backpack gear reviews | blissful hiker

The highest rating of Five Anitas for pants made of soft, durable fabric that's both rugged and stylish.

Backcountry Foodie review

Backcountry Foodie provides recipes that are nutritious, light-weight, easy to make and cheap.

Kula Cloth review

Designed for all the places you 'go,' the Kula Cloth is an essential piece of gear for female hikers.

Ibex merino wool review

Thermoregulating, breathable, odor resistant and durable, Ibex merino is also very comfortable.

Balega socks review

Like and share The Pee Rag on Facebook and you'll be entered to win pairs of Balega socks!

Care Remote boot sock review

These socks swaddled my feet and stayed dry, but were not durable enough for a backpack trip.

There is an expression among even the most advanced runners that getting your shoes on is the hardest part of

Blistex 'Lip Vibrance' review

Blistex Lip Vibrance has been my go to lip protection since I discovered it seven years ago walking the John

Here’s something I get asked a lot – How the heck do you wash your down quilt or sleeping bag?

Quick, what is the most important activity on a thru-hike?If you answered, “Hike,” give that reader a Kewpie doll. But,

Except for extra pairs of socks, undies and camp clothes that double as layers on cold days, there’s really no

If you’re going to be outdoors for any significant amount of time, you are going to eventually get wet and

You might recall that it was one year ago, while hiking the Coast-to-Coast and aliloop-of-the-lakes in England, that I became

It’s not that I have anything against baseball caps. I often wear them hiking, biking, kayaking, running, skiing, climbing –

When I purchased the iPhone that would become my camera, typewriter, microphone, editing studio and means of communication with the

Gusts were at “extreme gale” in exposed areas and squally showers blew sideways the day I crossed Nelson Lakes National

...and we have a winner!

Anita Hike! – thanks to kristenwaggles for her avatar name suggestion and to those of you who played along. You

A quilt opens beneath you and puts the down feathers on top. where you need them.

Soto Amicus review

I had 25 ounces at a rolling boil on my 3 ounce stove in about 4 minutes.

The little light that could

The Black Diamond Spot is only 3 ounces with loads of functionality, but I can never remember the steps.

I swear by foldable, bomb-proof Leki trekking poles to keep me upright.

Set up is a snap for my ultralight and rugged tarptent, named the"alicoop" by followers.

Breathable, flexible, wicking and lightweight, La Sportiva is running shoe meets hiking boot.

Followers named my superbly designed, lightweight but rugged Granite Gear pack, Olive Oyl.