The Best Men’s Thru-Hiking Gear of 2018

Published May 15, 2018 12:00AM

NW Alpine Eyebright Jacket ($599)

Reaping the benefits of Dyneema’s legendary strength-to-weight ratio, the Eyebright is 30 percent lighter than other jackets we tested. After a year of roughing it up, it has yet to show any signs of wear.

Snow Peak Mini Solo Combo 2.0 Pot System ($76)

Made of 100 percent titanium, the Mini Solo has a stacking design that fits a pot, cup, and fuel canister into a package the size of a Nalgene, all at a svelte 5.5 ounces.

Granite Gear Crown2 38 Pack ($185)

The 2.1-pound Crown2 has all the bells and whistles of a bigger pack—like side compression straps, an adjustable waist belt, and comfortable suspension—without the extra weight and dead space.

Therm-a-Rest Corus HD Quilt ($250)

Quilts make a night under the stars the liberating experience it’s meant to be. The Corus is stuffed with 650-fill hydrophobic down and rated to 35 degrees, while built-in straps help secure the quilt to your pad.

LifeStraw Flex Water Filter ($35)

Filtering nearly all bacteria and parasites from your water, the Flex can be used as a personal straw with the included one-liter soft bottle or (our favorite) attached to a bladder for easy filtering on the go.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles ($190)

A staple among Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, Black Diamond’s Distance poles get an upgrade this year in the locking system, which makes quick length adjustments easy.

Cocoon Air-Core Hyperlight Pillow ($31)

Just because you’re going light doesn’t mean you should sacrifice comfort. The 2.5-ounce Air-Core is stuffed with polyester fibers that make it feel more like a pillow and less like a sack of air.

Gossamer Gear the One Tent ($300)

Packing down to the size and weight of a loaf of bread, the One is pitched with trekking poles but stable enough for high winds.

Big Agnes Axl Air Sleeping Pad ($139)

The Axl’s nylon shell makes it whisper quiet, and internal reflective lining traps heat.