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Canadian Hiking Gear Brands to Support

Taryn Eyton — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 00:01:41 +0000

With a looming trade war with America due to tariffs, I’m starting to rethink where I buy my hiking gear. I want to find some Canadian hiking gear brands to support instead of buying from American companies. I worked in outdoor retail for over a decade, have been hiking my whole life, and have written two backpacking guidebooks, so it’s fair to say that I’ve used a lot of hiking gear over the years.

After doing some research, I came up with a big list of Canadian hiking gear stores as well as Canadian outdoor gear brands. And since it’s not always possible to find what you need from a Canadian company, I’ve also got some recommendations for non-American outdoor gear brands from around the world.

I’m sure I’ve missed a few from this list, especially niche cottage gear brands. If you’ve got any more Canadian brands to recommend, add them in the comments.

PS: If you want to spend less on gear, subscribe to my Canadian Hiking Gear Deals newsletter. It goes out every Friday and features discounted gear for sale in Canadian dollars with shipping to Canada.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Canadian Hiking Gear Stores

Most dedicated hiking and outdoor gear stores in Canada are Canadian-owned and operated. Of course, not everything these stores sell is Canadian (far from it) but at least you can be confident you are supporting a Canadian business.

Here are a few Canadian hiking gear stores:

MEC (Mountain Equipment Company)

Formerly Mountain Equipment Co-op, MEC is headquartered in Vancouver – all of their staff and designers are in Canada. While they were American owned between 2020 and early 2025, as of May 16, 20205 they are now Canadian owned again. (Read my thoughts on that.)

A pile of MEC gear with logos from the last few decades.

Altitude Sports

Altitude Sports is an online-only outdoor retailer based in Montreal and is still Quebec-owned. Their site even has a dedicated section for Canadian-owned brands. They also have a partner site, The Last Hunt, where they sell discount and clearance gear.

Valhalla Pure Outfitters

I live in Squamish, so I often shop at Valhalla Pure Outfitters, my locally owned outdoor store. VPO has 13 stores across BC but they are individually owned. They also have a pretty robust online store.

SAIL

Headquartered in Quebec, SAIL has 12 stores across Ontario and Quebec and a large online store. They sell hiking gear as well as hunting and fishing equipment.

Atmosphere

Atmosphere has nine stores across BC and has been owned by Canadian Tire since 2011. It’s worth noting that Canadian Tire also owns SportChek and Mark’s, both of which carry a limited amount of hiking and outdoor gear.

Update March 2025: Atmosphere is closing many of their stores and consolidating to mini shops inside existing Sport Check locations. It sounds like they are having the same sort of issues MEC is.

GearTrade.ca

Gear Trade is an Alberta-based online store for niche and ultralight gear. Most of what they sell is imported, but this small business is known for incredible customer-service and is often the only way to get small brands in Canada without expensive shipping from the US.

Local gear stores

Most cities and and outdoor towns have a small independently-owned outdoor store. Supporting your local store over a big business is a great way to foster community and buy Canadian.

Canadian Hiking Gear Brands

Since we live so close to the USA, most of the familiar hiking gear brands are American. However, there are some Canadian options.

Keep in mind that all of these brands are Canadian-owned but the gear they make is mostly made in Asia. There are a few companies making gear in Canada, and I’ve noted that in the brand descriptions below.

To make it easier to find things, I’ve sorted the brands into clothing, gear, and food.

Clothing

7Mesh

Headquartered in my hometown of Squamish, BC, 7Mesh makes mountain bike clothing that also works for hiking – my husband loves their shorts.

Arc’teryx

Based in North Vancouver, Arc’teryx is now owned by Amer Sports (Finland) and Anta Sports (China). They make very high-end rain jackets, puffies, hiking clothing, and more. The synthetic insulated Arc’teryx Proton Hoody made my list of my favourite gear of 2024 and the down Cerium Hoody made my faves list in 2023.

Wearing my Arc’teryx Cerium hoodie at camp at Semaphore Lakes. Photo: Bryony Coombs.

Auclair

A Quebec-based company, Auclair specializes in gloves but also makes hats and socks.

BN3TH

Pronounced beneath, BN3TH makes pouch-style men’s underwear, some of which come in technical fabrics that are good for hiking. They are based in North Vancouver, BC.

Ciele Athletics

Based in Montreal, Ciele Athletics is best known for its running hats, but they also make running clothing. Their GOCap is all I wear for hiking – it made my list of my favourite gear in 2023.

Helly Hansen

Helly Hansen is originally Norwegian and is still headquartered in Oslo. But Canadian Tire bought them in 2018 so they are technically Canadian-owned. They make great ski gear, sailing wear, rain jackets, puffy, jackets, fleece, and hiking clothing. The Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen Hoodie is one of my picks for the best sun hoodies for hikers.

Update: As of Feb 19, 2024, Helly Hansen is no longer Canadian. Kontoor Brands, an American company, bought them from Canadian Tire.

Wearing the Helly Hansen Solen Hoodie and my Ciele GOCap at Joffre Lakes

Herschel Supply Co.

Historically, Vancouver-based Herschel Supply Co. made very aesthetically pleasing hipster backpacks and bags. However, recently they launched some ultralight and waterproof backpacks for hiing and outdoor use.

Indyeva

Based in Montreal, Indyeva makes women’s clothing. They are best known for their stylish yet super-warm winter jackets. Most of their clothing is fairly non-technical, but they do make a few things that would work for hiking.

J.B. Field’s

Reasonably priced hiking socks made in Ontario. J.B. Field’s are my husband’s go-to socks. Made in Canada.

Karbon

Based in Toronto, Karbon makes ski clothing as well as puffy jackets, shell jackets, and base layers that could work for hiking.

Kombi

Kombi is a family-owned company from Montreal that makes base layers, socks, hats, and gloves.

Kyodan

Based in Montreal, Kyodan is an activewear company that makes some pieces that could work for hiking.

Lululemon

Vancouver-based Lululemon famously makes yoga clothing, but they also make hiking clothing. (It’s worth noting they are owned by a group of investors now – not all of whom are Canadian. Their odious founder, Chip Wilson, no longer has a controlling stake in the company.)

MEC (Mountain Equipment Company)

While they were American-owned between 2020 and early 2025, they are Canadian-owned again (as discussed above). MEC‘s headquarters and designers are in Vancouver. They make lots of hiking clothing under the MEC Label: rain jackets, puffy jackets, fleece, hiking pants, hiking shirts, hats, and more. Over the years I’ve used and loved tons of MEC clothing. The Rockwall fleece is my go-to mid-layer and it’s on my list of what to wear for winter hiking.

Wearing my MEC Rockwall Fleece on a snowy winter hike at Eagle Bluffs in West Vancouver.

Orage

Orage is a Montreal-based company that makes ski outerwear and puffy jackets.

Saxx Underwear

Saxx Underwear was the first company to offer pouch-style men’s athletic underwear to prevent chafing, Saxx is headquartered in Vancouver. Their Kinetic HD boxer briefs are on my list of the best hiking underwear.

Stanfield’s

Stanfield’s has been making base layers in Nova Scotia for over 100 years. While they are a fairly traditional company, they have merino wool options at fairly reasonable prices. Made in Canada.

Taiga Works

Designed and made in Vancouver, Taiga Works makes down clothing, rain jackets, and more. Their tech and styles are fairly old-school. (It’s also worth noting that their founder has publicly supported a Holocaust denier’s right to free speech.) Made in Canada.

Tentree

Based in Vancouver, Tentree is mostly known for their outdoor-styled casual wear. Their name comes from the fact that for every item you puchase, they plant 10 trees. Most of their apparel is cotton, so it’s not technical enough for outdoor use, but they do make a few things with recycled polyester and more hiking-focused featres.

Tilley Endurables

The makers of the famous Tilley travel hats, Tilley Endurables also make hiking and travel clothing. They are Canadian-owned and based in Toronto.

Gear

Aquaquest

Aquaquest is based in Courtenay on Vancouver Island and specializes in tarps and waterproof dry bags, duffles, and other packs.

Coghlan’s

Coghlan’s makes a seemingly unending array of inexpensive car camping gadgets, but it all started with their camp stove toaster attachment. They are still based in Winnipeg. Their mini thermometer is one of my picks for the best stocking stuffers for hikers.

Durston Gear

Founded by prolific thru-hiker Dan Durston, Durston Gear is headquartered in Golden BC. They make innovative ultralight tents and backpacks. Their gear is beloved in the ultralight community.

GV Snowshoes

Quebec City-based GV Snowshoes has been making snowshoes for over 50 years.

Fox 40

Based in Ontario, Fox 40 makes the best emergency whistles out there. Their Classic Whistle is what I recommend you carry for a signal device as part of the 10 essentials.

Hennessy Hammock

Hennessy Hammock was one of the early pioneers of hammock-tents. They are based on Galiano Island, BC.

Hillsound Equipment

Based in Vancouver, Hillsound Equipment‘s most famous product is their trail crampons (like microspikes) but they also make a few other niche products like gaiters, a foldable stool, and backpack-shaped packing cubes. (Their trail crampon ultras are my preferred spikes option – they made my list of my favourite gear of 2022.)

Hotcore

Based in the Vancouver area, Hotcore makes affordable sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents.

Little Shop of Hammocks

Little Shop of Hammocks makes sewn-to-order hammocks and quilts out of their Saskatoon headquarters. Made in Canada.

MEC (Mountain Equipment Company)

While they were American-owned between 2020 and early 2025, they are Canadian-owned again (as discussed above). MEC‘s headquarters and designers are in Vancouver. They make gear under the MEC Label: tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, and more. Over the years I’ve used and loved tons of MEC gear. Their Zephyr 65L backpacking pack is a great Osprey dupe and is on my list of my favourite gear from 2023.

Wearing my MEC Zephyr 65L backpacking pack on the hike past Marvel Lake to Mount Assiniboine.

Mustang Survival

Mustang Survival makes PFDs and clothing for boating including rainwear. Their headquarters is in Vancouver.

Norda

Based in Quebec, Norda makes high-end trail running shoes made with innovative materials like Dyneema.

Northern Ultralight

Northern Ultralight is a cottage gear company based in Nelson, BC. They make ultralight packs. I actually met their founders coincidentally on a backpacking trip in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park a few years ago – super nice people. Made in Canada.

Taiga Works

Designed and made in Vancouver, Taiga Works makes clothing (see above) as well as sleeping bags and quilts. (It’s also worth noting that their founder has publicly supported a Holocaust denier’s right to free speech.) Made in Canada.

Food

Fuel Your Feat

Fuel Your Feat makes organic, gluten-free freeze-dried backpacking meals. I haven’t tried them yet, but I hear good things. They are based on Vancouver Island. Made in Canada.

Happy Yak

Quebec-based Happy Yak makes a wide variety of freeze-dried backpacking meals. Made in Canada.

Naak

Naak stands for Nutrition for Adventurous Athletes who run Kilometres. This Montreal-based company makes bars, gels, drink mixes and other snacks. Many of their items include cricket protein. Made in Canada.

Nomad Nutrition

Based in Vancouver, Nomad Nutrition makes vegan and gluten-free dehydrated backpacking meals. Made in Canada.

Eating a Nomad Nutrition meal on the beach.

Pacific Packers Coffee

Based in Vancouver, Pacific Packers Coffee makes coffee packets for camping and hiking. It’s not instant. Instead, each packet comes with a filter. The whole thing fits back into a resealable and compostable pouch so you can pack it out of the backcountry. Made in Canada.

Peak Eats

Peak Eats makes dehydrated meals in Canmore, Alberta. They make meals for lots of diets including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and more. They also have a ton of desserts. Made in Canada.

West Coast Kitchen

West Coast Kitchen makes freeze-dried backpacking meals. They are based in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Made in Canada.

Wild Edge Keto

Wild Edge Keto makes gluten-free, paleo, and keto dehydrated backpacking meals with locally sourced bison, deer, and wild boar. They are based in Powell River, on BC’s Sunshine Coast. Made in Canada.

Non-American Outdoor Brands

If you can’t find what you’re looking for from a Canadian brand, there are lots of other hiking gear brands from Europe, Asia, and Oceania you can support instead of buying American.

This list is by no means exhaustive – I’ve just tried to list non-American outdoor brands that are easy to find in Canadian stores.

Decathlon (France)

Described as the Ikea of sporting goods, Decathlon is a French mega-store that sells things for all kinds of sports including hiking.

Deuter (Germany)

Deuter is best known for their backpacks, but they also make sleeping bags and other accessories. My winter backpack is a Deuter Freerider – it has straps that can carry my snowshoes.

Wearing my Deuter backpack on a snowshoe trip

Exped (Switzerland)

While they make sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks, in North America, Exped is best known for their sleeping pads. Their Ultra 5R sleeping pad is on my list of my favourite gear of 2022.

Fjallraven (Sweden):

Fjallraven makes super durable hiking pants as well as lots of other hiking clothing and backpacks. The Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece is one of my faves – it is on my list of the best gifts for backpackers.

Icebreaker (New Zealand)

New Zealand based Icebreaker is the driving force behind the surging popularity of Merino wool. They’ve been making Merino wool base layers, socks, sweaters, and more since 1995. However, American VF Corporation (which also owns The North Face, Smartwool, and others) bought them in 2018 so some consider them to be American now.

Kari Traa (Norway)

Founded by (and named after) a highly-decorated female skier, Kari Traa makes outdoor clothing for women. They are best known for their base layers, but they also make fleece, jackets, and hiking clothing.

Kathmandu (New Zealand)

I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Tasmania, Australia, so I’m familiar with Kathmandu since their gear is sold in all the shops there. They make great hiking clothing, backpacks, and travel gear.

Komperdell (Austria)

Komperdell is a family-owned company that specializes in ski poles and trekking poles.

La Sportiva (Italy)

You might know La Sportiva as primarily a climbing shoe company, but they also make hiking clothing and hiking boots.

Mammut (Switzerland)

Mammut makes hiking clothing, climbing gear, backpacks, and sleeping bags. My husband has a Mammut rain jacket and loves it.

Mountain Warehouse (UK)

If you’re looking for budget gear, UK-based Mountain Warehouse has lots of low-price hiking clothing, footwear, tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks.

Naturehike (China)

This Chinese company makes lots of camping gear, but backpackers know Naturehike best for their budget-priced yet lightweight tents. They are some of the best selling backpacking tents on Amazon, instead of giving Jeff Bezos your money, I recommend ordering direct from Naturehike.

Odlo (Norway)

Odlo makes hiking, running, and ski clothing. I love their Kinship Performance Wool base layers – they are on my list of my favourite gear of 2023.

Wearing my Odlo Kinship base layer top on a walk in the Squamish estuary.

Petzl (France)

Although they are best known for their climbing gear, Petzl also makes great headlamps. Their tiny 35-gram Bindi headlamp is one of my picks for the best gifts for backpackers.

Primus (Sweden)

Primus has been making camping stoves for over 100 years. They also make camping cookware. We’ve been using an older version of their Primetek pot, which has a built-in heat exchanger for increased efficiency, for years.

Rab (UK)

A leader in lightweight puffy jackets and sleeping bags, Rab also makes lots of technical hiking clothing, tarps, tents, and backpacks.

Salomon (France)

I’m a hardcore Salomon girlie – my hiking boots and trail runners have all been Salomon for almost 20 years. They also make trail running clothing and ski gear.

Scarpa (Italy)

Scarpa makes trail running and hiking footwear as well as climbing shoes and backcountry ski boots.

Sea to Summit (Australia)

Sea to Summit makes tons of gear including sleeping pads, kitchen gear, dry bags, and sleeping pads. Their Ether Light XT Insulated sleeping pad was one of my pics for my favourite gear of 2024 and their Aeros Down Pillow made my faves list in 2022. The pillow is also on my list of the best gifts for backpackers.

Snow Peak (Japan)

Snow Peak makes beautifully designed camping gear that is frankly too fancy for most people. However, their titanium cookware is a great ultralight option. I never backpack without the Snow Peak Titanium Double Wall mug (one of my picks for the best gifts for backpackers) and Snow Peak Titanium Spork (which is on my list of stocking stuffers for hikers).

Zamberlan (Italy)

Founded by the Zamberlan family, they are still family-owned and make most of their hiking boots in their Italian factory.

Final Thoughts

I have no idea what is going to happen with Trump’s tariffs, but I know that I want to support Canada’s economy and Canadian independence. I’m going to try to be more mindful of my spending going forward and try to purchase from Canadian (or non-American) outdoor companies whenever possible.

I hope you find this list helpful. If you’ve got other Canadian brands to add, please let me know in the comments so I can update this post.

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The post Canadian Hiking Gear Brands to Support appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons

Taryn Eyton — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 03:20:26 +0000

If you’re shopping for hiking clothing you’ve probably heard all kinds of great things about Merino wool. But Merino isn’t perfect – to start with, it’s expensive. You might be wondering, is Merino wool worth it?

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for two decades (I even wrote a hiking guidebook) and have tried a lot of different technical outdoor clothing, including lots of Merino wool. I also spent seven years working at the head office of a large Canadian outdoor brand. While I was there, I worked closely with the design and fabric teams and wrote staff training material. So I have a pretty good grasp on outdoor fabric technologies.

In this article, I’ll break down the pros and cons of Merino wool so you can decide if it’s worth it for you. This Merino wool guide includes:

Is Merino wool worth it? My quick answer
What is Merino wool? How is it different than regular wool
Merino wool pros and cons plus some neutral factors where wool is equivalent to other fabrics
Which Merino wool clothing is worth it? Should you buy Merino socks, shirts, base layers, and more.
Merino wool tips: My advice for buying merino, taking care of it, and repairing it
Comparing Merino wool to other fabrics: How does it stack up to polyester, regular wool, alpaca, and more
Merino wool FAQ: Answers to common questions like is Merino good for summer and does it shrink

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Is Merino Wool Worth it?

My short answer: Most of the time, no.

The longer answer: Merino wool is a fabulous high-performance fabric. But it’s not magic. In many ways, Merino wool is comparable to high-tech polyester fabrics. The only place where Merino clearly outperforms is its ability to resist odors.

Some people really love the feel and performance of Merino. And if that’s you, and you find the expense and lack of durability of Merino don’t deter you, that’s great. If you love, Merino, keep on loving it.

But I think that a lot of people get sucked in by the premium price and slick marketing of Merino wool. They assume that because it is expensive, it must be the best. I’ve talked to lots of people who bought into the hype, then fell out of love with Merino after using it for a few years, mostly due to its lack of durability and high price.

If you are comparing a cheap big box store base layer to Merino wool, of course, Merino wool is going to be better. But if you compare Merino wool to high-end performance synthetic fabrics from innovative outdoor apparel companies, you’ll find that the synthetics provide equal or better performance at a cheaper price and with better durability.

What is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is the wool from a breed called Merino sheep. Although Merino sheep are originally from Spain, today they are found all over the world (and most famously, in Australia and New Zealand).

Photo: Andrea Lightfoot/Unsplash

Merino wool is much softer and finer than regular wool. That means it is more comfortable to wear since it is less scratchy. The individual fibres of regular wool can be up to 40 microns in diameter. But Merino wool is always less than 24 microns. Premium fine Merino wool can go as low as 15 microns in diameter.

Merino wool is most often used for technical outdoor clothing. However, you can also find it in high-end casual sweaters and blankets.

Merino Wool Pros and Cons

Some people talk about Merino wool as if it is a miracle fabric. And it does indeed have lots of positive characteristics. However, there are also some negatives, which for some people (like me) often outweigh the positives.

Here’s my breakdown of the pros and cons of Merino wool. I’ve also included a few “neutral” factors – these are areas where Merino wool provides better performance than non-technical fabrics like cotton but has equivalent performance to technical fabrics like polyester.

Pro: Anti-Microbial

Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial. That means that it doesn’t get as stinky and odor-causing particles won’t build up in it over time like they can in synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. (Read my guide to getting the smell out of hiking gear for info on how that happens.)

Since Merino wool is less smelly, it’s a great choice for multi-day backpacking or situations where you can’t or don’t want to wash your gear as often. When I used to commute to work by bike, I wore a Merino wool shirt that I washed once or twice a week instead of every day.

But… Merino wool can still get stinky over time, especially if it is blended with nylon or elastane. It’s not magic. It just takes way longer to develop that signature hiker stank than other fabrics.

My friend Brenda (in the blue) wearing a Merino wool hiking shirt on the North Coast Trail. We played cards while waiting for the tide to go out in one spot.

Pro: Temperature Regulation and Breathability

Merino wool is naturally thermo-regulating. That means that it can help you feel cool when it’s hot out and provide warmth when it’s cold. This sounds crazy, but there’s actually science behind it.

Wool fibres are crimped, which creates little air pockets. In cold weather, these air pockets trap warm air and hold it close to you. When it’s hot out, wool pulls moisture and heat from your body. As the wool dries and releases the moisture, the crimps trap cold air, keeping you cool.

Many people love Merino wool because they can wear the same Merino wool clothing in both summer and winter. The temperature-regulating properties of Merino wool also mean that you are less likely to need to add and remove layers as the temperature changes on a hike.

However, it is worth mentioning that there are lots of innovative premium synthetic fabrics that can compete with Merino on temperature regulation. But there are also lots of crappy synthetics too.

Pro: Warm for its Weight

The natural air pockets that give Merino wool its temperature-regulating properties also mean that it can provide more warmth for its weight than other fabrics. (Although the construction of some synthetic fabrics can mimic the air pocket structure and perform just as well.)

The excellent warmth-to-weight ratio means that you can choose thinner Merino wool garments than their synthetic counterparts.

Neutral: Next to Skin Comfort

You might hear Merino wool described as being comfortable to wear or soft against your skin. That is certainly true, especially when you compare it to traditional wool.

But it’s not any softer or more comfortable than some other technical fabrics like polyester. (Of course this depends a lot on the specific technical fabric. I find Merino wool much more comfortable than the polyester in my Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie. But I also like the feel of my soft Mountain Hardware Crater Lake Sun Hoodie more than the feel of Merino wool. (I reviewed both of these in my guide to the best sun hoodies for hiking.)

Some people prefer the way Merino feels on their skin, but some still find it a tiny bit itchy.

Neutral: Provides Warmth When Wet

Merino wool still provides insulation even when it is wet. By itself, that sounds like a pro, and Merino wool cheerleaders often list “warmth when wet” as one of Merino wool’s strengths. But it’s only a pro if you compare Merino to cotton, since cotton makes you colder when you are wet. Synthetic fabrics also provide warmth when they are wet, so Merino doesn’t have a leg up over other technical outdoor fabrics.

Neutral: Moisture Wicking

Here is another neutral factor that masquerades as a pro. Yes, Merino wool does a good job of wicking moisture away from your skin thanks to the unique air pocket-forming structure of the wool fibres. But many technical synthetic fabrics are comparable when it comes to wicking, so it’s not a true pro. (However, some synthetics achieve high wicking performance via chemical finishes that wash out over time, so it’s not an easy comparison to make.)

Neutral: Ethical and Sustainability Issues

Merino wool is an animal product, so it is not vegan-friendly.

It is also important to know there have been issues around animal cruelty associated with Merino wool production. Some Merino sheep farmers subject their animals to mulesing, a painful practice that removes strips of skin around the anus. Mulesing protects the sheep from flystrike infections. It is done without anesthetic and is considered inhumane and unethical. Most developed countries no longer permit mulesing.

Before you buy a Merino wool garment, check to see if the manufacturer has a statement about the treatment of the sheep they source their wool from. You can also check to see if there are measures in place to prevent overgrazing and the excessive use of pesticides. There are many reputable and ethical Merino wool brands on the market including Smartwool, Icebreaker, Darn Tough, Ibex, Patagonia, Ridge Merino, and Woolx.

However, it’s worth pointing out that there are ethical issue around polyester too. It’s made from petroleum, which isn’t a renewable resource (unlike wool). And given the current climate crisis, fossil fuel extraction is something we should be moving away from rather than increasing

As well, fleecy fabrics release microplastics, which is a big problem when they are washed as it ends up in our waterways and oceans.

If you are concerned about the sustainability of your clothing, buying used base layers is the best choice.

Con: Doesn’t Dry Quickly

Merino wool is often touted as being great at moisture-wicking since it can absorb more moisture than other fabrics. The “moisture-wicking” part of that sentence is a pro. But the “absorb” part is a con because Merino wool really hangs on to moisture. It can take 40% longer for a Merino wool garment to dry compared to a synthetic one.

I sweat a lot (in all temperatures and during all activities). Merino wool just stays wet way too long for me. It takes forever to dry, and in the meantime, it’s heavy and gross.

Wearing a Merino wool shirt to mountain bike in Revelstoke. If you look closely you’ll see that I’ve sweated all the way down the front of my shirt and it is soaked through.

Con: Durability

Unfortunately, Merino wool has a poor track record when it comes to durability. The fibres of Merino wool are very fragile. That means they are prone to ripping, tearing, and snagging. Even high-quality Merino wool garments are likely to develop holes.

There are a few things you can do to maximize the life of your Merino wool clothing. Garments that use a blend of Merino wool and synthetic fabrics are much stronger and last longer. I have lots of Merino wool socks from Darn Tough and Smartwool that have lasted years since they use a Merino wool/nylon blend.

You also have to be really careful with your Merino wool. Snags on zippers, watch straps, backpack buckles, jewellery, and belts are common ways to get holes. But friction holes are sometimes unavoidable, especially in the armpits and crotch.

Con: Special Washing Required

Merino wool requires special washing and drying. Like all wool, it shrinks if it is heated too much, which means it needs to be washed in cold water and hung to dry.

Due to its poor durability, it also is best to wash Merino wool clothing on the delicate cycle. I also always wash my Merino wool by itself to protect it. I don’t allow zippers, buttons, Velcro, or buckles in the washing machine with my Merino!

While it isn’t required, it is a good idea to use a wool-specific laundry detergent (like Nikwax Wool Wash). Regular detergent can strip the wool of its natural wicking properties and can contribute to pilling. Avoid enzyme cleaners at all costs as they can actually break down the fibres in Merino wool. (More tips in my guide to washing hiking gear.)

Getting ready to do a load of Merino wool laundry

Con: Expensive

If you’ve ever shopped for Merino wool gear, you have probably been shocked by how expensive it is. Close to $100 for a t-shirt?? What?! Yup, Merino wool prices are crazy.

While there are billions of sheep in the world, most are raised for their meat or for regular wool. Merino sheep are a specialized breed and there just aren’t that many of them. It costs a lot more to raise a sheep than it does to harvest a plant or make fabric from petroleum. As well, the fine fibres of Merino wool mean that you need more of them to make fabric.

And while Merino wool is a natural fibre, it still needs to be heavily processed before it is turned into clothing. The fibres are extensively cleaned to remove dirt, impurities, and lanolin (a greasy substance that naturally occurs in sheep’s wool.)

Which Merino Wool Clothing is Worth It?

My answer to whether Merino wool is worth it depends on what kind of clothing you’re talking about. For things like socks, I recommend it 1000%. For shirts, base layers, underwear, and mid-layers, the answer is a bit more nuanced.

Are Merino Wool Socks Worth It?

Yes! I swear by Merino wool hiking socks.

Since socks need to be extra durable, Merino wool socks are usually expertly blended with nylon and elastane. This means that you get the anti-microbial and temperature-regulating properties of Merino. But you also get better durability thanks to the nylon. And you get the wicking power of both Merino and nylon – it dries quicker than Merino alone.

I hike exclusively in Merino wool blend socks. My favourites are the Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Sock and the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock.

Wearing Smartwool socks and airing out my feet on the top of Solomon’s Throne Mountain in Walls of Jerusalem National Park in Tasmania, Australia

Are Merino Hiking Shirts Worth It?

Yes, but only for some people.

Many hikers love wearing Merino wool hiking shirts. They love the temperature regulation that Merino provides. And the anti-microbial properties of Merino make it ideal for backpacking trips when you don’t want to stink day after day.

However, when you wear a Merino wool hiking shirt, the poor durability of Merino wool becomes pretty apparent. And if you sweat a lot when you hike (like me) then you will find yourself soaking wet a lot of the time because Merino wool shirts absorb more water than synthetics and take longer to dry.

I think Merino wool hiking shirts are great for backpacking and for people who don’t sweat too much. They are also great for people who are careful with their gear.

Smartwool’s standard Merino Short Sleeve Tee is a really popular choice for a Merino hiking shirt. My husband has three of them and loves them. He likes that they don’t stink.

I have an Odlo Kinship Performance Wo o l long sleeve top that I love for cold weather hiking. It’s a wool/polyester/nylon blend that hits the sweat spot of performance for me. (Read my review in my fave gear of 2023 post.)

Wearing the Odlo Kinship Performance Wool baselayer top during a chilly fall hike with a friend in Squamish.

Are Merino Base Layers Worth It?

Yes, but only for some people.

The main purpose of a base layer (also known as thermals) is to move moisture away from your skin. Base layers also add warmth through insulation. (However, most of your warmth should come from your mid-layer.)

The thermo-regulation of Merino wool base layers is great for stop-and-start activities like skiing where you generate a lot of heat, but then slow down or stop for long periods and get cold.

Merino’s high warmth-to-weight ratio makes it great for base layers since you can get more warmth with less bulk. I usually sleep in Merino wool base layers when backpacking since they are smaller to pack.

However, for those who sweat a lot, Merino isn’t a good choice for active base layers since they absorb more moisture and take longer to dry.

Durability is also a factor with base layers – the repetitive rubbing of base layers against mid and outer layers in your crotch and armpits leads to pilling and holes far faster with Merino wool than with synthetic fabrics.

Merino wool base layers are great for skiing as long as you don’t run too hot and are ok with the durability issues. They also are great for sleeping in. Otherwise, I think synthetic base layers perform just as well so there isn’t any reason to spend more money on Merino wool.

I love my Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layer Bottoms for sleeping on backpacking trips since they are lightweight, cozy, and come in fun prints. For snowshoeing, I wear Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Base Layers since they combine Merino and polyester for faster drying times.

Wearing my Smartwool Merino wool base layer bottoms and Smartwool Merino wool beanie at breakfast at Floe Lake on the Rockwall Trail.

Is Merino Wool Underwear Worth It?

Not really.

I’ve heard lots of rave reviews about Merino wool underwear. (And I included a few Merino wool pairs in my guide to the best hiking underwear since some hikers swear by them.) People love it for the same reason they love Merino wool hiking shirts – they are great at temperature regulation and they don’t stink.

But if you sweat a lot, Merino wool underwear is a disaster since it holds moisture, which can lead to uncomfortable chafing. Merino wool undies are also notorious for getting tons of holes. They often lose their shape a lot faster than synthetics too.

Lots of Merino wool underwear is heavily blended with nylon and elastane to increase durability and dry quicker. This is especially true of sports bras, which need to fit tightly. Some underwear and sports bras marketed as Merino wool contain less than 30% Merino wool… but still carry a full Merino wool price tag! Shop carefully.

If you love the feel of Merino wool and think the expense of Merino underwear is worth it, that’s great. But I don’t think Merino wool underwear is a great option for most people – if you are buying a $40 pair of undies, they shouldn’t get holes, bag out, and chafe your butt!

The only merino wool underwear I can recommend are the Branwyn Essential, although I find they are better for cold weather or less sweaty trips. But the highest rated Merino wool underwear are the women’s Icebreaker Merino Siren and Men’s Icebreaker Anatomica. If you want a Merino sports bra, I like the Smartwool Intraknit Strappy Bra – but keep in mind that it is only 28% wool and can definitely can get stinky. (Mine is a bit gross.)

Are Merino Wool Mid-Layers Worth It?

No. Synthetics greatly outperform Merino in this category.

Merino performs best when you wear it next to your skin to wick sweat and absorb heat. Merino wool does work as a mid-layer for insulation, but it doesn’t work any better than fleece, synthetic insulation, or down. And you need a much thicker wool mid-layer to get the equivalent warmth that you’d get with fleece, down, or synthetic insulation.

If you like the feel of wool, a blended wool and polyester fleece is a nice option for a casual mid-layer. But it will be heavier than a pure synthetic, dry slower, and be more expensive.

I have an older Smartwool Smartloft Jacket that I got years ago when I was a Smartwool brand amabassador. It has a Merino wool interior that is cozy, especially when layered over a short sleeved shirt. But I don’t find it as versatile to wear as a fleece.

Wearing my Smartwool Smartloft jacket and Merino Wool reversible beanie.

Are Merino Wool Toques/Beanies Worth It?

Yes, if you don’t have sensitive skin.

I love my Smartwool Merino Beanie (called a toque here in Canada) – I’m wearing it in the photo above. It is really warm for the weight, so it doesn’t take up tons of space in my pack. Since I won’t be sweating much when I wear it, I don’t have to worry about it not drying quickly.

However, if you have sensitive skin, you might find that Merino wool itches your forehead a bit. In that case, a grid fleece hat like the Outdoor Research Trail Mix Beanie is a better option. It has the same warmth-to-weight as Merino wool.

Merino Wool Tips

From what to look for when shopping for Merino to how to wash and repair it, here are my top Merino wool tips:

Choose the right Merino wool weight for your activity: Merino comes in weights from ultra-fine/ultralight light to heavy-weight. Lighter weights are good for warmer weather and more vigorous activity compared to heavier weights. Some brands list the grams per square metre (gsm) weight of the fabric. Look for around 150gsm for lightweight, year-round layers and 250-300gsm for extra warm winter layers.
Get a close fit: To benefit from Merino wool’s thermoregulating properties, Merino clothing needs to fit close to the skin. It can’t be too baggy.
Consider Merino wool blends: Merino wool blended with nylon, polyester and/or elastane is more durable, stretchier, and absorbs a bit less water than pure Merino. Some budget brands mix Merino with nylon to bring prices down. But other performance brands like Smartwool, Icebreaker and Odlo, mix Merino wool with other fabrics in innovative ways that boost function and fit. Pay attention to the percentages. You want at least 50% Merino, or else it’s not worth buying. If you prioritize the benefits of Merino but want more durability, look for 80-90% Merino.
Buy from a brand that specializes in Merino: For the best performance, buy from a Merino wool brand like Smartwool or Icebreaker or an outdoor brand that makes lots of base layers like Patagonia, Odlo, Helly Hansen, and Arc’teryx. They will have the best fit, seam placement, and fabric blends. You can buy cheap Merino base layers from Costco, etc. but in my experience, they are poor quality and don’t last very long.
Wash Merino carefully. If you baby your Merino wool, it will last. For the longest lifespan, always wash on delicate with wool-specific detergent (like Nikwax Wool Wash) and hang to dry. The care label might say regular wash and tumble dry is ok, but that’s because they don’t want to scare you off buying Merino. Trust me, stick with the delicate cycle and hang dry no matter what.
Repair your Merino. Holes are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw away your gear. Even if you are a terrible sewer, a few minutes with a needle and thread is all it takes to fix a small hole. For big ones, I sew on patches made from a pair of retired Merino base layer bottoms that was beyond repair.

A patch I sewed on an old pair of Merino wool base layer bottoms

Comparing Merino Wool to Other Fabrics

Most marketing material touts the performance values of merino wool, but doesn’t tell you how Merino stacks up in comparison to other common outdoor fabrics. I pitted Merino wool and against several other outdoor fabrics commonly used for base layers and hiking shirts.

Merino Wool vs Polyester

Merino wool wins over polyester in a few categories, but definitely not all of them. It’s important to note that there are tons of types of polyester fabric on the market. Higher-end tech fabrics with branded names will out-perform cheap unbranded polyester.

Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial, while polyester is prone to getting stinky. You can buy polyester with anti-odor properties, but it’s either a finish that washes out, or very expensive if it’s embedded in the garment.

For a lot of polyester fabrics, whether it is better than Merino or not, really depends on the type of polyester. In general, Merino is equivalent to or better than some (but not all) polyester fabrics when it comes to breathability, temperature regulation, warmth for weight, next-to-skin comfort, warmth when wet, and moisture-wicking.

All polyester will work better than Merino wool when you compare quick drying, durability, price, and washing instructions.

I like my Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody for sun protection on hot and sweaty days. The performance polyester fabric holds up way better than Merino wool. Photo: Bryony Coombs

Merino Wool vs. Regular Wool

For hiking and other outdoor sports, Merino wool beats regular wool in pretty much every category except durability and price. It has better temperature regulation, breathability, next-to-skin comfort, and wicking than regular wool. Merino wool and regular wool score about the same when it comes to warmth for weight, warmth when wet, quick drying, and washing instructions.

Merino Wool vs. Polypropylene

Polypropylene is similar to polyester, but a bit less common. It wicks better, dries faster, and costs less than both polyester and Merino wool. It also gets stinky incredibly easily.

Polypropylene was commonly used in base layers in the 1990s but it is less prevalent now. Helly Hansen makes a lot of polypropylene base layers, some of which they blend with Merino wool. Choose polypropylene over wool if wicking and quick drying are your primary concerns and you can live with the stink.

Merino Wool vs. Modal/Tencel/Lyocell/Viscose/Rayon

Modal, Tencel, Lyocell, Viscose, and rayon are all semi-synthetic fabrics made from wood pulp. Some are softer and more eco-friendly than others (which makes them cost more.) They don’t provide any warmth. These fabrics don’t wrinkle and feel really soft (even softer than Merino), but they aren’t as good at wicking or quick-drying compared to Merino wool or synthetics. None of these fabrics are very good for outdoor clothing.

Merino Wool vs. Alpaca

Alpaca wool fabric is made from the wool of alpacas, a relative of the llama that lives in the South American mountains. Currently, most alpaca garments on the market are intended more for casual wear than for hiking or other outdoor activities. As well, most alpaca garments are heavily blended with other fabrics like nylon for durability or Tencel for softness.

Alpaca wool is softer than Merino. It is also a bit more durable, but still very fragile compared to synthetics. Alpaca is a bit warmer than Merino since its structure creates larger air pockets. (Alpacas need to stay warm in the chilly Andes Mountains!) Alpaca also retains a bit less water than Merino (but still doesn’t dry as fast as polyester or polypropylene).

The alpaca market is still growing so there will likely be a lot of options available in the next few years. But for now, most alpaca products are not high-tech enough for hikers.

Merino Wool vs. Cashmere

Cashmere is made from the wool of Kashmir goats that live in Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, and Iraq. While cashmere is warmer and softer than Merino, it doesn’t beat Merino in any other category. Cashmere is less durable, harder to wash, and more expensive. As well, cashmere is typically only used in casual wear, not in technical outdoor clothing.

Merino Wool FAQ

Let me answer some of the most common questions about Merino wool:

Is Merino Wool itchy?

No. Most people do not find Merino wool itchy, especially compared to regular wool. However, some people still find Merino wool a tiny bit itchy compared to other fabrics. Merino wool blends are less itchy than pure Merino wool.

Is Merino Wool Soft?

Yes. Merino wool is very soft, especially compared to regular wool. However, it can feel a tiny bit rougher than super soft fabrics like Modal or even some types of polyester.

Is Merino Wool Warm?

Yes. Merino wool provides great warmth for its weight compared to other fabrics. However, it is also naturally temperature regulating, which makes it great in a range of temperatures.

Is Merino Wool Good for Winter?

Yes. Merino wool base layers can provide lots of warmth, especially mid- and heavy-weight Merino (200-300gsm). However, you will still need insulating mid-layers on top of your Merino.

Wearing a Merino wool shirt during a winter trip to Garibaldi Lake.

Is Merino Wool Good For Summer?

Yes. Merino wool is great for temperature regulation so lightweight Merino wool pieces (150gsm) work well in the summer. However, keep in mind that Merino wool doesn’t dry as quickly as synthetics, so if you sweat a lot, you might not like Merino wool for summer use.

Is Merino Wool Washable?

Yes. But it has special washing instructions. To make your Merino wool last, it is best to wash it in cold water on the delicate cycle, use wool-specific detergent, and hang it to dry. The care label on some Merino wool clothing says you can wash it on the regular cycle and tumble dry. But I don’t recommend it unless the Merino is blended with another fabric (for example Merino wool blend hiking socks).

Does Merino Wool Shrink?

Yes. Like most wool, if you wash it in hot water or put it in the dryer, it will shrink at least a little bit. But if you wash it in cold water and hang to dry, it won’t shrink.

Is Merino Wool Expensive?

Yes, compared to other fabrics, Merino wool is quite expensive. That is because Merino wool is expensive to produce – raising and shearing sheep is more expensive than growing cotton or processing petroleum.

So that’s my big explanation of why I think Merino wool isn’t always worth it. I’m sure some of you will disagree, and that’s ok. I’ll be the first one to say that Merino wool is an awesome fabric. It’s just not always the best one to choose for every application.

Do you have more Merino wool questions? Ask them in the comments.

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The post Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Microspikes vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes: What’s the Difference?

Taryn Eyton — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 19:28:20 +0000

If you’re heading out for a hike in the winter, you are probably going to encounter ice and snow. But how will you stop yourself from slipping? Should you bring microspikes? Or crampons? Or snowshoes? And what’s the difference? In this post, I’ll break down microspikes vs. crampons vs. snowshoes.

I’ve been winter hiking and snowshoeing for over 20 years. I also used to work at the head office of a large outdoor retailer where I wrote about hiking gear, including writing staff training materials. So I’ve got a fair amount of winter knowledge to share.

This guide to winter traction devices includes:

A comparison chart for microspikes, crampons and snowshoes showing their strengths and weaknesses
Microspikes: What are they? When to use them? And my picks for the best microspikes.
Crampons: What are they? When to use them? And my picks for the best crampons.
Snowshoes: What are they? When to use them? And my picks for the best snowshoes.
Other winter traction devices: A quick overview of other traction devices including Yaktrax, STABILicers and more and how they stack up against microspikes.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Microspikes vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes Comparison Chart

	Microspikes	Crampons	Snowshoes
Flotation in deep snow	None	None	Excellent
Grip on packed snow and ice	Good	Excellent	Fair
Safety on steep slopes	Good	Excellent	Poor
Ease of on/off	Good	Poor	Fair
Footwear compatibility	Excellent	Poor	Excellent
Ease of use	Excellent	Fair	Good
Packability and bulk	Excellent	Good	Poor
Lightweight	Good	Fair	Poor
Durability	Fair	Excellent	Excellent
Affordability	Good	Fair	Fair

Microspikes

Wearing microspikes on an early winter hiker with a small amount of hard-packed snow.

Best for: Hiking or trail running on packed snow or icy trails

Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, can be worn with any footwear, good traction, easy to take on and off

Cons: Not safe for steep slopes, don’t provide flotation in deep snow, not as durable

What are microspikes?

The term “microspikes” can mean a lot of things. It gets even more confusing because even though “microspikes” is actually a trademarked name from Kahtoola, people tend to refer to all similar products as microspikes. (It’s kind of like how everyone calls adhesive bandages band-aids, even if they aren’t made by Band-Aid brand.)

In general, microspikes have a flexible rubber-like plastic harness that stretches to fit around all kinds of boots and shoes. Some also have a velcro toe strap.

On the bottom, they have metal teeth connected by stainless steel chains. The teeth are usually fairly short (less than 1/2″/1.25 cm). You can wear microspikes with flexible footwear like trail runners since the metal chains aren’t rigid.

Heads up: You might see products with a stretchy harness and then studs or just chains on the bottom. These are NOT microspikes. While these go by a lot of other names, they provide less traction. More on these in the Other Traction Devices section below.

Kahtoola microspikes

When to use microspikes?

Microspikes are best suited to hard-packed snow or icy trails. They excel on flat and low-angle terrain – they don’t provide enough secure grip for steep slopes, especially where a fall could be dangerous. The spikes on microspikes also aren’t very long. That means that if there is a thin layer of snow over ice, the spikes might not be long enough to bite into the ice.

I think microspikes are great for winter trail running and hiking. The spikes are fairly durable, which means you can wear them for short periods on bare dirt.

I keep my microspikes in my backpack for winter trips when I expect freezing temperatures. They are good to have when conditions are too slippery for hiking boots.

I also bring them snowshoeing as they are much more secure in steep terrain than snowshoes. (More on that in the snowshoes section below.) In hard-packed snow, they are also much more comfortable to wear than snowshoes since you have a more natural stance.

Check trail conditions before you go to figure out if microspikes are the right choice. My guide to how to find trail conditions has lots of resources.

My picks for the best microspikes

I have both the original Kahtoola Microspikes and Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra (which despite the name are NOT crampons). They are both great, but I have a slight preference for the Hillsounds since they have a velcro toe strap, which improves the fit.

Other good microspike options include Black Diamond Access Spikes and Black Diamond Distance Spikes.

There are lots of cheap knock-off microspikes on Amazon. The reviews on them aren’t great – lots of people say that the spikes bend and the plastic harnesses rip. But if you want budget microspikes, the best ones on Amazon are the Cimkiz microspikes.

Crampons

Crampons on mountaineering boots. Photo: Maël Balland/Unsplash

Best for: Mountaineering, ice climbing, or hiking on steep ice or snow slopes

Pros: Very secure attachment to boots, tons of grip, durable

Cons: Bulky, heavy, expensive, requires training to use, may require specialized footwear, doesn’t provide flotation in snow, time-consuming to take on and off

What are crampons?

Mountaineers developed crampons to help them traverse steep and precipitous slopes on glaciers, ice, and frozen waterfalls. They consist of a two-piece metal frame that fits under the sole of your boot. The frame is linked by a center bar that is sometimes a bit flexible for easier walking. The frame usually has plastic plates under the ball and heel of the foot to prevent snow build-up

Spikes stick out of the bottom of the frame. There are usually four spikes under the heel and six or eight under the forefoot. Some crampons have two front points as well, which can be used to kick your toe into vertical slopes. One of the main differences of microspikes vs. crampons is that on crampons, the spikes are sharper and longer.

Crampons attach to your boots very securely with a system of straps and wire bails that only work with specialized mountaineering boots – these boots have special welts or grooves on the heels and toes for the crampons to attach to. These are called step-in crampons.

It is also possible to get crampons that only attach with straps and be used with any boot. These are called strap-on crampons. However, since they don’t attach as securely as step-in crampons, they are best for less technical terrain.

Grivel G12 New-Matic crampons

When to use crampons?

Crampons are the most helpful on steep slopes with firm snow or ice. They bite much deeper into the ice and provide better traction than microspikes, so they are the best choice (along with an ice axe) for any situation where falling would result in injury or death.

You should use crampons for mountaineering, ice climbing, and any time the slope is steep enough that a fall would have high consequences.

Using crampons requires mountaineering training as there are special techniques for walking and climbing in crampons.

My picks for the best crampons

I’m not a mountaineer, so I have limited experience with crampons. However, I spent seven years writing about gear for a big outdoor retailer including writing staff training materials, so I know a fair bit about crampons.

Grivel’s G12 New-Matic are a popular choice since they are quite durable and are easy to adjust. These hybrid step-in style crampons have 12 spikes but the front points aren’t designed for ice climbing, making them a good all-around crampon for pretty much everything else. The downsides are that they are on the heavier side and they only work with mountaineering boots.

If you’re looking for inexpensive, non-technical crampons, the Kahtoola K 10 Hiking Crampons or the Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro are both good choices. These are both great for hiking on steep slopes, but not enough grip or security for mountaineering.

Snowshoes

Wearing my MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes

Best for: Hiking in deep snow

Pros: Can be worn with any footwear, provides flotation in deep snow

Cons: More expensive than microspikes, bulky, don’t provide enough traction for icy slopes, harder to walk in, time-consuming to take on and off

What are snowshoes?

Snowshoes increase the surface area of your foot to help you float in deep snow. There are two basic designs for snowshoes: a solid, one-piece deck or a perimeter frame with a floating deck made of fabric (or traditionally of laces).

Snowshoe bindings use straps to attach to any kind of footwear including trail running shoes, hiking boots, and sometimes bigger winter boots or snowboard boots to the snowshoes. Most snowshoes have a bit of traction underfoot, especially under the toe.

My guide to choosing snowshoes has tons more details about snowshoe construction and features.

MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes

When to use snowshoes?

Snowshoes are designed to provide flotation in deep snow. They work best when trails are snowy, especially when the snow is fresh. When the snow is shallow or when it is so hard-packed that you don’t sink in, snowshoes aren’t helpful.

Snowshoes can also be dangerous on steep slopes since they don’t provide enough traction. That, combined with the wide platform of the snowshoes, makes it easy to slip and fall while wearing snowshoes. On steep slopes with long run-outs, that can result in injury or death. I’ve got more detail on this in my guide to snowshoeing safety.

My picks for the best snowshoes

I’ve been snowshoeing for over 20 years and I think MSR makes the best snowshoes. They are durable, provide great traction, and have bindings that are easy to use and fit lots of types of footwear.

My budget pick for snowshoes is the MSR Evo Trail. My upgrade pick is the MSR Lightning Ascent because they are much lighter and more comfortable to wear. You can read more about my snowshoe recommendations in my guide to choosing snowshoes.

Other Winter Traction Devices

There are also tons of other winter traction devices on the market so it can get confusing. In general, these other traction devices provide less grip than crampons and microspikes. They are all best for use in the city.

In general, I don’t recommend any of the traction devices below. I think microspikes are the best choice, even for the city. And if Kahtoola microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultras aren’t in the budget, get the Cimkiz microspikes on Amazon – they are a better price than all of the other winter traction devices below and provide a better grip.

Here’s a quick run-down on a few other winter traction devices you might have heard of:

Kahtoola NANOspikes: These are made by the same company that popularized microspikes. They have a similar harness, but they have rubber plates underfoot with small metal studs. Snow can build up under the rubber plates.

Kahtoola EXOspikes: The EXOspikes also have the same harness as microspikes and NANOspikes but have slightly more aggressive studs than the NANOspikes and less rubber underfoot so snow won’t build up as much.

Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip: These have a stretchy harness that holds beefy chains with small metal cleats under your foot. These are good for the city but could cross over into a bit of hiking use.

Yaktrax Diamond Go: Similar to the Diamond Grip but less expensive since they just have a circle of cleats under your forefoot – there’s nothing under your heel. Due to the lack of heel traction, I don’t recommend these at all.

Yaktrax Run: A rubberized plate under the forefoot has short metal studs while the back has steel coils. Designed to be lightweight for running. In my experience, snow clogs in the coil style and it doesn’t provide very good grip.

Yaktrax Walk: A set of steel coils underfoot. I don’t recommend these because I find they don’t grip well.

Hillsound FlexSteps: Similar to the Kahtoola NANOspikes but with much more burly studs set into a flexible plate. Snow can build up under the plate.

STABILicers Walk: Rubber plates under the forefoot and heel have short, blunt spikes. Ok for walking on a sidewalk but I wouldn’t recommend them for hiking. Snow can build up under the rubber plate and the spikes are not sharp enough to be helpful on most surfaces.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the difference between microspikes vs. crampons vs. snowshoes, which ones will you be bringing on your next winter hike? I take microspikes on pretty much every winter hike – I even pack them in my backpack when I snowshoe to deal with steep terrain.

20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight

Taryn Eyton — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 22:56:00 +0000

Backpacking is a natural extension of day hiking as you trek further into the wilderness. The major downside is having to carry all that gear. I’ve been backpacking for 20 years and have come up with lots of ways to reduce your backpack weight.

I’m definitely not an ultralight hiker (more on what that is below), but I’m a gear geek and have refined my backpacking gear choices over the years to prioritize low weight without sacrificing safety or too much comfort.

This guide to ways to reduce your backpack weight includes:

Why should you reduce your backpack weight? What are the advantages?
What is “Ultralight? Should you be an ultralight backpacker? What are the downsides?
Over 20 ways to reduce your backpack weight including what to look for when shopping for gear and what to leave behind.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

My first backpacking trip on the West Coast Trail in 2004. As you can see, my pack was huge! It was so heavy that it chafed my collarbone raw and I was always exhausted. I’ve lightened my pack a lot since then!

Why Should You Reduce Your Backpack Weight?

Maybe you’ve been on a few backpacking trips and you’ve thought: “This weight is manageable. I can hike with this.” And that’s probably true.

The general rule is that your backpack should weigh less than 20 percent of your body weight. But using that rule, if you weigh 200 lbs (91 kg), your pack could weigh up to 40 lbs (18 kg). That’s a lot of weight!

But what if your pack were a bit lighter? How would it feel then? Chances are, it would feel pretty good! Here are my top reasons why you should reduce your backpack weight:

It’s more comfortable. It’s common to have sore shoulders and hips after backpacking. I bet you don’t feel that way after day hiking since your pack is lighter.
It’s easier on your body. If you’re recovering from injury, or just dealing with aging, the less weight you carry, the less stress you put on your body. And over time, that can be an important factor in extending your backpacking career.
You can move faster and cover more ground with a lighter pack. And that really opens up a ton more options for backpacking trips.
It prevents injury. Carrying a heavy pack puts more strain on your body, especially your ankles and knees. You are also likely to be more tired when your backpack is heavy, and fatigue can lead to tripping and falling.
It’s easier to balance when a heavy pack isn’t affecting your center of gravity. With a lighter pack, you will find technical terrain or creek crossings easier.
It’s easier to stay organized. If you have less stuff to misplace, you won’t waste time looking for it.
It lets you bring luxury items. If you save weight on your gear, you can bring some non-essentials. My husband pushed for us to get an ultralight tent because he loves bringing his chair on trips. With the weight we saved on the tent, he doesn’t mind the weight of the chair.

My ultralight Zpacks Plexamid one-person tent at Kwai Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. Photo: Reid Holmes.

What is “Ultralight”? Should You Be an Ultralight Backpacker?

If you’ve spent any time researching gear or talking to backpackers, you’ve probably heard the term “ultralight“. But what does it mean?

There is no established definition of ultralight, but in general, it means carrying the lightest (and sometimes least) amount of gear possible.

Some people define ultralight by your base weight, which is the weight of everything in your backpack, minus consumables like food, water, and fuel. A common ultralight base weight is between 10 and 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg).

Psst! Looking for more outdoor slang definitions? Check out this post: 300+ Hiking Terms Explained: A Hiking Glossary

Ultralight is not just a base weight definition – it’s also a mindset and a subculture. Some backpackers find it fun to obsess over the latest and greatest ultralight gear. They continually tweak their backpack contents to achieve lighter and lighter base weights. And they spend tons of time in ultralight sub-Reddits, forums, and Facebook groups chatting about gear.

A Few Words of Caution About Going Ultralight

But the ultralight mentality also has a few negative aspects.

Firstly, some people get obsessive about being ultralight and take it too far: It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and chase a low base weight number instead of thinking about safety. When deciding what gear to leave behind, make sure you take safety gear, including the ten essentials.

Second, it’s important to remember that backpacking is supposed to be fun. Sometimes people going super ultralight lose sight of that. They drop their pack weight so far that they aren’t comfortable and their trip isn’t fun. Make sure that you bring the right gear to keep you warm, ensure you get a good sleep, and have some tasty food.

The third negative aspect of ultralight backpacking can be a big barrier for many people: Ultralight gear is ridiculously expensive. Much of it is made by small companies using unusual materials, which accounts for the high prices. Since ultralight gear can be a big investment, do a lot of research and read reviews before you buy.

And lastly, ultralight gear is often not very durable. It’s made with very thin and lightweight materials that can easily snag, rip, or crack. You really have to take care of ultralight gear if you want it to last. Frequent patches and repairs are the norm, not the exception.

A lightweight MSR Hubba Hubba and an ultralight Zpacks Plexamid at Elfin Lakes Campground in Garibaldi Provincial Park.

How to Reduce Your Backpack Weight

I’ve been backpacking for 20 years. In that time I’ve been on dozens of trips and spent hundreds of days carrying a fully loaded backpacking pack. I even wrote two backpacking guidebooks.

On my first backpacking trips I used borrowed gear that didn’t fit me and was really heavy. I brought tons of clothes. I loved the scenery and being outdoors, but the weight of the pack made hiking miserable. Since then I’ve refined my backpacking gear list over and over, trying to save weight while maintaining comfort.

I’m definitely not an ultralight hiker by any definition (my base weight is usually around 18-20 lbs./8.2-9.1 kg), but I do keep ultralight principles in mind when packing.

Here are the top tips for reducing your backpacking pack weight that I’ve picked up over the years:

1. Use a Scale

The first thing you need to do if you are going to reduce your backpack weight is to get a scale and weigh everything. If you don’t know how much something weighs, how are you going to know if you can find a lighter option?

I use a basic digital kitchen scale to figure out how much each piece of gear weighs.

Weighing my Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell Hoody on my kitchen scale. It’s a lightweight wind jacket… but is it light enough?

I also keep a digital luggage scale in the car so I can weigh my fully loaded backpack at the trailhead at the beginning and end of my trip. That way I know how much weight I am carrying including food, water, and fuel, as well as how much lighter it was at the end of the trip.

On group trips, we also use the luggage scale to figure out how to split up shared gear so that no one is overloaded.

2. Make a Gear List (or Use an App)

After you get the weights of all your gear, you need some way to organize it. The old-school way was to plug everything into a spreadsheet so you could virtually add and subtract things from your pack to see what impact they had on your overall weight.

But these days there is an easier solution: pack weight web apps like Lighter Pack and Pack Wizard. Both of these apps let you build a personalized gear list including weights of each item. Then you can virtually add them to your pack.

These apps help visualize what your loaded pack will weigh with various gear configurations for different types of trips. They also let you categorize your gear so you can see how much weight you are carrying in each category. I really like the pie charts they produce.

Pie chart and summary stats from the example Ultralight Gear List on Pack Wizard.

4. Focus on The Big Three

The easiest way to drop weight is to focus on what ultralight hikers commonly call The Big Three: your tent, backpack and sleep system (sleeping bag and pad). These are usually the heaviest items that backpackers carry so if you can drop weight from The Big Three, it can make a huge difference.

Lightweight Tents

If you are looking to drop some weight from your shelter, consider an ultralight tent. True ultralight tents like the Zpacks Duplex weigh about 2 lbs/ 0.9kg or less. To achieve such a low weight they use fragile (and expensive) materials like Dyneema or very thin silicone-treated nylon or polyester. Many are not free-standing so they can be a challenge to pitch, and they often require you to use trekking poles as tent poles.

If you aren’t ready to go full ultralight when buying a new tent, there are some great mainstream lightweight tent options. They are a bit heavier than ultralight tents, but they are more durable, easier to use, and less expensive.

I’ve loved my MSR Hubba Hubba for years, but I’ve also heard great reviews for the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL and the NEMO Dragonfly OSMO. They all weigh just under 3 pounds but are fully freestanding.

Looking through the door of my MSR Hubba Hubba at Joffre Lakes.

Lightweight Sleep Systems

The sleeping bag and pad you choose will depend a lot upon the temperatures you plan to backpack in.

Many ultralight hikers choose to forgo a sleeping bag entirely and use an ultralight quilt instead. These can be great in milder temperatures, but won’t keep you warm if it’s much below freezing. Pay attention to temperature ratings when shopping.

Whether you are looking for a quilt or sleeping bag, keep a few things in mind while shopping for lightweight versions. In general, down is lighter than synthetic insulation (although there have been some great tech advances in synthetics in the last few years).

Look for down sleeping bags or quilts with high fill-power down and ultralight face fabrics (20-denier or less). I love my Therm-a-rest Ohm 32F/0C. It’s super light and converts to a 2-person quilt. I recently got the MEC Aphelion UL -7C Down sleeping bag. It weights just 700g (25 oz) and is plenty warm.

You can also save a lot of weight on your sleeping pad, but make sure you get one that provides enough insulation (measured as R-value) for the temperatures you will face. Some ultralight hikers prefer cheap and durable closed-cell foam pads like the Therm-a-rest Z-lite (14 oz/410 g).

But many people find those uncomfortable and opt for an inflatable pad with insulation. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is the OG lightweight pad in this category, weighing just 13 oz/370 g. Another popular lightweight option is the Sea to Summit Ether Light (16.6 oz/470 g).

Our sleep setup: lightweight down sleeping bags with Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xlite pads inside our Zpacks Triplex tent.

Lightweight Backpacks

Your backpack is the last piece of gear you should upgrade. If all of your gear isn’t ultralight yet, it won’t fit into an ultralight backpack and it won’t be comfortable to carry.

In general, most mainstream 60L backpacking packs weigh 3.5 to 4.5 lbs (1.6 to 2 kg). I carry the Gregory Amber 65 (3.55 lbs./1.6 kg) which is on the lighter side of mainstream but certainly not ultralight. (The men’s version is the Gregory Stout.)

Heavier packs like the Osprey Aether 65 (4.92 lbs./2.23 kg) and Ariel 65 (4.85 lbs./2.2 kg) have more comfortable harnesses, thicker and more durable fabric, and more features, like extra pockets. But at nearly 5 pounds, they are twice as heavy as an ultralight pack.

Ultralight packs have less robust harnesses, so they won’t be comfortable with heavy loads. Sometimes they don’t even have an internal frame to distribute the load. They also have few features and internal pockets but often have big and stretchy external pockets. Popular ultralight packs like the Hyperlite Southwest 55 typically weigh around 1 kg (2.2 lbs.)

5. Carry Less Clothing

Clothing is usually the second heaviest category of gear that backpackers carry after The Big Three. It’s important to carry warm and waterproof clothing in case of bad weather. But lots of backpackers carry a lot of extra clothing just in case.

Dial in your clothing system so that you have only what you need. Skip the extras and the just-in-case layers. My goal for a trip is to layer all the clothing I bring so I can withstand the coldest temperature I face.

And don’t worry about needing extra clean clothing. Besides an extra pair or two of socks and underwear, you don’t need clean clothing. Embrace the stink!

You don’t need a lot of extra clothes on a backpacking trip. I wore this same outfit for three days on the Della Falls Trail.

6. Choose Lightweight Jackets

Jackets are often the heaviest clothing item that backpackers carry. Depending on the trip, you might be carrying a rain jacket, a fleece jacket, and/or a puffy jacket. The weight of jackets can add up and you often need them to ensure you stay dry and warm.

If you’re shopping for a rain jacket, look for lightweight options. These usually have 2.5-layer construction rather than 2-layer or 3-layer construction since it minimizes bulk. However, 2.5-layer options are generally less breathable and less durable.

If you’re looking for a recognizable technology, Gore-Tex Paclite is very lightweight. I love my Mountain Hardwear Minimizer jacket with Paclite. It weight only 8 oz/225g and has stood up to some intense rainstorms.

For an insulated jacket, opt for down over synthetic to save weight and bulk. Just like with sleeping bags, look for high fill-power and thin face fabrics. I love my Arc’teryx Cerium as it is so toasty warm. I’ve also heard great things about the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer.

I love wearing fleece and bring one on every backpacking trip. In general, choose a fleece that weighs less than about 10 oz/283 g. You don’t need a heavy-weight fleece. To save weight, look for ones made of grid fabrics or airy knits like Polartec Alpha Direct that trap warm air. That way you can get more warmth for the weight.

7. Skip the Heavy Hiking Boots

Full-height leather hiking boots are really heavy. For example, the full-leather Zamberlan Vioz GTX hiking boots weigh 3 lbs 8 oz (1.59 kg) a pair. For every step you take in those, you’ll be lifting up 3.5 pounds of weight!

In comparison, Altra Lone Peaks, the trail runner of choice for thru-hikers weighs just 10.6 oz (300g). That’s a huge difference.

Of course, there are big trade-offs there. Traditional hiking boots offer more ankle support, foot stability, waterproofness, and durability compared to trail runners. If you aren’t used to hiking in trail runners with a weighted pack, don’t just jump in – you could injure yourself.

The good news is that there is a huge spectrum of footwear in between lightweight trail runners and huge traditional leather hiking boots. I like the Salomon X Ultra Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots. At 1 lb. 14 oz. (850 g) they are a nice compromise on weight while providing some durability and stability.

Friends pose with their low and mid-cut boots on the West Coast Trail. Photo: Reid Holmes.

8. Understand Hiking Weather Forecasts

For me, the key to carrying less clothing (and choosing the right sleep system for each trip) is to pack for the weather forecast. But looking at a city forecast is usually useless since the weather is very different in the mountains.

I use an algorithmic forecast like Spotwx to get weather predictions for the exact elevation where I’ll be camping.

Psst! My guide to the best weather apps for hiking has more weather tips.

Understanding weather forecasts is super important for remote backcountry trips like the off-trail Augerpoint Traverse on Vancouver Island

9. Carry a Thermometer

A few years ago I started carrying a thermometer on all my backpacking trips. It’s been really helpful to know the exact temperature so I can dial in my clothing and sleep system choices for different temperatures. I make a note of the temperature, what I packed, and if it worked. That way I can adjust for the next trip.

I started out with a cheap zipper-pull thermometer, but last year I upgraded to the digital ThermoDrop. It’s just as tiny and only a few dollars more. But it has the added feature of recording the lowest and highest temperatures since the last time it was turned off. That means I can keep track of the coldest temperature overnight without waking up to check!

Psst! The ThermoDrop made my list of my favourite gear of 2022.

10. Streamline Your Cook System

If all you are doing is boiling water, you don’t need multiple pots. And while Jetboils and other stove systems are super popular for their reliability and speed, they are fairly heavy. (The Jetboil Flash weighs 13.1 oz/371 g.)

Pare your cook system down to a tiny stove and one small pot. I love the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe (2.9 oz/80 g). If I’m going solo, I use the Vargo Titanium BOT 700 (4.8 oz/138 g).

My lightweight cook system at Elfin Lakes near my home in Squamish.

11. Measure Your Fuel

Many people just throw a full fuel canister in their backpack without bothering to figure out how much fuel they actually need for their trip. But that usually means carrying a bunch of extra fuel.

Instead, figure out how much water you will need to boil during your trip (plus a few extra litres just in case). Then look up your stove’s boil time in the manufacturer’s specs as well as its burn time (how long it can run on a fuel canister of a certain size). Use these numbers to figure out how much fuel to bring.

If you have partially empty canisters at home, you can use your kitchen scale to figure out how much fuel is left in them. Simply weigh the partially empty canister, then compare it to the weight of a full canister (which should be listed on the side of it).

12. Plan Your Food Carefully and Count Calories

It’s easy to pack tons of just-in-case snacks. Or to get tempted to pack treats or luxury meals that are heavy. Be mindful when you plan your backpacking food.

Always choose calorie-dense food – it should provide lots of calories for its weight. My rule is that food should have at least 100 calories per ounce (25 g). And don’t carry liquid in your food – pack dry, dehydrated food that you can add water to at camp.

Once you have chosen your food, remove excess packaging or cut up packaging to save weight and bulk.

You also need to count the calories in your food to make sure that you have enough. And of course to make sure that you aren’t bringing more than you can possibly eat. On a recent five-day trip my husband and I packed in a hurry and didn’t look at our snacks too carefully. We packed out so much extra food – at least three extra days’ worth of snacks! Oops!

Psst! For advice on backpacking menus, check out my post on choosing the best backpacking meals, my guide to making DIY backpacking meals from grocery store ingredients, and my guide to dehydrating backpacking meals.

Pasta carbonara is really high calorie and fairly lightweight. Get the recipe in my guide to grocery store backpacking food.

13. Ditch the Stove

This is a more radical idea (and to be honest, something I’m not willing to do) but some ultralight backpackers hike stoveless. They cold-soak their food or eat foods that don’t require added water.

Going stoveless works best in warm or mild weather. It also requires more creativity and planning if you plan to cold-soak. Many people find hot food to be an important mental pick-me-up, so try out going stoveless on a short trip before you commit to it for a longer hike.

14. Research Water Sources

It can be tempting to load up with lots of water at the start of a hike. But water is heavy. Each litre weighs 35 oz/1 kg! Instead, look at maps and read trail descriptions ahead of time so you can fill up at water sources along the way and carry only as much water as you need.

15. Swap Out the Heavy Water Filter

When I first started backpacking we carried a heavy pump filter. But filter technology has come a long way. Now I carry a lightweight Katadyn BeFree filter that weighs just 2.3 oz (65 g). The Sawyer Squeeze is another popular option at 3 oz/85 g.

If you want to get even lighter, you can use purification drops like Pristine or Aquamira instead. They weigh only 1 oz (28 g) but you do have to wait for the chemical reaction to start and some people say that they add a bit of a chemical taste to water.

16. Leave the Heavy Water Bottles at Home

If you run into me in the city, there is a 100% chance I have my beloved Hydroflask bottle with me. But there is no way I’m taking it on a backpacking trip – it’s waaay too heavy. Metal water bottles and ones made with thick plastic like Nalgenes are heavy.

Ultralight light hikers use Smartwater bottles since they are lightweight, durable, and cheap to replace. Empty soda bottles or Gatorade are also great. I own a bunch of Platypus Platy bottles (1.3 oz./37 g). I like that they roll up so I can stash them away if I’m not using them.

17. Choose Toiletries and First Aid Gear Carefully

While a first aid kit is one of the ten essentials, you can still be mindful about what you put in it. Lots of people buy a pre-made first aid kit, and then just pack it with them without looking at what is inside. Take a good look at your first aid kit and make sure it contains everything you need… and nothing else.

For toiletries, you don’t need much, especially on a short trip. Use travel-sized items or decant things into tiny bottles. (Tip: For short trips, I use these tiny cosmetic sample containers from Amazon to hold liquids.)

Depending on your personal tolerance, you can skip most toiletries. For me, the bare minimum is a toothbrush, toothpaste, and sunscreen. I also usually carry deodorant, a small comb, moisturizer, and a couple of wet wipes.

18. Minimize Electronics

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype for gadgets: phone, camera (with lenses, tripod and other accessories!), GPS unit, eReader, satellite messenger, GPS watch, etc. Try to bring as few as possible to save weight.

Another thing to keep in mind is that all those electronics need batteries. Research settings for all your devices to prolong battery life. Try to bring one small power bank to charge all your electronics rather than stand-alone batteries for each device.

Make sure you understand how much power each of your devices needs to fully recharge and pack an appropriately sized power bank. It’s easy to pack a huge one that you don’t need! Most backpackers shouldn’t need anything larger than 10,000 mAh. In general, solar panels are heavier than small power banks and aren’t worth their weight unless you are on a longer trip in a sunny climate.

I have an Anker power bank, but I’ve great things about the Nitecore ones – they are made with a carbon fibre shell that is designed to be super lightweight.

One of my recent discoveries is this tiny 3-in-1 charging cable. That cable, along with a tiny Garmin smartwatch adapter is all I need to charge. No more mess of cables!

Fording a creek on the West Coast Trail. You can see my mirrorless Sony camera attached to my shoulder strap. It’s a lightweight camera, but it still adds weight

19. Be Mindful of “Luxury” Items

One of the reasons to reduce your backpack weight is so that you can carry extra luxury items without being overloaded. Everyone’s definition of a luxury item is different, but many hikers consider backpacking chairs, bathing suits, a book or eReader, camera gear, a pillow, camp shoes, alcohol, or gourmet food to be luxury items.

Bringing all of these luxury items sounds great, but in reality, you likely won’t use all of them. Do a short trip without your luxury items and see how you feel. Then add back in the one or two items you really missed having.

My husband relaxes on his backpacking chair on the Tatchu Trail. He reduced his backpack weight so that he could carry his beloved chair.

20. Share Gear With Your Group

If you backpack in a group, have a conversation before the trip about shared gear. You probably don’t need a power bank, first aid kit, stove, water filter, satellite messenger, or tent for each person. You can also eat shared meals to save fuel. Share the weight!

21. Carry Multi-Use Items

A common piece of advice for reducing your backpack weight is to carry multi-use items. Some of the suggestions are no-brainers: Skip the mug or bowl and eat and drink from your cooking pot. Use a stuff sack or puffy jacket as a pillow. Your extra socks can double as mittens or an insulator for your water filter or phone/batteries in cold weather.

Take a good look at your gear – I’m sure some of it can serve more than one purpose!

22. Do a Post-Trip Debrief

As you unpack from a trip, do a debrief. What didn’t use? Why not? What worked well? What didn’t? Can you leave something behind next time? My goal for each trip is to use everything I brought. (Except that I’m always happy if the weather was nice enough that I didn’t have to use my rain gear!)

23. Get Ruthless With Scissors

This last tip is for the truly committed. If you’ve saved weight everywhere else, you can trim down your gear. You aren’t going to get any big weight savings this way, but if you believe that every gram counts, get out the scissors!

Cut the tags off all your gear. Chop the excess length of your pack straps and drawstrings on stuff sacks. Cut the handle off your toothbrush.

Cutting up your gear is a fairly drastic step and one you can’t undo. Remember to “measure twice and cut once” so you don’t end up with gear that doesn’t function anymore! And of course, keep in mind that this voids the warranty on your gear and means you likely can’t resell it if you want to upgrade to something else.

That’s everything you need to know to reduce your backpack weight. Do you have more tips for how to go ultralight backpacking? Drop them in the comments!

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The post 20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

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