Comfort is Paying for What You Don’t Feel

I'm a big fan of movies and all the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes into making them. There's a popular saying in the world of sound design that goes; “you don't notice good sound design, only bad sound design.” I've found that the same is true in backpacking. the more expensive your backpack, the more invisible it becomes. That’s what you’re really paying for. With cheap backpacks vs expensive backpacks, the difference isn’t how many zippers or compartments you get — it’s how much (or how little) you notice the pack when you’re hiking.

My old $15 Temu pack? I remember exactly how it felt digging into my hips and making my back a sweaty mess. My current Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L is so comfortable I barely notice it’s there, and that’s the point. The same can be said for my Mystery Ranch. You’re paying for comfort and design that lets you focus on your surroundings, not your shoulder pain.

This ISN'T to say that you positively need the expensive stuff. If you are fine with your current setup, I say let it ride.

You Don’t Need to “Level Up” to Be Legit

One of the biggest myths about cheap backpacks vs expensive backpacks is that expensive automatically means “better hiker.” That’s just not true.

I know people with serious money who still hike with the same old pack they’ve had for years, because it works for them. And I’ve met adventurers saving every penny to buy their dream pack, and that’s valid too. What matters most is your comfort, your priorities, and your experience on the trail.

My Take on the Whole Cheap vs. Expensive Backpack Debate

At the end of the day, expensive gear exists to give you options — not to rank you in some imaginary outdoor hierarchy. If you can afford the upgrade and want to feel that “invisible” comfort, go for it. If you’re rocking a cheap backpack that gets the job done, that’s great too.

So whether you’re saving up for your dream pack or sticking with the one that’s seen a hundred miles already, just remember: it’s not about the price tag — it’s about getting outside and enjoying the adventure.

Read some of my recent backpack reviews of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L and the Loris 25L.

The post Cheap Backpacks vs Expensive Backpacks appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Step 1: Use the best sleeping bags

Big Agnes Lost Ranger UL 3N1 Review

If you follow along with Backpacking TV, then you've heard me recently brag about this brand new sleeping bag. When I first saw it, I hardly knew what to think. I had never seen a sleeping bag like this. Probably because the Lost Ranger Ultralight is more of a comprehensive system, rather than a single unit that you haphazardly climb into at night. This 3-in-1 package was originally rated to 20-degrees fahrenheit. It has recently been revised to 15-degrees, due to its exceptional performance. 

The first thing to note is that you essentially get 2 sleeping bags when you buy this system. There is the inner, mummy bag, which on its own is rated to 35-degrees. So in a good range of conditions, this is all you will need.

When the occasion calls for it, the inner bag easily slides into the outer layer, which ends up looking more like a cozy quilt. The outer bag, on its own, is rated to 50-degrees. If you're a fan of fastpacking and you have the right weather-window, this baby will be your best friend.

What's even better is that the quilt wraps around and attaches to your sleeping mattress. AND it has a pocket for your pillow! No more wrestling with your balled up bag, or blindly searching for your errant pillow in the middle of the night. Cursing your one cold leg and stiff neck in a fit of frustration will no longer be required. This whole system stays in place for that REM-inducing goodness. 

Another fun fact about the Big Agnes system is that the full-length side zipper can attach to a 2nd unit, if you feel like expanding the slumber to 2 people. Oh, how we have been historically misled about the potential romance of backcountry camping. But no more! Just don't eat too much of those dehydrated meals before bed (if you catch my drift).  

A final hot-tip about the Lost Ranger 3N1

is that you can rotate in your existing sleeping bags for even more refined temperature ratings. The updated limit of 15-degrees is certainly impressive, but I'm no stranger to winter camping. I sometimes will need that extra boost. I have another 20-degree bag that I've leaned on a lot in the past. The other night when I saw that the nighttime low would drop to a mere 14-degrees I used this mix. This turned out to be a great call as I slept comfortably through the night. 

The bottom line is that the core elements of the Lost Ranger make me feel like I'm at home in bed. At first glance, I had my reservations, but now I'm a tried-and-true convert. I do recognize that the price point ($549.95 USD) might be a bit intimidating for the average camper.

Going with the non-ultralight version is still a great choice and will save you a few extra bucks. The Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3N1 will give you excellent range and a comfortable homebase, which will ultimately lead to improved sleep.  

If you want more info on this sleep system, check out my video: Gear I'm Stoked About.

Step 2: Use wider sleeping pads

How wide should a sleeping pad be?

A quality sleeping bag is only part of the equation. Don't discount the power of the sleeping pad/mattress. I used to strictly prioritize minimalism, which led me to balancing on a piddly 20-inch-wide mattress. Lately, I've upgraded to a 25-inch one, and I can't believe the difference it has made. That increase in width means that my arms can rest comfortably at my side, rather than slipping off the edges onto the cold, hard ground. And more importantly, in the middle of the night, my inevitable adjustments don't send half my body confusingly into no-man's-land. 

The funny thing about this discovery is I happened upon it by accident. I went with the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Insulated Sleeping Pad, which was definitely the one I wanted. When I got home, I realized that I accidentally bought the 25-inch version, rather than the intended 20. Taking this as a sign from the Sandman, I decided to give it a whirl. I awoke 3 days later in an unexpected reverie. I knew that I had been living a lie up to that point. Screw the slight extra bulk and miniscule weight difference, a good night's rest is well-worth other sacrifices. 

Best night sleep backpacking

Usually getting through the night is just a grind-it-out means to completing otherwise incredible hiking trips. But nowadays, I'm legitimately enjoying my time in the tent. When you actually catch some zzzs, it makes recovering from the previous day's efforts that much easier. Therefore, sets you up for a noticeably better day 2, 3, and beyond. Once you figure out your best set-up, just get someone to read this article to you in their best ASMR voice and you'll be all set! Sleep well friends. 
If you enjoyed this rundown and want to learn more, check out all my gear reviews and other tips on BackpackingTV.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links where Eric Hanson earns 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!

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!

Backpack

Sleeping Bag

Satellite Communicator

Camp Stove

Cook pot

Freeze dried Food

Headlamp

Rain Jacket

Fleece Mid-layer | ALL-PACA Fleece Hoodie

Down Puffy Jacket (warm!)

Down Puffy Jacket (lightweight)

Hiking Boots

Hiking Socks

Gloves | Hestra Bike Ergo Grip Glove

Water Filter

Water Bladder

Camp Pillow

Folding Knife

Trekking Poles

Sunglasses

The post Sleeping Tips for Backpacking appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Backpacking Rule #1: Be prepared and plan your hike

If you were a Scout like me, or if you've watched the Lion King a few too many times, then you've had this mantra drilled into you. I know, it sounds obvious, but what does this actually mean? Being prepared entails having the right equipment for whatever could come about. Many environments that beckon us can be the types of places where the weather varies widely, and can change on a dime.

Plan for changes in the temperature

Make sure that you're sufficiently equipped for the daytime highs in the desert, but also the surprising nighttime lows. Likewise, pack not only for the windy mountain ridges, but also for the unexpected snow or rainstorm.

Being prepared for inclement weather means not only multiple layers that are up to the task (i.e. rain jacket, down jacket, thermal base layers, cozy mid-layers, additional sets of dry clothes, etc.), but also an adequate shelter and a solid sleep system (i.e. a sleeping bag with an appropriate temperature rating, an insulating sleeping pad, etc.).  

Being prepared also means having appropriate footwear, that is broken in and ready to log miles over specific terrain. A “good” pair of hiking boots or shoes might mean different things for different trails. You'll want to make sure your shoes are comfortable, not just out of the box, but on mile-10 and beyond, and that they are calibrated to the conditions.

Things like ankle support, waterproofing, breathability, cushioning, durability, sizing etc., can be both inadequate or overdone, depending on the terrain. Too much, or too little of these things and you might find yourself tending to blisters, nursing black toenails, getting soaked/chilled, or sweating up a storm. 

Navigation and route finding are critical skills

Being prepared also means knowing your route and how to navigate it. I always like to have a paper map and a compass on me. Sure, phone stuff helps a lot, but batteries die and you don't want to be left hanging in the middle of nowhere. Having the basic know-how to get yourself from point A to point B, without the unreliable crutch of technology is a backpacking must. 

Tell someone where you are going backpacking

Finally, being prepared means telling someone where you're going and having a backup plan in case you don't show up at your destination. There may come a day when this simple formula will save your life, but more often it will just give you and your loved ones some peace of mind. 

Rule #2: Pack light for your multi-day hike

I'm not advocating for some Kilian Jornet-style, ultralight fastpacking adventure, or even for counting every ounce, but just be aware of what you're bringing and if it is truly necessary. As a general rule, I recommend that beginners carry no more than 20% of their body weight. Obviously, there will be exceptions to this on the bookends of the bell-curve, but use this figure as a general reference-point. You'll be amazed how different a full-pack feels a few hours into a hike versus when you lifted it that morning in your bedroom. 

Tips to lighten the backpack

Carrying too much water is often the main culprit. Water weighs in at 2.2 pounds/liter. If you've packed 4, 5, maybe even 6 liters, then that is a substantial load. I like to carry what I realistically think I will need. Scouting water sources in advance, and bringing an effective filtration or treatment system can save you a lot of needless struggle.

Packing too much food can be a problem

Packing too much food is another thing that's really easy to do. I like to bring 2 pounds per day. Anything more than that gets to be excessive. I can't tell you how many times I've finished a hike with 6 – 8 pounds of extra food still in my pack. Sure, some redundancies are good practice, but don't overdo it, and certainly don't go too deep into the luxuries. Bring yourself a little treat, but then leave it at that. 

Get your backpack fitted properly

Another thing that can help reduce pack weight is getting your backpack properly fitted in the first place. It's often not as simple as just eye-balling it based on how tall or short you are. People have different leg to torso ratios that can change the requirements in unexpected ways. If you're lucky enough to live near a specialty outdoorsy retailer then they will likely have staff on-hand who can assist you. Alternatively, I have a video on my YouTube channel that helps make sense of this process. 

Don't strap everything to the outside

My final tip to help lighten your load is don't be a junkshow! It's pretty impressive, but also disheartening to see what some people try to bring with them on a backpacking trip. I kid you not, last summer I saw someone carrying a full-size mattress over their head. If you find yourself attaching all kinds of things to the outside of your bag, or rigging up contraptions to increase your capacity, you might want to do another inventory and make some cuts. Outside of the obvious (like trekking poles, a sleeping pad, and maybe a tent), if you can't fit it in your pack, then there's a good chance you shouldn't be bringing it. So ditch the dangly bits! 

Rule #3: Leave no trace

As outdoor enthusiasts, we are the shepherds of the land. It's our duty to not only look after the environment on which we tread, but also to set a good example for those around us. To leave no trace takes a few different forms. First, as already discussed, tell someone where you're going. This is important if you actually do get lost or injured, as it could save a ton of resources compared to if rescue teams had to search aimlessly for you. 

Travel on durable surfaces

Secondly, travel on durable surfaces. This means sticking to the trails or rocky terrain, instead of virgin soil, through delicate plant-life, or any other vulnerable areas, whenever possible. Similarly, when you get to camp, aim to set up your tent on previously impacted sites. 

Dispose of your waste properly

Furthermore, make sure to dispose of your waste properly. This means packing out everything that you brought in (including seemingly compostable stuff). This also means abiding by regulations when it comes to your special business. Often this means burying it in what's known as a cathole.

Space the cathole away from water

The general rule for a cathole is to pick a spot 200 feet (or more) away from water sources, dig a hole 6 – 8 inches deep, and bury the deed along with any toilet paper. Sometimes, you may even need to pack-out your waste. There are special bags you can purchase for this that help minimize the unpleasantness. It's not actually that bad and think of the cumulative difference this can make in high-traffic, delicate areas. 

Don't take things you find

The fourth principle of leave no trace is to leave what you find. In the backcountry of Southwest Arizona, I often come across arrowheads and other artifacts that are rather alluring. Sometimes just a cool-looking rock will tempt me like Abu (Oh man, two Disney references in one blog, what's happening?). But I resist pocketing anything so that future explorers can enjoy these things too. One little rock may not seem like much, but again, some National Parks see millions of visitors each year, so this could have a huge cumulative impact on the environment. If I do it, then it gives everyone permission to do the same, and that's simply not sustainable. 

Minimize your fire impact

The fifth element of leave no trace is to minimize your fire impact. There's nothing better or more primal than having a fire while camping. But, for starters, make sure that there isn't a fire ban in effect. If you have the go-ahead, aim to use existing fire-rings. It can be rude/disruptive to build your own, and it can even be dangerous.

Those of you who follow my adventures have probably heard me talk about the near-disaster experience of my youth that stemmed from making a new fire site. If you are in a completely wild setting, please take the time to learn how to clean up your pit afterwards, so that humans and animals alike won't ever know what transpired. Also, strive to use dead/detached firewood, rather than chopping down trees or hacking off branches/bark.  

Respect wildlife

The sixth component of leave no trace is to respect the wildlife. Don't shoot at animals, don't throw rocks or shout at them (unless for protection), don't feed them, and don't take that selfie with the buffalo on the side of the road. Just…don't. Let the animals be wild so that both parties stay unaffected and can keep on keepin' on. Watch, listen, and admire from afar if you can; take a photo if you must. 

Be considerate of others

The final part of leave no trace is to be considerate of others. This might mean not blasting music while at camp or on the trail, keeping your voices down while in peaceful areas, maybe leaving the drone at home, etc. Nothing wrecks a beautiful retreat into nature like obnoxious people. Don't be that person. Follow THE golden rule. 

From one lover of the backcountry to another, those are my tips/requests. If you make some mistakes here and there, don't beat yourself up. But try your best to be respectful of the environment and mind your surroundings. That way we can all keep enjoying our awesome adventures, guilt-free. 

If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more, check out all my gear reviews, tips, and adventures on BackpackingTV.

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!

Backpack

Sleeping Bag

Satellite Communicator

Camp Stove

Cook pot

Freeze dried Food

Headlamp

Rain Jacket

Fleece Mid-layer | ALL-PACA Fleece Hoodie

Down Puffy Jacket (warm!)

Down Puffy Jacket (lightweight)

Hiking Boots

Hiking Socks

Gloves | Hestra Bike Ergo Grip Glove

Water Filter

Water Bladder

Camp Pillow

Folding Knife

Trekking Poles

Sunglasses

The post Three Golden Rules Of Backpacking appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Today I'm going to tell you about the 8 items I bought this year that were such standouts, they made me wish I found them sooner. I'll give you my top picks for the best hiking gear of 2021. I will try to answer some common technical questions about each piece. Let's break it down!

Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Mattress

This insulated, 3-season sleeping pad was redesigned to shed some weight and pack tighter, while also still delivering good durability. It's easy to use and easy to love. Since I switched to the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX mattress, I've been having the best tent sleeps of my life. 

What size sleeping pad do I need? 

I've been using quality insulated mattresses for a long time now, but the big upgrade this year was I traded in the 20-inch wide option for one that's 25-inches. I couldn't believe the difference such a small increment made.

The problem with the 20-inch is that it's basically only suited for static sleepers. But for most people, you'll inevitably slip a body part off as you toss and turn throughout the night. This can make for a choppy sleep, and therefore, a tougher next day. As soon as I switched to the 25-inch pad, I realized I had been missing out for my whole backpacking tenure. From here on out, I'm getting nothing but the Odinsleep. 

What is a good R-Value for a sleeping pad?

The R-Value indicates how insulated a sleeping pad or mattress is. The higher the number, the warmer the sleep. Typically, a lower R-Value can suffice in low elevation, summer camping. But if you haven't been using something in the 3's or 4's for your shoulder-season, higher elevation, or just cooler-for-any-reason conditions, you will be shocked at what a difference this will make.

Best Hiking Mattress for 2021

A properly insulated mattress significantly reduces the heat loss from your body into the ground. That's one of the reasons why the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX solidified its place in my collection this year – it has an R-Value of 3.2. Note, if you want to get even cozier, the Q-Core Deluxe has an R-Value of 4.3. 

Vargo Dig Dig Tool

This little guy is a titanium trowel, which is a notable improvement over my standard plastic one. If you know anything about the capricious nature of campground…ground, well then you probably already know that plastic shovels suck. The Vargo Dig Dig Tool has an ergonomic grip and, even though it's not sharp, pierces the soil much better than the cheaper alternatives. 

What is a camping trowel used for? 

A trowel has a few key uses in the backcountry. It can be used to remove stubborn rocks from a campsite, dig a fire pit and restore/smother it after, and (let's just be honest) it's a must have when you gotta go but you want to be conscious about it. There's nothing worse than stumbling across someone's dirty deed while in an otherwise pristine environment. A trowel can instantly solve that problem.

Best Camping Trowel of 2021

That's where the aluminum and serrated Vargo Dig Dig Tool shines. It makes this chore so easy that there's no excuse not to do it anymore. As well as handling all the previously mentioned tasks, the Dig Dig Tool also makes a solid extra tent peg, if needed. 

Vargo BOT-700

Vargo makes another appearance on my list because they specialize in an array of titanium products. I wish I had invested in a small, titanium pot sooner. They're light, durable, and they transfer heat exceptionally well (meaning shorter boil times). Plus, since the BOT-700 has an airtight seal, it can double as a water bottle – further reducing weight in your pack. 

Are Vargo pots safe to drink from?

You betcha. Titanium is completely safe (i.e. non-toxic) to drink out of and boil water in. There haven't been any reported allergies, nor does it react with, or leech into, camping foods/drinks. 

Best Hikers Camping Pot for 2021

$99 is a hefty price tag for a pot/water bottle, but a piece of high-quality camping gear is never a bad decision. Since the BOT-700 is slick, scratch-resistant, and has an (optional) air-tight seal, I definitely think it's worth the extra cost. 

MSR PocketRocket 2

I recently made a video about switching from the JetBoil stove back to my trustee, classic, PocketRocket. If you want a more in-depth explanation, or if you want to see both sides of the debate in the comments section, click here to check it out. In a nutshell, I love how compact the PocketRocket is and I appreciate how it opens up more cooking possibilities beyond your basic dehydrated meals.

Actual cooking, with at least somewhat fresh ingredients is a lost artform in the backcountry these days. Once I cut the cord with my JetBoil, I realized I should have done it sooner. 

Which is better: JetBoil or MSR?

The JetBoil is beloved for its ability to rapidly boil water. This is great for when you reach your campsite in a ravenous state, or when you're used to immediately having coffee in the morning. The disadvantage is that, on its own (i.e. without an added accessory), it mostly caters to reconstituted meals.

This is great for a weekend, but eventually, your body might want something more. This is where the MSR PocketRocket takes the torch. Yes, it does lack the ultra high-efficiency of the JetBoil, but it still doesn't take that much longer to boil. And more importantly, you can adjust the flame as you please. This opens the door to cooking more intricate meals. 

Best Hikers Stove for 2021

In terms of size, the PocketRocket is much smaller than the JetBoil, which frees up room in your pack. That being said, the JetBoil is more efficient, and therefore won't require quite as much fuel, so that might balance out the bulk a bit. 

Sea to Summit Watercell X

I'm based out of Flagstaff, Arizona and so much of my hiking is done in a desert environment. If you find yourself in similar conditions, then I highly recommend the Sea to Summit Watercell X. The shape of this bladder is awesome. I can bring a lot of water without awkwardly wasting space in my backpack. It also has a slick side handle, which combined with the small-nozzle locking cap makes pouring much easier than with other water bags I've used.

The design versatility doesn't stop there. The Watercell X can also stand upright (rather than just lie flat), which is nice for a sense of organization. It also has an attachment on the bottom which allows you to hang it in a tree and have a little shower. So keep this guy in mind for your next arid trek or dry camping site (i.e. on a mountain top or anywhere else that doesn't have a source of water). 

AKU Selvatica GTX

This has been my favorite, low-cut hiking shoe of the past year. For those of you who aren't familiar with AKU, they're an Italian brand that doesn't currently have a huge presence in the US. I'm so glad I stumbled across these shoes. I've put them through the ringer, with a ton of hikes across a range of conditions, and throughout it all, they've been my comfiest pair. 

What I like about the Selvatica GTX is that the Gortex keeps me dry if I'm hiking through mucky conditions, but the low-cut design lets my feet breathe better. Often I find my feet just get way too hot in a high-cut boot. Not only is this uncomfortable, but sweaty feet can also lead to blisters. The Selvatica strikes a nice balance for me. I also love that they come with speed laces. For those of you who aren't familiar, it's just a simple pull and lock design, with the extra length conveniently tucking into the front laces. 

Best Hikers Shoe for 2021

Good-fitting footwear can be a bit of a subjective experience. Everyone's feet are a little different and will naturally prefer different sizes, widths, toe-box depths, materials, etc. One of the best strategies to compare length across different brands is to look at the EU sizing. Click here to see AKU's sizing chart. Once you've checked that box, just keep in mind that some people find their AKU shoes fit about a half size bigger, which means you might want to size down from your existing baseline. 

Rab Radius Pants

Having a dependable pair of hiking pants is crucial. The Rab Radius pants (pant?…I never know if this should be plural) are (is?) the best I've worn in the last year. They are predominantly cotton, which I don't normally recommend, but they're not pure cotton, so there is still some water repellency. The benefit of cotton is they have a less techy feel, and the freshness bounces back better than, say, polyester or nylon does. I also like that they're thicker.

This is a great asset if I'm moving across rough terrain, maybe trying to grind my way through a canyon or bushwack an under-blazed trail. They defend against abrasion better than any pants I've tried lately. The extra weight is also helpful in cooler conditions. It saves having to layer with long johns. 

Best Hikers Pants 2021

The Rab Radius is listed as a “regular” fit. They are also pre-washed, which should prevent shrinkage (though it's always best to hang-dry technical gear). For more information on size-specific dimensions check out their website. 

Zoleo Satellite Communicator 

Having a satellite communicator has been most appreciated by my girlfriend and my mom. We all have people that care about us and therefore, are worried when we go on totally awesome, but worrisome adventures. And I have to admit, it's nice to be able to send some basic updates and well-wishes from my campsite.

Best Hiking Communicator for 2021

It also helps with my peace-of-mind to know that if something goes South, I can call in the cavalry. I've never needed to call for search and rescue, but it only has to happen once, and I'd kick myself if my 127 hours moment ever arrived and I didn't have this easy out. On a day-to-day basis, I appreciate that I can check the weather report. This just helps with basic logistics on longer outings. 

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I hope you enjoyed my list. I fully expect that every hiker has their own “must have” gear – that's all part of the fun. This is just my latest and greatest run-down. These 8 items have greatly enhanced my hiking/camping experience, so maybe they'll give you a little boost too. Let me know if you agree with my picks, or if you have any other game changer gear that you've recently purchased. And of course, if you're itching for more content, Check out all my gear reviews on BackpackingTV.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links where Eric Hanson earns 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!

The post Best Hiking Gear for 2021 appeared first on Hazeadventure.