CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESThere’s no reason not to hike with these eight products, picked out by Active Junky gear reviewers after a recent trip to Chile’s Puerto Varas and Chiloé Island. Take a look and stride into the wilderness confidently in 2016.
This piece keeps showing up on our backs whenever the temp dips slightly or the wind picks up. Stir easy-wearing looks into a 70gm insulated piece to stand tall against coastal breezes and incoming mountain weather.
Best For: Three season travel and casual use beyond hiking and camping
The Go Bottle turns available water sources into reliable hydration. Free running streams and marginal lakes in Chile still meant water security with a 6oz bottle that processed 22oz of water in moments – no batteries needed.
Best For: Domestic and international travel
Knowing directions matters especially when GPS signals grow faint. With a built-in inclinometer, TruArc 20 is under 4oz and totally capable. Sight with the clear compass, adjust thanks to an easy-turning dial on top of a stable 2.5” sure-grip base. Get home with more stories and less heartache thanks to Brunton.
Best For: All-season, international use including snowsports where the inclinometer is crucial
At under 500g, the Terrex still repelled wind on ridgelines and open-country gusts in Chile. A slim fit, adjustable hood and elastic cuffs slash the jacket’s weight while making this our new expedition “hoody.” Comfort extends to in-transit moments after the piece refuses to take a beating in the backcountry.
Best For: Wear in mild to moderate wind and precipitation
Sound and wrist vibration turned groggy mornings into on-trail adrenaline. Now there’s no excuse for late starts or poor time management; classic Indiglo brilliance shines forth in the darkest nights. Water and impact resistant, Vibe Shock rattled our cage to make the most of every day in Chile.
Best For: Travel that requires rapid resetting including alarms and timers
Every toe gets what it has coming: cushioning, moisture management and abrasion resistance. Preventing hot spots across Chile’s mixed and rugged terrain, NuWool was worth 60 seconds more to put on each day. Don’t be afraid to multi-sport this one as Active Junky paddled and cycled well beyond Chiloé Island’s stunning trails.
Best For: Extended hiking, hard-use multi-sport including in-transit sink washing
Few 2oz pieces of gear carry the performance and strength of the Aegis. Meaning “shield” or “protection” in Greek, this model from always-reliable SOG featured a 3” TiNi blade with bigger-than-life cutting capability. Mixed chores on Chile’s wind-pounded Pacific Coast verified our first reaction: Buy one, carry it and abandon regrets.
Best For: Adventure travel where cutting, slicing and fine point work are needed
Plowing up a trail, this stunner from Ahnu was powered by eVent technology and underpinned by Vibram outsoles. Solid striding in all conditions made for faster miles – and more time to reflect on stunning views in all directions. The padded, leather-lined collar added comfort to get Montara II off the trail and on to pavement (even dance floors if needed).
Best For: Three-season trekking, loads up to 40lbs
