article HikeLoad Blog

Gear Tips & Reviews

Expert gear tips and ultralight setups for hikers and backpackers. Weight-tested reviews of tents, sleeping bags, packs and essential trail equipment.

Gear Tips

Best Trekking Poles of 2026: Carbon vs Aluminium Tested on Real Trails

The best trekking poles of 2026 are the LEKI Micro Vario Carbon at 230 g per pole and $220 per pair. See how carbon compares to aluminium across 6 leading models.

Read article arrow_forward
schedule 6 min read calendar_today 04 May 2026
Gear Tips

Best Hiking Boots of 2026: HOKA, Salomon and La Sportiva Tested

The HOKA Kaha 3 GTX leads our 2026 boot test. Full comparison of the top four waterproof hiking boots by weight, grip and value.

Read article arrow_forward
schedule 7 min read calendar_today 04 May 2026
Gear Tips

Best Ultralight Tents 2026: X-Mid vs Dragonfly vs Copper Spur

The Durston X-Mid 2 Pro (680 g) leads our 2026 comparison. Weight, livability and storm performance of the three best ultralight tents, side by side.

Read article arrow_forward
schedule 7 min read calendar_today 04 May 2026
Gear Tips

Best Budget Hiking Gear of 2026: Complete Kit Under $400

Build a complete day-hiking kit for under $200 and an overnight setup for under $400 in 2026. Best budget picks by category, tested and ranked.

Read article arrow_forward
schedule 7 min read calendar_today 04 May 2026
Gear Tips

Trail Runners vs Hiking Boots 2026: Which Should You Choose?

Trail runners weigh 300-490 g less per pair than hiking boots and dry 3x faster. Find out which footwear wins for your next hike in 2026.

Read article arrow_forward
schedule 7 min read calendar_today 03 May 2026
Gear Tips

Best Ultralight Backpacks 2026: 7 Sub-1 kg Packs Tested

The best ultralight backpack of 2026 is the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra at 567 g. Compare 7 sub-1 kg packs on weight, price and waterproofing.

Read article arrow_forward
schedule 8 min read calendar_today 02 May 2026
Showing 73–78 of 78 articles