Choosing the right ski equipment can not only improve the enjoyment of your entire skiing process but also make you look as professional and stylish as a ski master! By choosing expensive ski equipment does not always solve the problem, the key is to find one that fits yourself. You have to prepare a whole set of equipment for yourself to meet the challenges in the snow. The following items can be used as a reference when you plan for a ski trip.

1. Ski Goggles

Ski goggles can not only reduce the reflection of sunlight but also help keep out the wind so that people can clearly see the ski trails in front of them.

Brand recommendation: Oakley’s, Julbo Meteor, Smith, Giro, Bolle Quasar

2. Ski Helmet

You should wear a helmet when skiing, especially for beginners with poor skills. Don’t think that a simple route does not require a helmet. If you accidentally hit the ground or are knocked down by other skiers behind, it is very dangerous without helmet protection.

Brand recommendation: Giro, POC, Smith, Pret

3. Ski Gloves

How can you do without gloves in the ice and snow? If you keep falling down, the gloves will get wet easily, so it is best to buy waterproof, breathable, and warm gloves.

Brand recommendation: Columbia, Gordini, Black Diamond, Dakine, Hestra

4. Ski Boots

Ski shoes are much more expensive, so it is generally good to rent them at the ski resort, but some skiers will still buy the most suitable and highly compatible ski shoes. It is best to choose ski shoes with a hard shell but a soft inside. Warmth and comfort are both important.

Brand recommendation: Atomic, Scarpa, K2, Dynafit, Blizzard

5. Ski Socks

Everyone always thinks that the heavier the socks, the warmer they are, but if the ski boots are already warm enough, you can choose thinner and warmer socks, and also waterproof, so that they are less bulky and you can move your toes.

Brand recommendation: Waterfly, Icebreaker, Darn Tough, Wigwam

6. Ski Jacket and Pants

Many people also rent ski suits at ski resorts. Unless they ski all day long, the cost will be a bit high. The one-piece ski suit can prevent ice and snow from entering the clothes when you fall, which is more convenient and comfortable. Ski suits should also be waterproof and windproof, keeping breathable while absorbing water.

Brand recommendation: Columbia, Atomic, Flylow, Eddie Bauer, Arc’teryx, Black Diamond

7. Base/Mid Layer Pants

The so-called Base Layer/Thermal is the base suit we wear under our ski suits. The innermost base layer should be very sweat-absorbent and keep it dry so that it can keep warm even if snow accidentally runs into the clothes. Leggings are also best to choose a tight, warm, and sweat-absorbing design. It is best to wear a thin coat outside the base coat, if the ski resort temperature is too high, consider not wearing it.

Brand recommendation: Icebreaker, Saxx, SmartWool, Under Armour

8. Protection Pads

People who have not yet a master of skiing can easily fall down one after another in the snow, so protective measures are very important. The hip shorts can prevent everyone from falling down in the snow, and the knee pads can prevent sprains and relive old injuries.

Brand recommendation: POC, Burton, Pro-Tec, Demon

9. Snowboard

The price of skis varies according to the material, but ordinary people who ski sometimes rent skis at the ski resort. It is easier for beginners to use shorter skis, and it is easier to turn and control speed.

Brand recommendation: DC, Salomon, Capita, GNU, Flow, Rossignol, Zion

10. Ski Poles

Like snowboards, most people rent them on-site at the ski resort. Ski poles are used to support the ground and maintain balance during sliding.

Brand recommendation: Leki, Black Diamond, Winget, Zipline, Stylo

Looking for the right bag or pack for walking your dog? There are big differences between the dog walking bags, and deciding among them is tough as they are all great. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference of size and functionality. So, sit down and make a quick list of everything you need to carry for your dog walking. This will give you a good working idea of the overall shape, bag size and functionality you are seeking.

I’ve been walking dogs for 2 years now. I was looking for something that held all my stuff I need and made it easy to access while running with my dog very day. Here I reviewed Amazon’s top5 customers recommend dog walking fanny pack, I hope this will be of some help for you to find your right bag.

1. WATERFLY Hiking Waist Bag Fanny Pack

WATERFLY Dog Walking Fanny Pack has Great secure with larger capacity! It has multiple compartments separately for water bottle, phone, keys/cash/credit card, and essential dog treats. The smallest open compartment holds easy access to dog treats. The middle-zippered compartment holds bags to pick up dog poop. The large zippered compartment holds a ton of stuff. This dog walking waist bag comes in six colors and features a water-resistant front panel to keep your supplies cool and dry. And it also has front reflective strip is a striking sign in the dark to ensure your safety at night. It’s perfect!

2. Dog Walk Waist Fanny Pack Treat Pouch

The pack straps can span up to a 40-45-inch waist. The water bottle holder has a diameter of 3.2 inches/8 cm. The d-rings are NOT designed to be used with a dog leash. However, you may not attach a dog leash to the d-rings. This pack has smart design and great colors with perfectly sized storage compartments for your dog’s treats, toys, kibble and accessories. Easy access to fresh poop bags. Store your phone, keys and other essentials. Pack a water bottle. You’re ready to go!

3. DogGoods Hands Free Dog Leash Modular Fanny Pack

It is a complete MOLLE compatible dog walking belt, dog training leash, dog hiking pack, puppy starter kit, dog fanny pack and hands-free dog leash with modular attachments. This complete dog walking set has a hands-free leash (bungee leash attached to the waist), dog treat bag for dog treats, dog training pouch, sport water bottle, and water bottle holder, poop bag dispenser, dog water dispenser / dog water bowl, dog food bowl and belt bag, all-in-one!

4. FreshStart DogiPack Hands-Free Dog Walking Belt

Dogipack is an all-in-one functional, multipurpose, fashionable dog walking belt. You’ll stay organized each time you walk your dog with a collapsible bowl, dog bags, a cell phone holder, a water bottle holder, a carabiner, and a pocket you can use for cash, treats, or ID. Collapsible bowl and Bags on Board poop bags included. Introducing the must-have for dog parents everywhere: a hands-free accessory that makes walks easy. No more struggling for poop bags. No more searching for pockets.

5. Funny Fanny Pack with Water Bottle Holder

This Funny fanny pack is sure to put a smile on any mom’s face! Includes 7 zippered pockets, a a zippered top main compartment, two zippered front pockets, side Velcro closure utility pocket, side water bottle holder pocket. This fanny pack is made to last with heavy duty polyester canvas material with heavy vinyl backing and is built to last. Waist belt expands to 48″ with an easy clasp to secure it in place. Has a nice mesh pocket on the side to hold your water bottle? Dimensions are 22″W x 6″H x 6″D, large enough to hold your essentials hands-free but not too bulky!

Many of us bike riders will at some point be faced with some form of city cycling. Some of us less often, but the chances are. If you ride a bike you will at some point find yourself negotiating a big town or city on two wheels.  But I think it’s more than that isn’t it. I think you should actively seek our riding in a city, it’s a great way of getting around or just a fantastic way of exploring and seeing the sites. But if you’re not feeling too confident, or you just want to brush up on some skills, well here are our top tips for city cycling.

1. Planning your route

Planning your route or at least working out what you want to include on your city ride is a great place to start your journey. If you want to get to work as quickly and safely as you can, you’ll want to avoid crossings and junctions too often, as these will slow you down. A great way to do this would be to follow the bike paths, as these are designed to crossroads, and other forms of transport as little as possible. On the other hand, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous you could branch out, maybe do an extra loop, go the less direct way, and explore parts of the city you haven’t seen before. Either way, planning what it is you would like to do. How long you expect it to take you, and roughly where you would like to go will increase your enjoyment as this will avoid any nasty surprises along the way.

2. Staying alert staying safe

Above all else staying alert and staying safe will do more to ensure your enjoyment when riding in the city than anything else. That doesn’t mean your ride has to become a boring risk assessment exercise, it just means keeping your eyes open and scanning for any hazards around you. Not everyone expects to see cyclists in cities, and indeed the infrastructure can throw up. Some expected surprises like raised curbs, barriers, posts, and these can blend into the surroundings, and just appear to come out of nowhere. So, if you stay alert, you’ll better at noticing them. But there are more reasons to be alert, you can also be a danger to others. So watch out for the unexpected, and only ride as fast as you can stop. Exceeding your limit is rarely as fun as you would hope it to be. stick to riding at under 95% of your limit and it will be much more enjoyable. You’ll be in more control, and conscious of what the inputs you make to the bike are doing. This is a great way to learn bike control.

3. Been seen been heard

City cycling is fairly low risk when done correctly, but there are a couple of things that we can do to make it even safer. A good set of lights for a start, and coupled with some reflective clothing, or something reflective on your back, is a great way to draw attention from other road users. In fact, lights on moving limbs are proven to be more effective at doing this. And for when you can’t be seen a bell or a horn is a great way or drawing attention to yourself, because cities are full of blind 90 degree corners, so a quick toot or a ding can alert others to your presence. No one wants to crash or to hurt themselves, or anyone else for that fact do they?  No, I do not want to crash, at all.

4. Fun

So why not add a little fun into your ride. Even the tiniest of curbs can be the perfect Launchpad for a quick jump, and then speed bumps. When you time a bunny hop absolutely perfectly and land on the backside of a speed bump, it can be incredibly rewarding, you’ll even feel like you’ve barely left the ground. You could also use speed and distance judgment, as an exercise in timing. For example, if you want to try and get through every traffic light without stopping, well if you judge it just right you might be able to. Or how about practicing your slow speed, or no speed maneuvers, so learn to track stand, where you balance motionless without touching the ground. Get good at that and you can ride around cities without ever touching the floor.

5. Obey the rules

Now you’d hope that this next one would go without saying, but you do see it from time to time. Some cyclists not obeying the rules, running red lights, or maybe just riding where they shouldn’t. Now we can sympathize with why somebody would think that that might be okay, but we disagree. Please don’t be one of those riders, you’ve got a responsibility to other road users, and particularly your fellow cyclists. Not to mention there could be considerable consequences, for if you don’t follow the rules. So please use your common sense and obey the law.

6. Enjoy your ride

It’s not all doom and gloom though, for me city cycling is still all about one thing. Yep, above all else, enjoy your ride. Going by bike is a fantastic way to explore the city, and a bicycle can take you further, faster, and to places that are otherwise inaccessible, by other means of transport. Yeah, going by bike is also a great way of adding some extra fitness into your cross-city journeys. You can cruise along gently, a bit like we are now, or you could race the traffic light Grand Prix: “Ready, Three, two, one!” Go!

Hopefully, you have found these city cycling tips useful.

Prime Day 2020 is coming soon and I can hardly wait. Is anyone else counting down the days until Oct 13? The deals are already starting to trickle in from Amazon too, which means we can start saving big on amazing products.

Whether you are heading to the mountains or travel for a quick hike or for weeks at a time, you need to make sure you have the right gear. Recently, I have also reviewed some excellent bags with super friendly prices. Here is a list of top 5 hot outdoor bags you really need to know! Hope you will love these bags~

The WATERFLY fanny pack is the top pick for its slim design and friendly price. I often use this cute fanny pack when going out for running or hiking. Its size is perfect for me to store my essentials like my iPhone, keys, earphones, cards, and small items like my lipstick. What I like it most is its small size but still with several separate compartments. And sometimes, my families will also use it for its waist strap is adjustable.

If you want to a larger one, you can also have a look at its upgraded version, Waterfly waist bag G2.

Now 16 colors available at only $14.99 on waterflyshop.com

Discount: saving 15% off by using code “WATERFLYOFF15”

The Kavu rope sling bag is another pack I love so much. The first time I search it online, I fall in love with its various colors and practical design. If you just want a pack for daily use or day trip, it is really a good choice. Made of durable and water repellent polyester, the crossbody pack features with several functional compartments and space to store my daily items. I love its rope design for it is unique and comfortable to carry. And it is suitable for daily use, not for carrying too heave stuff. The colorful design is so attractive, especially for young people.

Now Various colors available at only $16.59 on amazon

Discount: 25% off coupon

The Zomake packable backpack with 20 L capacity is very suitable for everyday or short travel. Space is enough for me to carry what I need for several days. The most convenient feature is its ultra-lightweight and packable design. In daily use, I will prefer and also recommend the packs with lightweight design for it will make your life without burden. Sometimes, I will put it in my luggage When I come back from my trips, I will pack it so that it will save the space for my room. And it is still durable and water-resistant although you can get it at only $15.99.

Now 14 colors available at only $15.99 on amazon

This hiking waist bag is a good choice for hiking lovers or walking with dogs. When I hike or trek, I just carry the very essentials like water bottle, phone, and towel. So what I want to highlight is that you will feel super comfortable with this hiking pack. It features very soft fabric and mesh back design. A water bottle holder and adjustable waist strap are helpful to free your hands during hiking. In daily life, I will also use it when going out for a walk with my dog Leo. A good choice for hiking bag! Get it for yourself now!

Now available at only $21.59 on waterflyshop.com

Discount: buy 1 bag get 1 bottle at about 20% off

The Teton high-performance backpack is larger than the bags above. It is really worthy to buy for its excellent quality and large capacity. Every time I plan a long adventure like one-week-hiking, I will take this large hiking backpack and just put many items in it like clothes, snacks, and water bottle. I love its delicate designs like the multi-position torso adjustment, comfortable shoulder and chest straps, the waist belt. The internal frame is good for me to carry it easily. And my male families or hiking friends will love this one more than other small bags. The price is higher but really a good quality backpack.

Now available at only $70 on amazon

Finally, which one is your favorite bag? Just share with me~

More resources: 

Top 5 Best Sling Bags For USA Independence Day

USA Independence Day | 6 Best Outdoor Necessaries For 4th July

Camping has become an increasingly popular way of travel for ordinary families. There are more than 1 million new American families have chosen camping trips every year. No need for mobile phones or alarms, stay away from emails and the Internet, experience waking up to the sounds of birds in the early morning, taste the freshest taste of nature, look up and see the first rays of sunlight through the gaps… to discover and blend into nature, thank nature and this world for giving you the most beautiful view. OK, if you are searching for how to prepare for your first outdoor camping, here are all the tips right for you!

1. Camping site selection

There are various types of camping sites in the United States, some in deep mountains and old forests, some in national parks, and lakes and coasts. The equipment of various facilities at the campsite is also uneven. So when you choose a campsite, you must first clarify these in addition to determining the natural environment you want to explore. For example, parking spaces, drinking water, living pits, picnic tables, barbecue grills, toilets with baths, etc. As a novice, the more complete the facilities, the more convenient, otherwise you may face the embarrassment of digging an aqua toilet! If you want to have a better experience, you must first do your homework. It will be easier for novices to get started, the experience will be better. Many campsites can be booked online. From www.reserveamerica.com or www.recreation.gov, you can search for the detailed information of each camping area that can be booked, including facility introduction, camp map, vacant period and price, etc., which is very convenient. Summer (from June to September) is a hot camping season when the weather is good. Some popular campsites, such as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite, and other national parks. may be fully booked early. If you want to go to some popular campsites, you usually have to book two or three months or even six months in advance. But for someone who wants to go camping spur-of-the-moment, you do not need to be discouraged, because, in addition to checking the above two websites to see if there are any temporary cancellation positions available, there are many camping sites that implement “first come, first serve” policy, this has to be checked on the official website of each park, usually the online introduction materials are very complete. Of course, don’t forget to search for other users’ reviews of the camp when searching for information online. After choosing the campsite, you should book it online right away.

2. Must have camping knowledge-equipment

After choosing a campsite, you must choose camping equipment. A campsite with comprehensive facilities will not provide you with any double bed. Campsites are generally equipped as standard: an open space for tents, a picnic table, and a fire with a barbecue grill. Some national park camps also have bear-proof iron boxes to store food. There are public restrooms and sorted garbage bins in the camp. There are also public shower rooms, laundry rooms, and canteens in the camp in good condition. In the camping public space, drinking water dispensers, sockets, and some also have firewood for sale.

. Sleeping bag

The temperature of the sleeping bag must be comfortable, too cold or too hot will make you unable to sleep. National parks generally have a large temperature difference between morning and night, so choose the right sleeping bag according to the temperature. There are two types of sleeping bags in appearance design:

Mummy style: good warmth retention, tightly wrapped from head to toe; poor flexibility, if it is hot, it is difficult to split flexibly.

Envelope type: The warmth is not as good as the mummy type, but it is flexible and can be used as a quilt at home.

The warmth of the sleeping bag determines the quality of your camping. Each sleeping bag has a temperature indicator, which can be selected according to your needs. The climate and conditions of each national park are different. If you go to different national parks to experience camping life, your personal experience is to use a combination of envelope sleeping bag + fleece quilt with a comfortable temperature scale of 5 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference is different. Can easily hold live.

. Sleeping pad & moisture-proof pad

In addition to sleeping bags, the most important thing is sleeping pads and moisture-proof pads. In the eyes of some experienced camping enthusiasts, these two equipment are no less useful than sleeping bags and are the guarantee of camping quality. A sleeping pad with heat preservation and a moisture-proof pad underneath can sleep more comfortably in a sleeping bag. There are many types of moisture-proof pads, including single-layer, double-layer, physical foaming type moisture-proof pads, and auto-inflating types. Prices, features, and weight are all different. Friends who want to go camping in national parks do not recommend single-layer moisture-proof mats, because national parks are more exposed and the moisture-proof effect of single-layer moisture-proof mats is relatively poor. For beginner campers, we recommend double-layer moisture-proof mats, which are affordable and can meet their needs.

If you are looking for comfortable sleeping, you can choose an egg-nest moisture-proof cushion. The wave-shaped cushion is designed according to ergonomics. If you are worried about sleeping well when you go camping for the first time, you can choose this. But the disadvantage is that it is heavy and cannot be compressed.

. Good tents for you

There are the simplest ones that can only sleep one person, and the huge luxury tents, like a small house. The most basic function of the tent must be keep away from wind and rain. There will be a cool breeze at night in the national park. Therefore, it is not recommended to choose a summer tent with good ventilation. It is easy to exchange the heat inside the tent and it will be colder at night. The weather in the national park in summer is changeable, and rainproof tents are also necessary. The structure of the tent has many options for equipping the party: there are two rooms and one hall, three rooms and one hall structure, like a small villa, it is simply heart-warming! But at the same time, tents take up a lot of space and are complicated to build.

.  Camping lights

You must be equipped with this equipment. The campsite has no street lights. At night, camping lights are your only lighting source. When going to the toilet at night, lights are also necessary. Camping lights are solar-powered and LED rechargeable. When City King was camping, he saw that some foreigners brought lantern-style camping lights, which were very bright. It is recommended that you buy a waterproof and rechargeable LED hanging lamp directly. It is easy to use, sufficient in brightness, and lightweight. A headlight that can be put on your head is added for the first time. The lighting problem when walking is perfectly solved.

. Insect/bear-proof spray

national parks are all in the wild after all. While experiencing ecological balance, of course, you must be prepared for unexpected encounters with various animals. Yellowstone National Park is famous to bear, so carry anti-bear spray pest control is also necessary.

Excluding what the camp provides, we have to prepare ourselves. See what are the necessary equipment for camping.

3. Five camping hacks

4. Where to buy the equipment

Walmart: #1 choice for purchase camping equipment. There is a special area for camping supplies, equipped with all kinds of equipment, inexpensive, very suitable for first-time campers.

REI: A very professional camping goods store, you can buy it online or in the store. The equipment is well equipped and of good quality, quite compelling, and the price is also expensive.

General Store or Sports Store in the park: Some stores in national parks can also buy some supplies, but they are not very complete and only suitable for temporary supplies, so it is recommended to prepare before departure.

Fall is our favorite time of the year to hike: the temperatures have cooled off, the bugs are mostly gone, and the colors in the mountains are incredible. For this shoulder season, we always make some adjustments to our hiking gear kit, adding a little bit of warmth and protection for the changing conditions. Below are five fall clothing and footwear ideas for hikers, tried and tested with our countless hours on the trail during all seasons. For more information on hiking gear in general, see our hiking and backpacking gear reviews.

1. Footwear: A Little Extra Protection

In the dead of summer, you can get away with minimal hiking footwear—we often see people wearing trail-running shoes or even less. In the fall, however, the trail may be a littler wetter and rougher, and your pack may be a little heavier with some added layers. Accordingly, we like to bump it up to lightweight hiking boots that offer more support and protection.

In this category, you can’t go wrong with the Salomon X Ultra Mid II GTX. Salomon dominates our hiking footwear rankings in general by offering the best combinations of comfort, weight, and protection, and this is our favorite lightweight boot. The X Ultra Mid II GTX has the feel of a running shoe but with more ankle support, and the Gore-Tex liner will give you extra piece of mind should you encounter a wet and muddy trail. Another solid lightweight option is the Lowa Innox Mid GTX, a super comfortable boot that offers a bit more protection underfoot (the downside is that it’s more expensive). For more footwear options, see our article on the best hiking boots.

2. Thicker Hiking Pants

Earlier in the year, the name of the game is staying as cool as possible and that includes your hiking pants. When the temperatures are hot, we love a lightweight pant that barely feel like it’s there. In the fall, it’s not a bad idea to choose hiking pants with added thickness and wind blocking ability but that still move well on the trail.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is our top overall hiking pant pick and thick enough for most fall conditions. They cut wind decently well with a softshell-like feel yet still offer excellent range of movement. For short fall hikes in chilly conditions or if you plan on bushwacking, we love the Fjallraven Vidda Pro. These pants are uniquely made with a G-1000 polyester/cotton blend, which we were skeptical about at first until trying them on. The Vidda Pro are tough and warm without compromising much in the way of comfort. We did overheat in these pants on a hot summer hike, but they make a great fall companion. And with any pair of hiking pants and particularly thinner models, you can always wear a thin wool baselayer underneath for added warmth (more on baselayers below).

3. Synthetic Outer Layer

Synthetic jackets are absolutely awesome. They breathe much better than down and continue to effectively insulate when wet, making them an ideal outer layer for chilly fall conditions. Based on our experience, a lightweight synthetic jacket is ideal for around 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 16 degrees Celsius), which again is perfect for this time of year.

Our favorite synthetic jacket is the Arc’teryx Atom LT: it’s warm, breathable, and as comfortable as they come. People who really are moving on the trail may appreciate even better ventilation from the cozy Patagonia Nano-Air, but that jacket is less durable than the Atom LT and may have a shorter lifespan. Either way, a synthetic jacket can be worn as your outer layer in the fall, and unlike down, you shouldn’t have to take it off unless the temperature really warms up. Most synthetic jackets have a DWR treatment for added protection in light to moderate precipitation.

4. Merino Wool Baselayers

Getting into October at any kind of elevation, you may want a top and/or bottom baselayer for added warmth. Merino wool is the clear material of choice: it’s lightweight, super comfortable, won’t soak up perspiration and water like cotton, and doesn’t much absorb stink either (nothing is perfect, but it does a pretty darn good job). The issues with merino are that it’s expensive and won’t last forever (make sure to wash in cold water and line dry if possible), but we still think it’s worth it.

A number of gear companies make merino wool baselayers, and we’ve had good luck with the Icebreaker Everyday Crew. You can wear this as a standalone piece or under another shirt, and if you add your synthetic jacket above you’ll be in great shape when things really cool off. For a cheaper non-merino option, Patagonia’s Capilene collection is legendary and we’ve been wearing it for years. A shirt like the Capilene Lightweight Crew will provide some added warmth at a reasonable price, with thicker midweight and thermal weight options available as well. The upside to Capilene is that it should last longer than merino—we’ve had Capilene shirts that are six years old and counting and have gotten heavy use. Thin merino is more likely to last a season or two unless you rarely take it out of your closet.

5. A Simple Beanie

Heat escapes from your head, and the baseball hat that blocks sun in the summer won’t help you much in the fall. At the same time, we like to save the heavyweight hats for skiing in the winter and in the fall opt for a lighter weight beanie made from merino wool. Like the baselayers described above, this type of hat will give you excellent warmth for the weight without soaking up a ton of sweat and smelliness. You’ll find it particularly helpful in cool temperatures when you stop hiking and start losing heat quickly.

For a fall hiking hat, you can’t go wrong with the SmartWool Cuffed Beanie. It is fairly straightforward but checks all the boxes: it’s soft, warm, and durable. We’ve used it for running on cold days and fall hiking on multiple occasions, and it works well for a wide range of uses and activity levels. Another slightly thicker option is the Ibex Meru hat, which we have a sentimental attachment to after many hiking and backpacking trips over the years. It too is a great lightweight merino beanie, but the SmartWool is cheaper and easier to adjust based on head size, so we hesitantly give the nod in that direction.

Other Fall Gear Considerations

No matter the time of year, hikers need a good rain jacket. The best choices depend on your budget and how you intend to use the shell (i.e. will it double down for everyday use?), but a great value pick is the Marmot PreCip. It’s not a super lightweight or technical piece but should keep you dry and look good in the process. Because of the reasonable cost, it’s the jacket that we recommend most to friends and family. For a full list of options including serious performance pieces, see our article on the best rain jackets.

Hikers always need a good daypack. In the fall you’ll likely have a larger load with more layers, so you may want to increase the capacity of your pack up the 20+ liter range. The Osprey Stratos 24fits that criteria nicely, and it kept our gear reasonably dry during a recent rainstorm even when forgetting to use the built-in rain cover. If you have any electronics in your bag or don’t want to risk getting anything wet, the cover is integrated and easy to use. And the Stratos 24 is extremely comfortable with an advanced suspension and has all the bells and whistles that most hikers need.

We think trekking poles always are a good idea, but they make even more sense in the fall when the trail may be wet and rocky. We’ve tested a number of poles and like the mostly-carbon Black Diamond Alpine Ergo best. A cheaper option is the REI Traverse Power Lock, which uses aluminum instead but hits a nice price point for the occasional hikers. Regardless of which pair you choose, trekking poles will help with balance—particularly on downhills—and save your knees for more years of hiking.

(Hiking blog by David Wilkinson from switchbacktravel.com)

A backpack is an essential hiking gear to manage all the staff like food, water, rope, additional clothing, and other materials. Today I want to talk to you about picking a pack. In general, it depends on what you intend to use the pack for, but here I will show you the key factors while choosing the right hiking backpacks.

1. The volume of the pack

To go back one of the first things that should we consider when shopping for a pack is the volume of the pack. So this is how much space you have to fill up with your gear on the inside of the pack, this will really depend on how many days you’re aiming to be out backpacking, how long your trips gonna be, and then how big as far as bulky and heavy your gear is. My best advice for somebody who is currently shopping for a pack just so you know that all of your gear will fit inside is to take all of your gear with you to a store, where they sell packs and practice kind of packing different packs with different volumes to see what works best for you. As a bit of advice, I would say when you go in there and pack all of your stuff in the pack if you think well. So really try to go with what you think will fit your gear kind of perfect and not get something that’s a little bigger, so you have the extra space. I feel like most beginning backpackers aim for the range of 50 liters to 70 liters for up to 5-day trips, which means clothing is going to be a little bit bulkier than women’s, especially if you’re bigger and taller than you know a short slender woman. so you might want to adjust some of that again to your specific gear, but that’s the range that usually works for people when they’re first starting out up to 5 days or. Anything bigger than a 70-liter pack is probably gonna is considered in the expedition pack range, so this is for trips that are going to be potentially a week or longer, and maybe even for people who are doing some winter backpacking.

Reference Volume (Liters) for Activities
15 – 30        Day hikes, school
30 – 50       Overnight (1-2 nights)
45 – 55       Weekend (2-3 nights)
55+               Extended Trips (3+ nights)

2. It’s all about the weight.

When we talk about weight, it’s not just the weight of the pack itself, but also the weight that the pack is designed to carry. It seems that the heavier a pack is itself, the more weight that it can stand to carry. Also, Comfort plays into this. The packs that I carried on the Appalachian Trail which was an osprey or a 50 liter was about three to four pounds as far as the pack itself, but the pact that I carried on the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail was only a pound and a half, and they actually make a lighter version of it. I knew that I would be having longer water carry, so I wanted to have more water holding capacity, and I wanted the pack to be able to hold up to carrying those heavyweights and not tear up quickly. It’s important to consider how bulky your gear is, but you have to also consider how heavy that gear inside your pack is. so while an ultralight pack that might have a 55-liter capacity, might carry all of your gear as far as fitting it in there, it might not carry as comfortably. So when you look at ultralight packs, you definitely want to make sure that the gear that you’re carrying inside of it too because it could be really easy to look at a pack weighing go. I’d rather have a pack that weighs a pound and a half instead of 3 or 4 pounds, but it’s important how comfortable you’re gonna be while you’re carrying that weight.

3. The durability of your pack

Are you going to be going through brushy areas where you constantly have briars and twigs snagging at your pack? Are there mesh pockets on the outside that can be damaged easily? Or are you going to be traveling through areas like the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Colorado Trail? All the trails that have a lot of traffic and more trail maintenance, where you’re not going to have to worry about that, and a mesh pocket or other more fragile components of the pack would be okay. Just something to consider, it’s also good to consider what material is your pack made from. A lot of lightweight packs today are made out of nylon, the packs that I prefer, and the more ultralight packs are made out of Dyneema now. If The packs were made out of nylon but it was not a waterproof material, I had to make sure to use a pack cover and also line my pack with a compactor bag. Now the pack that I carried was made out of Dyneema, which is pretty much a waterproof material, but I still took extra redundancies to line the pack with a compactor bag, just in case my pack was to get a hole in it. other than the extra redundancy of having a waterproof layer. I think having a pack made out of Dyneema is great because it doesn’t soak up water like my nylon pack tended to, so you don’t have that extra water weight weighing me down after you’ve already been trudging miles in the rain.

4. Is packs frame necessary

You may hear people refer to your packs frame. Most packs either have an external frame, internal frame or they are frameless. external frame packs are really kind of a thing of the past. There are still applications for those if you’re really carrying some heavy loads, but with the newer technology of gear and things just getting more and more lightweight. They’re really not a necessity in everyday normal backpacking. The internal frame pack is more common now in backpacking than any other type of pack, and it’s just what it sounds like the frame is internal, and it kind of hugs to your body inside the pack. There is such a thing as a frameless pack, and this is just a pack that does not have a frame. These are very ultralight packs with folks who are toting only the bare necessities to get by while backpacking, and this is something that people don’t generally start off with. It takes more experience to really learn what you need out there and to carry a load that’s light enough to go in a frameless ultralight pack.

5. Rain cover or waterproof

When selecting a pack rain cover, some packs come with a rain cover if they are not made out of waterproof material. Some packs do not come with them even if they aren’t made out of waterproof material. A rain cover is certainly something that can be useful for repelling water away from your pack, but I would not rely on this as your sole method for waterproofing the gear in your pack. Because I found that even with having the pack cover on water was able to seep through that my pack was generally soaked but the gear stayed dry on the inside, as long as I took other measures to make sure it did not get wet. Overall, when thinking about features that you want on a pack, you would try to find a pack that has the features that you do want and feel like you need or will make life easier while on trial, and then the one that you don’t really need if you can pick a pack that kind of ups out of those features because with added features comes out of weight.

6. Choose a pack fits your specific torso

If you’re walking down the trail with some weight on your back, you need to know that the pack fits your specific torso length. It has more to do with your torso length than your height. In general, your torso length is measured from that bump on your neck where your neck connects with your shoulders, and then to the iliac crests. So if you slide your hands down your ribcage and rest on your hips, if your thumbs are behind you and pointing towards each other, then that imaginary line that’s created there. You want to go from that bump on your neck, down to the center of that imaginary line and that is your torso length. Some packs will fit based on a torso length range, so it’ll be like a small-medium or large depending on your torso length, and others will have an adjustable suspension so it can adjust to fit you more specifically depending on torso links. and some might even have a combination of the two your waist size will also be important because you want the hip belt to fit you properly. so there may again be some sort of range in the pack as far as sizing goes with small, medium, or large or some packs even have an interchangeable belt.

Sling backpacks are well-suited for trendy travelers, surf dudes, sun worshipers, and mountain climbers alike. Slinging your stuff over your shoulder has never been easier, and there are plenty of crossbody backpacks out there for you to choose from. Here’s what you need to know:

The Benefits of a Sling Backpack

Though a sling backpack will dramatically reduce the amount of useable storage space available compared to a standard backpack, it will still offer you a sleek, chic, and useful way to carry your belongings.

Sling packs allow you to keep your hands free and give you the option to wear it either across your body or close to your chest. You can adjust the shoulder strap to find your perfect setting, and padded and breathable back panels will prevent you from getting hot and sweaty.

The Best Sling Backpacks for Travel

Waterfly Chest Sling Backpack

With a sleek and straightforward design, this ultra-lightweight sling backpack looks great and will handle all your daily commuting or vacationing essentials. Made from soft, water-resistant nylon, this sling has a 10-liter capacity and plenty of extra pockets.

The main compartment is large enough to comfortably transport your iPad or a magazine, while the extra key rack, card pouch, wallet pouch, notebook pouch, and 2 pen pouches will keep all your gear safe and organized on the move. For super easy hydration on packed trains, long walks, or anywhere else, the side mesh pockets will keep your water bottle close at hand.

Your shoulder strap can be adjusted to fit any size or shape, and can be moved from 23.6” to 43.3”. On the strap itself, there is a useful little pouch that will keep your phone safe and accessible.

Osprey Packs Daylite Shoulder Sling

Made by one of the world’s most reputable luggage brands, the Daylite Sling from Osprey is perfect for your daily commute, days out, or trip to the beach. Small enough to be easy to carry yet roomy enough to hold everything you need, this is an outstanding quality sling pack.

This pack is made from high-quality, ripstop nylon and features Osprey’s soft and breathable NeoSpacer mesh material on the shoulder strap for superior comfort. The Daylite promises to be water-resistant and extremely comfortable to carry, including a key clip and front zippered mesh pocket for storing smaller items.

Leaper Retro Sling Bag

Made from soft and washable canvas with accents of elegant-looking PU leather, this messenger sling bag has a retro look perfect for festivals, vacations, and those who like to stand out from the crowd.

Big enough to comfortably hold a slim laptop up to 13”, this may not be the largest bag on the market, but it is still a funky, practical alternative to a traditional backpack or tote. It also has additional straps so you can carry this bag by either the hand handle or the adjustable shoulder strap.

There is plenty of space in this medium-sized slingback: you get a zipper pocket in the front flap, 2 side pockets, and a main compartment with further inner pockets. You’ll find enough room to keep your laptop, iPhone, wallet, snacks, drinks, and other essentials all in 1 place.

KAVU Rope Bag

Sitting somewhere between a practical backpack and a fashionable travel purse, the KAVU Rope Bag is a firm favorite with many overseas adventurers and festival-goers. Perfect for use in urban environments where space is limited and security is tight, the Rope Pack comes in a variety of designs.

There is a single wide strap to help distribute weight evenly, while the bag itself can be slung right- or left-facing so you can switch shoulders if you need. You can also adjust the length of the strap to find your perfect fit.

The 2 main zippered pockets have plenty of space to hold an iPad, travel camera, wallet, water bottle, and other everyday essentials, while the smaller exterior pockets are just right for your phone, keys, or chapstick.

NeatPack Canvas Sling Bag and Urban Travel Backpack

With a ton of compartments to stow your stuff, this sling backpack also comes with an RFID-blocking anti-theft pocket for your most vulnerable valuables. Made of water-resistant polyester canvas and constructed using top-quality zippers and durable straps, this budget backpack offers a lot of bang for your buck.

Ergonomically designed for comfort, the NeatPack bag can be slung over either shoulder or worn across your chest to keep it safe from thieves. With a convenient front cellphone pocket and separate headphone access, you can easily get to everything you need while on the go. The padded, breathable strap helps keep the bag comfortable and lightweight wherever you are.

Obviously, not every single person going out hiking wants a lighter backpack or cares to have a lighter backpack. so why should you? well, the start a lighter backpack is easier to carry since whatever you bring on your hiking trip, you then have to haul up mountains for miles and miles on end, it’s more comfortable on your shoulders and joints, and your muscles. Today we’re gonna talk about how to get a lighter backpacking kit and I actually made 8 tips to help you achieve this.

Carrying the less weight, it allows you to do more and see more since you can walk more freely without the pain or the stress of a heavy backpack, and in many ways, it helps to avoid potential injuries that you might see with folks toting a heavier load. I personally have done all of my hikes with a six-pound base weight or a six-pound backpack sometimes even less than that, so although I really enjoy traveling super light now with a really minimal kit. You don’t have to go anywhere near as light as I do, but I do think it’s good to be aware of what you’re carrying and how much you’re carrying and how heavy the things that you’re carrying are. so as you’re going on your shakedown overnight hikes near home, this is the stuff that I would like you to consider. a thru-hike upwards of two thousand miles is much more than a camping trip and in reality, it’s a lot more like a walking trip whew through hikes out there. so we hike day in and day out all in efforts of trying to race the weather north or south, all of this would be made much more difficult with a heavy backpack. so these days most aim for a more lightweight system while hiking something that they can carry, more comfortably while on their walking trip.

1. Start with the gear you already own.

I know it’s tempting to go out and buy new things but the best way to learn and grow is to simply get out there and try things this way you can get a better idea for what you really want when later on. if you do too so choose to go out and buy some new stuff when you do go out with her gear try and take notes on what you would like to be different. maybe there is a different shaped tent that you would prefer, or maybe your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough for instance. 

2. Take out everything you have weigh it and write it all down.

preferably prepare a backpacking checklist and a little kitchen scale. it’s one thing to go out backpacking and know that your kit feels heavy, it’s another thing to know exactly where all that weight is coming from. so with backpack checklist you can move things around and remove things and weigh different things, see how this changes your overall base weight categorizing things.  This way allows you to scrutinize your gear further and oftentimes for free you can lighten your backpacking load.

3. Reevaluate the gear that you brought.

So you’ve got a day here or a day there that you can take off from work. maybe a weekend or a couple of days in a row and you can do a short little overnight trip, take as many of them as possible, and every time you come home, think over your trip and again, reevaluate the things that you brought and do this over and over and over.  The only way you’ll figure any of this stuff out is by doing before hiking. I learned more on those little tiny trips than I ever have on any through-hike I’ve done.

4.  Make a distinction between necessary for survival and the luxury item.

You can decide if that luxury is something that you would even use oftentimes you get out there. and you realize at the end of the day you’re a lot more tired than you thought you would be. and maybe you’re not really gonna read that book that you brought, or carried a fishing pole for 500 miles and only used it once. try and remember while doing this that through hikes are much more of a walking trip than anything else and it’s good to make this distinction, so you know exactly what you can leave behind and not truly suffer for it. this applies to everything in your pack if it isn’t purely for your survival, then at least for this thought exercise let’s consider it a luxury and that it could be left behind without much consequence.

5.  Modify everything to push the limits of what you carry to.

Go through all of your things and see if you can modify them in any way to be lighter. are there any unnecessary features that you could possibly cut off? you’ve probably already seen or heard about people cutting their toothbrushes in half and that’s kind of the idea here. do you really need a full handle toothbrush to brush your teeth or could you do it with a shorter one? same goes for anything else. do you really need all those extra straps that are attached to your backpack? or do you think you could cut them off?  you’re not going to be saving pounds at a time by cutting these things off but every little bit counts. removing a half an ounce here or an ounce there before you know it you’ve done that enough, and you’ve removed an entire pound from your backpack. this is awesome to do because again it’s totally free and you’re actively making the gear you already own lighter in the process.

6.  Find the value in the bare minimum and then add back things.

When people ask me for a shakedown, I make a point to show them what the bare minimum is with the gear they have. the least amount of items that they need to survive or rather the most important items in their entire backpack and then everything else that I’ve taken out from there I let them add back in what they truly want. I do this because I think it’s very important to know just how little you could get away with, and also to hopefully help make that distinction between luxury and survival. so that’s what I’m gonna ask you to do to try and make that distinction and to find the bare minimum of the gear that you own to make two separate piles, the most important items you have and then other items that you just really enjoy, and then to go through that pile of items that you enjoy but don’t truly necessarily need, and add back items from it. you know the stuff that you really love and the stuff that’s really gonna make your trip a lot more fun or more comfortable.

7. Select a good campsite.

Good campsite selection means you can get away with a lot less gear by replacing that gear with knowledge and skills. for instance, you can get away with a much lighter tent if your campsite is really good or that maybe you know the trail you’re hiking has a lot of vegetation to shield you. thus, saving a lot of weight with more minimal shelter.  the same goes for warmth. if you’re constantly setting up in really exposed areas or near water or at the tops of mountains, then you would need a lot more insulation than someone who is being a little bit more choice about where they’re setting up. maybe you have a rock wall or, maybe you have a bunch of trees or a bunch of bushes surrounding you to block the wind. you don’t want to camp on the tops of exposed mountains as generally that’s very windy and cold and also you don’t want to camp in the bottom of valleys since that’s also pretty cold. so I generally look for somewhere right in the middle. doing all of this whenever possible and you’ll be amazed at how little you can carry and, still remain totally comfortable. You don’t need to do each and every one of these things every single day, just try and be choosy be picky about what type of weather you’re experiencing and how you should deal with that. searching online for others that have been successful on them through hikes and comparing their gear choices to your own. or taking notes on the types of things that they used and how that might be helpful.  

8. Don’t pack your fears.

Do a research plan and understand how you can overcome your fears.  All this planning having an ultra-light kit isn’t about just bringing the bare minimum, it’s really about being extra prepared and knowing the conditions you’re gonna face to a very high degree. having experience with your gear and going out on those short little trips so that you know that you are prepared. the more you understand your fear the less frightening it becomes and instead it turns into a strength. I see people carrying too much is clothing it is I imagine the fear of being cold or for a lot of people the fear of being dirty or maybe not knowing what will be warm enough. So studying what others have done before you or possibly using your own experiences out on these short little trips you’re taking is really important.

The use of sling bags is on the rise. With minimalism securely in the zeitgeist, we’re trimming down and carrying less, so a 20-30L backpack is overkill for some. Moreover, Sling backpacks are well-suited for trendy travelers, surf dudes, sun worshipers, and mountain climbers alike. the sling backpack.They’re bigger than most messenger bags, and easier to handle than most backpacks. So what features should you look for in a sling bag?

A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A SLING BACKPACK

Size and Capacity

This is very important and depends on the activity you’ll be using it for. The backpack should be able to keep everything you need. If you are going to be taking a flight, you should be able to take it with you as hang baggage, having some extra space for keeping your camera and laptop if needed. Most models are compact, so they will meet airline regulations with no problem.

Material and Durability

Although most shoulder sling bags I’ve reviewed on this list are water resistant, none of them is really waterproof, which is a disappointment. In any event, all of them feature high-quality materials to resist physical damage and weather conditions. If you are planning on heading out into unpredictable weather or considering a water-based adventure, you may want to look at nylon or PVC bags to help protect against water damage.

Comfortable and adjustable strap

Good sling bags will offer a long, padded and adjustable strap that can preferably flip from right to left depending on user preference. Some smaller, lightweight sling bags may not require padding in the strap since they aren’t intended to carry heavy loads. But they should still offer flexible adjustability.

PRICE

Price is always one of the most important things to take into consideration when buying a product. Fortunately, a good sling backpack is not going to break the bank. If you buy a good one, it will last longer, so choose one you really like. Otherwise, you can choose a reasonable price with high quality one!

Freedom of movement

Sling bags are designed to help keep you agile and nimble on the move. So you don’t want one that’s going to restrict your movement, regardless of how you’re carrying it. A good design will allow freedom to move, be it gliding across busy platforms or riding a bike.

Now that you have an idea of what to consider, check out our picks of the best sling bags for everyday carry…

Keep Pursuing Sling (US$ 69)

tps://www.keeppursuing.com/products/sling-bag

The water-resistant Keep Pursuing Sling packs plenty of features into an understated design that suits a variety of urban and travel settings. A secret compartment securely stores a passport or other small valuables, a padded compartment takes care of tech devices, and a choice of interior pockets keep smaller items organized. The sling includes a zipper loop lock to help deter thieves, a waist strap for securing the load during active use, and an adjustable shoulder strap that can be worn over the left or right shoulder.

Aer Sling Bag 2 (US$ 80)

Aer’s Sling Bag 2 brings sleek style and thoughtful organization to your gym carry. The clean aesthetics are complemented by a durable, water-resistant 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon construction that will work just as hard as you do. The bag offers padded storage for a 13″ laptop, a ventilated shoe compartment, and additional pockets to keep smaller items.

Waterfly Chest Sling Bags (US24.99)

https://waterflyshop.com/collections/featured-products/products/fashion-chest-sling-bag

KAVU Rope Bag Cotton Shoulder Sling Backpack

When headed to a heady music festival or party, having a low-key, functional sling bag is awesome for storing your stuff. The Kavu Rope Sling is the perfect sling pack to take to festivals! I appreciate that the design is simple, practical, and functional! There are basically two zip compartments and two small Velcro stash pockets What’s cool is that the Kavu Rope Sling is made of cotton canvas which means it can be washed. At a music festival or beach party, your bag ends up all over the place. Washing away dust, grit, and stale beer droplets is very important indeed!

Waterfly Sling Backpack

For the price, the Waterfly Sling Pack is hard to beat. An investment in one of these sling packs is next to nothing! The Waterfly is marketed as a waterproof sling bag, though I think it is more water resistant. Either way, it does indeed offer up decent weather protection. It’s 15-liter inner compartment is perfect for day hikes and urban exploration. The breathable strap is comfortable even after wearing the bag for long periods.

Mountainsmith Descent Small Camera Sling Pack

For another one of the best camera sling bags, I recommend getting to know the Mountain Smith Descent Small Camera Sling Pack. This camera sling bag is indeed small, minimalist and can only fit one DSLR camera. But, that’s all you need right? It features easy clamshell access to the main camera-carrying compartment and a front accessory organization pocket. The secondary chest strap provides additional security for when you are traveling in cities.

Under Armour Unisex Compel Sling

The UA Compel features an excellent water-resistant treatment maintains efficient breathability.it’s comfortable to wear and versatile. Thanks to its great design, you can carry heavy stuff and your shoulder won’t suffer much. It’s quite spacious, so you can hold many things inside it, including books, snacks and clothes

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J.CARP Tactical EDC Sling Bag Pack

Tactical sling bag comes with free tactical USA flag patch together. It’s made of durable 600D polyster,water-resistant and durable. Tactical sling pack with velcro in the concealed back compartment, As a tactical assault pack. Sling pack’s size: 14 * 11.5 * 6.5 inch (H*W*D), enough for carrying 14″laptop,iPad, notepad, goggles, book, keys, wallet, cell phone, flashlight, gloves, water bottle, chargers etc on a daily basis.