The pages in the Gear section include affiliate links. If you decide to click and purchase from any of these links, Park and Pebble may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an FYI, we only promote gear we use, trust, and rely on during our own personal adventures!

We proudly support Backcountry.com when it comes to our gear needs.

Simply put, we are always looking for the best gear we can get for the best price, and thanks to their extensive array of brands, deep discounts running seemingly year round, and absurdly fast free shipping, we never find the need to shop anywhere else!

Feel free to Contact Us with any questions you have about the gear we choose, what gear might work best for your next trip, or any questions on why we chose to work with Backcountry.com!

Take a look into the gear we use, abuse, and trust on all of our adventures!

Park and Pebble will provide you with unbiased gear reviews, suggestions, and where to find the best deals for that gear you are looking at for your next trip!

justin steve 4/25/24 justin steve 4/25/24

Deep Dive: The Altra Mont Blanc Trail Running Shoe

Dive into our in-depth review of the Altra Mont Blanc trail running shoe

This page includes affiliate links. If you decide to click and purchase from any of these links, Park and Pebble may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an FYI, we only promote gear we use, trust, and rely on during our own personal adventures!

The Altra Mont Blanc trail runner is definitely not the most well known shoe in the Altra lineup, but it might just be your new favorite shoe!

The Altra Mont Blanc is available for both men and women, and even offered in a BOA version for a truly customizable and secure fit. For those looking for a zero drop/low drop trail runner, be sure to read on for our deep dive on my wife’s new favorite shoe!

Altra Mont Blanc($125 on Backcountry.com)

The Upper

The Altra Mont Blanc utilizes a lightweight ripstop mesh along the entire upper of the shoe. The ripstop mesh makes for an incredibly breathable, yet durable upper that can handle the most rugged trails. The toebox is reinforced for added durability, and the lacing system provides a truly locked down feel. The round laces definitely work best with a double knot as they definitely can come undone more easily when compared to flat laces.

Similar to Altra’s much beloved Lone Peak shoe, both provide the roomy toebox allowing your toes to naturally splay as you attack the trails. It is worth noting that the Lone Peak’s utilize a relatively heavily padded tongue whereas the Mont Blanc has a far more minimal tongue. While some may worry about lace bite with the thin tongue, Altra got it right with the Mont Blanc and the tongue provides plenty of protection even when you have the laces tightened down.

As with any Altra trail shoe, the Gaiter Trap feature is also found on the Mont Blanc. The Gaiter Trap allows you to connect gaiters directly to the shoe to ensure all that trail debris stays out!

The Midsole

This is really where the Altra Mont Blanc shines! For those looking for a little more protection and cushioning while on the trail, the Altra Mont Blanc utilizes Altra’s “Altra Ego Max” midsole which provides maximum cushioning without added weight. With an overall stack height of 30 mm, the Altra Mont Blanc is 5 mm higher compared to the Altra Lone Peak

The Altra Ego Max midsole of the Altra Mont Blanc (right) provides exceptional cushioning compared to the more minimal Altra Lone Peak 8 (left)

The Outsole

Altra has utilized their proprietary MaxTrac outsole for years, and that characteristic “bear claw” pattern is still found on the popular Lone Peak’s, but for the Mont Blanc they teamed up with Vibram’s to utilize their Megagrip with LiteBase outsole. This outsole provides incredible grip in all conditions (even wet wood and rocks!) that is simply superior in every way compared to the MaxTrac outsole. While both the Lone Peak and Mont Blanc have a very aggressive tread pattern, we feel that the Vibram’s MegaGrip rubber combined with the aggressive lugs on the Mont Blanc definitely result in a far more capable trail shoe for the most rugged trails!

Altra Mont Blanc Altra Lone Peak — The MaxTrac outsole of the Altra Lone Peak 8 (left) and the Vibram’s LiteBase outsole of the Altra Mont Blanc (right)

The Fit

My wife has been using the Altra Lone Peaks for years now, and has always enjoyed them. For me, I always felt the roomy toebox was a bit too roomy for me, and resulted in a bit of a sloppy fit…something I definitely do not want when navigating difficult terrain.

The Altra Mont Blanc has really found the perfect balance of providing plenty of space in the toebox yet giving plenty of support and stability through the forefoot. While the fit itself is a welcomed change for those that feel the Lone Peak offers too much room, the Altra Mont Blanc also utilized a much more refined insole which gives an incredible secure fit from heel to toe.

The Altra Mont Blanc provides a more precise fit compared to the Altra Lone Peak 8

The Weight

Overall, Altra’s shoes tend to fall toward the lighter end of the spectrum. While the Lone Peak 8 comes in at 10.7 oz, the Altra Mont Blanc comes in at 9.9 oz! Even with the increased cushioning, the Mont Blanc still shaved weight!

While less than a 1 oz difference might not sound like much, the drop in weight combined with the more precise fit of the Altra Mont Blanc results in a significantly lighter and more nimble feel on the feet!

Our Final Take

The Altra Mont Blanc’s increased cushioning and improved fit is a win in our book! While my wife has recently tried virtually every Altra trail shoe on the market, she has truly fallen in love with the fit, feel, and performance of the Mont Blanc.

While the lack of a rockplate is definitely a negative, the ample cushioning from the Altra Ego Max midsole and Vibram’s LiteBase provides plenty of protection!

Overall, I can definitely see the Altra Mont Blanc being a go-to trail shoe for our family for years to come!

If you are like us, you are always looking to pick up some new gear before you head out on that new adventure. Be sure to check out all the current sales at Backcountry.com to score some massive savings on the top brands!

Shop Backcountry's Massive Selection of Gear, Clothing, and Outerwear on Sale!

As we continue to explore our National Parks, our gear selection continues to evolve! Be sure to reach out to Park and Pebble at info@parkandpebble.com or head over to Contact page to shoot us any questions you may have on your gear choice for your next adventure!

justin steve 4/12/24 justin steve 4/12/24

Why Trekking Poles Will Become Your Favorite Piece Of Gear

Don’t underestimate the usefulness of your diminutive trekking poles

You’re at the trailhead and the stoke is high as you set out on a new adventure. Everything is going great…until you hit that first hill! Now, the legs are burning, your heart is racing, and all you can think about is heading back to the car.

If only there was a piece of gear that you could bring on the trail to make the hike a bit smoother! Well, it’s time to learn why trekking poles will soon become your new favorite pice of gear!

Trekking through Cohab Canyon at Capitol Reef National Park

So let’s talk about trekking poles! Those hikers counting grams and ounces may claim the extra weight is not worth it, yet the increase in stability provided by trekking poles cannot be denied!

Sure, your arms will need to do a little more work to move the trekking poles, but you are saving tons of energy in your legs by reducing the pressure on your joints, allowing the poles to assist in balance, and reducing instability when the terrain gets rugged!

Trekking Pole Pros and Cons

-Increased stability
-Improved Efficiency
-Increased Energy
-Reduced joint pain
-Increased balance
-Easier uphill climbing
-Improved braking on descents
-Improved posture
-Added weight
-Extra costs
-Hands are not free

Emerald Pools Zion National Park — Trekking poles come in handy when traveling along wet slickrock at Zion National Park

As you can see, trekking poles provide tons of benefits that will make your next hike much more enjoyable. From helping you climb up that steep section of trail to simply a means to take a little weight off your joints on those long hikes, the often overlooked trekking pole will quickly become the one piece of gear you will learn to love!

So, before you head out on your next hike make sure you to have your trekking poles packed! The benefits of trekking poles can be felt on even the flattest of trails!

Shop Backcountry's Massive Selection of Gear, Clothing, and Outerwear on Sale!

justin steve 4/1/24 justin steve 4/1/24

Get It While It Lasts: Our Favorite Gear On Sale Right Now

Take advantage of some of the best deals going on right now!

We are about one month away from our next adventure through the National Parks, and as we begin to get ready for that next trip, we wanted to share some of the gear we have had our eye on with all of you!

This time of year brings lots of deep discounts into the world of outdoor recreation, so read on to check out some of the best sales currently available on some must-have items to prepare you for your next adventure!

Please note - prices are accurate at time of publishing.

FullSheild Waterproof Socks ($23 on Amazon)

The FullSheild Waterproof Socks offer an incredible value

It’s hard to find a pair of socks that are waterproof, breathable, and won’t break the bank! Showers Pass makes excellent waterproof socks, but not everyone is willing to drop $40-$50 on a pair of socks. For a more budget friendly option, the FullSheild Waterproof socks offer an excellent waterproofing and breathability that makes for a super versatile sock for hitting the trail in wet or dry conditions! They come in a massive array of colors and sizes, and they even have a 10% off coupon attached to them right now!

Parks Project 63 Parks Long Sleeve T-Shirt ($34 at Backcountry.com

The comfy and stylish Park Project 63 Parks Long Sleeve T-Shirt

If you don’t know Parks Project then it’s time to introduce you to this awesome brand. They are an incredible company that designs National Park inspired clothing and gives back to the National Parks to ensure their protection and preservation for years to come.

Personally, we love their clothes, hats, and socks, but sometimes they cost a bit more than we are looking to spend. Thankfully, sales come often, and the Parks Project 63 Parks Long Sleeve T-Shirt is on sale right now! Made with super soft cotton and sporting a vintage flower and mushroom design, its the perfect shirt to pull on after a long day of hiking and exploring the National Parks!

Biyami All-Weather Notepads ($8 on Amazon)

Don’t let the rain stop you from taking notes out on the trail

We have only recently been using waterproof notepads for our trips, and now they come with us on every trail! The small 3” x 5” size allow them to easily fit in a pocket, and the stone paper is waterproof and virtually tear-proof, too! These Biyami All Weather Notepads come in a 4 pack, are less than $10, and have an additional 8% coupon attached to them! This is an awesome deal on a set of notepads that will outlast you on your next hike! When you’re making those future photo albums or sharing your awesome trip with family/friends, this is a great resource to reference.

The North Face Textured Cap Rock 1/4 Zip Fleece ($38 at Backcountry.com)

When it comes to layering up for your next hike, a midlayer fleece is pretty much always included! The North Face Textured Cap Rock 1/4 Zip Fleece provides just enough warmth for those crisp morning starts, but wicks away sweat and breathes super well to ensure you are not overheated once the sun starts shining down! Its currently 35% off regular price, which means you are getting a great fleece for an incredible price!

Feelle Solar Charger ($45 on Amazon)

You can charge your phone up to 8x with the power of the sun

Sometimes, when you decide you want to spend an extended amount of time in the backcountry, you need to figure out how to stay connected, and that means how to keep your phone charged without electricity. Well, the Feelle Solar Charger offers an absurd amount of charging capacity in a small package, all powered by the sun. This solar charger can be draped over your pack as you are trekking the trail, set out while you stop for lunch, or hung from the outside of your tent to provide you with a nearly endless supply of power! As we are planning to spend a few days camping in Yosemite National Park, this is a piece of gear that is currently on our list to buy, and right now it’s being offered with an additional 20% off!

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket ($80 on Backcountry.com)

Ultra-light and waterproof…What more can you ask for

We have talked about our beloved Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket in our article on our favorite rain jackets for the family, but somehow this iconic rain jacket has become even better…it’s on sale! Currently being offered at up to 55% for select colors, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket for both men and women is at one of it’s lowest prices we have seen! It’s hard to pass up this deal on a jacket that you can wear to cut through the wind, keep the sun off your shoulders, and rain off your back while you enjoy your day on the trail!

Shop Backcountry's Massive Selection of Gear, Clothing, and Outerwear on Sale!

justin steve 3/27/24 justin steve 3/27/24

Footwear for the Trail

The right shoes make a world of difference on the trail

So, you are gearing up to hike the slickrock of Utah, the talus fields of the East Coast, or venture through the sandy soil of the American Southwest, and you need some shoes, right?

Well, when it comes to hitting the trail, comfort is king! If the shoes don’t fit right, even a short 1 mile hike will feel like a never ending journey! Aside from comfort, always make sure you break in your shoes before you head out on that big adventure through the National Parks. New shoes + a new trail = painful feet!

With that said, here are some of our favorite shoes which we have put through the ringer and tested in some of the worst conditions!

The Saucony Peregrine is by far my go to shoe for technical terrain

Saucony Peregrine 13 ($84 at Backcountry.com

More often than not, my hikes fall into the 2-8 mile range which means I really have no need for a rugged, stiff hiking boot. I prefer a lighter, more agile shoe that offers great foot protection with dependable grip in most any terrain. For me, the Saucony Peregrine is by far one of my favorite shoes as it delivers on everything I’m looking for in a trail shoe. It’s light, stable, offers incredible grip, and moderate foot protection. They even make a GTX version for those looking for a waterproof option!

The maximum comfort of the Hoka Trail Code is unrivaled

Hoka Trail Code ($185 at Backcountry.com)

When we want a little more ankle support and protection underfoot, the Hoka Trail Code has been the shoe we are reaching for! From navigating snow-covered trails in sub-zero temperatures to stream crossings during springtime hikes, the Hoka Trail Code offers incredible grip thanks to the sticky Vibram rubber and they keep your feet dry thanks to the Gore-Tex treatment. Add in Hoka’s well known cushioning and you have a mid-top shoe that works in a wide range of weather conditions and is ready to tackle the trail for a short day hike or an overnight backpacking excursion!

Salomon X-Mission 3 ($75 at Backcountry.com)

The Salomon X-Mission 3 has developed a bit of a cult following due to its incredible comfort, flexible sole, and impressive ContaGrip traction that Salomon is known for. The Salomon X-Mission 3 also has the quick lace system which means no one will be waiting for you at the trailhead! Add in the super breathable upper and the tongue cover, and the Salomon X-Mission 3 will keep your feet dry all day! These have become a favorite of our daughter’s as she has truly tested the durability of the shoe! Is there any harder test to pass than the acceptance from a teen girl? The Salomon X-Mission 3 is here to stay in our house!

The La Sportiva Jackal brings a stiff sole for maximum protection

La Sportiva Jackal ($165 at Backcountry.com)

While my Saucony Peregrine’s are my go-to shoes, when I feel the conditions might be a bit rough or the weather might border on the extreme, I always reach for my La Sportiva Jackal shoe. They offer a far more stable and stiff platform than most trail running shoes, and I would say they actually lean more towards a traditional hiking shoe or approach shoe. The stiffer sole and burlier upper offer incredible foot protection, and the FriXion rubber can stick to just about anything! For those with wider feet or anyone who just prefers a wider toe box, the La Sportiva Jackal offers a higher volume fit, as well! I personally own the GTX version which helps to keep my feet dry during my winter hikes along snow covered trails, or those poor decision I make to hit the trail in the rain!

The MegaGrip outsole of the Altra Lone Peak Hiker offers excellent traction

Altra Lone Peak Hiker ($160 at Backcountry.com)

So you have a wide foot, but most “wide” fitting shoes result in a sloppy fit. What do you do? Take a look at the Altra Lone Peak Hiker! Altra basically takes their famed Lone Peak shoe and adds a mid top design to increase ankle stability and add some foot protection. The zero drop design incorporated into all of Altra’s shoes combined with their anatomically shaped toe box provides exceptional comfort and stability (especially for those with a wider foot) without having a shoe that feels loose in all the wrong places. Add to the fact that this boot weighs less than most hiking shoes, and you have a fast, comfortable, durable, and dependable hiker to take on the trail. Altra also makes an “all weather” version that adds exceptional waterproofing to an already rock-solid design! My wife has gone through multiple pairs of her Altra Lone Peak Hiker’s, and although she tends to look for other shoes for our upcoming trips, she keeps coming back to these boots as they have yet to let her down!

The ContaGrip of the Salomon Supercross offers incredible traction

Salomon Supercross ($60 at Backcountry.com)

When conditions take a turn for the worse, and the packed trail turns to mud, the Salomon Supercross offers an incredibly secure fit with some of the best traction I have encountered! The deep lugs on the outsole provide excellent traction both during uphill climbs and during downhill braking, while the Sensefit design of the upper makes sure your foot is locked in no matter how steep the trail gets. They offer a relatively large heel-to-toe drop (11 mm) which is more than I’m typically used to, but this definitely results in far less calf fatigue and Achilles strain during longer hikes! As with most of Salomon’s shoes, they tend to run a bit long and definitely have a narrower toe box when compared to other brands!

If you are like us, you are ultimately looking for the best deal you can find on your next pair of shoes before you head out on that new adventure. Be sure to check out all the current sales at Backcountry.com to score some massive savings on the top brands!

Shop Backcountry's Massive Selection of Gear, Clothing, and Outerwear on Sale!

justin steve 3/25/24 justin steve 3/25/24

Spring Showers Bring Our Favorite Rain Jackets

Stay dry during spring storms in our favorite rain jackets!

When spring rolls in, the snowpack softens, the trails open up, and it’s time to start exploring our great National Parks. While spring brings the warmer weather, it also tends to bring rainy days on the trail. The best way to enjoy the outdoors during this typically wet season is to make sure you are prepared with the best gear possible to keep you dry while you explore these amazing landscapes!

Check out some of our top recommendations on rain jackets to keep you and your family dry on the trail!

The blue Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Jacket kept me dry at Mammoth Cave National Park

Best Stretch Rain Jacket: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Jacket

The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Jacket offers incredible waterproofing without the weight of a heavier shell. In addition to its waterproof qualities, the proprietary BD.dry technology is also incredibly breathable to ensure you’re not overheating as you make your way up the trail! As a bonus, Black Diamond incorporated a ton of stretch into this jacket to allow for natural movement no matter what the activity! One of my favorite features is the ability to pack the entire jacket into the chest pocket and throw it in your pack once the weather clears up!

The Outdoor Research Helium Jacket in action at Yellowstone National Park

Best Ultra-light Rain Jacket: Outdoor Research Helium Jacket

The Outdoor Research Helium Jacket has been around for a long time, and for good reason! It continues to be one of the best ultra-light rain jackets on the market. With a 2.5 L Pertex construction, ultra-packable design (packs into chest pocket) and top notch breathability and movement, the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket is by far one of our most trusted (and heavily used) pieces of gear that we never leave home without. Even on sunny days, the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket is a perfect windbreaker that takes up minimal space and has negligible weight in your pack!

The purple Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket during a break in the weather at Glacier National Park

Best Rain Jacket for Kids: Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket

The Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket is ideal for little legs hitting the trail thanks to its excellent features that won’t break the bank because let’s face it, your son or daughter is going to grow out of their jacket by your next trip anyways! The Columbia Glennaker Rain Jacket offers excellent waterproofing, plenty of pockets for storage, and is durable to handle anything your kids can throw at it!

The grey Outdoor Research Microgravity Jacket was the perfect addition while hiking in the New River Gorge National Park.

Best Heavy Rain Shell: Outdoor Research Microgravity Jacket

The Outdoor Research Microgravity Jacket is a 3L waterproof jacket that provides maximum protection from the elements. The 3L AscentShell technology results in extreme waterproofing with incredible breathability. As for durability, lets just say I have ran into my fair share of trees and branches, and have yet to get a tear in the material. The pit vents help dump heat when things warm up, and the wire brim on the hood helps to keep water well away from your face once the skies open up. I have yet to head out on a trip without this jacket in my pack!

A huge thanks to Backcountry.com for partnering up with Park and Pebble to help up bring the best gear to all of you!

And if you are like us, keep on checking out the sales at Backcountry.com to find some deep discounts on the best gear!

Shop Backcountry's Massive Selection of Gear, Clothing, and Outerwear on Sale!

justin steve 3/25/24 justin steve 3/25/24

10 Essential Pieces of Gear Under $50

Not all your gear needs to cost you a fortune!

When it comes to exploration out in the wilderness of America’s National Parks, there are some pieces of gear that you should make sure are of the highest quality! For us, we will not cut corners with our shoes, jackets, and any cold weather gear (read: sometimes it pays to spend a little more on critical pieces!).

For other things, the average hiker can get away with gear that is far more affordable, and just as reliable as the top shelf options!

Check out some of our top recommendations on our 10 favorite pieces of gear that won’t break the bank!

Never underestimate the usefulness of dependable Trekking Poles

Trekking Poles: Cascade Mountain Trekking Poles ($47)

We have gone through more trekking poles than I wish to remember, but the Cascade Mountain Trekking Poles our by far our favorite! First off, the price is amazing on poles of this quality. Typically, they are under $50 for two fully adjustable trekking poles! They also include a vast assortment of tips ideal for virtually every type of surface! Add in the extended grip and the wide array of colors, and you have a trekking pole that is hard to beat! Over 20,000 4.5 star reviews can’t be wrong, right?

Few things offer as much instant relief from the heat as a good cooling towel

Cooling Towel: Mission Microfiber Cooling Towel ($15)

Ready to hit the trail in the American Southwest or explore Death Valley National Park? Well, you better be prepared with a way to keep you cool in the intense, desert heat. One of our favorite pieces of gear to bring along with us is our Mission Microfiber Cooling Towel. The Mission Microfiber Cooling Towel is infinitely packable, offers immediate relief from the heat, and is super easy to reactivate with a splash of water and a quick snap of the towel. Add in that it stays cool for up to 2 hrs, and costs under $20 and you have a piece of gear that you will keep in your pack for all your future adventures!

Backcountry Eating: UCO Switchblade Utensil Set ($8)

When we hit the National Parks, we like to make the most of our time by eating as we hike, or taking a quick break at the car for some lunch. For us, the UCO Switchblade Utensil Set is absurdly useful! From making some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, having a bag of tuna, slicing some smoked meats, or eating some variety of questionable rehydrated camp food, the UCO Switchblade Utensil set is our go-to spoon/fork/knife combo for all of our wilderness excursions! Plus, this Swiss army knife of utensils cost less than $10, so it’s a no-brainer to pick this up for your pack!

A zippered hydration bladder? You will never use another hydration bladder again

Hydration Bladder: Camelback Fusion 2L Hydration Bladder ($46)

I can’t tell you how many times one of us have hit the trail with our hydration bladder in our pack only to notice our back is soaked and everything in it is completely saturated thanks to a leak from our budget hydration bladder! Well, we have learned our lesson (more than once!), and the Camelback Fusion 2L Hydration Bladder is far and away the most ingenious hydration bladder we have used. This thing packs a ton of design advancements that make it absolutely incredible for a wide range of applications. First, the zipper is flawless! Camelback has done an excellent job making the TruZip zipper 100% watertight (even when upside down). Next, the shape of the bladder allows it lay flatter within the pack, and the rigid backplate keeps it upright rather than turning into a bunched up water tube wedged into your lower back. While i can go on for way too long in talking about the Camelback Fusion Hydration Bladder, just know that this is a bladder you can trust for a long time and many miles on the trail!

Keep your phone charged so you can take those awesome pictures….I mean make an emergency phone call, if needed!

Phone Charger: 1000mAh Portable Charger ($28)

Nothing is worse than when you get that incredible vista on the trail only to realize your phone is dead and you can’t take that Instagram-worthy picture! For us, we rely on the 1000mAh Portable Charger to keep our phones charged for emergency phone calls, incredible pictures, and of course to find that nearest gas station on the way out of the Park. The 1000 mAh portable charger has integrated Lightning, USB C, and Micro-USB charging cables, and can be recharged through any AC outlet. Slim design, ability to fully charge 2-3 phones, and a price under $30 makes this a personal favorite for long days on the trail for our family!

A fire starter is an essential piece of survival gear

Survival Essential: Magnesium Fire Starter ($7)

Waterproof, long lasting, and simple to use, a Magnesium Fire Starter is an essential piece of survival gear that takes up virtually no space in a hiking pack. Hopefully, you are never in a situation in which you truly need to use it, but it’s best to be prepared when venturing into the wilderness!

Never venture into the unknown without a compass

Compass: UST Deluxe Map Compass ($8)

Such a simple yet effective tool, the UST Deluxe Map Compass is lightweight, durable, easy to read, and has glowing directional markings. Additionally, and definitely most important, is the fact that the UST Deluxe Map Compass is also accurate, which is hard to come by with low cost compasses. Spend the $8, and know that you once your phone or GPS watch dies on the trail you will have the perfect tool to get back to the trailhead safely!

Relaxing in a tranquil and picturesque landscape? Sign me up!

Relaxing on the trail: Equip Camp Hammock ($30)

After logging miles and miles on the trail, nothing beats kicking your legs up and taking in the scenery for a bit! The Equip Camp Hammock packs into its own bag, comes with two carabiners, and two straps so you have everything you need to set up shop wherever you want! The Equip Camp Hammock is rated for 500 lbs, and also comes in a ton of colors and patterns. This is far from an “essential” trail item, but I can assure you that your feet will thank you in the long run for a little break in the Equip Camp Hammock!

The LifeStraw can be a literal lifesaver

Water Filtration: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter ($17)

While many of us rely on our hydration bladders or Nalgene bottles, sometimes we run dry and may end up in need of clean drinking water. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is capable of filtering out over 99.999% of bacteria and provides 1,000 gallons of clean drinking water. With no batteries or pumping required, the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter offers simple water filtration with virtually no effort and takes up minimal space in your pack. At under $20, this is great piece of gear to bring on the trail when you decide to venture deep off the beaten path!

Stay cool and safe in the sun with a dependable sun shirt

Sun Shirt: Ingear Performance Sun Hoodie ($19)

Whether you are exploring the waters of Biscayne National Park or hiking along the dramatic cliffs of Grand Canyon National Park, sun protection is paramount! The Ingear Performance Sun Hoodie offers UPF 50+ protection that won’t wear off like sunscreen. Additionally, the lightweight fabric keeps you cool while the hooded design keeps sun off your neck. While i was a skeptic about the usefulness of sun shirts, I am firm believer of them, and our Ingear Performance Sun Hoodie’s probably get more use than almost any other piece of gear we bring along with us on our adventures!