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Finding the perfect clothing to hike in can be a challenge, particularly if your body doesn't work well wearing unisex clothing. In the past there were not many women's-specific clothing items created for hiking and backpacking. Luckily more manufacturers are designing and selling clothes made for women and their specific needs, and many are providing extended sizing to accommodate more of us.

Here are some favorite items that are made specifically for women, although individual preferences and requirements vary.
Best Women's Hiking Pants
Most of the time, I prefer to hike in long pants, as I tend to be off-trail often and wish to avoid scratches and scrapes on my legs. Also, having long pants helps avoid mosquito-bites and sunburn in the summer. The pants listed below all have been tested on the trail, but since we all have unique shapes and preferences, be sure to try these on before heading out for a long hike.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants ($110) are very comfortable and lightweight with a decent amount of stretch. The fabric is so light, that I can wear it on the hottest days without any issue of overheating, and they dry very quickly. Surprisingly, the material is quite durable for being so thin. These are mid-rise pants and do tend to run large - luckily the drawstring around the waist can help to adjust them further. There are drawstrings around the leg cuffs also, which is great for modifying fit, but I've also found myself stepping on them at times. Overall, these pants are so comfortable, that I keep going back to them despite the other pairs of pants I have. Extended sizing from 0 to 24W (some petite & tall also available).
If you prefer convertible pants, the REI Sahara Convertible Pants ($89.85) are a good bet. They zip off just above the knee to become shorts on those hotter hiking days. There are also zippers that run up the outside of the leg from the foot to the shorts, so you can partially unzip for ventilation or unzip completely and convert to shorts without taking off your shoes/boots. These are mid-rise pants, and are quick drying and treated with DWR to resist water as well. Keep in mind, the zippered areas will have less stretch, so be sure they are comfortable for you before taking them on a trip particularly if (like me) you have thicker thighs. Sizes 0 to 26W, with tall and petite up to size 16.

For versatile pants that work great on the trail as well as around town, check out Prana Halle Pants ($95). These are boot-cut and low-rise, and have 2 buttons at the waist along with a drawstring. The material is a bit thicker and less breathable than the ones above, so keep the conditions in mind when you look at these pants. I like to wear them on shoulder-season hikes for this reason, but on the other hand they are very durable and well-made. They are treated to be water repellent and UPF50+. Prana also offers the Stretch Zion Halle Pants, which are straight-legged and mid-rise with a slightly lighter but similar fabric. Both come in sizes 00 to 16.
A well-known name in outdoor clothing, Columbia offers several hiking pant options including the Leslie Falls Convertible Pants ($85). These pants are made with UPF50 fabric with Omni-Shield to be repellent to rain and stains. They convert to shorts with zippers above the knees, and they also convert to capris by rolling up the cuffs and securing with snaps on each leg. They are available in short, regular, and long inseams in sizes 2-18, as well as 16W to 24W and are slim-fitting in the hips and thighs, so you may consider sizing up if you'd like a looser fit.
Best Women's Hiking Skorts / Skirts
If you prefer hiking in a skirt, a proven favorite is the Purple Rain Adventure Skirt ($79.99) which is designed by a hiker specifically for the trail, although it looks great off the trail too. It is synthetic and water resistant (PFAS-free DWR), with pockets and a comfortable waistband for under your hip belt. Sizes XS to 3XL.

If you prefer skorts, the Prana Koen Skort ($74) is a great choice. The Koen Skort has a thick and comfortable waistband that doesn't roll and can be cinched for better fit. It is made of a lightweight, quick-drying material and can be made shorter by cinching up the sides. The shorts are quite comfortable for hiking, not too tight and not too short. Sizes XS to XXL.
Best Women's Hiking Shirts
There are so many variations of shirts to wear on the trail, and I often switch things up depending on the location and weather conditions of my hikes. Also, many of these shirts allow for layering, which is the best way to account for changing conditions. Here are some items I've found that work well.
T-Shirts
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt ($49) is a short sleeved, synthetic, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying t-shirt that comes in several colors and with graphic tee options as well. This is a good basic t-shirt that is comfortable with a little stretch, and it will work well under other shirts or on its own. Sizes XXS to XXL.
For wool the Woolverino Microweight 145 Women's Wool V-Neck ($69.99) is a lightweight tee made with a merino wool blend (84% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 4% Spandex). It has raglan sleeves for comfort, and is long enough to fit under backpack hip belts. Although a great shirt, be careful to avoid snags and significant abrasion. It is machine washable and UPF20. Sizes XS to 2X.
Our own TrailGroove synthetic Performance Shirt is also a go-to of mine on warmer hikes and serving as a baselayer in other conditions. The more relaxed fit allows for comfort and breathability and being 100% synthetic, it dries extremely fast.

An affordable and versatile option is the Under Armour Women’s Tech Twist Short Sleeve V-Neck ($25). This synthetic t-shirt also comes in a crew neck and in many colors. It is a very lightweight shirt that can be used for running, hiking, or any other workout as it is sweat-wicking and quick-drying. Friendly note: the lighter colors can be slightly transparent. Sizes XS to 3X.
Tank Tops
The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Tank Top ($34.95) is a UPF 50+ sleeveless top that is perfect for hiking in hot conditions. It has a higher neck and is long enough to fit below hip belts. As with most of our options, it is quick drying and comes in a large range of sizes. Be sure to protect those shoulders if you'll be in the sun, though! Sizes XS to 3X.
A tank version of the Woolverino tee above – the Woolverino Women's Racerback Tank Top ($59.99) – has the same breathable, lightweight wool blend as the tee, but in a sleeveless racerback. This shirt has less coverage than the REI tank above, and is machine washable. Again, handle with care and watch for snags. Sizes XS to 3X.
Long Sleeve Sun Protection
When you need extra sun protection, check out the Outdoor Research Echo Long Sleeve Shirt ($65). It has raglan sleeves and flat seams to allow easy movement with comfort. It is made of a very lightweight, stretchy, and extremely breathable fabric – so much that it can be see-through. The Echo shirt can be used as a base layer for all 4 seasons as well and is UPF 15. Previous versions had roll down cuffs to cover hands, and I’m hoping OR will consider adding that back to newer versions. Sizes XXS to XXL.

For a more traditional, collared shirt, the Columbia PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Women's Shirt ($60) is a classic choice. It has snaps instead of buttons, and is a very lightweight shirt with UPF40 protection. This shirt is easy to layer with a tank or t-shirt underneath. It has a vented back, zippered side pockets and roll-up sleeves. Sizes XS to 3X.
For ultimate sun-protection, especially on the back of your neck, a hooded shirt is a great option. The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Hoody ($79) is UPF50+ and made of a lightweight, "solar knit jersey" with flat seam construction for comfort. There is a drawcord at the hem to shorten if needed, and it has thumbholes that allow extra coverage over hands. There is one small zippered pocket for valuables on the side. Another very light option can be found in the Altitude Sun Hoodie (from Outdoor Vitals) and for an option in wool, look at the Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie. Wear with a baseball cap (see the TrailGroove Store) or trucker hat to provide more coverage. Sizes XS to 3X.
Best Women's Outerwear (Rain Gear, Insulated Jackets)
When hiking on overnight and longer trips, carrying the right outerwear allows you to be prepared for any weather situation. It's important to pay attention to current conditions as well as forecasts, but sometimes a storm will surprise you even with the most pleasant hiking forecast. When backpacking in the warmer months, I stick to ultralight items as they spend most of their time in my backpack, but I do need them to be dependable for the few times I do need them. Typically, this includes a rain jacket and rain pants (stored where I can access them quickly) and an insulated jacket for warmth. During colder trips, I will layer these items and sometimes add more specialized winter clothing.

One ultralight women's rain jacket is the Marmot Women's Superalloy Bio Rain Jacket ($185) which is quite lightweight and listed as 5 oz, although mine is slightly higher at 5.75 oz. This jacket has a zippered chest pocket which can be used as a stuff sack for easy packing. It is made with Marmot's NanoPro breathable fabric membrane and taped seams, being both waterproof and windproof. Sizes XS to XL.
Zpacks offers the Women's Vertice Rain Jacket ($299) which weighs just 5.1 oz. It is made with their Vertice Waterproof Breathable Fabric and has fully taped seams. This jacket runs a little long for full rain protection and ease of use with a backpack. There is a visor in the hood that adjusts vertically with a strap on the back of the hood, and a zippered chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. There are waterproof armpit zippers for ventilation. Sizes XS to XL. The Zpacks Women's Vertice Rain Pants are similarly made with the Vertice Waterproof Breathable Fabric and weigh just 2.5 oz. These pants come in sizes S to XXL.

For warmth, I carry a packable down jacket which I store protected in my pack to keep from getting wet. Some may prefer a synthetic jacket instead of down, which will also work well, but may not pack as small and will likely weigh a bit more. My go-to is the Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka ($285). It is quite warm for its weight (12.8 oz) and made with 800 Fill Power EX down. The Alpine Light has some thoughtful features, such as an adjustable hood for a close fit and zip end guards to protect your face/chin from getting poked by the end of the zipper (I wish all jackets had this).
One thing to note...the jackets listed above only go to up women's size XL. So, if you are in need of a larger size in this type of clothing, the men's sizes go up to XXL which will give larger chest and hip/waist measurements, but also longer sleeves. That said, the REI Co-op Women's Magma Down Hoodie offers a more budget-friendly option here that goes up to 3X in women's sizing.
There are many other options for rain jackets in extended sizes, but they have a tradeoff in being much heavier materials. One exception might be the Frogg Toggs Women's Xtreme Lite Hooded Jacket ($69.99) which comes in sizes S through 2XL.
Best Women’s Backpacking / Hiking Base Layers
The perfect base layers are essential for backpacking trips with cooler overnight temperatures or when hiking in very cold conditions. The base layers can also serve as comfortable (and clean) pajamas to keep your sleeping bag clean. There are many options, but remember you want to have breathable and moisture-wicking clothes in case you have to wear them while hiking. Also, the lighter the better in many cases, if you'll be carrying them on your back much of the time.

Made with a breathable fabric, the REI Co-op Lightweight Half-Zip Base Layer Top and Tights are a dependable choice. $49.95 (top) & $44.95 (tights). These all-synthetic pieces (92% recycled polyester) are also UPF50+, and the top is high-neck and half-zip for warmth but with the flexibility to unzip and cool down a bit. The top also has underarm gussets, and both top and bottoms have flat seams. Both pieces are offered in sizes XS-3X, and the tights have Petite sizing options. The top weighs 5.7 oz, and the tights weigh 4.3 oz.
For a more natural fabric, there is the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew & Bottom ($125 each) which come in sizes XS-4X and in several colors and patterns. These are made from 100% merino wool, which has the natural benefits of temperature regulation and odor resistance. The top also comes in quarter-zip. 7.69 oz top. 7.3 oz bottom.
Best Women’s Hiking Underwear
Underwear choices are so individual, not just because of preferences, but also because of our unique bodies. The suggestions below will not work for everyone, and again, make sure what you have fits well and is comfortable before heading out on a trip. No one wants underclothes that itch, bunch, or slide around when you're trying to enjoy a hike.
The REI Co-op Active Bikini Underwear ($19.95) are a good synthetic choice. They are made of fast-drying and moisture-wicking fabric and are not super tight. I have a pair that has lasted several years with very little sign of wear. These are so lightweight that it's easy to throw an extra pair or two in your pack. Sizes XS to 3X.

The Woolly Women's Bikini Brief ($34) is made of natural fibers and also comes in hipster, thong, and high-waisted options. The merino wool is blended with 5% elastane, and may stretch quite a lot after a while of hiking. Again, make sure the fit is right and that it's comfortable for you. Sizes X-Small to XX-Large.
Sports Bras for Hiking
Regarding bras, it is best to pick one that fits you well, doesn't cause friction with your backpack, and doesn't slip while hiking. Some women go very light with a bralette, while others prefer (or require) more support even including underwire and thick padding. My preferences have tended to be in the middle. One example is the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Lift Your Spirits Bra ($66); it is a moisture-wicking sports bra with removable pads. It provides light to medium support and comes in sizes XX-Small to 4X.
For lighter coverage, there is the Branwyn Essential Bralette ($52), which has no underwire or padding, but is a seamless merino blend. This bralette has the benefits of merino that make it a good choice for sweaty hikes. The "gentle support" is comfortable, but may not work for women who require more support / prefer more coverage while hiking. It has convertible straps, which can be used to make it a crossback bra to help avoid chafing. Comes in sizes XS to XXL. Branwyn also makes the Essential Busty Bra ($62) with a thicker band, larger cups, and slightly wider (still convertible) straps, but is still lightweight without padding or underwire.

For a bra with more support, there is the Under Armour Infinity Mid Impact Sports Bra ($40). It has injection-molded pads (not removable) that feel very light along with a sweat-wicking band. There is a hook and eye closure in the back for easy on/off, and the straps can be worn straight or crossback by detaching at the front. There are small mesh panels on the sides to provide extra ventilation. Available in sizes XS to XL, in 2 options (A-C cup, D-DD cup), and also available in plus sizes 1X-3X.

While this guide should get you started, it all comes down to what clothing works best for you on the trail and in the conditions you expect to encounter.
Conclusion
Hopefully these suggestions help you get on the trail with clothes that don’t just work but work and fit well. In addition to the suggestions above, be sure to check out REI Co-op clearance sales in the Outlet for highly-rated backpacking and hiking gear for a discounted price.

While backpacking during an all-day rain presents its own challenges when it comes to staying dry – or as dry as possible – protecting your gear and the items in your pack that must stay dry comes with its own set of considerations. Having a dry jacket, clothes, and a dry sleep system at the end of a long rainy day is not only backpacking luxury, it’s also critical to our safety on the trail. And whether rain is in the forecast or not, in most backpacking locations we still need a strategy to keep our gear dry in the case of an unexpected dunk during a creek crossing, or even in the event of a leaky hydration reservoir inside our pack.

Keeping gear dry comes down to using the right gear and utilizing the right techniques.
Pack Covers
Most backpacks themselves are only water resistant – many packs are made with a PU coated fabric that is waterproof to start but becomes more water resistant over time, and even when new, with backpacks that are made from waterproof materials the seams and zippers (if so equipped), not to mention the huge opening at the top of a top-loading pack, are still waterproofing weak points. In reality, true waterproof backpacks are quite the exception and are often targeted more towards those who prefer to paddle instead of walk. A traditional solution is an optional or aftermarket waterproof pack cover that one can deploy over the outside of the pack. This is a decent solution for a rainy day, but won’t have coverage on the backpanel of the pack, and isn’t the best solution for an unexpected dip. Perhaps the biggest downside of the pack cover is that it must be deployed and undeployed – making it one more task to deal with on a rainy day compared to a set and forget system.
Dry Bags / Pack Liners
In contrast, a pack liner goes inside the pack and is always used – so if a sudden rain shower pops up during the day you likely only have to worry about donning your rain gear and not protecting the contents of your pack. Pack liners can be anything from a dedicated solution (most are like giant dry bags), to a trash compactor bag (twist the top closed and tuck to secure) that is a budget replaceable option. Due to lack of durability, normal trash bags are not recommended. Either way this option protects from rain water intrusion quite well and even from a brief underwater dunk as well. Smaller, separate roll top dry bag stuff sacks can be used in place of, or in conjunction with a rain cover / pack liner approach. This technique offers redundancy and also allows for some more refined compression of your gear.

Waterproof roll-top stuff sacks are a go-to for sleeping bags and insulating clothing.
In recent years one other option has become popular with the rise of the ultralight inflatable sleeping pads – the combination dry bag / inflation stuff sack. As long as it is a completely waterproof, roll top option, this makes for a great dual use item and this is how I personally store my “must stay dry” items during the day – sleeping bag, sleeping pad, jacket, and any other spare clothes.

Whether you go with a pack liner, cover, or dry bags I like a “pick any 2” approach to waterproofing and especially as all my insulating gear – sleeping bag and jacket are both typically down. For example a trash compactor bag or pack cover combined with ultralight dry sacks for those items of greatest concern is great insurance, or a pack liner on its own if you have a particularly waterproof pack (roll top design utilizing hybrid waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric for example).
Some other techniques that can be helpful is a (often overlooked) large enough shelter or double walled tent solution – a shelter large enough gives you room on high condensation nights so your bag isn’t making contact with tent walls covered in condensation. Your sleeping bag DWR will help for the occasional brush against a wet tent wall, but will eventually wet out. Carrying a small bandanna or camp towel is also helpful here. On humid trips that feature multi-day precipitation events this is quite important since your gear will have very limited opportunities to dry in these conditions. If you gear does absorb some moisture and is packed away first thing in the morning (into a waterproof system that will now not allow anything to dry), make sure you take an opportunity over lunch to get things out in the sun if possible and / or get everything out to dry immediately upon arriving at camp.

This trip was defined by near constant precipitation for days on end, but utilizing the right gear and techniques kept gear from getting soaked.
Backpacking Odds and Ends for Dealing with Rain
For any other odds and ends that might not be stored in the main compartment of your pack, I stick with the same pick 2 approach for waterproofing and luckily, these items will likely be few such as your map and any electronics you might carry. Quart to gallon Ziploc bags were almost tailor made for waterproofing maps – even waterproof maps will have ink run or stick together after getting wet – and any electronics from cameras to smartphones.
For an upgrade, one could also utilize smaller roll top dry bags – either the waterproof nylon or Dyneema varieties like those offered by Zpacks. I also like to store these items in something like a water resistant bag such as the ZPacks Multi-Pack for that additional layer of waterproofing. A couple other safety related items should always stay dry as well – like your fire starting solution and nobody likes a soaked first aid kit or toiletry type items. These however, are stored in the main compartment of my pack in their own dry bag.

Rain ahead: A dialed-in system offers peace of mind when your drive to the trailhead looks like this.
Final Thoughts
Different approaches (and price ranges) exist, but whether you go with trash compactor bags and Ziplocs, opt for top of the line Dyneema roll top dry bags, or some combination in the middle, once dialed in that system will ensure that our critical gear stays dry and offers peace of mind no matter the forecast. And from the occasional water crossing incident to trips that feature consecutive days of precipitation, there’s not much that can compare to crawling into a dry and warm sleep system at night on those types of days while keeping the rest of the gear you need to stay dry, dry along the way. For more on overall strategy on backpacking in the rain, take a look at our article: Backpacking in the Rain: Dealing with the Deluge.

While any thru-hike will involve an uncountable number of steps, the biggest step of them all is the proverbial first step – making the decision to go hike the trail yourself. After you’ve watched the videos and read the articles, the inspiration is at its highest, and you finally decide to hike a long distance trail, the second major step into the world of long distance hiking is preparing to walk – up to 25 miles every day for up to 6 months straight.
Is Hiking the PCT a Physical or Mental Challenge?
What I found after hiking the length of the Pacific Crest Trail was that thru-hiking isn’t so much a physical feat – and while you certainly have to be in good shape to hike a long trail – the mental challenge of a long hike is worth just as much, if not more consideration than the physical aspect of a long distance hike. And then there’s the question: is it possible to only hike one long trail?

Now don’t get me wrong, getting in shape before a thru-hike can save you from injury and make your hike more comfortable, and getting your footwear dialed in can save you from misery. But that being said, the worry of training for walking 4-6 months can be overwhelming. There’s no reason to stress however: and it’s always best to start with some hiking around the local woods near home or even around the neighborhood. This will prepare not only your body, but more importantly your mind for the endeavor ahead. Another great thing to start doing is trail running. A few miles a day to even 10 a week with slow gains from there to get your muscles in tune. You do not need to be in shape to start hiking a long distance trail, but some pre-hike exercise never hurt anything. At least, that’s what I wished I had done.
Training for the Pacific Crest Trail
Training for my 180-day trek from Mexico to Canada through all of California, Oregon and Washington began on the trail itself however – and I wasn’t alone in this shared endeavor. Looking back, if I had trained physically for my hike, I would have sky rocketed in front of some of the fellow hikers I shared this misery with and would not be able to still talk with them to this day about it – while the scenery of course held its own, the friendships formed on the trail were the most memorable experiences for me on the PCT. Somehow and whether you choose to train extensively prior to your hike or not at all, whether you choose to resupply with carefully planned mail drops or strap a pizza box to your pack on the way out of town instead, things seem to find a way of working themselves out on a thru-hike once you get yourself to the trailhead.

Meadow View - Thru-hiking the PCT
Emotions and Intangibles
From blisters to aches and pains to ankles and knees, all thru-hikers are likely to experience some form of physical discomfort on their hike, but pushing through these setbacks is best accomplished by keeping your reasons for hiking the trail in the first place in the forefront of your mind. The most common reason I saw people drop off trail wasn’t injury, it was worry related to a job or the missing of a loved one at home. The hikers that finished the trail seemed to have an almost inner voice driving them to the border. Possessed with passion to reach that monument, not sacrificing anything, with perseverance to setup the tent yet again after a marathon day in the pouring rain, wind slapped desert, or mountain pass snow storm.

Reasons for starting a long trail vary as much as those for leaving one early. In my case, I began my hike to get away from a relationship. For others, thru-hiking served as an escape from job related responsibilities and struggles, financial burdens, or any of the number of things we face in everyday life that we can to some extent, escape on the trail. But I don’t think any of us hiking for these reasons could escape these thoughts completely. For many of us, every day we crawled out of the sleeping bag and kept walking was like putting on the boxing gloves and meeting these emotions in the ring. There were of course good days and bad, but those that continued on and finished the trail were the ones that won the fight.
Post Traumatic Trail Disorder after Hiking the PCT
Even finishing the entire trail comes with its own set of problems however: post trail life. Many of us joked about having PTTD, or Post Traumatic Trail Disorder. When accomplishing a goal like a thru-hike and spending that many days in the grasps of nature, then returning to the life of old off the trail, post trail depression is a real struggle for many thru-hikers. When the only worries of the day on-trail were where to get water for the day or where to camp, when you return home to relationships, bills, a mortgage, or rent, it can at times seem that we end up right back where we started. Those that managed these emotions the best were the ones that kept hiking the following season or jumped to the other hemisphere chasing the forever changing trail season and kept escaping…or perhaps more accurately began to rewrite their narrative such that the line between on-trail and off-trail life began to blur.

Hiking Through a Tunnel on the PCT
Thru-hiking: A Hike that Never Ends
Through thru-hiking I found joy in writing, have been blessed with countless photos and memories, and have been fortunate enough to share stories of the hike across many platforms. Lasting friendships were formed. Physically the hike helped me obtain a level of fitness that had previously been unobtainable. I witnessed beauty beyond my wildest dreams and fell deeply in love with nature. Things that, after the hike are all tough to come by. Every time I sit down to write about topics like this I’m reminded of what it’s like to be out there, and perhaps there’s only one solution to fill the void. One day it seems unavoidable that I’ll find myself at the terminus of another long trail, the fog will lift, and the blissful experience of putting those trail runners one foot in front of the other for thousands of miles will start the cycle yet again.

"Cowboy camping" on the Pacific Crest Trail
About the PCT
The Pacific Crest Trail is a long distance hiking trail in the western United States with the southern terminus located along the Mexican border in southern California. The trail runs nearly 3000 miles north to the Canadian border, passing through many national parks and trail towns along the way. A thru-hiker has the opportunity to climb Mount Whitney (the highest peak in the contiguous U.S.), pass through the Sierra Nevada, and explore Lassen Volcanic National Park, just to name a few highlights. The trail is more of a mountain trail, primarily staying inland from the extreme west coast. A PCT thru-hike is considered one of the premier long distance hiking opportunities in the United States.
Many trail angels exist that will often provide water, food, or even lodging for hikers. The entire hike takes most thru hikers months to complete. Many hikers will form a trail family of sorts, with certain groups of thru hikers of the same pace loosely or not so loosely hiking the trail together. Like the Appalachian Trail, the PCT has an association to help hikers. The Pacific Crest Trail Association provides news for hikers and can assist with permits.
Prior to hitting the trail check out the National Geographic Pacific Crest Trail Map Pack as well as the Pacific Crest Trail Data Book.
For more on Sean’s thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, check out The Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-hiking Journey on the TrailGroove Blog.

The past year or two I’ve become a fan of at least on occasion, heading out on a trip every now and then that involves a day or two of backpacking into the wilderness with a particular destination in mind, then staying a couple nights exploring in that area. As a backpacker who’s also a fly fisherman, a secret lake in the wilderness is often involved on these trips. In contrast to the more typical backpacking trip of packing in the miles and moving daily, these types of excursions allow you to really learn the nuances of a specific area, with plenty of time for side trips with a lighter pack to bag a peak, find a secret meadow, or to explore in between the contour lines of your map without the pressure of having to make the miles.

Many years ago I took the Alite Monarch Chair on one of those trips and it makes for a great way to relax in camp, when you have more time to do so. However, while light and comfortable, the 2 legs of the Alite don’t quite allow for a complete don’t-even-think-about-it lounging experience. The Helinox Ground Chair offers this, as you’d expect, with a weight penalty. But if you’re already packing light a little extra weight can sometimes be worth it if it’s not slowing you down. And though I’d originally thought that a chair is only valuable when you’re staying multiple nights in the same location, I’ve found they’re starting to be thrown in on all my trips – whether an out and back to stay at an alpine lake for 2 nights, or sometimes even on an extended trip pushing the mileage daily if I feel it won’t slow me down.

Although it's not the lightest chair on the market, the Helinox Ground Chair provides class-leading seating comfort as long as you like a more relaxed, lounging position.
Helinox Ground Chair Design & Specifications
The Helinox Ground Chair is supported by a DAC aluminum, shock-corded pole structure with 4 plastic feet doubling as a hub for the pole system. The entire pole structure and feet are in effect one piece, and when assembled 4 sections point upwards and fit into corresponding, color-coded, reinforced pockets on the chair’s seat. The seat is a ripstop, heavy-duty fabric with lighter mesh, breathable side panels. The chair supports up to 265 lbs. A stuff sack is included, and disassembled, the chair will pack down to a fairly compact listed size of about 11.8 x 4 x 5 (inches). Listed weight is right around the measured weight per Helinox, but be aware that many retailers have the chair listed as several ounces lighter.
Measured Weight in Ounces:
Pole System: 14.05
Fabric Seat: 7.7
Stuff Sack: .75
Total: 22.5

The fabric seat slips easily onto the pole system; silver side goes up.
In Use and on the Trail
Assembly seems complicated with so many parts, but it’s pretty easy to figure out in about a minute, and if you forget Helinox has been kind enough to even print the instructions right on the bottom of the chair itself. One thing you’ll want to be sure to do is to fully insert each pole into its housing for maximum strength. Although the cross bars at the bottom of the chair don’t rise too much, I’ve never had an issue with interference from uneven ground or rocks. The feet will however, sink into soft soil, but in general if the ground is good enough to setup camp, you should be fine…for example while the soft, volcanic soil in Craters of the Moon National Monument did pose some issues, I’ve never had any problems with the typical ground found in the mountains.

Using the chair is a comfortable experience – it’s even doubled as extra seating at home on a few occasions – and you can either choose to sit more upright with your feet closer to your body or lounge in a legs-extended manner. After a long day, it’s definitely easy on the back. In all cases the chair proved to be quite stable, and never felt tippy when used on flat ground. Use on sloped ground isn’t ideal though, and if there’s no flat ground available you’ll probably want to keep the Helinox packed away, but again in a campsite that would normally be chosen, it should work well. While the chair does sit low to the ground, getting out of it doesn’t require a lot of effort or any difficult balancing and timing. The Ground Chair is more of a lounger (which I prefer) compared to other options on the market with a more upright seating position, although something like the NEMO Moonlite Elite – you can find our full review in Issue 56 – aims to provide the best of both worlds via an adjustment system.
I’ve found the chair to dry quickly as well, giving you a dry place to sit after a rain. Packing is quick, and I’ve used both the stuff sack or have left it behind to save a little weight, wrapping the poles within the fabric of the chair. While hiking, I’ve both stowed the chair inside my pack as well as in an outside pocket.

The Helinox Ground Chair packs up quite small, and I'm typically able to find a place to stow it inside my pack, or secure it on the outside without any issues.
Conclusion
Overall the Helinox provides an easy to carry, easy to setup / breakdown, stable, and comfortable back-supporting solution for lounging in the backcountry. The only real problem I experienced with the chair was some sinking in soft ground, but that ground was so loose it wouldn’t even hold a tent stake – perhaps I should have chosen a better campsite in the first place. Whether the weight is worth it is up to you, however with my pack already light enough to not be a burden, the only time I’m concerned about weight these days is on a long trip where taking a lot of food poundage is required, or on trips where I need to carry a lot of water.
That said, if you're set on taking a backpacking chair but are looking to do so for less of a weight penalty, the Helinox Chair Zero and the REI Flexlite Air Chair are worth a look, both having a more upright seating position when compared to the Helinox Ground Chair. Note that the Chair Zero's seat will fit the Helinox Ground Chair's pole system, and can save you a few ounces via its lighter weight fabric.
Regardless of weight, for shorter trips and overnights, there’s nothing like watching the sunset from the comfort of a chair during dinner, or watching the sun rise over coffee the next morning. While I wish and feel the chair could be a little lighter, and it would be nice if the price were a little lower, the comfort of the Helinox Ground Chair is hard to beat in this weight range.
The Helinox Ground Chair retails for $130. You can find it here at CampSaver and here at Amazon. For a wide selection of packable camping and backpacking chairs, you can also check out this page at REI.
Editor's Note: This review originally appeared in TrailGroove Issue 23. You can read the original article here for additional photos, pros and cons, and our rating of the Helinox Ground Chair.

Water treatment in the backcountry reminds me of backpacking and hiking footwear just a bit – if you’re not thinking of it when you’re out on the trail, you know you got it right. On the flipside, a water filter or purifier that clogs halfway through a trip will have you baby-sitting a device possibly for hours the rest of the way; a situation to certainly be avoided. In this article we will take a quick look at the best water treatment options currently available.

Note that there are many ways to go about treating your water in the backcountry, however for the purposes of this article we’ll stick with mechanical treatment. Boiling and chemical treatment can also be used but is not as common (except for melting snow in winter), and my take is that these methods, other than on winter trips, are best utilized either as a backup or for niche ultralight type scenarios. Caveats stated, on to the article.
Best Backpacking & Hiking Water Filters
For those that are packing fast and light style and don’t have much time in camp or time for breaks on the trail, and need to only process water for themselves, Katadyn offers their BeFree 1.0 liter system ($45, less than 3 ounces) that offers hollow fiber filtration in a very lightweight, fill-and-drink-as-you-go type of approach and a 1000L rated capacity.
This would be a suggested option due to its manufacturer-approved integrity test – which I feel is mandatory on any water filter (it just happens in the backcountry – was that small drop too much...did it freeze?). This same BeFree filtration design has also been utilized in their BeFree 3L gravity system ($80, 7 ounces) and the larger capacity BeFree 6L gravity system ($120, 9 ounces).

For more traditional backpacking with time in camp and perhaps a lunch break appreciated, pump or gravity filters come into play including the latter 2 BeFree options above. For my backpacking, I particularly like the Platypus GravityWorks system ($135, 12 ounces) – you can read our GravityWorks review here. This system may be a little cumbersome with all the hoses but offers reliability, plus the ability to hang the dirty water bag and let gravity do the work. I use the 4L system, but for groups a 6L GravityWorks system is available.
Platypus also offers their QuickDraw 2L water filtration system ($80, 6 ounces) that is backflushable and integrity-testable. This is a unique setup that you can use multiple ways – connected to plastic bottles, to the included reservoir, etc. – depending on what works best for you.

Pump filters like this Hiker Pro have been a go-to for decades and are the classic choice.
Traditionally however pump filters have been the backpacker’s choice, and these filters are still relevant today. However, there are the same hoses as a gravity system to deal with and moving parts are introduced along with some associated weight. Cleaning becomes complicated, maintenance is often increased, and there is more to break. If you like to keep it old school here the Katadyn Hiker Pro ($100, 11 ounces) and the MSR MiniWorks EX ($130, 15 ounces) should be considered. However, unfortunately with no integrity test you’ll have to be especially careful in regards to freezing and drops etc.
If an inline (with your hydration reservoir) water filter is something you’d like to explore, the MSR Thru-link Water Filter ($55, 3 ounces) is great on price and weight, although you’ll need to do just a little work to integrate into your own setup. However, quick-connects are provided that makes this easier. This filter filters to .2 microns and features activated carbon to improve water taste and quality along with a manufacturer-approved integrity test.

Gravity, inline, squeeze-type, or pump….see or our full Backpacking & Hiking Water Treatment Guide for pros and cons and more. Hollow-fiber water filters have come to dominate the backpacking and hiking market and for good reason – they typically offer reliable performance, can typically be backflushed / cleaned, and are very light. For more on how to maintain these filters see our hollow fiber water filter maintenance guide.
Summary: Best Backpacking & Hiking Water Filters
Katadyn BeFree 1.0 liter
Katadyn BeFree 3L gravity system
Katadyn BeFree 6L gravity system
Platypus GravityWorks 4L
Platypus GravityWorks 6L
Platypus QuickDraw 2L
MSR Thru-link
Best Hiking & Backpacking Water Purifiers
While you can add in certain methods to your water processing process with a water filter such as an inline carbon element and / or UV treatment, there are times when a water purifier may be a better choice depending on your backpacking destination and your own comfort level.

To further treat water, UV devices and / or carbon filters can be added into your water treatment routine if needed.
I’ve used several purifiers in the past that utilize electro-adsorption technology and while these products hands down produced some of the best tasting water I can imagine, the cartridges quickly clog. If backpacking, you’ll be buying plenty of cartridges and long trips are tough. Even day hiking and processing typical backcountry water can be difficult. While these types of purifiers may be suitable for travel-type purposes or one-off hiking trips, for more frequent use, they are difficult to use when larger volumes of water need to be processed.

Electro-adsorption purifiers have produced the best tasting and cleanest treated water I've ever experienced in the backcountry. They've also been the fastest to clog.
For backcountry water purification, and when the best resulting water is desired in an all-in-one type product and something like viruses may be a concern, the MSR Guardian water purifier ($400, 17 ounces) is a go-to choice. You will pay a weight penalty here, as well as a price premium for that matter, but the Guardian is a unique water treatment device – first of all it is a purifier, not a filter – and secondly it can withstand freezing temperatures and drops from up to 6’, both of which are quite unique. Additionally, it has a self-cleaning design and can output up to 2.5L a minute. There is no carbon in this purifier.

That said, if you prefer the more laid-back, gravity-style approach, MSR now also offers a Guardian Gravity water purifier ($310, 18 ounces). While sharing the name of the Guardian pump system, this cartridge is a bit different – it’s not rated for freezing or drops, but MSR does detail an integrity test you can perform on it if you’re not sure. It also differs in that a carbon stage is included to further polish your water. Output will also be slower and in the .5L / minute range, so make sure you have a little time…but if you’re like me, kicking your feet up while gravity does the work is not a bad way to go about it.
Summary: Best Hiking and Backpacking Water Purifiers
MSR Guardian Pump Water Purifier
MSR Guardian Gravity Water Purifier
Conclusion
Every destination is different in regards to water quality, and this is one of the first things to do when it comes to planning for an upcoming trip. If your destinations are all higher mountain destinations and you are picky about where you get your water, it’s possible that one product can cover all your water treatment needs.

That said, if your adventures take you from the desert to the mountains and everything in between, it’s likely you’ll either collect another product or two over the years and / or add-in methods to further process the water you’ll drink. In the end, there are a lot of tools in the toolbox and when it comes to your backcountry drinking water, it’s best to use the right tool for the job at hand.
For more background on water treatment methods, what we need to treat for, and water treatment strategy, see our Backpacking and Hiking Water Treatment Guide. You can also find a list of available water filters and purifiers here at REI Co-op.