THE PICKSTEAD GUIDES

Hiking

3 guides in Outdoors

Outdoors / Research review

Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles Review: The Aluminum Pair That Does Not Need Upgrading

Three-section 7075 aluminum poles with FlickLock levers, foam grips and both basket sizes in the box for $119.95. They give up weight to the carbon models and almost nothing else.

4 min read

Outdoors / Research review

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Review: More Nylon Than Wool, and That Is the Point

Style 1972 costs $25, one dollar less than the midweight 1466, and swaps eighteen points of merino for nylon and mesh. Here is what that trade buys in summer and costs in shoulder season.

4 min read

Outdoors / Research review

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Review: The Lifetime Guarantee Is a Process, Not a Promise

Style 1466 costs $26 and is covered for life with no receipt and no registration. Read how a claim actually works before that coverage decides your purchase.

3 min read