Blogs

For the past 10 years, the Platypus GravityWorks water filtration system has been my primary method for treating water in the backcountry. When it comes to backpacking water treatment, we need a solution that is effective, reliable, and reasonably fast, without taking up too much space or weighing us down on the trail. Essentially, we need all-around performance. In this review we'll evaluate the GravityWorks water filtration system and how well it performs in the backcountry.

The GravityWorks water filter is all designed around a .2 micron hollow fiber filter cartridge.
Platypus GravityWorks Design
The Platypus GravityWorks water filtration system consists of 2 Platypus style water containers – a dedicated and labeled dirty and clean bag with a hollow fiber filter cartridge in between rated at .2 microns. The dirty bag has a heavy duty zip type opening to easily fill the bag from a water source and a convenient webbing strap attached to the top, allowing one to easily carry the bag back to camp or hang from a height to filter (a quick release buckle also makes this easy). An auto shutoff quick connect is integrated into the bag just above the bottom, handy for trapping larger debris. When the hose leading to the filter is disconnected from the dirty bag, water will not flow out – handy for transport or for storing water overnight when you need to sleep with the filter due to sub-freezing conditions. When the hose leading to the filter is connected (just insert until you hear a click), the flow will be activated.

To disconnect, one depresses the release button on the dirty bag to free the hose. Both the dirty and clean side hoses connect to the filter element itself with hose barbs that fit snugly, but are not difficult to remove or reconnect. The .2 micron cartridge is sufficient for most backcountry water filtration needs in North America, but is not effective against viruses and does not feature any type of carbon filtration to improve water quality or reduce heavy metals, etc. – Platypus does offer a separate GravityWorks carbon element for about $30 that could be spliced into the system if desired. For a deeper dive into water treatment considerations and what's required to treat what, see our backpacking water treatment guide.
The hollow fiber cartridge is rated for up to 1500 liters with a 1.75 liter per minute speed, and frequent backflushing is suggested. The clean side tubing is connected to a screw top cap which connects directly to the clean bag, also featuring a webbing strap but sans the zip type opening of the dirty bag. Along the hose in between the clean bag and filter is a shutoff clamp that allows one to control the flow of water with one hand.

The system is available in several configurations: a 2L size containing 2 X 2 liter bags and including their push/pull adapter, and a 4L size as tested here with 2 X 4L bags for up to 8 liters of storage, as well as a 6L system. The 4L system, shown in this review, is listed at 11.5 ounces. Although not currently on the Platypus site at the time of this writing, you may also be able to find a 2L bottle kit, with a 2L dirty bag and both the Platypus push/pull and bottle adapters – this system is listed at 9.5 ounces. The price is around $135 retail with individual components available for purchase if needed. A new / replacement cartridge will run you about $75.
Impressions & Field Performance
In the field I’ve found the system very easy to use on the trail and at camp. The system packs bulky, but fairly well by sandwiching the filter between the two bags and rolling everything together – and I choose to store the system in the outer mesh pocket of my pack for quick access on a lunch break. Filling from a source is easy. Disconnecting the dirty bag from the system, you’re able to grab 4 liters of water from a sufficiently deep source by opening the zip top and as I found is easiest, using a back and forth side to side motion to fill the bag with 4 liters of water in just a few seconds. If that’s not enough you can always swap in a 6L bag later if you find the 4L version is not enough. Zipping the top shut forms a usually water tight seal (double check...wouldn’t trust it in my pack), and with the auto shutoff quick connect sealed (since the system is disconnected) you can easily carry the bag back to camp using the strap if needed or even store the bag full overnight.

After using the cartridge for an entire summer with sometimes pristine, sometimes not water I’m down to about .75 liters per minute after a fresh backflush – a full bag hung at 6’ with the clean bag on the ground takes about 5:30 to filter including the purge process. For reference, the dry weight of the system is 11.05 ounces (both bags, hoses, new filter, clean side cap) and around 14.7 after use with nothing more than a cursory shake to get rid of some residual water. The filter unit alone is 2.2 ounces new, but gains a little weight after use – 3.25 to 3.55 ounces or so depending on how long it’s had to dry. The clean bag which I personally sometimes leave behind to save some weight weighs about 3 ounces. Once you snap the system back together filtering is easy, just hang the dirty bag on a convenient tree, rock, or simply hold it above the clean bag (the higher the better) to filter and let gravity do the work.

Speaking of the filling process and the dirty bag – this is the only failure I’ve experienced with the system. On one trip I arrived at camp late, and set off to find water in a small stream. It was late in the year and quite dry, so the water source was very shallow. Scooping was difficult, but eventually I was able to fill the bag…only to find that it wasn’t filtering water. Apparently, during the filling process and due to the shallow water the quick connect on the dirty bag had filled with small pebbles and debris. Despite attempts to clear the debris via headlamp with the limited tools on hand, and despite seemingly being able to clear anything visible the valve just wasn’t working when the other side was connected – no way to filter water and perhaps it had been damaged on the first attempt to connect the system prior to the debris being removed. Luckily, I’d thrown in a Swiss Army Knife at the last minute for the trip and using the corkscrew, I was able to forcibly remove the workings of the valve (the spring and seal) from the quick connect housing.
It was now possible to connect the system together again and filter water to get through the trip without boiling – I just had to do without the auto shutoff feature of the valve for the rest of the trip. Moral of the story – the quick connect has moving mechanical parts that can possibly jam or malfunction – if it’s a shallow water source, use a scoop like a mug or cookpot to fill the dirty bag, and then sanitize that by boiling in it the next time you use it.

Using both bags can really get you a lot of camp capacity – filter into all your containers, then fill the clean bag, then fill the dirty bag and you could head back to camp with over 8 liters of water. One nice feature is the ability to use the system like a faucet as well. By filtering into the clean bag, you can potentially then remove the hose from the clean side of the filter and utilizing the shutoff clamp, have clean water on demand. I’ve also done the same by hanging the dirty bag, albeit at a slower rate since it has to pass through the filter.
With the large amount of capacity the 4 liter system can handle I found this to be more than I needed solo. In solo situations, I left the clean bag at home and filtered directly into my hydration reservoir and bottles. One trick that made this easier and better during the day while hiking was with the use of a quick and homemade quick disconnect system. By using a set of quick disconnects, with the auto shutoff (optional, but nice to have) spliced into my hydration system where the hose exits my pack and the opposing connector on the end of the GravityWorks system, I’m able to filter directly into my hydration reservoir without having to undo my pack…most of the time. On occasion my pack is cinched up too tight (I lay my hydration reservoir at the top of my pack horizontally) and I may need to loosen some straps to get the flow going. In any event, it’s much easier than the alternative.

Platypus has a couple similar solutions with their universal bottle adapter and their push/pull adapter, but you have to remove your bite valve. If you'd like to setup a quick connect system Platypus used to offer a quick connect kit but it has apparently been discontinued. You can however find alternative quick connect components at Amazon. For bottles, I just fill those directly from the hose although you can use the bottle adapter above as well if you prefer to go that route. In any event, if you do go with just the dirty bag beware of cross contamination – it can be difficult to completely isolate the clean side hose from dirty water that will get on the outside of the dirty bag and Platypus suggests keeping the system together as a whole to avoid this possibility. In my case I pack the clean side as separate as possible on the outside of my pack, and prior to filling any container rinse the end thoroughly with fresh filtered water similar to the manufacturer suggestion of rinsing the clean filter hose barb when using the clean bag as a camp water source and without the clean side filter cap.
When filling bottles, I also like to run the hose down and then raise the clean output side upwards so there’s a bend in the bottom of the hose, creating a drip stop if any dirty water were to run down the outside of the hose. The Platypus adapters have the benefit of packing with a little more peace of mind from any cross contamination. For groups of two and especially above, the extra capacity of using both bags becomes more reasonable and welcome. One of the great things about the system is that it works great off the shelf – or in any number of ways if you’d like to customize it specifically towards your needs.

But, a lot of talk about the process and not about the water which perhaps is a good sign. The end result is clean water, and lots of it, without a lot of effort and fairly quickly. I have found a few water sources where tannins remained, as expected, but if this is a concern or you’d like to further polish the water you drink you can always splice the optional carbon element in. The filter won’t remove viruses – use something else or combine with chemicals / UV if this is a concern for your destination of choice. In my case, the stock element and system is all I need for the mountains.
Care and Maintenance
As with most water filters, you’ll need to protect the filter cartridge from freezing and from drops. Here in the Rockies, I’m often worried about freezing temperatures on most nights so I always sleep with the filter in my sleeping bag, inside a Ziploc. You could keep the entire system together, but considering I often had the dirty bag full and ready to filter for the next morning this wouldn’t work in my case, in addition to all the space that the even empty bags and hoses would take up. Therefore, I have always disconnected the filter and slept with just that – Platypus provides a small clean side cap that you can slide over the clean barb to help prevent any cross contamination (honestly, shaking the filter out well and drying on my shirt seems to prevent any drips).
The clean side cap is very easily lost however, so keep an eye on it unlike myself with my first one…I was lucky enough to get some spares from Cascade Designs. To help with the issue, I really feel like there should be two caps for each side of the filter, but permanently attached to the filter itself to prevent loss…this would make the freezing / cross contamination issue easier to deal with. Gently shaking the water out, drying, using the cap, and a rinse of the clean side barb with freshly filtered water in the morning prior to reconnecting the clean side hose however has worked for me, but for 100% cross contamination prevention you’ll have to keep the system all together at all times.

You’ll want to be careful of dropping the filter as well and Platypus included 2 foam bumpers that help as a nice touch. No matter how careful you are though, there are always those moments. Forget your filter outside at night and aren’t sure how cold it really got? Maybe that accidental bump was too much? With many other filters you’ll just be guessing. However with the GravityWorks you can test it with a manufacturer approved method which is more unique.
To perform an integrity test you simply backflush at least half a liter of water by raising the clean bag higher than the dirty bag, then remove the clean hose from the bag and attempt to blow air in a reverse direction through the filter. Watching the dirty side section of clear tubing, if you’re blowing a steady stream of bubbles, the filter is damaged and cannot be used. I’ve used this method in the field and at home when those types of moments happen – the filter has always checked out ok and without a doubt it’s great for peace of mind. My hands down favorite part of the system.

Speaking of backflushing, Platypus suggests doing so (again simply by raising the clean bag above the filter and allowing clean water to flow through in a reverse direction with the dirty bag open or detached) every 2-4 liters. The process is easy and fast. Being lazy perhaps however, I simply do so when I notice flow rate decreasing and this is definitely not every 2-4 liters. They also suggest purging air from the system when you first start to filter water by running clean water again against the grain by raising it above the dirty bag until all air bubbles are gone from the line – in reality, I’ve done this a few times but mostly find I don’t have to worry about it.
After your trip, you can sanitize the filter cartridge by running a weak bleach solution through the system as detailed in the user manual – the solution that remains within the cartridge should keep the filter fresh for the next excursion.

Packed size of the GravityWorks water filtration system. I like to keep the filter in an outside pocket of my pack for easy access during the day.
Conclusion
After using the GravityWorks system for my backcountry water filtration needs over the past 10 years, the system has turned out to be a reliable workhorse, and thus far nothing else on the market has given me a compelling reason to consider taking something else for my backcountry water treatment needs. My absolute favorite part of the system is the quick and easy filter integrity test that can be used prior to a trip at home and in the field – since like most other filters in this category you can’t expose to cartridge to shock or freezing temperatures, there will always be those borderline moments. And with the GravityWorks you can be sure instead of guessing (or replacing what could still be a good filter) as with many other popular filters on the market.
You'll need to maintain the filter after your trip, but by choosing decent water sources, maintaining the cartridge, and backflushing regularly you can get quite a bit of use out of the system before the flow slows enough to warrant a replacement cartridge.
The system is a bit bulky and I learned the hard way to protect the quick connect on the dirty bag from debris, and the system does trend toward the heavy side. However in my case, the speed, convenience, and ease of use have exceeded any drawbacks in the field. The Platypus GravityWorks filtration system retails for around $135. Check it out here at REI Co-op as well as here at Amazon.com.
Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Issue 25 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original review here featuring additional photos, a list of pros and cons, and our rating of the GravityWorks Water Filter from Platypus.

Finding the perfect clothing to hike in can be a challenge, particularly if your body doesn't work well wearing unisex clothing. In the past there were not many women's-specific clothing items created for hiking and backpacking. Luckily more manufacturers are designing and selling clothes made for women and their specific needs, and many are providing extended sizing to accommodate more of us.

Here are some favorite items that are made specifically for women, although individual preferences and requirements vary.
Best Women's Hiking Pants
Most of the time, I prefer to hike in long pants, as I tend to be off-trail often and wish to avoid scratches and scrapes on my legs. Also, having long pants helps avoid mosquito-bites and sunburn in the summer. The pants listed below all have been tested on the trail, but since we all have unique shapes and preferences, be sure to try these on before heading out for a long hike.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants ($110) are very comfortable and lightweight with a decent amount of stretch. The fabric is so light, that I can wear it on the hottest days without any issue of overheating, and they dry very quickly. Surprisingly, the material is quite durable for being so thin. These are mid-rise pants and do tend to run large - luckily the drawstring around the waist can help to adjust them further. There are drawstrings around the leg cuffs also, which is great for modifying fit, but I've also found myself stepping on them at times. Overall, these pants are so comfortable, that I keep going back to them despite the other pairs of pants I have. Extended sizing from 0 to 24W (some petite & tall also available).
If you prefer convertible pants, the REI Sahara Convertible Pants ($89.85) are a good bet. They zip off just above the knee to become shorts on those hotter hiking days. There are also zippers that run up the outside of the leg from the foot to the shorts, so you can partially unzip for ventilation or unzip completely and convert to shorts without taking off your shoes/boots. These are mid-rise pants, and are quick drying and treated with DWR to resist water as well. Keep in mind, the zippered areas will have less stretch, so be sure they are comfortable for you before taking them on a trip particularly if (like me) you have thicker thighs. Sizes 0 to 26W, with tall and petite up to size 16.

For versatile pants that work great on the trail as well as around town, check out Prana Halle Pants ($95). These are boot-cut and low-rise, and have 2 buttons at the waist along with a drawstring. The material is a bit thicker and less breathable than the ones above, so keep the conditions in mind when you look at these pants. I like to wear them on shoulder-season hikes for this reason, but on the other hand they are very durable and well-made. They are treated to be water repellent and UPF50+. Prana also offers the Stretch Zion Halle Pants, which are straight-legged and mid-rise with a slightly lighter but similar fabric. Both come in sizes 00 to 16.
A well-known name in outdoor clothing, Columbia offers several hiking pant options including the Leslie Falls Convertible Pants ($85). These pants are made with UPF50 fabric with Omni-Shield to be repellent to rain and stains. They convert to shorts with zippers above the knees, and they also convert to capris by rolling up the cuffs and securing with snaps on each leg. They are available in short, regular, and long inseams in sizes 2-18, as well as 16W to 24W and are slim-fitting in the hips and thighs, so you may consider sizing up if you'd like a looser fit.
Best Women's Hiking Skorts / Skirts
If you prefer hiking in a skirt, a proven favorite is the Purple Rain Adventure Skirt ($79.99) which is designed by a hiker specifically for the trail, although it looks great off the trail too. It is synthetic and water resistant (PFAS-free DWR), with pockets and a comfortable waistband for under your hip belt. Sizes XS to 3XL.

If you prefer skorts, the Prana Koen Skort ($74) is a great choice. The Koen Skort has a thick and comfortable waistband that doesn't roll and can be cinched for better fit. It is made of a lightweight, quick-drying material and can be made shorter by cinching up the sides. The shorts are quite comfortable for hiking, not too tight and not too short. Sizes XS to XXL.
Best Women's Hiking Shirts
There are so many variations of shirts to wear on the trail, and I often switch things up depending on the location and weather conditions of my hikes. Also, many of these shirts allow for layering, which is the best way to account for changing conditions. Here are some items I've found that work well.
T-Shirts
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt ($49) is a short sleeved, synthetic, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying t-shirt that comes in several colors and with graphic tee options as well. This is a good basic t-shirt that is comfortable with a little stretch, and it will work well under other shirts or on its own. Sizes XXS to XXL.
For wool the Woolverino Microweight 145 Women's Wool V-Neck ($69.99) is a lightweight tee made with a merino wool blend (84% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 4% Spandex). It has raglan sleeves for comfort, and is long enough to fit under backpack hip belts. Although a great shirt, be careful to avoid snags and significant abrasion. It is machine washable and UPF20. Sizes XS to 2X.
Our own TrailGroove synthetic Performance Shirt is also a go-to of mine on warmer hikes and serving as a baselayer in other conditions. The more relaxed fit allows for comfort and breathability and being 100% synthetic, it dries extremely fast.

An affordable and versatile option is the Under Armour Women’s Tech Twist Short Sleeve V-Neck ($25). This synthetic t-shirt also comes in a crew neck and in many colors. It is a very lightweight shirt that can be used for running, hiking, or any other workout as it is sweat-wicking and quick-drying. Friendly note: the lighter colors can be slightly transparent. Sizes XS to 3X.
Tank Tops
The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Tank Top ($34.95) is a UPF 50+ sleeveless top that is perfect for hiking in hot conditions. It has a higher neck and is long enough to fit below hip belts. As with most of our options, it is quick drying and comes in a large range of sizes. Be sure to protect those shoulders if you'll be in the sun, though! Sizes XS to 3X.
A tank version of the Woolverino tee above – the Woolverino Women's Racerback Tank Top ($59.99) – has the same breathable, lightweight wool blend as the tee, but in a sleeveless racerback. This shirt has less coverage than the REI tank above, and is machine washable. Again, handle with care and watch for snags. Sizes XS to 3X.
Long Sleeve Sun Protection
When you need extra sun protection, check out the Outdoor Research Echo Long Sleeve Shirt ($65). It has raglan sleeves and flat seams to allow easy movement with comfort. It is made of a very lightweight, stretchy, and extremely breathable fabric – so much that it can be see-through. The Echo shirt can be used as a base layer for all 4 seasons as well and is UPF 15. Previous versions had roll down cuffs to cover hands, and I’m hoping OR will consider adding that back to newer versions. Sizes XXS to XXL.

For a more traditional, collared shirt, the Columbia PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Women's Shirt ($60) is a classic choice. It has snaps instead of buttons, and is a very lightweight shirt with UPF40 protection. This shirt is easy to layer with a tank or t-shirt underneath. It has a vented back, zippered side pockets and roll-up sleeves. Sizes XS to 3X.
For ultimate sun-protection, especially on the back of your neck, a hooded shirt is a great option. The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Hoody ($79) is UPF50+ and made of a lightweight, "solar knit jersey" with flat seam construction for comfort. There is a drawcord at the hem to shorten if needed, and it has thumbholes that allow extra coverage over hands. There is one small zippered pocket for valuables on the side. Another very light option can be found in the Altitude Sun Hoodie (from Outdoor Vitals) and for an option in wool, look at the Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie. Wear with a baseball cap (see the TrailGroove Store) or trucker hat to provide more coverage. Sizes XS to 3X.
Best Women's Outerwear (Rain Gear, Insulated Jackets)
When hiking on overnight and longer trips, carrying the right outerwear allows you to be prepared for any weather situation. It's important to pay attention to current conditions as well as forecasts, but sometimes a storm will surprise you even with the most pleasant hiking forecast. When backpacking in the warmer months, I stick to ultralight items as they spend most of their time in my backpack, but I do need them to be dependable for the few times I do need them. Typically, this includes a rain jacket and rain pants (stored where I can access them quickly) and an insulated jacket for warmth. During colder trips, I will layer these items and sometimes add more specialized winter clothing.

One ultralight women's rain jacket is the Marmot Women's Superalloy Bio Rain Jacket ($185) which is quite lightweight and listed as 5 oz, although mine is slightly higher at 5.75 oz. This jacket has a zippered chest pocket which can be used as a stuff sack for easy packing. It is made with Marmot's NanoPro breathable fabric membrane and taped seams, being both waterproof and windproof. Sizes XS to XL.
Zpacks offers the Women's Vertice Rain Jacket ($299) which weighs just 5.1 oz. It is made with their Vertice Waterproof Breathable Fabric and has fully taped seams. This jacket runs a little long for full rain protection and ease of use with a backpack. There is a visor in the hood that adjusts vertically with a strap on the back of the hood, and a zippered chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. There are waterproof armpit zippers for ventilation. Sizes XS to XL. The Zpacks Women's Vertice Rain Pants are similarly made with the Vertice Waterproof Breathable Fabric and weigh just 2.5 oz. These pants come in sizes S to XXL.

For warmth, I carry a packable down jacket which I store protected in my pack to keep from getting wet. Some may prefer a synthetic jacket instead of down, which will also work well, but may not pack as small and will likely weigh a bit more. My go-to is the Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka ($285). It is quite warm for its weight (12.8 oz) and made with 800 Fill Power EX down. The Alpine Light has some thoughtful features, such as an adjustable hood for a close fit and zip end guards to protect your face/chin from getting poked by the end of the zipper (I wish all jackets had this).
One thing to note...the jackets listed above only go to up women's size XL. So, if you are in need of a larger size in this type of clothing, the men's sizes go up to XXL which will give larger chest and hip/waist measurements, but also longer sleeves. That said, the REI Co-op Women's Magma Down Hoodie offers a more budget-friendly option here that goes up to 3X in women's sizing.
There are many other options for rain jackets in extended sizes, but they have a tradeoff in being much heavier materials. One exception might be the Frogg Toggs Women's Xtreme Lite Hooded Jacket ($69.99) which comes in sizes S through 2XL.
Best Women’s Backpacking / Hiking Base Layers
The perfect base layers are essential for backpacking trips with cooler overnight temperatures or when hiking in very cold conditions. The base layers can also serve as comfortable (and clean) pajamas to keep your sleeping bag clean. There are many options, but remember you want to have breathable and moisture-wicking clothes in case you have to wear them while hiking. Also, the lighter the better in many cases, if you'll be carrying them on your back much of the time.

Made with a breathable fabric, the REI Co-op Lightweight Half-Zip Base Layer Top and Tights are a dependable choice. $49.95 (top) & $44.95 (tights). These all-synthetic pieces (92% recycled polyester) are also UPF50+, and the top is high-neck and half-zip for warmth but with the flexibility to unzip and cool down a bit. The top also has underarm gussets, and both top and bottoms have flat seams. Both pieces are offered in sizes XS-3X, and the tights have Petite sizing options. The top weighs 5.7 oz, and the tights weigh 4.3 oz.
For a more natural fabric, there is the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew & Bottom ($125 each) which come in sizes XS-4X and in several colors and patterns. These are made from 100% merino wool, which has the natural benefits of temperature regulation and odor resistance. The top also comes in quarter-zip. 7.69 oz top. 7.3 oz bottom.
Best Women’s Hiking Underwear
Underwear choices are so individual, not just because of preferences, but also because of our unique bodies. The suggestions below will not work for everyone, and again, make sure what you have fits well and is comfortable before heading out on a trip. No one wants underclothes that itch, bunch, or slide around when you're trying to enjoy a hike.
The REI Co-op Active Bikini Underwear ($19.95) are a good synthetic choice. They are made of fast-drying and moisture-wicking fabric and are not super tight. I have a pair that has lasted several years with very little sign of wear. These are so lightweight that it's easy to throw an extra pair or two in your pack. Sizes XS to 3X.

The Woolly Women's Bikini Brief ($34) is made of natural fibers and also comes in hipster, thong, and high-waisted options. The merino wool is blended with 5% elastane, and may stretch quite a lot after a while of hiking. Again, make sure the fit is right and that it's comfortable for you. Sizes X-Small to XX-Large.
Sports Bras for Hiking
Regarding bras, it is best to pick one that fits you well, doesn't cause friction with your backpack, and doesn't slip while hiking. Some women go very light with a bralette, while others prefer (or require) more support even including underwire and thick padding. My preferences have tended to be in the middle. One example is the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Lift Your Spirits Bra ($66); it is a moisture-wicking sports bra with removable pads. It provides light to medium support and comes in sizes XX-Small to 4X.
For lighter coverage, there is the Branwyn Essential Bralette ($52), which has no underwire or padding, but is a seamless merino blend. This bralette has the benefits of merino that make it a good choice for sweaty hikes. The "gentle support" is comfortable, but may not work for women who require more support / prefer more coverage while hiking. It has convertible straps, which can be used to make it a crossback bra to help avoid chafing. Comes in sizes XS to XXL. Branwyn also makes the Essential Busty Bra ($62) with a thicker band, larger cups, and slightly wider (still convertible) straps, but is still lightweight without padding or underwire.

For a bra with more support, there is the Under Armour Infinity Mid Impact Sports Bra ($40). It has injection-molded pads (not removable) that feel very light along with a sweat-wicking band. There is a hook and eye closure in the back for easy on/off, and the straps can be worn straight or crossback by detaching at the front. There are small mesh panels on the sides to provide extra ventilation. Available in sizes XS to XL, in 2 options (A-C cup, D-DD cup), and also available in plus sizes 1X-3X.

While this guide should get you started, it all comes down to what clothing works best for you on the trail and in the conditions you expect to encounter.
Conclusion
Hopefully these suggestions help you get on the trail with clothes that don’t just work but work and fit well. In addition to the suggestions above, be sure to check out REI Co-op clearance sales in the Outlet for highly-rated backpacking and hiking gear for a discounted price.

While backpacking during an all-day rain presents its own challenges when it comes to staying dry – or as dry as possible – protecting your gear and the items in your pack that must stay dry comes with its own set of considerations. Having a dry jacket, clothes, and a dry sleep system at the end of a long rainy day is not only backpacking luxury, it’s also critical to our safety on the trail. And whether rain is in the forecast or not, in most backpacking locations we still need a strategy to keep our gear dry in the case of an unexpected dunk during a creek crossing, or even in the event of a leaky hydration reservoir inside our pack.

Keeping gear dry comes down to using the right gear and utilizing the right techniques.
Pack Covers
Most backpacks themselves are only water resistant – many packs are made with a PU coated fabric that is waterproof to start but becomes more water resistant over time, and even when new, with backpacks that are made from waterproof materials the seams and zippers (if so equipped), not to mention the huge opening at the top of a top-loading pack, are still waterproofing weak points. In reality, true waterproof backpacks are quite the exception and are often targeted more towards those who prefer to paddle instead of walk. A traditional solution is an optional or aftermarket waterproof pack cover that one can deploy over the outside of the pack. This is a decent solution for a rainy day, but won’t have coverage on the backpanel of the pack, and isn’t the best solution for an unexpected dip. Perhaps the biggest downside of the pack cover is that it must be deployed and undeployed – making it one more task to deal with on a rainy day compared to a set and forget system.
Dry Bags / Pack Liners
In contrast, a pack liner goes inside the pack and is always used – so if a sudden rain shower pops up during the day you likely only have to worry about donning your rain gear and not protecting the contents of your pack. Pack liners can be anything from a dedicated solution (most are like giant dry bags), to a trash compactor bag (twist the top closed and tuck to secure) that is a budget replaceable option. Due to lack of durability, normal trash bags are not recommended. Either way this option protects from rain water intrusion quite well and even from a brief underwater dunk as well. Smaller, separate roll top dry bag stuff sacks can be used in place of, or in conjunction with a rain cover / pack liner approach. This technique offers redundancy and also allows for some more refined compression of your gear.

Waterproof roll-top stuff sacks are a go-to for sleeping bags and insulating clothing.
In recent years one other option has become popular with the rise of the ultralight inflatable sleeping pads – the combination dry bag / inflation stuff sack. As long as it is a completely waterproof, roll top option, this makes for a great dual use item and this is how I personally store my “must stay dry” items during the day – sleeping bag, sleeping pad, jacket, and any other spare clothes.

Whether you go with a pack liner, cover, or dry bags I like a “pick any 2” approach to waterproofing and especially as all my insulating gear – sleeping bag and jacket are both typically down. For example a trash compactor bag or pack cover combined with ultralight dry sacks for those items of greatest concern is great insurance, or a pack liner on its own if you have a particularly waterproof pack (roll top design utilizing hybrid waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric for example).
Some other techniques that can be helpful is a (often overlooked) large enough shelter or double walled tent solution – a shelter large enough gives you room on high condensation nights so your bag isn’t making contact with tent walls covered in condensation. Your sleeping bag DWR will help for the occasional brush against a wet tent wall, but will eventually wet out. Carrying a small bandanna or camp towel is also helpful here. On humid trips that feature multi-day precipitation events this is quite important since your gear will have very limited opportunities to dry in these conditions. If you gear does absorb some moisture and is packed away first thing in the morning (into a waterproof system that will now not allow anything to dry), make sure you take an opportunity over lunch to get things out in the sun if possible and / or get everything out to dry immediately upon arriving at camp.

This trip was defined by near constant precipitation for days on end, but utilizing the right gear and techniques kept gear from getting soaked.
Backpacking Odds and Ends for Dealing with Rain
For any other odds and ends that might not be stored in the main compartment of your pack, I stick with the same pick 2 approach for waterproofing and luckily, these items will likely be few such as your map and any electronics you might carry. Quart to gallon Ziploc bags were almost tailor made for waterproofing maps – even waterproof maps will have ink run or stick together after getting wet – and any electronics from cameras to smartphones.
For an upgrade, one could also utilize smaller roll top dry bags – either the waterproof nylon or Dyneema varieties like those offered by Zpacks. I also like to store these items in something like a water resistant bag such as the ZPacks Multi-Pack for that additional layer of waterproofing. A couple other safety related items should always stay dry as well – like your fire starting solution and nobody likes a soaked first aid kit or toiletry type items. These however, are stored in the main compartment of my pack in their own dry bag.

Rain ahead: A dialed-in system offers peace of mind when your drive to the trailhead looks like this.
Final Thoughts
Different approaches (and price ranges) exist, but whether you go with trash compactor bags and Ziplocs, opt for top of the line Dyneema roll top dry bags, or some combination in the middle, once dialed in that system will ensure that our critical gear stays dry and offers peace of mind no matter the forecast. And from the occasional water crossing incident to trips that feature consecutive days of precipitation, there’s not much that can compare to crawling into a dry and warm sleep system at night on those types of days while keeping the rest of the gear you need to stay dry, dry along the way. For more on overall strategy on backpacking in the rain, take a look at our article: Backpacking in the Rain: Dealing with the Deluge.

While any thru-hike will involve an uncountable number of steps, the biggest step of them all is the proverbial first step – making the decision to go hike the trail yourself. After you’ve watched the videos and read the articles, the inspiration is at its highest, and you finally decide to hike a long distance trail, the second major step into the world of long distance hiking is preparing to walk – up to 25 miles every day for up to 6 months straight.
Is Hiking the PCT a Physical or Mental Challenge?
What I found after hiking the length of the Pacific Crest Trail was that thru-hiking isn’t so much a physical feat – and while you certainly have to be in good shape to hike a long trail – the mental challenge of a long hike is worth just as much, if not more consideration than the physical aspect of a long distance hike. And then there’s the question: is it possible to only hike one long trail?

Now don’t get me wrong, getting in shape before a thru-hike can save you from injury and make your hike more comfortable, and getting your footwear dialed in can save you from misery. But that being said, the worry of training for walking 4-6 months can be overwhelming. There’s no reason to stress however: and it’s always best to start with some hiking around the local woods near home or even around the neighborhood. This will prepare not only your body, but more importantly your mind for the endeavor ahead. Another great thing to start doing is trail running. A few miles a day to even 10 a week with slow gains from there to get your muscles in tune. You do not need to be in shape to start hiking a long distance trail, but some pre-hike exercise never hurt anything. At least, that’s what I wished I had done.
Training for the Pacific Crest Trail
Training for my 180-day trek from Mexico to Canada through all of California, Oregon and Washington began on the trail itself however – and I wasn’t alone in this shared endeavor. Looking back, if I had trained physically for my hike, I would have sky rocketed in front of some of the fellow hikers I shared this misery with and would not be able to still talk with them to this day about it – while the scenery of course held its own, the friendships formed on the trail were the most memorable experiences for me on the PCT. Somehow and whether you choose to train extensively prior to your hike or not at all, whether you choose to resupply with carefully planned mail drops or strap a pizza box to your pack on the way out of town instead, things seem to find a way of working themselves out on a thru-hike once you get yourself to the trailhead.

Meadow View - Thru-hiking the PCT
Emotions and Intangibles
From blisters to aches and pains to ankles and knees, all thru-hikers are likely to experience some form of physical discomfort on their hike, but pushing through these setbacks is best accomplished by keeping your reasons for hiking the trail in the first place in the forefront of your mind. The most common reason I saw people drop off trail wasn’t injury, it was worry related to a job or the missing of a loved one at home. The hikers that finished the trail seemed to have an almost inner voice driving them to the border. Possessed with passion to reach that monument, not sacrificing anything, with perseverance to setup the tent yet again after a marathon day in the pouring rain, wind slapped desert, or mountain pass snow storm.

Reasons for starting a long trail vary as much as those for leaving one early. In my case, I began my hike to get away from a relationship. For others, thru-hiking served as an escape from job related responsibilities and struggles, financial burdens, or any of the number of things we face in everyday life that we can to some extent, escape on the trail. But I don’t think any of us hiking for these reasons could escape these thoughts completely. For many of us, every day we crawled out of the sleeping bag and kept walking was like putting on the boxing gloves and meeting these emotions in the ring. There were of course good days and bad, but those that continued on and finished the trail were the ones that won the fight.
Post Traumatic Trail Disorder after Hiking the PCT
Even finishing the entire trail comes with its own set of problems however: post trail life. Many of us joked about having PTTD, or Post Traumatic Trail Disorder. When accomplishing a goal like a thru-hike and spending that many days in the grasps of nature, then returning to the life of old off the trail, post trail depression is a real struggle for many thru-hikers. When the only worries of the day on-trail were where to get water for the day or where to camp, when you return home to relationships, bills, a mortgage, or rent, it can at times seem that we end up right back where we started. Those that managed these emotions the best were the ones that kept hiking the following season or jumped to the other hemisphere chasing the forever changing trail season and kept escaping…or perhaps more accurately began to rewrite their narrative such that the line between on-trail and off-trail life began to blur.

Hiking Through a Tunnel on the PCT
Thru-hiking: A Hike that Never Ends
Through thru-hiking I found joy in writing, have been blessed with countless photos and memories, and have been fortunate enough to share stories of the hike across many platforms. Lasting friendships were formed. Physically the hike helped me obtain a level of fitness that had previously been unobtainable. I witnessed beauty beyond my wildest dreams and fell deeply in love with nature. Things that, after the hike are all tough to come by. Every time I sit down to write about topics like this I’m reminded of what it’s like to be out there, and perhaps there’s only one solution to fill the void. One day it seems unavoidable that I’ll find myself at the terminus of another long trail, the fog will lift, and the blissful experience of putting those trail runners one foot in front of the other for thousands of miles will start the cycle yet again.

"Cowboy camping" on the Pacific Crest Trail
About the PCT
The Pacific Crest Trail is a long distance hiking trail in the western United States with the southern terminus located along the Mexican border in southern California. The trail runs nearly 3000 miles north to the Canadian border, passing through many national parks and trail towns along the way. A thru-hiker has the opportunity to climb Mount Whitney (the highest peak in the contiguous U.S.), pass through the Sierra Nevada, and explore Lassen Volcanic National Park, just to name a few highlights. The trail is more of a mountain trail, primarily staying inland from the extreme west coast. A PCT thru-hike is considered one of the premier long distance hiking opportunities in the United States.
Many trail angels exist that will often provide water, food, or even lodging for hikers. The entire hike takes most thru hikers months to complete. Many hikers will form a trail family of sorts, with certain groups of thru hikers of the same pace loosely or not so loosely hiking the trail together. Like the Appalachian Trail, the PCT has an association to help hikers. The Pacific Crest Trail Association provides news for hikers and can assist with permits.
Prior to hitting the trail check out the National Geographic Pacific Crest Trail Map Pack as well as the Pacific Crest Trail Data Book.
For more on Sean’s thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, check out The Pacific Crest Trail: A Thru-hiking Journey on the TrailGroove Blog.

The past year or two I’ve become a fan of at least on occasion, heading out on a trip every now and then that involves a day or two of backpacking into the wilderness with a particular destination in mind, then staying a couple nights exploring in that area. As a backpacker who’s also a fly fisherman, a secret lake in the wilderness is often involved on these trips. In contrast to the more typical backpacking trip of packing in the miles and moving daily, these types of excursions allow you to really learn the nuances of a specific area, with plenty of time for side trips with a lighter pack to bag a peak, find a secret meadow, or to explore in between the contour lines of your map without the pressure of having to make the miles.

Many years ago I took the Alite Monarch Chair on one of those trips and it makes for a great way to relax in camp, when you have more time to do so. However, while light and comfortable, the 2 legs of the Alite don’t quite allow for a complete don’t-even-think-about-it lounging experience. The Helinox Ground Chair offers this, as you’d expect, with a weight penalty. But if you’re already packing light a little extra weight can sometimes be worth it if it’s not slowing you down. And though I’d originally thought that a chair is only valuable when you’re staying multiple nights in the same location, I’ve found they’re starting to be thrown in on all my trips – whether an out and back to stay at an alpine lake for 2 nights, or sometimes even on an extended trip pushing the mileage daily if I feel it won’t slow me down.

Although it's not the lightest chair on the market, the Helinox Ground Chair provides class-leading seating comfort as long as you like a more relaxed, lounging position.
Helinox Ground Chair Design & Specifications
The Helinox Ground Chair is supported by a DAC aluminum, shock-corded pole structure with 4 plastic feet doubling as a hub for the pole system. The entire pole structure and feet are in effect one piece, and when assembled 4 sections point upwards and fit into corresponding, color-coded, reinforced pockets on the chair’s seat. The seat is a ripstop, heavy-duty fabric with lighter mesh, breathable side panels. The chair supports up to 265 lbs. A stuff sack is included, and disassembled, the chair will pack down to a fairly compact listed size of about 11.8 x 4 x 5 (inches). Listed weight is right around the measured weight per Helinox, but be aware that many retailers have the chair listed as several ounces lighter.
Measured Weight in Ounces:
Pole System: 14.05
Fabric Seat: 7.7
Stuff Sack: .75
Total: 22.5

The fabric seat slips easily onto the pole system; silver side goes up.
In Use and on the Trail
Assembly seems complicated with so many parts, but it’s pretty easy to figure out in about a minute, and if you forget Helinox has been kind enough to even print the instructions right on the bottom of the chair itself. One thing you’ll want to be sure to do is to fully insert each pole into its housing for maximum strength. Although the cross bars at the bottom of the chair don’t rise too much, I’ve never had an issue with interference from uneven ground or rocks. The feet will however, sink into soft soil, but in general if the ground is good enough to setup camp, you should be fine…for example while the soft, volcanic soil in Craters of the Moon National Monument did pose some issues, I’ve never had any problems with the typical ground found in the mountains.

Using the chair is a comfortable experience – it’s even doubled as extra seating at home on a few occasions – and you can either choose to sit more upright with your feet closer to your body or lounge in a legs-extended manner. After a long day, it’s definitely easy on the back. In all cases the chair proved to be quite stable, and never felt tippy when used on flat ground. Use on sloped ground isn’t ideal though, and if there’s no flat ground available you’ll probably want to keep the Helinox packed away, but again in a campsite that would normally be chosen, it should work well. While the chair does sit low to the ground, getting out of it doesn’t require a lot of effort or any difficult balancing and timing. The Ground Chair is more of a lounger (which I prefer) compared to other options on the market with a more upright seating position, although something like the NEMO Moonlite Elite – you can find our full review in Issue 56 – aims to provide the best of both worlds via an adjustment system.
I’ve found the chair to dry quickly as well, giving you a dry place to sit after a rain. Packing is quick, and I’ve used both the stuff sack or have left it behind to save a little weight, wrapping the poles within the fabric of the chair. While hiking, I’ve both stowed the chair inside my pack as well as in an outside pocket.

The Helinox Ground Chair packs up quite small, and I'm typically able to find a place to stow it inside my pack, or secure it on the outside without any issues.
Conclusion
Overall the Helinox provides an easy to carry, easy to setup / breakdown, stable, and comfortable back-supporting solution for lounging in the backcountry. The only real problem I experienced with the chair was some sinking in soft ground, but that ground was so loose it wouldn’t even hold a tent stake – perhaps I should have chosen a better campsite in the first place. Whether the weight is worth it is up to you, however with my pack already light enough to not be a burden, the only time I’m concerned about weight these days is on a long trip where taking a lot of food poundage is required, or on trips where I need to carry a lot of water.
That said, if you're set on taking a backpacking chair but are looking to do so for less of a weight penalty, the Helinox Chair Zero and the REI Flexlite Air Chair are worth a look, both having a more upright seating position when compared to the Helinox Ground Chair. Note that the Chair Zero's seat will fit the Helinox Ground Chair's pole system, and can save you a few ounces via its lighter weight fabric.
Regardless of weight, for shorter trips and overnights, there’s nothing like watching the sunset from the comfort of a chair during dinner, or watching the sun rise over coffee the next morning. While I wish and feel the chair could be a little lighter, and it would be nice if the price were a little lower, the comfort of the Helinox Ground Chair is hard to beat in this weight range.
The Helinox Ground Chair retails for $130. You can find it here at CampSaver and here at Amazon. For a wide selection of packable camping and backpacking chairs, you can also check out this page at REI.
Editor's Note: This review originally appeared in TrailGroove Issue 23. You can read the original article here for additional photos, pros and cons, and our rating of the Helinox Ground Chair.