Rainy weekend
A shell you can hike in, a tent that vents, and a dry shirt that never gets walked in.
Who it is for. Three-season hikers who checked the forecast and are going anyway.
- Synthetic insulation or a synthetic bag if the down cannot stay dry.
- Change socks at camp.
- No stove in the tent.
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Packing list
Outdoor Research Foray, from this kit.
Check current price on the listing.
Full-featured rain shell
Outdoor Research Foray
The Foray is the step up from a Torrentshell when you are actually in rain for hours. It is still not an alpine hardshell. Re-proof the DWR when water soaks the face fabric instead of beading. Size it over a fleece.
Who should buy it. Hikers who wear a shell while moving, not only at camp.
Pros
- Pit zips
- Good hood
- Packs smaller than a budget shell
Cons
- Price
- Membrane needs care
Check current price on the listing.
Best wet-weather freestanding
NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 2P
OSMO is the reason to look at the Dragonfly. It sags less when wet than classic nylon, so the pitch stays taut on a damp weekend. Volume is honest for two people who pack carefully. It is not the lightest tent in this catalog and it is not a winter tent. Buy it when rain is the normal forecast, not a surprise.
Who should buy it. Pairs hiking in wet, mild mountain weather who still want a freestanding pitch.
Pros
- Better wet sag behavior
- Freestanding
- Usable peak height
Cons
- Premium price
- Heavier than pole tents
Check current price on the listing.
Synthetic bag for damp trips
REI Co-op Siesta 25
Choose synthetic when your trips are wet forests and you cannot guarantee the bag stays dry. You pay in volume. A compression sack helps the pack and does not help the warmth. Air it out every morning.
Who should buy it. Hikers in rain who do not want to baby a down bag.
Pros
- Works when damp
- Easier care
- Fair price
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavier than down
Not sold on Amazon US.
Closest on Amazon: Marmot Trestles 30 Synthetic Sleeping Bag. A synthetic mummy bag from Marmot in a similar price band. It is rated 30°F, a little less warm than the Siesta 25, so cold sleepers should add a layer.
Check current price on the listing.
Best integrated cooker
Jetboil MiniMo
Integrated systems win on boil time and lose when you want eggs. MiniMo is the one in the category that can almost simmer. If you cook, buy a stove and a pot instead. If your menu is water, this is convenient and heavier than a PocketRocket plus a mug.
Who should buy it. Hikers whose dinner is rehydrated, not cooked.
Pros
- Fast boils
- One system
- Better simmer than older Jetboils
Cons
- Heavier
- Inefficient if you fry
Check current price on the listing.
Simple AA headlamp
Princeton Tec Remix
The Remix is the lamp for people who forget to charge things. Output is modest and honest. Put lithium AAs in for cold trips. Alkaline cells sag in the cold and leak in a drawer. Check them in spring.
Who should buy it. Beginners and car campers who want replaceable batteries.
Pros
- AA cells
- Simple
- Fair price
Cons
- Dimmer than modern rechargeables
- Bulkier cells
Check current price on the listing.
Default hiking sock
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew
Buy the weight that matches the shoe you were fitted in. A thicker sock in a tight shoe creates the blister it was supposed to prevent. Carry a spare pair on overnights. The warranty is real and it is not an excuse to buy one pair for a thru-hike.
Who should buy it. Most hikers who want one reliable sock.
Pros
- Durable
- Merino blend
- Replacement policy
Cons
- Price versus basic socks
- Cushion versions run warm
Check current price on the listing.