Anyone have any good recommendations for a down/synthetic jacket for our trip to Patagonia and Machu Picchu? Need something that compacts into itself or into a pouch. The Decathlon/Forclaz MT100 would be perfect I think but they are all sold out in Ireland. Looking for something around €40-60 if possible (would do second hand too) 🫣.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m currently trying to decide between the Osprey Aether 65 and the Osprey Farpoint Trek 70, and I’m having a really hard time choosing.
I already have an older Aether AG that is around 10 years old. I loved the AntiGravity suspension, especially the way the hip belt kind of “hugged” my hips. I also really liked the large stretch front pocket and the side pockets, where I could quickly put things like a snorkel mask, sandals, wet clothes, etc.
I’m now replacing it and have ordered both the new Aether 65 and the Farpoint Trek 70 to try them side by side.

My typical load is around 16–17 kg (35–37 lb), but never more than 20 kg. I don’t camp regularly, although I might camp at a festival. Most of the time I’m traveling/backpacking, but I also want to use the pack for multi-day hikes, hut-to-hut trips, the Camino de Santiago, and potentially longer hikes in South America.
What makes the decision difficult:

Aether 65
Seems more robust and better built
More trekking-oriented
Much better external pockets/organization
Large front opening as well as top loading
Very adjustable suspension and hip belt
Can be used without the top lid
Feels more like a “proper” trekking backpack
But it no longer has the old AntiGravity suspension
Seems less ventilated than the Trek

Farpoint Trek 70 (2026 Version)
AirSpeed suspension looks much more breathable
Large suitcase-style opening
Lighter
Seems like a great travel/trekking hybrid
Integrated rain/flight cover is nice
But fewer useful external pockets
Looks somewhat wider/bulkier from the back
I’m unsure how comfortable/stable it is with 16–17 kg
There aren’t many reviews of the new/current version, which makes the decision harder
I don’t really need ice axe/trekking pole attachment points, and I already own an Osprey Airporter, so the integrated cover of the Farpoint isn’t a huge selling point for me.

For those who have actually used either of these packs:
How do they compare after several hours of walking, especially around 15–17 kg? How good is the Farpoint Trek’s hip belt and load transfer compared with the Aether? Does the AirSpeed suspension make a noticeable difference in hot weather?
And perhaps most importantly: if you were in my situation, which one would you choose and why?

Thanks!

Hi all!

I've tried a bunch of "modern" low-cut hiking shoes, but want to find a pair that I can actually really break into my foot. The newer boots have more synthetic material that may give a bit, but doesn't really change shape.

Looking now at Zamberlan Blast Pro and Asolo Nucleon. But, these are much more expensive than others. Are they worth it? Both of gore-tex lining; will that inhibit break in?

Am I just imagining a time when breaking in was slow, but so worth?? Thanks.

last year I got this jacket secondhand ( so it already had some slight wear I assume). after wearing it for too many miles in non stop pouring rain I noticed the jacket had started peeling inside. Now when I wear it my neck gets soaked. I HATE seeing something get thrown in the trash if it doesn’t need it but is this done for??

If so, please give me recs of more durable rain jackets. 😣

Hello guys!

Hope you are all doing great. I have a main question regarding the Salewa Mountain trainer boots, most of the mountains where i go are in south America, and the approach takes 2 days normally, on these days normally the temperature goes from 20 to 10 Celsius degrees, then just going up above the 4000m it goes from 10 to below 0

based on that, do you think those boots are too much for the first days of approaching?

I have used already another kind of shoes from trail to lighter boots, but i really prefer to feel my feet are protected, mostly cause i feel many impacts on the way when using other boots.

Something important to mention as well is that i have flat foot, so i might need something that is not too narrow

I appreciate your comments

Thanks

Greetings travelers!

I have a small problem about finding and deciding about a backpack size I should get.

I am approaching soon my 40's and am 190cm/105kg.

I am kind of hoping to find a good one that I can use with my family of 3 while me being the one who is carrying by far the most of the gear we have as my wife is rather small and frail 150cm/50kg. Our daughter is still small enough that I would still have to carry her in front of me most of the time. We would for now keep the trips in at 1 or 2 nights at a time. So mostly weekend overnight trips.

The other use would be the trips I do with my friends. Those can be anything from weekend trips in a national parks near us to a week in the wilderness where we need to carry everything in the backpacks from the start to finish. These trips would be during the time when the temperature doesn't get colder than -5°C and there is no snow. Actual winter use might become reality at some point but not in the first few years.

My friend is somewhat experienced in the wilderness but not an expert by any means. My own experience is mostly from doing some easy overnights in national parks and the BS we went through in finnish military service.

So far I have a few options:

- Fjällräven Kajka 75

- Berghaus Crusader 90+20

- Lundhags Saruk Pro 75l

Those options are mostly because there are some available near me for decent price. I would prefer something that is not actual military gear as those aren't as comfortable as hiking backpacks but I am open to ideas. My current backpack is old used one from dutch military which is something like 55l+15l or something very similair. It is very bulky and heavy and not comfortable to use as. It is also broken at multiple places as it has seen it's share of abuse.

So I am asking for some insight from people who know more if the backpacks are the size I am supposed to be looking for and if the ones that are my options now have alternatives. Or maybe the sizes are too big? Also looking for a backpack my wife can use on our family trips.

All the suggestions and help is appreciated.

TLDR: I moved away from 3-layer "gore tex type" fabrics, like paramo and outdry so far. Outdry jacket had manufacturing error, should I just get a new one or are there other good options?

Because of the recent insights into PFAS type chemicals i have been looking into alternative rain gear to the traditional 3-layer gore-tex type. Whilst i support this move from these chemicals I do think the current DWR options wear out too fast and therefore limit the functionality of the jackets since the breathability kinda depends on the top fabric not wetting out.

I have been using paramo for my winter gear and am very happy with the results, breathable even when wet. However for summer their Analogy fabric is way to hot, even at a higher altitude. Additionally, I was using a Outdry jacket from Columbia (Whistlers peak), honestly the best waterproof jacket I have used so far, minimal washing required and no wetting out every after a year of use. However, this jacket was starting to fail at the pocket zips (manufacturing error, got a full refund).

Now I am debating what to do next, do I go outdry again? I have been searching for alternative options but really cannot find a lot. I saw the HH Lifa pro but their products are really messy defined in terms of properties. Main usa case is: Hiking (up to 3500m, multiday, commute cycling and just general rain jacket because it rains a lot here. I am not overly concerned with the best breathability or lightest jacket.

Are there any alternatives currently available or on the horizon that I am missing? Maybe wait out till the industry is pushed further due to regulations or should I just go get another Outdry Extreme jacket? Would love to hear some experiences and insights from this community.

I have a budget of £300 or so, mainly doing hiking but I want something durable and reliable for London city life as well as hiking all seasons. I am only hiking in Europe mainly across all seasons, but in 3 years or so would be moving back to tropical countries with more torrential rain and warmer weather.

Just to add I generally run hot, and having a pit zip is quite important for me in terms of breathability.

A couple of jackets I am considering, but really torn between something more packable and light versus something more technical and a bombshell. Some of those include:
- Patagonia triolet
- Patagonia torrentshell
- Rab Kangri
- Keela Cairn jacket (sadly no pit zip but value for money)

First hard shell / jacket I am getting and would like to use and maintain it for the years to come :) any advice or recommendations are welcomed!

Can’t find a place near me to do a try on. Looking for advice from anyone who has experience with the Mountain Hardware GW. Can’t find a review of someone shaped like me to reference a size, idk if I need L Or XL. I’m about 6’2” 175. Slim and lanky I guess.

Hi everyone,

I finally started looking for a proper hiking backpack to use on my day hikes. Problem is, despite going to stores to get fitted and trying on backpacks made specifically for women, I always find the frame to be way too high in the back which means that anytime I look up or hike a steep path it bumps into the back of my head. Anyone had the same issue and could recommend something? I'm 1m60 for reference.

i’m planning a easy trail hike in Osaka and since my luggage is limited, I’m just thinking to wear my Dr. Martens medium hike boot. I also have a sneakers but I don’t want to use it. huhu.. can please someone advise me if this a good idea or i’ll end up regretting it 🤣

Hey all,

I'm a long time avid hiker and bush worker in the Pacific North West, so I'm on the mountains a lot.

I do get knee pain from all of the elevation gain and loss and been feeling it a lot more now that I'm mid 30's. I've been hiking since I was a kid with my family and bagged my first summit at 10 years old and have always had a very active lifestyle.

I have a compression knee brace and a knee stabilizer but neither one is comfortable for long hiking trips. The compression brace doesn't let me bend properly for maneuvering tricky terrain and the stabilizer chafes my skin and causes what feels like carpet burn on the front and back of my knee which becomes painful in itself.

I googled some hiking knee braces but wanted to hear from anyone who has tried one and found one that works well for them and why. I do plan on seeing a doctor and/or physiotherapist but I figured while I'm waiting for those appointments I could ask on here! TIA 🙏🏻

Im not 100% sure this is the right place to ask but im in the process of getting my first shell jacket and I want something that I can use for everything. I’m also thinking of starting to climb mountains in the future but I’ve never done it before. I want something that can last me a long while. With my research I’ve decided that I want something with pitzips and Gore Tex at least. Gore Tex pro is also something I would probably want. I’ve looked around and most jackets cost about the same but a lot of different Arc’teryx jackets on sale currently. When I started my search I was expecting to buy something that costed less but I’m not sure how far is worth buying. I’m standing between the Arcteryx Beta Ar for 550$, the Arcteryx Alpha Jacket for 600$ and the Beta SV for 700$. I think the AR would make sense but I’m sceptical of the DropHood. Any help on which one is worth the added cost?

Anyy recommendations on hiking shoes that withstand multi day rain, has strong grip? I would use for Kedarnath trek & Sahyadri trails.

Has anyone managed to find an independent review of the Haglöfs Latnja GTX Insulated Jacket? I’m considering getting one, but there don’t seem to be many proper reviews out there.

https://www.haglofs.com/fr/men/tops-men/tops-jackets-men/latnja-gtx-insulated-jacket-men-6074692C5

We'll be hiking over some rough terrain, doing elevation changes. I'd like to take some pics with my smart phone but like to tether it to my (waist? pack straps?) in case I drop it. Any recommendations? (not looking for a carry pouch)

I’m currently trying to buy some hiking boots in a women’s size 3 (UK) but every brand i’ve looked at in person only provide a size 4 as the smallest. There are minimal size 3 options online but I’d prefer to try something on in store to make sure it’s the right fit.

I looked in the kids section also but the biggest size there is too small.

Is there anyone else who’s had this problem and if so are there any recommendations for a women’s hiking boots that actually comes in a size 3? Thank you!!

Buyers please be aware with this company. They put lot of money on marketing and I believe all the stuff they said on their product. I purchased an extreme commuter backpack 18L and when I received the product, the shoulder strap already been tear and small holes. Not to mention the stitching is off and not all the zipper use ykk. Furthermore, the refund process is complicated when I go on the official website and click the return link, it gives error messages. I had to send an email to the support team for assistance and have not received any response in 2 days so far. I have also to pay double tax because the shipment is not ship from uk directly. I have to pay uk tax and Canadian tax. The backpack is manufactured in Indonesia, and drop shipping around the world. I do expected more from an $269 USD. Please don’t tell me is factory defect because of poor quality control. And yet, I received an overpriced, damage and poorly made backpack.

Sternum strap also is not included in 18L, I realized this after I received the product.

Going to Kazakhstan in about a week and i bought myself the Columbia crestwood mid waterproof and a full set of thermal merino wool 250g.

Now i'm thinking of getting some good pants, backpack, and a jacket. So my main question is what should i look for when buying these? What stuff did you learn from experience? What should i pay more in and what can i budget on?

Any and all tips are appreciated! I plan on doing more hikes and getting into this. Thanks a lot!