Do you love to visit the local hiking store? I want to tell you about the latest and greatest hiking gear goodies that I am stoked to use. These are all good reasons to visit the local hiking store. My top-picks may break some hearts and potentially some budgets, but today I pull no punches.
Hiking Store Top 9 hiking gear picks that I'm stoked about.
Mystery Ranch Bridger 65L Backpack ($349 USD)
I first got a chance to check out Mystery Ranch's backpacks when I took the 55L across the trails of South Dakota last summer. I fell in love with the brand then and there, but all the more when I got my hands on the 65L upgrade. There is so much to talk about so please check out my full video review for more details, or go see how it compares to other badass backpacks. For now, I'll again highlight the unique, running-vest-style chest strap system.
This distributes the weight beautifully across my upper body, which makes carrying a full pack feel like an impossible dream. I also really appreciate the full-flay, front-open access points on this bag. It makes getting at specific gear much easier than in a bag with just a top-lid access. This bag is thoughtfully designed from top to bottom. I'm pumped to fully-use it on the trail now that it's on the market.
Big Agnes Lost Ranger UL 3N1 20 deg F ($549.95 USD)
This 3-in-1 sleeping bag system is mind-blowing. I had no idea I could be so excited about a sleeping bag – probably because this is actually 2 sleeping bags. The inner liner, on its own, is a 35-degree (fahrenheit) bag. The outer layer, which connects to any sleeping pad (and locks in your pillow!) is a 50-degree bag. Both are ultralight layers and can be used seperately, if that's all that's needed. However, when combined (i.e. sleeping in the 35 and using the 50 like a top quilt), the low-end temperature capacity improves to 15 – 20 degrees.
You can also sub in any sleeping bag you currently own to further enhance the comfort range. I've had some of my best backcountry sleeps lately using this system. It gives a nice bed-like feel, which is not something I'm used to while trekking. If you are traveling with a romantic partner, you can actually combine two of these systems to make one giant, shared sleeping set up.
Coros Vertix 2 Watch ($699 USD)
In the past, I've been hesitant to use fancier watches. That all changed when I had the chance to test out the Coros Vertix 2. Ever since then, I haven't taken it off. The things that get me excited are its map function, the intuitive scrolling, which reveals helpful readings like temperature, the week's worth of sunset/sunrise times, and even though I'm not a huge texter while hiking, that's also an easy thing to manage if that's what you're into.
My biggest aversion to high-tech watches was that they usually require frequent charging. The Vertix 2 has a battery life of 60 days! That's a game-changer. It also has 140 hours of GPS functionality, which is another area where it stands above the competition. This means that for moderate backpacking trips, I can track my specs the whole time.
Scarpa Rush Mid GTX Boot ($199 USD)
Many of these brands aren't official sponsors, but they do send me gear to test. I always do my best to give honest reviews, and that includes praise where it is due. Recently, I took these boots on a burly, 4-day backpacking trip through Utah canyon country.
I covered all kinds of challenging terrain and they were not only up to the challenge, but comfortable throughout. The one thing they weren't equipped for was the huge amount of dust that I threw at them.
Fine particles got stuck in between the first layer of mesh and the waterproof liner. It makes sense because these boots are Gore-Tex. That was a bit annoying, but this was also a highly-specific situation. I was still able to see their overall prowess in most other conditions. I therefore look forward to taking them on more adventures. The cushion was there, the grip was there, and the best part of all was I hardly ever thought about my feet. This is the best case scenario with any footwear.
Packstack / Packstack Pro From Hillsound ($17 / $30 USD)
One area I haven't touched on in my how-to/review videos yet is pack organization. One of the best places to start is with a pack that has a lot of compartments and intuitive features built into it. This is one of the reasons why my Mystery Ranch bag kicked off the list. That being said, a little extra organization never hurts. Lately, I have enjoyed using my weather-resistant Packstack for some of my clothes, and the waterproof Packstack Pro for my camera gear (much more packable than my standard carry case).
Both options are available in different sizes so that you can tailor to your backpack's volume. They are all made with a concave curve on one side. It contours to your back, and the Packstack are convex on the front. This is to strategically fill the space in your pack, with no wasted bulk or gaps.
Seadon Helios Pants ($99 USD)
Every true backpacker needs a dependable pair of pants. I've gravitated to the Helios because they are lightweight, which makes them great for the typically warmer weather in my neck of the woods.
The fit is perfect, they make my butt look great, the minimal built-in belt is a thing of beauty, and the adjustable cuff is so sleek that I didn't even know it was there until I was diving deeper for this review (so something else to look forward to now). I've also put the water-repellency to the test and I was happy to see that the water beads up beautifully.
If you accidentally go for a swim and do saturate these pants, their quick-drying nature will have you skipping along again in no time. Finally, Seadon uses recycled nylon and Bluesign approved spandex in the Helios. Each purchase helps fund the collection of discarded fishing gear in the oceans. I always appreciate when these outdoor brands demonstrate environmental awareness. A mutually beneficial exchange if you ask me!
Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Hoodie ($130 USD)
This is hands-down the best mid-layer I have ever worn. It's super comfortable (not itchy), and even though it's very lightweight, it is somehow still warm when it needs to be. I don't know how it pulls off such versatility, but this sweater is great for all-round temperature regulation. Also, after two trips filled with sweat and campfires, this thing doesn't stink at all.
The price-point may be a bit high for some people's liking. I promise you the quality makes it worth it. I love supporting cottage companies who specialize in small lines. This is what they do, and they do it very well. If you're sold, just note that these hoodies run big. I usually wear a medium and this time I had to go with a small.
Hestra Ergo Grip Tactility Glove ($85 USD)
I have typically used simple, lightweight gloves for my backpacking trips. The problem there is that they get shredded up pretty easily and they don't have much of a response when things get wet and/or cold. The Tactility Glove is made with Gore-Tex and other robust materials for solid protection against the elements, while at the same time, they maintain a lightweight, low-profile, well-contoured feel.
They look a bit like a guiding / mountaineering glove, but they also get the job done for all things backpacking/camping (chopping wood, moving rocks around, scrambling, etc). The durability certainly justifies the cost. One pair that lasts a long time is worth several cheap, throwaway ones.
Big Agnes Copper Spur MTNGLO ($549.95 USD)
Although this is not a new tent, it is new to me. This certainly qualifies it for this list. The MTNGLO has LED lights built-in to it, which at first I thought was a bit silly, until I went on two early-season trips where the sun set just after dinner.
Being in a tent for a few hours, in the dark but before bed, really shows the utility of a pleasant lighting system. The other standout feature of this tent is the 2-door (each with 2 zippers) system, which somehow still only brings the total weight to 3 pounds, 3 ounces.
The Copper Spur (available in the MTNGLO or standard option) is also easy to set up. It is intuitively designed and quite a spacious/luxurious shelter. These high-end benefits are reflected in the price-point. I understand that this might be more of a “someday” purchase. But if/when you get the chance, this is a special tent. I can't wait to log some more nights, and cozy up under those sweet LED lights. There you go Big Agnes, I just wrote you a little poem for your next ad.
Those are the 9 pieces I'm most pumped about using this season. I hope some of these resonated with you too. Let me know if there's any other gear that you're stoked to try out this year (my goodness, I can't turn off the rhymes).
If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more, check out all my gear reviews on BackpackingTV.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links in which Eric Hanson makes a small commission at no additional cost to you, but it is a great way to show your support. Thanks!
My favorite backpacking gear list
NOTE: These are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it’s a great way to show your support. Thanks!
Fleece Mid-layer | ALL-PACA Fleece Hoodie
Down Puffy Jacket (lightweight)
