Tag: budget

ASICS Gel Venture 6 Trail Running Shoes Review
ASICS Gel Venture 6 Overview

When it comes to purchasing new shoes for almost every adventure, there is most likely a moment of overwhelming confusion — Do I need a rugged boot? Do I need a basic trail runner? AH! With multiple audiences in mind, ASICS has a shoe to ease the worries, a shoe that does many things well: the Gel Venture 6.

With a solid construction, the Gel Venture 6 is a leading budget option for adventurers who dance between activities, like hitting pavement in cities, trails nearby, and occasionally trekking into the wild. Offered in many sizes and colors, the Gel Venture 6 won’t totally break your bank, but will keep you walking or running in comfort.

While we often give out awards and Picks for gear, we won’t be for shoes. After testing many shoes and finding the right fit for each member of our team, we realized that a shoe is simply too subjective to unequivocally recommend to anyone.

Our advice is to know what brands of shoes fit you generally by trying them on in store, and then look for excellent models, which we review here. Look in our specifications table to see if the shoe generally fits wide, narrow, or standard-sized feet. There are a lot of differing elements among shoes, but this is the one that matters right off the bat.

Update: Since our review of the ASICS GEL‑Venture 6, ASICS has released the GEL‑Venture 10, which now features an upgraded midsole with AMPLIFOAM cushioning plus rear‑foot GEL tech for softer landings, a more breathable mesh upper, and a refreshed trail‑specific lug pattern for improved grip—bringing better comfort and traction versus the Venture 6. Overall it’s quite similar, and we still recommend this is a solid budget choice.
ASICS Gel Venture 6 Overview
ASICS Gel Venture 6 Specifications
Gear Review of the ASICS Gel Venture 6
Where to Buy ASICS Gel Venture 6
ASICS Gel Venture 6 Specifications
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Gear Review of the ASICS Gel Venture 6

Origins: Easing You In

Shoes are hard to find. Correction, good, multipurpose shoes are hard to find. As a person with many hobbies and a conscious declining rate of consumerism, I am a big fan of gear that is cross-functional. When asked to review the ASICS Gel Venture 6, I welcomed them with open arms (or bare feet?) because, well, my favorite running shoes were stolen while I was living at a hostel for a short period of time (yes, someone lifted my old, smelly Nikes — joke’s on them).

I had my sturdy backpacking boots and a few pairs of office-life shoes, so I found I did not go on runs or jogs nearly as much as I wanted. So, the shoe fairies heard about my lack of running and, with a sick sense of humor, sent me a pair of trail running shoes: the ASICS Gel Venture 6.

The ASICS Gel Venture 6 is an excellent all-around running shoe with a bent toward trails. And yes, the laces are very orange.

The Gel Venture 6 was quickly thrown into a variety of adventures. We trekked the uneven, dirty streets of Seattle, hiked in the post-rain up glorious trails in the North Cascades, ran a marathon in the rain, and jogged many, many miles. These shoes were put to the test and performed quite well for their price.

A little pre-run coffee.

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

The cross-functionality of the Gel Venture 6 was very evident one weekend as I took them on a long jog on Friday night and then up to Mount Pilchuk on Sunday.

The ASICS Gel Venture 6 dangles off steep cliffs very well.

The Gel Venture 6 shoes were sturdy companions and kept my feet safe, warm, and stable as I pushed up the mountain in the post-rain mud, past the droves of tourists with hiking poles. At the top of the peak, we scrambled away from the crowds and took a nap (it was a tiring hike), but not before taking in the 360-degree views of all the Pacific Northwestern mountains. If that sounds awesome, you’re correct: it was.

Peaking before sleeping.

Over time and after continual use, my fondness for the Gel Venture 6 grew because they work well for a multitude of terrains and are capable of keeping feet both stable under added backpack weight and providing ample grip for trail jogs.

Digging Deeper

The Gel Venture 6 is a notable budget shoe; most outdoor brand-name shoes run about $120 these days. The Gel Venture 6’s will set you back $70 retail, and less on sale, which is a real bargain.

These shoes are designed for people with neutral arches and have a 10 mm drop from heel to toe, which is standard for a lot of hiking shoes and boots, but not minimal in the least. The cushion is listed as 20 mm thick, which is less than heavily padded trail runners, but I found the Venture 6 to be quite cushioned in feel.

Dirt, yes, and a small to medium amount of cushion. You can see how much the cushion drops off toward the forefoot.

The shoes are about 9 ounces each (women’s!), which is a medium weight for trail runners. For anyone used to ultralight shoes, the Gel Venture 6 will feel notably heavier. But the added weight provides more stability, especially for avid trail runners, as you traipse from rock to dirt to tree stump to puddle.

While the Gel Venture 6 does not boast a waterproof liner, it definitely provides basic water deflection. Plus, the added height of the shoe is beneficial when stepping atop rocks in shallow streams.

Rock hopping and stream crossing is easy in the Gel Ventue 6 due to a decently grippy outsole.

The Gel Venture 6 paired well with a variety of socks, standard, compression, and thick wools (though these were not ideal). They are designed for people with narrower feet, and, for reference, my feet are narrow with a slight arch, and I have stupidly long toes (yay, genetics!).

The shoes are stiff and durable with minimal arching. While I do not recommend these for speedy runs on concrete (they have a mushiness to them), I do enjoy taking them out on the trail.

Fit

The Gel Venture 6 is designed for neutral arches and narrower feet. The arch support was minimal, but adequate enough for me, and most people in the neutral (or standard) arch category will enjoy the arch. There is some wiggle room with adjusting the shoelaces, so do not let the “narrowness” scare you.

A narrow fit that borders on standard.

Durability 3.5 Stars

The Gel Venture 6 is constructed of sturdy materials, and the stitching is solid. While the moderate stack height still looked intact and plump after my first few months, I have run in them a lot over six months, and they are definitely less springy than before, and flatter overall.

While they have lasted, I wouldn’t say they are the most durable shoe when it comes to the midsole and outer sole. The uppers have lasted.

Soles 4 Stars

The sole of a shoe is the soul of the shoe. While my philosophy is surely riveting, the Gel Venture 6 is definitely very sole-ful. When running in the rain on slippery cobblestone and uneven sidewalks, the Gel Venture 6 kept my mind at ease with its sturdy and slightly grippy soles.

The soles are decent, but not as robust as many other trail runners. They also flatten out after a lot of use.

After our marathon around Mercer Island, it looked as if it did no more than walk through some wet grass (wish the same could be said for me!). Overall, they have decent traction, but not unbelievable.

Uppers 4 Stars

The tongue of the shoe stayed in place pretty well, and even when snugging down the shoe with the laces (yes, the scary orange ones in the photographs), it never felt too tight in one spot.

The distinctive ASICS stripes are neon orange on this model, and the upper breathes quite well.

My feet also never overheated in the Gel Venture 6, which was very much appreciated. The uppers on this shoe are solid.

Trail Running vs Backpacking and Hiking

The Gel Venture 6 works well in a variety of circumstances, providing comfort and confidence on the trail, at the gym, and on the streets.

While they do provide sturdiness and grip for trail runs, they are less agile than other trail runners I have used, and have a kind of mushy response, which made me go slower than I’m used to. I did hike with a weighted backpack on, and see these shoes being great lightweight backpacking companions for summertime treks.

Grievances

Now, for any type of shoe, it is critical to mention that everyone has different feet! (And nerves, and bunions, and all those other ped-issues). The main problem I had with the Gel Venture 6 was the slight drops in the inner sole at the toes. My toes curved over it, still not hitting the top of the toe box (which is good), but this slight curvature led to some mild numbness on long treks.

During my marathon, they held my feet fairly well, but by the end of my goal-realizing experience, I was acutely aware of their lack of arch support and flatness. They may be the perfect fit for you, and they worked for my feet just fine, but they were not amazing by any means.

Final Word

Fellow backpackers, trailblazers, gym-goers, and city-joggers — meet your new sole-mate. The ASICS Gel Venture 6 is durable and compatible for a wide range of activities, making it a solid budget buy when it comes time to choose new general-purpose adventure shoes.

Where to Buy ASICS Gel Venture 6

We tested the women’s ASICS Gel Venture 6 trail running shoe. There is a men’s version as well, and the construction is the same, with fit being the only difference.

Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website at no extra cost to you. When you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, and this directly supports the creation of our gear reviews, guides, and other outdoor content. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
March 6, 2018
MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle Review

MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle Overview

Some like it hot. Some like it cold. Get the best of both worlds with the MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle. Designed with altruism at its core, MiiR is a quality brand that demonstrates the fine intersection of design and functionality. This sleek bottle is an affordable insulated stainless steel option that contends with others in its class. It has a simple, bold lid, keeps your drinks hot and cold (as advertised), and slips neatly into nearly any pack or purse.

Due to the form factor and cost, we’ve awarded the MiiR Vacuum Insulated bottle our Budget Pick for Urban Hikers.

Keep your tea hot while trekking the concrete jungle (or cold when traversing an actual jungle) and read the full MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle review below.

Vacuum Insulated Bottle Specifications
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Gear Review of the MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

My favorite thing about backpacking, hiking, or any kind of nature activity is the absence of manmade structures, capitalistic businesses, and droves of people. Yet there are some comforts that a city provides. When my friends and I hike, we joke about wanting hot coffee at the top of a hill, laughing at the idea of a Starbucks on top of a mountain in the wilderness. Bringing a disposable cup on a hike is not practical and the overall damage to the environment, so oftentimes, hot liquids are simply not carried on the trail.

The MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle.

On my way to wander Mount Rainier National Park I made a pit stop for some good old-fashioned battery acid courtesy of Starbucks (hey, it is local, I’m in Seattle!). The MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle easily transitioned from being a cup-holder-friendly water bottle to a hand-holding coffee bottle.

Later that day, on the peak under hail, I sipped piping hot coffee. Dreams do come true, I guess.

Drinking hot coffee at the top of the mountain.

Digging Deeper

Lid

While on the windy drive to Paradise, I hastily tightened the cap on the lid and tossed it into my passenger seat. As I tuned the radio, I had that “Oh snap!” moment and reached over to see if the bottle had leaked puddles of dark liquid onto my white seats. It had not. No spills, no leaks, no need to panic.

The Perfect Seal lid (named by MiiR), really does create a perfect seal. This thing does not leak.

The lid, while also being crafted with leak-proofness, is a large triangular shape that’s super easy to hold. This makes it easy to transport, dare I say easier to transport than its competitors? I do.

The lid is triangular in shape and refuses to leak. Also great for hanging onto things.

Durability

I am a believer in stainless steel because stainless steel is a believer in me. Through many drops, bangs, and crashes, the MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle withstood my torment (a.k.a. butter fingers) and has yet to really falter.

A bottle that can handle a few falls.

I will note that after taking a dive into rough, wet, mossy concrete and rolling down a small hill, the bottle earned a few scrapes and tiny dents (like really tiny).

Form Factor

The MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle is tall and slender, which means it’s an easy bottle to stash in a gym bag, leave in a cup holder, and tote while hiking. The bottle is also lightweight, which, when compared to other insulated stainless bottles, is a big (or light?) deal.

On my hike up to Camp Muir, I stashed the bottle in the exterior open pocket in my day hike pack. It was easily accessible, as well as convenient to carry towards the top of the climb while wearing gloves in the midst of a hailstorm.

The lid is easy to use with gloves, and the bottle is grippable no matter what.

Initially, I was not into the shape of the bottle. I’ve always preferred my stainless steel cup, the one that looks like a glorified red party cup, sometimes known as a tumbler. However, after using the MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle in my daily adventures, the form factor grew on me. It is convenient to close the bottle completely, and it eliminates the necessity of straws. And straws are causing a lot of problems.

Hey there, good lookin’.

Insulation

Tired, cold, and in need of a warm cup of joe.

As I approached roughly 8,200 feet, the skies were obliterated by clouds, hail flew at me from all directions, and I concluded the ascent of my hike. The trail was consumed by snow fields. What’s a girl to do? I opened up the MiiR bottle, filled with hot Americano, and laughed to myself as I sipped Starbucks, alone and content, in the middle of a hailstorm with less than ten feet of visibility

In contrast, while on a visit to Ventura, California, the MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle was the perfect iced coffee container. After buying an iced coffee at 5 p.m. (a terrible idea in retrospect), I refrained from finishing my drink because, well, I wanted to sleep that night! The next morning, I rediscovered the bottle, which was still filled with iced coffee and clinking ice cubes.

The manufacturer claims 12 hours of hot or 24 hours of cold. I can definitely say that this is possible if under the right scientific circumstances. When the bottle is full and sealed, the liquid can stay hot or cold. The fullness is key. Let’s say you get just two shots of hot espresso, and they sit at the bottom alone; they will cool down much faster. When put to the test, this bottle performs, but let’s face it, in real life, you rarely wait 12 hours to drink your coffee, or 24-plus hours to finish a cold beverage. Every time I wanted my hot or cold liquid, hours later, it was ready for me.

The coffee was hot after this, too.

Grievances

The MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle has definitely been a game-changer for me, and is my go-to choice for hot and cold liquids these days.

My only concern is that the exterior of the bottle, while not changing temperature based on the inside liquid, is freakin’ cold when it is cold out. Like brrr, going to freeze my fingers off, cold. This can be avoided by not touching the bottle directly during the cold temperatures, of course, but having gloves on at all times isn’t very practical.

This makes for an ironic moment of drinking lovely, warm liquids while also freezing off your hands. Note that while some other insulated stainless steel bottles do this, it seems particularly bad on this MiiR bottle.

Final Word

The MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle is my new go-to. It’s capable of keeping things hot, yet also able to maintain the chill. Break up with disposable coffee mugs and plastic water bottles already, get insulated!

Where to Buy MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle

We tested the MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle. There is only one size and kind currently at MiiR, and we like it a lot. MiiR also offers Wide Mouth insulated bottles, and while they work great, we don’t love the sizes offered (12, 20, and 40-ounce).

Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website at no extra cost to you. When you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, and this directly supports the creation of our gear reviews, guides, and other outdoor content. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.

December 30, 2017
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka Review
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka Overview

Here at Backpackers, we recognize that not everybody has hundreds of dollars to drop on a piece of clothing, nor does everybody live next to an REI or similar outdoor store. With that in mind, we wanted to test the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka as a budget alternative to many other down jackets, which are often one of the most expensive pieces of kit in a wardrobe.

Uniqlo is a Japanese company that has made big waves in the American market in the last few years, with more and more branded brick-and-mortar stores popping up in cities around the country. While Uniqlo is not technically branded as an outdoors company, it’s centered in urban living — the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka (hooded) and the Ultra Light Down Jacket (same jacket, no hood) have made their way into the closet of many an outdoor enthusiast. This is due to its low price tag, stylish fit, and easy packability.

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After testing out the jacket in appropriate environments, specifically with a tester who knows exactly how a premium down jacket should function, we’ve dubbed the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka our Budget Pick for the Urban Hiker.

Note that if you desire detailed specs and the outstanding warranty the outdoor industry is known for, you won’t likely find it with Uniqlo. That said, you’ll still have hundreds of dollars in your bank account.

Also, there have been some questions around how and under what conditions Uniqlo sources its down. We firmly believe that down feathers should not be live-plucked from birds, and the fact that we couldn’t find this information on Uniqlo’s website was a concern. When we contacted them about it, they stated:

“None of the down for our products is plucked from live animals. It is taken from ducks after they are processed for meat for consumption. All our suppliers signed an agreement that requires them not to use live-plucked materials. UNIQLO conducts random site visits to ensure this agreement is properly enforced.”

Furthermore, as of 2017, Uniqlo has joined the Textile Exchange, an organization that assures sustainable materials and processes are being used, in addition to the Responsible Down Standard. We have encouraged Uniqlo to publish this information more widely so that consumers are aware.

See our incredibly detailed down jacket guide for more on selecting the right jacket for you, and read the full Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka review below.

Update: Uniqlo makes frequent updates to its materials, design, and fabric. The Ultra Light Down line is a standard of theirs, and they have many styles. The exact model we tested has changed a bit over the years, but in general, it remains the same.
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka Overview
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka Specifications
Gear Review of Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka
Where to Buy Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka Specifications
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Gear Review of Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka

Origins: Easing You In

I decided to test the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka on a November trip to Ohio, which included a road trip up to Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The weather was looking to be cool and rainy, and I knew I’d appreciate having a warmer layer to throw under my rain jacket in the evenings.

I was also looking for something small since I’m officially part of team Never Check a Bag, and the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka compressed to a pleasingly tiny bundle. I brought the Ultra Light as my only insulating layer because this was not exactly a ride-or-die scenario, but a ride-or-stay-cooped-up-in-a-coffee-shop kinda weekend.

Puffy and comfy, perfect for photoshoots in the park.

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

As the sun began to set (at like 3 p.m.!) in Sandusky, Ohio, I donned the Ultra Light Down Parka and headed out to wander Main Street. My plan was to take pictures of this idyllic little town, which sits on the shores of Lake Erie. A cool wind was whipping off the lake, and I was immediately grateful for the large collar on the Ultra Light Down Parka, which I could tuck my cold nose into.

Sometimes Main Streets are scenic.

The slim fit tailoring of the jacket was another bonus as it layered easily under my rain jacket, and didn’t leave me feeling like the Michelin (Wo)Man. Even as the sun set and the temps plummeted, the Ultra Light Down Parka kept me feeling toasty warm, and transitioned nicely into evening dinner plans at a local restaurant.

Digging Deeper

An unexpected downside of reviewing the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka is that Uniqlo is not specifically an outdoors company. This means their technical specs are non-existent. The Shell and Lining are listed as “100% nylon” and the down is “Minimum 90% Down.” This only allows me to shrug, and to confirm that, yes, the shell seems to be nylon, and the jacket does have down feathers inside. More specs would be great, guys.

What I can say is that the jacket has two hand pockets that are big enough to hold your phone and wallet, one big center zipper, and is cut to be slim-fitting. Based on my kitchen food scale, the Ultra Light Down Parka, in a women’s size medium, weighs a little over eight ounces. That’s quite light, all things considered.

There are two zippered hand pockets, and interior stuff pockets if you want to quickly store other items.

Neither the hood nor the cuffs are adjustable. However, it does come with a small stuff sack for easy packing and travel, and is DWR coated to keep moisture out. It’s important to remember that a down jacket with an $80 price tag is going to sport fewer features than its more expensive counterparts.

Elastic cuffs at the sleeves are pretty standard for down jackets.

Comfort

The nylon of the Ultra Light Down Parka feels nice against the skin, and the soft fabric around the wrists and hood doesn’t poke or irritate. The hood is also roomy enough to accommodate a hat underneath, which is a big must for me.

Playing with hoods is fun, especially when it’s cold.

Durability

It’s hard to personally attest to the durability of the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka, as I only wore it for about five days over the course of one trip. However, the boyfriend has been rocking one of these for three years now, it’s still a regular part of his wardrobe rotation, and has survived at least a few sketchy chimney rock scrambles in Joshua Tree National Park. After years of moderate use, his Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka looks good around the seams and has no holes that I could see — though a few feathers come out every now and then.

The zippers aren’t YKK, but they seem like they’ll last.

Warmth

When the weekend arrived, we drove north to Windsor, Ontario, Canada, which sits right across the Detroit River from — you guessed it — Detroit! The torrential downpour that had greeted us at the border was a light drizzle by the time we set out to wander the waterfront. At around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, I found I was overheating in the Ultra Light Down Parka, and to my delight, the jacket handled the moisture really well. Uniqlo treats their down with DWR, which allows the rain to bead off the fabric and keeps the interior from getting soggy.

Packability

When you’re part of the team Never Pack a Bag, you come to really enjoy items that fit in their own stuff sacks easily. The Ultra Light Down Parka packs down to the size of about half a Nalgene water bottle. And, perhaps more endearingly, the stuff sack is big enough to fit the jacket without the user needing a deep understanding of clothing origami.

The Ultra Light Down Parka comes with a branded stuff sack that packs easily.

Fit

If you’re a woman buying this jacket, I would strongly encourage you to size up. Conversely, my boyfriend has had one one these jackets for years, and says the men’s version runs pretty true to size.

The women’s Ultra Light Down Parka is most notably tight around the chest and shoulders, almost frustratingly so, especially if you’re a climber. When compared to my medium-sized rain jacket — I’m a size medium in almost everything I own — the Ultra Light Down Parka was noticeably smaller. The tailoring is designed for a “slim fit,” and while I really enjoyed the slimmer profile, the sizing is off for an American or European wearer.

Grievances

The two issues I had with the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka were in the hood and the torso length. The hood is big enough to accommodate a hat, but not terribly well fitted — which stands in contrast to the slim fit of the rest of the garment. A simple drawstring would have alleviated this issue and allowed any head size to fit easily. I like a big hood in theory, but adjustable and big is much better.

It’s a large, comfy hood, but it could use an adjustable toggle to fit better.

As for the torso, it’s about three inches too short, especially if you’re going to be using it under a backpack with a hip belt. This is more of a problem for backpackers, and this jacket is really meant for the Urban Hiker, but it’s worth noting. Perhaps this would be solved by sizing up, but at 5 feet 4 inches, I was a little surprised when the jacket was too short even for me.

Final Word

The Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka is a great budget pick for daily wear around town and weekends in the mountains, with a style that transitions as you do.

Where to Buy Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka

We tested the Women’s Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Parka in a size medium. It’s found only at Uniqlo, either in a brick-and-mortar store or online. It’s also offered without a hood, which is called the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket. There’s a men’s version for both of these jackets, and everything is the same except for the fit.

Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website at no extra cost to you. When you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, and this directly supports the creation of our gear reviews, guides, and other outdoor content. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
December 26, 2017

Coleman Triton Stove Review: Campsite Cooking Made Easy

Coleman Triton Stove Overview

The Coleman Triton Stove Series 2 Burner played a pivotal role in the creation of much of my recent outdoor cuisine.

One of my favorite outdoor experiences is sizzling up a hot meal as the sun sets, especially when I’m able to share that tasty trailside dinner with other adventurers. It’s a task I take pride in. Cooking outside over an open flame conjures up an ancient, primal sense of accomplishment from deep within. Never mind that I came fully prepared with several cans of propane and a BIC lighter, I still feel like I’m Arthur “Master of the Flame” McMahon when I’m manning the picnic table stovetop.

The Triton’s dual burners each pump out 11,000 BTUs of power, and they can boil water at full blast or be dialed down for simmering. The Triton stove is widely available and uses standard propane fuel canisters. For about $80, this stove comes with two adjustable burners, a slim profile for easy storing, and wind guards.

Coleman has been a reputable name in camp stoves for ages, and the Triton stove has proven to be as reliable as they come, which is why we’re awarding it our Classic Pick for the Car Camper.

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Interested in a camping stove? You can see how the Coleman Triton Stove compares to other stoves, and learn how to pick the right camping stove for you.

Read the full Coleman Triton Stove Series 2 Burner below.

Coleman Triton Stove Specifications

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Feature Type	Feature Specs	What This Means
Weight	11 lbs (5 kg)	Fairly lightweight for a car camping stove. Easy to carry with one hand, yet durable.
Stove Type	Compact Double Burner Stove	This stove has two burners, is relatively small, and is the most common form factor for camping stoves. More on camping stove types in our Guide.
Fuel Type(s)	Propane	The Triton series specifically uses 16-ounce green canisters of propane. More on camping stove fuel types in our Guide.
Output	22,000 BTU/hr	Each burner has 11,000 BTU/hr output, which is pretty solid. Not the highest, not the lowest. More on camping stove output and BTUs in our Guide.
Simmer Ability	Average	The Triton series can simmer, but it’s not outstanding at it. You’ll have to play with the dials to get it just right. More on camping stove simmer ability in our Guide.
Wind Resistance	Yes, side flaps	There are two built-in side flaps. That, plus the back panel, create three sides of wind resistance. More on camping stove wind resistance in our Guide.
Boil Time	4 minutes per 1 Liter of water	This is the manufacturer claim, and based on our test it can get close to these times. This metric isn’t critical for camping stoves.
Piezo Ignition?	No	This version doesn’t have a automatic ignition, but you can buy the Triton InstaStart if you want it. More on how Piezo ignition works (and what it is) in our Guide.
Included Items	Stove w/ handle	This is a self-contained unit. The stove has a built-in handle, fuel attachment hose, and included side flaps for wind protection.
Dimensions	Packed Size: 21 x 12.5 in. (53 x 31.7 cm)	This is a fairly small stove when compared to other compact two-burners. It’ll fit easily in a car or on a picnic table.
Manufacturer Warranty	3-year Warranty	Coleman offers a three-year warranty for defects in manufacturing and workmanship issues. This is about standard for stoves, but certainly not impressive. We’d like to see a 10 year warranty for stoves, especially when there are relatively few parts to maintain.
Retail Price	$70-$84.99	Depending on where you buy this, the retail price is listed differently. We find that under $100 is a great price for a camping stove that’ll last and work for nearly every camping adventure.

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Gear Review of the Coleman Triton Stove

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

The Coleman Triton stove was my kitchen away from home for a 2,000-mile road trip through Oregon, Nevada, and California, where my wife and I visited several National Parks and Monuments. Every breakfast and dinner we had during those two weeks was cooked on the Triton’s two burners. Ravioli were boiled to perfection, eggs were made over easy, and sloppy joes were simmered for exactly 30 minutes as per the rules of my mama’s secret recipe.

Coleman-Triton-Stove-review-at-lava-beds-national-monument — Camp life with the Coleman Triton stove. Sloppy Joes included.

The small size and weight of the Triton stove made for easy storage and carrying. It sat flush on any flat surface, the propane attachment screwed in securely, and the wind guards slid into place with ease, giving me confidence in its stability so that I could focus on the food I was about to cook.

Coleman-Triton-Stove-review-boiling-water-at-lava-beds-national-monument — Easy to set up, use, and cook.

The stove worked, which allowed us to think relatively little about it, and get down to eating.

Digging Deeper

Stability

The Triton stove can comfortably hold a 12-inch pan and a 10-inch pan next to each other, and its frame will support a fair amount of weight. I had a hefty pot of boiling pasta on one burner and a pan full of searing chicken legs on the other without any issues. That doesn’t mean you should try to sit on it (nobody wants that kind of toasty buns!), and it still needs a flat surface to function this well. Campsite picnic tables are highly recommended.

Coleman-Triton-Stove-review-ravioli-and-chicken-legs — As long as you have a flat surface, this stove is solid. It can also fit two pans side by side easily.

Simmer

Full blast is the default on this stove — it wants to fry your chicken in record time. The temperature dials are sensitive at the lower end, which means simmering takes a little finesse, but it’s definitely possible.

Coleman-Triton-Stove-review-boiling-water-featured — The Triton stove can simmer, but it wants to be a full-blast flame. You’ll have to control the dial sensitively to get it to simmer.

I was able to reduce the flame to make over-easy eggs, which will never be possible over a roaring fire. Not the best simmerer on the market, but definitely able.

Ease of Setup

Opening up the stove and putting it together was a snap. The propane can twists into place securely and rests right next to the stove on the table. You do have to provide your own spark, so make sure to bring a lighter. If you prefer an automatic Piezo lighter, then you can spring the extra $20 to grab the Coleman Triton InstaStart.

Coleman-Triton-Stove-review-handle — The Triton stove has a built-in handle for easy carrying.

Boil Time

On average, it took around four minutes to get a couple of cups of water to boil, but on windy days that was sometimes doubled. The wind guards on the Triton have an adjustable width, which is an uncommon feature on camping stoves, and this is great for making a bit of extra space for larger pans, but it also allows in more wind to steal away the heat of your flames.

Coleman-Triton-Stove-review-adjustable-wind-guards-and-flap-adjustment — The wind flaps are easy to assemble. While they do aid in wind protection, they could be larger.

Grievances

As I mentioned, the temperature dials are a little finicky when you’re going for a gentle simmer. There is a very tight window between the heat strength of an industrial furnace and no flames at all, where the perfect simmer resides. It’s all too easy to shut off the burner by accident. I got used to its sensitivity after a while, but it was annoying when I had to grab my lighter and reignite the flame.

Final Word

As the successor to the tried-and-true Coleman Camp Stove, the Coleman Triton Stove Series 2 Burner has some serious reputation to uphold. Fortunately it’s a hardy piece of equipment that is capable of cooking a damn good meal and will be a great centerpiece in your car camping outdoor kitchen.

Where to Buy Coleman Triton Stove

We tested the Coleman Triton Stove Series 2 Burner, sometimes called the Coleman Triton Series 2-Burner Stove. It’s a camp staple and can be found in many outdoor stores and online retailers. There is also a version that costs roughly $20 more, the Coleman Triton InstaStart, and comes with a Piezo ignition. We like both stoves and think it really depends on whether you prefer an automatic ignition or not.

Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website at no extra cost to you. When you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, and this directly supports the creation of our gear reviews, guides, and other outdoor content. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.

December 24, 2017

Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket Review
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket Overview

Let me be frank: You do not have to drain your bank account to be an ultralight backpacker.

I wish someone had told me that when I first started browsing REI Garage Sales in the hope of scoring a sweet deal on an overpriced waterproof Snuggie. More often than not, simplicity works as well as, if not better than, an absurdly complex product with added features up the wazoo.

That’s where the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket comes in. It’s a simple rain jacket that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Weighing in at a lean 5.5 ounces (for a men’s small), this jacket is windproof, waterproof, and no-excuse-not-to-bring-it-proof. Priced at less than $20, you’ll find it in the dictionary under the word “budget”. To put it simply, outdoor rain gear doesn’t get more affordable than this.

That’s why we’ve awarded the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket our Budget Pick for the Ultralight Backpacker.

Check out our comprehensive Guide to Rain Jackets to earn your degree in waterproof-onomics, and read on to see why the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket is the best bang for your buck in rain gear.
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket Overview
Ultra-Lite2 Jacket Specifications
Gear Review of Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket
Origins: Easing You In
Where to Buy Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket
Ultra-Lite2 Jacket Specifications
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Gear Review of Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket

Origins: Easing You In

I wasn’t expecting any bad weather in California’s Trinity Wilderness as the forecast called for nothing other than sun and smoke, but I packed the Ultra-Lite2 Jacket just in case one of those infamous NorCal mountain thunderstorms appeared out of the blue.

And wouldn’t you know it, that’s just what happened. Always be prepared, folks!

It started off as a bright, sunshiny kind of day on the Pacific Crest Trail, where clear blue skies offered me an unobstructed view of that morning’s solar eclipse. I didn’t get to see the total eclipse (my friends in Oregon still won’t stop telling me how awesome it was), but the sky dimmed for ten minutes, which blurred the shadows in a trippy way, and that was cool. I’ll take what I can get!

Sometime between the solar dimming and lunch, I heard thunderous rumbles all around, which confused me because there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. At first I thought the noise must’ve been unseen jet planes, but it wasn’t long before the wind picked up and I turned around to see the massive storm clouds creeping toward me.

Getting prepared for the rain.

A couple of hours passed as I hiked onward, hustling to stay ahead of the clouds. It wasn’t until the wind suddenly stopped that I knew I was about to be rained on, so I dropped my pack and put on the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket.

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

Moments after donning the Ultra-Lite2 and pulling my pack on, the rain began to fall. It was a drizzle at first, and then it became a downpour.

I realized I had been hiking uphill and was nearing the top of a ridge, a place you never want to be caught in during a thunderstorm, so I stepped aside to take shelter under a pine tree with long branches and thickly packed needles.

Resting under the trees.

The forest sang with the sound of countless raindrops crashing through the conifer canopy, pelting the duff below as the skies roared above. The bulk of the storm passed overhead in a matter of minutes, but the trailing drizzle hung around for the rest of the afternoon.

I had cinched down the hood of the Ultra-Lite2 tightly over my face for the worst of the weather. When the precipitation lightened, I loosened the cord and unzipped the jacket’s only zipper to see that my puffy jacket was dry.

Different location, same hood. Snugs tightly around the face, but doesn’t offer any visor protection.

The wet wind persisted until evening, so I kept the rain jacket on for the rest of the day, covering myself from the rain as needed and unzipping to ventilate my body when given the chance.

Later that night, reflecting upon my day, I realized that this ridiculously inexpensive jacket performed just as well as the more expensive rain gear I had left at home.

Digging Deeper

There isn’t much deep digging to do when it comes to the wonderfully simple Ultra-Lite2.

I can tell you about the ultralight bi-laminate polypropylene fabric that is welded at the seams to prevent leaks and tears. It’s a soft plastic that is gentle on your skin. The material is enjoyable to touch and fun to roll and squish down as small as you can pack it. I’m able to compress it to the size of a pair of balled-up socks, which is small enough to fit in just about any pocket.

The Ultra-Lite2 Jacket in all its crinkly glory.

The full-length zipper is surprisingly hearty and loosely covered by a thin storm flap for added protection. The drawcords in the hood worked well to lock out the wet weather, as did the elastic-embedded wrist cuffs. Only the jacket’s hip hem is left hanging (literally), as it has no adjustable features.

Basic toggles for hood adjustments and a surprisingly solid zipper are the two “complex” pieces on the Ultra-Lite2 Jacket.

I have yet to encounter a situation where the rain penetrated these defenses, but they are basic. Whipping winds with sideways rain may give you some trouble.

Comfort

The Ultra-Lite is so light you’ll hardly notice you’re wearing it. The elastic wrists are snug but not too tight, and the hood clamps down only as much as you desire. Everything else hangs loose like a poncho, which pairs well with your backpack’s straps.

Elastic wrists keep water from rolling down your sleeves.

Durability

Nope. Just nope. As in, absolutely no durability. Remember when I said it was super cheap? Well, it’s not made to last.

Avoid twigs and trim your fingernails. The fabric will shred as soon as it comes into contact with anything that can poke or snag. You will be protected from the weather and nothing else, but this jacket is so inexpensive that you can purchase a handful of them for the same price as a more durable rain jacket.

You can really see how thin the material is here. It’s damp, and near to wetting out, and a small branch could tear a hole in it easily.

Breathability

Frogg Toggs claims that this jacket has “unmatched sweat-free breathability.” What that means, I don’t know, because I absolutely had sweat issues. If I could choose one superpower, it would be to turn my sweat glands off and on at my will. Think of the possibilities!

It’s not the least breathable jacket I’ve ever worn, but it’s still a waterproof rain jacket, so you’re going to sweat. There are no pit-zips, and you can’t undo the elastic at your wrists. Your only ventilation option is the main zipper.

Waterproofness

This plastic shell keeps the water out. I’ve known hikers who’ve worn garbage bags for rain protection because hey, they work, but with the Frogg Toggs, you have some basic features (and comforts) that make a huge difference. It’s a little difficult to tell where the rain protection ends and the sweat condensation begins, so when you’re on the move, you’ll have to manage your body heat as best as you can.

Fit

The Ultra-Lite Rain Jacket is notorious for being way oversized. I wear a men’s medium most of the time, but a Frogg Toggs size small hangs loose on me with enough room for a large puffy jacket to fit underneath. Make sure to purchase accordingly by dropping a size or two.

You can get a good sense of the fit in the arm here. It’s way too large around my arm, and this is a size Small.

Grievances

As previously stated, pit-zips would help a lot. Hiking uphill in bad weather requires constant checks and balances in dealing with exterior moisture and interior ventilation. I had no issues with the Frogg Toggs while taking a break or hanging around at camp, only when I was in motion.

The added zippers would likely raise the overall weight by something like a quarter of an ounce, which absolutely no one would find acceptable (how dare they even think of considering it!), so I completely understand the company’s decision to forego the design choice. Sorry, when I grieve, I tend to get a bit sarcastic.

This sweat issue is one that all rain jackets have to deal with. If you’re constantly hiking with heavy loads in lots of rain, you may want a jacket that breathes better and is more durable.

Final Word

Storm clouds be damned, I’m not spending a boatload of cash to keep a little rain off my shoulders! The Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket will protect you from the elements because that’s all it was made to do, and it’s going to do its darnedest.

Where to Buy Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket

Frogg Toggs offers a handful of rain jackets, but the one we like is the Ultra-Lite2 Jacket. Just to confuse consumers, that jacket is also sometimes called the “Ultra Lite Jacket” and the “Ultra-Lite 2 Jacket” or some variations of those words. Frogg Toggs updated all of its rain jackets to a “2” line in 2016, so if you buy an Ultra Lite Jacket from them, it will have the new membrane.

This is offered in a men’s in two colors — blue and grey — and a women’s variation in one color — pink. Yeah, those are the colors. You can also buy an Ultra Lite Suit, which is the same jacket and a pair of pants made of the same material. Many people opt for this because it’s typically $5 more and gives you leg protection. We’ve found that the pants get a lot more twisting than the jacket, so they rip much quicker. In the end, it’s your call.

Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase the gear, we get a commission, and this goes a long way to creating guides, gear reviews, and other excellent content.
November 14, 2017
Glaceau Smartwater Bottle Review: Trail-Tested Simplicity
Glaceau Smartwater Bottle Overview

Water has forever been our lifeblood. But it’s also our leash, tethering humanity to its flow, keeping our pioneers from venturing into the wild unknowns of the world. Over many millennia, our brightest minds have worked out new ways to carry water across long distances: everything from animal bladders to woven plant matter to pottery. Human ingenuity never ceases to amaze me.

Modern-day explorers are fortunate to live in a time when one of the best water-carrying devices to have ever existed is stocked by the pallet upon grocery store shelves, and it usually costs a buck or two. That’s right, I’m talking about the Smartwater Bottle, brought to you by Glaceau. Don’t roll your eyes — you know the one.

Smartwater bottles are cheap, durable, featherlight, and fit into just about any water bottle pocket on any backpack. You can find them almost anywhere, and they come with water inside!

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For these reasons, we’re awarding the Glaceau Smartwater Bottle our Budget Pick award for the Ultralight Backpacker.

Now, we know what you’re thinking. A disposable, $1 water bottle as an award-winning product? The reality is that many folks on the trail, especially thru-hikers and weight-conscious backpackers, use a Smartwater Bottle. Our goal is to tell you what works in the wild, and this water bottle does the trick.
Glaceau Smartwater Bottle Overview
Smartwater Bottle 1L Specifications
Gear Review of the Glaceau Smartwater Bottle
Where to Buy a Glaceau Smartwater Bottle
Smartwater Bottle 1L Specifications
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Gear Review of the Glaceau Smartwater Bottle

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

The Smartwater Bottle has been my backpacking water bottle of choice for years. That said, I only used it for drinking clean water until one day on the trail, I learned it could help me filter dirty water as well.

Smartwater Bottles look good on the trail.

When I first started using the Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system, I quickly broke through a number of Sawyer and Platypus water bladders. The seams at the neck would always pop. Those plastic pouches are no match for my super-strong squeezing muscles, apparently.

One day, upon hearing my frustrations, a passing hiker told me to try screwing a Smartwater Bottle into the other end of my water filter. Then simply “squeeze” the dirty water through.

Sawyer Squeeze plus Smatwater Bottle equals thru-hiker heaven.

And it worked! I was done destroying bladders from that day forward. Now, anytime you catch me out in the wild,s I’ve got one “dirty water” Smartwater Bottle and one clean one. Double fisting, as the kids say.

The “dirty” Smartwater Bottle sits in my backpack pocket as such, with the Squeeze attached and ready to filter.

Digging Deeper

Lid

The lid is the universal “small” size for disposable water bottles. The threads are the same as most other disposable bottles, and work specifically with the Sawyer Squeeze or Sawyer MINI filters and other, larger filters with water bottle adaptors.

The Smartwater Bottle lid is classic for most disposable water bottles. Tiny, which is great for drinking. These threads are also the “universal” ones that fit with a lot of different water filters.

The lid screws down tight onto the Smartwater Bottle ensuring a good seal, even after a lot of use. That said, it’s small, doesn’t attach automatically, and is therefore easy to misplace or drop down a cliff, so be conscious of that.

Durability

Smartwater Bottles can take a beating. I’ve dropped them on rocks and squeezed the hell out of them when filtering with the Sawyer Squeeze. The bottle will get crinkled and scarred, but I’ve never had one leak on me, and there have been times when I used the same bottles for months at a time on thru-hikes.

About a thousand squeezes in, a Smartwater Bottle is still going strong.

Form Factor

This bottle is a little longer and thinner than your average one-liter water or soda bottle. It fits well in every backpack side pocket I’ve ever used, and its length just makes it that much easier to grab. Your hand comfortably wraps around it, unlike those chunky Gatorade bottles or more burly water bottles.

Easy to store and hold.

Drinkability

Flows well and simply out of the small lid. The best part is that you can squeeze the bottle and gush cool water all over your face on a hot day. Ahh…!

Grievances

What about the penguins?

The only real downside is that it’s a disposable bottle, and you will eventually toss it to grab a new one at the next town or before your next trip (because it comes with free water, so why not?). Recycling is usually an option in trail towns, but not always, and even if you do recycle the bottle, who knows where it will really end up.

Final Word

The pinnacle of human engineering? Perhaps. The Glacaeu Smartwater Bottle can hold its own against any outdoor water bottle on the market, and it costs as much as that candy bar you were going to grab anyway. If you need a water bottle, just buy it.

Where to Buy a Glaceau Smartwater Bottle

We know, this is a unique and surprising review, but the reality is it’s an amazing piece of backpacking gear. You probably know what a Smartwater Bottle is and where to get one. In case you don’t, go to almost any gas station, roadside stop with a refrigerated section, or grocery store in the U.S., and you’ll find them. You can also buy in bulk.

A Glaceau Smartwater Bottle typically costs about $1. If you want to buy them in bulk, you can below.

Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website at no extra cost to you. When you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, and this directly supports the creation of our gear reviews, guides, and other outdoor content. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
October 24, 2017
The North Face TKA 100 Glacier Review
The North Face TKA 100 Glacier Overview

The North Face TKA 100 Glacier Pullover is a casual, lightweight fleece that is useful in just about any chilly situation (Disclaimer: untested in “chili” situations, though we imagine it’d be quite messy). It has a long name that we’re not thrilled with, so we’ll shorten it from here on out.

This soft pullover will stave off the brisk autumn air, whether you’re at home or in camp, and layered with an outer shell, the TKA 100 Glacier will help keep you warm on alpine nights.

Simple and effective, this do-it-all fleece comes with a lifetime warranty from The North Face. You might expect versatility and reliability to cost a pretty penny, but The North Face TKA 100 Glacier is reasonably priced and often on sale.

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For its simplicity and cost, we’ve awarded The North Face TKA 100 Glacier Zip our Budget Pick for the Wilderness Backpacker, Ultralight Backpacker, and Day Hiker.

Can you go cheaper? Sure, Target and Costco will get functional fleece in your hands for less. The main reason to go The North Face route is the warranty, and it’s easily found in outdoor stores. If those things don’t matter to you, by all means, grab something in the $10-$20 range.

Dig into our comprehensive guide to fleece jackets for an extensive breakdown of all things fleece, and read below for the full North Face TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip review.

Update: The North Face TKA 100 Glacier quarter‑zip has been discontinued, but its close sibling, the Glacier Full‑Zip Jacket, is a solid alternative. It swaps the pullover style for a full‑zip design, keeps the same lightweight Polartec‑style fleece and warmth-per-weight ratio, and upgrades with post-consumer recycled fabric and more versatile zip‑away layering. Overall, we still think the North Face’s Glacier line remains one of the best basic mid-layers for everyday layering and light outdoor use.
The North Face TKA 100 Glacier Overview
The North Face TKA 100 Glacier Specifications
Gear Review of The North Face TKA 100 Glacier
Where to Buy The North Face TKA 100 Glacier
The North Face TKA 100 Glacier Specifications
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Gear Review of The North Face TKA 100 Glacier

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

I’ve been wearing the North Face TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip for months because it is such a convenient, easy layer to throw on in these (never actually warm) summer months on the Oregon Coast. It also served me well for over 100 miles of backpacking along the Pacific Crest Trail, mostly in the evenings as I ate dinner and set up camp.

A walk in the woods.

There was one afternoon on the trail when a thunderstorm rolled in, bringing strong winds that cooled the air. I took the TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip out of my pack and pulled it over my head — it kept the nippy breeze off my skin as I hustled across a ridge and tried to get downhill before the lightning caught up with me.

I dropped into a valley as the storm passed overhead. The Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Jacket I carried for such an occasion slipped over the Glacier fleece with ease, and the two layers worked together to keep me dry and warm. I didn’t take the fleece off for the rest of that chilly evening and slept cozily in its embrace until sunrise.

The approaching storm.

Digging Deeper

Comfort

The North Face TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 zip is made of a 100-weight TKA microfiber fleece, which is soft on your skin and insulates well for how light it is. Fleeces are usually broken down by three weights; 100-weight is the thinnest of them all.

The TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip is 100-weight fleece, which is enough to keep warm while maintaining good breathability.

The Glacier has no elastic bands or drawstrings to rub you the wrong way; it’s like a teddy bear fur coat, but PETA won’t hate you for wearing it!

The cuffs are plain with no elastic. Budget means very few extras.

Durability

The synthetic fabric of the Glacier is designed to withstand rugged use, and after several backpacking trips with this fleece, I know it holds up well. The seams have held together, and the zipper is sturdy. It’s even machine washable. All of the dirt and stink that comes with backpacking just disappears into the soapy void.

The TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip cleans up nicely.

Fit

I’m 5’10 at 180 pounds, and the medium men’s Glacier fleece fit me well, holding close to my body without feeling too tight (Fleecy hugs!). The lack of cords and extra zippers makes this an ideal mid-layer that can comfortably fit under any outer layer.

Style

The Glacier is a casual jacket. You’ll look good in it at the park or in a grocery store, but keep it off Project Runway.

Trail suave, but not necessarily suave suave.

Grievances

By design, this fleece is about as simple as it gets. It does everything it’s supposed to do, and doesn’t rankle anywhere.

That said, I’m a fan of pockets. When I’m wearing this as a stand-alone jacket, I find that I keep reaching for a handhold that just isn’t there. It’s a mild frustration that irks me whenever my pocket-seeking muscle memory kicks in.

Hands looking for pockets that just aren’t there.

If pockets are your thing, know that the TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip doesn’t have any.

Final Word

The North Face TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip pullover is like the bass player in your favorite rock band: reliable, adaptable, and doesn’t try to be the star of the show. This fleece pulls together your entire backpacking ensemble.

Where to Buy The North Face TKA 100 Glacier

We tested the men’s TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip. There is also a women’s version, which is the exact same except for the cut. The North Face has a whole line of Glacier TKA products, but we think this is the best bet for active people who want a lightweight, no-hassle fleece.

The North Face TKA 100 Glacier quarter‑zip has been discontinued, but do not fear, we have plenty of other recommendations for you to choose from in our best fleece jackets article below.

Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website at no extra cost to you. When you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, and this directly supports the creation of our gear reviews, guides, and other outdoor content. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
September 29, 2017
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Review
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Overview

Sleeping in the backcountry is one thing I look forward to most when chained to my desk (I do love my day job, so pardon the dramatics). Going to sleep at 8:30 p.m. and waking up with the sun clears my mind and revitalizes my body.

When I volunteered to review the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol, I knew I would be taking a serious risk on my backcountry REM. For those who don’t immediately know what the Z Lite Sol is, you’ve probably seen it before. It’s a thin, closed-cell foam sleeping pad that compresses like an accordion; it’s typically found hanging off the end of someone’s backpack. Widely used, but not known for comfort.

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Yet I couldn’t fight the specs on this truly ultralight and ultra-affordable backpacking pad. We’ve named the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol our Budget Pick for the Ultralight Backpacker. It’s an industry and category cornerstone, and, after a heap of testing, the pad earned it.

If you guard your wilderness sleep with your life or just need a hand picking the best sleeping pad for you, check out our Sleeping Pad Guide to get the skinny on your next mountain mattress. To read the full Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol review, just scroll down.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Overview
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Specifications
Gear Review of the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
Where to Buy Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Specifications
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Gear Review of the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol

Origins: Easing You In

As I write this review, it’s mid-July and already been a summer defined by a new adventure almost every weekend. My partner, my friends, and I have traveled all over the southern half of California, exploring our state’s natural beauty: fly fishing, river swimming, backpacking, day hiking, glissading in summer snow, and soaking up sun and stoke.

I was given a grip of gear to test, and my editor suggested I test the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol as well. As an experienced backpacker and outdoor industry alum, I was well aware of the Sol’s reputation: ultralight, affordable, and paper-thin. Memories of countless ultralighters walking by with big smiles and a Z Lite Sol lashed to their packs had me hopeful, so with a heavy dose of apprehension, I snagged the pad for a number of trips.

The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol is a popular thin foam pad known for its inexpensive and ultra-durable use cases. Comfort? Not so much.

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

For the first few weeks, I brought the Z Lite Sol along as one invites a weird cousin his aunt insists upon including in his outings. Honestly, I was scared to sleep on it for fear of waking with a permanently misaligned spine. I would sleep for a couple of hours on the pad, then switch to the Exped Synmat Hyperlite (my favorite pad) that I brought along as a backup. As a side sleeper, it was hard to argue with my aching hips — the Z Lite Sol may not have been made for me.

Spend a few nights on this bad boy and you may have aching hips, too. But it might be worth it.

The Sol always hung around when I needed a clean and soft place to sit on hot rocks, dirt, and quick dozes at camp. That may sound negative, but it’s not — I was stoked to have it for this purpose. When thru-hiking the 18-mile Gene Marshall Trail in Los Padres National Forest, the light padding was a welcome rest after an 11-mile hike in the heat. When sitting, you can double or triple the pad for an extra bit of luxury.

The best “lay around nap pad” one can have.

It took me a few trips to trust the Z Lite Sol for a full night’s sleep. When I bagged the peak of Mount San Jacinto (one of the peaks of Southern California’s Three Saints), I told myself: “Get over it! Commit to a full night on the Z Lite Sol!”

I was pleasantly surprised.

I don’t know if it was the 15-mile day, the fact that I stuffed myself with food, or my mental fortitude, but I slept pretty darn well on the Z Lite Sol. It wasn’t like sleeping at the Four Seasons or even the Leaky Roof Inn, but I woke up with only a mild stiffness, ready to take on the day at 5:15 a.m.! This was the moment I knew that the Z Lite Sol was much more than a glorified sit pad.

Only mild stiffness after a night on this thin pad!

Digging Deeper

Don’t let the Z Lite Sol’s simplicity fool you. Therm-a-Rest has engineered it for precise functionality.

The closed-cell foam carries an R-value of 2.6, ideal for warmer weather or as a supplement to a second pad in colder temperatures. The dimples don’t only disperse weight and cushion the sleeper, they trap air and help to insulate from the cold ground. Metalized ThermaCapture technology reflects your body heat back to you, offering greater thermal efficiency when dipping into lower temps.

A close up of the dimples. Like tiny egg crates.

The Z Lite Sol weighs in at a delightful 14 ounces. There are several inflatable sleeping pads on the market that fall into this weight category, but you pay top dollar for them. It’s also hard to beat the dependability of foam when long-distance hiking — it doesn’t pop. Sleeping on a deflated strip of nylon because of a blowout or puncture is low on my backcountry to-do list.

Wrangling my inflatable sleeping pads back into their stuff sacks has never been my forte, nor my favorite breakdown activity around camp. The Sol does away with this thanks to its super-simple accordion fold design. These folds also make it customizable for shorter users. You can make multiple sit pads out of one Z Lite Sol, or if you only want a fractional pad, cut away. (Slicing down to one-half or three-quarters is common for backpackers cutting every gratuitous ounce and gram.)

The Z Lite Sol folds up into rectangles. It never gets small, but you can secure it to the outside of your pack. You can also cut off these squares to create sit pads or a lighter, smaller pad.

Comfort

So, comfort. About that. Coming from the world of $100-plus air pads, the Z Lite Sol is not comfortable. But that’s not why you buy it. I was able to get good sleep at altitude with what I consider a normal amount of tossing and turning. Even when backpacking with the most plush mattress I own, I still move around quite a bit on the first night or two. I’m only 5’8, so the 72-inch length was perfect and even allowed me to fold over the first panel at the head to create a thin pillow when napping.

Here’s a close-up on the Z Lite Sol’s .75-inch thickness. If you want to be well off the ground, this isn’t for you.

Durability

The Z Lite Sol is durable. That’s one of the best characteristics of closed-cell foam: no risk of a slow leak ruining your sleep. The pad showed some signs of wear from normal use and a couple nicks from hiking through the woods with it strapped to the outside of my pack, but performance was not impacted.

Deflation and Inflation

Don’t attempt to inflate the Z Lite Sol. You will most likely pass out, especially above 7,000 feet.

Packability

The Z Lite Sol doesn’t pack tiny, but it folds up in two seconds flat. I used the two straps at the bottom of my backpack to carry the Sol, and it only stuck out from the sides a bit. The 14-ounce weight didn’t impact pack stability at all.

Grievances

Going into testing the Z Lite Sol, I knew what I was getting into: a minimalist pad meant minimum weight and minimum comfort. I knew it wouldn’t compare to the three- and four-inch inflatable pads I typically haul, so I can’t dock it for comfort. But, I do have two grievances.

It’s bulky. With closed-cell foam, you can’t do much about packability. I don’t love having stuff lashed to the outside of my pack, so the Z Lite Sol (and all closed-cell foam mats) lost points here.

When some pads pack to the size of the water bottle in this photo, the Z Lite Sol remains a large, bulky object. It only really fits on the outside of your pack, too.

Second, I want a wider option. Therm-a-Rest’s other ultralight, closed-cell mat, the RidgeRest SOLite, comes in a 77-by-25-inch option, and I would like to see the Z Lite Sol in a similar iteration. Because I used it as a sit pad and daytime lounger, the extra width would be excellent, and I would cut off the excess length to use as a stand-alone sit pad or cooking surface for snow.

Final Word

The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol’s weight, price, and functionality make it the only accordion I want to see in the backcountry. Although I wouldn’t mind the instrument in grizzly territory…

Where to Buy Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol

We tested the regular-sized, Limon/Silver version of the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol. It’s what’s pictured in this article and what we recommend. There is also a Z Lite Sol in Limon/Silver offered in a Small iteration, which is 4.25 feet long rather than 6 feet long. It costs less, and you might see that price quoted below, as you have to pick a size at checkout.

The Z Lite Sol is also offered in Coyote in Regular size. Coyote is a bit cheaper, but not as reflective, meaning it doesn’t have as high an R-Value. We prefer the Limon/Silver version. You can find all of them below.

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August 18, 2017

REI Trekker 1.75 Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad Review

REI Trekker 1.75 Self-Inflating Overview

The REI Trekker 1.75 Self-Inflating is a tried-and-true sleeping pad that has stood the test of time, providing warmth and support to sleepy campers at a great price. Fit for beginners and trail veterans alike, this self-inflating pad balances weight, size, and comfort to fit the needs of most outdoor enthusiasts.

The pad’s rectangular shape can fit just about any body, and there is a “Long Wide” option for those of you who like to snooze sprawled out like a starfish. The topside sleeping surface is made of a brushed polyester that is soft to the touch and slip-resistant to keep you snug and secure, while the underside is designed for durability.

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The above features and the bargain-basement retail price make the REI Trekker 1.75 our Budget Pick for the Car Camper.

The pad is solid, reliable, and comfortable, but it’s a bit too bulky for extensive backpacking. Car camping is its primary purpose, but for those who love a multi-purpose piece of gear, the Trekker 1.75 is not a monster on your back. At 2 pounds 5 ounces,it’s still worth packing on the occasional overnight trip.

Update: The REI Trekker 1.75 Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad has been discontinued, but the REI Co-op Trailmade Self-Inflating Pad is a solid replacement. It offers a similar self-inflating foam design with an R-value of 5.5 for dependable three-season insulation, and while it’s slightly thinner at 1.5 inches, it still delivers plenty of comfort for backpacking or camping.

Learn more about sleeping pads in our comprehensive guide to what makes you comfy at night, and read the full gear review of the REI Trekker 1.75 Self-Inflating sleeping pad below.

REI Trekker 1.75 Self-Inflating Specifications

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Feature Type	Feature Specs	What This Means
Weight	2 lbs 5 oz (1 kg)	Lightweight for a car camping pad, but pretty heavy for backpacking. Works for both, but you will feel it on your back if carrying it.
Type	Self-Inflating Pad	This pad is made with foam that automatically sucks in air when the valve is open. Takes only a couple breaths for full inflation. More on sleeping pad types in our to Guide.
R-Value/Temperature Rating	5.6 R-Value	Very high R-Value. Will keep you warm (with an appropriately rated sleeping bag) well below freezing. More on sleeping pad R-Value in our Guide.
Shape	Rectangle	This pad does not taper at all. More on sleeping pad shapes in our Guide.
Sizes	Regular, Long Wide, Women’s Regular	We tested the men’s/unisex version in size Regular. You can buy a Long Wide pad, which is huge and comfy. There’s also a women’s specific model, which is shorter and not as warm.
Thickness	1.75 in. (4.44 cm)	Not the thickest pad around. Most self-inflating pads start around here, so the Trekker is not thinner than other pads, but you’re pretty close to the floor.
Length	72 in. (182 cm)	Standard length for sleeping pads. Get the Long Wide version if you’re taller than six feet.
Width	20 in. (50.8 cm)	Standard width for sleeping pads. You may want more elbow room, and the Long Wide would give you that.
Packed Size	4.75 x 21.25 in. (12 x 54 cm)	Not tiny, not massive. Fits in the car really easily. More on sleeping pad packed size in our Guide.
Baffle Type	Flat	This pad is flat, and doesn’t really have baffles. This is true for most self-inflating sleeping pads. See more sleeping pad baffle types in our Guide.
Valve Type	Twist and Pull	The old-school twist and pull valve. Works fine for a self-inflating pad, as you don’t need to blow it up that much yourself. See more sleeping pad valve types in our Guide.
Material Type/Thickness	Top: slip-resistant Bottom: polyester	REI doesn’t list Denier specs for the Trekker, which is pretty annoying. In our testing we found the pad to have durable and soft material on the top and bottom. More on Denier in our Guide.
Breaths to Inflate	1-2	Leave the valve open for about 15 seconds to “self inflate” most of the way. Then fill it up with a breath or two for firmness.
Manufacturer Warranty	Limited Warranty	REI has a no-questions return policy for a year after purchase. Beyond that, if there is a manufacturing defect or workmanship issue they will replace it. However, this is hard to prove with sleeping pads, which are often flat due to user error. Always worth contacting, but don’t get your hopes up.
Retail Price	$69.95	A steal for how comfy this pad is. If you’re on a budget, it’s hard to do better.

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Gear Review of the REI Trekker 1.75 Self-Inflating

Origins: Easing You In

Ah, the weekend. Isn’t it wonderful? A couple of days of freedom can go a long way to keeping my sanity in check. I don’t know about you, but some weeks I can go Monday through Friday without getting any real time in the wilderness. My body starts to feel lousy when I go too long without crushing some trail miles.

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Luckily, there are plenty of nearby places for me to enjoy an overnight weekend excursion. The Siuslaw National Forest is right in my backyard, and it has a wealth of places to explore. Within its borders is a large chunk of the Oregon Coast Range, which holds coastal forests that get so wet with rain and ocean fog they’re classified as temperate rainforests.

I packed the REI Trekker 1.75 Self-Inflating sleeping pad into my car with the rest of my gear on an overnight camping trip to Siuslaw’s South Lake, where I hoped to nab a few trout and get some hiking in on the Pioneer Indian trail.

Now, it seems that most people who drive out to these remote locations have pickup trucks. It makes sense. A pickup truck with big tires and a good suspension makes traversing the treacherous national forest roads that lead to South Lake somewhat of a breeze. My choice of vehicle, not so much, though my little Volkswagen Rabbit and I did survive the trip. We pulled into one of the area’s dispersed camping sites, relieved that the bumpy drive was at an end, feeling beaten like a bowl full of eggs.

Dark clouds were already rolling in, so I hopped out of my car and set the tent up right away. The Trekker 1.75 fit well in my Tarptent Double Rainbow, but I think it would have been a struggle to fit two of them in there side-by-side. The Double Rainbow is an ultralight backpacking tent, after all, and works when it’s a solo camp. I’m sure the Trekker would fit just fine in a true car camping tent.

rei-trekker-1.75-self-inflating-in-tent — Car camping for one means a small backpacking tent and the REI Trekker 1.75 Self-Inflating pad.