, most clothes insulate better when they are designed thick. For example, a duvet.

Hiking pants are no exception because the thicker the material, the more warmth it provides.

Belts and Waist Adjusters

The ability to adjust the waistband is crucial for every hiking pant because no one wants to use a belt on their hiking pants except for integrated belts.

Knees and Gussets

Some hikers hike the trail using traditional pants. Well, this isn’t advisable because they aren’t made for hiking.

A crucial feature of hiking pants is the presence of the articulated knees and gussets which aids mobility based on the interaction of a hiker’s knee in response in response to pant.

Pockets

Pockets aren’t a most but they are good for the organization for storage options.

Read Best Hiking Jackets for Cold Weather

What Next?

Choose one out of the five best-hiking pants for cold weather. My best pick is the Eddie Bauer Men’s pant