Hugh Owen

1 week ago | thetrek.co | Hugh Owen

I take a lot of electronic gear on backpacking trips, maybe too much. But it’s good to know that I have charging options in the backcountry when my phone battery nears quitting time or my flashlight is on the verge of dying. Especially ultralight power banks such as the Nitecore 10000 Gen 3 or the Nitecore NB Air. It’s worth noting that in The Trek’s Appalachian Trail hiker survey, the Nitecore 10000 Gen 2, the predecessor to the Gen 3, was the most popular brand and battery size.

1 week ago | thetrek.co | Hugh Owen

I take a lot of electronic gear on backpacking trips, maybe too much. But it's good to know that I have charging options in the backcountry when myThe Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite has long been a favorite among thru-hikers on the country's Triple Crown trails.

Nov 12, 2024 | backpackingroutes.com | Hugh Owen

The Brooks Cascadia 18 are stable, trail-gripping shoes with plenty of cushion for hikes in any terrainMSRP: $140Weight (per shoe): 9.9 ouncesStack Height: 33mm/25mmDrop: 8mmThe Cascadia 18 are a beast on trail, gripping rocks and mud while providing a stable cushion. The comfort where foot meets trail is superb, and the neutral support means my feet don’t rock and roll when landing.

Jun 17, 2024 | backpackingroutes.com | Hugh Owen

The Therm-a-Rest Space Cowboy is an appropriately named synthetic insulation, fast-drying sleeping bag that’s good for cowboy camping under the stars in warm weather. MSRP:Small: $199.95Regular: $209.95Long: $219.95Weight:Small: 1 pound, 10 ouncesRegular: 1 pound, 12 ouncesLong: 1 pound, 14 ouncesOuter Shell: 100%recycled ripstop nylon with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating. Lining: 100% recycled ripstop nylon.

Jun 9, 2024 | backpackingroutes.com | Hugh Owen

The Stash is Jetboil’s smallest and lightest cooking setup, making it a serious option for ultralight backpackers. MSRP: $149.99Weight: 7.1 ounces for the stove and pot; add 0.9 ounces for the stabilizer legs that attach to the bottom of the fuel canisterBoil Time: 2 minutes, 30 seconds for 16 ounces of waterIgnition: Lighter or match; no integral ignitionThe Stash is a lightweight, easy-to-pack cooking system for one to two people.