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7 Best Lightweight Bear Canisters for Backpacking

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Bears in the woods.
March 16, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents

Bears get hungry. They’re just like any other mammal out there. When you’re backpacking, you’re probably bringing a decent amount of food with you. You’re spending a lot of time outdoors away from the world that can easily bless you with food and resources, you’re expending a lot of energy,  so you’re carrying a lot of tantalizing food. Getting a good canister or a bag you can hoist out of a bear’s reach is going to keep you safe, it’s going to keep the bears safe, and it’s going to keep you from going hungry.

In a hurry? Here’s the test winner after 10 hours of research:

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Best Lightweight Bear Canisters for Backpacking – Overview

Here are the top 5 picks (keep scrolling for more details and picks 6-7).

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1. Frontiersman Bear Safe & Resistant 11.86 Liter Food Storage Container

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A lot of bear canisters will create a logistical nightmare for any aspiring backpacker. If you’re gearing up to hit the trail for an afternoon picnic or a week-long trek, you’re going to have to figure out how to carry your food safely and efficiently. If you’re trying to get yourself fed without feeding the bears, and you’re trying to get your gear from point A to point B without over encumbering yourself.

Often bear canisters or bags designed to keep your food safe and try neglect to take into account the real-life problems that come from having to bring these kegs along with you. This container from Frontiersman is an excellent answer to all of these issues. This container is quite large. It’s ready to accept several days’ worth of food, and it’s got a long life of standing up to rough weather and any kind of punishment you can throw at it.

It’s a great canister to bring along with you for any kind of outdoor trip. It seals tightly enough to keep odors from escaping and attracting hungry wildlife. Its vibrant coloration is also great for tracking it down if it happens to get away from you during the night. The crown jewel of this bear canister is its shape. These canisters are built to fit into a 45-liter backpack, and they hold a good amount of food.

This canister doesn’t need an additional carrying case, you’re not going to be expected to track down any secondary accessories to carry this canister with you. It’s not going to be an awkward mess to take down the trail, and you’re not going to have to perform a long irritating pre-trip ritual figuring out how you’re going to pack, travel with, and store your bear canister. Just fill it up, toss it in your backpack, and get a move on.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • The airtight capabilities of this container keep odors from attracting curious furry friends and grants the additional benefit of keeping your contents fresh and delicious during multi-day trips
  • The weight distribution of this container will keep it from bouncing around and pummeling your back while you’re backpacking with it
  • Easy to spot in case it gets away from you

CONS

  • Making it difficult for bears to open has also made this canister difficult to open for people
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2. Udap No Fed Bear

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The Udap No Fed Bear canister is a great little canister to bring along on a backpacking trek. Its squat little body is capable of holding a surprising amount of food, and it’s incredibly hard to break into. Things that are compact like this are capable of taking a lot more punishment than longer containers that have more points of failure spread out unevenly.

This container comes with a carrying case, unlike a lot of other bear canisters. It’s a light canister that you can stuff to the brim, without adding a large amount of weight to your backpacking trips. The carrying case is a little awkward, however. You can find clever ways to strap it to your bags, or you can muscle through and carry this case in your hands. The shape of this canister makes it hard to fit into your own bags, so you’re going to want the carrying case if you’re backpacking.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • The lid locks into place, making it essentially impossible for a bear to break into
  • Comes with a carrying case
  • An easy choice if you’re going to a National Park that requires you bring along a bear canister

CONS

  • The locking lid requires a tool or something flat and sturdy like a quarter 
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3. Recreational Barrel Works 60L Canoe Barrel

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This barrel is designed primarily with canoeing in mind, but because of that, you’re going to be getting a lot of the functionality you’d be looking for in a bear canister. It’s a reasonably-sized barrel that is light and easy to carry. If you’re willing to go the extra mile, there are barrel harnesses on the market that are made specifically to carry this barrel, but there are a lot of harnesses out there that will fit this barrel just fine. 

There’s a latch along the top of the barrel that keeps the lid on nice and tight, making it great when water enters the equation, which is probably obvious because this dry barrel is designed with canoers in mind. If you’re taking a trip outdoors, and you want to keep your food away from wildlife, this barrel is a nice choice. It’s not designed specifically to keep bears out, so you may have to hoist it up above the ground when you’re staying overnight. In this way, it’s a lot like a middle ground between a beat bag and a bear canister.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • Sturdy and easy to transport
  • If you’re backpacking near an area you’d be able to rent a canoe, then you’re not going to have to resituate your goods

CONS

  • A little luck could pop this latch and release the contents to a particularly tenacious bear 
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4. BearVault BV450

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The containers BearVault has available are incredibly portable. If you’re sick of containers that are like carrying a bank vault on your back, then try out one of these BearVaults. They’re transparent, making it easy to get in and out of your containers without having to dump out all of your contents. They’re incredibly sturdy, you can use them as a seat, saving you space in your backpack, and proving their worth.

You’re going to get a lot of mileage out of this container. The material is durable and defends according to BearVault, they claim to have tested their BearVaults by leaving them to the whims of two “hungry black bears.” We’ll take that with a grain of salt, but the approval from the National Park Service for use in all of their national parks speaks volumes about its longevity and durability.

The lid is much easier to open than a lot of other bear vaults, banking on using a screw-top lid. This container is a durable little tool, it’s easy to carry, it’s much stronger than it looks, it’s a great bear deterrent, and it makes your camping and backpacking a breeze.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • The transparent body makes it easy to access the contents of your container
  • Approved by the NPS for use in all of their major National Parks
  • Much more easy to open than other bear canisters, no tools required
  • Easy to carry, not very bulky

CONS

  • It’s water-resistant, but no quite waterproof, so be careful
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5. Bear Outdoor Dry Sack/Floating Waterproof Bag

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These outdoor dry sacks from Bear Outdoor are a great option if you’re wanting to outfit the entire crew with a bag of their own. These dry sacks come in several sizes, but they all have the same basic functionality. These bags are all nice, comfortable bags that are going to keep your provisions safe and dry while you and your crew are out on the trail. These bags are all simple and focus primarily focused on functionality.

They’re going to utilize a roll-top to keep your contents dry. A roll-top bag is going to use the waterproof material in a clever fashion to keep the inside of your bag clean and dry without having to use any zippers or drawstrings. These bags from Bear Outdoor are made from a light and durable 250D PVC cloth, and they weigh in under 5 ounces.

These are great for lightweight backpacking. You’re going to be able to save a lot on the overall weight of your backpacks by being such a versatile and durable part of your inventory. It’s hard to want to reach for any other option when this bag from Bear Outdoor is staring you down. They fall a little flat when it comes to their performance in the face of the rugged outdoors.

When you’re making your way through dense areas of trees with branches reaching their gnarled talons towards your precious cargo, you don’t want to be worrying about whether or not your bag is going to survive the trek. Bear Outdoor’s decision to go with 250D PVC is going to produce bags that are much more affordable than bags made from denser materials, but when it comes down to brass tacks, you’re trading durability for a lower price point.

This isn’t a problem if your backpacking isn’t going to be taking you through the more rugged areas of your local outdoor community, then you’re going to be fine, but if you need something that’s going to last you years after taking a lot of punishment, then this bag isn’t going to cut it.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • Great for a wide array of needs
  • Great for keeping your provisions dry
  • Easy to use roll-top design

CONS

  • Less durable than more expensive competitors
  • Not very powerful in the face of a lucky bear
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6. Earth Pak- Waterproof Dry Bag

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This dry bag from Earth Pak is a great bag to have along for the ride when you’re looking for lightweight backpacking options. It’s perfect for a day trip with family and friends, allowing you to carry an impressive amount of provisions for a decent number of people, and it’s also great for someone looking for a bag they can carry and suspend with no problems at all.

This dry bag is a sturdy waterproof affair. It takes advantage of the ease and security of a roll-top bag. By getting rid of zippers and drawstrings, this bag gets to hold any amount of provisions tightly, so you’re never wasting space or carrying an awkward bag that extends way beyond your content’s center of gravity.

It’s a bag that’s built for extreme conditions that’s ready to perform under pressure. It’s made from an ultra-durable 500D PVC, and instead of allowing the seams to become an easy point of failure that allows moisture in, these seams are thermo-welded shut. That process gives your bag an increased level of durability, it imparts buoyancy because the bag will hold onto air much more easily, and it keeps water out, so the only moisture in your food is the moisture you wanted in there when you cooked it.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • This bag comes with a waterproof pouch for your phones, so they can enjoy the same level of comfort and dryness as your provisions
  • Buoyant and water-resistant construction makes the bag a tough contender when it comes to combatting the elements
  • The roll-top design is always a fantastic addition to a dry bag

CONS

  • Not nearly as sturdy as a proper bear keg
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7. Skog Å Kust DrySåk Waterproof Floating Dry Bag

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Keeping your food safe doesn’t have to be a drab affair. When you’re out on the trails, sometimes what you need is a good bag with a pop of color. If you’re going on a family trip and hitting the rivers, then you’re going to love having this bag along for the ride. These bags are beautiful and functional, and their visibility is amazing without becoming a nylon safety cone eyesore.

These bags are also great for backpacking. They’re incredibly light without sacrificing durability. They’re made from 500D waterproof PVC, it’s hard to overstate the abilities of this PVC material. It makes the bag buoyant, waterproof and gives them a lot of life. These bags a perfect for a day out, and if you have kids with you that are prone to wandering off, you can saddle them with this bag to keep an eye on them while transporting your food down the trail. 

If you’re looking for something to supplement your backpacking loadouts, then this bag is a delight. It’s bright and nice to look at, it’s sturdy and capable, the strap is adjustable and comfortable, and it’s the perfect addition to your backpacking trips.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • The construction and color of this bag is exceptional
  • The bags aren’t going to get lost to the depths of a river if your backpacking trips detour near a body of water
  • The front pocket of this bag keeps your key items like your ID and lighters easily accessible while keeping your food tucked away in the main body of the bag

CONS

  • If you’re going to be making a trip overnight, then you’re going to have to hang this bag. It’s durable, but it’s not “the full weight of a hungry bear” durable
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Winner

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This bear canister is great for working your way through logistical nightmares. It’s designed to fit comfortably into your backpacks without becoming a nightmare to carry. It holds a great deal of food, allowing you to stay out on the trails for a good while, and it’s vibrant enough to spot when you’re in a pickle. If a bear does manage to get a hold of your canister, it’s not going to buckle under the pressure of the attack, deterring an ornery bear from trying to steal your carefully considered contents. 

This container is one of the best options on the market if you’re looking for something simple that will allow you to make your way through your backpacking trips in a quick and painless manner. It serves all of the purposes you want a canister to serve. It’s a no-fuss container that keeps your food fresh, it keeps odors from attracting bears, and if one does get a little curious, it’s going to have a heck of a time breaking in.

You’re not going to have to spend a lot of time setting this container up in a tree, but it wouldn’t hurt. Because you can stuff this into your backpack pretty easily, you can just as easily hoist it into the air. If you choose not to, however, you can rest assured that you’re not going to just lose this container to the elements. The purpose of a dependable bear canister like this one is to get your unwanted guests to give up quickly

If you’re looking for a reliable piece of equipment that’s going to protect your goods and grant you peace of mind, then this bear canister from Frontiersman is an excellent choice.

Bonus tip: If you’re backpacking through bear country, you’re going to need to take some precautions. This video will outfit you with a lot of good knowledge.

In [wpbb post:terms_list taxonomy=”category” separator=”, “] Riley Draper

Riley Draper

Riley Draper is a writer and entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a world traveler, he has been to more than fifty countries and hiked some of the most elusive trails in the world. He is the co-founder of WeCounsel Solutions and has published work in both national and global outlets, including the Times Free Press, Patch, and Healthcare Global. When he’s not writing, he’s probably on a hiking trip or climbing in the mountains.

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How to have amazing experiences camping in Alaska?

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Do you want to make the most of your camping experience in Alaska? Camping is the best way to cherish the mesmerizing Alaskan scenery and be in proximity to Mother Nature with your friends and loved ones.

Are you wondering where to camp, where to go, and what items to pack for an Alaskan camping trip? This article has all the answers regarding camping in Alaska! Moreover, this place comprises a few amazing bewilderments that make it different than other camping locations.

If you’re ready to explore Alaska and be immersed in its camping, here are the top 4 tips for a seamless camping experience in Alaska.

  1. Be ready for the varying types of weather

The temperature of Alaska is unpredictable. Hence, if you’re camping in summer in blisteringly hot weather, it would be great to carry something waterproof and warm clothes. In your Alaska travel and camping, it’s required to carry your bibbed waterproof rain pants, raincoats, and hip boots.

This is how you don’t worry about the sudden rain and catch fish all day. Moreover, camping without a bathing suit doesn’t seem right! Camping and cruising go hand in hand; hence, a trip to Alaska will help you get the most out of your Alaska trip.

  1. Pick a campground mindfully

Although you are not mandated to stay at a campground run by the federal government if you wish to go tent camping, it may be the best bet if this is your initial camping trip. Establishing your individual camping place in the bush might feel more adventurous. Still, when camping with small children, you should remain closer to society in case a bear visits your campsite.

When you opt to lease a camping site, you must make your booking ahead because the more renowned campsites might fill up rapidly. Look on the internet for campgrounds near the events and routes you want to visit.

  1. You will have the option to relax or unwind

Although some corporate Alaska campers provide cable TV and Wi-Fi facilities, none of the federal campsites do. Whether you come here expecting to remain up to date on all the accouterments of technologies (or your beloved TV show), you may feel frustrated. But what if you treat your camping vacation as a time to relax and enjoy the unique stunning scenery surrounding you? It feels exciting.

  1. Keep the bears at bay

Bears are amazing animals, which doesn’t imply you should invite them with welcoming hands inside your camp. You must be capable of keeping bears away from your campground if you wish to enjoy the woods with them without causing mishaps. Below are a few suggestions:

  •     You can bypass bear highways by not camping along riverbanks or pathways.
  •     Do not even camp alone: for your safety, striving to remain close to others would be better.

 

These are the top 4 tips to enjoy camping in Alaska. What are you thinking of? Dive into the best experiences of camping, and cherish the moments forever. Happy camping! 

 

 

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Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

Why Duck Boots are Good for Hiking

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are duck boots good for hiking

The quest to find the perfect hiking shoes is never-ending, so the next option we’re going to explore is Duck Boots. Duck Boots have been around for more than 100 years and they’re used for all sorts of outdoor activities, so we can’t discount them as a hiking boot. Let’s dive in a little deeper into what duck boots are, and whether they’re an ideal choice for your next hike.

 

A pair of Bean Boots.

The legendary Maine-made L.L.Bean Boot was designed by “L.L.” himself in 1912 and has been keeping feet dry and comfortable ever since.

 

What are Duck Boots?

Duck Boots, also known as Bean Boots, were created by Leon Leonwood Bean, who founded the company L.L. Bean. Bean, who got sick of wet feet during hunting trips, wanted to create a boot that would keep his feet dry while still being ideal for the outdoors. He theorized mixing together two types of boot, combining the rubber sole of a work boot with the leather upper of a casual or hunting boot.

The rubber sole would provide all the necessary protection from the elements, while the leather upper would retain the flexibility and comfort of a regular leather boot. Thus, the Duck Boot was born and became a huge success. Other brands now produce this style of boot, but you can never forget the original waterproof boots.

Related: The 7 Best Two Person Tents

 

A pair of Duck Boots in a puddle of water.

When choosing which hiking boots you should buy, Duck Boots should be considered for their weatherproof design.

 

What makes a good hiking shoe?

If you’re considering Duck Boots for use as a hiking shoe, you should first know what you’re looking for. There are so many elements to consider when searching for the perfect boot, as there is no one size fits all. Different shoes are optimized for different conditions, different situations you might encounter on the trail, so finding the right shoe isn’t an easy task.

Various terrains put different pressures on your shoes during hikes. This is why hiking boots are usually split into three main categories, each optimized for a different sort of hike. Lightweight hiking shoes (trail shoes), which resemble trainers, are essentially reinforced running shoes. They provide some support, but their main purpose is to be light and breathable while still protecting your foot.

These shoes are designed for day hikes, but they’re actually a favorite among long-distance backpackers. A sturdier shoe would provide more support, but trail shoes are a popular choice long-distance as they aren’t as heavy or constricting as other boots, while still providing enough protection to keep your feet safe and happy during a hike. The only downside of trail running shoes is their lack of ankle support, which leaves you at risk of twisted ankles and other injuries.

Related: The Top 10 New Hampshire Camping Sites

 On the other end of the scale are mountaineering boots, designed for terrains which present more of a challenge to traverse. If you’re hiking through rocky territory or icy glaciers, this type of boot provides all the necessary extra protection. They’re much more heavy-duty than hiking shoes, often warmer, water-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and provide much more support to your foot.

Backpacking boots make a compromise between the two, as they aim to keep you prepared for any terrain. For multi-day treks, this type of boot is ideal as it’s durable and supportive enough to carry you through most challenges in the backcountry.

The materials used to construct a hiking boot define it, as the wrong fabric can cause so much suffering for your feet. Finding the right combination of waterproofing and breathability, while still being a comfortable shoe, can present a challenge. That’s why we’re going to break down the material considerations you’ll need to remember when deciding is a shoe is right for hiking.

Also read: The 7 Best Louisiana Tent Camping Sites

Full-grain leather is a very durable and versatile material, so many mountaineering boots are made using this fabric. For rigorous hikes which pass through rough terrains, full-grain leather is fully protective while remaining very comfortable. It has excellent waterproof properties, as well as being warm and highly durable. However, in return for this protection, you have to deal with the increased weight of these heavy-duty boots.

You may have heard the saying “one pound on your feet equals five on your back” and this applies to full-grain leather boots. They may not feel too heavy when you try them on, but five miles down the trail you might find yourself wishing for a lighter shoe. Of course, over rough terrain, the valuable protection full-grain leather provides is well worth the weight, but you don’t need such a heavy shoe for casual hikes.

Split grain leather offers reduced protection, but is more breathable than full-grain leather. It’s still a durable material, but it’s less heavy-duty and has reduced water-resistant properties. It’s often used in combination with synthetic materials, creating a compromise between protection and comfort, and this combination is the most common choice for casual hikers.

Read more like this: Top 10 Outdoor TV Antennas for Rural Areas

Various synthetic materials are used in the construction of hiking shoes, such as nylon and polyester. One benefit of synthetic materials is that they are much easier to break in than leather. These shoes feel lighter and also dry faster, but lack the water-resistant properties of leather. Of course, you can improve the water-resistance, but this can affect the breathability. Check out how to waterproof hiking boots for more information.

 

A pair of boots in the grass.

Different hiking boots are better suited for different terrains and it’s best to find a pair of boots that fits your adventure.

 

Also, depending on the type of trekking you do, hiking boots are available in different cuts and heights. Lightweight trail running shoes are often low cut, meaning they end below the ankle. This allows for a wider range of motion but leaves your ankle vulnerable to injury.

Shoes like this are best worn on well-maintained trails, where there’s less risk of trail debris and uneven terrain. Mid-cut boots offer more ankle support and better balance and protection, but the most protective style of boot is high-cut. These boots reinforce your ankle fully and are necessary for off-trail adventures.

Many hiking boots are equipped with devices that provide extra internal support, the purpose of which is to protect both your feet and the soles of your shoes on uneven terrain. One option is shanks, which are 3-5mm thick inserts sandwiched between the midsole and outsole of your boot. These add load-bearing stiffness to hiking boots, which is important to ensure you stay stable and balanced.

Shanks vary in length, some running the whole way down the boot, others just half-way. This feature makes the sole of a hiking boot less flexible, keeping your feet in a mostly flat position.

This may seem counterintuitive balance-wise, but a flexible sole allows your foot to wrap around every root and rock you step on, which can be painful, and tires you out much faster. Having a reinforced sole is a big benefit, but it could make your boot heavier; it all depends on the material the shank is made from.

Related: Top 7 Best Microspikes for Hiking

Some hiking boots feature plates as a form of internal support, which are thin and semi-flexible. These can be used in conjunction with shanks, and they protect your feet from getting bruised by anything you step on.

All hiking boots have rubber outsoles, the part of your boot which spends the most time in contact with the ground. Some have additives such as carbon, which increases the hardness of the material. This is most commonly seen in mountaineering boots for extra durability, but the extra harness of the outsole can mean they feel slick if you go off-trail.

Traction is very important in a hiking boot for obvious reasons, so make sure you get a boot with enough traction to keep you comfortable. If you’re constantly trying not to slip, the increased pressure on your muscles can be painful and even damaging, whereas a boot with a good grip will make your hike so much easier.

Also: 5 Best Pop Up Canopy Tents

So, what makes a good hiking shoe? The ideal footwear for hiking finds the right balance between comfort and protection, and this depends on your own personal hiking preferences. In general, you need a degree of protection from the elements, water resistance, comfort, and breathability. A good hiking boot should protect your foot without hindering your process, and if you make the right choice then your hikes will be so much better for it.

 

A girl hiking in the mountains.

Duck Boots are well-known for their water resistance and ability to be easily cleaned, but are they the best hiking boot option?

 

Are Duck Boots good for hiking?

Duck boots are constructed using a rubber sole and lower shoe, whilst incorporating a full-grain leather upper. This means Duck Boots have excellent water resistance. Full-grain leather is highly waterproof, as is rubber, so with these shoes, you’ll never have to worry about wet feet.

Of course, Bean Boots claim to be the “original antidote to wet feet”, so water resistance is one thing we know they’re good for. A good hiking boot should always be water-resistant, as there’s a high chance of encountering puddles, streams, and other wet terrains when you’re on the trail. There’s also always the possibility of rain, so even if you step around the puddles, your boots always need to have a good degree of water resistance. If there’s one thing Duck Boots are, it’s waterproof.

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L.L. Bean’s Duck Boots use a steel shank for additional support, and this is a great feature for a potential hiking boot. Reducing the flexibility of the sole means more protection for your feet, so this feature of Duck Boots is a big benefit. Remember, this only applies to L.L. Bean’s branded Duck Boots, as there are many other boots of the same style available which might lack this additional internal support.

Duck Boots are known for being very comfortable. Boots are the number one most important piece of equipment for a hiker, and comfort is paramount. If your hiking boots are uncomfortable, it can make you hate every minute you wear them. On the other hand, finding a pair of boots that are comfortable for you is a big first step towards having the right shoe, so regarding comfort, Bean Boots get a pass from us.

Another benefit of Duck Boots is that they’re easy to clean. This isn’t as important as other factors, but after a long hike through muddy and dirty conditions, these boots only need a quick spray from a hosepipe and they’re clean and ready to go.

Also: Sleeping bags for tall people

We’ve covered the benefits of wearing Bean Boots for hiking, and there are a number of reasons you might think they’re a good choice. Duck Boots are highly waterproof, very comfortable, and feature shanks which are a big help towards stability. However, there are some elements of these shoes which might mean they aren’t the best choice for hiking.

 

A man climbing on rocks.

While Duck Boots offer great water resistance, their ankle support is not the best which may deter some people from using them for longer hikes.

 

Why Duck Boots might not be the best choice

Ankle support is a big deal when it comes to hiking boots; as we explained before it can be the difference between a successful hike and a painful injury. Duck Boots are high cut, meaning they rise above your ankles. This means they do provide some support, but it’s minimal, and ideally, a hiking boot would offer more structure around the ankle. For hikers traversing rough terrain, more protection is needed, as if you miss a step in Duck Boots there isn’t much to save you from injury.

Another important thing to consider is traction. Duck boots are designed specifically to handle wet weather, and they do it very well. If you’re in wet, muddy, slushy or otherwise slippery conditions, Duck Boots are ideal, as they have plenty of traction and grip.

However, mud isn’t the only thing which hiking boots have to put up with. On the trails, the traction Bean Boots provides is considerably reduced compared to hiking boots, the difference is noticeable and unfortunately, the traction on the soles of Duck Boots just isn’t strong enough for any sort of serious hiking.

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The materials from which Duck Boots are made make them excellently waterproof. However, rubber and full-grain leather aren’t the most breathable of materials. Although they may do a good job of not letting in water from the outside, they also keep it in.

The lack of breathability here can be very uncomfortable, leading to hot and sweaty feet. This can cause blisters, and for this reason, we would not recommend them as a hiking shoe. All hikers need waterproof boots, but there are others available which won’t make you suffer.

Blisters are something which all hikers have to deal with at some point, but if your boots aren’t breathable then they’re much more likely and threaten to ruin your hike. The best hiking boots keep your feet dry while staying breathable and comfortable, so don’t make an exception here.

If you’re keen on mountaineering, then your hiking boots need to be crampon compatible, which Duck Boots are not. Crampons help with grip when scaling rocky terrain, so having a boot they work with is necessary for safety reasons.

We have no choice but to conclude that L.L. Bean’s Duck Boots are no good for hiking. Although they are comfortable and highly water-resistant, the lack of extra support and breathability means they aren’t the best hiking boot.

A boot specifically designed for hiking could offer the same level of comfort while giving you much more support on the trails. Hiking boots made from Gore-tex would provide the same level of excellent waterproofing while still maintaining breathability, so there are better options out there.

 

A pair of Duck Boots on a ladder in the snow.

While Duck Boots may not be the best option for hiking, they are still a great overall winter boot.

 

What are Duck Boots good for?

Although we cannot avoid the conclusion that duck boots are no good for hiking, they’re still an excellent outdoor shoe. Bean Boots are ideal for making your way through snow and slush, so we do recommend this style as a general winter boot.

For any outdoor activity in cold weather, these shoes are ideal, as their warmth and waterproofing will keep your feet happy, while their traction is perfect for walking in the snow. Duck Boots are much closer to snow boots or rain boots than they are hiking, so for these weather conditions, we can whole-heartedly recommend these high-quality shoes.

 

Other branded duck boots

L.L. Bean was the original creator of the duck boot, but other brands have made their own version. Sperry offers a shoe called the Watertown Duck Boot, and its design is very similar to the original. Sperry’s version boasts a rubber lug outsole with no-slip traction, which could mean improved grip compared to L.L. Bean’s shoe. However, this is still not a hiking sole, so it’s not ideal for outdoor adventuring.

 

Final Verdict:

So, are Duck Boots good for hiking? The short answer; no. Although Duck Boots make an excellent winter boot, ideal for cold and wet weather, they just aren’t up to the same standard as hiking boots in other areas. The traction Bean Boots provide is optimized for wet conditions, such as snow and slush, but it’s simply not good enough for hiking in the backcountry.

The ankle support is admittedly better than trail running shoes, but more protection is needed if you do anything other than light and easy hikes. For your next hiking trip, Duck Boots aren’t the best choice, even though they’re comfy. If you’re still looking for an outdoor shoe, you might wonder, are Timberlands good for hiking? Read our article on the subject to find out if Timberlands might be the answer you’re looking for.

Bonus tip: To learn more about L.L. Bean’s original legendary boot, check out this interesting video we found below!

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Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun Review/The Best Massage Gun for Sports Lovers

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Massage guns have become popular in recent years as a way to help people relax and ease pain. They are especially popular among those who enjoy sports, as the massage guns can help to reduce muscle soreness after a workout resulting in faster recovery and improved performance. 

Some other benefits associated with the use of massage guns include:

 

Increased blood flow– Massage guns can help to improve circulation by increasing blood flow, which helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in the muscles. This is especially important for those who are involved in sports or exercise, as increased blood flow can help to repair damaged tissue faster.

 

Improved flexibility– Massage guns also help to improve flexibility by loosening tight muscles and tendons. This allows the body to move more freely, resulting in improved performance during physical activity.

 

Reduced stress– The massage gun can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Massaging the muscles helps to release endorphins, which are hormones that act as natural painkillers. By releasing these endorphins, people can feel less stressed and relaxed after using a massage gun.

 

Relieves pain– Massage guns are great for relieving pain and discomfort, as the vibration helps to loosen tight muscles and release tension. This can help to reduce pain caused by inflammation, arthritis, or other aches and pains.

 

Enhances performance– Massage guns can help to improve performance when it comes to physical activities, as they help to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness. This helps people perform better in their chosen sport or activity.

Why Choose the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun 

It’s well known that massage guns are a great way to relieve tension and soreness after a long day or workout. But with so many different massage guns on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun Review, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of this popular massage gun to help you decide if it’s the right one for you.

 

If you are an athlete or just someone looking to soothe sore and aching muscles, the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun is an ideal choice. This powerful massage gun is designed to provide deep tissue relief through its variety of adjustable speed settings and interchangeable massage heads. The ergonomic design allows for comfortable use during longer sessions, and the lightweight body makes it easy to transport and store. With its powerful motor, the C2 Massage Gun is capable of providing up to 3200 revolutions per minute. With five different intensity levels, this strong force helps to penetrate deep into muscle fibers and provides effective relief from soreness and pain.

 

The Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun is designed to help athletes and active individuals recover faster after strenuous activity. It provides a deep-tissue massage that can reduce soreness, improve flexibility, and increase the range of motion in the body. This massage gun also comes with four interchangeable heads for various massaging techniques including a flat head for larger muscle groups, a round head for deeper tissue work, a U-shape for joint relief, and a conical head for smaller areas like the neck or hands. With this variety of massage heads, the C2 helps to target specific areas of discomfort and provides customized relief.

Conclusion

 

Overall, the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and powerful massage gun that can provide effective relief from muscle soreness after exercise or long days. With its adjustable speed settings and interchangeable massage heads, it is sure to meet your needs. So if you’re an athlete or just someone looking to give their muscles some well-deserved love and attention, the Bob And Brad C2 Massage Gun is a great investment.

 

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