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Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

Best Lightweight Backpacking Hatchet

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Boy hitting tree with hatchet.

March 17, 2021/Riley Draper Table of Contents

When you’re backpacking, you’re playing a tight game with the space of your pack. You don’t want to carry around fifty pounds of wood just to have a campfire every night. If you want firewood, the best thing you can do for your shoulders and your sanity is bring along a good hatchet. A good hatchet is going to give you firewood everywhere you go, it’ll solve a lot of small problems that arrive, and it’ll save you the hassle of carrying firewood.

You can make kindling, you can trim down your logs, and you can use it to set up your tent spikes. Get yourself a good hatchet, there are a lot of shoddy products out there, so we’re here to do the work of picking out a quality piece of equipment so you don’t have to.

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

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Best Lightweight Backpacking Hatchet in 2021 – Overview

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

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1. Husqvarna H900 13″ Composite Hatchet

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This little composite hatchet is the perfect tool for almost any job you’ll come across while you’re backpacking. It’s the perfect size, the perfect weight, and it’s sturdy enough to stand up to any reasonable challenge you throw its way. It’s small enough to hang out in your pack without taking up a huge amount of room, and the case it comes in makes it perfect for hanging from your bag. If you have something with a MOLLE system, you could probably slap your hatchet onto your bag, freeing up space and making it accessible at the drop of a hat.

This hatchet is perfect for gathering firewood, any kind of brush clearing, or hacking away at overgrowth blocking your path or hindering your setup of a great spot to post up overnight. This hatchet is made with a fiber-reinforced PA shaft, making it way more solid and durable than you’d think from its bright colors and simple construction. The handle is more than just durable and flashy, it’s carefully designed to give you a strong grip while you’re hacking away at your firewood.

The best spots to hold this axe are slightly cushioned, giving you some great shock absorption, and the point of balance is up towards the head of the hatchet, making it easy to swing and distributing the weight to make it easy to carry when you’re ready to make your way to the next stop. This is a hatchet you can rely on wherever you leave home to hit the trails. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting out there with your hatchet just to discover it’s cheap crap.

The head of this hatchet is amazing. It has a non-stick coating to ease the friction while the hatchet sinks into the wood you’re chopping. This is indicative of the kind of attention to detail that sets this hatchet apart from the competition. If you have steel wedges to split stubborn wood with, you’re going to love the hammer functionality of this hatchet. It’s a heavy and solid piece of equipment, and it’s a welcome addition to any pack.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • The non-stick coating on the head of the hatchet makes chopping wood a breeze
  • It’s hefty enough to act as a hammer in a pinch
  • The case this comes with is great for long backpacking trek and saving space in your pack
  • Sturdy construction makes this a long-lasting addition to your backpacking loadout

CONS

  • Being a composite axe means that the head and body of this axe isn’t constructed from a single piece of metal

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2. Gerber 23.5-Inch Axe [31-002651]

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No not the baby food. This Gerber comes fro Europe and they make incredible hardware. The head of this blade is coated in PTFE, which reduces friction when the blade hits the wood giving you nice clean chops as long as you have the power to back it up. Along with the friction-reducing coating, the head is an incredibly durable forged steel making it perfect for long term use. It’s not the kind of hatchet that just gives up after making it back from a single backpacking trip. 

The composite handle absorbs a great deal of shock so you can get more time out of it before the fatigue sets in, and the grip on the handle is made from a tactile material to maximize your grip no matter how wet or dry it is outside. The construction is also nice and slim, focusing the weight toward the head of the hatchet so you’re getting the most efficient energy transfer every time you swing the hatchet towards your target.

If you want deep, effective swings, this is the hatchet that’ll get the work done for you. The handle is light and sturdy because of its composite build, the head of the axe is perfectly balanced, and it’s a tool that will make your backpacking much less stressful when you know it’s by your side. 

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • The minimalistic sheath and the long light handle make this easy to travel with
  • The head of this axe is made from a sturdy forged steel
  • The craftsmanship of this Finnish axe is just incredible overall

CONS

  • As far as hatchets go, this feels a little more slender than you may like

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3. Off Grid Tools Survival Axe Ultimate Outdoor Multitool-Hatchet Hammer Saw

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When you’re trying to pack your stuff up for a backpacking trip, every single inch and pound counts. If you can save room by combining several tools into one compact solution, you’re setting yourself up for success. This survival axe is one such tool. From the moment you step into the car, this hatchet is ready to back you up. One of its multiple tools is a seat belt cutter, so if something happens on your way up to the trail, you’ll already have found a use for one of this hatchet’s many functions. It uses the head of the hatchet to create a wide array of tools. Of course, there’s the hatchet blade, a hammer head, a nail claw, and a pry bar all cut into the head of this hatchet.

This incredible selection of tools gives this strange-looking hatchet head an astounding number of uses. That’s not all, moving up closer to the blade gives you eight different hex socket heads, for on-the-fly repairs of loose bolts. Down in the handle of the hatchet, we can find a hidden saw blade that flips out to turn your hatchet into a saw. On the reverse side, you’ll find the seat belt cutter we mentioned earlier and a bit of hardened steel that acts as a glass breaker. Not a single inch of this hatchet is wasted. 

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • Incredibly useful in a wide range of situations
  • Great for saving a little bit of room in your pack

CONS

  • The saw blade wants to pop out of place when you’re using the hatchet, so you either have to adjust your grip accordingly or use some bands to keep it in place
  • There’s a more expensive variant of this axe made from stronger steel, sometimes this one will chip or dull more quickly than you’d like
  • The handle is a little uncomfortable after extended use

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4. Estwing Sportsman’s Axe – 14″ Camping Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction & Genuine Leather Grip – E24A

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This sleek-looking axe is a simple option for backpacking. It’s a beautiful full-tang hatchet that’s drop forged and hand polished before being delivered to you as the hatchet you’ll never want to let go of. The beautiful leather handle is ergonomically designed to make it easy to hold. You’ll be missing out on a little bit of shock absorption and tactile grip, but the tradeoff for a beautiful hatchet is well worth it.

It’s just a solid hatchet through and through. It’s going to be great for chopping wood when you’re out in the wilderness, it’s light enough to slap on your pack without noticing the added encumbrance, and it’s a nice simple companion to bring along with you on your trips. The steel is sturdy, its build is high-quality, and the leather handle is great to hold. This hatchet doesn’t come very sharp out of the box, so you’re probably going to have to sharpen it a little bit before you head out. Once it’s brought up to snuff, you’ll have a nice time out on the trail.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • Sturdy and great for a long trip 
  • Made from a single piece of drop forged steel, so it’s sturdy

CONS

  • Has to be sharpened out of the box

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5. Husqvarna 13″ Wooden Hatchet

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This classic wooden hatchet is a little plain, but it gets the job done. If you’re looking for something simple with no frills that will go straight to work when you’re ready, then get a hold of this hatchet here. This hatchet is made from two distinct parts, the head and the handle work together to deliver decisive blows to your wooden adversaries. 

When we say simple, we mean it. There are no hidden tools, no fibers engineered with glass to create a futuristic material capable of absorbing incredible levels. It’s just your hatchet head and your wooden handle. The wood is carved into a pleasing ergonomic shape, so you’re not going to be fighting against an awkward wooden pole when you’re using this hatchet while you’re 

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • Great for someone trying to find a simple hatchet in a world where they’re continuously becoming more complicated
  • The simple design makes this hatchet reliable and predictable when you’re out on your backpacking trips

CONS

  • Might be a little too simple to earn a spot in your backpack where space is a dwindling premium

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6. Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet

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This hatchet is a real workhorse. It’s a composite axe designed to chop through wood with minimal effort. Whether it’s for chopping up kindling or splitting up medium-sized logs, this is a hatchet that’s going to get a lot of power out of a smaller package. They’ve spent a lot of time balancing the weight perfectly so you can get the most out of each swing. Not only is the hatchet perfectly weighted, but the head of the hatchet is also coated with a low-friction coating that allows it to slip into your wood with hardly any effort at all.

They also grind their blades with a proprietary technique that gives you a sharp blade ready to chop up firewood right out of the box. The balance of the hatchet increasing your swing power combined with the low-friction coating, and the sharpened blade makes this a hatchet that will save you a lot of time and energy. That low-friction coating doesn’t just allow you to get a deeper swing in, it’s also going to keep your hatchet from getting stuck. If you’re a seasoned lumberjack that’s sick to death of your hatchets betraying you, then you’re going to love using this hatchet during your backpacking trips.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • Great for chopping wood without expending too much energy
  • The low-friction coating saves a lot of frustration in the long run
  • Comes sharpened, so you can get straight to work right out of the box

CONS

  • The design of the handle is a little simplistic

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7. Schrade SCAXE10 11.1in

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This hatchet is an excellent full-tang design. The black powder finish and the polished grind combine to give this simple looking blade a little bit of flair. It’s a hatchet that seems simple at first glance, but once you look under the hood, it’s actually much more complex and premium than appearances would let on. During production, these hatchets are ground down to a fine edge. This makes them great for chopping as soon as they arrive at your door, but they’re also delicate enough to allow you to shave off pieces of wood to use for kindling pretty easily.

Without having to spend a ton of time chopping your wood down into minuscule chunks like you’re forced to when you’re working with worse hatchets that haven’t been refined before being sent to you. The black powder finish does more than just look cool. It’s also there to protect the steel your hatchet is made from. The 3cr13 stainless steel that this hatchet is made from is an excellent grade of material to make your hatchet from. It holds its shape well, the full-tang design is going to impart a lot of stability to it, and it holds a sharpened edge well because of how sturdy it is.

The power of this steel is on display most when using the oversized hammer end of the head of the hatchet. It’s dense and rigid, giving you even more versatility. This is the kind of hatchet you want on hand when you’re camping or backpacking. The sturdy material, the thoughtful design, and the solid fundamentals elevate this otherwise simple-seeming hatchet to a level much higher than hatchets that claim to stand on the same footing.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com.

PROS

  • This is an exceptional little hatchet, it’s construction and attention to detail are unparalleled
  • The black powder finish looks great and keeps your steel safe for a really long time
  • Weighing in at just over a pound, this is a great hatchet to slot into your backpacking loadout

CONS

  • It’s a little small

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Winner

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This is the perfect composite hatchet. It’s just plain well-suited to use out in the field. The size and weight of it alone make it easy to pack away in your bags. The cover it comes with is minimal and makes it simple to slide onto the outside of your packs if you’d rather save space on the inside of your bags. The hatchet is light enough to make itself easily accessible wherever you want to make space for it on your person. You could strap it to your pants or jacket without feeling like it’s in the way at all.

This hatchet’s full of small design flourishes that make it the perfect tool for the job. The balance of the hatchet is situated at a point towards the top of your hatchet that multiplies the power of your swings, making it almost effortless to swing through your targets. The construction of the handle is subtle and ergonomic. The curves of the handle will keep your hands from slipping off the end, the texture of the material gives you a firm grip no matter what the weather is like, and the low-friction coating on the head of the hatchet is a godsend.

Not getting your hatchet jammed in your logs every single time you take a swing totally changes the lumber gathering experience. If you’re looking for a hatchet that’s perfectly suited to backpacking, this is the one you want. It’s light, it’s powerful, it’s full of little design tricks that make it more than the sum of its parts, and it’s a hatchet that’s going to last you a long time. 

Bonus tip: The best hatchet in the world isn’t going to do you any good if you’re not going to use it well. This video tutorial will teach you all of the most essential hatchet use tricks.

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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