Hiker’s Delight

Elevate your next adventure with the latest and greatest in packs, sacks, boots, and tents.

BOOTS 1. La Sportiva FC 2.0 GTX La Sportiva has found the way to keep the rock scrambler nimble while not forgetting about stability. According to our tester, this versatile, low-cut, multi-sport/hiking shoe had enough flex for freedom on quick aerobic summit jaunts, but the Vibram brake system also offered on-a-dime control on wet, ragged terrain. $140; lasportiva.com

2. Keen Targhee II A reliable option on the day hike that’s going to cover a variety of terrain or persist in sketchy weather, the Targhee II has aggressive traction and a waterproof membrane that’s great for jumping through puddles and bouncing around boulders. $115; keenfootwear.com

3. Vasque Sundowner Grandpappy used to say, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to.” Well in this case they do, as this old faithful boot just turned 25 years old without modification. This longstanding classic leather boot has stood the test of time, because it provides just the right balance for hiking purists—bombproof durability and support with lightweight construction for mobility. $170; vasque.com

4. Kayland Vertigo Light Spending a day in the Vertigo Light feels more like hiking in a sneaker than a boot. Weighing in at just 20 ounces, Kayland has found a way to deliver high-top support without the dreaded cement shoe resistance. The soft weave construction is supple but surprisingly able to take some scrapes, while the eVent liners delivered on the promise of keeping feet dry. $180; kayland.com

5. Patagonia Nomad GTX Since Patagonia jumped into the shoe market a few years ago, it’s taken a little time for them to make something that could seriously be considered for regular trail wear. The Nomad dispelled our tester’s doubts, turning out to be a quality mid-weight hiker that met the challenges of a three-day backpacking trip. The green-minded boot uses recycled Capilene to manage moisture, while the additionally recycled cork footbed was comfortable through full days of trail pounding. $160; patagonia.com

PACKS 1. Arc’teryx Arrakis 50 For long slogs in unpredictable weather, the Arrakis’ waterproof fabric will keep your gear dry in the steady Southern Appalachian rain. In addition to the durable exterior, this pack has an easily adjustable harness system to stabilize your load. The downside—this high-end performance isn’t cheap. $449; arcteryx.com

2. Deuter ACT Zero 60 A great pack for an extended A.T. section hike, this big load hauler forgoes extra bells and whistles for ultra-light (just over three pounds) performance and an innovative Aircontact back-panel system that provides consistent sweat relief. Also, the price is right. $169; deuterusa.com

3. Gregory Miwok Don’t bring too much bag on short, fast summits or extended day hikes. The Gregory Miwok is a full-featured daypack with quick compressibility and a bevy of pockets for easy access to essentials. Our tester loved the big front mesh pocket to keep his rain shell close. $99; gregorypacks.com

4. Osprey Aether The comfort of the form-fitting harness and hip belt has made the Aether a new standby for hardcore backpackers. Our expert (see sidebar) has used this pack for over five years, and as recent tweaks mean weight loss and improved fit, this pack is only getting better with age. $259; ospreypacks.com

5. Mountainsmith Phoenix The 100-percent recycled fabric of this long-distance bag is made from 107 16-ounce plastic bottles. It also features sustainable bio-polymer buckles and even recycled zippers and webbing. $289; mountainsmith.com

BAGS 1. The North Face Green Kazoo The North Face has given its popular Blue Kazoo an eco-friendly makeover. The Green Kazoo offers the same roomy mummy cut and warm 600-fill down with a 100-percent recycled polyester shell and liner that reduces energy consumption by 84 percent. $279; thenorthface.com

2. GoLite Adrenaline 20 Made to please the growing contingent of ultra-light junkies, the Adrenaline tips the scales at a ridiculously light 1 lb. 14 oz. But the featherweight sack doesn’t sacrifice overnight comfort thanks to the cozy 800-fill down and a convenient hood on top to seal warmth. $325; golite.com

3. Mountain Hardwear UltraLamina 0° As we head into the cold months, let this bag be your winter camping warrior. The UltraLamina 0° is highly compressible so pack space is never an issue, but the synthetic fill redistributes quickly, so you’re not stuck with cold spots as you sleep on the chilly ground. $220; mountainhardwear.com 4. Big Agnes Edna SL Are you constantly rolling off your sleeping pad in the middle of the night? Those days are over thanks to Big Agnes’ innovative sleeve, which lets you slide your pad into the bag. In addition to the no-roll feature, the Edna is a high-end women’s-specific sack stuffed with 800-fill goose down and extra insulation in the foot box and core area for cold sleepers. $390; bigagnes.com

5. Mammut Ajungilak Shield For those campers who love to go sans tent, Mammut offers a waterproof bivouac bag and 15-degree down sleeping bag rolled into one. In addition to the weather-resistant shield, the Ajungilak also has a plastic convertible roof to cover your exposed head. $530; mammut.ch

 

TENTS 1. Black Diamond Oneshot Black Diamond’s rugged tent construction makes it ready for all four seasons, while the design is spacious enough that you don’t feel like you’re in a coffin. It’s a perfect tent for fastpackers and solo adventurers—or for hiking couples who like to snuggle. $299; blackdiamondequipment.com

2. Sierra Designs Meteor Light 2 The Meteor Light is spacious but still relatively light with a simple two-pole set-up. It’s a great option for backpacking duos. $269; sierradesigns.com

3. Mountain Hardwear Habitat 3 Stretch out a bit and bring the dog along too. The Habitat 3 is a roomy tent for base camp trips or multi-sport adventures that require a little extra gear. Our tester appreciated the color-coded poles for easy set-up. $325; mountainhardwear.com

4. Big Agnes Royal Flush 3 If below-zero temps don’t deter your desire to spend days in the wild, then the four-season Royal Flush is your domain of choice. The durable rip-stop fabric will keep out the wind and rain, while the new lightweight poles and oversized stakes are bomber tough for stability. $699; bigagnes.com

5. Kelty Grand Mesa Feeling the economic pinch? The Grand Mesa offers lightweight backcountry performance and a quick two-pole pitch at a price you can afford. $139; kelty.com Expert Favorites Andy Nichols hikes for a living. Through his company Shenandoah Mountain Guides, he leads trips in the Virginia Blue Ridge and trains mountain rescue squads. With a job that requires daily outings in the woods, having the right gear is essential. Over the years it’s safe to say he’s tried too many boots, packs, and tents to count. So when he finds something that works, he sticks with it. “We have hundreds of different backpacks and sleeping bags of different varieties for our clients, but we don’t just go out and buy the latest and greatest,” says Nichols. “We make sure it’s tried and true before we offer it.” Here are a few of his favorite pieces of gear.

Osprey Aether “This pack has been out with me for at least 1,000 overnights, and it has never failed me.”

Byer Easy Traveller Hammock “In Shenandoah this frees me up to sleep above any terrain. It’s also the ultimate Leave No Trace vehicle. It’s low-tech, cheap, and easy.”

La Sportiva Exum Pro
“This is the best shoe I’ve ever had, and most of the 25 people on my staff agree. In this region, I need a shoe with a good sticky rubber on the bottom, and La Sportiva has never failed me.”