Gear That Got it Done: Hiking in Puerto Varas and Chiloé
There’s no reason not to hike with these eight products, picked out by Active Junky gear reviewers after a recent trip to Chile’s Puerto Varas and Chiloé Island. Take a look and stride into the wilderness confidently in 2016.
Icebreaker Helix Hooded Merinoloft Jacket: Be the thermostat
This piece keeps showing up on our backs whenever the temp dips slightly or the wind picks up. Stir easy-wearing looks into a 70gm insulated piece to stand tall against coastal breezes and incoming mountain weather.
Best For: Three season travel and casual use beyond hiking and camping
Lifestraw Go Bottle: No-excuses hydration
The Go Bottle turns available water sources into reliable hydration. Free running streams and marginal lakes in Chile still meant water security with a 6oz bottle that processed 22oz of water in moments – no batteries needed.
Best For: Domestic and international travel
Brunton TruArc 20: Bring your “N” game (as in, North)
Knowing directions matters especially when GPS signals grow faint. With a built-in inclinometer, TruArc 20 is under 4oz and totally capable. Sight with the clear compass, adjust thanks to an easy-turning dial on top of a stable 2.5” sure-grip base. Get home with more stories and less heartache thanks to Brunton.
Best For: All-season, international use including snowsports where the inclinometer is crucial
Adidas Outdoors Terrex Fast Jacket: Fast-moving armor
At under 500g, the Terrex still repelled wind on ridgelines and open-country gusts in Chile. A slim fit, adjustable hood and elastic cuffs slash the jacket’s weight while making this our new expedition “hoody.” Comfort extends to in-transit moments after the piece refuses to take a beating in the backcountry.
Best For: Wear in mild to moderate wind and precipitation
Timex Vibe Shock Expedition Watch: One to move you
Sound and wrist vibration turned groggy mornings into on-trail adrenaline. Now there’s no excuse for late starts or poor time management; classic Indiglo brilliance shines forth in the darkest nights. Water and impact resistant, Vibe Shock rattled our cage to make the most of every day in Chile.
Best For: Travel that requires rapid resetting including alarms and timers
Injinji Outdoor 2.0 Original Weight Crew NuWool: Better, five ways
Every toe gets what it has coming: cushioning, moisture management and abrasion resistance. Preventing hot spots across Chile’s mixed and rugged terrain, NuWool was worth 60 seconds more to put on each day. Don’t be afraid to multi-sport this one as Active Junky paddled and cycled well beyond Chiloé Island’s stunning trails.
Best For: Extended hiking, hard-use multi-sport including in-transit sink washing
SOG Aegis Mini: Outsized power and precision
Few 2oz pieces of gear carry the performance and strength of the Aegis. Meaning “shield” or “protection” in Greek, this model from always-reliable SOG featured a 3” TiNi blade with bigger-than-life cutting capability. Mixed chores on Chile’s wind-pounded Pacific Coast verified our first reaction: Buy one, carry it and abandon regrets.
Best For: Adventure travel where cutting, slicing and fine point work are needed
Ahnu Women’s Montara II Boot: Dig in and dance
Plowing up a trail, this stunner from Ahnu was powered by eVent technology and underpinned by Vibram outsoles. Solid striding in all conditions made for faster miles – and more time to reflect on stunning views in all directions. The padded, leather-lined collar added comfort to get Montara II off the trail and on to pavement (even dance floors if needed).
Best For: Three-season trekking, loads up to 40lbs
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