Connect with us

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

7 Best Backpacking Pillows

Published

on

Best Backpacking Pillows
 

When backpacking, you don’t know where the paths, roads, and trails will lead you at the end of the day. Whether at the beach, top of the mountains, or campsite, the right backpacking pillow will ensure you have a good night’s sleep.

There is a wide range of backpacking pillows on the market to choose from. However, they are all not built the same. The best backpacking pillows are lightweight and pack small for easy portability yet offer you great comfort and support when sleeping.

Below is a look at the 7 best backpacking pillow options for your next camping trip.


7 Best Backpacking Pillows – Winners

Check out our quick recommendations here, or keep scrolling for detailed reviews:


Best Overall Backpacking Pillow

1. Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow

Dimensions: 16 X 23 X 4 Inches

Weight: 12oz

Pillow Type: Compressible pillow

Fill Type: Upcycled urethane

Pros:

  • Made in the USA
  • Lightweight
  • Compact design
  • Compressible
  • Soft and comfortable to lie on
  • Machine washable
  • Variety of colors and sizes to choose from

Cons:

  • Some people find it too big for backpacking

The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow is designed to offer you optimal comfort when sleeping and portability. This camping pillow is supportive and lightweight.

Aside from a backpacking trip, it can be used in various settings, including car camping, plane travel, and trekking. It is available in various sizes (small, medium, large, and X-large) and colors.

The exterior is made of 100% polyester, while the interior is filled with soft foam. The polyester fabric offers a soft, plush feel against your skin. Before using the pillow, fluff it to restore its loftiness for a more comfortable pillow. The urethane filling is upcycled from Therm-a-Rest mattresses.

These materials enable this camping pillow to be ultralight and pack down small, making it ideal when packing up all your backpacking gear. The 16 X 23 X 4-inch pillow compresses down to 16 x 7 x 7-inches.

The compact design of this foam pillow enables you to pack it neatly into a duffle suitcase, backpack, or tote bag. It comes with a drawstring bag with a cord lock that keeps the pillow compressed down when not in use.

View on Amazon >>


Runner-Up Backpacking Pillow

2. Nemo Fillo Pillow

Dimensions: 17 X 11 X 4 Inches

Weight: 9oz

Pillow Type: Hybrid pillow

Fill Type: Air and foam

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Ultra-lightweight and compact
  • Offer adequate head and neck support
  • Packs down tight
  • Integrated storage
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Has a strong chemical smell
  • Some people find it too small

The Nemo Fillo pillow is an ultralight backpacking pillow and packs down remarkably small. It is designed with an ergonomic valve that enables you to inflate it in a few seconds. The interior is a 3” I-beam baffled air cell that fills with air.

The baffled air cell is covered with a layer of thick luxury form that provides a soft and yielding feel on your head, just like a traditional pillow. On the exterior is a machine washable microsuede cover.

This hybrid pillow is portable. It packs down to the size of a potato for easy and light carry on your backpacking trip. The pillow has an integrated stuff sack that ensures it does not get lost in the depths of your backpack. The Nemo Fillo pillow is versatile. It can be used for airplane travel, long road trips, and car camping.

View on Backcountry >>

Also Available on Amazon


Best Inflatable Pillow

3. Therm-a-Rest Air Head Inflatable Travel Pillow

Dimensions: 11 x 15.5 X 4 inches

Weight: 5.6oz

Pillow Type: Inflatable pillow

Fill Type: Air and polyester fill

Pros

  • Light and comfortable
  • Thick and stable
  • Soft cover
  • Made in the USA
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • None so far

The Therm-a-Rest’s top-rated Air Head Pillow is one of the best inflatable pillows on the market. It is suitable for both camping and backpacking. You can choose between regular (11 x 15.5) and large (12.5 X 18) sizes. The pillows are available in two color options, including blue woven and yellow mountains.

It packs quite easily into a small and compact size that fits into the hood of your sleeping bag. It is super lightweight and inflates to provide comfortable support. The 4” thick baffled air chamber offers excellent stability and loft. The top is filled with synthetic material, while the exterior is a non-slip machine washable cover.

View on Amazon >>


Best Budget Backpacking Pillow

4. Klymit Luxe Pillow

Dimensions: 12.5 x 22 x 5.5 inches

Weight: 6.2 ounces

Pillow Type: Hybrid pillow

Fill Type: Air and polyester fill

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Packs down small
  • Comfortable quilted cover
  • Easy to clean removable cover
  • Comes with a stuff sack

Cons

  • Slips around if you toss and turn while sleeping

The Klymit Luxe Pillow is another great option for an inflatable hybrid pillow for your camping or backpacking trip. It is almost as big as your home pillow but weighs only 6 ounces and packs 3 X 7 inches small.

The interior is designed to maximize comfort. It has a hybrid construction that constitutes air and polyester fill. You can adjust the inflation to your desired comfort level. It inflates easily with just a few breaths into your air valve.

The exterior is a quilted cover that feels soft and comfortable on your skin when sleeping. The pillow contours and adjusts to keep your head centered.

View on Backcountry >>

Also Available on Amazon


Best Luxury Backpacking Pillow

5. Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow

Dimensions: 23.5 x 16 X 5.5 inches

Weight: 7 ounce

Pillow Type: Hybrid pillow

Fill Type: Air and synthetic lining

Pros

  • Packs small
  • Light
  • Comfortable
  • Washable exterior
  • Comes with a stuff sack
  • Compatible with the Sea to Summit sleeping mat

Cons

  • Not machine washable
  • May not be thick enough for side sleepers

The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow is a lightweight inflatable pillow suitable for backpacking, camping, and travel. It is available in 4 color options, including navy blue, lime, grey, and magenta. You can also find it in three sizes: Deluxe 23.5 x 16, large 16.5 x 11.8, and regular 13.4 x 9.4.

It is easy to inflate and deflate through the multifunctional mini-valve. You can also fine-tune the air pressure to your desired level. The pillow is compatible with the Sea to Summit camping sleeping mats that come with a pillow lock patch the secures the inflatable pillow in place.

On the interior is a synthetic lining that provides plushness and improves airflow. The exterior is made of an inflatable TPU bladder covered with brushed polyester knit. Both provide excellent support and firmness. The pillow comes with a stuff sack for easy packing and portability.

View on Bass Pro Shops >>

Also Available on Backcountry

Also Available on Amazon


Best for Neck & Back Support

6. Exped Air Pillow

Dimensions: 18.1 x 11.8 x 4.7 inches

Weight: 2.3 ounces

Pillow Type: Inflatable

Fill Type: Air

Pros

  • Feather lightweight
  • Packs down small
  • Easy to inflate
  • Stays in place
  • Manufacturer offers a 5-year warranty

Cons

  • Some customers reported receiving the wrong size

The Exped air pillow offers backpackers comfort when sleeping without hogging up pack space and weight. It is designed to offer adequate neck and head support no matter your sleeping style. It is available in two sizes: medium and large. It is the lightest inflatable pillow on this list as the medium weighs 1.7oz while the large one weighs 2.3 oz.

The pillow features a sturdy flat valve with a deflation pin and a one-way flap. The design of the pillow was updated in 2020 to include a 20D stretch tricot exterior fabric. The fabric offers a smooth surface to lie on. It has an anti-slip coating on both sides that keeps the pillow in place throughout the night.  The fabric also has eyelets that enable you to attach the pillow to your sleeping pad.

Outstandingly, the manufacturer offers a 5-year warranty on this pillow and all other Exped products. The warranty covers material and workmanship defects. They also repair products due to normal wear and tear or negligence at a nominal cost to minimize disposal to the landfills.

View on Backcountry >>

Also Available on Amazon


Best Backpacking Pillow for Kids

7. TETON Sports Camp Pillow

Dimensions: 12 X 18 X

Weight: 10 ounces

Pillow Type: Compressible

Fill Type: Hollow fiber

Pros

  • Soft flannel upper
  • Comfortable
  • Packs down small
  • Comes with a drawstring bag
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not suitable for adults
  • Center of the pillow flattens out over time

The Teton sports camp pillow is suitable for backpacking, camping, and traveling.  It is available in 4 color options, including brown, grey, green, and black. It packs down tight and comes with a taffeta stuff sack with a drawstring closure for easy packing and portability. It is best suited for kids rather than adults.

The soft pillow has an innovative interior that incorporates superloft elite 4-channel hollow fiber. The exterior is made of 100% brushed flannel with an envelope-style opening. These materials ensure that the pillow is soft and comfortable to lie on. It has a removable pillowcase that is machine washable.

View on Amazon >>


Buying Advice for Backpacking Pillows

Below are the main factors to consider when buying a backpacking pillow to determine which one is the right fit for you.

Type of Backpacking Pillows

There are four main types of backpacking pillows. Each has its pros and cons and is most suitable in specific circumstances. Here is a look at the different types.

Inflatable Pillows

Inflatable backpacking pillows are space savers. They are an excellent option if you are looking to save on your packing space. They are also quite light. They fold flat when deflated and not in use, taking up minimal room in your backpack.          

There are two types of inflatable backpacking pillows – those that are inflated manually and those that have an auto-inflate valve. Both types are practical and inflate easily.

On the downside, inflatable pillows are more prone to puncturing or deflating accidentally. They may also feel stiff and offer inadequate support. They may move around and produce a squeaky sound.

Compressible Pillows

Compressible backpacking pillows are designed to offer you as much comfort as the pillow on your bed. The interior is filled with plush and soft materials such as synthetic fibers, foam, or both. However, unlike a traditional pillow, it can compress down significantly to minimize packing space. They are the best option if comfort is your priority.

On the downside, compressible pillows are the heaviest type of backpacking pillows. Although they fold down, they take up more space than inflatables.

Hybrid Pillows

Hybrid pillows are a go-between with inflatable and compressible backpacking pillows. They offer the best of both worlds. These are inflatable pillows wrapped with a layer of plush, compressible material. Like inflatable pillows, they deflate into a small size but not as small as inflatables. They also have a manual or automatic inflating mechanism.

They are much smaller than compressible pillows, but they do not save you as much packing space and weight as an inflatable. If you are looking for a lighter option for the compressible pillow but one that can offer better comfort and support than the inflatable pillows, hybrid pillows are the best option.

Stuff Sack Pillow

Technically, these are not actual pillows. They are makeshift stuff sacks that you stuff with soft items such as clothing and then use as a pillow. They are excellent space savers and can be used to pack clothes. However, they may be lumpy and uncomfortable to sleep on.

Face Fabrics

The right backpacking pillow face fabric should be comfortable and soft. It should also help the pillow stay in place. The most common face fabrics are polyester and nylon. Both are quite sturdy and offer you solid support.

Most pillows on the market are made with either a brushed polyester or fleece cover. These materials are soft on the skin, breathable, and have moisture-wicking properties. Therefore, polyester is the best option if you tend to sweat.

On the other hand, nylon is not breathable and inhibits proper airflow, which can cause the pillow to be smelly, particularly if you sweat a lot. It also tends to be slippery and produce a squeaky sound if you move around.

Size, Weight & Support

When it comes to the size and weight of your pillow, it is a balancing act. Think about what is a priority for you, portability or comfort. Bigger pillows are typically sturdier and more supportive but are also heavier and take up a lot of packing space.

Backpacking pillows that are 13-15 inches wide are adequate for most adults. However, if you toss and turn a lot, go for a wide pillow.

In terms of weight, stuff sacks are the lightest and weigh between 1.2 and 1.8 ounces on average. The weight is so minimal that it hardly affects your total luggage weight. But, they compromise comfort. Inflatable pillows might be a better option as they are lightweight, pack small, and offer adequate support.

On the other hand, hybrid and compressible pillows are sturdier and comfortable but heavier and take up significant packing space.

Durability

Inflatable backpacking pillows have the shortest lifespan compared to their counterparts as they are prone to puncturing. However, they are generally cheaper to replace. Compressible pillows last longer but may need frequent fluffing to keep them plush. They also tend to flatten in the middle.

If the pillow’s durability is high on your list, go for one that comes with a warranty. Some manufacturers offer a warranty on their pillows against manufacturing and workmanship defects. Others offer repairs at a minimal cost. The longer the warranty, the better.

Sleeping Style

When buying a backpacking pillow, consider your sleeping style. If you toss and turn a lot at night, consider a backpacking pillow that has a non-slip grip or one that has an attachment mechanism you can use to easily attach it to your sleeping pad. Also, a wider pillow offers you adequate space to move around.

If you are a side-sleeper, you require a thicker pillow to fill up the space between the ground and your head. If you are a flat sleeper, a thinner pillow will do.

Washing Care

Your backpacking pillow will inevitably collect dust or dirt, and if you sweat, it may get smelly. Therefore, it must be washable. Some manufacturers indicate that their pillows are machine washable. Carefully adhere to the machine washing and drying instructions provided.

For most pillows, it is recommended to hand wash. Use a mild soap or detergent, clean and rinse, then lay the pillow on a clothes rack to air dry. When washing an inflatable or hybrid camping pillow, make sure to close the valve before washing it. Once dry, open the valve before storing it away.

Hybrid pillows may take longer to dry depending on the compressible material used. A polyester filling will dry within a few hours, but foam may take longer. Compressible pillows will take significantly longer to dry than all other types of backpacking pillows.


Conclusion

The right backpacking pillow will take up minimal space and weight in your backpack, but it may significantly improve your sleep quality. Read through the buying guide above to help you determine the key feature in the right backpacking pillow for you. Then choose one from our pick for the 7 best backpacking pillow options for a good night’s sleep.

Need a mat to go with your new backpacking pillow? Check out our review of the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads.

Continue Reading

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

How to have amazing experiences camping in Alaska?

Published

on

 

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! 

 

 

Continue Reading

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

Why Duck Boots are Good for Hiking

Published

on

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.

Related: Best Gun Brands 

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.

Related: Best screen houses for camping

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!

Continue Reading

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

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

Published

on

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.

 

Continue Reading

Trending