BEST and WORST Backpacking Gear I used on the Pacific Crest Trail

[@jeffreyrule8143]

I have been a Altra Lone Peak customer for 8 years, but have moved over to the Topo Terraventure with Superfeet insoles. I now use my Altras for my casual work shoe. Same issue that the shoe is light but wears out too soon. I still run in the altra Torin. Great video.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Sweet! I've been looking for a new, lightweight headlamp that has the red light option. I'm so tired of being "That Girl" in camp. Thanks Kyle for the rec!

[@justinparker7712]

I've never been done wrong by the Merrel Moab series of shoe. If you want more of a trail running shoe, Saucony Peregrine 12's have also always worked for me.

[@JonasWhite]

Everybody needs to try Altras. The people they work for, they REALLY work for…

[@judithressler4584]

Definitely love that head lamp. You have posted about it before and that's why I got it. It's awesome.

[@brendan31415]

When you get to 50k, go hiking with Dan Becker. Not sure if you will be able to keep up with him.

[@freeheel748]

Oh no you didn't

[@fastneataverage]

This would bring So. Many. Views.

[@kippaboard]

Glad you brought up the Altra issue... Ive been looking to move on because of the same issue... appreciate all the suggestions on here... I am about try Brooks Cascadia 16's on a friends suggestion... for some trail races. I will report back (keeping fresh altras as backup.... they did make a whole Camino Faces with no blisters... but the rock plates where dead after about 300 miles

[@roselee_explores]

Absolutely agree with the Nitecore being the best headlamp! But I did order it with the lighter headband ... for me it's actually more comfortable & easier to adjust than the standard headband/strap thing. Getting ready to order one for my mom since we end up doing night hiking. No suggestion on the shoes since I've been in the Lone Peaks for the past 3 years (and the Superiors for day hiking) but heard great things about Topo & Hoka ones.

[@GypsyGirl317]

I'm absolutely loving my Hokas! 😊 My hiking buddy is a lone peak fan.

[@dangerpudge1922]

On the Cascade Trekking poles: Costco sells those exact ones (I bought a pair) and they sell for just $32 there. They replaced a set of $65 REI poles and similarly priced Black Diamond poles which re prone to bend when used as a tarp/tent pole under tension. IMO the Cascade poles are actually better in a lot of ways (though I worry about that plastic 'nut' on the quick release lever assemblies; easily enough sorted with a little threaded knob). I'd also suspect that you could replace the tips, but it'd be a DIY thing. For me, I'm still solid with these poles

[@dougmorales6929]

For those suggesting Hoka Stinson, they are nice and very cushion-y but do not have a wide toe box so I can't wear them because of that, totally smashes my pinky toe on a flat trail (nevermind downhill!) I have a pair of the new Topo Pursuit on the way. They are zero drop and 28mm stack with a wide toe box so I can't wait to try them out! They are pretty new so not a lot of video reviews though but check them out if you can

[@johnmca5643]

I've been eyeballing those same Topo's.

[@lydiacamp4661]

I agree with you that Hoka shoes tend to be too narrow but when i switched from altra olympus to the Stinson i found that the toe box is wider than the other hokas and i have zero issues with them being too narrow. they are my favorite shoe. I can wear them all day without feeling tired and they are surprisingly durable. the foam in the sole does wear out fast though. but each person has to figure out for themselves what works for them

[@CBne1997]

I really like the Topo Ultraventures. Wide toe box with a slight drop. Durable Vibram sole. Cushion is not as soft as my Altra Timp 3’s, which I loved.

[@texmexia49]

Try their new Pursuits.

[@annielindsay5121]

Hoka Speed Goats 2E ( wide toe box), were used for the length of the Te Araroa by by Partner downsouth4awalk ( or trailname Geo). 4 pairs over the 3000km. The South Island is extremely hard on footwear, and had many water crossings. They were wet most days, and lasted very well. No blisters, no hot points. Totally recommended by Geo.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Recommend the Komperdell trekking poles (as someone who owns Black Diamond, Cascade Mountain Tech, and Komperdell). Insanely durable, customer service is second to none (many people have reported that they support repairs/replacement outside of the published warranty), and just great design. Cons would be that the basket mounting system is proprietary (great system but replacement/alternate baskets can be hard to source in the US), price for the high end models can be prohibitive (but you do have to balance durability and cost per year against potential abuse over more budget brands), and the market/footprint in the US is not as strong (yet) so sometimes they are hard to find your desired models and sales are less ubiquitous. From my research they have fewer failures in the field on their carbon models than the gossamer gear and BD equivalents- they roll their carbon differently and that *does* matter (and ultimately have a no questions asked policy if you manage to break them). But general performance is on par with the more "mainstream" brands (here in the US). My carbon Cascade Mountain poles have replaceable tips, but they are a different model. Mine are the two piece black ultra light with the EVA grip. They can take the Leki universal tip assemblies that you just knock off and replace with a crescent wrench and a little downward force. The collapsed length on my model is a bit of a con, only shrink down to 30".

[@toesockoutdoors3627]

My absolutely favorite piece of hiking gear are my Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles. Highly recommend.(and I noticed in Dixie’s videos she uses the same ones)

[@jaredgates4310]

I've had the same ones for 5 years. They've been great. Extremely durable, the cork handles soak up loads of sweat and I've never had the straps slip ever.

[@ShastaBubba]

Plus on one the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles. Bonus: I broke one section when I slipped in snow and it was easy and relatively cheap to replace.

[@WowCoolHorse]

@Steven Vanlancker I mean yeah if you put sharp pressure across the pole it'll break

[@jgalt99]

Same. I've had mine for over 10 years and at least 4km of trails. The tips are tungsten carbide. They're replaceable, I guess. I still have the original ones and they have some wear but nothing like what is depicted in this video. But then again Altra Lone Peaks last at least 600-700 miles for me and it's the soles that wear out before the uppers. I guess footwear is just super situational and you have to find a pair that fits your feet. Once you do that you're golden.

[@gingerthetrailpup7223]

I love my LA Sportiva Raptors … have been wearing them the last 4-5 yrs. The toe box has been enlarged on the most recent update so even more comfy with the extra space.

[@Farbulus]

I put a pair of Superfeet Orange's into my Altra Lone Peak 6's and it helped me, but I haven't done any through hikes with it. The extra absorption in the heel area it helps when stepping down onto hard surfaces. I have flat ass feet, (no arch shows when I put my wet foot onto concrete) and the extra 'arch' that the replacement sole adds helps correct my duck-footed walk.

[@kassonsalvador3650]

Topo Athletic!!! Wore Terraventures on my TRT thru. No ragrets. Also, Black Diamond trekking poles are awesome.

[@happyfuntimereviews5600]

Just bought my first pair of Brooks Cascadia 16s this year. Love them! I have a super wide/round foot and they fit like a dream. For 50K you should pack a chair for the whole season. Not one of those ultralight ones either, but a 2lb Amazon special...

[@HikerAT24]

I am looking forward to the zpack solo tent video. Thinking about getting it since it only uses one trek pole vs 2. Let’s go

[@sbz666_]

Cascade Mountain Tech sells all 3 pieces of their poles separately. You can't replace just the tip, but you can replace that bottom 1/3 section.

[@jziskind]

I’ll give you just the tip, just for a minute, just to see how it feels

[@rastan49]

50K motivation idea - backpack with Dan Becker in a 2 man tent.

[@cookiepirate2249]

1 man tent would be better

[@Fortuneadventures]

I was a Hoka Speedgoat 4 guy....on my last leg of the PCT this year I changed to Altra Olympus 4...best decision I've made...love those shoes.

[@rebeccaedwards8262]

I really liked the gear video you did years ago where you looked up the price of frog togs online during the video. The trekking pole bit reminded me of it.

[@savannahrichardson4747]

Try Topo's for your next trail runner. They have the wide toe box like Altra, Vibram sole, and a good amount of cushion underfoot. 10/10 would recommend!

[@johnmca5643]

I'm going to check them out for my next pair. The Topo Pursuit is 0 drop on a 28 mm stack height. Large toe box similar to Altra.

[@longsnowbros]

@@johnmca5643 I can vouch for these. I don’t have a ton of miles on them yet but I used the Runventure 4 for about 400 miles and loved them. I could have used them WAY longer (no holes in the upper, vibram sole holding up great) but they only have a 20mm stack height and the mid soles seemed to be compressed to very little by the end. The pursuits seem like they’ll fix that problem so I’m interested to see how they hold up.

[@obxchas]

I have a pair of Topo Athletic Phantom 2 running shoes that I bought on a whim and I'm now a Topo believer.

[@jcb5011]

I was looking at Topo vs Altra Lone Peak 6's. Are they more durable?

[@savannahrichardson4747]

@@jcb5011 I feel like the outer sole is because of the Vibram, but I can't speak for the durability of the upper in comparison. That can often vary person to person and where they tend to wear out shoes.

[@joshua-s]

You can swap the tips on the Cascade Mt trekking poles. I would've done it before the hike. I swapped out the originals for some Black Diamond tips. Those are much better quality. If you look it up online, you can find the directions. I think Andrew Skurka has an excellent tutorial on how to swap em out.

[@chrishill146]

Try Brooks trail runners. I love their running shoes and after trying several brands of boots and hiking shoes I finally got a pair of Brooks and love them. I use Black diamond trekking poles and they're great.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

I sort of understand Polycro or Polycryo ground sheet and pack liner. Yes they are extremely light weight. But the trade off is that they break down super easily. I got scrap Tyvek from a construction site and it works great, I have used it on dozens of nights on the train and it has maybe gotten a bit softer and less noisy, but it stiff holds up great.

[@heathervecchio6774]

100% with ya on the Altra insoles. They shouldn’t suck for what you’re spending!

[@hikethat401]

I’ve had really good luck with these shoes. And they’re very durable. Topo ultra venture pro

[@marias.5022]

great video as always 👍

[@yogalandawellnessyolandati7654]

I keep going back to good old Saucony trail runners. They’re wide in the toe box, sturdy, comfy. And affordable.

[@hobardo]

The Cascade Mountain tips are replaceable with Black Diamond tips, but it requires boiling water, so not easy to do on trail. Skurka has a guide on how to do it online.

[@ToadFart]

Boiling water is hard on trail?

[@babiesfartingfire6007]

Uhhhhh boiling water…. Hobardo wut

[@longsnowbros]

Definitely recommend Topo Athletic trail runners. If you’re a zero drop fan there’s a couple good choices (I’ve used the Runventure 4 and Pursuit and they’re both great) and there’s other 3-5mm drop options. They all have a vibram sole, more durable upper and a lower price than an Altra equivalent. It’s a no-brainer. For trekking poles, I’d recommend the Fizan Compact 3. Super super light, durable and have exchangeable tips. They’re about $75 bucks which is a good compromise between the cascade poles (I’ve used these for 1000+ miles and they’re good but the tips wore like you said with no replacement options) and a more expensive pair of poles (like the GG LT5 or Leki’s, which last about the same).

[@sway_onthetrail]

I only use Merrell MOAB Flight for my shoe choice. Extremely comfortable, wide toe box, great ankle support for a trail runner, very affordable, and have never had a hole or tear in them. Great tread on the bottom as well.

[@joel.wuestehube]

New nu25 ul got the shockcord from the start and finally USB c. That's the lamp to get

[@deannefalise2784]

I like topo trailventure. I had to switch to a hightop due to ankle rolls and was fed up with Altra for the same reason as you and I don't thru hike but the desert is really hard on them. I wish Keen made a wide toebox.

[@BackcountryTreks]

Love the comfort of Olympus 4s but you’re right. Price and durability sucks.

[@jcb5011]

I have the same Cascade Aluminum poles, you can buy just the bottom sections of the of poles that includes the tip, but they are $10 each. Also, try they Altra Lone Peak 6's, I wrecked them in the Adirondacks when I wasn't wearing the gaiters on some of those unmaintained herd trails and REI gave me a free warranty replacement.

[@anthonysmith7280]

Trecking poles, try Blackdiamond Carbon Cork poles. Great piece of gear. Ref the Altras, I used them last year on the AT, I liked them - but swapped them out every 500 miles and I used Superfeet Geen E insoles. Concur - the Altra insoles suck brother !!! Great video as ususal, keep on hammering out there brother.

[@pamelalynn3767]

for poles Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles- love mine

[@joshuahirsch6184]

Topo mountain racer 2 they are the Altra killer shoe. Wore them on a Grand Canyon R R.

[@caleighivanhoe478]

My hoka speed goats are the best thing for my Achilles. The extra cushion helps a ton.

[@chrisboswell6204]

I do believe Solomon makes some good trail running shoes.

[@jaredgates4310]

I've had really good luck with Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles. Had them for 5 years and they've never let me down.

[@lydiacamp4661]

agree. best trekking pole in my opinion. i thought about buying new ones but couldn’t justify it since my old ones that i’ve had for 9 years have nothing wrong with them

[@TheGrants-ow4kn]

I have the nike kiger 9's and im a BIG guy lol they are insanely comfortable and i wear them as hiking shoes and daily drivers and have no problems with them wearing out!

[@the_naturenerd]

Give New Balance's Trail Runners a look dude. I have wide feet, so I use them exclusively and I swear by them. Many of their models come in multiple widths, plus they're less expensive!

[@Two.gingers.adventures]

I love HOKA trailrunners, I use a mid because of ankle problems but I think the regular runners would be great too.

[@acg1189]

La Sportiva Akasha. Wide(r) and more cushioned than the brand’s normal fair and absolute tanks. Took mine to about running 700miles and it was the tread that wore out first. Only thing to note is their Euro size conversion is dumb, size up a full size to a size and a half as labeled in US size. (I’m a 10.5 in all other shoes but in that I wear a 12)

[@tomnoyb8301]

Been using Gossamer Gear LT4's for years. Sub-5oz ea. Twist-lok vs flip-lok. Removed straps, but they do have camera-screw (replaced with nylon-screw). Two-piece LT4's no longer available, but three-piece LT5's are almost as light?

[@theamericanhiker9655]

Still waiting for you at the gorge. Been here for a year……getting hungry

[@RCshowmen]

Wow…you never even looked to see if Cascade Mountain Gear sells replacement parts. $11 gets you the whole lower assembly. Do they wear out a little quicker? Yes but that’s still more economical than buying just the tip of most poles.

[@helpfulcommenter]

You can buy the tip sections from cascade mtn tech. $20 I replaced mine once on the pct

[@BearTrekAdventures]

Black Diamond Carbon Cork are great - over 1K miles and no sign of tips being worn down. CNOC poles are crap - heat humidity destroys the adhesive that holds on the locks. Any condensation issue with the ZPacks Solplex?

[@antonslegers9888]

Why would you not need to worry about a ground sheet since switching to the Zpacks tent? Whats different with that tent's bottom that it would need a groundsheet anymore?

[@ashmaybe9634]

Inov-8 shoes and boots are longlasting and they have different width fittings. Worth looking at when they have a sale on. They use graphene in the soles so they wear very slowly. I love mine, comfy out of the box and zero wear after 150 miles

[@brianmo180]

Solomon XA Pro trail runners 1.5 sizes above your normal shoe size. I consistently got 700-1000 miles with those on both the AT and PCT.

[@skebqc]

Try Saucony's? I started with the Peregrine but i'ce moved into Xodus Ultra's. I will not be looking back

[@hikinggsdmom8754]

The Salomon Ultra Glides are a lot wider and more supportive than the typical Salomons and fit like a dream. Worth trying.

[@jillronan6786]

You can get replacement tips at Cascade Mountain Tech’s website, though I imagine on a thru-hike that’s really annoying

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

I used to just buy Altra Timp's, but since Golden Harper sold the company, the shoes have so gone downhill. What a bummer. I bought a bunch of pre-sell out Timps, but they can only last so long before the foam breaks down, even in the box. What are you gonna do? Move to Topo's I guess.

[@chemistryflavored]

Yes to the NU25! And the headband mod isn’t goofy if your head is egg shaped like mine and thick bands slide right off.

[@deniswhite1534]

I switched from Lone Peaks to Northface Vectiv. Great shoes and the carbon plate significantly reduced post hike soreness

[@BurroGirl]

Hokas are the best for plush and wide toe box options but they also cost the same on average and they wear out ridiculously fast! But my messed up feet love them!

[@Theboomboomkid88]

First what do you do for a living to take so much time off from work to do these extensive hikes! Also speaking from about 70 miles a weekend, the hoka trail runners speedboat 5 have served me well and at a max of 650 miles per pair. That’s east coast northeast hiking/trekking.

[@freeskier4545]

Definetly check out the Black Diamond Carbon Cork poles! There super robust and really light, and will actually last in the long run. 👍🏼

[@karenforeman2459]

I used to be an altra lone peak addict. When I started having foot problems my doctor recommended hooka shoes. They are the most comfortable durable shoes I have ever worn.

[@NickEDowning]

Kyle, when you and Flossy picked "The One" for the thru-hike I was thrilled because it is the tent I owned. I've never had it out in rough conditions or even rain yet. So when you happily swapped it out because it let you down I was like, "oh-oh, I am in trouble if it rains when I am out there." Is it the kind of thing that if you seam-seal it well it should be okay? I know you also said it sagged, so I fear your answer. How did flossy make out with his tent?

[@ashmaybe9634]

A mate has the One and has had zero issues with it.

[@BurroGirl]

LOVE my NiteCore NU 25!!!!!

[@clayp520]

Trail runners - for a good budget shoe, try the Saucony Cohesion Trail.

[@helpfulcommenter]

I wore the Saucony Peregrine 11s (not the newer 12s) for 3/4 of my PCT miles this year. Three pairs. Great and durable shoes

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

I used the Olympus from Kent, CT to Katahdin. I agree they wear fast and the insoles suck ass. However, they worked for me. I agree on not changing up your shoe brand. I saw several people seriously hurt their legs and feet from doing that. Check out the Topo Ultraventure Pros. Big toe box, lots of cushion, and a rock plate, which worked well North of Duncannon.

[@cwesley2005]

Altras are awesome bro

[@Aestheticnerdlife]

I love the Blackdiamond flz distance plus Z-folding trekking poles much stiffer than the carbon ones and you can really put some weight on them.

[@ShastaBubba]

Still loving my Hoka Speedgoat 4 shoes. Ready for a new pair, but they lasted over 500 miles and super cushy.

[@tylerw2333]

You can buy the lower 1/3rd of the trekking poles for 1/3 of the price of the full pole. 15$? I can't remember, but I had to replace one of mine on the AT and just bought that.

[@zlanj3693]

BD Alpine Carbon Pro poles are so pricy but god damn I love them so much. Swappable tips, swappable baskets, cork handles, buy once-cry once! Check em out some time. Also so glad I didn't get Altra Olympus shoes

[@russellinthebush2897]

I've had good luck with my Thermarest NeoAir Xlite too. I've hiked half the AZT, the Wonderland Trail, the TRT, the CT, the PCT and the JMT, plus a lot of other hikes with it. I admit I've had to patch it 3 times, but it's still going strong. I've had much better luck with Polycro than you though. I believe I'm still using the one I took on the PCT, though it really needs to be replaced. Thanks Kyle!

[@SteveSmith-67]

They are the two reasons I ditched my lone peaks, wearing out far too quickly and the insole is rubbish, I now use the Topo terraventure 3 so far they are excellent 👍

[@michaelsorrentino3346]

I agree. Third pair of Altras and they wear out flat. No other shoes wear out as fast. The tread is way too soft. They would be amazing with Vibram/I’d pay 2x more

[@sheilaoregan8746]

Try out Topo Ultraventure’s. They’ve got a wide toe box. Lots of cushioning. Similar to Altras but better.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

Give Topo Athletic a try. Similar to Altra in profile and design but way more robustly built. Specifically, the Pursuit is the bomb.

[@phillipp1399]

For CMT poles can buy a new bottom section (including tip) from their website, pretty cheap.

[@annieerickson2359]

So you’re saying to go woth Leki if you want just the tip? I love my Ultra Timp 3’s

[@mercedesaponte6201]

I have the Altra Superior 3.5 (also discontinued) and I love them. They do wear out fast. I also like the Topos brand. Check them out for a light weight, uninsulated shoe for summer.

[@youbeknowin]

Hey Kyle so did you not use a footprint/ground sheet of any kind once you switched to the zpacks tent? And if so, why not? I watched all your pct vids but I don’t remember you talking about that or the reasoning behind it, so I’m just curious.

[@ewxlt]

Topo Athletic Ultraventure would be a good alternative to the Altra Olympus.

[@kristintoms8052]

Solomon speed cross but they run narrow so if they don’t feel good try the wide

[@brholder1]

Try out the Topo Athletic terraventure's. Wide toe box like Ultra but last a hellva lot longer.

[@stevendavis6556]

Have been hearing about good reviews on HOKA's Mafate Speed 4 shoe. I am kinda surprised that the Olympus did not last that long, especially since they have the Vibram sole which Lone Peaks don't .

[@Strychninex]

Hoka's for your next trail runner. I love my Speed Goat's

[@phycha07]

Give the Nike wild horse trail runners a try. Mine have served we well.

[@jessesanterre1254]

Just finished the AT with the Olympus 4, 1225 miles on them. Best piece of gear for me, everyone is different :P

[@lisajones8730]

I wore through a pair of Altra Torins within 100 miles and they did replace them. Oddly, I still wear the year before model and they're fine. Can't speak on the men's shoes but I have topos st-4, Salomon outpulse, hokas and a few lone peaks. I keep trying different brands but nothing compares to Altra for comfort. I wish they weren't so fragile !!!!

[@MeOutside]

I just picked up some Speed Goats on sale. Been wanting to try them for a while. After limited use they’re pretty comfortable. Time will tell on the durability.

[@Djhikes63]

Shoes, try salomons. I've hiked in about everything out there and finally landed on salomons and love them.

[@helpfulcommenter]

Too bad they fully adopted that asinine lacing system that sucks

[@Lv4_o2]

I have the same luv/hate relationship with my Altra Timps, my issue is that the cushion/inside wears out faster than the outside of shoe…except for my very first pair of Altras(Superior 3.5), those wore out equally on both the inside and outside.

[@jantefft2442]

How about saucony 12s

[@ArchDeusAirsoftNC]

I genuinely still love my Olympus 4, I do look forward to seeing them upgrade the design. (Hopefully)

[@ducttapeonthetrail9733]

If the Altra wear out too fast (mine one wear out just a week on PCT), send it home and take picture/ video, then send email to Altra for the warranty, they may send you the new shoes (in my last experience)

[@WeekendsOutsideFL]

Hoka speedgoat 5 baby!

[@shoresy6183]

The Z-packs dyneema groundsheet is only 2.5 oz for the Altaplex tent. I have one and can't say enough good things about it. It's ridiculously expensive but works great.

[@danielfegley2735]

Those are the same words I use for the Tom Petty song I thought I was the only one nothing shows I wear knee long shorts or cut off geans, good shoes are really hard for me to find because I'm a 14 extra wide I need my toe space like a crock but something that stays on my feet like a real shoe and a hard soul I don't spend much time hiking but I'm on my feet all day on a concrete floor

[@Andy-Mesa]

I commented on the poles early on. I used the same CMT poles and a previous pair and they both failed on me. Currently using Fizan poles (which I think actually you turned me onto) and they've been fine so far. I've been using Topo Terraventures for the last 300 miles. I keep eyeing HOKA Speedgoats but they have the same durability problem.