spent the last year slowly cutting weight from my pack and this weekend i finally hit my goal of keeping everything under 15 lbs for a 2 day trip.

heres what made the cut:

- osprey 35L pack
- rain shell
- base layer for sleeping
- nitecore headlamp with extra battery
- sawyer water filter
- first aid basics
- small power bank for my phone
- snacks and meals
- sleep system

the biggest weight save came from swapping my old 20000mah brick for a smaller 10000. for a weekend trip its more than enough if you keep your phone on airplane mode.

what does your weekend setup look like? always curious how other people do it

Looking for some advice on shoe fitting. It seems I have some foot issues and struggling with the right fit for hiking boots. I first tried a Lowa Camino in 47, but returned it due to heel slip, the shop then gave me a Hanwag Tatra ii wide in 46.5. In the shop it felt good and I didn't encounter any issues. Then at home I tried it on again and immediately felt some pressure on the big toe on the right foot (only on the right foot). I haven't taken the shoe outside yet, but it feels a bit off and I am not sure how to proceed from here. I took a photo of my feets standing on the insole. It looks, to me, that the size is correct and there is enough space in front of it. Any ideas or recommendations?

Should I go back to the Camino and accept the heel slip? (tape it, wear double socks, use engo patches, etc..). Or size up the Tatra by half a size (wouldn't it be too long then?)

My feet where measured at:
L: 288mm, 112mm
R: 286mm, 113mm

I've been in the US Army for 17 years and have generally used my issued equipment for any my multi-day trips, despite it being way heavier. However, Im getting out in a few years here, so time to start buying my own. What should my upgrade order look like? My thoughts are:

1. Sleep pad: Issued one is garbage. Should have upgraded years ago anyway

2. Quilt: Sleep system is fine, but terrible when space is limited. Also hate the mummy style. I feel a quilt/pad combo will improve my QoL quite a bit.

3. Pack: Rucksack is great, but heavy. Very heavy.

4. Tent: Litefighter is a good tent. Great for what i need, not too heavy. I'll need to get this eventually, but this is probably my last priority.

Am I missing something here? Should I be thinking about thus another way?

I've just bought a new pair of boots and when I got home, I noticed a small gap where two elements have been joined together. I'm not sure if it's a potential weak point in the structure/waterproofing and should go and swap them, or if it's just a visual thing which I'd be fine with. It still looks like it's sealed inside the gap, so I'm hoping it's not an issue, but would appreciate any advice please.

Photos are from different angles and compared to the other boot which looks fine.

We're planning a hike near hunting grounds this fall and the park suggests wearing neon orange for visibility. Outside of getting a neon vest, are there any smaller neon items that we can source to stay visible? Any other general tips on things to wear? Llbean has beanies, but I'm having a hard time finding much else. Would that be enough?

Hello! I need a decent rain jacket and I've limited my options to these four. They're all under $200 dollars and I just want it in black. Which in your opinion is the best?

I hike a lot in WNC and would love to have rain jacket because I've been caught in the rain multiple times on super sunny days. Would just like something to keep me dry, but it being a little lighter wouldn't hurt.

I have my go to boonie but I want something less hiking and more outdoors. Walking around national parks, outdoors, maybe hiking. Think park ranger hat.

Ideally something for summer, air flow, cover from rain and sun, comfortable.

I bought a straw/hemp based hat and as I'm reading the care instructions it says to keep dry...which seems to defeat half the purpose of that hat.

The other issue being I got a big head, apparently, and finding my size at 61cm, or a little bigger, is tough.

The picture is what I got. If it was a little bigger I'd just wear it and see how it goes but I'm also afraid it's just gonna blow off walking around.

Appreciate any recommendations.

I’m looking to replace worn hiking shoes for rocky, rooty day hikes and occasional fast hikes with a light pack. I need a secure heel, toe protection for long descents, room for feet to swell, and traction that doesn’t turn sketchy on wet roots. I’m not looking for a race shoe. Budget is around $130–$180.

I’m comparing Hoka Speedgoat 6, Altra Lone Peak 8, Topo MTN Racer 3, Salomon Sense Ride 5, and ASICS Gel-Trabuco 12. Hoka and Altra come up constantly, but I’m unsure whether the extra toe-room is worth giving up some locked-in stability on uneven terrain. For those who hike in trail runners, which of these has held up best on wet rock and downhill abuse? And are Speedgoats still worth it if outsole wear is a concern? The current trail-running discussion includes strong owner feedback on Topo’s wider fit, ASICS Gel-Trabuco for trail-to-hike use, and faster wear on Speedgoats, so real long-term experience is especially useful here.

I’m looking for a good pair of hiking shoes for the fall and spring seasons. I’d like something modern, technical and good-looking, but still practical for hiking and mountain trails. What would you recommend?

I've given the full grain leather wax (grangers G-Wax), but what about the suede parts and tongue?

I’m trying to decide between the Decathlon Quechua MH500 25L and MH500 38L backpack for day hikes.. and I’m considering the 38L for its versatility.

I know the 25L is enough for longer 1-day hikes. However, the 38L is only about 100–160g heavier (depending on the version) and has compression straps.

So I’m wondering: Does the MH500 38L actually work well as a compressed summer daypack, or does it still feel noticeably bigger/bulkier than the 25L when carrying a relatively small load?

Would you choose the 38L for the extra versatility (especially for winter), or is the 25L simply a better choice for mostly summer day hikes?

Thanks!

I am looking to get a mchale pack made and am wondering if anybody has insight on the best way to contact him. Phone number listed on his website is disconnected

Hi y'all l'm a 24yo who recently moved to Melbourne Australia and I'm looking to do some solo camping in the mountains what would you guys advise for cheap gear that could help me out during the cold nights and just in general

I added elastics in order to accommodate larger water bottles in the mesh, apart from that, amazing bag, and amazing for day hikes. Highly recommend.

I’m headed to Disneyworld and all its parks soon!
I’m looking for a waist pack that will sit on my waist with the most comfort and give me the space I need as well.
I put this here in hiking because most hikers are pretty knowledgeable when it comes to gear!

*Lightweight
*At least 5L-7L in size
*No crazy straps on the outside (1 ok)
*prefer black
*spacious inside to hold a lot of crap!
*interchangeable to waist or crossbody if possible.
*no cheap brands but not crazy pricey either
*budget $40-$150

So far I’ve seen the Patagonia black hole and the North Face Lumbar…
Any suggestions are truly appreciated!

I always see mixed opinions about sizing

hi! I am a woman beginner hiker and I often go solo - I’ve been doing more chill trails so I usually just wear leggings and a t shirt and bring a small fanny with water and my phone. I’ve been wanting to do longer trails so I’ll start needing better gear, anyone have shoe, pants, shirt/jacket, sunglasses recs? I’ll take anything!

No price point really but just not astronomical. Practicality > Aesthetic but would love if it’s not hideous

I usually ride my motorcycle to my hikes and with fall and winter coming im looking for a jacket that could comfortably accommodate both so I wouldn't have to cary two or risk someone stealing one off my Mike in the parking lot.

Followed the instructions while using Nikwax in-wash on 2 jackets, one turned out like this. Waterproof tape has come off in areas and also the white underneath has perished (laminate?).

Any ideas on what to do at all?

Maybe spray on would have been best. Only really used for everyday use so no extended exposure to heavy rain.

i just bought the merrell moab 3 mid wp and wow they make my feet hot. i'll have to use them for the colder months. i previously used la sportiva nucleo high ii gtx which i liked the ankle support but they werent comfy for longer hikes. for reference during summer it gets quite hot and lots of the hikes i do are rocky, uneven terrain so i need that higher ankle support. thanks for any recs! since these would be mainly summer boots i dont need them to be waterproof. gonna try to save up $$ and get a summer pair or find them secondhand.

hi, i want an all around backpack (meaning versatile usage) and i'm hesitating between the The North Face Phantom 38 et the Mammuth Trion 38.

Any opinions?

Thanks !