Southwest Hikes

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Gear

Hiker wearing yellow Merino hoodie trekking through snow with poles, surrounded by dramatic San Juan peaks in the background.

Gear Review: Merino Base Hoodie By Melanzana

Excerpt: The Merino Base Hoodie from Melanzana is a soft, breathable, ultralight base layer made in Colorado. A go-to for mountain lovers and ultralight hikers.

Ibex outdoor clothing made with merino wool, designed for sustainable performance, comfort, and adventure-ready durability.

All About Ibex: Performance Merino Wool for Every Season

Discover what makes Ibex one of the top brands in merino wool performance wear. From sustainable sourcing to standout gear, here’s your guide to their mission, products, and why they matter in the outdoor world.

Smiling hiker bundled in a Feathered Friends Egret sleeping bag inside a tent.

Gear Review: Egret Ultralight 20° Sleeping Bag By Feathered Friends

The Egret Ultralight 20° by Feathered Friends is an exceptional women’s sleeping bag built for serious backcountry use. With 950+ fill power down and a thoughtful design, it’s ideal for ultralight backpackers and cold sleepers alike.

Backpacker wearing an Exotic Pack Co Custom FKP with alpine lake and mountains in the background.

Gear Review: Custom FKP Backpack By Exotic Pack Co

The Custom FKP by Exotic Pack Co is a practical and streamlined ultralight pack designed for big miles and bold hikers. We tested it on 14ers in the Sangre de Cristos and deep down into the Grand Canyon to see how this custom pack performs in demanding terrain.

Close-up of hiker on rocky summit wearing Vuarnet Altitude 01 glacier sunglasses and camera gear.

Gear Review: ALTITUDE 01 Sunglasses By Vuarnet

Built for high exposure and long days outside, the Vuarnet ALTITUDE 01 sunglasses deliver exceptional clarity, sun protection, and fit. Here’s my full review.

Woman wearing KUIU Chugach TR Rain Jacket and Pants under a large tree in Costa Rica’s jungle with a camera and umbrella.

Gear Review: Women’s Chugach TR Rain Jacket and Pants By KUIU

I’ve used the KUIU Women’s Chugach TR Jacket and Pants for years in wild weather, from snowy alpine treks to jungle hikes in Costa Rica. Here’s why they’re my go-to rain layers.

Hand holding Adotec Gear Rain Mitt Stuff Sacks in front of snow-dusted mountains and evergreen trees

Gear Review: Rain Mitt Stuff Sacks By Adotec Gear

Adotec Gear's Rain Mitt Stuff Sacks offer a unique combination of gear storage and emergency hand protection, making them an essential item for ultralight backpackers.