Echoes of the Trail: Beloved Discontinued Gear We Wish We Could Still Buy

Published March 16, 2026, 04:00 PM

At Backpacker, we pride ourselves on embracing innovation, not succumbing to the siren song of nostalgia, especially when it comes to our gear. Over our five decades of exploring the wild, equipment has undergone a revolutionary transformation, becoming exponentially lighter, more functional, and remarkably versatile. This evolution has empowered hikers to venture further and push their physical limits with significantly less strain. Even within my tenure at the magazine, a mere decade, I’ve witnessed the widespread adoption of ultralight gear. What was once the exclusive domain of extreme minimalists, requiring obsessive weight-saving measures like shaving off toothbrush handles, has now entered the mainstream, made accessible by advancements in lightweight materials and sophisticated manufacturing techniques that enhance user-friendliness.

However, even the most forward-thinking among us harbor a fondness for certain pieces of past equipment, items that have etched themselves into our memories and proven their worth on countless adventures. Back in 2024, we initiated a nostalgic deep dive, polling our colleagues across Backpacker and our sister publication, Outside, about the now-unavailable gear they most wished they could still purchase. The responses painted a vivid picture of beloved items, ranging from iconic Dana Design backpacks and an array of discontinued energy gel flavors to a surprisingly cherished camp pillow that seemingly offered unparalleled comfort. This year, we decided to revisit this wellspring of collective memory, expanding our list with newly missed products that continue to resonate with our staff. These eight items, in particular, remain firmly on our minds.

Altra Vanish XC Trail Runners: The Featherweight All-Rounder

Altra, a brand renowned for its commitment to natural foot mechanics, initially marketed the Vanish XC trail runners to the niche world of cross-country racers. While I personally never competed in them, their inherent versatility quickly transformed them into one of my favorite trail shoes. For those accustomed to minimalist footwear, the Vanish XC offered exceptional hiking performance, providing reliable grip on both loose scree and rugged, rocky terrain. The breathable mesh upper proved particularly advantageous for multi-sport excursions, seamlessly transitioning from a kayaking paddle to a demanding day hike. Weighing in at a mere 5.5 ounces – a stark contrast to the approximately double weight of Altra’s current flagship Lone Peak model – these shoes were so light they could be easily stashed in a pack. Their utility extended to various scenarios: I’ve utilized them for creek crossings, as a comfortable sandal substitute, and even paired them with thick wool socks for cozy camp footwear during shoulder-season trips. Despite the considerable mileage and diverse applications, the rubber heel and forefoot on my cherished pair are still holding their own, but the inevitable day they finally succumb to wear and tear will undoubtedly be a moment of significant loss.

For a comparable experience, consider the Astral Loyak AC, known for its amphibious capabilities and lightweight design.

Bight Gear Solstice Graphene Hoody: Unyielding Durability in Sun Protection

While not the absolute pinnacle of comfort, stretch, or aesthetic appeal among sun hoodies, the Bight Gear Solstice Graphene Hoody distinguished itself through its extraordinary durability. In the nearly ten years I’ve owned this 55+ UPF-rated garment, it has endured relentless abuse: scraped across abrasive limestone, submerged in saltwater, snagged by thorny branches, subjected to the enthusiastic claws of dogs, and subjected to nearly every conceivable form of outdoor wear and tear. Remarkably, I have yet to discover a single pinhole or even significant pilling on its fabric. The graphene-infused fabric offers a pleasant, cotton-like feel while still boasting reasonably quick drying times. Its generously sized hood effectively accommodates a baseball cap underneath, providing excellent facial shade, and the integrated thumbholes in the sleeves are a thoughtful touch for those committed to sun protection without the necessity of gloves.

A worthy alternative offering robust sun protection and comfort is the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie.

Mountainsmith Slingback Chair: The Ingenious Trekking Pole Seat

As someone who generally prioritizes trail comfort over campsite luxury, I rarely entertain the idea of carrying a dedicated camp chair on backpacking trips. However, the Mountainsmith Slingback presented a compelling exception. This remarkably lightweight (5 ounces) roll of heavy-duty fabric featured ingeniously sewn pockets designed to accommodate the handles of trekking poles. By inserting the poles, crossing them, and leaning back, one could achieve a surprisingly stable and comfortable approximation of a camp chair. While it lacked under-buttock cushioning, its ability to provide a genuine lounging experience far surpassed that of a simple sit pad. The freedom to truly recline and relax was a luxury few other ultralight camp solutions could offer.

For a modern, ultralight solution that approximates the Slingback’s minimalist comfort, explore the Litesmith QwikBack UL Chair.

Saucony Peregrine ST Trail Runners: Mastering the Muddy Spring Thaw

The spring melt period often presents some of the most challenging hiking conditions. As temperatures begin to rise, trails frequently transform into a treacherous mix of mud, slush, and lingering snow. The Saucony Peregrine ST was meticulously engineered to excel in these specific conditions. Its aggressive, deep lugs provided exceptional traction, allowing for confident footing even on slick, saturated treadpaths. Senior Editor Zoe Gates lauded their grip in a 2024 review, specifically highlighting the convenience of the quick-lace system for on-the-fly adjustments, a feature that neatly tucks away into a small pouch on the tongue when not in use, preventing snagging.

For similar performance in challenging, wet conditions, the Salomon Speedcross 6 offers aggressive traction and reliable support.

Outdoor Research Transition Hoody: The Unsung Ultralight Warmth Provider

I can attest to the enduring appeal of this garment firsthand; I am wearing it as I compose these words. When the Outdoor Research Transition Hoody was introduced roughly a decade ago, it entered a crowded market of ultralight fleeces. However, it consistently held its own in the years that followed. Weighing in at a mere 9.7 ounces for a men’s large – a notable advantage over Patagonia’s renowned R1 fleece – the Transition Hoody delivers a surprising amount of warmth for its gossamer weight. It serves as an ideal standalone layer on cooler summer hikes or as a crucial mid-layer beneath a hardshell jacket during colder seasons, thanks to its trim, non-bulky cut. The robust flatlock seams, integrated thumbholes, and full-length zipper—a feature that greatly simplifies donning and doffing compared to quarter-zip models—all contribute to its exceptional functionality and comfort.

The Outdoor Vitals Pursuit Hybrid Fleece offers a comparable blend of lightweight warmth and technical features.

GoLite: The Pioneer of Affordable Ultralight Backpacking

The brand name "GoLite" consistently emerged as a recurring sentiment when we first canvassed our colleagues in 2024 for their most missed backpacking gear. While Ray Jardine, a foundational figure in ultralight backpacking, may not have held the company he helped establish in the highest regard, GoLite’s lightweight and affordably priced shelters, packs, and apparel cultivated a fiercely loyal following. These dedicated enthusiasts continue to cherish and meticulously maintain the GoLite models they possess. Each individual has their preferred piece of GoLite heritage: Andy Crampton, Outside’s principal engineer, specifically praised the Shangri-La 2 Tarp Shelter, a floorless pyramid design that was erected using trekking poles and originally retailed for a modest $150. Isabelle Wong, Outside’s lead support operations specialist, shared that her husband still relies on his 70-liter GoLite Jam pack for his backpacking adventures.

For contemporary ultralight shelters and packs that embody the spirit of GoLite, explore offerings from Six Moon Designs.

Mystery Ranch Sphinx and Mystic: Conquerors of Heavy Loads

Much like GoLite, the Mystery Ranch brand has a remarkable ability to evoke strong feelings of nostalgia among backpackers. Their innovative and user-friendly packs garnered a dedicated fanbase, particularly before Yeti acquired the company in January 2024, leading to a strategic refocus on their military, fire, and hunting divisions. Among the staff favorites were the Sphinx (men’s) and Mystic (women’s) packs, renowned for their exceptional ability to manage and distribute heavy loads with unparalleled efficiency. The sophisticated frame system, comprising two flexible fiberglass stays and a carbon-fiber crossbar, effectively transferred weight to the hips, minimizing strain. The pack’s robust 210-denier exterior fabric proved remarkably resistant to abrasions from rocks, tree branches, and any other obstacles encountered on the trail.

For a modern pack that excels at carrying substantial loads with advanced suspension systems, consider the Deuter Aircontact Pro 75 + 10.

Gore Wear H5 Gore-Tex Shakedry Jacket: The Rain Shell That Repelled Without Effort

Gore announced the discontinuation of its groundbreaking Shakedry fabric in 2022, and it was only a few years later that the final products featuring this innovative material vanished from retail shelves. In hindsight, this discontinuation may have been a necessary evolution. Unlike most technical jacket membranes, which are paired with a DWR-treated face fabric, Gore ingeniously positioned the Shakedry membrane on the exterior. The company claimed this unique construction would permanently repel water without the need for reapplication of waterproofing treatments. Unfortunately, this remarkable performance was intrinsically linked to PFAS, a class of chemicals known as "forever chemicals" due to their extreme environmental persistence and potential health concerns. While we acknowledge the environmental implications and the rationale behind its discontinuation, the unparalleled breathability and maintenance-free water repellency of the H5 jacket are undeniably missed. The Gore Wear H5, utilizing this advanced fabric, created a jacket that weighed a mere 8.2 ounces for a men’s large, packed neatly into its own hand pocket, and was remarkably durable, even when subjected to the abrasion of a backpack’s straps.

For a lightweight, highly breathable, and packable rain jacket, the Rab Downpour Light offers an excellent alternative.