As the vibrant hues of autumn begin to fade, signaling the final stretch of fall and the imminent arrival of winter, outdoor enthusiasts are keenly evaluating the equipment that will see them through the colder months. This past October, the editorial team at Backpacker magazine embraced the changing seasons with a series of adventures that spanned diverse terrains and climates. From a challenging backpacking trip on Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail to exploratory excursions in the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, leisurely strolls on local Vermont trails, and even an early taste of ski season in the Colorado Rockies, their experiences provided a rigorous testing ground for a range of outdoor gear. This curated selection highlights the innovations and reliable classics that proved instrumental in their pursuits, offering insights into what truly performs when the temperatures drop and the trails call. Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol: The Enduring Classic for Essential Comfort In the world of backcountry sleeping pads, certain items achieve iconic status for their unwavering performance and practicality. The Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol, a folding closed-cell foam pad, stands as a prime example of such enduring design. Priced at a accessible $60, this pad is a ubiquitous presence among backpackers, and for good reason. Its fundamental strength lies in its inherent durability. Unlike inflatable pads, the Z-Lite Sol is virtually unpoppable, a critical advantage for those who frequent rugged desert environments where sharp rocks and abrasive surfaces are a constant threat. This resilience eliminates the anxiety of a punctured pad ruining a night’s sleep, a peace of mind that is invaluable in remote settings. Furthermore, the Z-Lite Sol’s design bypasses the need for inflation or deflation, streamlining both the setup and breakdown of camp. This simple yet significant convenience saves precious time and energy, particularly after a long day on the trail or in the early morning rush to depart. Weighing in at a mere 14 ounces for a regular size, its lightweight nature also contributes to a manageable pack load, a crucial consideration for any long-distance trekker. While comfort is a subjective metric, the Z-Lite Sol’s unique egg-crate-style design offers a notable improvement over flatter closed-cell alternatives. Though it may not provide the same level of plush cushioning as some high-end inflatable pads, especially for side sleepers or those sensitive to the cold (its R-value of 2.0 offers moderate insulation), its textured surface provides a surprising degree of comfort. Adam Roy, Editor-in-Chief of Backpacker, humorously suggests that if one isn’t tired enough to sleep soundly on this pad, perhaps the solution lies in increasing the day’s mileage rather than solely relying on sleep system luxury. This pragmatic approach underscores the Z-Lite Sol’s role as a foundational piece of sleep gear, prioritizing reliability and simplicity. The pad’s widespread adoption is a testament to its proven effectiveness and its ability to meet the core needs of a vast spectrum of backpackers. Ruffwear Palisades Sleep Poncho: Innovative Warmth for Canine Companions As the popularity of backpacking with dogs continues to grow, so does the demand for specialized gear that addresses the unique needs of canine adventurers. Senior Editor Zoe Gates encountered a familiar dilemma: ensuring her larger dog remained warm and comfortable during chilly nights in the backcountry, a challenge that traditional dog jackets or sleeping bags often fail to fully resolve. The Ruffwear Palisades Sleep Poncho emerges as a groundbreaking solution, offering a novel approach to canine comfort. Retailing at $100, this wearable sleeping bag is designed to provide full-coverage warmth without the confinement of a traditional sleeping bag or the limited insulation of a jacket. The poncho’s ingenious design allows it to slip over the dog’s head and drape over their back, providing a cocoon of warmth that moves with the animal. This freedom of movement is crucial for dogs who may need to adjust their sleeping position, curl up, or sprawl out, all without compromising their thermal protection. The use of a ripstop shell and packable synthetic insulation ensures durability and effective heat retention. Key features contribute to its superior performance. A cinchable neck baffle effectively seals in warmth, preventing heat loss from the neck area. Adjustable leg loops secure the poncho in place, preventing it from shifting or slipping during the night, a common issue with simpler blanket-style solutions. Furthermore, a thoughtful design element allows for easy bundling of the rear of the poncho with a button, facilitating convenient potty breaks without the need to fully remove the garment. Gates’ experience during an October camping trip in Washington’s Mt. Baker Wilderness, where temperatures plunged below freezing, highlights the poncho’s efficacy. Her dog, typically restless during cold nights, slept soundly throughout the evening, nestled comfortably beneath the Palisades Poncho. The contrast between the frozen water dish and her dog’s contented warmth underscored the garment’s insulating capabilities. When paired with a pup-sized foam pad, the Ruffwear Palisades Sleep Poncho creates a comprehensive doggy sleep system that instills confidence in owners, ensuring their four-legged companions can fully enjoy the wilderness experience. The added bonus of its undeniable cuteness further solidifies its appeal. Thrudark Charge Trousers: A Premium Investment in Durability and Design The realm of hiking apparel often presents a spectrum of options, from budget-friendly essentials to high-performance, premium-priced gear. The Thrudark Charge Trousers, with a price tag of $430, undoubtedly fall into the latter category, prompting a thorough examination of their value proposition. Associate Editor Will Brendza acknowledges the initial sticker shock, comparing the cost to that of weatherproof snow pants, a significant investment for a single pair of hiking trousers. However, he contends that the Charge Trousers distinguish themselves through exceptional craftsmanship, intelligent design, and the use of high-caliber materials, some of which are rarely encountered outside of specialized packs and tents. Brendza identifies three primary attributes that elevate these pants: Firstly, the meticulously planned pocket layout is a standout feature. Despite the presence of six pockets, all strategically located on the front of the trousers, they maintain a sleek, non-cargo pant aesthetic. This thoughtful placement ensures easy access to essentials without compromising the garment’s streamlined appearance. The ankle cuffs are equipped with snap-button adjusters, allowing for customizable tightness to suit individual preferences and the demands of various activities. Furthermore, the inclusion of integrated Velcro waist adjusters provides a precise, dialed-in fit, a feature often omitted when belt loops are present. Thrudark’s decision to include belt loops even with the adjustable waistband is a detail that many users, including Brendza, deeply appreciate. Secondly, the materials employed in the construction of the Charge Trousers are a testament to their premium nature. A high-tensile cotton blend is seamlessly integrated with Dyneema-Cordura, resulting in a fabric that is both exceptionally durable and surprisingly lightweight. The knees are reinforced with this robust blend, offering formidable protection that allows for kneeling on rough surfaces with confidence. A four-way stretch material is strategically incorporated into the rear panel, providing unparalleled freedom of movement across the posterior, ensuring comfort during dynamic activities. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly for any garment, the Charge Trousers are simply comfortable to wear. This is a quality that Brendza notes is not universally present in all hiking pants. Despite these strengths, the steep price remains the most significant drawback. Additionally, questions may arise regarding the long-term performance of the cotton elements in prolonged wet conditions or under extreme perspiration. While Brendza playfully suggests the addition of a rear pocket, he ultimately concedes that the current configuration, with its seven pockets, is already more than sufficient for most users. The Thrudark Charge Trousers represent a significant investment, but for those prioritizing exceptional build quality, thoughtful design, and robust materials in their hiking apparel, they may indeed prove to be a worthwhile, albeit luxurious, addition to their outdoor wardrobe. Ornot Alpha Wool Pullover: The Next Evolution in Breathable Insulation The ongoing innovation in outdoor fabric technology continues to redefine performance standards, particularly in the realm of insulation. Polartec, a leading fabric manufacturer renowned for its fleece technologies, has recently introduced two advanced iterations of its popular Alpha fabric. These new materials are poised to make a significant impact across the outdoor industry, appearing in garments from major brands and smaller, specialized outfitters alike. Among these advancements is Alpha Wool, a novel fabric that ingeniously combines a wool base weave with strategically placed tufts of Alpha polyester insulation on the exterior. Benjamin Tepler, Senior Gear Editor at Backpacker, has been testing an early sample of this innovative material: a crew pullover from the cycling-focused brand Ornot. While not achieving the ultra-lightweight profile of pure Alpha fabric, this pullover registers a mere 8.5 ounces in a medium size, positioning it as lighter than traditional micro-grid fleece. The inclusion of the wool base layer offers a distinct advantage: it renders the fabric entirely odor-resistant, a highly desirable trait for extended trips and multi-day adventures. Beyond its odor-fighting capabilities, Alpha Wool exhibits a suite of enhanced properties compared to standard Alpha fabric. It demonstrates slightly improved wind resistance, a softer hand feel, increased warmth, and greater overall durability. These combined attributes make the Ornot Alpha Wool Pullover a compelling option for those seeking a versatile mid-layer that balances breathability, insulation, and odor management, pushing the boundaries of what activewear can achieve in varying conditions. This development signals a promising trend towards more sophisticated and functional layering systems for the coming winter season. Post navigation Listen to the sounds of the PCT with this free map.
