Backpacker Magazine – August 2008

3 Ways To Save: Ultralight Dayhiking

Save weight, your feet, and money with these three pieces of ultralight gear

by: Kristin Hostetter

Tags:
• Gear
|
• Daypacks
|
• Sleeping bags
|
• Trail runners
|
• Apparel
|

---

Your Feet
For fair-weather hiking that involves long miles and sections of sketchy terrain, you want a breathable shoe that's more supportive than a trail runner but lighter than a boot. The Hi-Tec V-Lite Trail Eruption nails it. After wearing the Eruption on several scrambly outings and big days in Idaho, our resident shoe tester says these are best of class. "The aggressive rocker, forefoot flex, and good cushion are typical of the category," he says, "but these have more torsional rigidity than standard trail runners, and a plastic shank provides some stability and underfoot protection." The mesh uppers are extremely breathable (not waterproof) and dried quickly after a stream dunking. The outsole has lots of shallow lugs–good for dry surfaces but not slick mud. A plastic toecap increases durability, but as with many similar lightweight shoes, we expect them to last about 300 miles. $110; 1 lb. 10 oz. (men's 9); men's 7-12, 13 and women's 5-10, 11. (209) 545-1111; hi-tec.com. Reader service #119

Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter