Gear Systems

Walk up to any hiker at a trailhead and ask them how much their backpack weighs. Most will confidently give you a number, often ending in a neat, even digit like “30 pounds.” However, if you were to put that same backpack on a digital hanging scale, the reality is almost always higher. Humans are … Read more

A good night’s sleep on the trail is not a luxury; it is a safety requirement. Waking up with a stiff neck or a massive headache can completely ruin your next day of hiking. However, as hikers look to shave ounces from their base weight, the dedicated camping pillow is often one of the first … Read more

There are few things more frustrating on a backpacking trip than waking up to water dripping onto your face, only to realize it never rained. Many beginners mistakenly believe their shelter has a leak, but the real culprit is usually a natural physical process. Finding effective condensation in tent solutions is a rite of passage … Read more

Transitioning to a frameless backpack is a significant milestone for any hiker. It signifies that your base weight has dropped low enough that you no longer need heavy aluminum stays or rigid plastic frames to support your load. However, simply throwing your gear into a frameless sack will almost certainly lead to a painful day … Read more

When a hiker decides to lighten their load, the first instinct is often to cut the handle off a toothbrush or leave the extra pair of socks at home. While these micro-adjustments count, they are not the most efficient way to drop significant poundage. To make a real impact on your hiking experience, you must … Read more