Spot Gen4

Fall can be some of the best times to go backpacking if you are prepared. Fall colors and cooler days, make for great hiking. We have found some great new gear to get you out the door and into the backcountry in style and comfort.

SPOT Gen4

One of my favorite things about going backpacking is leaving the day to day bustle behind. I love going where cell service is nonexistent and where I can’t be reached. But as I take kids or go out by myself having a lifeline has become a must. The new SPOT Gen4 gives me peace of mind while in the backcountry that if something went horribly wrong, I would be able to get help. The Gen4 delivers proven personal safety with a new modern design, IP68 improved durability, one-touch S.O.S., and tracking and messaging functionality. Not only can you check-in at night to let loved ones know that all is good, but you can also set up tracking so they can virtually come along the trip. Keep an eye out for the complete review coming up on the Gen4.

Zenbivy Light Quilt 25

Zenbivy Light Quilt 25

As you might have read other places, quilts are becoming more and more popular. I have been using a quilt since last year for most backpacking trips. Zenbivy has taken the quilt design and added a zipper-less convertible foot box design to the Light Quilt 25º. This enables you to convert the quilt quickly and easily from a regular flat quilt to creating a foot box to keep your feet toasty warm and inside while you sleep, all while saving weight. They have used 800 fill-power HyperDRY™ fluorocarbon-free water-resistant 90/10 duck down to deliver a lightweight yet warm quilt. Zenbivy has also used, what they are calling ”buttery-soft” fabric to provide maximum comfort. Keep an eye out for our full review of this quilt in the next couple of weeks.

Thermarest Compressible Pillow

Thermarest Compressible Pillow

One might say you do not need to haul an extra pillow when out backpacking as you can just fill up a stuff sack with extra clothes. But, if you love to sleep well at night, the Compressible Pillow from Thermarest is a game-changer. There are smaller pillows on the market that fill up with air and I have used them and still take them on some trips. But, I have replaced those smaller pillows with this bigger pillow as a good night’s sleep is worth the weight and size in my mind. The pillow foam is sourced from upcycled foam from their pad manufacturing and the cover is made from ultra-soft polyester made from mostly (60%) recycled materials. Its soft foam filling packs small and expands big and you can get this pillow in 4 sizes from small to x-large.

Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat

Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat

Having a good night’s sleep is a must for me while backpacking. And when the temps drop low at night, having an insulated pad is important. The new Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat brings 4 inches of plush support and uses two types of insulation to provide three-season warmth. Exkin Platinum insulation reflects your radiant heat back to you, and Thermolite insulation prevents convective heat loss. The R-Value of this pad is 3.2 which makes it perfect from spring to fall.

SOG Aegis AT

SOG Aegis AT

For us, at Open Air Life, one important tool for any backpacking trip is a knife. While in the backcountry a knife has so many uses and making sure you have a reliable, sturdy knife is a must. The SOG Aegis AT definitely fits the bill. This knife was designed with the active, outdoorsmen/women in mind. The Aegis AT features rapid assisted opening with SOG’s innovative ambidextrous AT-XR Lock with an ergonomic handle and grip pattern for comfortable use. Aegis AT is easy to carry, with a highly functional 3.1″ cryogenically heat-treated D2 stainless steel blade. Its powerful XR locking mechanism also features solid built-in blade locking safety and spine-mounted safety system.

Decathon Trek 100 Jacket Women's Light Backpacking Padded Jacket with Hoodie

Decathlon Trek 100 Jacket Women’s Light Backpacking Padded Jacket with Hoodie

In the fall having a compressible jacket is a must. Temperatures during the day are great for hiking, but as the sun starts to dip or those early morning starts having an extra layer of insulation is a must. The Decathlon’s Trek 100 jackets are light, warm, and compact, and probably the best part of it is that it retails for only $49.99. Made from 25% recycled polyester, it captures Decathlon’s core mission to protect the environment, and make sports available to everyone.

Helly Hansen Odin Lifaloft Down Hybrid Jacke

Helly Hansen Odin Lifaloft Down Hybrid Jacket

Another option if you are looking for a packable jacket is the Odin Lifaloft Down Hybrid Jacket. This jacket was designed specifically for mountaineering and touring, but it will make a great addition to your backpacking arsenal. This jacket is extremely lightweight and packs down when you don’t need it while hiking, yet incredibly warm when setting up camp or sitting around the campfire at night. Featuring hydrophobic LIFALOFT insulation in areas that see the most internal and external moisture, while 800-fill Allied Down insulates the rest. Additionally, a new double baffle design now insulates each internal stitch line to eliminate drafts and allow the jacket to hug and mold to the wearer’s body, ensuring the utmost warmth.

Cotopaxi Dorado Half Zip Fleece

Cotopaxi Dorado Half Zip 100% Repurposed Fleece

Fleece has been a solid choice for those who play in the mountain when the temps can vary. The Dorado Half Zip from Cotopaxi is a spin on the classic fleece pullover but uses 100% recycled fabric, making this a great option for those who care about the environment. In addition to its half-zip design that allows for quick temperature control and easy on/off, this soft, cozy, and stylish fleece feature front hand pockets and a stretchy, zippered chest pocket to stash your small must-haves. If you don’t know much about Cotopaxi, you will want to look into them as a company and their commitment to sustainability while creating products.

Smartwool Merino 250 Baselayer

Smartwool Men’s and Women’s Merino 250 Baselayers

With the temperature dropping, baselayers are a must. The Merino 250 baselayers by Smartwool has been updated with new colors and new fit to improve functionality. Shoulder panels eliminate top shoulder seams and a flatlock seam construction helps minimize chafing. The 250 is their warmest weight fabric making these great for those backpacking trips where you know the temperature is going to get low at night.

Swiftwick Pursuit Hiking sock

Swiftwick Pursuit Hiking sock

One thing that many people might not know about me, is that I love good socks. I have always been a believer that taking care of your feet makes any trip or activity better. The Pursuit hiking sock from Swiftwick is made of soft, natural fibers of Merino Wool that are blended with the superior moisture-wicking capabilities of Olefin. Featuring a variety of cushion levels and cuff heights customized for your next adventure these socks will keep you warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and provide maximum dryness from day hikes to multi-day expeditions. Stay comfortable and blister-free, for as long as your journey lasts. I took these socks right out of the package and wore them on a multi-day backpacking trip without any issues.

UnderGents Boxer Briefs

UnderGents’ Boxer Briefs

Underwear is probably the last thing you think of when packing for a backpacking trip, but I would argue that you should think about it a little more. Chafing after only a couple of miles can be a real problem for many, but this can be easily avoided with the right preparation. We recommend that you check out UnderGents’ Boxer Briefs. Their CloudSoft fabric is a unique micro modal blend that has an ultra-soft & cooling feel against your skin while wicking moisture. It is also a multi-panel design with a seamless seat to reduce chafing.

ust Highlander™ 2-person Backpacking Tent

ust Highlander™ 2-person Backpacking Tent

With Fall backpacking trips, having a little extra room inside the tent is a good idea as you will most likely have extra gear to keep you warm. The Highlander is as roomy as it gets for a lightweight backpacking tent. Not only does this tent have a massive interior, but it also comes with two awnings for extra storage outside of the tent. It has one large awning and one small with access from inside the tent. If you want to save some weight, this tent can use trekking poles for support to bring down the minimum trail weight to 3lb 13 oz. But it does come with lightweight aluminum poles and only weighs 4lb 15 oz fully packed with a footprint.

Platypus GravityWorks 6.0L Water Filter

Platypus GravityWorks 6.0L water filter

I have been using the Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L water filter for a couple of years now and love it. But this year Platypus came out with a larger capacity 6.0L unit. If you are going backpacking with a group, or just don’t want to go back and forth to your water source for every liter of water, this filter is the perfect option. The GravityWorks filters up to 1.75 liters a minute without any pumping. Just fill the dirty reservoir from your water source, hang it, and let gravity do the hard work to fill the clean reservoir. Ideal for bigger backpacking groups or basecamps, the system has a total capacity of 12 liters, easily supplying filtered water for drinking, washing up, cooking, and cleaning.

Bertucci DX3 Canvas Watch

Bertucci DX3 CANVAS watch

When out backpacking, having a watch that you can trust is a must. I would say a lot of us wear some sort of smartwatch that needs to be recharged but having a trusted field watch makes keeping track of time easy and worry-free. The DX3 Canvas field watch by Bertucci provides exceptional value and performance for just $65. The 40mm case is constructed from a fiber-reinforced polycarbonate material making it extremely lightweight and comfortable. One of the watch’s standout features is the all-new, H-Type Comfort CANVAS band. The all-cotton canvas band is extremely smooth to the touch and remains cool and dry when out in the field. It has a matte finish with a fine, tightly-woven texture.

Nite Ize Radiant 170 Rechargeable Clip Light

Nite Ize Radiant 170 Rechargeable Clip Light

The Radiant 170 Rechargeable Clip Light is a versatile light with shorter days coming. Having the ability to clip on to a hat to create a headlamp or onto other items to light a workspace, this light is perfect for fall backpacking. Featuring 170 lumens white LED and also red LEDs to preserve night vision. In addition to four LED modes and easy push-button operation, it is impact and water-resistant (IPX4) and features a body that can be tilted for easy beam adjustment. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that charges using a micro USB cable.

Maple to Go packets

Branon Family Maple Orchards Maple to Go Syrup

I do not know about you, but one of my favorite backpacking breakfasts is pancakes. And what goes nicely with pancakes? Syrup! Well, Maple to Go make taking syrup into the backcountry easier than ever. Maple to Go is a 3.4-ounce food-grade pouch with a re-closable, no-mess twist cap that allows for multiple usages. We took Maple to Go on a backpacking trip with friends and it worked great and everyone loved it. It is also in a TSA-compliant pouch if you are traveling by plane to get to your destination. But you can use this while hiking and biking if you just love maple syrup by itself.

Kurgo Baxter Dog Pack

Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack

You can read in our full write up of the Baxter Pack here, but in short, it is worth the investment. We love taking our dogs out with us on most adventures and backpacking is no exception. But, carrying their food and supplies can get a little heavy when your dog is more than capable of carrying their fair share. The Baxter pack easily adjusts with eight different adjustment points so you can get a great fit for your dog and comes in two sizes. The two saddlebags are big enough for a multi-day trip and the ergonomic spine support contours to your dogs back for a comfortable fit.