Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

Windbreaker vs Rain Jacket: Which is Right for You?

Published

3 years ago

November 2, 2020

A girl in the mountains with a rain jacket.

So much of successful outdoor recreation relies on you having the right equipment. Many people will deliberate forever on the right climbing gear, the right tent, the right backpacking equipment, and so on. These sorts of people are smart because they want to be certain they are spending their money on the right products for them. So, why is this same level of care so often not given to your clothing?

Shoes are normally a huge consideration and for good reason. It is hard to do much of anything outdoors without having to walk somewhere. But a category that most people settle for far too often is their outerwear. You may be insistent that your old hoodie is good enough to get you through, but the right coat can really make the difference.

Two of the most common outdoor wear coats are rainjackets and windbreakers. Their popularity comes from their versatility to tackle many of the weather conditions nature throughs at you. Everyone from backcountry campers to hardcore hikers and dedicated hunters can get tons of use from one of these kinds of coats. Plus, they are usually pretty comfy for casual wear.

On the surface, the decision of which one to get seems pretty obvious. If you’re going to be facing the rain, get a rain jacket, and if you’re expecting wind, get the windbreaker. But most modern coats from good brands like Marmot or The North Face can pull double duty — there are plenty of water-resistant windbreakers and plenty of wind-resistant raincoats.

So, to help you figure out which is the type of outerwear best suited for you here’s a discussion of some of the key qualities to look for, and how the types of coats stack up.

A man running in the rain with a blue jacket.

With so many different types and brands of jackets out there, picking the right one for you can feel intimidating. You don’t have to tackle this on your own though.

Breathability

Jackets are meant to help keep the wearer warm and shield them from precipitation. You want one thick and dense enough to accomplish this, but you don’t want to end up getting stuffy and sweaty when you start doing physical activities. Coat designing has started taking this into account more and more as the importance of a breathable jacket becomes more clear. So, most jackets you pick up these days will still be breathable, even if they aren’t designed specifically with breathability in mind.

There is a specific measure for breathability. It is rated as the total grams of water vapor that can pass through a sheet of fabric in 24 hours. When you are looking for your next coat, you can probably find this rating on websites for bigger brands like Patagonia. The higher the number, the more breathable it is.

All other things being equal, your average windbreaker jacket will be more breathable than your average rain jacket. This has to do with their primary design goal. Getting fabric woven tight enough to keep water out usually means it is also hard for water to escape.

Many jacket manufacturers have found ways to help combat this issue. Gore-tex, for example, has a unique microporous waterproof membrane in their jackets that manages to let water vapor out while not letting water droplets in. A more common way to deal with these is zipper vents.

If you’ve ever looked at a quality jacket and wondered why there were so many zippers that weren’t pockets, here’s your answer. These are typically located around the neck, back, arms and armpits — you’ll sometimes see people referring to those at pit-zips. These offer a quick way to adjust the layering on certain parts of your body that accumulate the most sweat during physical activity. By opening up these zipper vents, the jacket allows moisture to get in and out much easier, meaning you sweat can evaporate faster and you can keep cool.

Waterproofing

As you can probably imagine, rain jackets have the advantage over windbreakers in this category. This has to do with the differences between a hardshell jacket and a softshell jacket. A hardshell jacket means the outermost layer of the jacket is made of much thicker and sturdier fabric, almost resembling a sheet of pliable plastic. Softshell is basically everything else. You can find hardshell and softshell varieties of both, but typically rain jackets are hardshell and windbreakers are softshell.

That doesn’t mean you’ll just be waterlogged in a windbreaker. Most modern outdoor jackets are at least water-resistant. This means your windbreaker can roll off a light rain for a while before you start to get soggy. But if you’re expecting a downpour, you’ll need the water-proof power of a hardshell rain jacket.

Even a softshell rain jacket can handle more than a softshell windbreaker, and that is because rain jackets usually come with a pre-applied layer of DWR — that stands for durable water-repellent. Think of it a bit like laminate over important documents or the top-coat on your nails. It’s an extra level of protection and water resistance that isn’t a physical layer of the jacket.

DWR can eventually wear out though, so you’ll have to reapply it to your favorite jacket to keep it just as waterproof as when you bought it. Or, you can also apply some DWR to a windbreaker to help it fight off precip even more. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, have a look at our list of the best waterproofing sprays for jackets.

That having been said, no amount of extra help will turn a softshell jacket into a waterproof rain jacket. If you are looking for something that is by all accounts a waterproof jacket, get a hardshell coat, and keep it well maintained with DWR.

Windproofing

You might expect the windbreakers to be the clear winner in the wind-proof category, but it isn’t as simple as the names would first imply.

Being able to resist wind is a bit more complicated than just being a thick coat. It’s a similar issue to breathability, only instead of being water porous, it’s about being heat porous. It’s much trickier than with water because you want the warmth to be able to escape so you don’t overheat, but not be able to get pulled out too much by outside forces so you don’t freeze.

The exact science of how this works is confusing, but it can be explained in a fairly simple way. The reason wind is so good at making you cold over ambient air is a result of convection. The wind blows because colder, denser air higher in the atmosphere is pushing around warmer air, so you are being bombarded with colder air than normal, first of all. Second, if the cold air can get inside your jacket, it can easily force out the warm air that is way less heavy. Windproof layers are designed specifically to prevent the cold air from getting to the warm air inside the jacket, allowing it to stay inside and keep your body heat from constantly being sapped by the elements.

Because of the science at play, a hardshell rain jacket is about as good if not better than a windbreaker at repelling wind. However, it’s a bit like using a machete to cut your sandwich. A windbreaker is usually lighter, less expensive, and less bulky than a hardshell rain jacket that is as good at blocking the wind.

So, technically, a hardshell jacket does the windproofing job just as well on top of being more water-resistant, but it’s a considerable level of overkill. On top of that, softshell jackets are in no way as good at resisting wind as windbreakers are at resisting water.

A woman wearing a yellow rain jacket in the rain.

Don’t get held back by your equipment. Find a coat that can handle just as much as you can.

Durability

Looking at the average jacket from Columbia or Arc’teryx as examples of top brands, one thing good windbreakers and rain jackets have in common is that they are not cheap. That’s not bad though, you get what you pay for, after all. Still, not everyone can afford to buy quality outerwear more than once every so often. That’s why you want to make sure whichever type of coat you decide on will last you a while.

As hard as you try to take care of your equipment and keep it in perfect condition, things are going to happen. Scuffs, falls, rips, and tears are the signs that you are getting good use out of your gear. But you’ll want something that isn’t going to unravel just because it snagged on a branch. If you go with a trusted brand, you’re bound to get something that’s decent, but there are some things to consider when deciding on a particular coat.

The first point of picking a durable coat goes back, once again, to the distinction between hardshell and softshell. Hardshell jackets are way sturdier on average. The rugged outer layer on their exteriors can take scratches, scrapes, and punctures way better than softshell fabric.

The one metric that softshell beats hardshell in is the ability to stretch. That outer layer is thick and tough, but it also tends to be rigid. If you were to play tug-of-war with both a hardshell and softshell jacket, the former will be the first to split or rip 9/10 times. But a good hardshell can still take a beating, and they aren’t so stiff that they will bust a seam over a good tug.

The second thing to look for when considering the sturdiness of your coat is its layers. Most outdoor jackets are layer jackets by default, but how many layers and how they are made are important considerations. Usually, the more layers a jacket has, the more durable it is, but also the heavier and bulkier it will be. Some of the most common varieties are:

2 Layer: This construction features fabric with a durable water repellent coat on the outermost layer. The inside layer is typically loose and porous, and a bit more comfortable on the body. 2 Layer jackets are close in overall design to a poncho. They are the least expensive on average, but, despite having the fewest layers, are also the heaviest.

2.5 Layer: The outermost waterproof layer on these coats is a bit thinner, but just as water-repellent. The extra “half-layer” comes from a thin laminate or polyurethane coat that prevents the outer layer from getting clogged with dirt, sweat, and oil from your body. The inner layer is usually a bit more robust too since the half layer is not pleasant against the skin. These tend to be less breathable and more expensive, but the nature of the construction allows you to get a great deal of water resistance from an ultra-lightweight jacket.

3 Layer: By combining the technology from the two other coat types, you get the more durable and most precip resistant type of jacket. The outermost layer is the same laminated DWR fabric, but with a breathable and waterproof membrane bonded underneath it — the second layer. The inner layer is a more thick version of the polyurethane membrane from the 2.5 layer jacket. This means it can keep the other two layers from having their pores clogged while also becoming significantly more breathable. Parkas are typically 3 Layer jackets.

Why layering matters is that the longer you use a coat, the more clogged the pores in the fabric become. This isn’t just gross, but it also severely dampens a jacket’s ability to ward off the elements since the highly engineered fabrics can’t work as well as they normally would. You can wash the jackets to restore some of their effectiveness, but they will deteriorate over time no matter how many times you wash them.

So, the better a jacket is from keeping crude out of its important layers, the more durable it is, because the longer it will last. While there is a bit of a price jump in 3 Layer jackets, there is a much bigger increase in durability. So, if you can afford it, it’s in your best interest in the long-term to invest in a 3 Layer jacket.

Miscellaneous

These are some of the less prominent things to think about when purchasing a jacket. Rain jackets and windbreakers are both likely to have these things, and there is no appreciable difference between the two, with some small exceptions.

Packability

It has been alluded to throughout this article, but the bulk of a jacket is a real concern. It can hamper your movements and weigh you down while you wear it for one, but you aren’t always going to be wearing the jacket. Backpack space is already precious, and devoting half of your bag to even an awesome coat can feel bad. Rain jackets and windbreakers are roughly equal in terms of how packable they are, it all just depends on the specific model. For recommendations on the best lightweight rain jackets, check out this review.

Cut

For the most part, windbreakers are going to be waist length or at least in that range. It’s much more common to see rain jackets that can go past your waste, but it isn’t a hard and fast rule. This doesn’t factor into the discussion because it is truly a matter of personal preference.

Pocket features

You would have to intentionally look for an outdoor coat that doesn’t at least have hand pockets. Some models go really nuts with this and have pockets along the arms, hidden pockets, pockets on the inside, etc. The number and placement are up to you. Two things to look out for are pocket zippers and storm flaps. Some pockets zip shut to secure whatever valuables you put inside them and provide some resistance to precipitation. For a fully downpour-proof pocket, you need a storm flap, which is a little extra piece of fabric that folds over the seam of the pocket. Rain jackets tend to have storm flaps more than windbreakers, though you can find windbreakers with storm flaps without too much effort.

Just because you aren’t outdoorsy doesn’t mean a windbreaker or rain jacket isn’t right for you. Both are great options for facing harsh weather in everyday life.

Final Verdict:

Rain jackets appear to be the more heavy-duty option, but that is not strictly a good quality. They tend to be heavier, bulkier, and not quite as breathable as a windbreaker. Thus resulting in this verdict.

If you are expecting to face harsher elements on the regular, a rain jacket is well worth the extra bulk. They are hardier, have a huge edge in warding off precipitation, and a smaller one in wind, and the stuffiness won’t bother you too much if you aren’t doing intense outdoor activities.

If you are looking for a more casual coat, or plan to be doing intense activity in said coat, start looking at some windbreaker options. Their slight lack of resistance won’t be a concern as long as you don’t get caught off guard by extreme weather. In general, you’ll be happier with a lighter and slimmer piece of outerwear overall, especially if you plan on doing something like rock climbing or snowboarding.

Bonus tip: If using DWR to boost your jackets water resistance sounded interesting, be sure to watch this video tutorial on how to apply DWR spray to a jacket:

Related article: The Best Windbreaks for Camping.

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

How to have amazing experiences camping in Alaska?

Published

1 year ago

February 22, 2023

Jonas Muthoni

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

Why Duck Boots are Good for Hiking

Published

1 year ago

December 14, 2022

Riley Draper

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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!

Backpacking Gear Reviews & Guides

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

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2022

Jonas Muthoni

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.