Have Gear, Will Travel
Backpacker|January 2022
These eight products are versatile companions for every adventure.
By Ryan Wichelns, Photography by Matthew Stacey
Have Gear, Will Travel

Backpackers tend to think of the hike itself as the ultimate goal. But on a long trip, whether abroad or domestic, getting to and from the trail—and enjoying the moments in between—is an important part of the experience. Our top picks for travel products will take you safely, plane to town to trailhead.

1. Oboz Bozeman Low

$120 | 1 lb. 10 oz. (m’s 9) | m’s 8-14, w’s 6-11

If you’ve ever worn a pair of hiking boots for a long day of travel, you’ll understand the difference between footwear designed for shuffling through airports versus hitting the actual trail. The Bozeman Low is definitely geared for travel (it’s ubercomfy and relaxed when big-time support isn’t what you’re looking for) but has the chops to handle light-load dayhikes once you reach your destination. We had no problem hiking all day in the Bozeman Low on the flowy Dallas Trail outside Ridgway, Colorado, thanks to the shoe’s finely tuned EVA midsole (soft in the heel but stiff elsewhere) and a proprietary rubber outsole with deep lugs. A low-cut, lightweight nubuck-and-textile upper, medium volume, and a quick-drying recycled polyester lining (since your feet can get almost as clammy at the airport as on a hike) keep the Bozeman Low nimble for travel when not on the trail. Oboz’s proprietary, super-supportive insole also meant our feet were less likely to ache after long days both in the backcountry and on city streets.

2. Einova Ultra Fast Power Bank

$70 | 15.7 oz.

This story is from the January 2022 edition of Backpacker.

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This story is from the January 2022 edition of Backpacker.

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