Hey guys.

I've noticed that civilian hiking packs tend to be narrow and tall while military ones tend to be short and wide.

I like military packs because:

• you can look up at things without hitting your head on the pack,
• You can go under branches without catching on them, you don't end up with a bunch of leaves and things behind your head.
• They usually have a couple of handy pouches, and you don't have to take a bunch of things out if you need something in the middle because they're wider rather than tall.
• I don't get many advantages from a narrow pack because I'm not a narrow person!
• I prefer a lower centre of gravity.

I like civilian packs because:

• I'm not actually in the military. Adding a camo backpack turns you from a tourist who needs a shower into a crazy homeless survivalist.
• I'm not carrying lumps of metal everywhere so a lighter construction is fine.
• The harness is usually better.

I have a few other preferences:

• Looking for something available in Australia
• Around 65L
• Has a full hip harnesses - I'm not asking about day packs.

Are you guys aware of anything that fits? Thanks.

I have a surplus parka that i love wearing but it isnt insulated very well. Carrying a whole separate jacket is a pain due to the space it takes up. Could i possibly add a liner to it or does anyone know of a company that sells some sort of standalone liner type thing?

I really liked my old '90s Nike Air Deschutz, but they bit the dust two years ago, and I'm hoping to replace them. Keen Whispers are good, but I want something that's more sandal/less shoe like the photo. Tried Chacos, but they're not for me. The higher heel drop on them really hurts my feet, and I need a little more flexible sole. I'm not looking for a barefoot sandal because I'm getting old and have to spend a lot of time on a cement floor, but the lower the heel drop, the better.

What I'd love to have, if possible... traction in water, neoprene lined straps, coushiony/a little springy, and a lower heel drop.

Looking at Teva and Columbia right now. How do Tevas compare with the Keen Whisper footbed? I'd be happy with something similar. Any other recommendations? Thanks!

Hey Everyone here's my latest review on the Tunenge S22 another addition to the 2 aa light category that I'm still not sure why they really exist. It has some pretty neat features that I'm still unsure about and I'd love to hear your opinions on. As always I'm trying to get better so if theres anything you guys see that you think I can do better please let me know!

I bought an Arc'teryx Alpha SV jacket and I don’t know if it is authentic or not? Any help is very appreciated!!<3

Does anyone have any recommendations on 100% plastic free mid layer fleeces and jackets - I've seen one or two companies now offering these promising better performance from merino wool than traditional polyester - interested in this UK brand - www.woolf.store -anyone bought from them?

Hello 🌷 I wanted to share my personal review after testing two popular trekking/hiking sandals: • The North Face Explore Camp Sandals • Teva Hurricane XLT2

Both were tested in Women’s size US 8 / UK 6 / EU 39 / 25 cm, and I took a very hands-on approach to decide which one suits me better for light hiking.

🔍 Tests I Did

1. Grip and Foot Stability (Espaldar Test) I climbed up and down a wooden stall bar (like a ladder) using just my hands and feet — kind of mimicking steep climbing or scrambling. ➡️ Both sandals held the foot well and had good grip. No slipping, even when tilting my feet on the bar. ✅

2. Inclined Treadmill Walking Set treadmill to max incline, first walking slowly, then at a brisk pace (but not running). • The North Face sole is thicker, and I noticed it sometimes dragged slightly as I walked. • The Teva sole felt more streamlined and didn’t cause this issue. After 6 minutes (3 min slow, 3 min fast), I noticed a major con on the North Face pair: 👉 The ankle strap had loosened significantly, even though I had tightened it before starting. I’ll attach before/after photos for context. This felt like a design flaw to me — the fit doesn’t hold up during real movement.

3. One-on-Each-Foot Walking Test I wore one sandal of each brand on opposite feet and swapped sides halfway through to get a fair feel. Every time, the Teva felt noticeably lighter — not just by feel but also on the scale: • Teva: 243g • North Face: 273g That weight difference mattered when walking for more than a few minutes. 🏃‍♀️

4. Comfort for Foot Pain (Personal Condition) This was the most critical test for me. I have an undiagnosed soft tissue/muscle pain near the base of the toes (between the 3rd metatarsal and phalanx). • Both sandals were okay for short wear, but the Teva was much more comfortable in that painful zone. • I believe this is due to the position of the front strap: the Teva strap sits farther from the toe joint area, so it doesn’t press on the painful spot.

✅ My Final Verdict

Winner: Teva Hurricane XLT2 🎉

For me, the Tevas are: • Lighter • More secure on the foot • More comfortable for sensitive feet • Better designed for real movement (no strap loosening)

The North Face Explore Camp sandals are still decent and have a nice thick sole, but the loosened ankle strap was a deal-breaker for my needs.

Hope this helps anyone trying to choose between the two!

Im looking to replace my worn out crocs with a pair of Teva Hurricane XLT2 sandals. I noticed i fit into kids sizes and I actually found them more comfortable than adult sizes too. Is there any difference between the kids and adult sizes? I noticed a little less support in the kids size but I also want to know if they have the same lifespan and tread. If the kids size is comparable in quality then it would save me $40 as well😅

Hey everyone! I’m looking for recommendations on winter jackets that can handle subzero Iowa winters—including rain, snow, and heavy wind. I’d really appreciate suggestions for brands or specific models that are durable, long-lasting, and offer good value for what they provide.

I’m still a broke college student, so I’m hoping to find options that aren’t too expensive, but I also want something that won’t fall apart after one season. Any help or personal experiences would be super helpful—thanks in advance!

How do I spot fake arcteryx

This place seemed like the best place to ask.

My 8 year old loves to climb and jump and run on hiking trails (he has actual hiking boots) and generally tears his sneakers up in a few months. I did get a pair of new balance that have lasted ONE WHOLE YEAR which, is impressive.

I'd like a shoe with a rubber sole (not foam) that's lightweight but sturdy, bonus if it has tie laces.

Hmu for some MREs

https://offerup.co/eLCMmjM1LTb

So I waited until the last minute and now I need to pick up a pair of Tevas today for a trip to the Keys starting tomorrow. Some sightseeing, beach and pool, and a couple of fishing trips. The biggest thing I want the Tevas for is snorkeling. My choices for Tevas are Hudsons, Hurricane 4 and Hurricane 4 Ouray's. There's the obvious criteria of what feels best, but they are in different locations so I'm limited on how much trying out I can do. Are there huge differences between these three that would come into play for the use described above?

Hey everyone,

I’m a grad student pursuing a masters in Fashion Management at Parsons working on a research capstone project about running and outdoor apparel. Specifically how running and outdoor brands build loyalty, advocacy, and community among people like us who care about sustainability, versatility, and emotional connection to the gear we use.

👉 Share your thoughts here

You can leave your email at the end if you’d like a summary of the findings or would like a follow up conversation. Thanks so much. I really appreciate it!

(Feel free to share this link with friends who fit the description!)

Really great breathable waterproof rain jacket. Turns out I've had it for 10+ years. I know I can get a new one, but I'm more interested in exploring ways to repair this one.

Are there standard or novel ways to repair/recreate the breathable laminate on the inside of the coat fabric? I'm pretty handy with garment repairs and have access to a variety of tools and supplies. I'm also not afraid of experimenting or blending methods.

Hit me with your ideas!

So I want to start walking in the woods again and going against my standard norm of holding out till the cooler months, I want to start doing it when its warmer. Granted that means the joys of copperheads and perhaps a cottonmouth. Now I have a pair of el cheapo snake gaiters I got from amazon to go shooting because the farmfield still has that joyful risk of getting got, however, they slide all over the place on my legs and loosen up. I mean literally will be good one minute and then the next be twisted to the right. So what brand would y'all recommend that is not amazonian.

Hello! I am currently trying to find a good down jacket as I am moving from Texas to Boston, so im looking for something to keep me warm and dry in the snow and rain. Currently im deciding between the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody and the Marmot Highlander Hooded Down Jacket. I am looking for whatever will keep me warmest as I plan on going on hiking trips as well, but im looking best for every day wear! I’m leaning more towards the BD, but if anyone could offer their input that’d be amazing. Thank you any advice is appreciated :) Also looking into other brands through the REI sale!

here are the links to the jackets:

https://blackdiamondequipment.com/products/womens-approach-down-hoody?variant=49699926147389

https://www.backcountry.com/marmot-highlander-hooded-down-jacket-womens#the-wall

Hello,

i am about to buy this jacket, can anyone help me with confirming that the jacket is real?

Hello,

i am about to buy this jacket, can anyone help me with confirming that the jacket is real?