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.

Relax! You're two tents! 

Now that everyone's in the spirit, let's talk shop. Sea to Summit's new lineup of lightweight backpacking tents made waves last year for backpackers everywhere. The Telos TR2 and Alto TR2 tents share many overlapping features while still presenting some key differences that keep backcountry folks debating around the fire (and in the YouTube comments section). For this rundown, I recruited Dan Becker, who has implemented the Alto TR2 tent for most of the last year. Since I am a proud owner of the Telos TR2 tent, we can both speak to the specs and from personal experiences in the wild. 

ROUND 1 – THE SEA TO SUMMIT TELOS TR2 TENT

Details:

Price: $559 (USD)

Capacity: 2 Person

Design Type: Freestanding

Season Rating: 3 Season

Dimensions: 84.5 x 53 x 43 in.

Height: 43.5 in.

Floor Area: 28 sq ft.

Packed Weight: 3 lbs 10 oz.

The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent Review | Eric's Breakdown

The first thing worth pointing out is the high-tension ridge, which created some high-tensions in the comment section of my stand-alone review. I think it's a great design because it makes the walls of the Telos much more vertical, which expands the headroom throughout. A common concern that people had in regards to this feature was that the vertical stature might make it vulnerable to heavy wind.

I got to test this out firsthand while holed up in my Telos through a night of 20-30mph winds, with gusts upwards of 45-50mph. Despite the considerable force, the tent didn't budge, nor was its structure compromised. The walls naturally gave a bit, pushing inwards against my body, but nothing beyond what I would've expected in those conditions. Though winds can still blow much harder than that, I didn't actually have my guy lines set up on that night, so those would combat the gusts even more if necessary. After my experiences, I'm not personally concerned about the integrity of the Telos tent.

Telos TR2 Tent Top Ventilation

Another hot-button issue online was in regards to the top ventilation point. The idea is that the heat and condensation wants to escape from the apex of the tent, and therefore a zippered window was put in at the ridge to act as a chimney. Some people worried that water would leak in through this vent from the outside. I can confidently vouch for this not being an issue. If you take the time to set up your Telos, with all the proper tension and angles, then this should not present a problem. I appreciate the apex ventilation because it really does reduce the trapped condensation that tends to bead all over the ceiling of many tents. 

Storage Space for the Telos TR2 Tent

Storage space is another strong selling point of the Telos. There are two corner pouches and mesh envelope sides that are great for stowing phones, keys, books, and all the loose gear that needs a home at the end of the day. The Telos is a good choice for people who like to be organized.  

Potential nifty tent feature?

A potentially nifty feature (in theory) is the Lightbar. The sleeve that the tent poles come in is actually designed to double as an overhead light fixture. It has a piece of white plastic that lines the sleeve and reflects the light of a  head lamp, which can be inserted after the tent is set up. The problem with my Telos was that both the Lightbar and the ceiling had female clips, and so there was no way to attach this dual-function accessory. This could be an early-issue defect, but I would recommend scouting this out before purchase. 

Telos TR2 Size and Dimensions

Here's a little note on dimensions for those looking to utilize the 2-person designation. Because of the 10-inch taper towards the foot of the tent, sleeping pads must be strategically selected in order to share the space. I use a 25-inch-wide sleeping pad for my solo adventures, which could not be doubled up in this tent. That being said, I'm in love with the headroom in my Telos. 

A critique of mine comes in regard to the anchor clip for the tent door flap. In my opinion, it's positioned too low, which makes the door sag in an annoying way when resting open. 

The Telos did see a marked price jump recently, but I still think that it's a worthwhile purchase for experienced backpackers looking for a luxurious shelter. 

ROUND 2 – THE SEA TO SUMMIT ALTOS TR2 TENT

Details:

Price: $499 (USD)

Capacity: 2 Person

Design Type: Semi-Freestanding

Season Rating: 3 Season

Floor Dimensions: 84.5 x 53 x 38 in.

Height: 42.5 in.

Floor Area: 27 sq. ft.

Packed Weight: 2 lbs 15 oz.

The Sea to Summit Altos TR2 Tent Review | Dan's Breakdown

Since the Alto TR2 is a semi-freestanding tent, it does require 2 stakes to properly set up. The pole structure of the Telos makes this an optional step. Interesting to note, the head of the Alto requires staking, which is counter to many other semi-freestanding tents that I'm familiar with. I believe this helps contribute to the weight savings. This is an obvious advantage from a spec comparison as the Alto is about 11-ounces lighter than the Telos. Sneaking in under 3-pounds is a nice barrier to beat. 

In terms of the door flap, the Alto seems to anchor much cleaner. There was no extra slack to manage. It rolled up like a tight backcountry doobie. 

Altos TR2 Headroom

Similar to the Telos, the headroom in the Alto stands out. One of my true measures of a two-person tent is if the occupants can sit comfortably, maybe playing cards while waiting out a storm, and not just have to lie down, packed like sardines. The headroom holds well as you transition from the head of the tent to the foot. This owes to the creative, upward-bow design of the Tension Ridge (same design as the Telos). 

Nifty tent feature confirmed

The Lightbar did attach in the Alto (as it certainly should have in the Telos), which highlighted the utility of this feature. 

Altos TR2 Tent Top Ventilation

In terms of ventilation, I've used the Alto in a range of conditions (i.e. warm, freezing, deep snow) and in all cases there was zero condensation inside the tent. This has been mind-boggling for me, so definitely props to the Sea to Summit ventilation system in these tents. 

Packing the Altos TR2 Tent

In terms of storage, there are also attachments for the stuff sack bags, which can then double as junk-drawer-like compartments, and the envelope pockets are still present. Plus, it provides loads of interior hooks to hang stuff from. The weight savings do not come at the expense of storage. 

A notable trade-off for the Alto is the extra tapering of the tent floor. This will limit the sleeping pad options even more if 2 people are camping for the night. Prospective Alto owners might want to look at tapered sleeping pads to boot. 

Who are the Sea to Summit Alto and Telos Tents for?

Overall, the Alto TR2 offers almost the exact same features as the Telos TR2, with the main points of differentiation being the structure design and the extra taper of the footprint. These alterations contribute to the weight savings, which can be the deciding factor for some hikers. If you don't mind the trade-offs, or if you're on a tighter budget, this might be your winner.

The main argument for the Telos is that it's more suitable for rocky terrain or any other conditions in which it's difficult to get stakes in the ground. The freestanding design allows for more flexibility and less fortification of the tent's base. The vertical structure definitely also boosts the overall comfort for the shared camping experience.  

No matter what the final decision, both the Telos and the Alto tents are luxurious options that have garnered Sea to Summit a lot of well-earned attention. Because of the price points and extra finesse required for setup, these tents would be better suited to passionate backpackers, rather than budding vagabonds. If you pass this basic sniff-test then there are some minor comparisons to weigh (literally), but both versions will provide a premium, reliable, feature-rich, lightweight shelter option. 

I hope you enjoyed this article. For more information, check out all my gear reviews and tips on BackpackingTV. 

The post Sea to Summit Tent Comparison: Telos vs Alto appeared first on Hazeadventure.