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Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

7 Best Hydration Water Bladders – Reviewed

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Boy with Hydration Pack on His Shoulder Wearing White Shirt before Surfing,

May 24, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents

Water is the single most important thing in the world. It sustains us and gives up the strength to push through on a long hike.

If you’ve ever been out under the sun, fighting your way to the top of your favorite hiking trail, then you know how refreshing it can be to have a little water by your side the entire time. A good water bladder is going to be the thing that can turn your trip around for the better. If you’re not sure which one would fit into your hiking lifestyle the best, then read on!

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

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7 Best Hydration Water Bladders – Overview

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

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1. Gregory Mountain Products 3D Hydro Reservoir 2 Liter

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This water bladder from Gregory Mountain Productions has everything you could possibly be looking for from a hydration bladder. It’s sturdy, functional and it holds the perfect amount of water. It’s a simple 3-liter water bladder designed to make carrying your water as simple as possible, freeing up your hands and making your hiking trips a breeze.

This water bladder includes what Gregory Mountain calls “the drylock.” This is a bite valve system that runs from the water bladder up to the straps of your bags that clip across your chest. The bite valve on this bladder includes a small but powerful magnet so you can attach it and go about the rest of your hiking or backpacking without having to worry about whether your valve is getting caught up in any of the muck that you’re trudging through. 

Our favorite thing about this particular water bladder is going to have to be the carefully considered design of the bladder. A lot of water bladders will bulge awkwardly against your back once they’ve been filled up, but Gregory Mountain has designed this one to stay flat against your back after adding water to the equation.

This makes more a much more comfortable experience, and we all know that every single inch of discomfort you can remove from a hiking trip is well worth the money and preparation. These water reservoirs are backed with the Gregory Lifetime Guarantee, though you might not even need it. These are so well made and they dry so quickly and cleanly that caring for and maintaining one of these water bladders is simple enough to make it last a lifetime. 

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • Easy to use and incredibly comfortable 
  • The lifetime warranty says a lot about  Gregory Mountain’s confidence in the reliability of this product

CONS

  • If you’re looking for a huge water bladder, you might be better off looking elsewhere

Check Latest Price

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2. CamelBak Antidote 50oz Reservoir

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CamelBak has been leading the water bladder charge for decades now, so if there’s ever been a brand of water bladder to pick up without a second thought it’s CamelBak. This bladder in particular is great for keeping a low profile among your things.

If you like to pack a little heavy, then taking this water bladder along is going to make your life a heck of a lot more simple. Overall it’s a lot more sleek and compact than other water bladders on the market right now. Aside from the low-profile look and feel of this water bladder, it’s super simple to fill up so you can get back on the trail without missing a beat.

The Quick Seal cap pops open without any fuss. It makes no difference if you’re hunkering down at a campsite with a filtration setup or making a pit stop at a reservoir with an easily accessible faucet. The low barrier between you and a full water bladder makes this one of the more perfect candidates for impulsive hikers.

The cap isn’t the only part of this bag designed to make use easier. Their “Quick Link” system has been honed for years. Loading and unloading the actual reservoir becomes a no-brainer, so things like maintenance and customization can be that much quicker. 

If you’re tired of water bladders that get wet and stay that way for a long time, that’s just another reason to pick up this particular bladder. This pack from CamelBak is designed with a set of “dryer arms” that fold out, increasing the exposed surface area of your water bladder and drastically reduces the amount of time you’re spending waiting for it to dry up once you’re done filling it up. 

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • The capacity of this pack is great for long hikes without becoming cumbersome

CONS

  • Without the separate CamelBak branded pack, this bladder is really hard to manage on the trail

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3. MSR Dromedary Bag Water Reservoir

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This water bladder is totally collapsible. If you’re concerned about storage and retrieval, this water bladder will meet your needs in a lot of really unique ways. The hyper-compressible nature of the Dromedary Bag is its biggest selling point. You’re going to be able to slip it into and back out of even the most narrow compartments in your pack.

Unlike a lot of other water bladders, this one is really concerned with how your water tastes once you’ve filled it up. To this end, they’ve laminated it with a BPA-free food-grade lining. That off-putting rubber taste that other water bladders tend to give to your water is drastically reduced if it’s even noticeable at all.

These are the sort of minor quality of life improvements that make this a water bladder worth adding to your hiking and backpacking loadout. That attention to detail makes this a great water bladder no matter what season you’ve decided to brave the elements. The bladder is built with a material that is perfectly capable of handling freezing temperatures.

If you’re taking the time to hit the trails during the winter or late fall months, then you’re not going to be waking up to a water bladder that’s gone rigid or burst from the water in your bag expanding. These water bladders come in a pretty wide array of sizes, so if you’re into this water bladder, then you’re going to have a lot to choose from. This makes it the perfect bladder for anybody taking any trip of any size.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • Great for travelers that need to save every possible inch of space
  • The material holds up well against winter weather

CONS

  • The taste the material gives your water can be pretty offputting

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4. Deuter Streamer 3.0L Reservoir

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This water bladder is focused on the more athletic outdoorsmen. It’s a piece of equipment that’s light and made to make it as easy as possible to get your water out of the bladder and into your body. The Deuter Streamer is a 3-liter bladder with their proprietary “Helix Valve.”

This is a water valve that’s been carefully designed to make sure you’re getting an easy and constant flow of water from the bladder. If you’ve used a water bladder like these before you know that sometimes pressure can become an issue.

It can be hard to pull water from the bladder while you’re exerting yourself. The Helix Valve has a wide opening, enabling you to get the most water per pull with the minimum amount of effort. A constant issue we’re always on the lookout for is taste.

A water bladder is great to have, but if it tastes like the inside of a latex glove when you’re trying to hydrate, you’re probably not going to be getting an adequate amount of water while you’re on the trail. The Deuter Streamer takes that into account, by employing the use of a special film on the inside of the bladder.

It makes the bladder incredibly smooth (great for protecting it against itself and the contents of your bag) and it keeps the taste of the material from leaching into your water over the course of a long day outside. This extends to the tube and the valve as well. 

The film also keeps things clean on the inside of your water bladder. It’s not always easy to clean these while you’re on the trail, so every line of defense you can set up between yourself and mildew is one you should consider when purchasing a new water bladder.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • Very light. Great for highly active hikers
  • The valve works incredibly well, making drinking easy

CONS

  • This water bladder is useful, but it doesn’t feel as sturdy as other water bladders out there

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5. HydraPak Velocity Light-Weight Water Bladder/Reservoir

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This is one of those products that’s technically been designed for another use, but its build quality and effectiveness have put it in a position that makes it perfect for use on the trail. This is HydraPak’s Velocity Water Bladder. It’s a piece of equipment meant mostly for runners and other folks engaging in high-intensity cardio.

It’s sturdy enough to withstand the amount of punishment you’d be putting on it if you were to be jogging around town while being light enough to stay out of your way while you’re exerting yourself. This water bladder was designed to replace hydration vests that joggers tend to wear if they’re going to be long-distance running or engaging in a series of hard sprints.

It’s also designed to reduce the amount of chafing you’re subjecting yourself to while moving all about during your physical activity. This pack comes with a slider top that allows you to move the weights and seams of your bag around to save your back from abrasion. 

Its focus on being a water bladder that appeals to joggers makes it the perfect choice for anybody that’s going to be outside to get their exercise. The slim profile keeps your water compressed enough to keep it from sloshing against your back while you’re active. The wide bite valve makes it easy to get your water from the bladder to your body, it’s sturdy and totally leak-proof, along with being totally reversible so you can clean it quickly and easily. 

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • Great for all kinds of exercise
  • Built with high-intensity exercise in mind

CONS

  • Only holds a liter and a half of water

Check Latest Price

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6. Platypus Big Zip Water Reservoir for Hydration Backpacks

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The Platypus Hydration Backpack is another back focused on eliminating the acrid taste from your water bladder. It’s a premium-feeling bladder that locks up tight and seals all of its seams effectively, making it totally leak-proof and long-lasting. This pack has a high-flow valve similar to other water bladders that are meant to keep you hydrated on the go, but its biggest selling point has to be the ultra flexibility of the tube.

You can position the point of attachment to best fit your pack, which will maximize your space and make it as easy as possible to reach your bladder and the valve when you need to adjust it on the fly. It combines a lot of the functionality of some of the best bladders.

It does a great job keeping the taste of your water as pure as possible, it’s a great piece of equipment if you’re planning on staying outdoors for an extended period of time, and the valve is wide enough to facilitate some pretty comfortable levels of water flow.

It’s ergonomically designed to keep every single aspect of interaction with it as simple as possible, like including a pitcher-like handle on the top of the water bladder so handling and filling the water bladder is as simple as possible.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • Designed to be easy to use in a variety of situations
  • The handle on top of the bladder is a huge selling point

CONS

  • Pulls from a lot of aspects of the best water bladders, but doesn’t execute on them as well as its competitors

Check Latest Price

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7. CamelBak Crux 100 oz Hydration Pack Reservoir

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This is another water bladder offered up by CamelBak. It’s great for hiking because it’s designed to shift the weight from your upper back to your lower back. It does this to give you a little bit more stability while the bladder has been filled up with the water you’re going to be taking on your trek with you. 

This bag prominently features a leak-proof cap that’s easy to pop off of the water bladder. The cap seals a massive opening in the bladder that will allow you to pump it full of water as quickly as possible. We all know the frustration of slowly filling a vessel with a minuscule opening.

Any hose, faucet, or clean water basin you come across can be used to fill the bladder back up while you’re on the trail. You might not even need to fill it up at all because its 100-ounce capacity is impressive enough to carry a quick to moderate hike on its own.

It’s also stuffed full of fail-safes. The drinking tube, for example, not only has a self-sealing bite valve that makes it easy to get your water in a hands-free manner as well as a lever that totally cuts off the flow of water to your drinking tube if you’re using the bladder more for storage than hydration in the moment.

This CamelBak, like others similar to it, comes built with their “Hydro guard technology” which is a clever coating that keeps your water tasting clean and clear along with keeping bacteria and mold from taking up residence in some of the harder to clean areas like the far corners of the reservoir and the drinking tube.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • This water bladder was designed after a lot of market testing. It fixes a lot of the slower drinking times and cumbersome design of previous water bladders from CamelBak
  • Great for athletes as well as hikers, making it multi-functional and adding to the overall value of the pack

CONS

  • The lumbar weight shifting design might make it a little awkward to fit in a bag

Check Latest Price

Our Winner

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This water bladder includes what Gregory Mountain calls “the drylock.” This is a bite valve system that runs from the water bladder up to the straps of your bags that clip across your chest. The bite valve on this bladder includes a small but powerful magnet so you can attach it and go about the rest of your hiking or backpacking without having to worry about whether your valve is getting caught up in any of the muck that you’re trudging through. 

This water bladder is the poster child for a comfortable and dependable piece of backpacking gear. It’s a 3-liter bladder that will hold your water and distribute it reliably through hot and cold weather for years if you treat it well. It’s perfectly designed to be comfortable once you’ve gotten yourself geared up to go, and it’s lightweight enough to take on every single trip without becoming a limiting factor of the amount of gear you can carry. 

The lifetime guarantee is the perfect cherry on top of an already excellent water bladder. If you’ve been on the fence about finally picking one up, then this one from Gregory Mountain is hands down, one of the best on the market right now.

Bonus tip: If you’re bringing along a water bladder, then you’re probably the type to want to restock while you’re on the trail. This video will show you all of the best ways to get clean water while you’re out for an extended trip!

See more: [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.

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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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