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Hut 1, Hut 2, Hut 3, Hike!
Hopscotch along in utter comfort—after selecting the best trail-traversing accoutrements.
Feet, Head & Hands
Trekking Rule No. 1: Coddle those feet—they're your ticket home. [1] Dahlgren's OXT socks ($14) (REI.com: Dahlgren's OXT) use a one-two punch of natural fibers (to aerate hot spots) and synthetics (to wick away blister-causing moisture). [2] Teva's Quest ($90) (REI.com: Teva's Quest) shoes use an external-strap system to nix torsional flex and add arch support. For more robust schlepping, Gore-Tex-lined [3] Zamberlan Wind GTs ($150) (REI.com: Zamberlan Wind GT's) boast big-boot credentials—a shank, Vibram sole, and reinforced toes—yet are fleetfooted at two pounds 12 ounces. To fight weather whims, pack [4] Mountain Hardwear's Duraguard Bucket hat ($48). It's decked out with a full-circle brim, waterproof-breathable construction, and a CoolMax sweatband. Meanwhile, enjoy digital dexterity and warmth with [5] Manzella's WindPro Convertible Glove/Mitten ($35) (REI.com: WindPro Convertible).
Tops & Bottoms
SmartWool's next-to-skin Aero Zip-T ($65) and Aero Bottoms ($55) give you the goodness of wool without the itchfest. The half-zip [6] Mountain Hardwear Synergy Short Sleeve Shirt ($50) (REI.com: Synergy Short Sleeve Shirt) is the answer for sweaty backpackers looking for fast-drying, abrasion-resistant fabrics in all the right places. Don't dismiss the sharp-looking [7] White Sierra Kakadu shirt ($35) as an extravagance. The collared, synthetic-woven Kakadu includes a nifty security pocket for valuables. [8] Columbia's Silver Ridge Long Sleeve Shirt ($40) (REI.com: Silver Ridge Long Sleeve Shirt) appeases off-trail dress codes and performs in the backcountry with wicking nylon, wispy weight, and hidden zip pockets. Made of tough nylon—with zip-off legs and articulated knees—[9] REI's Mojave Tech Convertible Pants ($74) (REI.com: Mojave Tech Convertible Pants) are a trekker's delight. [10] The North Face's Apex Shorts ($79) (REI.com: Apex Shorts) are a model of mobility and coolness. The weather-treated nylon/Lycra fabric is bushwhacking-tough and its stretchability and gusseted crotch accommodate contortionists.
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On Your Back
The cure for a chilled core is [11] Cloudveil's svelte Run Don't Walk Top ($115), which uses high-warmth-to-weight Polartec Power Stretch fabric to wick moisture and resist wind. If the forecast calls for a spritzing, bring [12] Moonstone's Cirque Jacket ($200), a soft shell built with Schoeller Dryskin, a stretchy, wicking, ultrabreathable concoction of nylon, Lycra, and CoolMax fabrics. Your bargain barrier against the elements could be the [13] Pacific Trail Traverse jacket ($135). The waterproof-breathable nylon shell has venting pit zips, reinforced shoulders, and other touches that seal out the yuck. A hair over three pounds, [14] Kelty's Torrey ($100) (REI.com: Kelty's Torrey) hides a solid support system and 1,950 cubic inches of capacity in a slim profile. For longer treks, [15] Dana Design's Mazama ($229) weighs in at three pounds eight ounces and boasts 3,000 cubic inches of cargo room and waterproof zippers.
Gizmos
[16] Bolle Downdraft sunglasses ($90) offer exceptional visionary defense with full peripheral coverage and subtle side shields. [17] Komperdell's compact Titan ALS poles ($105) are simply the strongest sticks. The titanium-alloy wonders collapse to a svelte 20.5 inches, and use tungsten-carbide tips to provide firm purchase. [18] Leki Ultralight Ti Air Ergo poles ($150) (REI.com: Ultralight Ti Air Ergo) cushion the ride with a spring-loaded antishock system but virtually float at a tasty 18.5 ounces per pair of ti-alloy bliss. There's no angst about excess weight with [19] Black Diamond's Ion headlamp ($23) (REI.com: Ion headlamp), a diminutive, sub-one-ounce, twin-bulb LED that burns for 15 hours on a single six-volt battery. Track numerous numericals with [20] Nike's ACG Ascent Compass watch ($199). It has a digital compass and altimeter, will predict weather based on barometric pressure, and has enough chronograph functions to time a track meet. Last, don't forget to pack [21] Adventure Medical Kits' Ultralight .9 Kit ($32) (REI.com: Ultralight .9 Kit). Inspired by adventure racers, the 9.5-ounce pack is crammed with human-repair supplies.
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