Blogs

MSR Hubba Hubba LT 1 Review: Testing in Wind, Rain and Humidity

Buying a backpacking tent is always a balancing act. You want something light enough that carrying it all day doesn’t become a burden, but you also need to trust that it will protect you when the weather turns and you are miles from home. I’ve spent years hiking and wild camping with lightweight tents, but until recently, I had always shared a two-person shelter. The MSR Hubba Hubba LT 1 was my first dedicated solo tent and became the shelter that accompanied me on my first solo backpacking adventures.

Cotopaxi Bacano Fleece Jacket Review

We tested the Cotopaxi Bacano in the Dolomites on a trip combining day hikes with nights in hotels and mountain huts. With a slightly bigger daypack to carry, we had room to bring a thicker fleece for chilly breaks and evenings after hiking.

Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review

I tested the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket during an autumn trip to Luxembourg’s Mullerthal and Eislek region. A perfect destination for autumn hikes and the weather was crisp, exactly the sort of conditions we needed for this test and where I pack a down jacket even if I don’t expect to wear it throughout the day.

Hanwag Kaduro Low GTX Review

Hanwag is probably best known for its more traditional hiking boots, so the Kaduro Low GTX feels quite different from what you might expect from the brand. It’s a low hiking shoe with plenty of cushioning, a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane and a much lighter, more modern feel.

Hiking the Dolomites Ronda in five days

The Dolomites are one of those places where you can hike for days and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. Dramatic limestone peaks, green alpine meadows, mountain huts and high-altitude trails make this part of Italy a popular destination for hikers.

Coros Apex 4 Review

I finally did it. I got a COROS watch. After years of trying different watches, I needed to know what was happening over at COROS. I’d been seeing thru-hikers and endurance athletes raving about them for long enough, and it was time. So, I went with the COROS Apex 4 and took it with me on the Salento Trail this spring. The highlights are that the map function on it is fantastic, the fit is comfortable and not at all bulky, and the support from COROS is unmatched in the industry.

Trekking in the Slovenian Karawanks

Trekking in the Karawank mountains in Slovenia is a fantastic alternative to the busier Julian Alps if you’re looking for a hidden gem. You’ll have the trails to yourself, quiet huts, and lots of views as you hike on this range on the Austrian border. The area is easily accessible from Bled, Bohinj and Ljubljana and has a well-connected hut network throughout the region. You’ll be literally walking on the border of the two countries and will feel the cultural influences in the huts.

Cortazu AR Hardshell 12M-SS Beige Review

I took the Cortazu AR Hardshell with me while thru-hiking Santa Maria in the Azores this spring and loved it. We were hiking the GR-SM01, where the weather is constantly changing and you’re outside all day, so I had the chance to enjoy the quality and performance of this jacket in different conditions. I’ll be honest, upon arrival, it felt a bit stiff and heavy compared to other hardshells I’ve owned, but it made the appearance impeccable even after repeatedly stuffing it in the backpack.

Osprey Kestrel LT Review

I recently took the Osprey Kestrel LT on a long-distance hike around Santa Maria Island in the Azores. This was my first time using an Osprey pack, and I really enjoyed the experience. After reading reviews of the Kestrel and the Kestrel LT, I decided to go with the newer LT for the simple reason of wanting to keep my pack weight lower.

Hiking in the Julian Alps

It’s no secret that the Julian Alps are Slovenia’s most beloved mountain range. Home of Triglav, the country’s highest peak (2864m), it is a string of limestone and dolomite ridges with alpine lakes and meadows dotting its valleys. The Julian Alps are hands down one of Europe’s most special regions. My boyfriend hiked the Slovenian Mountain Trail a few years ago, so whenever we return to Slovenia (our favorite country), he designs tours for us in the most beautiful places from his longer thru-hike.

LEKI Skyterra FX Carbon Poles Review

The LEKI Skyterra FX Carbon SL poles are something of dreams. I’ve been a big trekking pole user for the last five years since I’ve gotten into thru-hiking on more technical and demanding trails, and these poles make me actually excited about throwing another piece of gear into my bag as I pack. They’re light, they’re durable and reliable, and they look cool. I don’t make my purchasing decisions based on aesthetics normally, but it helps.

MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2-Person Review

We’ve been big MSR tent users for the past few years, and when the Hubba Hubba LT released, I knew I wanted to try it out. Even after trying the FreeLite and Hubba NX Solo, my favorite tent from them over the years has been the Hubba Hubba 2, so a lighter-weight version was the dream.