PACKS & ACCESSORIES

Kelty Sierra 1950

This “more than a day pack” has convenient short-load features such as extra-large side mesh pockets and zippered pockets on the wide and sturdy hip belt that can keep anything handy. Experts say: “The outside kangaroo-like snap system is also most welcome in the winter, as my jacket comes on and off, constantly on the trail.” $110. www.kelty.com.

Gregory Triconi

Built with Gregory’s new Response suspension technology, the Triconi is the latest overnight pack with just the right amount of size without being overbearing. Experts say: “At 3,800 cubes the Triconi is a nice middle ground pack if you feel like being a little careless and packing extra. The big treat, though, is the new suspension system. This thing molded to my back like it had been there since birth.” $249. www.gregorypacks.com.

Osprey Pack - Aether 75

Another tester fave, Osprey’s Aether series is attachment-versatile and weight-conscious with big volume. Experts say: “This is a nice tight-fitting pack with a perfect amount of headroom provided by the frame.” $238.95. www.ospreypacks.com.

Mountainsmith PCT 45

Named after the Pacific Crest Trail, the PCT 45 is an ultra-light (2 lbs. 15 oz.) thru-hike-inspired long haul pack. With an extended volume of 4,300 cubes, it can hold a load, and on a lengthy overnight, the solid suspension proved it could keep weight dispersed well on extended treks. $179. www.mountainsmith.com.

SHERPANI RUMBA SUPERLIGHT

Forget the babysitter, with the Rumba Superlight, you can take the baby with you. One of the lightest baby carriers on the market (just over 4 lbs.), the Rumba is versatile enough to handle a tough day hike or a trip to the grocery store. Sherpani makes packs designed specifically for women, but the Rumba fits both mom and dad. $149.99 www.sherpani.us.

Outdoor Research Hydrolite Pack Cover

Your pack is not as water resistant as you think. When the Appalachian skies open, this reliable waterproof coated pack cover seals around the edges tight. $24. www.orgear.com.

Life-Link Smoky Mountain Hiking Poles

Born out of the Tetons of Wyoming, Life-Link has a variety of well-tested poles for any kind of mountain adventure. Blue Ridge trekkers should check out the aluminum shaft of the Smoky Mountain, which packs up light and small but can take the body shock out of a long day of rock crunching. Women get the lightest (15 oz.) pole available in the Avalanche Lilly. $99. www.life-link.com.

TENTS & ACCESSORIES

Mountain Hardwear PCT 2

This double-walled backpacking tent is a great value for two people and it only weighs 4.5 pounds. This tent is all about convenience with two-door entry and easy two-pole set-up. $175 www.mountainhardwear.com.

Sierra Design Baku 2

For 2006, Sierra Designs introduces the new Baku series-a hybrid of single-and-double-wall tents that reduce condensation. The two-door tents are light, easy to pitch, and according to our expert can take a good pounding from an Appalachian rain. Experts Say: “The tent withstood a night in freezing rain, keeping me completely dry and warm. There were puddles underneath the tent in the morning, but all stayed dry within.” $289. www.sierradesigns.com.

MSR Fling

The Fling is a new for 06 light (under 4 lbs) and easy to pop no-frills shelter for those that like to keep things on the simple side-a gem for the minimalist gram-watchers. $270. www.msrcorp.com.

Big Agnes Parkview 2

From our Rocky Mountain friends Big Agnes, the Parkview is a solid three-season backpacking tent. This model is for those that like a little more room with two big D-shaped doors and an innovative single-hub pole design for easy set-up and more head space. $249. www.bigagnes.com.

MSR MIOX Purifier

An innovative and easier alternative to the pump or the tough-to-take taste of iodine, the MIOX is a mixed-oxidant purifier that fits in your pocket and makes it easy to treat a lot of water fast. $130. www.msrcorp.com.

Petzl Tikka XP Headlamp

­ Decided to push on a few extra miles and couldn’t set up camp before dark? The new Tikka XP has a wide-angle lens that increases the distance of your view and three quick-switch lighting levels for flexibility in your late night wilderness outings. It burns for 120 hours on just three AAA batteries. $36. www.petzl.com.

MSR Blacklite Classic Cookset

Keeping your backcountry cookware clean is a big pain in the rump, but Blacklite adds nonstick coating and faster heat-absorbing features to MSR’s light (18 oz) and compact cook wear. $35. www.msrcorp.com.

Primus Stove Gravity MF

­ The Gravity MF is built to handle extreme conditions with a preheating coil that will help you cook fast. Reach boiling in just five minutes. $95. www.primus.se.

SLEEPING BAGS & PADS

Big Agnes Sleeping Bag Mystic 15-

Our tester was convinced that this is a reliable winter warmer. Chalk it up to the yoke seals around the neck. For a lighter-temp cheaper model, also in the Classic series, check out the 40-degree Yampa.

Expert Says: “This bag’s pouch designed to hold it underneath you worked perfectly. For those of us that roll off of our mats at night this is a must. I stayed very warm all night, and enjoyed the extra neck padding that helped contain the heat within the bag.” $299. www.bigagnes.com.

Western Mountaineering Caribou

This is one for the bigger folks or those that just like a little more room with a wide mummy construction. But it’s also mighty light (1 lb. 4oz.) with a breathable 35-degree comfort zone that’s just right for the Blue Ridge. $240. www.westernmountaineering.com.

Sierra Designs Men’s Lazer 30

If you want to keep things light and small, check out this new synthetic line from SD. The Lazer will pack down to a size you can easily stash and insulate snuggly through the night. In a women’s fit go for the 15-degree Glow. $180. www.sierradesigns.com.

Mountain Hardwear Women’s Conness

It’s built with tuck-stitched baffling for maximum durability and stuffed with 600-fill down to provide reasonable 32-degree comfort in the Southern Appalachians. The BRO ladies took this one out with a thumbs up on a chilly night near Crabtree Falls. $170. www.mountainhardwear.com.

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Pads

Big Agnes is a cool Colorado fringe company making some of the most innovative packing products on the market. The claim to fame with these pads is the I-Beam construction, which eliminates annoying seems and allows air to flow freely, eliminating any air-pocket lump spots. $70. www.bigagnes.com.

Themarest Prolite 4

Proof that mats are much easier to pack these days for longer expeditions. Depending on your size, it’s 2 lbs. or less and packs down smaller than your camping pillow. Experts say: “This has to be the best sleeping mat around. It combines exceptional comfort with being extremely light. I’ve always preferred a thin foam mat, but will never go back now.” $80. www.thermarest.com.

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Royal Robbins Coolmax Extreme Expedition Shirt

This 100 percent polyester shirt wicks moisture, and offers UPF 40+ sun resistance with a mesh-lined vented back to keep you cool when the sweating starts. Experts say: “Very comfortable shirt on and off the trail with two large Velcro breast pockets and a zippered pocket. It is vented on the back to keep you cool and a tab and button arrangement to keep you neat if you want to make it a short sleeve shirt.” $48-59. www.royalrobbins.com.

Cloudveil Black Ice jacket

This shell will do you right in hard weather-when you still want to go out in a snowstorm or winter rain and not bundle in ridiculous bulk. It’s still light (20 oz.) and breathable, but it’s got some tough skin built for high alpine adventures. $295. www.cloudveil.com.

Patagonia Track Star Pants-

Big, roomy and perfect for yoga or capitalizing on your inner FloJo. Organic cotton blended with spandex. $42. www.patagonia.com.

Isis Chamois Hoody-

Designed to be the warmest base layer option, Chamois fabric has a silky smooth outer face and a soft-brushed fleece inside for warmth and wicking comfort. The hoody has a contoured fit and works well in a variety of aerobic efforts. $55. www.isisforwomen.com.

BOOTS

Garmont Women’s Flash XCR

It’s light (less than one pound) and breaks in fast, making the Flash an ideal all-around trail shoe that you won’t want to take off when you get back to town. $135. www.garmontusa.com.

Asolo Voyager XCR

Weekend warriors let the Voyager guide you. This lightweight hiker is perfect for an overnighter with ample waterproof protection and a comfortable midsole that absorbs shock when you need it. $150. www.asolo-usa.com.

Garmont Men’s Eclipse XCR

Simply put, this is a trail shoe that you will not want to take off. It’s as comfortable as a sneaker, and it stays that way after miles of pounding thanks to the shock-absorbing system. $120. www.garmontusa.com.

Lowa Renegade GTX Lo Lady

This is a cut version of Lowa’s bestselling day hiker for ladies that like their hikers low. It’s got claws that can eat up any terrain and Gore-Tex protection, but it’s not as boot invasive on the foot.

Merrell Women’s Wind River

The Wind River is a good transition boot at a great price for day hikers looking to start adding miles to their excursions. It’s usually a tread for the lighter load, but a tough sole and molded support is just right for stepping it up. $100. www.merrell.com.

Montrail Torre GTX

The Torre continues its reign as one of the best all-purpose hikers on the market for supreme traction and terrain resistance performance. Experts say: “With the fast and easy break-in period and the mettle to take a rocky hit, it’s no wonder these are continually Montrail’s bestseller. They’ll easily become your boots for life.” $150. www.montrail.com.

Vasque Caldera

This agile boot helps you move fast on long day hikes with a light feel and a lean and gritty Vibram sole. Experts say: “These are great boots for moderate hiking trips. The firm sole is very comfortable.” $120. www.vasque.com.

MEN’S CLOTHING

Mountain Hardwear Men’s Drifters Convertible Pant

Lightweight and quick-drying, these zips proved they could easily adjust to season’s change on the trail, reliable in cooler temperatures and wet weather but easily adjusted for the warmer times. $65. www.mountainhardwear.com.

Smartwool Light Adrenaline Crew

Experts say: “Go out for three days or maybe six. Regardless, if you’re like me all you want to bring is one pair of socks. Smartwool has never disappointed, and this sock just adds a little extra. It still never gets too hot (sweaty feet suck) and repels funky stench, but this one also has a performance feel with a fitted arch and extra padded ankle support. $17. www.smartwool.com.

Ex Officio Buzz-Off Baja Long Sleeve Shirt

Clothes these days leave the worry warts no excuses for not getting outdoors. A perfect example of this is the Ex Officio BUZZ OFF Baja with tech fiber that features a repellent insect shield, UV protection, and fast-drying fabric. $84. www.exofficio.com.

GoLite Zip Top

Only 12 ounces, it’s GoLite’s warmest performance base layer. Features a half-length zipper to vent your warmth, lots of stretch, and great moisture management. $100. www.golite.com.

Mountain Hardwear Phantom Anorak

This light, ultra compressible, windproof shell weighs only three ounces. Experts say: “This is the shell you want to have in your pack when some light Blue Ridge weather kicks in. It cuts the wind in cooler temps without impeding movement.” $75. www.mountainhardwear.com.

Patagonia Men’s Capilene lightweight zip-tee

The industry standard for moisture-wicking, Patagonia’s Capilene is feather-light, quick-drying, and super-comfy. www.patagonia.com.