Oct 30, 2023 · We consider the items below the bare necessities for staying clean and comfortable in the backcountry, and make sure to bring the appropriate sun protection, too—the sun’s rays can be especially powerful when reflecting off snow. Toothbrush. Toothpaste. Toilet paper and/or baby wipes. Hand sanitizer. Nov 21, 2023 · Best Overall Windbreaker Jacket. 1. Patagonia Houdini Air ($179) Category: Alpine/running. Weight: 4.1 oz. Materials: 90% nylon, 10% polyester. What we like: Impressive comfort and breathability in a tiny package. What we don’t: Expensive and not as protective as some of the options below. Our Team's Budget Backpacking Tent Picks. Best Overall Budget Backpacking Tent: REI Co-op Trail Hut 2. A Premium Backpacking Tent for Under $350: REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+. Best Budget Tent for Families: Kelty Grand Mesa 4. Best Budget Ultralight Backpacking Tent: Durston X-Mid 2.Nov 21, 2022 · Our favorite backcountry skiing helmet for 2022-2023 is the Salomon MTN Lab, which is reasonably light at 14.1 ounces, offers solid ventilation, and is rated for climbing and biking, too. 8. Ski Backpack or Avalanche Airbag Pack. Backcountry skiing requires some serious gear, and you’ll need a good pack to house it all. The weights that we have listed in the tables above are the packaged or packed weight (our cutoff was 6.5 lb., but many backpackers will want to keep things lighter). This includes everything that comes from the manufacturer: the tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, guylines, repair sleeve, and tent and stake bags.Best Overall Fanny Pack 1. Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack ($60) Pockets: 3 Capacity: 2L Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 in. Weight: 10 oz. What we like: Great all-around versatility and modern styling in a …1. Warmth-to-Weight Advantage: Down. Without a doubt, down holds the warmth-to-weight crown. Down fill, and particularly premium goose down at 800-fill power and above, offers the ultimate in lightweight warmth. Simply put, you need more synthetic insulation to achieve the same warmth, resulting in more weight.Torres del Paine (pronounced PIE-nay) National Park in southern Chile is the crown jewel of Patagonia. Rising high is the Cordillera del Paine, one of the world’s most dramatic mountain ranges, including the famed rock …Best Overall Fanny Pack 1. Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack ($60) Pockets: 3 Capacity: 2L Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 in. Weight: 10 oz. What we like: Great all-around versatility and modern styling in a …Uncover Switchback's best with our Travel Guide for 2023. Expert tips & must see recommendations. Whether a tourist or local, plan your holiday today with this tourist guide!A switchback is a type of path that follows a zig-zag pattern up a steep stretch of terrain such as a hill or mountainside. Rather than climbing directly up the slope, switchbacks …Fujinon 10-24mm f/4 OIS ($799) Weight: 14.5 oz. 35mm equivalent: 15-36mm. What we like: Super sharp and fast autofocus. What we don’t: No weather sealing. The wide-angle lens options for the Fujifilm X-T2 are strong, and our top pick is the 10-24mm f/4. You get superb optics with great sharpness and fast autofocus.Best Overall Baby Carrier: Deuter Kid Comfort. A Close Second (With More Storage): Osprey Poco Plus. Best Budget Baby Carrier: Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack. Best Compact …However, Backcountry’s brand selection and shipping are hard to beat, and they offer a lot of technical gear that other sites don’t. Visit Backcountry.com. 3. Evo.com. Shipping: Free standard (at $50+) Return policy: 366 days for new, unused items. International shipping: Yes.Best Overall Baby Carrier: Deuter Kid Comfort. A Close Second (With More Storage): Osprey Poco Plus. Best Budget Baby Carrier: Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack. Best Compact …Oct 2, 2023 · Best Overall Hardshell Jacket. 1. Arc’teryx Beta AR ($600) Category: All-around. Weight: 1 lb. Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Pro. Denier: 40D & 80D. What we like: Excels in just about every category. What we don’t: Expensive, and not ideal for fast-and-light trips. Best Camping Stove: Eureka Ignite Plus. Best Hard-Sided Cooler: RTIC 52 Ultra-Light. Best Soft-Sided Cooler: RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 30 Can. Best Backpack Cooler: Hydro Flask 20 L Day Escape. Best Camping Lantern: BioLite AlpenGlow 500. Best Headlamp: Petzl Actik Core. Best Rooftop Cargo Box: Thule Motion XT L.June 7 at 1:15 AM ·. All the options for weekend warriors and extended trips. For minimalist overnights to extended treks, our top picks excel in carrying comfort, organization, and weight. …Best Premium Backpack Cooler with Excellent Ice Retention: Yeti Hopper M20. Best Budget Backpack Cooler: Coleman Chiller 28-Can. Best Large and Feature-Rich Backpack Cooler: Icemule Boss. Best Hybrid Backpack Cooler/Daypack: REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack. Best Light and Packable …Best Overall Ultralight Backpack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55. Best UL Pack for Customizing Fit: ULA Equipment Circuit. Standout Mix of Support and Ventilation: Osprey Exos 58 / Eja 58. Best Frameless Ultralight Backpack: Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L. Best Budget Ultralight …Uncover Switchback's best with our Travel Guide for 2023. Expert tips & must see recommendations. Whether a tourist or local, plan your holiday today with this tourist guide!Feb 2, 2024 · Best Insulated Jacket for Resort Skiing: Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0. Best All-Around Technical Ski Shell: Arc’teryx Sabre. Best Budget Ski Jacket: REI Co-op Powderbound. Best Backcountry Ski Jacket: Outdoor Research Skytour. Best 3-in-1 Ski Jacket: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate. Ideal All-Mountain Rocky Mountains/West Coaster: 90mm to 105mm. Backcountry Touring: 90mm to 115mm. Powder/Big Mountain Skis: 105mm+. If you only plan on buying one ski and are an intermediate to advanced skier, we think that the true sweet spot for all-mountain use is the 88- to 100-millimeter range.At $184 Canadian per person, fees for hiking the West Coast Trail are the most expensive in Canada, and the most expensive I’ve ever paid to access a trail. They include costs of ferry crossings and other fees, but …May 25, 2023 · Sneaking just under our $1,000 cap is the brand’s versatile DRT 1.2. This bike is a great option for beginner- and intermediate-level riders with stable and grippy 2.4-inch-wide tires, thru-axles for added stiffness, and a solid 120 millimeters of front suspension (20mm more than most options on this list). Our Team's Ski Backpack Picks. Best Overall Ski Pack: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32. Best Budget Ski Pack: Dakine Heli Pro 20L. Best Resort Skiing Pack: Osprey Glade 12. Best Avalanche Airbag Pack: Black Diamond JetForce Pro 25L. Best Ski Mountaineering Pack: Black Diamond Cirque 45.Nov 21, 2022 · Our favorite backcountry skiing helmet for 2022-2023 is the Salomon MTN Lab, which is reasonably light at 14.1 ounces, offers solid ventilation, and is rated for climbing and biking, too. 8. Ski Backpack or Avalanche Airbag Pack. Backcountry skiing requires some serious gear, and you’ll need a good pack to house it all. See our ski gear reviews for 2024, with reviews and buyer’s guides on top skis, boots, bindings, jackets, goggles, helmets, gloves and more. Marmot Montreal Review. Many women’s winter jacket models come and go, but Marmot’s Montreal has been a powerhouse for years. For less than $300, you get quality down fill, a fleece-lined interior, fur-rimmed hood, and clean styling, making it ubiquitous across a wide range... Nov 20, 2023 · Best Baselayer for High-Output Activities. 4. Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Crew ($130) Category: Midweight. Materials: 53% merino wool, 45% polyester, 2% elastane. Weight: 7.3 oz. What we like: One of just a few merino baselayers that we’ll confidently recommend for high-output use. Nov 22, 2023 · Excellent Carrying Comfort for Gear-Intensive Trips: Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L. Best Weekend Travel Backpack: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L. Best Budget Travel Backpack: Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack. Best High-Capacity Travel Pack for Long Trips: Osprey Farpoint 70. Mar 29, 2022 · Rating: (4.5/5) See the Men's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket See the Women's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket. Arc’teryx’s new Beta Jacket slots into the brand’s expansive collection as a premium hiking shell. Offering more protection than a rain jacket but a step below a full-on winter hardshell, the light and packable Beta hits a sweet spot for three ... Best Baselayer for High-Output Activities. 4. Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Crew ($130) Category: Midweight. Materials: 53% merino wool, 45% polyester, 2% elastane. Weight: 7.3 oz. What we like: One of just a few merino baselayers that we’ll confidently recommend for high-output use.Nov 22, 2023 · But for slabby-to-vertical rock, the Endeavor 2.0 nevertheless strikes an excellent balance for those who prioritize price, performance, and comfort. See the Butora Endeavor 2.0 (Wide) See the Butora Endeavor 2.0 (Narrow) 10. La Sportiva Skwama ($199) Best uses: Bouldering, sport, gym. Switchback Travel is a website that covers outdoor gear, photography and adventure topics. Find the best ski gear, winter clothing, backpacking equipment and more, as well as stories … The best outdoor gear reviews and adventure information, with in-depth gear reviews covering hiking, backpacking, camping, biking, skiing, and more. See our camping gear reviews for 2024, with in-depth reviews and buyer’s guides on the best camping tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, stoves and more.Best Overall Backcountry Ski Boot 1. Scarpa Maestrale RS ($949) Category: All-around Weight per pair: 6 lb. 7.6 oz. Flex: 125 Other flexes: 100W, 110, 120W What we like: Excellent performance on both the uphill and descent. What we don't: Not burly enough to be a top crossover resort choice. Many backcountry boots favor either uphill or …Below are our detailed hiking gear reviews for 2024, including round-ups, in-depth reviews, and informational articles covering everything from hiking footwear and clothing to daypacks and trekking poles. For overnight adventures, see our …Contact. Search. Cart. Foldable Travel Bag. . Featured collection. . Example product title. . Regular price$19.99 USD. . Regular priceSale price$19.99 USD. . Unit price/ per .2. Pick the Right Ski Jacket Type. The next step is nailing down the ideal jacket type. The four styles below vary substantially: Shell jackets are light and versatile, insulated models are cozy and warm, 3-in-1s offer a lot of bang for your buck, and softshells are stretchy and breathable.If you see a dwelling, don’t try to squeeze through windows or doors to enter it, don’t test the integrity of the structure, don’t comb through the soil for hidden treasures. Read about our backpacking journey into Utah's Dark Canyon Wilderness, a remote section of the Canyon Country formerly part of Bears Ears National Monument.Talking to someone in person, seeing the gear in-hand, and even demoing when possible can be a valuable way to pin down exactly what you want. See Our Ski Gear Reviews. See our article on the best …Based out of British Columbia, Arc’teryx is an industry leader in technical mountain apparel and one of the most revered outerwear brands on the market. From baselayers to daypacks, hiking and approach shoes, insulation, climbing and skiing gear, and more, Arc’teryx products exude quality and top-end craftsmanship.Why I Chose This Career: As a writer and editor for Switchback Travel, I’ve been able to merge my journalism background with my love for the outdoors—a perfect convergence of my expertise and personal passions. How I Began Career: My first professional writing experience was with Backpacker Magazine in 2016, where I interned during a ...Best Overall Snowboard Helmet 1. Anon Prime MIPS ($230) Construction: Hybrid in-mold Weight: 1 lb. 2.8 oz. Ventilation: Adjustable (23 vents) What we like: Snowboard-specific style and high-end features at a reasonable price. What we don’t: The Smith Vantage below feels a bit more premium. A sub-brand of Burton, Anon offers a …A more accurate description might be that Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure hub for travelers and Wanaka is where Kiwis go to play (hint: go to Wanaka!). 3. Kaikoura (South Island) The laid-back seaside town of Kaikoura doesn’t always get mentioned among New Zealand’s top outdoor destinations. It should.Torres del Paine (pronounced PIE-nay) National Park in southern Chile is the crown jewel of Patagonia. Rising high is the Cordillera del Paine, one of the world’s most dramatic mountain ranges, including the famed rock …Best Budget Women’s Travel Pant. 2. Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pants ($60) Materials: 96% nylon, 4% elastane. Waist: Snap/fly & drawcord. Pockets: 3. What we like: A well-rounded travel pant for considerably less than most of the competition. What we don’t: A step down in material quality and features …And serious telephoto enthusiasts should consider the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 below, which is out of reach cost-wise for most people but has the longest zoom range of any X-Mount lens by far. See the Fujifilm 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8. 6. Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 ($599)In the gravel realm, we especially like their Haanjo 2, which is the most affordable design to make our list at $925. This entry-level ride features a 2 x 8 Shimano drivetrain, decently fast-rolling 38-millimeter tires, and mechanical disc brakes that are easy to operate and provide consistent stopping power.Best Overall Backcountry Ski Boot 1. Scarpa Maestrale RS ($949) Category: All-around Weight per pair: 6 lb. 7.6 oz. Flex: 125 Other flexes: 100W, 110, 120W What we like: Excellent performance on both the uphill and descent. What we don't: Not burly enough to be a top crossover resort choice. Many backcountry boots favor either uphill or …If you’re unwilling to compromise on an air pad, the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra is one of our favorite budget models, retailing for a reasonable $100 (it’s also warmer with an R-value of 4.5 vs. the Switchback’s 2.0). For all of our top picks, see our article on the best backpacking sleeping pads.Switchback Travel is building the world’s premier adventure travel information brand. Seattle, Washington, United States. 1-10. Private. www.switchbacktravel.com. 359,662. Highlights. …Sep 17, 2019 · Adventure in the Grand Canyon is most often associated with rafting the Colorado River. But while there’s much to be seen from the canyon floor, the vast and undulating walls of The Big Ditch hold even more potential for exploration. Grand Canyon hikers have many options for multi-day treks, but the 35-mile Escalante Route is the full package. Best Overall Trail Mountain Bike: Yeti Cycles SB130. A Close Second (For Rougher Terrain): Ibis Ripmo V2. Best E-Mountain Trail Bike: Specialized Turbo Levo Comp. Best Hardtail for Trail Riding: Salsa Timberjack XT 29. Best Budget Full-Suspension Trail Bike: YT Jeffsy Core 2.In the gravel realm, we especially like their Haanjo 2, which is the most affordable design to make our list at $925. This entry-level ride features a 2 x 8 Shimano drivetrain, decently fast-rolling 38-millimeter tires, and mechanical disc brakes that are easy to operate and provide consistent stopping power.Best Insulated Jacket for Resort Skiing: Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0. Best All-Around Technical Ski Shell: Arc’teryx Sabre. Best Budget Ski Jacket: REI Co-op Powderbound. Best Backcountry Ski Jacket: Outdoor Research Skytour. Best 3-in-1 Ski Jacket: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate.Nov 21, 2022 · Our favorite backcountry skiing helmet for 2022-2023 is the Salomon MTN Lab, which is reasonably light at 14.1 ounces, offers solid ventilation, and is rated for climbing and biking, too. 8. Ski Backpack or Avalanche Airbag Pack. Backcountry skiing requires some serious gear, and you’ll need a good pack to house it all. Oct 30, 2023 · We consider the items below the bare necessities for staying clean and comfortable in the backcountry, and make sure to bring the appropriate sun protection, too—the sun’s rays can be especially powerful when reflecting off snow. Toothbrush. Toothpaste. Toilet paper and/or baby wipes. Hand sanitizer. Our Team's Massage Gun Picks. Best Overall Massage Gun: Therabody Theragun Elite. Best Combination of Price and Performance: Ekrin Athletics B37. Best Budget Massage Gun: Toloco EM26. Best Compact/Portable Massage Gun: Ekrin Athletics Bantam. Best Massager for Hard-to-Reach Areas: Mighty Bliss Massager.See our ski gear reviews for 2024, with reviews and buyer’s guides on top skis, boots, bindings, jackets, goggles, helmets, gloves and more.Best Insulated Ski Pant: Patagonia Insulated Powder Town. Best Budget Ski Pant: Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated. Best Backcountry Ski Pant: Outdoor Research Skyward II. Best Women's Ski Bib: Trew Gear Chariot Bib Primo. Best Slim-Fitting Pant for Resort Skiing: Roxy Rising High.Our Team's Women's Daypack Picks. Best Overall Women's Daypack: Osprey Tempest 24. A Close Second (With Better On-the-Go Storage): Arc'teryx Aerios 30. Best Budget/Lightweight Daypack: REI Co-op Flash 22. Best High-Capacity Daypack for Women: REI Co-op Trail 40. Best Women's Hydration Pack: Osprey Skimmer 28.Best Overall Snowboard Helmet 1. Anon Prime MIPS ($230) Construction: Hybrid in-mold Weight: 1 lb. 2.8 oz. Ventilation: Adjustable (23 vents) What we like: Snowboard-specific style and high-end features at a reasonable price. What we don’t: The Smith Vantage below feels a bit more premium. A sub-brand of Burton, Anon offers a …The appropriate temperature rating for cold-weather adventures depends on the conditions, but expedition bags can run all the way down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Summer/low-elevation sleeping bags: 32°F and above. 3-season sleeping bags: 20 to 32°F. Cold-weather/winter sleeping bags: 20°F …The Switchback is a travel bamboo cutting board. The built in knife makes using your cutting board anywhere easy. The food grade silicone cover keeps your board from slipping around and keeps your cutting area sanitary during storage. Reine is our favorite destination on the Lofoten Islands. It is a quiet village—Henningsvær is a bit livelier—but for natural scenery it can’t be topped. Many of the best hikes on the Lofoten Islands are within a short distance of Reine and the fishing village of Å is less than 10 kilometers down the road. For kayaking, biking, and ... At $184 Canadian per person, fees for hiking the West Coast Trail are the most expensive in Canada, and the most expensive I’ve ever paid to access a trail. They include costs of ferry crossings and other fees, but …However, Backcountry’s brand selection and shipping are hard to beat, and they offer a lot of technical gear that other sites don’t. Visit Backcountry.com. 3. Evo.com. Shipping: Free standard (at $50+) Return policy: 366 days for new, unused items. International shipping: Yes.In a men’s size 9, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX clocked in at 2 pounds 1.5 ounces on our scale (the listed weight is 1 pound 15.7 ounces), which puts it on the lightweight end of the hiking boot spectrum. On the trail, the boot had a very nimble and athletic feel to it, which is one of the hallmarks of Salomon’s hiking footwear lineup.The 24-70mm f/2.8 GM is the lens that made Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras truly competitive with Canon and Nikon. For Sony FE, first came the mediocre Sony 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6, then the decent Sony 24-70mm f/4, but neither was up to professional standards at this crucial focal length range.Basic repair kit (multi-tool, duct tape, extra cord) Navigation (map, GPS, compass) Cell phone with charger. Extra batteries and/or solar charger. Notebook and pen/pencil. Book or Kindle. Bear canister and/or bear spray (if required) Ziploc bags (for trash and waterproofing electronics) Whistle.Best Overall Ultralight Backpacking Tent. 1. Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P ($650) Category: Semi-freestanding tent. Packaged weight: 2 lb. 1 oz. Floor dimensions: 85 x 50/42 in. Capacities: 1P, 2P. What we like: All the performance and convenience of a traditional backpacking tent—for just 2 pounds.A Close Second (That's More Packable) 2. Nemo Fillo Pillow ($45) Best for: Camping and backpacking. Type: Inflatable w/ foam. Weight: 9.2 oz. Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 4 in. What we like: Combination of air and foam offers great cushioning and support with minimal bulk.Jan 11, 2024 · Our Team's Backpacking Stove Picks. Best Overall Canister Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2. Best All-in-One Stove System: Jetboil Flash Cooking System. Best Budget Starter Stove and Cookset: Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo. A Powerful, Compact Stove for the Alpine: MSR Reactor 1.7L Stove System. Best Premium Backpack Cooler with Excellent Ice Retention: Yeti Hopper M20. Best Budget Backpack Cooler: Coleman Chiller 28-Can. Best Large and Feature-Rich Backpack Cooler: Icemule Boss. Best Hybrid Backpack Cooler/Daypack: REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack. Best Light and Packable Design: Icemule Jaunt 15L.
Nov 20, 2023 · Our Team's Rain Jacket Picks. Best Overall Rain Jacket: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. Best Performance Rain Jacket: Arc'teryx Beta LT. Best Budget Rain Jacket: REI Co-op Rainier. Best Stretchy Rain Jacket: Black Diamond StormLine Stretch. Best Ultralight/Emergency Rain Jacket: Outdoor Research Helium Rain. . Great escape pools
Best Budget Camping Lantern: Black Diamond Moji. Best All-in-One Lantern and Device Charger: LuminAid PackLite Max 2-in-1. Best Ultralight and Compact Lantern: Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Flash. Best String Lights for Camping: Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights + Charger.Best Overall Fanny Pack 1. Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack ($60) Pockets: 3 Capacity: 2L Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 in. Weight: 10 oz. What we like: Great all-around versatility and modern styling in a …Backpacking Pack. Our top pick: Osprey Atmos AG 65 ($340) What we favorite: Great wear comfort, thoughtful organization, and class-leading breathability. About were don’t: On the …Sigma’s 10-20mm f/3.5 and Tokina’s 11-16mm f/2.8 are faster but also softer and more expensive. And Canon’s 10-22mm f/3.5-5.6 wins out in terms of image quality but is $150 more. For these reasons, the Canon 10-18mm is our top choice in the wide-angle category and a really fun lens overall. The best outdoor gear reviews and adventure information, with in-depth gear reviews covering hiking, backpacking, camping, biking, skiing, and more. Nov 8, 2023 · See our guide to the best backpacking tents of 2024, with reviews of top lightweight backpacking tents from REI, Nemo, MSR, Big Agnes, Zpacks, and more. And to complete your setup, we’ve also written about the best beginner ski boots. 1. Rossignol Experience 78 Ca w/Xpress 11 Bindings ($580) Dimensions: 125-78-111mm. Turn radius: 13m. Ability level: Beginner to intermediate. What we like: Well-built and plenty capable for beginners up to solid intermediates.Sigma’s 10-20mm f/3.5 and Tokina’s 11-16mm f/2.8 are faster but also softer and more expensive. And Canon’s 10-22mm f/3.5-5.6 wins out in terms of image quality but is $150 more. For these reasons, the Canon 10-18mm is our top choice in the wide-angle category and a really fun lens overall.Feb 2, 2024 · Best Insulated Jacket for Resort Skiing: Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0. Best All-Around Technical Ski Shell: Arc’teryx Sabre. Best Budget Ski Jacket: REI Co-op Powderbound. Best Backcountry Ski Jacket: Outdoor Research Skytour. Best 3-in-1 Ski Jacket: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate. The top is full of bags with premium down (800-fill and up) because it insulates better at a given weight. Custom sleeping bags like the Enlightened Equipment Convert show the impacts in upgrading: You can choose the Convert 30F with either 850- or 950-fill down, and total weight drops from 1 pound 6.8 ounces to 1 pound 5.2 ounces (for …The Hiker 2 reviewed here is the non-waterproof, mid-height offering in Altra’s Lone Peak collection. At the time of publishing, Altra also has a waterproof boot—the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 ($190)—which features a synthetic upper, eVent membrane, and higher collar at the rear. The Lone Peak also comes in a few low-top models, including ...Nov 13, 2023 · Switchback Travel is a travel blog and gear guide that offers tips, reviews, and recommendations for backpacking backpacks. Find out their top picks for different types of backpacking trips, from ultralight to plus-size, and get buying advice and comparison table. Michael Kirsh. 2. Chautauqua and The Mesa Trail (Boulder) Start: Chautauqua Ranger Cottage ( map) Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Length: Variable. About 30 miles west of Denver is the outdoor mecca of Boulder. The historic hamlet of Chautauqua sits directly beneath the Flatirons with big views and numerous area hikes.Best Ski for Hard Chargers: Völkl M6 Mantra. Our Favorite Playful All-Mountain Ski: Atomic Bent 100. Best All-Mountain Ski for Carving: Völkl Kendo 88. Best All-Mountain Ski for Powder: Salomon QST 106. Best All-Mountain Ski for Beginners: Rossignol Experience 78 Carbon.As we touched on above, backcountry skiers want to keep weight down while balancing weather protection and durability. The Stormstride Jacket is Patagonia's lightest at 1 pound 1.3 ounces, …Switchback trails 101 is here to guide you in understanding what these winding paths entail, their benefits, and how best to tackle them with ease. With every twist and turn, …Nov 8, 2023 · Best Overall Camping Tent: The North Face Wawona 6. A Close Second (With a Simpler Setup Process): Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P. Best Budget Camping Tent: Coleman Skydome 6P. Best Reliability in Rough Weather: Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model 6P. Best Crossover Camping/Backpacking Tent: Marmot Tungsten 4P. A more accurate description might be that Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure hub for travelers and Wanaka is where Kiwis go to play (hint: go to Wanaka!). 3. Kaikoura (South Island) The laid-back seaside town of Kaikoura doesn’t always get mentioned among New Zealand’s top outdoor destinations. It should..