Rain jackets are definitely the more popular choice, and we tend to agree in the name of sheer comfort and convenience. The price-to-weight ratio of this jacket (a scant six ounces for only $125) is superb, thanks to this jacket’s straightforward, minimalist construction. If you’re intrigued by the single-layer rain jacket concept, Antigravity Gear makes a similar garment out of rugged 70D silnylon that’s also worth a look. The jacket is made with Zpacks’ proprietary Vertice fabric. This three-layer, ultralight material consists of a soft tricot inner lining, a scant 7D nylon face fabric with DWR finish, and a waterproof-breathable membrane in between. This jacket is constructed of two-layer Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper with a 10d Ballistic Airlight abrasion-resistant ripstop nylon face fabric.
My kids were toddlers the first time we went backpacking on a short, level trail where I carried everything and I knew they could do the hike with no problem. My four-year-old wanted to know when we could go again but my three-year-old was uninterested in another trip. Now he’s 12 and carries almost the same weight as I do and loves to help me plan trips with 10-mile days. But if that isn’t enough to impress you, there’s also the fact that everyone who contributed to this article is an experienced thru-hiker with thousands of on-trail miles under their belt.
Your ideal rain gear will fit comfortably and have a good balance of features, breathability, and weight. If the forecast calls for sunny days, or your campsite could use a few more trees, you’ll want the Sunshade Rocker to make your trip that much more enjoyable. This rocker was one of the ozark trail backpack more comfortable chairs in my test and one of the easiest to pack, even with the collapsible sunshade. It also comes with a carry bag, and folding the chair up takes minimal time or effort. And the Sunshade Rocker isn’t so heavy that I wouldn’t take it to camp even if I had a long walk.
There are no compression straps or other means of securing anything to the outside of the pack, aside from the “daisy chain” on the front. My only knock on it would be the lack of a small water bottle pocket. Aside from the main pack bag, there is a small zippered compartment on the front, that, depending on how much you have stuffed inside, is pretty tight. I managed to fit my headlamp, lighter, map, compass, and some tp in the pocket.
Shoulder straps are lightweight mesh-lined with very little padding. The two main types of waterproofing are a PU laminate and an ePTFE membrane. Rain jackets built with a PU laminate are less expensive but won’t be as breathable.
It’s kind of a standing joke with me and my blue bag in Peru, Europe etc… I love it and for $17 at Walmart it is still my go-to bag for the last 10 years. I tried actually sewing one on, but I don’t have the right size buckle to go with the strap, so might won’t hold tight. I also use a Marmot 20 liter pack which does have a thin hipbelt, but it is more limited space-wise and weighs a couple of ounces more.
It is also hydration compatible and comes with an included 2L reservoir so you can stay hydrated on the trails. If you want a little luxury on your next remote camping trip, the Helinox Chair One can provide the added touch you’re looking for. At just over two pounds, even with the carry bag, this chair is insanely light and durable. It also has a weight ozark trail outdoor equipment capacity of 320 pounds, which is better than all the chairs in this review except the Ozark Trail. But unlike other chairs I tested, the Chair One comes with a five-year warranty, which you’ll want because this chair is also the most expensive on this list. Especially when you throw in the rocking feet, which you have to purchase separately.
I did instantly notice the difference of carrying a lighter bag. I also don’t really prefer single compartment stuff bags, but, this works for what I need. Before purchasing this pack I used a more traditionally styled, and heavier, backpack for daily walks. I recently attended a seminar that explained the major difference of carrying lighter gear while outdoors.
There is a protective coating on the inside to protect the membrane from dirt and body oils. (This is not sarcasm.) When I was a new mom a hike with my baby on my back was a wonderful antidote to the feeling of being overwhelmed by this huge life change. And once he was old enough to walk on his own, his little brother was being carried by me or my husband. There are two basic kinds of carriers you can use to tote those who can’t make it the whole way on their own. These are for babies and the smallest toddlers; check the manufacturer specifications for weight limits.