Regular hiking pants might not provide sufficient warmth for your legs in cold weather. To keep your legs warm you can use either softshell pants or long johns. However, long johns are not the best option for hiking (except in super cold weather) as they restrict your movement and rub against your pants. Furthermore, they…
A sleeping bag liner is a thin and lightweight cloth sack designed to be slipped inside a sleeping bag. It keeps your sleeping bag clean and free of body oils and thus increases its thermal efficiency. Note that body oils decrease the loft and warmth of a sleeping bag. It can also be used without…
In an ideal world all outdoor activities would take place in sunny dry weather. However, even if you plan your hiking trips meticulously after the weather forecast, there is always a chance that you will run into some unforeseen rain – especially at higher altitudes where the weather can change abruptly. A quality rain jacket…
A portable shelter is very useful for multi-day outdoor adventures because it allows you to set up camp almost anywhere and anytime you like, rather than having to reach accommodation facilities like shelters and huts. Although tents are the most versatile and comfortable shelters, you might find a tent to be too heavy and bulky to…
A backpacking tent gives you the flexibility and freedom to set up camp anywhere you like rather than having to reach stationary shelters on the beaten path. The main advantage of tents in comparison to other portable shelters is that they are very versatile. Most other shelters can only be used in very specific situations….
Although hiking in snowy conditions is not easy, it can be an unforgettable experience to wander around an amazing snow-covered landscape. To be comfortable and safe on snowy trails you will need some additional gear, like insulated clothing, winter hiking boots and gaiters. Gaiters are very useful for hiking on snowy trails because they prevent snow and…
Hikers and mountaineers are often exposed to low temperatures, harsh winds and other challenging conditions – especially in mountainous regions. Hiking under these conditions is no fun unless you have the right equipment to keep you warm and protected against the elements. In winter, when the temperatures drop, you will have to put on extra…
Hiking in rainy weather is no fun unless you have the right equipment and clothing. A high-quality rain jacket is essential in wet conditions because it keeps you dry and thus warm. Furthermore, it also protects you against the wind and reduces the wind-chill effect. In this review we selected the best hiking rain jackets…
