Comments for DuskHiker

Comment on Glacier National Park Backpacking Guide by Ian Krammer

Ian Krammer — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:11:10 +0000

In reply to Jacob.

Thanks for this comment! We’d definitely choose the Bowman or North Circle loops, although all the trips mentioned are outstanding. Bowman is nearly unrivaled for its remoteness and lack of people, though the car shuttle / hitchhiking adventure requires planning. The North Circle loop will inevitably have more people – it remains one of the most popular in the park for backpackers – so you’ll be competing for camping spots, but the views are jaw-dropping. We’re partial to fewer people, so if you have the ability to coordinate a car shuttle or you don’t mind sticking your thumb out for a ride, Bowman is the way to go. Happy hiking!

Comment on Glacier National Park Backpacking Guide by Jacob

Jacob — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:03:28 +0000

If you only had time for one trip in Glacier, which would you choose? Seems like it would be between the Bowman vs North Circle loops but would love to hear your thoughts!

Comment on Top Gear Picks of 2026 by Ian Krammer

Ian Krammer — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 19:00:12 +0000

In reply to Guest.

Thanks for this comment! Gear rankings are always subjective, and we don’t all agree on what belongs at the very top. If you do a search for Durston on our site, you’ll see we’ve got plenty of love for Durston – they’re on our trekking poles, ultralight tents, and backpacking backpacks lists. That said, we love hearing when someone finds a piece of gear that really works for them. At the end of the day, finding what you love and what fits your style of hiking is what matters most!

Comment on Men’s Luna Mono Winged Review by Ian Krammer

Ian Krammer — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:55:01 +0000

In reply to Guest. Thanks for this comment! Our testing finds these didn't make it very far beyond the 600 mile mark, with straps and soles deteriorating quickly after that point. However, we put these through the wringer on a wide number of trails and river trips for the first half of their life and expect the same from our next pair as well.

Comment on Top Gear Picks of 2026 by Guest

Guest — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:10:20 +0000

No love for Durston here…??

Comment on Men’s Luna Mono Winged Review by Guest

Guest — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:57:52 +0000

I purchased the Luna Sandals – OSO Flaco Winged Edition. All four Luna “Winged” pairs tore quite easily despite light urban use over 1.5 years. However, the soles remain in excellent condition.

Comment on How to Use Your Phone as a GPS Device for Backpacking by Ian Krammer

Ian Krammer — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:47:33 +0000

In reply to James Dow. Thanks for this comment. We appreciate your insight with this app and we're glad you found something that works for you. Cheers!

Comment on REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review by Ian Krammer

Ian Krammer — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:46:50 +0000

In reply to Brian in soggy NY. Thanks for this comment! We're stoked you found the review helpful and are having a positive experience with these jackets. We agree that they are a solid investment and perform well for the price point. Happy hiking!

Comment on REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review by Brian in soggy NY

Brian in soggy NY — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:20:41 +0000

Just purchased a pair of the Xeroclouds; one for myself and one for my wife. The fit runs large, even with a 2-layer base, so we both sized down one level, finding the fit to be perfectly comfortable. We like how quiet the jackets are compared to out 2-layer rain jackets from Marmot. We tested them out on one of our daily hikes in our local NYS state park on rainy 40 degree weather. After a mile or so to get warmed up, the jackets maintained a nice, dry, balanced comfort for the remaining four miles. We couldn’t be happier, especially given that they were on sale at the local REI shop for only $130! I highly recommend you try to get to your local store to try on before purchasing as, like I stated, these tend to run large.

Comment on How to Use Your Phone as a GPS Device for Backpacking by James Dow

James Dow — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 22:22:57 +0000

Everyone knows that most all existing smartphone compass apps are notoriously inaccurate – mere simulations. You can do better with AugView Compass!

AugView Compass stands alone as the ONLY accurate smartphone compass app available – with or without internet access. You can correct your own (device-specific) smartphone sensor errors using Augview Compass. Also, you have a moving map with GPS location.

AugView Compass is available on both the Google Play store and the Apple store.

AugView Compass will benefit personal, commercial, and military applications that make use of accurate compass azimuths.

Research, documented at http://www.tru-path.org, proves that AugView Compass is capable of a) analyzing any type of compass [electronic, military rangefinder, smartphone app, or magnetic] and b) prescribing the parameters necessary and sufficient to correct the residual [after calibration] compass azimuth errors for such compass.

In particular, take a look at this link: https://tru-path.org/2025/02/06/fixing-rangefinder-smartphone-residual-compass-azimuth-deviation-errors-military-rangefinder-errors-vectronix-plrf25c/

Everyone has a smartphone; and the “find-my-car” / “find-my-spot” feature is a favorite.