Here’s What Backpacker’s Editors Loved in March 2021
From a new pair of boots to an, ahem, unconventional sleeping bag, these were our editors' favorite things in March.
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Hoka One One Kaha Gore-Tex
This cushy, waterproof-breathable mid-cut was my go-to hiker through the winter. Now that snowy trails are giving way to sloppy mud, I’m discovering even more things to love about it. The plush EVA midsole feels cushy even under a heavy load, especially for the modest 18-ounce-weight, while the 5-mm lugs bite down hard on wet and loose terrain. And while I’m not usually a leather boot guy, I love the way the Kaha shrugs off abuse from rocks and thorns alike. —Adam Roy
Rad Power Bikes RadRover Electric Fat Bike Version 5
I still turn to my road bike when I want a workout, but if I’m running errands or just want a quick, fun ride after work, I take the ebike. Zooming around the gravel trails near my house with the help of the handlebar throttle is a rush that never gets old, and the wide tires grip through mud, dust, and even snow without any trouble at all. On the more practical side, with the ebike I’m fast enough to get home from the grocery store with my frozen veggies still intact, saving me a trip with the car. —Kristin Smith
Selk’bag Lite 6G
Ok, yeah, it’s kinda ridiculous. But it’s also kinda ridiculously amazing. I’ve used the Selk’bag Lite 6G for backyard campouts and car-camping trips this winter and early spring, and it’s added an unexpected ease and fun to those trips. First, it doesn’t matter if you sleep on your side, your belly, your back, or in a pretzel. However you snooze, the Selk’bag conforms. Second, zip off the booties and throw on shoes, and you’ll be the coziest person in camp. Finally, you don’t have to get out of your bag to walk off for a midnight potty break—or to drive your crew to breakfast the next morning. So, no, it doesn’t pack small and it’s not light, but it’s not trying to. In my experience, it’s much more than a novelty and will bring a little fun to your casual camping scene at a friendly price. —Shannon Davis
Norrona Falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood
It’s officially shoulder season in the Tetons, which means dealing with a combination of sun, warmth, wind, and cold that can have an unprepared hiker doing the layer dance for hours on end. This fleece has become my do-it-all secret weapon. High-pile Polartec Alpha insulation on the torso and arms keeps me warm with temps in the 20s as I move uphill, but the material is more than breathable enough to keep me from boiling over. Polartec Power Grid on the underarms and sides dumps even more heat, and I dig the stretchy hand gaiters for days when it’s too warm for gloves but a little too chilly to go bare-handed. (Yes, my internal thermostat is all over the place.) A slim fit and three pockets—two hand, one chest—round out the Falketind’s alpine appeal. —Eli Bernstein
Stinger Short Stack Waffles
One of my favorite trail snacks just got a flavor update. Honey Stinger’s newest stroopwaffle features a gooey, sweet maple syrup filling that satisfies my sweet tooth and keeps me fueled on long ski tours. On a recent outing, I skipped snack breaks and skinned fast in order to catch up with some friends. Once I caught them, one Short Stack waffle gave me the energy I needed to finish skinning to the top and crush the ski down. Pro tip: Keep these in a pocket on cold days to maintain that chewy, gooey texture that makes these so good. —Zoe Gates