Backpacking Routes

We created this website with you in mind. However, it’s important to note that we also created it for ourselves. Everyone at Backpacking Routes has hiked the Triple Crown Trails (the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail). We are outdoor journalists and athletes who have a passion for thru-hiking. We also appreciate a quick two- or three-day getaway into nature to refresh our minds.

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Brooks Cascadia 18 Review

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.
Therm-a-Rest Space Cowboy Sleeping Bag Review

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.
Jetboil Stash Cooking System Review

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.
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Review

May 1, 2024 | backpackingroutes.com | Hugh Owen

The Speed 2 are high-drop, high-cushion trail runners that are at home on moderate trails, good for running, day hiking, or backpacking. Their extreme padding ensures all-day comfort for any of those activities. MSRP: $140Weight: 12.34 ounces per shoe Outsole: Vibram LTC5+Drop: 10 mmThe Speed 2 are highly cushioned trail runners that absorb a pounding whether I’m running or backpacking.
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Backpack Review

Apr 29, 2024 | backpackingroutes.com | Hugh Owen

The updated Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 continues to be a solid, lightweight backpack that combines lots of space and plenty of features at an affordable price.
Pachaug State Forest Loop

Apr 6, 2024 | backpackingroutes.com | Hugh Owen

The Pachaug-Nehantic Loop winds through forests that offer unexpected solitude and year-round backpacking in southeastern Connecticut. The loop has two shelters, with two more on a third trail in the forest for a longer hike.
Jack Wolfskin Highest Peak 3L Jacket Review

Mar 29, 2024 | backpackingroutes.com | Hugh Owen

Jack Wolfskin’s Highest Peak 3L Jacket is a full-featured raincoat with pit zips, Velcro cuffs, a high collar, taped seams, and hood adjustments. And by using its proprietary fabric recycling process Jack Wolfskin has created a water resistant, windproof, and breathable coat made from 100% recycled and PFAS-free fabric.
Titan Woodburning Solo Stove Review

Feb 27, 2024 | backpackingroutes.com | Hugh Owen

The wood-fired Titan stove cooks hot backcountry meals for two to four people using thumb-sized wood collected at campsites. MSRP:Just the Stove and Stuff Sack: $89.99 (on sale for $79.99)Stove, Cook Pot, Windscreen, and Tripod Hit: $194.99 (on sale for $179.99)Weight: 16.5 ounces for the stove aloneMeasurements: 5.1-inch diameter, 7.9 inches tallMaterials: Stainless steelI tested the Titan Gear Kit, which includes the stove, cook pot, windscreen, and pot-hanging tripod.
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 Sleeping Bag Review

Feb 22, 2024 | backpackingroutes.com | Hugh Owen

The Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 hits a sweet spot for a three-season sleeping bag, combining a nearly unbeatable light weight with warm 900 fill down. MSRP:Small: $469.95Regular: $549.95Long: $579.95Weight:Small: 1 pound, 3 ouncesRegular: 1 pound, 4 ouncesLong: 1 pound, 6 ouncesShell: 10 denier nylon ripstop with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating. Temperature Rating: Comfortable for sleeping to 32F; the lower limit is 20F; the extreme limit is -9F.
Deckers X Lab Enduro Max Mid GTX Review

Feb 19, 2024 | backpackingroutes.com | Hugh Owen

The Deckers X Lab Enduro Max Mid GTX are a new entrant among mid-height shoes that combine the high ankle support of boots with the low weight and flexibility of trail runners. The carbon fiber plates embedded in the midsoles give the Enduro Max a bounce on rocks and hard trails. MSRP: $249Lining: GORE-TEX Outsole: Vibram LitebaseStack Height: 32 mmThe Enduro Max combine a thick midsole cushion with a lightweight GORE-TEX upper that’s water resistant and supportive.