This is my hands-on review of the Anker 313 Power Bank (formerly known as the Anker PowerCore Slim 10K). I tested it alongside 4 of the best lightweight battery packs over the course of 2 weeks.

After using it on my hiking trips, performing a capacity test, and comparing its specs and features to other comparable battery packs, I think the Anker 313 is a decent battery pack at a great price. It performs the simple job of charging up your phone and other portable electronics while on the trail and at camp. It can only charge one device at a time through its single USB-A port, though, and there are lighter options if you’re an ultralight backpacker.

Keep reading for my full Anker 313 Power Bank review, as well as my thoughts on how it compares to the other best portable battery packs for camping and backpacking.

Anker 313 Power Bank Review

First Impressions

Upon opening up the box, I was impressed with the Anker 313’s slim and small size. It’s approximately the same size and shape as a phone without a case, making it very portable and easy to carry around. It’ll fit in most pockets and bags without issue.

It’s pretty lightweight for a 10,000mAh battery pack. Additionally, the battery pack comes with a micro USB cable to charge it and a mesh carrying case for storage.

The pack has a button which provides an indication of how much battery life is left. With a press, you can quickly get a sense of how much battery is left.

Battery Capacity Test

I tested the usable capacity of the Anker 313 and got a result of 34.89 watt hours (Wh), which works out to 9,430mAh at 3.7V or 6,798mAh at 5V. That’s slightly less than the listed capacity of 37Wh (10,000mAh at 3.7V or 7,400mAh at 5V).

However, this amount is still significant and can charge most phones around 2 times. Additionally, this amount of battery capacity is also sufficient for charging other portable electronics — such as tablets, GoPros, and other cameras.

It’s important to note that battery capacity can vary depending on a variety of factors such as usage patterns, temperature, and age. In my test, I used a USB load tester with a steady 1A output to measure capacity. In practice, you’ll probably be charging your devices at a faster rate than 1A (most likely 2A or more), so you’ll probably get a little less usable capacity than I did.

Weight

According to the listed weight, the Anker 313 weighs 7.5 ounces. However, when I measured it using my digital scale, the weight came out to be 8.4 ounces. Despite the difference, the battery pack still provides a solid ratio of 4.15 watt hours per ounce (34.89Wh ÷ 8.4 oz).

The battery pack’s weight may seem insignificant, but for some hikers, every ounce counts. The Anker 313 is lightweight, but a battery pack with a higher ratio of watt hours to ounces — such as the premium Nitecore NB10000 — is a better option for ultralight backpackers.

Charging Output

The Anker 313 battery pack has only one output port for charging, and it’s a USB-A port. Compared to the newer USB-C ports that are becoming increasingly common, the USB-A port is a bit outdated.

The power bank does have a USB-C port, but it is only meant for input (i.e. charging the pack itself). Most new battery packs have a USB-C port for output, so this is one area where the Anker 313 lags a bit.

Having only one output port means you can only charge one device at a time. Additionally, having USB-C output ports is preferable since it is a newer technology that charges devices more quickly. While the Anker 313 battery pack falls short in these areas, it still provides a solid charging option for those who do not require multiple ports or the latest charging technology. It will still help you keep your phone and other electronics charged while backpacking.

Charging Input

The Anker 313 has two input ports: a micro USB port and a USB-C port. While having two input ports may seem useful at first glance — could you use both to charge the battery pack super quickly?? — the two inputs ports cannot be used at the same time.

The micro USB port is outdated and a cheaper and slower charging port. To use the USB-C port, you will need to buy your own USB-C cable. In my opinion, it would have been better if the battery pack had only one input port, preferably a USB-C port, as it provides faster charging capabilities.

What I Like

• It’s a good value. For its size and capacity, the Anker 313 is an affordable price from a reputable brand.
• It can charge at up to 12 watts. That’s decently fast for a standard USB-A port.
• The capacity I measured is inline with the listed capacity. When I performed a battery capacity test, I measured a total of 34.89Wh. That’s very close to this pack’s listed 37Wh capacity.

What I Don’t Like

• It has only one output port. Some battery packs let you charge 2 or more devices at a time. With the Anker 313, you can only charge one.
• The included charging cable is a micro USB cable. Micro USB doesn’t charge as fast as newer technologies, such as USB-C.
• It’s a bit heavy compared to other battery packs. This gripe is for ultralight backpackers: In terms of watt hours per ounce, this battery pack lags behind the competition a bit.

Who This Battery Pack Is for

• You want a simple and affordable battery pack. It’s lightweight and portable and it’ll charge your phone just fine. If that’s all you need, this charger is a great value.
• You don’t care about the weight of your power bank. Most people don’t, making this a great option for most people.

Who This Battery Pack Isn’t for

• You want to charge multiple devices at once. The Anker 313 can only charge one device at a time.
• You want to fully charge lots of devices. If you have 3 or more devices you need to charge fully, I’d recommend looking at larger battery packs, such as 20,000mAh sizes.
• You’re an ultralight hiker. Ultralight backpackers should look towards battery packs with better watt hours-per-ounce ratios, such as the Nitecore NB10000.

Best Anker 313 Power Bank Alternatives

• Anker 325 Power Bank. If you like Anker and their value-oriented portable chargers but need more than a 10,000mAh capacity, check out the Anker 325, a 20,000mAh pack. It has double the battery capacity and an extra output port.
• Nitecore NB10000 Power Bank. This is the best lightweight power bank for backpacking I’ve used. If you’re an ultralight backpacker, this is the charger I’d recommend.

The Bottom Line

Overall, I think the Anker 313 offers good bang for your buck. It’s an affordable and portable 10,000mAh battery pack that does the simple job of charging your devices on the go. You don’t get the fastest charging speeds or the latest USB-C input ports, though, and you can only charge one device at a time.

A few years back, Anker’s power banks used to be the go-to for ultralight backpackers. However, now they’re just mediocre for that use case and are designed more for the general consumer who just needs to charge their devices at a park or concert. Of course, if weight doesn’t matter that much to you then it’s also a good option for those scenarios as well as travel, hikes, and backpacking trips.

A small ask: If you found my Anker 313 Power Bank review helpful and are planning on getting one, please consider purchasing through one of my affiliate links. I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which will help fund more outdoor gear reviews like this one. Thank you!

The post Anker 313 Power Bank Review appeared first on 99Boulders.

I was at a rather large house party with friends when I made an interesting discovery. We were all wearing Chacos — the climbers, runners, cyclists, river rats and backpackers.

I mentioned it out loud and we all looked fondly down at our feet. Some of us were wearing the Z1s and others were wearing the Z2s — the main difference between the two models is that the Z2s have a toe strap while the Z1s do not.

Then I made the mistake of asking Aidan what he thought of his Z2s.

Katie interjected before he could answer, “F#*! the toe strap!”

“Whoa! What? I love the toe strap!!” Travis defended.

“You can’t hike without the toe strap,” insisted Aidan.

Suddenly, the entire room erupted.

“You can, but you’ll never get those straps adjusted the way you want.” “What if I want to wear socks with my Chacos?” “Just flatten the toe loop!!” “No! Then it’s impossible to pull back up!”

I left that party with more questions than answers. How big of a difference could one toe loop really make? I set out on a mission to find out.

Z1 or Z2: Which Is Right for You?

Are you a river rat or a mountain bum? That’s mostly what it boils down to.

If you want to use your Chacos more for water activities, go with the Z1. If you want to use your Chacos more for hiking and scrambling, go with the Z2. If you just want a pair for daily wear, either will work.

For me, I own both pairs of Chacos and I use both of them pretty equally. When I hit the water, I wear my Z1s. They have firm enough traction that you don’t bust your butt on slippery river rocks (most of the time) and they are loose enough that they don’t catch too many small pebbles underneath.

When I’m going for a hike, I wear my Z2s. They hug my feet tighter due to the toe loop. They are snug and form-fitting, making the arch support more appreciated. I even feel comfortable running short distances in them.

When it comes to other adventure sports, skiers love the Z1s because there isn’t a toe loop. After a long day of skiing and after finally removing those boots, its nice to be able to keep your socks on. But, my cyclist friends like the Z2s because they are easy to throw on but snug enough to wear for quick commutes. As for climbers, many I know prefer the Z1s as a shoe for short approaches because it’s easier to take on and off at the crag.

Notes about Camping with Chacos

Because of the ease with which the Z1s come on and off, and because they are so easily worn with socks, they are my go-to camp shoe as well. In the world of car camping, these shoes are a delight. They are like awesome rubber slippers.

Our verdict: The Chaco Z1 is the best for camping

Z1 vs. Z2: Which Is Best for Hiking?

To test the Chaco Z1 sandals on the trail, we hiked the classic Mist Trail loop in Yosemite National Park. It is a 6.7 mile trail with a total elevation gain of 2,437 feet.

For the Chaco Z2s, we hiked the 5.7 mile out-and-back Engineer Mountain Trail near Durango, Colorado. The route summits the peak of Engineer Mountain at 12,968 feet and is more technical than the Mist Trail. The total elevation gain is 2,333 feet.

Hiking in the Chaco Z1s

It was a bit brisk outside so I donned a pair of hiking socks with my Z1s. Being able to do this is one of my favorite perks about these shoes.

Most of this trail being granite rock and well-packed dirt, the walking was easy and I had no problems with traction. However, more times than I’d like to admit, I stumbled over various rocks and obstacles. Even with a proper fit, I find that the fronts of the Z1s stick out further than your typical pair of sandals. It take some adjusting in your hiking form to get used to.

During this same hiking trip, my boyfriend Taylor wore his Z2s, which I believe to be more stable. He never tripped and made sure to giggle-snort when I did.

My socks were able to prevent any rubbing or blisters, despite the moderate trail length. I felt slight discomfort only during the descent of the hike. Taylor did not wear socks, nor did he receive blisters. Taylor has weird, gnarly endurance runner feet.

Hiking in the Chaco Z2s

I knew this would be a tricky climb so I threw my Salomon trail runners in my backpack just in case. That’s right, O ye of little faith. I really wasn’t certain if I could hike this entire trail in my Z2s.

However, I chose this hike in the Z2s for a reason. I knew it was a stable shoe, but I wanted to know what it could really handle. The Engineer Mountain trail is highly trafficked and hard-packed, but the final pitches of the ascent are very slick and vertical.

I did not trip once during the approach up to Engineer Mountain, despite our brisk pace and the fact that we began our hike before sunrise. The presence of the toe strap makes a significant difference in stability.

Once I reached the base of the mountain, there were difficulties. The traction on this shoe just wasn’t cutting it on the steep and slick gradient. I was rolling over the loose scree like they were marbles and working significantly harder than I normally would wearing my trail runners.

Eventually, the trail became too slick and the consequences of a fall too high. For the final pitch, I paused the Chaco experiment and threw on my pair of Salomons. Ahhhhh. 

I did throw the Z2s back on for the descent, and they performed fantastically, flexing underfoot and comfortably supporting my arch. The Chaco Z2 is the go-to hiking sandal, but I’m not interested in summiting any more mountains with them.

Our verdict: The Chaco Z2 is the best for hiking

Z1 vs. Z2: Which Is Best for Water Activities?

The river section of our testing took place on a section of the lower Animas river. The river was running at around 800-850 cfs for both days, perfect conditions for tubing.

Floating in the Chaco Z1s

I tested the Z1 sandals first and it started off pretty rough. Before tightening the straps, I lugged my tube into the river and immediately bust my butt. So much for optimized wet traction. 

From then on, however, the experience was all uphill. The shoes performed well throughout the day’s activities, loosening only a few times in the heavy current. The most impressive moment came when it was time to scout a more technical rapid. We eddied out and climbed a moderately steep ridge while lugging the tubes. The shoes performed fantastically, gripping the slick, mossy rocks better than I anticipated they would. Even without a toe strap, the shoe kept me stable over the wobbly terrain.

Occasionally, I experienced what I refer to as the Lego Effect. This describes the incredible ease with which a pebble can painfully wedge itself between your foot and your Chacos. The Lego Effect is unavoidable with both the Z1 and Z2 models, but much easier to fix with the Z1s.

The rest of the float went on without a hitch!

Floating in the Chaco Z2s

After the learning curve of floating with the Z1 Chacos, I set out on the same route with the Z2s. At the put-in, I avoided descending the slick rocks and climbed down a more sandy patch, with the straps firmly cranked down. We set off with ease and the general activity of floating was without problems.

However, the few times that we were required to scout or stop at a beach, the Lego Effect was fierce. The current would suck a pile of rocks and gravel underfoot. Since the Z2 is so form-fitting, I almost always needed to remove them to dump out the rocks. I’d rather go barefoot than battle this all day.

The nice thing about the floating with the Z2s on the river was that the straps never needed adjusting. These things were staying on my foot no matter what.

Our verdict: The Chaco Z1 is the best for tubing and other water activities

Similarities & Differences: A Closer Look

Beyond the presence or absence of the toe strap, there are very few differences between the Z1 and Z2.

Shoe Material

Both of the shoes we tested are part of the Classic Pro model, though you can now purchase the Z1 and Z2 with ChacoGrip or EcoTread (see below). Both possess a polyurethane midsole and both are part of the Yampa traction series.

What does all of this mean? Berne Broudy from Backpacker Magazine described the Pro series well as:

“A sole that bites into micro nooks and crannies underfoot—in and out of water—almost as well as a climbing shoe, and is even more durable than previous models.”

At the time that both of the tested pairs were purchased, this was the best sole available. It is made from a sticky Vibram MegaGrip rubber, which is a fancy way to say it has great traction for a sandal.

Now, Chaco has started to make their own rubber sole, the ChacoGrip. It is said to be the most optimized sole engineered to date, designed for extreme conditions and wet traction. It’s supposed to be more durable and versatile.

The EcoTread is a fairly new one as well, named for its sustainability and quality as a “lightweight rubber compound made from 25% recycled rubber content for performance that’s hard on the trail and easy on the environment.”

Foot Width & Arch Support

Both the Z1 and Z2 possess a polyurethane midsole that give each that significant arch support that you want out of a hiking shoe. Likewise, both Chacos can be custom ordered to fit a wider foot.

The Break-in Process & Finding the Perfect Fit

When you first try on a pair of Chacos, you may hate them. It takes a certain amount of patience, commitment, grunting and tugging to achieve your perfect fit. These straps do not move easily and this is intentional. This is referred to as sticking and is the reason why once you achieve your perfect fit, it will stay that way.

The quickest recommended way to get them adjusted to your perfect stickiness is to get them wet. Walk in them, sweat in them, run through a stream or two. Let the straps flex, stretch and pull.

Because of the toe strap, it does take longer to achieve the perfect fit with the Z2. However, once you do, it is more secure.

Blisters & Callouses

The first month of owning a pair of Chacos may not be very fun. There will be blisters, hot spots, and sunburns. Skin will slough off and blood blisters will pop at inconvenient times. But hey, you’ve broken in a pair of hiking boots before! Consider it a rite of passage to achieve those epic Z tan lines.

If your feet sweat a lot, they will around in these sandals. I’ve received the worst blisters on days where I hike long distance with wet or sweaty feet. But bonus – They will probably form fit to your feet a lot quicker!

Un-sticking Straps

As you could imagine, the Z2’s more complex straps are more difficult to un-stick. Here are instructions on how to un-stick your Chaco straps if they get stuck.

If you are unsuccessful in un-sticking your sandals’ straps, Chaco can do it for you. Just mail in your pair using the Repair Authorization form. Voila!  

What Other Chaco Owners Are Saying

• “I bought the Z2s since they’re more stable and better for hiking. They work great, but what I didn’t realize is that, with all the straps involved, you really have to get a good fit if you want to avoid getting blisters. I can’t walk but a couple miles in mine before I start getting hot spots.” — Alex Beale, owner and editor of 99Boulders
• “The Z2 Chacos are solid for a day on the river. The sole is sturdy enough for sections where we need to walk and the shoe doesn’t feel too heavy. I dig the strap system because it’s fairly easy to adjust once you do get them broken in. I keep my toe strap flattened down but it’s nice to have it accessible.” — Travis Crafton, recreational river rat

How We Compared

In order to truly test the Z1 and Z2 Chacos, the plan was simply to go out and do.

As a longtime Chaco wearer, I had already walked hundreds of miles in both pairs. The first trip I took my Z1s on was a 16-day sailing trip through British Columbia. The first trip I took my Z2s on was a 14-day whitewater kayaking trip on the Green River in Utah. It’s important to note that both of the shoes tested for this article had been extremely well broken in.

To test how the sandals performed for hiking, I spent two days hiking exclusively in Chacos. For the first hike, I wore only the Z1s and for the second hike I wore only the Z2s. I then compared both experiences, analyzing what differences existed in functionality, versatility, traction and comfort. Terrain included mud, sand, granite, concrete, and soft gravel.

To test how the sandals performed for water activities, I spent two separate afternoons floating on the water. I wanted to compare how well the Chacos would perform over slippery river rocks, on loose terrain and with a swift current. The flow of the Animas river where this testing was performed ranged from 800-850 cfs.

Shout-out

I’ve got to give mad love to the riotous group that started this debate. Hundreds of hours went into the “research” of these Chacos and hundreds more will be logged in the future, no doubt.

The post Field Testing the Chaco Z1 & Chaco Z2 Sandals: Which Is Right for You? appeared first on 99Boulders.

Stove

Jetboil Zip

Jetboil Flash

Image

Best for

1-2 people, backpacking trips

Bigger groups, camping trips

Weight

11.75 oz (333 g)

15.25 oz (432 g)

Liquid Capacity

0.8 L (27 fl oz)

1 L (33.8 fl oz)

Pros

Lightweight, packs down small, easy to set up and take apart, secure cup clip attaches pot to burner to prevent spills, cost-effective, detailed inside measurement markings (200-500 ml/8-16 oz), insulated pocket for utensil storage

Push-button igniter (does not require a lighter), color-changing heat indicator, easy to set up and take apart, improved design on heat regulation valve, secure cup clip attaches pot to burner to prevent spill, great and convenient for large parties, insulated pocket for utensil storage

Cons

Requires a separate lighter, risk of water boiling over, poorly designed heat regulation nob, lower fill capacity

Takes up more space in pack, push-button igniter not always reliable, no inside measurement markings (only reads MAX FILL – 2 CUPS/16 oz), more expensive

Avg Boil Time

2 min 30 sec claimed, 1 min 44 sec tested

2 min 30 sec claimed, 2 min 12 sec tested

While the extra features of the Flash may seem gimmicky at first, a field test proved that this cooking device is an overall better and more convenient product than the Zip. However, if you’re looking for a more bare-boned, minimalist camp stove with the same bottom-line functionality, the JetBoil Zip may be for you.

To put these products to the test, we planned a four-day backpacking expedition through southwest Colorado. At first, I wasn’t thrilled to abandon my usual MSR Whisperlite.

Carrying the Jetboils without other cooking accessories required me to limit my meals to dry and dehydrated goods. How would I make my famous camp pizza? 

Yet, over the next four days, I fell in love with the convenience of these stoves. I used both Jetboils equally to boil water for everyone and everything — water for MREs, water for tea, water for my backpacking coffee maker, water for the portable shower bag.

Since the cooking process went by so quickly, I found myself with much more free time at camp than usual, free time to spend with my friends. The memories I made on that trip convinced me that the added convenience of the JetBoil makes it a worthy replacement to your traditional stove, at least for short expeditions.

Flash or Zip: Which Is Best for You?

For those looking for a quick answer to whether you should buy the Flash or the Zip, here you go:

• Best Value: Jetboil Zip
• Best Overall Stove: Jetboil Flash
• Best for the Lightweight/Solo Backpacker: Jetboil Zip
• Best for the Social Backpacker: Jetboil Flash

There is nothing that the Zip does poorly. Ultimately, it is an effective product that serves its purpose. However, anything the Zip can do, the Flash can do better.

Does Size Matter?

The Jetboil Flash is capable of carrying 0.2 more liters than the Zip but weighs 3.5 ounces more.

This extra fill capacity makes the Flash a better choice for larger camping parties (3+). But, if you are camping in a party of less than three, the extra capacity doesn’t make up for the extra space the Flash takes up in a pack.

I love the Flash for its extra features and accessories, not for the extra amount of water it can hold.

What would be perfect is a Zip-sized Flash.

Functionality of the Flash’s Push-button Igniter

Before the trip, I was warned multiple times by multiple people to pack a spare lighter for the Flash. Many friends claimed that the push-button igniter was unreliable, especially in high wind or poor weather conditions.

But isn’t the whole point of the push-button igniter that I don’t have to bring a lighter with me?

We packed the lighter just in case, but never ended up needing it.

In 5-10 mph winds, there were no problems with the igniter. In rain and hail, there were no problems. While we heard claims that wind could blow out the flame, we never experienced this issue.

Rarely did it take more than two flicks of the button to get it going.

As for the Zip, it requires a lighter and ours always started up like a dream. We even tested, with success, lighting the Zip by using the flame from the Flash. This proved convenient, especially after our Zippo went out.

Over periods of extended use, the Flash igniter might wear out and stop working. According to Original Outdoors, “the piezo push-igniter can be a little temperamental after extended use, and will probably stop working altogether eventually for most users.”

I’ve heard of it lasting multiple years before this happens, however. Know that the igniter can be fixed. Jetboil also sells a Replacement Igniter Maintenance Kit.

Is the Flash’s Color-changing Indicator a Gimmick?

Before the trip, I was convinced that I would hate the Flash, for unfair reasons.

A color-changing heat indicator? Really? This screamed ‘gimmick’ to me. I doubted it would even work.

Midway through the Flash’s first boil, a friend saw that I was biting my lip and asked how it was going. I believe my exact quote was:

“Honestly, this is kinda stupid. Why would you need a color-changing label to tell you when something is boiling. Our society is getting too soft and reliant on these gimmicky, flashy…HEY, THAT’S NEAT!”

Right on cue, the Jetboil logo turned orange and the water started to boil. It was pretty neat.

I liked it. It’s a cool feature and it’s fun to watch.

I especially fell in love with the Flash’s color indicator after I forgot to check on the Zip and it promptly boiled over in a fit of jealous rage.

The Heat Regulator Valve

The most important difference between the Flash and Zip is not emphasized enough.

While neither are that effective at regulating the exact internal temperature of the container, the regulation valves on both are designed very differently.

That being said, I hate, hate, hate the regulation nob on the Zip.

It is small, awkward, made of plastic and looks like it would break if it ever made contact with a hard surface. In order to adjust the heat on the Zip, you must pinch a little black nob very tightly and adjust your grip repeatedly as you twist.

Not only that, the nob is inconveniently close to the heat source. If my hands were ever sweaty, I couldn’t effectively twist this thing.

The Flash has a much more effective valve made from metal. The valve itself flips out from the stove and is located far from the heat source. It seems much more durable than the Zip’s nob and twisting this big wire piece is much easier.

I felt much more in control of this device than the Zip.

Notes about the Plastic Parts on Both Zip and Flash

I’ve read several reviews of both the Jetboil Flash and Zip that express concerns over the plastic lid. Some people mention smelling or tasting plastic in the water that is boiled.

I occasionally tasted this plastic flavor. However, Jetboil claims that their heat-resistant plastic lids are “BPA free, and quick to cool.” This quote comes from a generic article on their website. I could find no exact literature from their site regarding the lids of the Zip or Flash.

But I’m admittedly not the best person to talk to regarding health and safety concerns.

Top Alternatives to the Jetboil Flash & Jetboil Zip

We’ve tested and reviewed plenty of other camping and backpacking stoves. If neither the Flash nor the Zip strikes your fancy, check out our buying guides for our top alternatives:

• Best camping stoves
• Best backpacking stoves

How We Compared

We compared these two stoves side-by-side in three main ways.

Field Test

We firmly believe that the best way to test a product is to go out and do. The doing part is what we live for.

As such, we took both the Flash and Zip on a 4-day backpacking expedition through Chicago Basin in Colorado.

Amidst peak-bagging and trail blazing, our team of 7 exclusively used the Jetboils for all breakfast and dinner needs, from Eat-a-Bowls to Mountain House meals. During those 4 days, we prepared meals in all kinds of weather — rain, hail, snow, sun and wind (because Colorado weather, right?).

Our base camp was set somewhere above 10,000′ in elevation.

Through our field test, we wanted to know:

• How varying weather elements impact functionality
• Pros and cons of the Zip’s smaller size
• Quality of the Flash’s unique features: the push-button igniter and color-changing heat indicator
• What difference the design of heat regulator makes
• The ease of set-up and use of both stoves and if any unspecified differences are present

Boil Test

According to Jetboil, both stoves boast rapid boiling times thanks to the FluxRing technology and insulated container system. Rather than take these claims at face value, though, we wanted to test them for ourselves.

At 7,000, 10,000 and 12,000 feet in elevation, we performed a boil test, timing how long it took both the Zip and Flash to boil 16 oz of water.

Our results, based on an average of 3 boils, indicated that although water takes longer to boil at altitude, the overall average boil time is less than what is indicated on Jetboil’s website.

Note: We did not perform this experiment through the entire lifespan of the fuel canisters as Jetboil does in their own testing. However, we did use both fuel cans equally. We also conducted this test with 16 oz of water — or 0.47 L — while Jetboil used 0.5 L according to their website.

Value Test

Finally, for grins, after we returned from the trip, we also performed a similar boil test of the MSR Whisperlite at 7,000′ in elevation.

The MSR Whisperlite boiled 16 oz of water at 7,000′ in elevation at an average of 3 minutes, 22 seconds — 1 min, 59 sec slower than the Jetboil Zip and 1 min, 34 sec slower than the Jetboil Flash.

H/T to the incredible photographer Shaianne Ganey for her support during this project.

The post Jetboil Flash vs. Jetboil Zip: Which Camp Stove Is Right for You? appeared first on 99Boulders.

We tested six pairs of top hiking socks side-by-side and the Injinji Outdoor NuWool hit the bottom of the leaderboard.

Still, that doesn’t mean I don’t really like these socks.

During activity, it’s easy to forget you’re even wearing them and — though the toe-sock situation takes some getting used to — Injinji socks are well-made and incredibly comfortable.

If you’d like to read more about how the Injinji socks compared to the other hiking socks we tested, check out our article on the best hiking socks. Or, continue reading for our full review.

What We Like

Once you adjust to wearing toe-socks, you may never turn back. While not for everyone, the Injinji make for great camp and hiking socks because of their comfort, snug fit, and versatility.

Comfort

If you don’t believe the Injinji socks are comfortable, you just haven’t gotten used to them yet. Having that much fabric in between every individual toe is definitely an odd sensation at first, but easily forgettable after a short 15 minutes on the trail.

According to Injinji, the hiking sock “allows your toes to splay naturally and align properly, enabling greater stability and more comfort.” I don’t have any arguments about that. I especially enjoyed them during extreme exertion.

Fit

Because the toe sleeve design allows your feet to splay naturally, I felt that my feet were mildly more active when wearing Injinji during exercise. It wasn’t dramatic or life-changing, but still very comfortable.

We wanted to test this long-term, however, under the stress of constant use and sweat. Expecting them to stretch out or become slippy after multiple days, I was happily surprised to realize they kept their shape and fit like, well, a glove. I attribute this fit bonus to the 33% nylon makeup.

Versatility

What can’t you do with all your toes independently accessible? The world is your oyster once you’ve figured out how to be both barefoot and warm. That’s why in three-season conditions, the Injinji Outdoor NuWool serve a solid role for the versatile lifestyle.

You can run, hike, wear sandals, impress your in-laws. Though they do not excel as backpacking-specific socks, I’d keep a single pair of Injinji just for the multi-use ability.

What We Don’t Like

Snugly fit, comfortable and versatile, but not the best for hiking. In a hiking sock, you want durability, warmth, moisture regulation and reliability. Though the Injinji is all of that, it’s not the best at that.

Warmth

Most of the people I know who love Injinji are runners, and for good reason. In motion, these socks are incredibly warm and do a fair enough job to prevent blisters during activity. The moisture-regulating ability is even decent.

However, due to the five-toe design, building up warmth during inactivity is difficult. All the little piggies are divided and must work separately to heat themselves up. That’s never something you want to worry about at camp. I even threw an extra pair of socks on one morning at camp, just because the Injinji weren’t cutting it.

Extra Fabric

Extra fabric equals extra risk, in my opinion. Getting a hole in a hiking sock is generally okay and manageable. In extreme conditions, you can even use duct tape.

Would I take the Injinji on a thru-hike expedition though?

Definitely not.

NuWool is a special type of merino wool, durable but not to the extreme. While we did not experience any problems with durability over the course of our month-long testing process, the thought of getting a hole in between or at the end of my toes deters me from relying on these like I do my Darn Tough socks.

Transitioning Between Different Types of Socks

As part of the testing process, I wore no other sock but the Injinji for a week straight. For three days of that testing, I literally never even removed them.

On an extended weekend backpacking trip through Moab, Utah, I took no showers and never once peeled these things off my feet. By the end of it, it felt like they were just part of me, a valuable characteristic usually.

Once I eventually did take off the Injinji, I experienced phantom toe sleeves. Incessantly (and humorously), I felt like there was fabric or sock fuzz in between my toes. It drove me nuts and the only resolution was putting the Injinji back on. I guess the moral is, once you go toe-sleeve, you can’t go back.

Best Uses

Use the Injinji toe socks for day hikes and runs during the spring, summer and fall months. Camp and sleep in them in weather above 30 degrees. Wear sandals in them, be liberated. Take them to a dry, arid climate where they won’t retain too much moisture.

Don’t take them on a thru-hike. And there are better socks out there specifically for backpacking.

Value

They socks aren’t cheap. You must truly ask yourself, “do I need toe-socks?” If the answer isn’t an immediate yes, if you’re not really sure, if you feel obligated to read more than three thorough reviews to make a decision, maybe they aren’t for you.

Wearing the Injinji is not life-changing, but it is fun and valuable under certain conditions. It’s an okay to good value depending on your needs.

How the Injinji Performed in Our Testing

Hike Test

As part of the testing, I actually had three straight days of never removing the Injinji socks. I slept, hiked, ran, cooked, ate, and did everything else in the Injinji during an extended weekend of camping in Moab. While hiking, its easy to forget that you’re wearing socks, because of the toe design. They excel during high activity and I would definitely continue to use them for day hikes…but not overnighters.

Sleep Test

During inactivity, my toes couldn’t help but get a bit cold. As a camp sock, Injinji are fun because you can wear Chacos Z2s without flattening the toe strap. But in a sleeping bag, you can’t help but want to throw a second pair of socks over the Injinji, which I actually did.

Bottom line: Don’t sleep in Injinjis in cold weather. Designate another brand as your sacred sleep socks.

Fitness Test

Under extra sweaty conditions, the Injinji do pretty darn well. During a ridge run in Durango, Colorado, I really did appreciate the maneuverability of the socks. Because they form to your feet, barefoot runners love them. If you like Vibram FiveFingers, you’ll like the Injinji.

Product Specs

• Material: 64% NuWool, 33% nylon, 3% Lycra
• Fabric Thickness: Medium
• Cushion: Midweight

The Bottom Line

If you feel deprived or limited by your current pair of hiking socks, if you feel like there has got to be more out there, if you’re fascinated by all things toe-sleeve, give the Injinji Outdoor NuWool socks a try.

There is a reason toe shoes have become so popular — and the design of Injinji socks follows the same principles. Though they aren’t the perfect hiking socks, they are nice socks in general that serve a versatile purpose during activity.

I will definitely wear the Injinji again, but they will rarely ever join me on expeditions more than a week long.

Injinji Outdoor Midweight Crew NuWool - Amazon

The post Injinji Socks Review: Where the Toe Socks Excel… And Fail appeared first on 99Boulders.

Darn Tough is the best outdoor sock brand on the market. They’ve managed to make a sock that does everything right, from comfort to durability. The one thing Darn Tough can’t do, like everyone else, is make an indestructible sock, but they’ve made up for that with their lifetime guarantee.

We tested and reviewed two different pairs of Darn Tough socks alongside four of the top hiking socks. In this article we’ll focus on our favorite pair — the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion.

You can see how this sock compared to the other top hiking socks in our article on the best hiking socks. Or, continue reading for our full review.

What We Like

The Darn Tough Light Hiker is the do-everything sock. In our testing, it excelled in versatility, durability and comfort.

Durability & Lifetime Guarantee

Thru-hikers across the country swear by Darn Tough’s lifetime guarantee, and why wouldn’t you? These USA-made merino monsters are top-notch and reliable, even beyond the life expectancy. This is because Darn Tough socks “are knit on small needle, fine gauge knitting machines. This approach produces durable, high density stitching without bulk. Less bulk means a better fit. The better the sock fits, the longer it will last.” If it sounds simple, it is.

I’ve heard of these socks excelling well past the 600-mile mark. If there is a Darn Tough Kool-Aid to be drank, I’m drinking it.

Comfort

Smartwool is an excellent sweat-wicking, moisture-managing brand. However, once Smartwool gets wet, it stays wet. I think the fabric blend in Darn Tough is much more ideal, as this sock both meets Smartwool in its moisture-regulating abilities but also dries incredibly fast. This means no blisters or hot spots, which makes for unmatched comfort. Darn Tough socks stay dry and keep you dry.

What’s more, these socks fit like a glove. Once you break them in there is really no reason to ever take them off (unless you wash your clothes or whatever). The fabric is incredibly soft and makes for both a great hiking and sleeping sock.

Versatility

With a thinly cushioned, durable, comfortable sock, you can do just about anything. The Darn Tough Light Hiker can handle virtually any climate or weather condition, because it dries so quickly.

Many of my National Outdoor Leadership School instructor friends swear by Darn Tough, whether their journeys take them to the Alaskan wilderness or the deserts of Utah. These socks can handle it all.

What We Don’t Like

Despite being the best sock ever, nobody can be perfect.

Or can they?

Color & Variety

I really can’t think of anything bad to say about this brand. And Darn Tough makes up for what physically can’t be done (make an indestructible sock) with a lifetime guarantee.

So, there aren’t as many color combinations as say, Smartwool? If you care about fashion this may be a concern of yours. But honestly, it’s the only one you’ll ever have.

The Cushioning Debate

Let’s talk cushion. Personally I do not like high cushioned hiking socks. My seven years of backpacking experience have taught me that too much cushion can make my shoes fit weird, change the way that I step, and cause excessive sweating.

Now, if you disagree with that or have found things to be the opposite in your own experience, I’d like to direct you to this forum thread because it’s a good summary of a common debate. As is mentioned in the forum, the thicker cushioned Darn Tough socks wear down quickly. But as several hikers point out, “the underlying structure has remained intact.” Cushioning flattens, no matter what brand of sock you wear. This is why I prefer the Darn Tough thin cushion as opposed to the mid-weight.

Best Uses

Obviously, Darn Tough is a great hiking sock. That’s what we’re here to talk about, right? Because of its durability, it’s worth mentioning that for thru-hikes especially, this is the top dog. Any hiking challenge of lesser stature is nothing for this brand. Use it any and everywhere and feel comfortable doing it. That’s what you get for being the best.

Value

Made in America, comfortable, cozy, durably made with a lifetime guarantee.

If you can put a price on that, Darn Tough says it’s about the price of two cocktails.

Some folks balk at the idea of expensive gear, but this one is an investment for life, and is actually priced in the mid-range compared to other elite performance socks. Short answer: Darn Tough socks are an incredible value.

How the Darn Tough Light Cushion Performed in Our Testing

Hike Test

I hiked through a stream with my Darn Tough socks and trail runners and by the time I was ready for bed, these socks were bone dry. They performed the best out of all socks we tested because of their unmatched ability to dry. You don’t see that often in wool products.

Sleep Test

Never sleep in the same socks you hiked in, or do, if it’s Darn Tough. These socks kept me warm all night for multiple evenings in a row without wash.

Fitness Test

As part of this review, I took each pair of socks on a vertical training practice. Nothing makes me more sweaty than hot yoga or hill repeats. This sock, the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion, rocked my world.

By contrast, the other Darn Tough sock we tested, the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion, was just a little too thick for this rigorous activity.

Product Specs

• Material: 47% Merino Wool, 46% Nylon, 7% Lycra Spandex
• Fabric Thickness: Medium
• Cushion: Very Light

The Bottom Line

Buy a pair of Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion socks (women’s version) and thank me later.

The post Darn Tough Socks Review: The Best Hiking Socks? appeared first on 99Boulders.

It’s just not a sock for the sedentary, that’s for sure. The Smartwool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew works only as hard as you do to keep warm. It’s light cushioned with medium thickness, meaning its designed for activity. In the field, the PhD wicks moisture, regulates temperature and keeps you cozy all day.

We tested and reviewed the Smartwool PhD hiking sock alongside five other top competitors. It’s a great option to be sure, but if you’re looking for greater durability or a sleep time sock, the two best words are Darn Tough.

If you’d like to read more about how the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew compared to the other hiking socks we tested, check out our article on the best hiking socks. Or, continue reading for our full review.

What We Like

Merino wool is a renowned moisture-regulating fabric, meaning that though you will sweat in a Smartwool sock, rarely ever will you drench them. Especially during high activity, the Smartwool PhD socks are comfortable, soft, and generally warm enough, but not excessively padded.

Moisture Control

Breathability is the name of the game for the Smartwool PhD. Unmatched moisture management means your feet won’t get wet or soggy, which equates to lower likelihood of developing blisters or chills. The PhD is made up of 62% merino wool, meaning the moisture-wicking abilities are excellent.

As recognized by Smartwool, “both synthetics and wool have the ability to wick, but only wool has the ability to wick away moisture in its vapor state.” It keeps up with you.

Comfort

I’ve found that hiking socks with overly thick cushioning cause more blisters and unnecessary rubbing. Light cushioned socks, by contrast, dry quicker and still provide all the comfort and warmth you need. And when you’re talking about merino, you’re talking about the softest fabric on the market. No itch, ever. The Smartwool PhD has the perfect amount of cushioning for high activity.

Research suggests that shoes that offer too much cushion can be bad for your foot. “Cushioning lulls you into thinking you can slam your foot down,” says Dr. Irene Davis. Likewise, too much cushioning in a sock can create the same false sense of security and affect how you hike.

An extreme example: Over the summer, I sprained my ankle, bad. However, I had a 7-day backpacking trip in Colorado’s Weminuche Wilderness planned in a few weeks.

Not to be deterred by injury, I went on the hiking trip, with a very thick, cushioned (admittedly too large) ankle brace under my sock.

It completely changed my walking form, so much so that the plantar fasciitis symptoms (not the ankle problem) were crippling by the end of day one. Day two, I opted out of the brace and everything was fine.

Will a thick hiking sock cause you crippling pain? Doubtful. However I appreciate the very thin cushion of the PhD for hiking activities.

Versatility

The Smartwool PhD is a great sock for pretty much any daily activity, especially hiking, because it breathes. Unless skiing in fierce winter conditions, I’d comfortably take the PhD pretty much anywhere. Merino wool works as hard as you do. It’s able to hold up to 30% of its weight in moisture and still feel dry to the touch.

What We Don’t Like

Merino wool dries slower than other synthetic fabrics, meaning that you’ll often experience cold toes. Also, this particular sock is not great for sleeping or lounging.

Cold Toes

The PhD is less likely to get wet, but when it does, it stays wet. After a long day of hiking, your toes will stay warm as long as you keep your insulated boots on. After that, you can forget about warming yourself up at camp. There is a reason we separate the hiking socks from the camp socks. When you are not actively warming yourself up through physical exertion, neither are the socks.

Smell

Have you ever took a big old whiff of a wet sheep after a rain?

If not, you can at least imagine it by snorting a pair of hiking socks after a three-day trip. Merino is supposedly much less odorized than other wool. That doesn’t mean you can’t knock out a hound dog with your eau de locker room perfume.

Sleeping

As a rule, don’t sleep in the same socks you hiked in. Still, I’d never designate these socks just for sleeping because I naturally run very cold at night and the medium-fabric thickness isn’t what I want during the winter months.

This is more personal preference, but if you frequently get cold, you should go with something thicker.

Best Uses

The Smartwool PhD is best used for hiking, trail running and maybe even spring cross country or downhill skiing. I would never sleep in these socks because they are not thick enough.

Because of the fun designs and patterns that make these quintessential Smartwool, I wear them to work too. They are lifestyle socks.

Value

The Smartwool PhD has a higher price point than similar products. So, what are you gaining?

Cool colors and patterns, versatility and the reliability of the tried-and-tested Smartwool brand.

Still, the long term durability does not compete with it’s competitor Darn Tough, which can be found for cheaper basically anywhere. However, I have found plenty of Smartwool socks on sale (I got my first pair on sale at an Ice Climbing expo when I renewed my Leave No Trace Membership).

I like Smartwool overall, but I really love the cheaper Darn Tough that does most everything better. If you have a pair of Smartwool, don’t feel bad about it, but consider an upgrade next time.

How the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Performed in Our Testing

Hike Test

No rubbing, no blisters, no tugging or itching.

The Smartwool PhD socks shine in a hike test, where your body is consistently working at a steady pace. As I’ve said, the Smartwool socks work only as hard as you do. Anyone who sweats a moderate amount during moderate exertion will keep their feet dry for the majority of a day. It’s when you stop that everything catches up with you.

Sleep Test

Sleeping in the PhD Outdoor socks is a cold affair, whether you’re in your bed at home or in a sleeping bag resting your head on your favorite backpacking pillow. For sleep socks, I recommend packing a separate pair just for sleeping — and considering a different thickness or brand entirely.

Fitness Test

You sweat while you hike. But you really drench yourself, say, climbing stairs. As part of our review, we wore these socks on a stair running workout during winter in Colorado. Our toes stayed warm through the entire activity. No blisters, no rubbing and no stretching.

However, when I took my shoes off after returning home, all chill broke loose. The PhD sock manages moisture well in practice, but not so much sitting still.

Product Specs

• Material: 62% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 2% Elastane
• Thickness: Medium
• Cushion: Light

The Bottom Line

After a full day of hiking, your socks will be damp, especially towards the toes. However, the Smartwool PhD Outdoor is a versatile activity sock that manages moisture, maintains warmth and keeps it shape under rigorous conditions. It’s when you slow down that this sock starts to lose its best qualities.

With any thin- to medium-weight sock, you must generate your own heat. You can’t expect the sock to keep you warm, say, during sleep. When backpacking with the Smartwool PhD, you’re going to want to designate a different, perhaps thicker sock for camp activities and bedtime.

If you’re looking for more durability and reliability long term, the Darn Tough Light Hiker is a good route.

The post Smartwool Socks Review: Are These Classic Hiking Socks Worth It? appeared first on 99Boulders.

ENO SingleNest vs ENO DoubleNest

Model

ENO SingleNest

ENO DoubleNest

Image

Best for

Individuals under 6 feet tall, 1 person

Individuals over 6 feet tall, 1-2 people

Weight

1 lb (0.45 kg)

1 lb 3 oz (0.54 kg)

Unfolded Dimensions

112 in x 55 in (284.5 cm x 139.7 cm)

112 in x 75 in (284.5 cm x 190.5 cm)

Folded Dimensions

3.5 in x 4.5 in (8.9 cm x 11.4 cm)

4 in x 5 in (10.2 cm x 12.7 cm)

Weight Capacity

400 lbs (181.4 kg)

400 lbs (181.4 kg)

Shop Online

View at Amazon

View at Amazon

There are only three differences between the ENO SingleNest and ENO DoubleNest hammocks — the weight, amount of fabric, and retail price.

Everything else about the two hammocks, from the weight capacity of 400 lbs to the material used (70-denier nylon taffeta), is the exact same.

As advertised, the SingleNest is intended for the single user, while the DoubleNest is better for folks who like to lounge together in pairs. But deciding which ENO you want to buy is about more than the number of people it can hold.

More significantly, a buyer must consider the height and size of each user.

We recommend individuals taller than 6′ and/or weighing over 200 lbs go with the DoubleNest. People who are shorter and lighter than that should opt for the SingleNest.

SingleNest or DoubleNest: Which Is Best for You?

For those looking for a quick answer to whether you should buy the SingleNest or DoubleNest, here you go:

• Best for couples: DoubleNest
• Best for short users (<6 feet): SingleNest
• Best for tall users (>6 feet): DoubleNest
• Best for heavier users (>200 lbs): DoubleNest
• Best for lighter users (<200 lbs): SingleNest

SingleNest vs. DoubleNest: Camping

If you’re looking for a hammock as a tent alternative, I’m so stoked for you. Hammock camping, if done correctly, can actually help you get a better night’s sleep.

Research has shown that a hammock’s gentle rocking motion helps people fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. Hammocking even cured this dude’s insomnia.

Don’t believe me? There’s a trick to doing it right.

How to Comfortably Camp in a Hammock

When lying down in a hammock, the path of least resistance encourages us to fall down to that center line. For an afternoon lounge or study session, this may seem fine.

However, for sleeping, this is neither the comfiest nor most effective position. Instead, the trick to a better night’s sleep is to lie down at a diagonal.

When you lie diagonally in a hammock, you pull the fabric taut and the tension creates a flat bed platform.

Try it out and I promise it’ll change your life.

I’ve camped alone in both the SingleNest and DoubleNest hammock a few times and it is definitely fun, feasible and comfortable. However, if you are camping somewhere where the temperatures dip under 60 degrees, it’s likely that you will get cold without extra gear like underquilts and overquilts.

Camping in the SingleNest

The SingleNest is a solid camping hammock for individuals under 6′. If it isn’t too cold (or you have the right gear) and you lay in it at the proper angle, you can get a good night’s sleep.

The SingleNest and DoubleNest hammocks don’t come with any camping accessories such as a rain tarp or bug’s net, though. Clear, bug-free nights will be all you can comfortably handle without a larger investment.

ENO sells their own rain tarp, the ENO ProFly, and their own bug net, the ENO Guardian, which are compatible with all ENO hammocks.

(Also, the hammocks don’t come with any hammock straps. You’ll need to buy those, too, in order to hang a hammock in a tree. Check out our guide to the best hammock tree straps for our recommendations.)

Camping in the DoubleNest — By Yourself & With Your Partner

Solo camping in the DoubleNest is a straightforward, enjoyable experience for taller individuals, akin to a shorter person sleeping in the SingleNest.

That being said, I had never attempted to camp with somebody else in the DoubleNest. Last weekend, I had full intentions of doing so with my boyfriend near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

TL;DR: It didn’t happen.

As the sun was setting, I stared at the hammock and thought about grizzly bears. We crawled in, got comfortable and watched the sunset.

But as it got darker, I realized the impossibility of either of us getting sleep. There is no room to change positions or adjust in a hammock. The temperature was in the 30s. And what about the grizzly bears?!

Ultimately, neither of us could do it. We didn’t last long and opted for the beautiful ground instead.

Maybe we will try again when it’s warmer and I can get over feeling like a packaged diner meal for a passing grizz.

Can One Person use the DoubleNest?

Short answer — Yes! In fact, you may prefer to.

People over 6′ tall or weighing more than 200 lbs may never be comfortable alone in a SingleNest. There just isn’t enough fabric to comfortably lie down at a diagonal or even vertically.

However, if you’re under 5’5″, you may dislike the experience of lying in a DoubleNest by yourself. With all the extra unused fabric, it’s easy to feel like you’re swimming in a sea of nylon.

This claustrophobia can be exceptionally bad if you’re camping or chillaxing somewhere windy. No one likes to be literally attacked and engulfed by their ‘bed sheets.’

That being said, I get great enjoyment out of hooking the DoubleNest’s extra fabric around my shoulders and flipping the hammock upside down to hang like a bat, but that may just be a personal preference.

Can Two People Use the SingleNest Hammock?

As a 5’6″, 115 lb female, I enjoy hammocking the most when I’m by myself in my SingleNest hammock.

You add my 5’10”, 160 lb boyfriend to the equation and things get complicated.

He starts pulling my hair. I knee him in the crotch. Somebody gets an elbow to the chin. Bad news, for both our relationship and comfort. Is the ENO able to hold our weight? Yes. Do we want it to? Not really.

SingleNest vs. DoubleNest: Weight & Packability

Lastly, because the DoubleNest has more fabric, it also weighs more and doesn’t pack down as small. The 3 oz of extra weight and 1 inch of space will be negligible for most people, however, even if you intend to use the product for backpacking.

Let comfort, rather than minimalism, be your deciding factor…unless, of course, you’re one of those rabid minimalist people. In which case, enjoy your hammock for ants!

The post ENO SingleNest vs. ENO DoubleNest: A Buyer’s Guide appeared first on 99Boulders.

The Good: The Chair Zero weighs just over a pound, is comfy for its weight, and packs down to be a little larger than a one-liter Nalgene.

The Bad: It’s expensive, the seat is a little narrow, and we found it harder to recline in than other chairs because it tilts backwards more easily.

The Bottom Line: The Chair Zero is the best backpacking chair we’ve tested. It’s the lightest and most portable, and the chair we think is most worth the weight penalty. While it’s not the comfiest, it’s the chair that does the best job of balancing the trade-off between weight and comfort.

Helinox Chair Zero vs. Top Backpacking Chairs

If you’d like to read more about how the Chair Zero compared to other chairs, check out our guide to the best backpacking chairs. Or keep reading for our full Helinox Chair Zero review.

How the Helinox Chair Zero Performed in Our Testing

Portability & Packability

Rating:

The Chair Zero, at 17 oz, is the lightest backpacking chair we tested. It also has the smallest volume when packed, being the diameter of a Nalgene bottle and slightly taller than a one-liter smartwater bottle.

Unsurprisingly, these features made the Chair Zero the most portable and packable chair in our test. For us, it was the chair most worth the weight penalty by a long shot. It fit comfortably in all the sizes of backpacks we packed it in, from small hiking daypacks to 70-liter backpacking backpacks.

Comfort

Rating:

Most testers thought the Chair Zero was decently comfortable. It wasn’t the most comfortable chair we tested — that’d be the Helinox Chair One — but it was comfy enough for lounging around camp after a day on the trail. We also found ourselves bringing it along on car camping trips.

There are two main knocks against this chair when it comes to comfort. First, it tilts backwards easily, making it difficult to recline in. Second, the chair is a bit narrow, so it was less comfortable for bigger testers and testers with wider hips.

Overall, though, we thought the Chair Zero was a great balance between weight and comfort.

Durability

Rating:

During testing we didn’t have any durability issues with the Chair Zero. The fabric didn’t rip, the poles didn’t bend, and the pole inserts remained intact.

Our main concern before testing was that the pole inserts, which aren’t as reinforced as those on the heavier chairs, could make for a potential point of failure. So far they’ve held up, even after being stressed by testers weighing over 200 lbs.

Ease of Assembly & Disassembly

Rating:

Like most of the tent-style chairs we tested, the Chair Zero took roughly a minute to assemble and disassemble. You only need to assemble it a couple times before you get the hang of it.

As with all tent-style camping chairs, it takes a little muscle to hook the final corner of seat fabric onto its pole. We found it slightly easier on this chair than on others.

The Chair Zero also has helpful signs on the back of the seat fabric indicating which side goes up and which goes down. There were a few times with other chairs when we tried to attach the seat fabric only to find it was rotated the wrong way, so we appreciated these little reminders.

What We Like

• It weighs just 17 oz (0.48 kg). Some backpacking chairs are too heavy to justify carrying on all but the shortest backpacking trips. The Chair Zero weighs just over a pound, which makes it much easier to carry.
• It’s compact. The Chair Zero packs down to be slightly larger than one-liter Nalgene. We were even able to fit it in the side pockets of some backpacking backpacks as if it were a water bottle.
• It’s comfortable for its weight. Some other chairs in the one-pound range come without legs (like the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0) or without a backrest (like a camping stool). Fortunately, the Chair Zero has both legs and a backrest.
• It’s easy to assemble. Don’t be intimidated by the poles; this chair is a cinch to assemble. Every time we unpacked it a couple of the poles would snap themselves together. The remaining ones we connected with minimal effort. After just a few uses I was reliably able to assemble the Chair Zero in under a minute.

What We Don’t Like

• It tilts backwards easily. We found it harder to recline in the Chair Zero than in other chairs. We had to be careful not to lean too far back in it, otherwise it would begin to tilt backwards. Most backpacking chairs have this issue — they’re not recliners, sadly — but it was more pronounced on this chair.
• It’s expensive. The Chair Zero’s low weight comes at a high price. It’s the most expensive backpacking chair we tested, retailing for more than twice the amount of cheaper options.

Who This Chair Is for

• You want a lightweight and comfortable backpacking chair. The Chair Zero does a good job of balancing the trade-off between weight and comfort. The legs make it easier to get in and out of than legless chairs. The seat is high enough for tall people (I’m 6′ 3″ and didn’t have any issues) and wide enough that, for most testers, it didn’t feel tight around the waist.
• You want a chair for both camping and backpacking. Many camping chairs are too heavy and bulky to take backpacking. The Chair Zero is comfy and compact enough that it works well for both activities.

Who This Chair Isn’t for

• You’re an ultralight backpacker. A chair is a luxury that ultralight backpackers will deem excessive. Most minimalist backpackers we know don’t carry a chair and instead sit on rocks, logs, bear canisters, and folded-up sleeping pads.
• You want a cheaper chair — and are willing to carry extra ounces for one. Most other backpacking chairs are cheaper, but heavier. We recommend the REI Co-op Flexlite Chair if you don’t want to pay extra and don’t mind a heavier chair. It weighs 11 oz more and costs a lot less.
• You want a comfier chair — and are willing to carry extra ounces for one. The Chair Zero was rated by testers as slightly less comfortable than heavier chairs such as the Helinox Chair One (33 oz) and REI Co-op Flexlite Chair (28 oz). It’s a little narrow around the hips and not as easy to recline in. If you want a comfier chair, look at one of those. They are quite a bit heavier and bulkier, however.
• You weigh more than 265 lbs. The Chair Zero has a weight capacity of 265 lbs. For bigger backpackers we recommend the Helinox Chair One, which has a weight capacity of 320 lbs and a seat that is comfier for wider hips.

Top Alternatives to the Helinox Chair Zero

• REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair. We haven’t tested the Air Chair yet, but we compared specs and based on that alone we think it’s worth considering as an alternative to the Chair Zero. It has a similar weight, capacity, and packed and assembled dimensions. It’s also cheaper.
• REI Co-op Flexlite Chair. The original Flexlite is the Runner-up in our backpacking chairs guide. Alex Gulsby, our former backpacking gear tester, has used her Flexlite for over two years without any durability issues. It doesn’t tilt backwards as easily as the Chair Zero and has a slightly wider seat. Testers rated it as slightly comfier than the Chair Zero. It weighs 1 lb 12 oz and has a 250-pound capacity.
• Helinox Chair One. The Chair One is a full pound heavier than the Chair Zero, but it was the comfiest option we tested. Its seat is the same width as the Chair Zero’s, but due to the reinforced pole inserts the poles don’t dig into your sides as much, making it better suited for wider hips. It’s also the most stable chair we tested. We were able to rock and recline much more vigorously in the Chair One before it started wobbling or tilting backwards. If we’re doing a lot of sitting, this is the chair we want to be in. It weighs 33 oz and has a 320-pound capacity.

Product Specs

• Claimed weight: 17 oz
• Our recorded weight: 18.24 oz
• Capacity: 265 lbs
• Packed dimensions: 4″ x 4″ x 14″
• Seat width: 20.5″
• Seat height from ground: 11″
• Seat back height: 25.5″

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After extensively testing three brands of strike anywhere matches to find the best strike anywhere matches available today, Diamond Greenlight Strike Anywhere Matches received our Runner-up award. They were slightly worse than our Top Pick, UCO Strike Anywhere Matches.

However, our Top Pick was recently discontinued like so many other brands of strike anywhere matches.

For that reason, if you can’t find our Top Pick and you still want strike anywhere matches, we recommend you get this brand, Diamond Greenlights. It is the only brand of strike anywhere matches still widely available in the US at this time. Jarden Home Brands, the maker of these matches, told me which stores carry their Diamond brand products:

You can also buy these matches online. But, if you’re considering doing that, I recommend you first read about why I’ll never buy strike anywhere matches online again.

Who & What Are These Matches Best for?

Diamond Greenlights are best for people who are interested in buying strike anywhere matches but can’t find our Top Pick, UCO Strike Anywhere Matches. I wouldn’t recommend these matches to campers and backpackers since they do come in a bulky, relatively heavy box (2.785 oz). To those people, I recommend the UCO matches or a good box of waterproof matches or stormproof matches.

I’d also recommend this brand to car campers who aren’t worried about weight or people who simply want a box of strike anywhere matches around the house.

Strike-anywhere-ability

For our side-by-side tests, we struck matches of each brand on a number of surfaces to determine how well they work. We struck 10 on each surface and recorded how many lit successfully. Here are our results for the Diamond Greenlight Strike Anywhere Matches:

• Side of matchbox: 10/10
• Wood: 10/10
• Brick: 8/10
• Rock: 9/10
• Another match: 1/10

These results aren’t as good as our Top Pick, but they’re close. Since these matches lit consistently on surfaces such as wood and rock, you’ll be able to light them outdoors as long as things aren’t wet.

These matches were also slightly more difficult to light than our Top Pick. It occasionally took us three to five strikes to get a light.

Other Minor Performance Metrics

While strike-anywhere-ability was our most important performance metric, we did track a few others.

Burn Time

At 39.502 seconds, the Diamond Greenlights had the longest average burn time of the three brands that we tested. This makes sense — they were the longest matches.

Break Percentage

Out of the 50 Diamond Greenlight matches we struck during our tests, five of them broke. This was the same percentage as the other brands, though, so this performance metric was a wash.

Of course, break percentage is dependent on your striking technique. You might strike more lightly or vigorously than I do, which would increase or decrease the break percentage for you.

Matches Per Box Hand Count

We hand counted the number of matches in two boxes and got an average of 326.5 per box. The packaging claims each box holds 300 matches, so one minor positive is you get a small handful of matches for free.

The Bottom Line

The Diamond Greenlight Strike Anywhere Matches earned our Runner-up award in our test of the best strike anywhere matches. However, since our Top Pick was recently discontinued, if you’re serious about buying strike anywhere matches, this is the brand you’ll probably have to buy since it is the only one that is widely available in the US at this time.

That’s not so bad, though. These matches light consistently on common outdoor surfaces such as wood and rock, so they’ll work for camping and other outdoor activities. Overall, this brand was a close second to our Top Pick and are a great value for the money. Some people talk poorly about them online but we found them to work well.

What do you think of these matches? If you looked for them, were you able to find them? Or are you considering a different brand?

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The best inflatable backpacking pillow currently on the market, the Cocoon Hyperlight Air-Core Pillow balances comfort, light weight and durability.

It’s a fantastic camping and backpacking pillow because it’s designed with no bells and whistles. It’s simply a soft and comfortable product that effectively does its job.

To put it to the test, we took the Cocoon Hyperlight on three separate camping adventures and used it just as man intended, for sleep. We measured it for comfort, durability, slipperiness and overall quality.

If you’d like to read more about how the Cocoon Hyperlight compared to the other backpacking pillows we tested, check out our article on the best backpacking pillows.

What We Like

Comfort

The nylon shell on the Cocoon Hyperlight is extra luxurious, soft and snuggly. You know that deep level of REM sleep where drooling is inevitable? I drool on this pillow a lot. The fabric does not crinkle at all and it’s fairly quick-drying in case of humidity or dampness.

Packability

The Cocoon Hyperlight is intended to be a backpacking pillow, so you want it to be lightweight. At 2.4 oz, it’s in the mid-weight range when compared to other pillows of similar quality. Still, it packs down small and will fit in pretty much any nook or cranny in your pack.

When you bring a backpacking pillow like the Cocoon Hyperlight on a hiking trip with a bunch of ultralighters, they will inevitably be jealous of your cozy evening set-up. People that don’t pack the Cocoon for the sake of sparing 2.4 oz will have regrets.

Simplicity 

The pillow is a simple rectangle just large enough to cradle your head. It’s not too big, small or heavy. Cocoon focused on making a product worth bringing to your bed at home, and they nailed it. Outdoor gear doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, and you’re reminded of that when sleeping with the Hyperlight.

What We Don’t Like

Slippery

This isn’t too big of a deal since the pillow is small enough to fit snugly inside your sleeping bag hood. However, the fabric is slippery and I woke up once during testing without this pillow under my head. Unlike the Klymit Pillow X which is designed to hold your head in place, there is not much in the way of design to secure the Cocoon Hyperlight in one place all night.

Valve Durability

I do not like twist-style valves on inflatable products. It’s 2017 and I say that this finicky design needs an upgrade. I’ve owned the Cocoon Hyperlight for more than a year and while the pillow has held up, the threads of the twisty have definitely seen some wear and caused leakage over time. I’m rough on gear and that’s forced me to crank tighter and tighter on this valve to seal it as time goes by.

Best Uses

Take the Cocoon Hyperlight camping and experience the best sleep of your life. Deflate it slightly and use it as a headrest on an airplane or car ride. Take it on a weekend backpacking trip and impress your friend with you extra luxurious — and lightweight — gear.

Value

The Cocoon Hyperlight is in the mid-price range for inflatable backpacking pillows (I’m still trying to wrap my head around how gear got this expensive).

The Sea to Summit Aeros pillows, the only other options to match the Cocoon Hyperlight in comfort, cost a little more but performed worse in our testing. The Cocoon is a good, but not great, value.

How the Cocoon Hyperlight Performed in Our Testing

Sleep Test

What better way to test a camp pillow than to take it camping?! We took the Cocoon Hyperlight on three separate camping adventures and used it just as man intended, for sleep. This was part of our testing to find the best backpacking pillow available. You can find our complete results here.

Tent Camping

Obviously, you want to know how the Cocoon Hyperlight fairs during backpacking. We set out to determine just that with a three day hiking trip through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, carrying a number of similar inflatables with it.

Road Camping 

On a road trip through Texas, I used both the Cocoon Hyperlight (along with the Klymit X) as my pillow, back support and mid-drive nap support. This was where I really appreciated it as a neck support for car rides, because, let’s be real: the u-shape travel pillow is useless.

Home “Camping”

We’re all willing to tolerate slight discomfort in the backcountry. At some level, we accept that imperfect sleep is a small price to pay when exploring the great outdoors.  We especially tend to deny gear-caused discomfort when said gear cost a pretty penny.

But bring that gear home to the luxury of a Tempurpedic bed and you’ve entered a discomfort zero-tolerance zone. I replaced all four of my perfectly luxurious home pillows with one Cocoon Hyperlight. Admittedly, it wasn’t half bad. There’s a reason it ranks so high in comfort.

Product Specs

• Weight: 2.4 oz.
• Material: Polyester fill with nylon shell
• Inflation: Three breaths

The Bottom Line

I’d use the Cocoon Hyperlight for camping and short backpacking trips more than I would thru-hiking. It’s extra comfortable, but a little heavier than similar products. The pillow is comparatively cheaper than other options and still extremely durable.

Cocoon Hyperlight Air-Core Pillow - Amazon

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* For the pouch option of the 10 meals we taste tested of this brand

If there’s one thing we love more than backpacking, it’s backpacking food. I’m no professional foodie, but — when presented with the opportunity to referee a taste test between two of the biggest freeze-dried meal brands — you best believe I jumped on it.

Backpacker’s Pantry and Mountain House both sent our team 10 of their bestselling meals, 3 breakfasts and 7 entrees. We then judged and scrutinized these two brands’ meals on everything from packability and weight to nutritional content and quality of flavor.

For three. Hours. Straight.

What did we learn? Though they both make MREs, their meals are surprisingly different. Don’t believe me? Let’s get down to it.

Table of Contents

1. Backpacker’s Pantry vs. Mountain House: Which Brand Is ‘Best’?
2. Flavor: Who Makes Tastier Meals?
3. Preparation: Whose Meals Are Easier to Make?
4. Nutrition: Whose Meals Are More Nutritious?

5. Cost: Who Offers More Bang for Your Buck?
6. My Favorite Freeze-Dried Meals Come from Both Brands
7. How We Compared

Backpacker’s Pantry vs. Mountain House: Which Brand Is ‘Best’?

Both Mountain House and Backpacker’s Pantry have some delicious options. So, rather than focus on which brand is best, we encourage you to think about which individual meals are best.

After testing a total of 20 meals from both brands, these are our recommendations:

• Tastiest Breakfast: Mountain House Breakfast Skillet
• Tastiest Entree: Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles
• Best for Fuel (best mix of tasty and high in carbs): Backpacker’s Pantry Granola with Bananas, Almonds & Milk
• Best for Recovery (best mix of tasty and high in protein): Backpacker’s Pantry Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken

There are some differences between the two brands, though. Each brand likely has meals you’ll like, but we do offer the following brand-wide recommendations:

• Best for people with food allergies/concerns: Backpacker’s Pantry
• Highest Nutritional Content (on average): Backpacker’s Pantry
• Easiest to Prep (on average): Mountain House

Flavor: Who Makes Tastier Meals?

Simply put, we think Mountain House’s meals taste better. Overall, the Mountain House meals received higher ratings for flavor in our taste tests than did the Backpacker’s Pantry meals.

For their breakfasts, Mountain House focuses more on creating savory dishes rather than sweet ones. The opposite goes for the Backpacker’s Pantry. If you love sweet breakfasts, you have got to go with BP, especially their Blueberry Walnut Oats & Quinoa.

For entrees, both brands focus on savory dishes, but Mountain House has really perfected the art of producing ooey, gooey, stick-to-your-insides, warm dinner deliciousness. As for Backpacker’s Pantry, their meals struggled to recreate complex flavor profiles like those found in pad thai. In many instances, it resulted in an off or synthetic taste.

Preparation: Whose Meals Are Easier to Make?

The Mountain House meals we tested took, on average, 8-9 minutes to prepare. The Backpacker’s Pantry meals took on average 15-20 minutes — twice as long. If time is of the essence, Mountain House is usually your best bet.*

However, either brand will do if you don’t mind the waiting. Neither has challenging preparation instructions. Almost every meal that we sampled from both companies required us to just boil water, pour it in the pouch, and wait a certain number of minutes. There were only two exceptions.

The Huevos Rancheros from Backpacker’s Pantry requires you bust out your camp pots and pans to complete the cooking process, making it the most difficult to prep. But the Backpacker’s Pantry Granola with Bananas, Almonds & Milk takes no time at all. You simply add water (it can be hot or cold), stir, and enjoy.

* Editor’s Note: Elevation, ambient temperature, water temperature, and specific food profile all influence preparation time. Backpacker’s Pantry’s preparation instructions are designed for as wide a range of scenarios as possible, but you should always adjust them to your specific circumstances. In other words, your preparation time might be shorter or longer than 15-20 minutes. For the sake of uniformity in our taste test, we followed the preparation instructions on each package to a T. Our taste test took place at 6,500 feet during a warm summer night in Colorado.

Nutrition: Whose Meals Are More Nutritious?

To shed some light on who makes more nutritious meals, we averaged the Nutrition Facts labels of the 10 meals we taste tested of each brand.

Here is the side-by-side comparison. Keep in mind that these numbers are averages for a single serving of only the 10 meals we tested of each brand.

A single serving of a Backpacker’s Pantry meal tends to be higher in calories, total carbs (including dietary fiber and sugar), protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

I’m not too sure why this is — I’m not a nutritionist!

But, once again, these are averages so not every Backpacker’s Pantry meal will be higher in all these categories than a comparable Mountain House one. If nutrition is important to you, spend some time comparing labels before buying.

If you want to know which of the meals we tested were most ‘nutritious’, here are the 3 with the highest vitamin and mineral content:

• Backpacker’s Pantry Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken
• Backpacker’s Pantry Three Sisters Stew
• Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai

And here are the 3 meals with the most calories per serving:

• Backpacker’s Pantry Granola with Blueberries & Milk (620 Calories per serving)
• Backpacker’s Pantry Three Sisters Stew (450 Calories per serving)
• Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai (440 Calories per serving)

Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free backpackers should also check out our guide to the best Good To-Go backpacking meals. Good To-Go makes plenty of nutritious freeze-dried meals that cater to these special diets.

Cost: Who Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

Of the meals in our tests, the average cost of a Backpacker’s Pantry pouch was nearly identical to that of a Mountain House pouch.

But recall that a Backpacker’s Pantry serving had over 100 more calories on average, making it a slightly better value in terms of cost per calorie. Although, since MREs tend to be relatively expensive, those on a tight budget should consider these other backpacking foods.

My Favorite Freeze-Dried Meals Come from Both Brands

Ultimately, like we said at the start, you should not focus on which brand is better but instead figure out which individual dishes you like best from each. I am guilty of carrying both brands in my pack.

On a recent weekend adventure, for example, I packed the following:

My advice?

If you can, spend a little extra money to buy some meals from both brands and try them out for yourself.

How We Compared

20 MREs, 5 participants and 2 very curious dogs piled on to the patio. The stage was set.

10 Mountain House meals and 10 Backpacker’s Pantry meals were all prepared for flavor testing. We judged them on their saltiness, sweetness, and spiciness (or lack thereof). We rated each product on their packability, nutritional content, weight, number of servings, calories, and how willing we would be to eat the meal multiple days in the row.

By the end of the night, there were clear favorites. Some of us were nauseated, some were fleeing to the bathroom, others were bouncing off the wall and unable to go to sleep that night thanks to the sugar content. Others slept like babies.

Our focus group was made up of individuals with very different palates. It made for an interesting and quotable night.

For a more thorough explanation of our research, be sure to check out our complete rankings for each brand:

• Backpacker’s Pantry rankings
• Mountain House rankings

The post Backpacker’s Pantry vs. Mountain House: Which Should You Buy? appeared first on 99Boulders.

Though I always want to eat healthy while backpacking, I usually fail miserably and end up eating lots of junk food.

Why? Well, if given the option between convenient or healthy I tend to choose the former.

One day I decided to research healthy and convenient backpacking foods in an effort to buck this trend. I came across Greenbelly Meals and was immediately intrigued.

Their Meal2Go bars were described as meal replacement bars that provide exactly 1/3 of your daily nutrition for six core nutrients. Maybe this was exactly what I had been looking for all along.

Eager to give the bars a try, I ordered a three-bar variety pack with one of each flavor. Then I hit the trail for a taste test.

Taste Test: An Overnighter on the AT Approach Trail

For the taste test I decided to do an overnighter on the AT Approach Trail.

Since these bars are marketed as meal bars, they were the only food I took. I decided to eat one for dinner the first day and the remaining two for breakfast and lunch the next.

After doing just that, here are my thoughts.

Greenbelly Meal2Go Reviews

Dark Chocolate/Banana

After summiting Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, I turned back and made for my chosen campsite.

Halfway there I got hungry. I dug into my backpack and pulled out my first Greenbelly meal bar: Dark Chocolate/Banana. I opened the package, took out the bar, and took a bite.

The texture was nice and chewy without being tough like some other bars out there (e.g. RxBars). It reminded me a little of a Chewy bar, though the Greenbelly bars are denser and not as crumbly.

The bar was a little dry, but no overly so. I took sips of water between bites and that helped. The back of the package even says “Consumer with water for best results.”

The chocolate flavor was strong and tasty, and I got just the slightest hint of banana. Though they don’t provide much flavor, the banana chips do add a nice crunch along with the almonds and peanuts.

The bar’s sweetness (this flavor contains 32g of sugar) was slightly overbearing by the last bite, but drinking water also helped combat this.

Overall, I was satisfied with the taste, texture, and size of the bar. I was just a little disappointed I didn’t get more banana flavor.

After finishing the bar I headed to the campsite. As I pitched my tent and settled in for the night I expected to have minor hunger pangs. A single meal bar couldn’t be that filling, right?

Wrong. Even during a restless night of sleep my stomach didn’t grumble once. The bar had filled me up.

Peanut/Apricot

I awoke early the next morning and grabbed my remaining Greenbelly bars from the food locker in the corner of the campground.

Because I value convenience so highly when it comes to trail food I was thrilled that I didn’t have to cook or prep anything for breakfast — or was any dishes afterwards.

The first bite of the Peanut/Apricot bar was full of rich peanut buttery taste. At first I liked the balance between the savoriness of the peanuts and the sweetness of the apricots, but by the last bite the sweetness of the apricots was a little overbearing. I had to take sips of water between bites to wash it away.

The taste and texture reminded me slightly of a Clif Crunchy Peanut Butter bar, though the Greenbelly bar doesn’t have as strong a peanut flavor. It’s also more crumbly — I fed a few ants that morning.

I finished my bar and set off down the trail. As with the previous bar, I expected my stomach to be rumbling a couple hours later. Surprisingly, it never did. Miles came and went and I found myself near the trailhead just in time for an early lunch of my final bar.

Cranberry/Almond

The first thought that entered my head after biting into the Cranberry/Almond bar was that it tasted quite peanutty and not very almondy.

Curious, I looked at the ingredients list.

Sure enough, there was peanut flour sitting third on the list behind tapioca syrup and dried cranberries. Sliced almonds, on the other hand, were listed tenth. Feeling slightly misled, I shrugged and kept eating.

The cranberries were a little mild, not as sweetly tart as in other cranberry-containing bars such as the Kind Cranberry Almond Bar. And despite cranberries being the second ingredient I still found the peanut taste to be stronger.

I particularly liked the texture provided by the brown crisped rice. It gave the bar a slight, pleasant crunch like that of a Rice Krispies Treat. (All the flavors contain this ingredient, for whatever reason I just noticed it more when eating this flavor.)

I did find this bar to have a better balance of sweetness and savoriness than the Peanut/Apricot despite it being the one with the most sugar (42g).

Rankings

After trying all three flavors, here are my rankings:

1. Dark Chocolate/Banana
2. Cranberry/Almond
3. Peanut/Apricot

If I were to order again, I’d order just the Dark Chocolate/Banana bars.

Shop Greenbelly Meals – Amazon

What We Like

Convenience

Recently I tried cold soaking in an attempt to simplify my backpacking meals. It was more convenient than cooking them and having to fuss around with my backpacking cookware set, but I still disliked having to wash my cold soaking container afterwards.

A Greenbelly Meal bar, or any meal bar for that matter, is the pinnacle of convenience when it comes to backpacking meals. No prepping, no cooking, no cold soaking, and no washing dishes afterwards.

Now that’s something I can get behind.

Nutrition

While I have some minor reservations about the nutrition profile of Greenbelly Meals (discussed below), it was reassuring knowing that by eating them I was getting a good amount of calories, fats, carbs, proteins, salt, and fiber. Fiber in particular can be tricky to get from common backpacking foods.

Filling

On a recent backpacking trip in Utah, my breakfast consisted of fruit, nut butter, and instant oatmeal. Despite eating a fair amount in the morning I was reaching for snacks not even two hours later. I was constantly hungry.

I expected to feel the same constant hunger during this overnighter. The bars, at 640 or 645 calories, couldn’t possibly keep me filled, right?

I was wrong. These bars were surprisingly satiating.

On longer hikes where hiker hunger kicks in you’ll probably need more than one of these bars per meal, but on my short trip one bar per meal was enough for me (and at 6’3″, 180 lbs, I tend to eat more than the average person).

What We Don’t Like

Sugar Content

Personally, I’m not a fan of eating bars (or anything for that matter) with lots of sugar. And Greenbelly Meals definitely have a lot of sugar.

The bars range in sugar content from 32-42 grams. The first ingredient in every flavor is tapioca syrup, and there are other sweeteners added such as honey and agave nectar.

High sugar content is pretty standard for nutrition bars unfortunately. Larabars and RxBars are date-based and thus have lots of fructose, and many Probar flavors have brown rice syrup listed as the first ingredient, with typically 20-25g of sugar per bar.

Kind and Quest bars are a welcome exception to this trend. Some Kind bars have as little as 5g of sugar. Many Quest bars have even less.

Though more or less par for the course when it comes to bars, I still wish Greenbelly’s bars didn’t have as much sugar.

I understand when some people exercise heavily they like to consume foods or drinks with lots of carbs — often in the form of sugar — as a way to keep their energy up. I’m just not one of them.

Price

For this taste test and review I purchased the three-bar variety pack. At that quantity, the per-meal price was comparable to a Mountain House meal. If you purchase in greater quantities the per-meal price drops a bit, but as someone on a tight budget the price of a Greenbelly meal is a little steep for me.

Those of you who love carrying freeze-dried foods or other types of meal bars such as Probars probably won’t mind the price as much as I do.

Though I love convenient trail food, instead of paying $20+ per day for it I’d rather make my own trail mix or cold soak something.

Value

When compared to other popular backpacking meals, however, the price of a Greenbelly Meal starts to look more appealing. Many freeze-dried meals from Good To-Go, Mountain House, and Backpacker’s Pantry will usually cost a little more for a comparable amount of calories. And they don’t provide 1/3 of your daily nutrition.

If you were to go the bar route, the prices are comparable there as well. Probar Meal bars might be the most similar to Greenbelly Meals and they run around half the price for a little over half the calories.

On balance Probars might be a slightly better deal. Their bars don’t have 33% nutrition for your daily macros and the like, but they are nutritious.

Other nutrition and energy bars like RxBars, Larabars, Luna bars, and Clif bars might be cheaper on a per calorie basis but you’d have to eat a lot of them to match the calories provided by a single Greenbelly Meal.

For our favorite flavors from other top brands, check out our guide to the best energy bars.

The Bottom Line

For most backpackers, Greenbelly Meals will be best for a meal, but not all meals.

Overall they taste good and I didn’t get sick of them after eating them for three meals straight.

They’re extremely convenient, the nutritional profile is great, and they’re surprisingly filling. The sugar content is higher than I’d like but similar to that of other meal and energy bars.

If you can afford them they’re a solid choice of trail food to add to your rotation.

Shop Greenbelly Meals – Amazon

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