Best Sleeping Bags for Summer 2026: Quick Comparison

Best All-Round: Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3N1

The Lost Ranger 3N1 is a two-bag modular system that breaks down for backpacking or combines together for comfier camping. A Sidewinder-style inner bag and a semi-rectangular outer bag zip together or work independently, giving you a wider temperature range from a single bag. Both bags use 650-fill Downtek PFC-free hydrophobic down on recycled, bluesign-approved, water-repellent fabrics. The Padlok sleeve locks your sleeping pad in place so you stay on your insulation all night, and the inner bag’s jacket-style hood seals in heat overhead.

Key terms: 650-fill power refers to the loft quality of the down — higher fill means more warmth per ounce. Hydrophobic down has a water-resistant treatment so the insulation keeps lofting even if it gets damp. PFC-free means the DWR water-repellent finish uses no PFAS chemicals. The Padlok sleeve is a pad attachment system that keeps you centered on your sleeping pad all night so cold ground does not steal your warmth from below.

Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3N1 15F

Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3N1 0F

Best for Backpacking: NEMO Disco Endless Promise

The NEMO Disco was built for side sleepers who are tired of fighting a standard mummy bag all night. The Spoon shape widens at the shoulders and hips to match how most people actually sleep, while staying as packable as any mummy on the market. Thermo Gill vents dump heat without full unzipping, the Blanket Fold draft collar seals in warmth when temperatures drop, and 650-fill hydrophobic down with PFAS-free DWR on the shell, liner, hood, and footbox keeps loft even in a damp tent. The Endless Promise construction means the bag is fully recycled and fully recyclable. Available in 15F and 30F for men, and 30F for women.

Key terms: Spoon shape is wider than a traditional mummy at the hips and knees, giving side sleepers room to move without losing insulation efficiency. Thermo Gill vents are zippered openings along the bag that let you dump body heat without unzipping the full zipper. Blanket Fold draft collar is an internal collar that seals around your shoulders to trap warmth on cold nights. PFAS-free DWR is a water-repellent finish that contains no per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

NEMO Disco 15 Men’s Endless Promise

Men’s

NEMO Disco 30 Endless Promise

Men’s

Women’s

Best for Car Camping: Big Agnes Echo Park

When weight does not matter and comfort does, the Big Agnes Echo Park is where you land. Fireline Max Eco 100% post-consumer recycled synthetic insulation stays warm even when your tent is dripping with condensation, a dual-zipper design lets you convert the whole thing into a flat backcountry bed on warm nights, and the cotton-poly lining feels more like a home comforter than a sleeping bag. The Padlok sleeve keeps your pad locked under you all night, and the Free Range Hood moves with your head so you stay covered when you roll over. Available in 35F for summer camping, 20F for spring and higher elevation, and 0F for early season or cold sleepers.

Key terms: Fireline Max Eco is Big Agnes’s proprietary synthetic insulation made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials. Synthetic insulation retains warmth when wet, making it a better choice than down for high-humidity environments or campers who expect condensation in their tent. The Free Range Hood is a baffled hood design that pivots with your head movements rather than pulling the whole bag out of position when you turn over.

Big Agnes Echo Park 35

Big Agnes Echo Park 20

Big Agnes Echo Park 0

Best for Couples: Big Agnes Dream Island 20

The Dream Island is a purpose-built double sleeping bag for two campers, not two mummy bags awkwardly zipped together. Rated to 20F with Fireline Max Eco 100% recycled synthetic insulation, independent zippers on both sides let either of you vent or adjust without disturbing the other, and unzipping both sides turns the whole setup into a flat quilt over a doublewide pad. The Padlok system fits one doublewide or two single pads totaling 60 x 78 inches, and the Pillow Barn sleeve holds two inflatable pillows. At 6 lb 13 oz this is a car camping bag, and a good one.

Key terms: Pillow Barn sleeve is a zippered pocket integrated into the top of the bag that holds inflatable pillows in place so they do not slide out overnight. Padlok system is a pad attachment sleeve sewn along the bottom of the bag that you slip your sleeping pad through, keeping you centered on your insulation all night instead of sliding off to the side.

Best for Kids: Big Agnes Little Red 20

Cold kids do not sleep, and cold kids do not want to come back. The Little Red 20 is sized for children up to 4 feet tall, rated to 20F with Fireline Core Eco 100% recycled synthetic insulation that holds warmth even in a damp tent, and built with a contoured hood, draft collar, and zipper draft tube to keep heat in through all the nighttime spinning. The REM Storage Sleeve doubles as a stuff sack and fits sleeping pads of any length, which means one less thing to track at camp. At 1 lb 12 oz it is easy for kids to carry in their own pack and easy to pack when they forget to.

Key terms: Draft collar is an insulated tube sewn inside the bag near the shoulders that blocks cold air from entering around your neck. Zipper draft tube is an insulated baffle sewn behind the zipper that prevents cold drafts from seeping through the zipper teeth. REM Storage Sleeve is a stuff-sack pocket that attaches to the bag so storage and the bag travel together.

Frequently Asked Questions: Sleeping Bags for Summer 2026

What temperature sleeping bag do I need for summer camping?

For summer camping in most of the western United States, a 15F to 30F sleeping bag covers the widest range of conditions. At elevation — above 8,000 feet — nights regularly drop into the 30s and 40s even in July, so a 20F to 30F bag is a safer choice than a 40F or 45F bag. If you camp near sea level in warm regions, a 35F bag may be enough. Cold sleepers should size down by 5 to 10 degrees from whatever the forecast says.

What is the difference between down and synthetic sleeping bag insulation?

Down insulation offers more warmth per ounce and packs smaller than synthetic, making it the preferred choice for backpacking. However, down loses most of its loft when wet. Hydrophobic down treatments significantly reduce this weakness. Synthetic insulation retains warmth when wet, dries faster, and is typically less expensive, making it the better choice for car camping or high-humidity environments where condensation is likely.

What does fill power mean in a sleeping bag?

Fill power measures the loft of down insulation. A higher number means better-quality down that traps more air per ounce. A 650-fill down bag is a solid three-season option that balances warmth, weight, and cost. 800-fill and above is considered premium and used in ultralight backpacking bags. Fill power does not tell you how warm a bag is on its own, only the quality of the down inside it. Temperature rating, fill weight, and bag design all factor into warmth.

Should I buy a mummy bag or a rectangular sleeping bag?

Mummy bags taper from shoulders to feet, reducing dead air space to retain heat more efficiently. They are the best choice for backpacking and cold-weather camping. Rectangular bags offer more room to move and feel more like sleeping in a bed, making them better suited for car camping. Semi-rectangular and spoon-shaped bags like the NEMO Disco split the difference, offering mummy-like packability with more room at the hips and shoulders for side sleepers.

How do I choose the right sleeping bag for my kid?

Children run warm and move a lot in their sleep, but they are also less efficient at regulating body temperature than adults, so err on the warmer side rather than the cooler side. Size matters more than temperature rating for fit, since a bag that is too long creates a pocket of cold air at the feet. Look for bags with draft collars, zipper baffles, and contoured hoods. The Big Agnes Little Red 20 is specifically sized for children up to 4 feet tall and rated to 20F, which handles most summer camping conditions at elevation.

What is a modular sleeping bag system?

A modular sleeping bag system consists of two separate bags that zip together into one or can be used independently. The Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3N1, for example, includes a lightweight inner bag for warm nights and a semi-rectangular outer bag that adds insulation when temperatures drop. Together they cover a wider temperature range than a single bag, and separately they reduce weight for backpacking. This gives you one system that works from car camping to multi-night backpacking trips.

Get Out There Before Everyone Else Does

Winter ended early and the season is already moving. Pick the bag that matches your conditions and your crew, and get out before the trailheads fill up. All of these bags are in stock at Campman.com with free shipping on orders over $50.

About the Author

Derek Newman

Born in the Wasatch, Derek has had an affinity for mountain life since day one. He was on skis the year he learned to walk, and as a high school graduation present he gifted himself rock climbing lessons. Nearly two decades later, Derek spends most of his time climbing up and/or skiing down most of the mountains around Salt Lake City, and he’s traveled around the world multiple times for the sole purpose of peak exploration. When he isn’t a man about camp, he’s working in Campman’s content marketing crew writing up blogs about backcountry skiing or rock climbing as well as describing products that he’s used personally. He’s climbed in most climbing shoes, toured on most backcountry skis, and ridden the resort on skis, snowboards, and even some evac sleds.

How to Read a Fly Line

Before getting into species, a quick orientation. Every fly line has four key specs: taper, weight, sink rate, and temperature. The taper determines how the line loads the rod and how the fly turns over. Weight-forward tapers put more mass up front for distance and punching flies into wind. Double tapers are more delicate and better for roll casts and short presentations. The weight number matches your rod weight, so a 5-weight rod uses a 5-weight line. Sink rate tells you where in the water column the line fishes: floating lines sit on the surface, sinking lines go down at rates measured in inches per second, and intermediate lines suspend just below the surface. Also be sure to check out the line's temperature rating. Most trout lines, for example, are for cold water and get gummy in warm water, and warm water lines are too stiff in cold temperatures. The right combination of those four things is what separates a line that works from one that just tangles.

What Fly Line Do I Need for Trout?

Trout fishing covers more variables than any other species category. You might be dead-drifting dry flies on a spring creek, swinging streamers through a deep run, nymphing heavy water with split shot, or tossing hoppers along a cutbank. Each of those presentations asks something different from the line. The good news is that for most trout fishing, one well-chosen floating line handles the majority of situations. Add a sinking option for streamers and you are covered for nearly anything.

Best All-Around Trout Line: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Infinity

If you fish one line for all your trout water, this is it. The Amplitude Smooth Infinity is a versatile weight-forward floating line with a moderate taper that loads well at short to medium distances, turns over dry flies cleanly, and handles a wide enough range of presentations to cover most trout scenarios. The smooth AST Plus coating reduces friction in the guides for better distance and sheds water efficiently. Available in weights 3 through 8, it works from small creeks to big western rivers. At $99.95 it sits in the middle of the Scientific Anglers lineup, and it earns its price.

Best for Small Streams and Technical Dry Fly: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Creek Trout

Short-range accuracy on tight water. The Creek Trout has a shorter head and steeper front taper designed for roll casts, reach casts, and the delicate presentations that technical dry fly fishing demands. If most of your trout fishing happens on smaller rivers, spring creeks, or anywhere a long cast is the wrong cast, this is the line to fish. The fine tip turns over small dry flies without slamming them down, and the compact head loads fast at 20 to 35 feet, which is exactly where small stream fishing lives. $99.95.

Best for Nymphing and Technical Presentation: Scientific Anglers Magnitude Smooth Trout Expert Clear Tip

Built for anglers who fish technical water where presentation is everything. The clear tip section disappears near the surface and reduces the visual profile of the line near the fly, which matters on flat, pressured water with wary fish. The extended front taper slows turnover for softer dry fly presentations and gives you more control at distance on nymph rigs. This is the top of the Scientific Anglers trout line lineup at $149.95, and it is worth the premium on water where every advantage counts. If you fish tailwaters, gin-clear spring creeks, or anywhere trout have seen a lot of flies, this is the line to reach for.

Best for Trout Streamers: Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Sinking Lines

When you are throwing streamers for big trout, a floating line is the wrong tool. The Sonar Titan series gives you purpose-built sinking options at three density combinations. The Sink 2 / Sink 3 is the right call for moderate-depth runs and slower water where a moderate sink rate keeps the fly in the zone without snagging bottom constantly. The Sink 4 / Sink 6 with its multi-density construction gets you deep fast and keeps the fly angled correctly through the swing. Both are $99.95. If you are not sure which to start with, the Sink 2 / Sink 3 covers the widest range of common trout streamer scenarios.

Sink 2 / Sink 3

Best Budget Trout Line: Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX

Not every trout rod needs a $100 line. The Mastery MPX is a reliable, versatile weight-forward floating line at $79.95 that performs well across a broad range of trout conditions. It has a slightly heavier front taper than the Infinity, which helps load the rod more quickly at close range and makes it a forgiving option for anglers still developing their cast. A solid choice for a second rod, a beginner setup, or any situation where you want a dependable line without the premium price tag.

What Fly Line Do I Need for Bass?

Bass fly fishing asks more from a line than trout fishing. You are typically casting larger, air-resistant flies: poppers, deer hair bugs, big articulated streamers, crayfish patterns. These flies do not turn over on a standard trout taper. They need a line with a heavier, shorter head that loads the rod fast and delivers the power to turn over bulk at close to medium range. Bass also live in structure-heavy water where accuracy at short distance matters more than delicate presentation. The right bass line punches big flies accurately to specific targets without requiring a long casting stroke.

Best Bass Fly Line: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Infinity Plus

The Infinity Plus is specifically designed for warmwater fly fishing. The heavier front taper and shorter head deliver the energy needed to turn over big poppers and bulky deer hair flies. The line is overpowered relative to its stated weight, which is intentional: warmwater presentations require more grunt than a standard trout line provides, and the extra mass up front loads the rod faster so you can fire accurate casts to shoreline targets without building up a long carry. It handles both largemouth and smallmouth scenarios well, and works equally well on rivers and lakes. $99.95.

For Heavier Bass Presentations: Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX

When you are throwing the biggest flies in the box or need to push through wind on open water, the Amplitude MPX delivers more power than any other line in the Scientific Anglers freshwater lineup. The MPX taper is built for maximum energy transfer at close range and handles articulated double-hook streamers, full deer hair poppers, and large foam patterns that would stall on a lighter warmwater line. At $129.95 it is the premium option in this category, and it earns its place when the flies get big and the fish get serious.

What Fly Line Do I Need for Saltwater?

Saltwater fly fishing is the most demanding application for a fly line. The fish are bigger and faster, the presentations need to happen quickly and accurately, and the environment fights you constantly: heat, humidity, salt spray, and wind all degrade line performance. Saltwater lines have stiffer cores that do not go limp in tropical heat, hard coatings that resist salt buildup and saltwater abrasion, and aggressive front tapers that cut through wind and deliver flies at speed. Using a trout line in the salt is a mistake you only make once. The right line matters more here than anywhere else.

Best All-Around Saltwater Line: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Infinity Salt

The go-to saltwater floating line for anglers covering a broad range of flats and nearshore species. The Infinity Salt taper is built for quick loading, wind-cutting delivery, and the fast, accurate presentations that saltwater sight fishing demands. The AST Plus coating resists tropical heat better than standard lines and handles the abuse of repeated saltwater exposure without losing its slickness. At $99.95 it is the most accessible entry point in the Scientific Anglers saltwater lineup and covers a wide range of inshore scenarios from stripers to redfish to smaller flats species. For anglers who want a textured surface for additional shooting distance, the Amplitude Textured Infinity Salt delivers the same taper with a micro-texture coating at $129.95.

Smooth

Textured

Best for Bonefish: Scientific Anglers Magnitude Smooth Bonefish Plus

Bonefish fishing is a precision game. You have one shot at a tailing fish on the flat, maybe 40 feet away, and you need the fly to land softly and precisely before the fish moves on. The Bonefish Plus is built for that exact scenario. The taper is tuned for delicate delivery at medium range, the clear tip reduces surface visibility near the fly, and the stiff tropical core holds up in the heat that flats fishing almost always involves. Fish the Absolute Bonefish Leader off this line and you have a complete, purpose-built bonefish setup. $149.95.

Best for Permit, Baby Tarpon, and Mixed Flats Species: Scientific Anglers Magnitude Smooth Grand Slam

When the flat holds multiple species and you need one line that handles bonefish, permit, and redfish without switching, the Grand Slam is the answer. The taper is a compromise in the best sense: enough delicacy for bonefish presentations, enough power to punch crab patterns into the wind for permit, and enough versatility to strip streamers for redfish along the mangroves. The clear tip disappears at the surface where spooky fish are most likely to notice it. Available in both smooth at $149.95 and textured at $179.95. The textured version shoots farther; choose it if distance is a consistent challenge on your water.

Smooth

Textured

Best for Migratory Tarpon: Scientific Anglers Magnitude Smooth Tarpon

Tarpon fishing is a category of its own. A 100-pound tarpon rolling in a channel requires a line that can fire a 3/0 fly 60 feet accurately, has the mass to turn over heavy shock tippet, and holds together under the heat and abuse of a serious tarpon fishery. The Magnitude Smooth Tarpon is a full clear floating line built specifically for this application. The large-diameter running line shoots easily through the guides on a fast strip, the clear construction reduces visibility in clear water, and the stiff tropical core does not collapse in Florida or Caribbean heat. If you are fishing tarpon at Islamorada, the Marquesas, or anywhere size-class fish are the target, this is the line to spool. $149.95.

Best for Offshore and Big Game: Scientific Anglers Magnitude Smooth Infinity Salt Clear Tip

When the target is offshore species, striped marlin, mahi, bluefin, or any fish where you are presenting a fly from a boat to a fast-moving target, the Magnitude Smooth Infinity Salt Clear Tip is the line built for that application. The clear tip disappears at the surface, the Magnitude core holds stiffness in extreme heat, and the taper delivers the speed and accuracy that offshore sight fishing demands. At $149.95 it is the top of the saltwater floating line lineup and the right choice when the fish are big and the presentation window is short.

Quick Reference: Which Line for Which Fish

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight fly line do I need for trout? Match the line weight to your rod weight. Most trout fishing uses a 4-weight, 5-weight, or 6-weight. A 5-weight is the most versatile starting point and covers the widest range of trout water and fly sizes.

Can I use a trout line for bass? You can, but it will not perform well. Bass flies are larger and more air-resistant than trout flies. A dedicated warmwater line like the Amplitude Smooth Infinity Plus has a heavier front taper that turns over big poppers and deer hair bugs without collapsing on the forward cast.

Do I need a special line for saltwater? Yes. Saltwater lines have stiffer cores that resist the heat of tropical environments, harder coatings that handle salt abrasion, and more aggressive tapers for wind-cutting presentations. A standard trout line will go limp in heat and degrade quickly in salt water.

What is the difference between smooth and textured fly lines? Textured lines have a micro-texture coating that reduces line-to-guide contact and increases shooting distance. Smooth lines cast more quietly and are better for delicate presentations on spooky fish. For most freshwater trout fishing, smooth is the right choice. For distance-critical saltwater scenarios, textured has an advantage.

What is a clear tip fly line? A clear tip line has a transparent section at the front of the fly line. This section is less visible to fish near the surface than a standard colored line. It is most useful on flat, clear water where fish are easily spooked, particularly for bonefish, permit, and technical trout fishing.

Do I need a sinking line for trout? Only if you are fishing streamers in deep water or heavy current. For most dry fly and nymph fishing, a floating line with a long leader gets your fly where it needs to be. Add a sinking line if you fish big rivers, lake shorelines, or any scenario where you need the fly to track deep through a run.

Buy the Right Line Once

A mismatched fly line is the most common and most fixable problem in fly fishing. The right line makes casting easier, presentations more accurate, and the whole experience more enjoyable. All of the lines in this post are in stock at Campman with free shipping on orders over $50. If you are not sure which weight to order, match the number on your rod and you will be in the right range.

About the Author

Derek Newman

Born in the Wasatch, Derek has had an affinity for mountain life since day one. He was on skis the year he learned to walk, and as a high school graduation present he gifted himself rock climbing lessons. Nearly two decades later, Derek spends most of his time climbing up and/or skiing down most of the mountains around Salt Lake City, and he’s traveled around the world multiple times for the sole purpose of peak exploration. When he isn’t a man about camp, he’s working in Campman’s content marketing crew writing up blogs about backcountry skiing or rock climbing as well as describing products that he’s used personally. He’s climbed in most climbing shoes, toured on most backcountry skis, and ridden the resort on skis, snowboards, and even some evac sleds.

Looking for the best hiking boots for spring and summer 2026? Winter didn’t stay long this year, and right now the Wasatch is drying out faster than anyone expected. Dirt is showing at mid-elevation, the Uinta trailheads are clearing up, and if you were hoping to get a jump on the season, this is your window. Whether you’re day-hiking the Bonneville Shoreline, loading up for a multi-night pack into the High Uintas Wilderness, or eyeing technical terrain in Little Cottonwood Canyon, the right boot makes a bigger difference than most people realize, especially early in the season when trails are still soft, creek crossings are running high, and conditions can shift 3,000 feet of elevation in a single day.

The best hiking boots for spring and summer hiking depend on your terrain and objectives. For most hikers, the SCARPA Rush TRK GTX delivers the best all-around combination of waterproofing, durability, and load-carrying ability. For fast-and-light days, the Salewa Pedroc Light Mid PTX saves significant weight without sacrificing support. Technical terrain and canyon approaches call for more specialized options. Here is what we’re recommending for Spring/Summer 2026.

Best All-Around Boot: SCARPA Rush TRK GTX

If you’re going to own one pair of hiking boots and they need to work everywhere—packed dirt, loose scree, canyon approaches, loaded multi-day carries—the SCARPA Rush TRK GTX is the answer. SCARPA’s RUSH Frame technology distributes load across the full footbed and keeps heel-drag exhaustion at bay over big days, while GORE-TEX waterproofing and a Perwanger leather upper handle whatever the trail throws at you. The Vibram Drumlin outsole grips confidently on wet and loose terrain. It’s the boot you bring when the weather is uncertain, the terrain is mixed, and you need something that won’t let you down from mile one to mile fifty.

Waterproofing: GORE-TEX  |  Outsole: Vibram Drumlin  |  Upper: Perwanger leather  |  Best for: Multi-day backpacking, mixed terrain, loaded carries

SCARPA Men’s Rush Trk GTX

SCARPA Women’s Rush Trk GTX

Best Lightweight Boot: Salewa Pedroc Light Mid PTX

Not every day calls for a bomber leather boot. Sometimes you just want to move. The Salewa Pedroc Light Mid PTX pulls significant weight out of a traditional mid hiker without sacrificing structure. The Pomoca outsole bites hard on wet grass and loose talus, the Pertex Shield membrane handles the afternoon thunderstorms that show up unannounced at 11,000 feet in July, and the knit-and-mesh upper breathes well once the sun climbs. The mid-height cuff gives your ankle enough support for technical terrain without locking you into a rigid platform. For big days on the Wasatch Crest Trail or fast-and-light objectives in the High Uintas, this is the boot worth every ounce. Or rather, every ounce you’re not carrying.

Waterproofing: Pertex Shield  |  Outsole: Pomoca  |  Upper: Knit-and-mesh  |  Best for: Fast-and-light day hikes, high-mileage ridgeline routes

Salewa Men’s Pedroc Light Mid PTX

Salewa Women’s Pedroc Light PTX Shoe

Best Agile Boot: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX

Some terrain doesn’t ask you to hike. It asks you to move fast. Scrambling over quartzite blocks above Albion Basin, picking through boulder fields on the approach to a Uinta summit, charging down a steep switchback where a flat-footed stomp ends badly. La Sportiva updated the Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX with a new Idrogrip wet rubber compound—better friction on wet rock, better bite on loose trail. The FriXion XF upper is protective without being stiff, the GORE-TEX Extended Comfort lining keeps feet dry without cooking them, and the STB Control System locks the heel in place on aggressive downhills so you’re not floating around in the boot when the grade kicks up. The boot for people who hike like a trail runner.

Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort  |  Outsole: Idrogrip wet rubber  |  Upper: FriXion XF  |  Best for: Technical scrambling, dynamic terrain, aggressive downhills

La Sportiva Men’s Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX

La Sportiva Women’s Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX

Best Waterproof Boot: Asolo Fugitive GTX

May in the Uintas means one thing: wet. Trail crossings where the footbridge is still buried, meadows that don’t show as wetlands on the map, snow you didn’t expect at 9,500 feet. The Asolo Fugitive GTX is the boot that won’t flinch. The full-length GORE-TEX lining keeps moisture out from top to bottom, the suede-and-nylon upper adds a solid exterior barrier, and the dual-density EVA/PU midsole cushions loaded carries without sacrificing stability on uneven ground. It’s a no-drama boot—you won’t be thinking about your feet. You’ll be thinking about the view from the ridge.

Waterproofing: GORE-TEX full-length lining  |  Midsole: Dual-density EVA/PU  |  Upper: Suede and nylon  |  Best for: Early-season wet conditions, loaded carries, soggy trail crossings

Asolo Men’s Fugitive GTX

Best Water-Ready Boot: Astral TR1 Merge 2.0

There’s a different kind of wet—not the caught-in-a-rainstorm wet that a GORE-TEX boot handles, but the deliberate, unavoidable wet of canyon hiking and river crossings where you’re going in regardless of what your boots prefer. That’s where waterproof membranes become a liability. The TR1 Merge 2.0 is intentionally non-waterproof, built to drain fast and dry faster. The upper won’t waterlog over hours of wet terrain, and the G-Rubber outsole is the same compound Astral uses on their legendary water shoes for gripping submerged rocks the way standard lug soles simply don’t. For canyoneers working routes in Zion or the San Rafael Swell, this is the smarter call.

Waterproofing: None (intentional fast-drain design)  |  Outsole: G-Rubber  |  Best for: Canyon hiking, deliberate water crossings, Zion-style routes

Astral TR1 Merge 2.0

Best Leather Boot: SCARPA Terra GTX

Full-grain leather boots have a reputation for being stiff and heavy, but the SCARPA Terra GTX makes the case for why leather is still worth it. The upper molds to your foot over time, resists abrasion on rocky terrain far better than synthetics, and pairs with a GORE-TEX Extended Comfort lining that keeps water out without trapping heat. The dual-density EVA midsole absorbs trail shock without going soft, the outsole grips confidently on mixed Utah alpine surfaces, and the heel counter stays firm without punishing you on long descents. This is the boot that gets better the more you use it—and one you’ll still be reaching for in five years. Available in Men’s and Women’s.

Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort  |  Midsole: Dual-density EVA  |  Upper: Full-grain leather  |  Best for: Mixed alpine terrain, long descents, durability-focused hikers

SCARPA Men’s Terra GTX

Best Mountaineering Boot: SCARPA Zodiac Tech LT GTX

At some point the trail ends and the terrain gets serious. The SCARPA Zodiac Tech LT GTX sits at the top of the technical hiking-to-mountaineering spectrum. It's capable enough for crampons, stiff enough for front-pointing on moderate alpine snow, and light enough that you’re not paying a weight penalty for the capability. The C1 crampon-compatible sole accepts technical crampons for mixed snow and ice objectives, GORE-TEX Pro handles sustained high-output use in sustained bad weather, and the Vibram Mulaz outsole grips on everything from granite slabs to frozen ground. If your spring plans include technical routes in Big Cottonwood Canyon or Utah’s 11,000-foot peaks while they’re still in alpine condition, this is where the list ends.

Waterproofing: GORE-TEX Pro  |  Outsole: Vibram Mulaz  |  Crampon compatible: Yes (C1)  |  Best for: Technical alpine routes, moderate mountaineering, mixed snow and rock

SCARPA Men’s Zodiac Tech LT GTX

SCARPA Women’s Zodiac Tech LT GTX

Finding Your Boot

Use this quick-reference table to match your spring and summer hiking objectives to the right boot.

Not sure which boot fits your objectives? Read our guide to approach shoes vs. hiking shoes to understand where boots end and lighter footwear begins, or reach out to the Campman team directly—we’re happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hiking boots for spring and summer 2026?

The best hiking boots for spring and summer 2026 depend on your terrain. For most hikers, the SCARPA Rush TRK GTX delivers the best all-around combination of waterproofing, durability, and load-carrying ability. For fast-and-light days, the Salewa Pedroc Light Mid PTX saves significant weight without sacrificing support. Technical terrain and canyon approaches call for more specialized options like the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX and Astral TR1 Merge 2.0 respectively. For mountaineering objectives, the SCARPA Zodiac Tech LT GTX leads the list.

Do I need waterproof hiking boots for summer hiking?

In spring and early summer in the Mountain West, yes. Snowmelt keeps creek crossings running high and trails wet at elevation well into July. A GORE-TEX boot handles this well. That said, for canyon hikes with deliberate water crossings, a non-waterproof boot like the Astral TR1 Merge 2.0 is actually the smarter choice—it drains and dries faster than a sealed membrane boot that fills with water and stays wet.

What is the difference between hiking boots and hiking shoes?

Hiking boots have a mid- or high-cut ankle collar for support on uneven terrain, under heavy loads, and on technical routes. Hiking shoes have a low-cut design offering more freedom of movement and lighter weight but less ankle support. Boots are the better choice for backpacking, rocky scrambles, and early-season conditions. Shoes work well for well-maintained day hikes on moderate terrain. If you are unsure, our guide to approach shoes vs. hiking shoes covers the differences in detail.

Are GORE-TEX hiking boots worth it?

For most three-season hiking in the Mountain West, yes. GORE-TEX keeps your feet dry through rain, snowmelt, wet grass, and shallow stream crossings without adding significant weight or bulk. The trade-off is breathability: GORE-TEX boots run warmer than non-waterproof options in hot, dry conditions. For spring hiking and anything involving uncertain weather or wet terrain, GORE-TEX is worth it.

What hiking boots are best for canyon hiking?

For canyon hiking with deliberate water crossings, a non-waterproof boot that drains fast and dries quickly is the right choice. The Astral TR1 Merge 2.0 is purpose-built for this use case, with a fast-draining upper and G-Rubber outsole that grips submerged rocks the way standard lug soles do not. Waterproof boots are a liability in canyons because they fill with water and stay wet for hours. The TR1 Merge 2.0 is the top pick for routes in Zion, the San Rafael Swell, and similar canyon terrain.

How should hiking boots fit?

Hiking boots should fit snugly through the heel and midfoot with about a thumb-width of space in front of your toes. Your heel should not lift when walking uphill, and your toes should not slam into the front on steep descents. Always size hiking boots in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen, and try them on with the socks you plan to hike in. Most hikers size up a half size from their street shoe. If you are unsure, reach out to the Campman team for a fit recommendation.

About the Author

Derek Newman

Born in the Wasatch, Derek has had an affinity for mountain life since day one. He was on skis the year he learned to walk, and as a high school graduation present he gifted himself rock climbing lessons. Nearly two decades later, Derek spends most of his time climbing up and/or skiing down most of the mountains around Salt Lake City, and he's traveled around the world multiple times for the sole purpose of peak exploration. When he isn't a man about camp, he's working in Campman's content marketing crew writing up blogs about backcountry skiing or rock climbing as well as describing products that he's used personally. He's climbed in most climbing shoes, toured on most backcountry skis, and ridden the resorts on skis, snowboards, and even some evac sleds.

Looking for the best Rab gear for summer 2026? Summer in the Wasatch moves fast. You start the day at the trailhead in a sun hoody and end it near the summit in a wind shell, with three different microclimates in between. Rab’s summer 2026 lineup covers trail running, technical hiking, sun protection, and ultralight weather layers—gear that disappears on your body so you can focus on the terrain.

The best Rab pieces for summer hiking and trail running in 2026 include the ultralight Phantom Jacket for weather protection, the Force Hoody for UPF 40+ sun coverage on exposed ridges, the Sonic Tee as a go-to trail shirt, and the Talus and Momentum series for technical shorts and bottoms. Here is what we are reaching for this summer.

Phantom Series: Ultralight Weather Protection

When afternoon thunderstorms roll in off the Uintas or a ridgeline wind picks up without warning, the Phantom series is what you want stuffed in your vest. Both the Phantom Jacket and Phantom Mountain Jacket are built with 7D 2.5-layer Pertex Shield fabric and a fluorocarbon-free DWR finish, weigh next to nothing, and pack into their own hoods. The Phantom Jacket is the stripped-down speed layer with a full-length zip and ventilated roll-away hood. The Phantom Mountain Jacket keeps the same ultralight philosophy but adds more coverage and structure for bigger objectives.

Men’s Phantom Jacket

Women’s Phantom Jacket

At roughly 3 ounces, the Phantom Jacket packs into its own hood and disappears into a running vest pocket. Best for trail running, fastpacking, and mountain days where you want weather insurance without the bulk.

Fabric: 7D 2.5-layer Pertex Shield  |  DWR: Fluorocarbon-free  |  Weight: ~3 oz  |  Best for: Trail running, fastpacking, emergency weather layer

Men’s Phantom Mountain Jacket

Women’s Phantom Mountain Jacket

Same ultralight Pertex Shield fabric as the Phantom Jacket, cut for technical mountain terrain with more structure at the hood and a fit that layers over a midlayer. The right call for summit days, scrambles, and alpine starts where conditions shift fast.

Fabric: 7D 2.5-layer Pertex Shield  |  DWR: Fluorocarbon-free  |  Key feature: Structured hood, midlayer fit  |  Best for: Summit days, alpine scrambles, technical objectives

Sonic Series: The Go-To Trail Tee

The Sonic Tee is the shirt you put on and forget about. Motiv Aero single jersey fabric wicks fast and dries faster, raglan sleeves keep seams off your shoulders, and Polygiene odor control means it stays field-fresh across multi-day trips. Whether you are running singletrack in Big Cottonwood Canyon or grinding up a Uinta ridge, it handles the heat without slowing you down.

Fabric: Motiv Aero single jersey  |  Odor control: Polygiene  |  Construction: Raglan sleeves  |  Best for: Trail running, fast hiking, multi-day trips

Men’s Sonic Tee

Women’s Sonic Tee

Talus Series: Technical Shorts for the Trail

The Talus series covers everything from summer ridge runs to technical scrambles, built on Matrix and Flexile fabrics chosen for stretch, packability, and fast dry time.

Fabrics: Matrix Aero, Flexile 100/200  |  Key features: 4-way stretch, fast dry, packable  |  Best for: Trail running, ridgeline hiking, technical scrambling

Women’s Talus Shorts

Men’s Talus 2-in-1 Shorts

The Women’s Talus Shorts run a Matrix Aero outer with a Flexile 100 compression liner and five pockets for going packless on shorter days. The Men’s Talus 2-in-1 Shorts pair a lightweight Matrix outer with a built-in liner and a deep, stretchy waistband for all-day comfort on runs that go from road to ridge.

Women’s Talus Tights Shorts

Men’s Talus Trail Light Shorts

The Women’s Talus Tights Shorts are rebuilt for 2026 with upgraded Flexile 200 double-knit for better recovery and a closer, more supportive fit. Wear them solo or layer under trail shorts. The Men’s Talus Trail Light Shorts are the minimalist option: Matrix Aero fabric and a breathable liner brief for hot days when you want as little between you and the trail as possible.

Talus Active Shorts (Women’s)

Women’s Talus Active Shorts

Matrix single weave stretch fabric with a Motiv Aero liner, a 7-inch inseam for overgrown singletrack, and a lockdown back pocket for phone or gels. Moves well on technical terrain and dries fast when you get caught in a summer squall.

Force Series: Sun Protection That Works

Sunscreen is a consumable. A sun hoody is not. The Force series is built for the long Utah summer, when you are on exposed multi-pitches for six, eight, ten hours and the only shade is whatever you brought. Both the Force Hoody and Force Tee use Motiv single jersey fabric, which wicks fast and carries an odor control finish that keeps it usable across multiple days out.

Fabric: Motiv single jersey  |  Sun protection: UPF 40+  |  Odor control: Yes  |  Best for: Exposed ridges, multi-pitch climbing, long summit days

Men’s Force Hoody

Women’s Force Hoody

UPF 40+ protection with a close-fitting hood, high collar, dropped shoulder seams for pack comfort, and hidden thumb loops to keep sleeves in place. The hoody that earns its place on every long ridge day from May through September.

Men’s Force Tee

Women’s Force Tee

The same Motiv fabric in a clean short-sleeve cut. Slim fit, flatlock seams, and dropped shoulder construction for pack and vest comfort on hiking, climbing, and trail running days.

Momentum Series: All-Mountain Versatility

Built for mountain days that do not fit a single category. From the crag to the trail to the summit, Momentum pieces move freely, dry fast, and look good doing it. Matrix fabric with fluorocarbon-free DWR handles light weather without adding weight.

Fabric: Matrix softshell  |  DWR: Fluorocarbon-free  |  Fit: Deep stretch waistband  |  Best for: Cragging, all-mountain days, summit approaches

Men’s Momentum Shorts

Women’s Momentum Shorts

Matrix softshell shorts with a deep stretch waistband, two front hand pockets, and a zipped rear pocket. The grab-and-go choice for a day at the cliff or a Uinta peak bag.

Women’s Momentum Skort

Men’s Momentum Light Shorts

Women’s Momentum Light Shorts

The Women’s Momentum Skort adds a built-in skirt layer to the Matrix shell for a versatile cut that moves well anywhere. The Momentum Light Shorts strip things back for hot days when you want a lighter, cleaner build for high-output hiking and scrambling.

Momentum Pants

Men’s Momentum Pants

Women’s Momentum Pants

Same Matrix stretch fabric as the shorts in a full-length cut for long approaches, mosquito-heavy canyon trails, or cool summit temps. Moves freely enough for scrambling and packs down small enough to justify bringing along.

Women’s Horizon Tights: Mountain Tights That Move

Flexile 200 and Matrix fabric combined, with reinforcement at the seat and knees for scrambling and technical terrain. Flatlock seams eliminate chafe, the deep waistband holds secure on sustained climbs, and a concealed zipped thigh pocket plus an overlap phone pocket give you enough storage to move without a pack. Fast drying and protective enough for summer scrambles in Zion or a full day on the Cottonwood ridgeline.

Fabric: Flexile 200 + Matrix  |  Reinforcement: Seat and knees  |  Pockets: Zipped thigh + phone  |  Best for: Technical scrambling, Zion-style terrain, ridge approaches

Build Your Summer Kit

Use this quick-reference table to match your summer activity to the right Rab piece.

Start with the Sonic Tee and build from there. Talus shorts and a Phantom Jacket in your vest handle most trail running and fast-hiking days. The Force Hoody covers long exposed ridges. The Horizon Tights take care of technical approaches. The Momentum series fills in the rest, from crag days to mellow summit objectives. Shop the full Rab summer lineup at Campman.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Rab jacket for summer hiking?

For trail running and fastpacking where weight is everything, the Rab Phantom Jacket is the top choice at roughly 3 ounces, packing into its own hood. For bigger alpine objectives where conditions shift fast, the Rab Phantom Mountain Jacket offers the same ultralight Pertex Shield fabric with more structure and coverage at the hood. Both use fluorocarbon-free DWR and pack small enough to live in a running vest pocket.

What is Pertex Shield fabric?

Pertex Shield is a lightweight waterproof-breathable fabric made by Pertex, a UK-based technical fabric manufacturer. The 7D version used in the Rab Phantom series is one of the lightest expressions of the technology, delivering wind and weather protection in a fabric that weighs almost nothing. It is commonly used in ultralight shells designed for fast-and-light mountain objectives where weight savings are critical.

Do I need a sun hoody for summer hiking?

For long days on exposed terrain, yes. Sunscreen wears off. A sun hoody like the Rab Force Hoody provides UPF 40+ protection continuously across a full ridge day without reapplication, and the technical fabric wicks sweat and controls odor better than cotton. If you spend extended time on exposed alpine terrain, talus fields, or multi-pitch routes, a sun hoody is one of the most practical investments in summer hiking gear.

What shorts are best for trail running and hiking?

The right trail shorts depend on your activity. For trail running, the Rab Talus Trail Light Shorts (men’s) and Talus Active or Tights Shorts (women’s) are built for high-output movement with fast-drying fabrics and minimal bulk. For hike-to-crag or all-mountain days, the Rab Momentum Shorts offer more weather resistance with Matrix softshell fabric. For cool days or long approaches, the Momentum Pants in the same fabric move freely enough for scrambling while covering more of the leg.

What is UPF 40+ and how does it compare to sunscreen?

UPF 40+ means the fabric blocks at least 97.5% of UV radiation. Unlike sunscreen, UPF protection does not wear off with sweat, water exposure, or time. For high-altitude summer hiking where UV intensity increases with elevation, UPF-rated clothing like the Rab Force Hoody and Force Tee provides continuous protection across the full day without reapplication.

How do I build a Rab summer hiking kit?

A practical Rab summer hiking kit starts with a base layer tee or sun hoody. The Sonic Tee handles fast-moving trail days, while the Force Hoody covers long exposed ridges. Add Talus or Momentum shorts for the lower body based on your terrain. Carry the Phantom Jacket in your vest or pack as a weather layer for afternoon thunderstorms and ridgeline wind. For technical approaches or cool temps, the Horizon Tights (women’s) or Momentum Pants round out the system.

About the Author

Derek Newman

Born in the Wasatch, Derek has had an affinity for mountain life since day one. He was on skis the year he learned to walk, and as a high school graduation present he gifted himself rock climbing lessons. Nearly two decades later, Derek spends most of his time climbing up and/or skiing down most of the mountains around Salt Lake City, and he’s traveled around the world multiple times for the sole purpose of peak exploration. When he isn’t a man about camp, he’s working in Campman’s content marketing crew writing up blogs about backcountry skiing or rock climbing as well as describing products that he’s used personally. He’s climbed in most climbing shoes, toured on most backcountry skis, and ridden the resort on skis, snowboards, and even some evac sleds

Trying to decide between La Sportiva and SCARPA climbing shoes? Both brands have been making climbing shoes in the Italian Dolomites for nearly a century, and climbers have argued about which reigns supreme for just as long. The honest answer is: it depends entirely on your feet. Both brands use Vibram rubber, both are family-run operations with genuine craftsmanship behind every pair, and both produce shoes that resole well.

The real difference between La Sportiva and SCARPA climbing shoes is last shape and fit. For beginners, both the La Sportiva Tarantulace and SCARPA Origin are top picks. For performance climbing, La Sportiva’s Solution Comp leads on steep terrain while SCARPA’s Instinct VS is the go-to for wide-footed boulderers. Get the fit right, and either brand will take you up anything you’re willing to attempt. This guide breaks down both lineups by climbing style, foot shape, and skill level.

Brand at a Glance

La Sportiva was founded in 1928 in Ziano di Fiemme, Italy, and has been family-run ever since. The brand is known for the P3 permanent power platform midsole that keeps shoes performing as they break in. SCARPA was founded just a decade later in Asolo, Italy, and is equally family-run. Both brands are equally serious about rubber, both use Vibram XS Grip2 and XS Edge on their performance models, and both produce shoes that resole well.

Head-to-Head: What Actually Differs

Strip away the brand loyalty and the two companies are remarkably similar on paper. Both rely primarily on Vibram XS Grip2 for friction-critical applications and Vibram XS Edge for edging-focused models. Both offer lace, hook-and-loop, and slipper closures. Both resole well. The divergence is in the last shape and midsole philosophy. La Sportiva’s P3 midsole maintains a downturned shape throughout the life of the shoe. SCARPA’s midsoles vary more by model, from the ultra-soft Drago to the stiffer, more supportive Instinct VS platform. On vegan options, SCARPA leads clearly, with the Veloce, Vapor V, and Furia Air all leather-free. La Sportiva’s vegan answer is the Skwama, a strong all-around performer for steep terrain.

Best La Sportiva Climbing Shoes by Style

La Sportiva’s lineup covers every discipline from gym to hard alpine. The entry-level Tarantulace has been one of the top-selling beginner shoes on the market for decades, while the Katana Lace consistently tops all-around roundups from all sorts of outdoors companies. For steep terrain, the Solution Comp is the choice of comp climbers and gym boulderers worldwide. For crack climbing, the TC Pro remains the gold standard.

Best for Beginners: La Sportiva Tarantulace

Flat last, unlined leather upper, neutral fit, and one of the most comfortable beginner shoes on the market. The thick 5mm FriXtion rubber sole is built for durability over sensitivity and resoles well after years of regular use. Not ideal for steep or overhanging terrain, but perfect for slab-to-vertical, and anyone spending long hours in shoes while learning technique. La Sportiva also offers the Tarantula.

Last: Flat, neutral  |  Rubber: 5mm FriXtion  |  Closure: Lace  |  Best for: Gym beginners, slab-to-vertical, long sessions

Men’s

Women’s

Best All-Around: La Sportiva Katana Lace

Mildly aggressive downturn with excellent edging capability and surprising smearing versatility. Works equally well for sport climbing, trad, granite slabs, and moderate overhangs. The men’s version runs stiffer; the women’s version features a split sole for more precision and flex for lighter climbers. Consistently one of the top picks in annual climbing shoe roundups for its balance of performance and wearability over long sessions.

Last: Mildly aggressive downturn  |  Rubber: Vibram XS Edge  |  Closure: Lace  |  Best for: Sport, trad, slab, all-around outdoor climbing

Men’s

Women’s

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Best for Steep Routes and Bouldering: La Sportiva Solution Comp

Aggressive downturn and P3 midsole designed specifically for powerful toe and heel hooks. The go-to for gym climbing, competition-style problems, and overhanging outdoor sport routes. Suppler than the original Solution, with softer rubber for better sensitivity on volumes and steep faces. Purpose-built for climbers who spend most of their time on overhanging terrain and want a shoe that performs at the limit.

Last: Aggressive downturn, P3 midsole  |  Rubber: Vibram XS Grip2 (soft)  |  Closure: Velcro  |  Best for: Steep sport, gym bouldering, competition-style problems

Men’s

Women’s

Best for Trad and Crack Climbing: La Sportiva TC Pro

The high ankle collar protects against abrasion in crack systems and the stiff, supportive build lets you stand on small edges for hours without foot fatigue. Requires a specific break-in period and is not the right choice for beginner climbers, but rewards patient trad climbers with exceptional performance on long multi-pitch and crack routes. One of the most durable and resole-friendly shoes in either lineup.

Last: Flat, stiff  |  Rubber: Vibram XS Edge  |  Key feature: High ankle collar for crack protection  |  Best for: Crack climbing, trad, long multi-pitch

Best Scarpa Climbing Shoes by Style

SCARPA’s lineup is equally broad. The Origin is a reliable entry-level option for wide-footed beginners. The Arpia V earned top outdoor pick from Climbing Magazine in 2026 for its balance of comfort and performance. The Instinct VS has become the default bouldering shoe for wide-footed climbers worldwide. The Drago is one of the best pure gym and competition shoes on the market from either brand.

Best for Beginners: SCARPA Origin

Flat last, wide toe box, and a forgiving fit that works well for first-time buyers. The M50 rubber is less sticky than Vibram XS but holds up well for gym use and moderate outdoor climbing. More comfortable out of the box than the La Sportiva Tarantulace for climbers with wide or medium-wide feet. A reliable choice for anyone who has struggled to find a beginner shoe that does not pinch.

Last: Flat, wide toe box  |  Rubber: M50  |  Closure: Lace  |  Best for: Beginners with wide or medium-wide feet, gym and moderate outdoor

Men’s

Women’s

Best All-Around for Outdoor Climbing: SCARPA Arpia V

Praised for its balance of precision performance and all-day comfort. XS Grip2 rubber, moderate downturn, and a fit comfortable enough for multi-pitch objectives without sacrificing the precision needed on technical terrain. A strong alternative to the La Sportiva Katana Lace for climbers with medium-width feet who want a slightly more comfortable fit without giving up outdoor performance.

Last: Moderate downturn  |  Rubber: Vibram XS Grip2  |  Closure: Velcro  |  Best for: Multi-pitch, outdoor sport, all-day comfort on technical terrain

Mid-Volume

Low-Volume

Best for Bouldering and Steep Sport: SCARPA Instinct VS

Wide toe box slipper with hook-and-loop closure. Ideal for boulderers who need to slip shoes on and off between problems. Aggressive enough for hard overhanging routes, comfortable enough for extended gym sessions. Wide-footed climbers who have been turned away by La Sportiva’s narrower lasts consistently cite this as their go-to shoe. One of the most recommended shoes on either brand’s roster for medium-to-wide feet on steep terrain.

Last: Aggressive, wide toe box  |  Rubber: Vibram XS Grip2  |  Closure: Velcro slipper  |  Best for: Bouldering, steep sport, wide-footed climbers

Men’s

Women’s

Best for Gym and Competition Climbing: SCARPA Drago

Ultra-soft, highly sensitive slipper built for volume smearing, toe hooks, and gym-specific movement patterns. The M50 rubber toe patch delivers exceptional grip on plastic holds and competition-style volumes. Not ideal for traditional outdoor edging routes, but arguably the best pure gym shoe in either lineup. For climbers who spend most of their time indoors on setting-heavy comp-style terrain, the Drago is the answer.

Last: Ultra-soft slipper  |  Rubber: M50 toe patch  |  Closure: Slipper  |  Best for: Gym climbing, comp-style volumes, indoor bouldering

Mid-Volume

Low-Volume

Which Brand Is Right for You?

SCARPA... La Sportiva... Brand loyalty means nothing to squished toes. Truth is every shoe fits differently, and depending on what you're climbing should determine which shoe you'll wear. Choose La Sportiva's TC Pro for long trad lines, and either SCARPA's Drago or La Sportiva's Solution Comp for challenging boulder problems. Models like the Instinct VS and Drago have become the default for climbers who have been turned away by narrower brands. On sizing, La Sportiva generally requires a larger downsize. Most climbers go down 0.5 to 1 full size. SCARPA varies more by model but tends to require less aggressive downsizing for comparable performance. If you are buying online without trying on, err conservative on the downsize for either brand and confirm the return policy before committing.

Use this quick-reference table to match your climbing style, foot shape, and skill level to the right shoe.

Not sure where to start? Explore the full La Sportiva and SCARPA lineups at Campman, or reach out to the team directly for a fit recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are La Sportiva or SCARPA climbing shoes better?

Neither brand is objectively better — both make world-class climbing shoes at every level. The real difference is fit and last shape. Both use Vibram XS rubber on performance models. The best shoe is whichever fits your foot correctly and matches your climbing style.

How much should I downsize climbing shoes?

La Sportiva generally requires a larger downsize — most climbers go down 0.5 to 1 full size from their street shoe. SCARPA varies more by model but typically requires less aggressive downsizing. For beginner shoes, many climbers size down just a half size or even true to size for comfort during long sessions. For performance shoes, more aggressive downsizing is common. If buying online without trying on, err conservative and confirm the return policy.

What is the best La Sportiva climbing shoe for beginners?

The La Sportiva Tarantulace is the top La Sportiva beginner shoe. Flat last, neutral fit, unlined leather upper, and thick 5mm FriXtion rubber built for durability. Comfortable enough for long sessions while learning technique and resoles well. La Sportiva also offers the Tarantula as a hook-and-loop version for quick on-and-off.

What is the best SCARPA climbing shoe for wide feet?

The SCARPA Instinct VS is the most recommended SCARPA shoe for wide-footed climbers, with a wide toe box slipper that works well for bouldering and steep sport. For beginners with wide feet, the SCARPA Origin is the better starting point with its flat last and forgiving fit. SCARPA generally runs wider than La Sportiva, making it the preferred brand for climbers who have struggled with narrower Italian lasts.

What is the best climbing shoe for crack climbing?

The La Sportiva TC Pro is widely considered the gold standard for crack climbing. Its high ankle collar protects against abrasion in crack systems, and the stiff build lets you stand on small edges for hours without foot fatigue. It requires a break-in period and is not recommended for beginners, but rewards patient trad climbers on long multi-pitch and crack routes.

What is the P3 midsole in La Sportiva climbing shoes?

P3 stands for Permanent Power Platform, a La Sportiva midsole that maintains a shoe’s downturned shape throughout its life. Most climbing shoe midsoles relax over time. La Sportiva’s P3 construction resists this so the shoe continues performing as it breaks in. It appears in performance models including the Solution Comp.

Do La Sportiva and SCARPA use the same rubber?

Both brands use Vibram rubber on performance models — XS Grip2 for friction-focused shoes, XS Edge for edging models. SCARPA also uses proprietary M50 rubber on select models like the Origin and Drago, which is less sticky than Vibram XS but more durable for gym use. Rubber choice is one of the few areas where the brands converge; the main differentiators are last shape, midsole stiffness, and fit.

Stop Overthinking It. Start Climbing.

Both brands make exceptional shoes. The best pair is the one that fits your foot and matches the terrain you actually climb. Try both in our shop if you can. If you are buying online, use the fit profile above as your guide. All of the shoes in this post are in stock at Campman.com with free shipping on orders over $50.

About the Author

Derek Newman

Born in the Wasatch, Derek has had an affinity for mountain life since day one. He was on skis the year he learned to walk, and as a high school graduation present he gifted himself rock climbing lessons. Nearly two decades later, Derek spends most of his time climbing up and/or skiing down most of the mountains around Salt Lake City, and he’s traveled around the world multiple times for the sole purpose of peak exploration. When he isn’t a man about camp, he’s working in Campman’s content marketing crew writing up blogs about backcountry skiing or rock climbing as well as describing products that he’s used personally. He’s climbed in most climbing shoes, toured on most backcountry skis, and ridden the resort on skis, snowboards, and even some evac sleds.

What Is a Freestanding vs Semi-Freestanding Tent?

A freestanding tent stands on its own using a pole structure without any stakes required. You can pick it up and move it after pitching. The Copper Spur UL and Blacktail series are freestanding. A semi-freestanding tent requires at least one stake to hold its shape. The Tiger Wall and VST series are semi-freestanding. Semi-freestanding designs save weight by using fewer poles. Freestanding designs are easier to pitch on hard or rocky ground where staking is difficult. Both types perform equally well in rain and wind when staked out properly.

What Is HyperBead Fabric?

HyperBead is Big Agnes's proprietary waterproofing technology. It bonds microscopic silicone beads directly to ultralight ripstop nylon rather than applying a traditional DWR coating over the top. The result is a fabric that is lighter than standard coated nylons, more durable over time, and resistant to condensation buildup on the interior. Most of the backpacking lineup uses HyperBead construction. The 7D version on the Tiger Wall Platinum and VST series is the lightest iteration. The 15D version on the Tiger Wall UL and Copper Spur UL balances weight savings with long-term durability for hard use.

VST Series

VST stands for Velocity, Speed, Time, and the tents built around this concept are made for people who treat every ounce on their back as a negotiation. Built with proprietary HyperBead fabric and a Hybrid Single/Double Wall design with integrated ventilation, VST tents cut weight without cutting shelter. These are not minimalist tarps. They are full-featured ultralight shelters for fast-and-light missions where you need something that actually works when the weather turns.

String Ridge VST

The String Ridge VST is a trekking pole supported shelter paired with a stable, reliable asymmetrical architecture. Extra 0.5 sizing means there is protected space for your gear or a four-legged friend alongside you. If you are doing high mileage FKT-style efforts or want the lightest possible overnight shelter, this is where you start.

String Ridge VST 1.5

String Ridge VST 2.5

Pitchpine VST

No trekking poles needed for the Pitchpine VST. It uses a simple single-pole design to create an extremely spacious shelter that sets up fast and without fuss. The Extra 0.5 sizing gives you dedicated gear space or room for a dog. HyperBead fabric with a Hybrid Single/Double Wall construction handles condensation while keeping weight low. At 1 lb 11 oz, this is as light as a premium shelter gets for a solo adventurer.

Pitchpine VST 1.5

Sarvis VST

The Sarvis VST brings freestanding architecture to the VST lineup, making it the easiest of the series to pitch on any terrain. Two doors, generously sized vestibules, and integrated pole-supported vents make this a livable shelter that does not ask you to sacrifice convenience for weight. Extra 0.5 sizing is there for gear or a furry companion. Good for streamlined adventures where you want a real tent that disappears into your pack.

Sarvis VST 2

Sarvis VST 3

Fly Creek UL Series

The Fly Creek UL is the tent that put Big Agnes on the ultralight map, and the current version with HyperBead fabric is lighter, stronger, and more waterproof than any previous iteration. Three-season, semi-freestanding, front-entry design keeps weight under two pounds while giving you a genuinely livable interior. The high-volume pole architecture creates more usable space than the packed weight suggests, and the single-door, dry entry/exit vestibule keeps your gear bone dry during night rain. If you are chasing sub-two-pound shelter for a solo or two-person mission, Fly Creek UL is the benchmark.

Fly Creek UL1

Fly Creek UL2

Tiger Wall Series

The Tiger Wall series is Big Agnes's most versatile ultralight lineup, covering everything from the weight-obsessed Platinum to the two-wheeled optimized Bikepack. All three-season, all semi-freestanding, all built around the HyperBead fabric technology that makes the single-pole architecture punch far above its weight class in weather protection. If you have been camping with a heavier tent and have not tried a Tiger Wall, expect to be annoyed at all the weight you have been carrying.

Tiger Wall Platinum

The lightest-yet iteration of the Tiger Wall, built with 7D HyperBead fabric for a crazylight profile that still delivers two doors, two vestibules, and all the livability you need for multi-night backcountry use. At 1 lb 14 oz for the 2P, this tent gets passed around at trailheads because nobody believes how light it is until they hold the stuff sack. Built for fast and light trail missions where every ounce matters and you cannot afford to cut shelter quality.

Tiger Wall 2 Platinum

Tiger Wall 3 Platinum

Tiger Wall UL

The Tiger Wall UL is the workhorse of the series. 15D HyperBead fabric with 20D solution-dyed ripstop gives you the ideal balance of durability and weight for seasons of hard use. Side-entry doors and large vestibules make this a legitimate multi-day adventure tent, not just a fair-weather shelter. The EZ Pack Stuff Sack with large length-wise opening (a lengthwise zipper that lets you stuff the tent in from the side rather than forcing it end-first) makes packing quick even when your hands are cold. This is the tent that lives in a lot of serious backpackers' closets as their go-to for everything from a weekend in the Uintas to a full Wasatch traverse.

Tiger Wall UL1

Tiger Wall UL2

Tiger Wall UL3

Tiger Wall UL Bikepack

Everything you love about the Tiger Wall UL, adapted for pedal-powered missions. The 12" Shortstik Poleset (a sectioned pole system designed to pack down 40% shorter than standard tent poles, specifically dimensioned to fit bicycle handlebars, frame bags, and panniers) packs shorter to fit bicycle handlebars, frames, or panniers without hanging over the edge, and the waterproof dry bag stuff sack with two integrated Big Hitch straps means you can strap this tent to virtually any mounting point on your bike. Wheely Stake Out Loops let you stake corners using your bike instead of carrying extra stakes. Classic Tiger Wall architecture with two doors and two vestibules means you and your gear stay dry in camp after a wet day in the saddle.

Tiger Wall UL1 Bikepack

Tiger Wall UL2 Bikepack

Copper Spur UL Series

The Copper Spur UL has been winning gear awards since 2008, and the current HyperBead version is legitimately better in every measurable way. Fully freestanding design with awning-style doors and large vestibules delivers a livable home base after long days on trail, while the proprietary fabric keeps weight competitive with semi-freestanding designs. Massive off-the-floor 3D bin pockets, ceiling pockets, and side pockets mean you can actually organize your camp life instead of living out of a stuff sack. This is the tent recommended when someone asks what they should buy for three-season backpacking and they want one answer.

Copper Spur UL1

Copper Spur UL2

Copper Spur UL3

Copper Spur UL4

Copper Spur UL5

Copper Spur UL XL

Same award-winning Copper Spur platform, dialed up in every dimension for taller campers and those who just want more breathing room. Extra length, width, and height compared to the standard Copper Spur UL means taller sleepers actually fit, and the extended vestibule space handles serious gear loads. At 2 lb 14 oz for the 2P, you are not giving up much weight for meaningful extra comfort. If you are 6 feet or taller and have been cramped in your current shelter, the XL solves that problem without forcing you to a different tent platform.

Copper Spur UL2 XL

Copper Spur UL3 XL

Copper Spur UL mtnGLO

The Copper Spur UL with one notable addition: integrated mtnGLO Tent Light Technology that runs off the same overhead light system as your headlamp. No fumbling for a lantern at 9 p.m. when you are trying to find your ibuprofen or write in your trip log. Everything else is pure Copper Spur UL, which means HyperBead fabric, freestanding architecture, awning-style doors, and all the storage that makes this tent a home on trail. The mtnGLO version comes in 2P and 3P for trips where camp comfort is part of the objective.

Copper Spur UL2 mtnGLO

Copper Spur UL3 mtnGLO

Copper Spur UL Bikepack

Everything backpackers love about the award-winning Copper Spur UL, purpose-built for pedal-powered adventures. The 12" Shortstik Poleset packs down to fit bicycle handlebars, frames, or panniers, and color-coded TipLok buckles keep setup quick after a long day in the saddle. A dry bag stuff sack with integrated Big Hitch straps attaches to virtually any mounting point on your bike. Large vestibules handle packs, gear, and accessories, and the oversized interior helmet pocket keeps your lid accessible and off the ground. Available in 1P, 2P, and 3P depending on whether you are riding solo or bringing a crew.

Copper Spur UL1 Bikepack

Copper Spur UL2 Bikepack

Copper Spur UL3 Bikepack

Crag Lake SL Series

The Crag Lake SL is built for backpackers who care about where their gear comes from as much as how well it performs. Made from high-tenacity recycled regen robic double-ripstop nylon with a PFAS-free water-resistant finish, this is a genuinely sustainably produced superlight tent that does not ask you to sacrifice durability or weather protection. Two doors, two generous side vestibules, and a single poleset with a swivel hub means fast, reliable pitching on any terrain. A full mesh ceiling manages airflow and condensation on clear nights, and structured ventilation on the rainy fly roof keeps things breathable when the weather rolls in.

Crag Lake SL2

Crag Lake SL3

Salt Creek Series

Three doors. That is the Salt Creek's headline feature, and it changes how you use a tent in ways you do not fully appreciate until the third morning of a route when you can crawl out the door closest to your boots without disturbing anyone. An awning-style entrance, two side doors, steep walls, and 3D bin pockets transform this into a fully featured backpacking tent that feels like home in the outdoors. The four-way DAC hub (a lightweight aluminum pole junction made by Dongah Aluminum Company, the industry standard for ultralight tent architecture) and vertical wall design maximize interior shoulder space, and the Low Vent feature reduces condensation without full unzipping. At 4 lb 3 oz for the 2P it is not the lightest option here, but for comfort-oriented backpackers on group trips it earns its weight.

Salt Creek SL2

Salt Creek SL3

C Bar Series

The C Bar is the answer to a specific question: what do you buy when you want a quality, technical backpacking tent without spending Copper Spur money? Single-door streamlined architecture with a single DAC hub pole system for fast setup and tear-down, a dry entry/exit vestibule that keeps gear organized and dry, and the same recycled 75D polyester taffeta fly and floor construction as the rest of the lineup. Interior mesh pockets and an oversized ceiling pocket keep your camp organized, and at 3 lb 11 oz for the 2P it is a legitimate all-conditions backpacking shelter at an accessible price. Good for newer backpackers or experienced hikers looking for a solid workhorse without the premium price tag.

C Bar 2

C Bar 3

Blacktail Series

The Blacktail exists because not every camping trip is a sub-12-pound backpacking mission. Some trips involve four-legged friends, rainy afternoons inside the tent, and tentmates who appreciate not sleeping with their elbows in each other's faces. Burly recycled fabric, spacious sleeping areas, two side-entry doors, and two vestibules give you a genuinely comfortable base camp that is still light enough for occasional backpacking use. A TipLok Tent Buckle (a spring-loaded clip that locks the pole tip into the tent corner grommet, preventing blowouts in wind) provides secure pole tip capture, and Low Vent features on vestibule doors (zippered openings at the base of the fly that allow ground-level air circulation without unzipping the full door) keep airflow moving on warm nights. The symmetrical pole structure makes for fast, easy pitching even when you are tired at the end of a long day.

Blacktail 2

Blacktail 3

Blacktail 4

Blacktail Hotel

The Blacktail Hotel takes everything comfortable about the Blacktail and adds a seriously oversized pole-supported vestibule on one side. The kind of vestibule where you can actually store four full backpacks and still have room to sit out a rainstorm in your camp chair. Innovative fly design includes one extended, pole-supported side-entry vestibule and one quick-access vestibule. Two doors with smooth single-zipper access and two overhead fly vents keep the interior comfortable regardless of conditions. If your group always ends up crammed in the tent during afternoon thunderstorms, the Hotel layout fixes that problem directly.

Blacktail Hotel 2

Blacktail Hotel 3

Deluxe Car Camping Series

Not every tent needs to fit in a pack. When you are driving to the trailhead or heading to a dispersed campsite with more gear than you could carry in three trips, Big Agnes's deluxe car camping shelters give you a home base worth coming back to. Built with the same materials and construction quality as their backpacking lineup, but scaled up for families, groups, and anyone who wants a real roof over their camp. These tents earn serious campsite envy.

Big House

The Big House is a Big Agnes classic scaled up for family camping and group base camps. High-volume architecture with a high-airflow rainy fly, two large doors with dual-closure mesh windows, and eight interior mesh storage pockets give you a genuinely organized camp home. The optional Accessory Vestibule converts the front into a cavernous covered space that handles gear, bikes, and wet dogs with room to spare. A backpack-style carry bag makes hauling from car to site easier than any wheeled bag you have tried. The Big House is the tent road-tripping mountain bikers and family car campers come back to every season.

Big House 4

Big House 6

Bunk House

When inclement weather keeps everyone inside for the afternoon, the Bunk House earns its name. Full-coverage rainy fly, two large vestibules designed to maximize protected space for indoor activities and gear storage, two doors with dual-closure windows, and a mesh ceiling for stargazing on clear nights. The shelter mode set converts the oversized front vestibule into a spacious respite from sun and rain, turning the whole setup into a campground living room. At 6 ft 6 in head height in the 6P version, you can actually stand up inside. This is the tent that generates the most campsite comments from curious neighbors.

Bunk House 4

Bunk House 6

How to Choose a Big Agnes Tent

Four questions narrow the field quickly. Work through them in order and you will land on the right series without having to read every spec sheet.

Step 1: Decide how you are getting to camp. If you are backpacking or bikepacking, weight and packed size are the primary constraints. If you are car camping or base camping, they are not. Backpackers should look at the VST, Fly Creek UL, Tiger Wall, Copper Spur UL, Crag Lake SL, or C Bar series. Car campers should go straight to the Big House or Bunk House.

Step 2: Set a weight target. Under 2 lbs for a 2P tent means the VST or Tiger Wall Platinum. Under 3 lbs means the Tiger Wall UL or Copper Spur UL. Under 4 lbs means the Fly Creek UL, Crag Lake SL, or C Bar. If weight is not a constraint, the Blacktail or Salt Creek deliver more comfort for the trade-off.

Step 3: Choose freestanding or semi-freestanding. If you are camping on hard or rocky ground where staking is difficult, a freestanding tent is easier to pitch. The Copper Spur UL and Blacktail are freestanding. If you always have soft ground and want to save weight, semi-freestanding is fine. The Tiger Wall UL, VST series, and Fly Creek UL are semi-freestanding.

Step 4: Pick your capacity and confirm the fit. Big Agnes tent capacities are rated snugly. Two average-sized adults in a 2P tent will share the space comfortably but without luxury. For a 2P tent with real room, look at the Copper Spur UL2 XL or Tiger Wall UL2. For taller sleepers, the XL versions add meaningful length and peak height.

Which Big Agnes Tent Is Right for You?

Ten series is a lot to navigate. Here is the short version: if weight is the priority, start with the VST or Tiger Wall Platinum. If you want the best all-around three-season backpacking tent, the Copper Spur UL or Tiger Wall UL are the right answers. If you are 6 feet or taller, look at the Copper Spur UL XL. If you are bikepacking, there is a dedicated version of both the Tiger Wall and Copper Spur built for it. For comfort-first backpacking or base camp trips, the Blacktail or Salt Creek covers you. For car camping with a group, the Big House or Bunk House is the answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Big Agnes tent for backpacking? The Copper Spur UL2 is the most recommended Big Agnes tent for three-season backpacking. It is fully freestanding, weighs under two pounds in the 2P configuration, and has more livable interior space than any semi-freestanding tent in its weight class. The Tiger Wall UL2 is the better choice if you prioritize saving a few ounces and do not need a freestanding pitch.

What is the lightest Big Agnes tent? The Pitchpine VST 1.5 comes in at 1 lb 11 oz, making it the lightest shelter in the current Big Agnes lineup. The Tiger Wall Platinum 2P at 1 lb 14 oz is the lightest freestanding option. Both use HyperBead fabric technology and are built for fast-and-light missions where every ounce is a real cost.

What is the difference between the Tiger Wall UL and the Copper Spur UL? The Tiger Wall UL is semi-freestanding and uses a single-pole architecture, making it lighter and more packable. The Copper Spur UL is fully freestanding with a two-hub pole system, making it easier to pitch on any surface and slightly more livable inside. The Tiger Wall is the right call if weight is the priority. The Copper Spur is the right call if you want a home on trail.

What is the difference between the Copper Spur UL and the Copper Spur UL XL? The Copper Spur UL XL adds extra length, width, and peak height to the standard Copper Spur UL platform. The 2P XL is approximately 4 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the standard 2P, with more peak height for sitting up comfortably. It weighs roughly 6 oz more than the standard version. For anyone 6 feet or taller, the XL is the right choice.

What is the best Big Agnes tent for rain? Any Big Agnes tent with a full-coverage fly handles rain well. The Copper Spur UL and Tiger Wall UL both have large vestibules for gear storage and sealed seams for waterproof performance. The Blacktail Hotel adds an extended pole-supported vestibule that functions as a covered living space during heavy rain. For maximum rain coverage, the Bunk House car camping tent has a full-coverage fly and a vestibule large enough to camp inside during a storm.

Are Big Agnes tents good for four-season use? The standard VST, Tiger Wall, and Copper Spur series are rated three-season. They handle rain, wind, and shoulder-season snow well, but are not engineered for sustained winter camping or alpine conditions with heavy snowpack. For winter and alpine use, a four-season tent with a stronger pole structure and no mesh panels is the right tool.

How do I clean a Big Agnes tent? Set the tent up or lay it flat. Use a soft sponge or cloth with cold water and a small amount of non-detergent soap. Scrub gently, paying attention to the floor and any areas with ground contact. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Air dry completely before storing. Never machine wash, machine dry, or use bleach on a Big Agnes tent. Storing a damp tent causes mildew and degrades the fabric coating over time.

What Big Agnes tent is best for tall people? The Copper Spur UL XL adds extra length, width, and height to the standard Copper Spur platform. At 6 feet or taller, the standard Copper Spur UL and Tiger Wall series can feel cramped when sitting up or reaching for gear. The XL solves that without changing the tent's weight significantly or requiring a move to a heavier car camping model.

Is Big Agnes worth the money? Yes, for backpackers who camp regularly. Big Agnes tents use proprietary materials and construction methods that deliver meaningfully better weight-to-performance ratios than budget brands. The HyperBead fabric is more durable than standard DWR coatings over time, and the pole systems and seam construction hold up to seasons of hard use. If you camp a few nights a year, a mid-range tent is fine. If you are putting 20 or more nights a year on a shelter, the Big Agnes investment pays off.

What does mtnGLO mean on Big Agnes tents? mtnGLO is Big Agnes's integrated tent lighting system. LED strips are sewn into the tent ceiling and connect to a small battery pack. The system powers on with a toggle and provides enough light to read, organize gear, or move around camp without a headlamp or lantern. It adds a small amount of weight. The mtnGLO versions of the Copper Spur UL are the only current models in the backpacking lineup that include the system.

Find Your Tent and Get Back Out There

There is a Big Agnes tent for every style of camping on this list, from the 19.5 oz Fly Creek UL 1P for solo FKT attempts to the six-person Bunk House for family road trips. Whatever your mission, Campman stocks the full lineup with free shipping on orders over $50. Replace that sticky-zipped, musty-smelling tent before the season hits its stride and spend more time focused on what you came out there for.

About the Author

Derek Newman

Born in the Wasatch, Derek has had an affinity for mountain life since day one. He was on skis the year he learned to walk, and as a high school graduation present he gifted himself rock climbing lessons. Nearly two decades later, Derek spends most of his time climbing up and/or skiing down most of the mountains around Salt Lake City, and he’s traveled around the world multiple times for the sole purpose of peak exploration. When he isn’t a man about camp, he’s working in Campman’s content marketing crew writing up blogs about backcountry skiing or rock climbing as well as describing products that he’s used personally.

Wasatch Front

The Wasatach Front is the closest trail-filled area to Salt Lake City's downtown, and it's the first to open up post-winter. It stays below 5,500 feet for most of its accessible stretches, which means it sheds snow and dries out weeks ahead of anything higher. By mid-March, sections are already dusty underfoot.

Bonneville Shoreline Trail — Dry Creek to Rattlesnake Gulch

Distance: ~5 miles out-and-back  |  Difficulty: Easy–Moderate  |  Sun/Shade: Full Sun  |  Dogs: Friendly (On Leash)

The stretch between Dry Creek and Rattlesnake Gulch gives you rolling, south-facing terrain with panoramic city views and consistent footing from the moment the snow drops. Expect near-full sun exposure all day, and bring more water than you think you need this time of year. Dogs are welcome on leash, and the wide tread makes it easy to share with trail runners and mountain bikers. This one fills up fast on weekends, so a weekday start beats the parking chaos at the 1300 East trailhead.

The Living Room

Distance: 3.5 miles out-and-back  |  Difficulty: Moderate  |  Sun/Shade: Full Sun  |  Dogs: Friendly (On Leash)

Named for the collection of sandstone "furniture" locals have assembled at the top, the Living Room is the BST's most iconic short objective, and one of the first trails in the entire valley to go snow-free. The south-facing slope bakes dry by early March most years, making it a reliable early-season option when everything else is still a mud pit. The climb is steady and exposed, gaining about 1,100 feet over 1.75 miles, with the city spread out below you the whole way up. It's a high-traffic trail by SLC standards, especially on evenings and weekends, but the view from the top at golden hour is hard to argue with. The 1825 Devonshire Drive trailhead fills quickly. Arrive before 8am or plan to park a few blocks down and walk in.

Millcreek Canyon

Millcreek is a smaller, overlooked canyon of Salt Lake Valley. It's accessible, well-maintained, and complete with riverside picnics perfect for post-hike stretches. By April, the lower trails are fully open and the middle elevations are melting fast. These two routes deliver the biggest views per mile of anything this close to the city.

Grandeur Peak — Church Fork Approach

Distance: 6.6 miles out-and-back  |  Difficulty: Strenuous  |  Sun/Shade: Mixed Sun / Shade  |  Dogs: Odd-Numbered Days Only

At 8,299 feet, Grandeur is the spring objective for SLC locals who want a real summit without driving deep into the mountains. The Church Fork approach climbs through oak brush and maple, with shaded switchbacks keeping it manageable even when temperatures start climbing. Expect some lingering snow on the upper quarter through mid-April. Note Millcreek's odd/even dog policy: dogs are allowed on odd-numbered calendar days only, and this is actively enforced.

Salt Lake Overlook

Distance: 3.6 miles out-and-back  |  Difficulty: Moderate  |  Sun/Shade: Partial Shade  |  Dogs: Odd-Numbered Days Only

For a shorter morning hit with above-average payoff, the Salt Lake Overlook delivers sweeping valley views without demanding a full summit push. The trail climbs steadily but never brutally, making it a smart choice for early-season shakeout hikes or when you're breaking in new boots. Same dog policy as Grandeur applies.

Mount Olympus

The twin limestone peaks of Mount Olympus are visible from half the valley, and in spring, the lower flanks are among the first objectives to clear. Whether you want a full-day summit push or a quick canyon ramble, this zone earns its rep.

Mount Olympus Trail

Distance: 7.8 miles out-and-back  |  Difficulty: Strenuous  |  Sun/Shade: Mostly Sun  |  Dogs: Leashed

Don't let the trailhead elevation fool you. Olympus asks for nearly 4,000 feet of gain in under 4 miles one-way, and the upper section involves Class 2–3 scrambling over quartzite slabs that can hold ice well into April. Traction devices earn their weight on the summit approach until the snowpack fully settles. The views from the top: Jordan Valley to the west, Cottonwood drainages to the south... make every foot of it worth the effort.

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon is Salt Lake's alpine anchor. The Solitude and Brighton resort corridor is what most locals think of first when the snow flies. But spring shifts the focus to the canyon mouth and its lower drainages, which open up weeks before the high terrain does. A heads-up: the Cottonwood Canyon watershed protects Salt Lake City's primary drinking water supply, so dogs are prohibited throughout the entire drainage. No exceptions.

Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail

Distance: ~5 miles out-and-back  |  Difficulty: Easy–Moderate  |  Sun/Shade: Mixed Sun / Shade  |  Dogs: Not Permitted (Watershed)

The lower canyon trail follows the creek through cottonwood and maple forest, with the snowmelt-fed creek running full-tilt by April. It's a mellow, high-reward route early in the season. Shaded sections keep temperatures reasonable, and the sound of rushing water makes it feel more remote than the trailhead proximity suggests. Excellent for trail runners doing long moderate miles before the high-country trails open.

Ferguson Canyon

Distance: 3.4 miles out-and-back  |  Difficulty: Moderate  |  Sun/Shade: Shaded, North-Facing  |  Dogs: Leashed

Ferguson is the sleeper pick in this zone. A north-facing drainage that packs surprising technical character: a few rocky scramble sections, creek crossings that can be wet through May, and dramatic quartzite walls that block out any sense you're still in the suburbs. The trail dead-ends at the canyon headwall, which makes it naturally self-limiting and keeps crowds manageable even on spring weekends. Start early if you want solitude; this one's been getting out more lately. Since Ferguson sits right outside Big, dogs are allowed in this non-watershed area.

Watershed Note: Both Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Canyons sit within Salt Lake City's primary drinking water watershed. Dogs, swimming, and wading are prohibited throughout both drainages. This isn't a soft guideline. Rangers enforce it, and the fines are real. Leave your dog home for any Cottonwood Canyon objective.

Little Cottonwood Canyon

Little Cottonwood is tighter, steeper, and more dramatic than its sister canyon. Granite walls that drop straight to the canyon floor, a road that narrows to a single lane, and snowpack that lingers at elevation well into May. But the lower trail opens reliably by early April, and Bell Canyon, which is technically off the LCC floor, and it is one of the best moderate spring objectives in the whole valley.

Temple Quarry & Little Cottonwood Trail

Distance: ~6 miles out-and-back  |  Difficulty: Moderate  |  Sun/Shade: Morning Shade / Afternoon Sun  |  Dogs: Not Permitted (Watershed)

The lower LCC trail tracks the stream through spectacular granite terrain, with the canyon walls throwing shade until midmorning before the sun angles in from the south. The spring wildflower display along the lower two miles is legitimately excellent. Glacier lily and balsamroot come in fast after snowmelt. Trail runners who do this as a tempo workout before the ski season ends are doing something right.

Bell Canyon Trail (Lower & Upper Reservoir)

Distance: 5 miles out-and-back (Lower) / 8 miles (Upper)  |  Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous  |  Sun/Shade: Mixed, Mostly Sun Upper  |  Dogs: Friendly (On Leash)

Bell Canyon is the one to bookmark for the dog. Accessed off the Granite Trailhead just east of the LCC corridor, the trail climbs past two reservoir tiers with big views and manageable grade. The lower reservoir is achievable for most fitness levels, and the upper pushes into serious spring-summit territory. The upper basin holds snow into May, so poles and traction are smart after heavy winters. The Bell Canyon area has seen increased trail traffic lately. Weekday starts or pre-8am arrivals are your best bet for parking and quiet.

Spring Trail Essentials

Lower-elevation trails dry out fast, but conditions change day-to-day in April. Trail runners and approach shoes with sticky rubber outsoles are the right call for canyon trails. And bring layers! Mornings in the canyons can run 20°F colder than the valley floor.

Not sure what to put on your feet this spring? Shop hiking footwear at Campman — we carry everything from light trail runners to approach shoes built for Wasatch terrain, and you can even come into our store to try them on before buying!

About the Author

Derek Newman

Born in the Wasatch, Derek has had an affinity for mountain life since day one. He was on skis the year he learned to walk, and as a high school graduation present he gifted himself rock climbing lessons. Nearly two decades later, Derek spends most of his time climbing up and/or skiing down most of the mountains around Salt Lake City, and he's traveled around the world multiple times for the sole purpose of peak exploration. When he isn't a man about camp, he's working in Campman's content marketing crew writing up blogs about backcountry skiing or rock climbing as well as describing products that he's used personally. He's climbed in most climbing shoes, toured on most backcountry skis, and ridden the resort on skis, snowboards, and even some evac sleds.

What Is R-Value in a Sleeping Pad?

R-value measures a sleeping pad's resistance to heat flow. A higher R-value means more insulation between you and the ground. The scale is standardized under ASTM F3340-18, meaning R-values from different brands are directly comparable. An R-value of 1 to 2 is suitable for warm-weather camping. An R-value of 3 to 4 covers three-season backpacking. An R-value of 5 or higher is appropriate for cold-weather and winter camping. Both the NEMO Eclipse at R-6.2 and the Exped Ultra 6.5R at R-6.5 are in four-season territory and rated for camping in temperatures well below freezing.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Comfort

The NEMO Eclipse is the most comfort-forward pad NEMO has ever built. At 4 inches thick, it is the tallest air pad in their lineup, with longitudinal Spaceframe baffles (a proprietary baffle architecture that uses low-stretch trusses running the length of the pad to eliminate the springy, unstable feel of standard horizontal baffles and distribute body weight evenly across the surface) that eliminate springiness and distribute weight evenly. The surface is subtly contoured, creating a cradle effect that keeps you centered through the night. Side sleepers especially will notice the difference — hip and shoulder pressure that would wake you up on a thinner pad simply does not happen here.

The Exped Ultra 6.5R comes in at 3.5 inches thick with a horizontal baffle construction and raised Comfort Cradle side rails (foam-reinforced edges that run the length of the pad and act as a lateral buffer, preventing you from rolling off during sleep) that act as a lateral buffer. It is a flatter, more uniform sleep surface — excellent for back sleepers who prefer a stable platform. Both pads are genuinely comfortable, but the Eclipse's extra loft gives it the edge for pressure-point sleepers.

The Eclipse is also quieter than the Ultra, which improves the overall backcountry sleeping experience when sharing a tent.

Advantage: NEMO Eclipse

Versatility

The Eclipse comes in three rectangular sizes (Regular, Regular Wide, Long Wide) and a single R-Value, which covers most body types and sleep styles. The Exped Ultra 6.5R goes further — six configurations total, with mummy and rectangle shapes in medium, medium-wide, and long-wide, plus a duo option for shared tent footprints on ski traverses or basecamp trips. The Ultra is also available in multiple R-values for winter and three-season use. That lineup depth gives the Exped a real advantage for people with specific needs, and the mummy shape is a better fit for tight single-person alpine tents.

Advantage: Exped Ultra

Inflation

Both pads include pump bags that keep moisture out of the interior — important for long-term insulation performance. NEMO's Vortex pump sack (a dedicated inflation bag that captures and compresses air into the pad without introducing breath moisture, which degrades insulation over time) inflates the Eclipse in about 5 to 6 fills. The Laylow valve (a low-profile single-port valve that sits flush with the pad surface for easy micro-adjustments without snagging your sleeping bag) makes fine-tuning firmness straightforward. The Exped's Schnozzel Pumpbag (a dual-purpose inflation bag that doubles as a waterproof compression sack for packing the pad down) is a genuine bonus at the end of a cold night. Its FlatValve system (a two-port valve design with separate IN and OUT openings that allows one-handed inflation and deflation — useful when wearing gloves) uses separate IN and OUT ports, slightly more intuitive than a single valve, especially with gloves on.

Advantage: Draw — NEMO is faster to inflate; Exped's pump bag pulls double duty.

R-Value

The Eclipse uses two suspended layers of NEMO's Thermal Mirror reflective film (a metalized polyester film suspended inside each baffle that reflects radiant heat back toward your body rather than allowing it to conduct through to the ground) inside each Spaceframe baffle to hit its R-6.2 rating — warmer than NEMO's own Tensor All-Season at R-5.4 and solidly in four-season territory. The Exped Ultra 6.5R uses SynMat Plus Technology (a hybrid insulation system pairing recycled Texpedloft synthetic microfiber with reflective foil layers — the microfiber adds loft and warmth while the foil blocks radiant heat loss, and the combination is noticeably quieter than pure foil designs), delivering an R-6.5 rating. If you are regularly camping in single-digit temps or on snow, that extra insulation headroom is worth having.

Advantage: Exped Ultra 6.5R

Weight

Rectangle-to-rectangle, these pads are essentially tied — the Eclipse Regular comes in at 1 lb 0 oz, the Exped Medium Rectangle at 1 lb 0.4 oz. Where the Exped separates itself is in the mummy configuration: the medium mummy weighs just 12 oz, making it one of the lightest ways to get this level of warmth into the mountains. The Eclipse is rectangular only, so if you are willing to sleep in a mummy shape, the Exped has a real weight advantage.

Advantage: Exped Ultra 6.5R — dead heat on rectangles, clear win in the mummy.

Packed Size

The Eclipse rolls down to roughly 9.5 inches by 4.5 inches — about the size of a tall Nalgene. Impressive for a 4-inch pad. The Exped packs down slightly smaller at approximately 9 inches by 4 inches in the medium rectangle, and smaller still in the mummy. When you are already carrying crampons, an ice axe, and a bivy, every inch counts. Neither pad will dominate your pack, but the Exped has the edge when space is tight.

Advantage: Exped Ultra 6.5R

How to Choose Between the NEMO Eclipse and Exped Ultra 6.5R

The right pad depends on four variables. Work through them in order.

Step 1: What temperature range are you camping in? Both pads are rated for four-season use, but the Exped Ultra at R-6.5 has a meaningful edge for camping on snow or in sustained single-digit temps. If you are three-season only and rarely see temps below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, the Eclipse at R-6.2 is adequate.

Step 2: How do you sleep? Side sleepers put more pressure on hips and shoulders. The Eclipse's 4-inch loft and contoured baffles are built for this and will feel noticeably more comfortable than the Exped's flatter profile. Back sleepers tend to sleep equally well on both.

Step 3: How tight is your shelter? If you are sleeping in a one-person alpine tent or a tight bivy, the Exped Ultra's mummy configuration uses significantly less floor space and weighs 4 oz less than the lightest Eclipse. If you have a standard two-person tent with room to spare, shape does not matter.

Step 4: What is your budget? The Eclipse is $160. The Exped Ultra is $200. If both pads otherwise suit your needs equally, the Eclipse is the better value. If the Exped's mummy shape, higher R-value, or lifetime warranty tip the decision, the extra $40 is easy to justify over the life of the pad.

Conclusion

These are two of the best all-season sleeping pads available right now, and the right choice comes down to what you are optimizing for.

If comfort is the priority — if you are a side sleeper, if long days leave your hips and shoulders talking, or if you just want to feel genuinely rested in the backcountry — the NEMO Eclipse is the move. The 4-inch loft and contoured baffles are hard to beat at this weight class, and at $160 it is the better value for three-season-plus backpackers.

If you are pushing into serious cold — ski traverses, shoulder-season alpine objectives, or anywhere the temps regularly hit single digits — the Exped Ultra is the smarter investment. The higher R-value ceiling, quieter insulation, mummy option, and lifetime warranty make it the right tool for the job. It is $200, but it earns it.

NEMO Eclipse All-Season Sleeping Pad

Exped Ultra 6.5R Sleeping Pad

Frequently Asked Questions

What R-value do I need for a sleeping pad? For warm-weather camping above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, R-1 to R-2 is sufficient. For three-season backpacking in temps down to 20 degrees, R-3 to R-4 is the standard. For cold-weather and winter camping below 20 degrees, R-5 or higher is appropriate. The NEMO Eclipse at R-6.2 and the Exped Ultra at R-6.5 are both four-season rated and suitable for camping on snow.

Is the NEMO Eclipse or Exped Ultra better for side sleepers? The NEMO Eclipse is better for side sleepers. Its 4-inch loft and longitudinal Spaceframe baffles create a contoured cradle effect that relieves hip and shoulder pressure. The Exped Ultra's flatter 3.5-inch profile is better suited to back sleepers who prefer a stable, uniform surface.

What is the difference between the NEMO Eclipse and the NEMO Tensor? The Eclipse is NEMO's comfort-focused, high-loft pad designed for four-season use, with 4-inch Spaceframe baffles and an R-6.2 rating. The Tensor is a lighter, thinner pad optimized for packability in three-season conditions, with a lower R-value. The Eclipse is warmer and more comfortable; the Tensor is lighter and more packable.

Does the Exped Ultra 6.5R come in a rectangle shape? Yes. The Exped Ultra 6.5R is available in both mummy and rectangle shapes, in medium, medium-wide, and long-wide sizes, plus a duo option. The rectangle version is closer to the NEMO Eclipse in profile and feel. The mummy version is lighter and packs smaller, making it the better choice for weight-conscious alpine objectives.

How do I inflate the NEMO Eclipse without moisture getting inside? Use the included Vortex pump sack rather than blowing into the valve directly with your mouth. Breath moisture condenses inside the pad over time and degrades the insulation. The Vortex pump sack captures ambient air and inflates the pad in 5 to 6 fills without introducing moisture.

What is the Exped Ultra 6.5R warranty? Exped offers a lifetime warranty on the Ultra 6.5R covering manufacturing defects. This is a meaningful advantage over pads that offer only one- or two-year warranties, particularly for a pad used in demanding alpine conditions where material stress is higher.

Can I use these pads for car camping? Yes, both pads work for car camping, but neither is optimized for it. Both are designed for backcountry use where weight and packed size matter. For car camping, a thicker, larger self-inflating pad or air mattress will typically provide more comfort at a lower cost. That said, the NEMO Eclipse's 4-inch loft is genuinely comfortable for car camping use if you already own it.

Which pad is better for ski mountaineering and winter camping? The Exped Ultra 6.5R is the better choice for ski mountaineering and winter camping. The R-6.5 rating provides more insulation headroom than the Eclipse's R-6.2 in sustained cold, the mummy shape reduces floor space requirements in a tight bivy or small alpine tent, and the lightweight configuration at 12 oz in the medium mummy makes it more compatible with a fast-and-light ski mountaineering kit.

About the Author

Derek Newman

Born in the Wasatch, Derek has had an affinity for mountain life since day one. He was on skis the year he learned to walk, and as a high school graduation present he gifted himself rock climbing lessons. Nearly two decades later, Derek spends most of his time climbing up and/or skiing down most of the mountains around Salt Lake City, and he’s traveled around the world multiple times for the sole purpose of peak exploration. When he isn’t a man about camp, he’s working in Campman’s content marketing crew writing up blogs about backcountry skiing or rock climbing as well as describing products that he’s used personally. He’s climbed in most climbing shoes, toured on most backcountry skis, and ridden the resort on skis, snowboards, and even some evac sleds.

This guide covers the best approach shoes for Utah’s terrain, organized by how and where you’re climbing. Whether you’re moving through the granite of Little Cottonwood, linking sport routes at American Fork Canyon, or hauling gear to a Fisher Tower off-width, there’s a shoe here that fits the mission.

Best All-Round: SCARPA Rapid XT

One weekend it’s granite in Little Cottonwood, the next it’s red rock in Moab. If you could only own one pair of approach shoes and needed them to handle everything from brushy trail miles to slabby third-class scrambles, the SCARPA Rapid XT is the one.

Miles of mixed trail, a creek crossing, 200 feet of class-three scrambling, and you haven’t even started the actual climb yet. The Rapid XT was built for that day. The tough suede upper and full perimeter rand hold up through brush and talus, the wide ergonomic toe shape stays comfortable across long hours, and Vibram Megagrip on an Agility XT tread gives you real friction on granite slabs in the morning and warm sandstone faces in the afternoon. One shoe, everywhere in Utah.

Men’s

Women’s

Also in the Rapid Family: More Options for Every Condition

The Rapid XT is the sweet spot, but SCARPA built an entire family around it. If you’re climbing in the Cottonwoods through shoulder season when snow and wet rock are part of the equation, the Rapid XT Mid GTX Boot adds ankle support and a GORE-TEX membrane for waterproof breathable protection in a mid-cut silhouette. For hot desert days at Maple Canyon or summer crags where weight and breathability are the priority, the Rapid LT Shoe strips things down to a mostly mesh upper with TPU overlays, making it SCARPA’s lightest and most ventilated approach option. Same Vibram Megagrip grip, significantly less shoe.

Desert: La Sportiva TX4 Evo

The approach to Ancient Art in Fisher Towers is loose sand, slickrock, and chunky boulders before you touch the actual climb. Indian Creek is long flat dirt miles followed by coarse sandstone. For Utah desert terrain, a mesh upper and a sole that can edge on warm rock is the winning formula.

When the approach to a Moab tower involves loose sand, slickrock, and a few hundred feet of fourth-class before you ever clip a bolt, you want the TX4 Evo on your feet. The nubuck leather upper is bomber and molds to your foot over time, a recycled air-mesh lining keeps airflow moving on hot desert days, and the wider forefoot gives your toes room after miles of hiking. The Vibram Megagrip outsole with Climbing Zone Platform handles slabby edging that most approach shoes can’t touch, and the patented Resole Platform means you can rebuild the sole rather than replace the shoe when the miles add up.

Men’s

Women’s

Hybrid: SCARPA Mojito

Gym in the morning, sport crag at American Fork in the evening, coffee somewhere in between. The SCARPA Mojito has been filling that role for Utah climbers for years.

The Mojito handles that whole day without you wishing you had packed something else. The soft suede upper molds to your foot over time, the lacing runs close to the toe for a snug climbing-inspired fit, and a rubber toe rand adds grip and protection when the trail gets scramble-y. Vibram Spyder covers wet pavement, light trail, and slick rock with the same quiet competence. SCARPA’s best-selling casual shoe for a reason.

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Women’s

Bouldering: SCARPA Crux

Little Cottonwood is serious business. Sharp granite, steep talus, wet slabs, and you are sometimes climbing moderate rock in your approach shoes before you ever put a harness on. The Crux handles it. Abrasion-resistant suede upper, full-coverage rubber toe rand, lace-to-toe fit, and Vibram Megagrip outsole, this is the shoe that trad climbers and boulderers keep coming back to because it just does not wear out.

SCARPA’s most versatile and durable approach shoe, built to take whatever Little Cottonwood and Joe's throw at it and come back for more. The suede upper resists abrasion across talus and brush, the rand wraps the forefoot for real protection, and the lace-to-toe system cinches everything down when footwork matters. Vibram Megagrip gives you the friction to trust your feet on granite slabs.

Men’s

Women’s

Alpine: La Sportiva TX4 Evo Mid GTX

Not every day in the Wasatch is a quick cragging session. Lone Peak, Pfeifferhorn, and Kyhv Peak: these are areas with real mileage, real pack weight, and real weather. A mid-cut, waterproof boot earns its place here.

The TX4 Evo Mid GTX takes everything that makes the low-cut TX4 Evo the go-to desert approach shoe and adds a mid-cut collar and GORE-TEX Extended Comfort membrane for waterproof breathable protection on bigger days. When you are hauling a rack up a long approach in the Wasatch with snowmelt still running across the trail, or scrambling third-class terrain in variable weather above treeline, the added ankle support and weatherproofing change the equation. Nubuck leather upper, Vibram Megagrip with Climbing Zone Platform, and the same Resole Platform for long-term durability. All the TX4 Evo grip and precision, built for the mountains.

Men’s

New Gear: Salewa Wildfire NXT Approach Shoe

The Salewa Wildfire NXT is the newest approach shoe to earn a spot on the rack, and it brings a different construction philosophy than the leather-and-suede crowd. Built for speed hiking from the trailhead to the climb, it is light, aggressive, and technical from the ground up.

The Wildfire NXT is Salewa’s most advanced approach shoe, and the construction shows it. A seamless Matryx upper reinforced with Kevlar-cabled 3F System wraps the ankle and outer foot for stability without adding bulk. The Gravity rand protects against rock and scree on the approach, and an NXT midsole handles impact so a fast stride stays comfortable under load. Vibram Megagrip molded into a Salewa All-Terrain tread gives you precise edging and confident traction across everything Utah throws at it, wet or dry. If your approach days look more like a fast push than a slow hike, this is the shoe built for that pace.

Men’s

Women’s

The Right Shoe for the Right Terrain

Pick the shoe that matches where you are actually going. All of them are available at Campman.com, and shipping is free on orders over $50.

About the Author

Derek Newman

Born in the Wasatch, Derek has had an affinity for mountain life since day one. He was on skis the year he learned to walk, and as a high school graduation present he gifted himself rock climbing lessons. Nearly two decades later, Derek spends most of his time climbing up and/or skiing down most of the mountains around Salt Lake City, and he's traveled around the world multiple times for the sole purpose of peak exploration. When he isn't a man about camp, he's working in Campman's content marketing crew writing up blogs about backcountry skiing or rock climbing as well as describing products that he's used personally. He's climbed in most climbing shoes, toured on most backcountry skis, and ridden the resort on skis, snowboards, and even some evac sleds.

Whether you’re running Class IV whitewater, linking creek crossings on a backcountry trail, or grabbing coffee at the takeout in shoes you can wear all day, there’s an Astral shoe for you in this collection. Here’s a breakdown by use category to help you find your perfect pair.

Hybrid: The Shoes That Do Everything

Some days you don’t know if you’re going on the water, through the water, or just near it. Astral’s hybrid shoes are built for exactly that ambiguity — equally comfortable in a cockpit, on a trail, or at the taproom at the end of the day. These are the sneakers that river people reach for when they’re not sure what the day holds.

Astral Loyak — Barefoot-Like Do-It-All

Best Use: Water, Casual, Boat, Travel  |  Weight: 7.5 oz  |  Drop: 0mm  |  Outsole: Flex Grip G.15 Rubber

The Loyak is Astral’s best-selling shoe — and it’s not hard to see why. Available in Men's & Women's versions, this is the shoe that goes everywhere without complaint. Canvas upper, drainage ports, barefoot-like Balanced Geometry, G.15 rubber outsole — it checks every box. But the Loyak’s real talent is that it looks like a casual sneaker and handles whatever a paddler’s day throws at it.

The zero-drop Level Footbed and wider toe box give it a feel that most shoes can’t match, and the removable closed-cell EVA midsole dries quickly. A flexible, roll-up design packs into the tightest cockpits and fits in a full dry bag without sacrificing space. It dries fast, it grips well, and it looks good doing it. New Women’s colorways for Spring 2026 include Pomegranate Red and Light Black.

Men’s

Women’s

Astral Brewer 3.0 — Hybrid Summer Sneaker Water Shoe

Best Use: Water, Casual, Lifestyle  |  Drop: 0mm  |  Stack Height: 17.5mm  |  Outsole: Granite Grip G.SS Rubber

The Brewer 3.0 lives at the intersection of serious water performance and everyday sneaker style. It’s got everything a dedicated kayaker needs — quick-drying recycled canvas upper, drainage ports that keep silt out, Granite Grip G.SS rubber for wet/dry traction — wrapped up in a sneaker profile that doesn’t look out of place anywhere you’d wear regular shoes.

The built-in luxury liner with soft foam and smooth fabric elevates the everyday comfort significantly compared to a pure water shoe. Astral updated the heel-lock this season for better security in the river, and the wider-than-usual toe box (even for Astral) gives full barefoot freedom. At 17.5mm stack height, there’s enough cushioning to be on your feet all day. This is the shoe for people who want one pair that handles paddling and life with equal enthusiasm.

Casual: River DNA, Everyday Ready

Not every day is a paddle day — but that doesn’t mean you have to leave Astral’s engineering behind. These shoes bring the same Balanced Geometry, G.15 rubber, and barefoot-inspired design to everyday wear. They’re perfect for the paddler who wants footwear that matches their off-river lifestyle as well as their on-river one.

Astral Loyak All Weather — All-Weather Best-Seller

Best Use: Casual, Lifestyle, Travel  |  Weight: 9 oz  |  Drop: 0mm  |  Membrane: PFAS-Free Waterproof Breathable

The Loyak All Weather answers the question: “What if the Loyak didn’t care about rain?” A PFAS-free waterproof, breathable membrane sits inside a 100% recycled polyester canvas upper, giving you all the barefoot-like feel and casual good looks of the original Loyak with real weather protection built in. This is the year-round version of Astral’s best-seller — the shoe you reach for when you’re not sure what the weather is doing but you know you want to stay comfortable.

G.15 rubber Flex Grip outsole handles wet surfaces with the same grip Astral puts on their water shoes — because at the end of the day, wet is wet, whether that’s rain or a river. The fully recycled canvas upper packs down so well you can roll the All Weather into a ball for compact storage in a travel bag. Zero drop, wider toe box, removable sockliner — all the Loyak hallmarks are present, just made for consistently wet conditions.

Astral Loyak EZ HT — Everyday Barefoot Shoe (New for SS26)

Best Use: Casual, Travel  |  Weight: 7 oz  |  Drop: 0mm  |  Upper: 77% Hemp / 23% Recycled Polyester

The Loyak EZ HT is the most laid-back shoe in the entire collection, and it earns that vibe by design. The “EZ” refers to the step-down heel — no bending over to put these on. The “HT” stands for HempTech, Astral’s natural fiber blend of 77% hemp and 23% recycled polyester, which makes for an upper that’s breathable, durable, odor-resistant, and temperature-regulating in a way that synthetic materials simply can’t replicate.

This is the shoe for boat deck hangs, camp mornings, post-paddle errands, and travel days when you want your feet to breathe. It still has the full Loyak barefoot geometry — zero drop, wider toe box, flexible outsole — and Astral’s G.15 Flex Grip rubber for traction on wet and dry surfaces. It’s a genuinely different feel from a conventional casual shoe, and once you’ve worn natural hemp canvas on a hot summer day, it’s hard to go back.

Trail: From the Trailhead to the Takeout

River runners and trail hikers aren’t that different — both need footwear that handles unpredictable terrain, performs when wet, and doesn’t weigh their feet down. Astral’s trail lineup is engineered for exactly that overlap. These shoes go as hard on the trail as they do approaching the water, and a few of them don’t even flinch when the trail leads straight into a river.

Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0 — High Performance Trail Shoe

Best Use: Hiking, Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, Trail Running  |  Weight: 10.7 oz  |  Drop: 0mm  |  Outsole: G.15 Rubber Trail Grip

The TR1 Mesh 2.0 is Astral’s go-to for summer hiking and thru-hiking — light, airy, and built around Astralite SuperCritical Foam, a nitrogen-infused midsole material that’s cleaner to produce than EVA, lighter, tougher, and more responsive underfoot. When you’re 15 miles into a day, that responsiveness translates directly to less fatigue.

The 100% recycled 3D mesh upper is ventilated for hot days and drains quickly when you wade a creek crossing, making this one of the most genuinely amphibious trail shoes in the lineup. A Top Shank adds stability without rigidity, and G.15 rubber delivers wet/dry traction with the kind of durability that outlasts a summer season. Zero drop, wide toe box — your foot runs naturally even on technical terrain. New for Spring 2026: available in Silver Pine.

Astral Techyak — Minimalist Outdoor Fitness Shoe

Best Use: Hiking, Exploring, Outdoor Fitness  |  Weight: 10 oz  |  Drop: 0mm  |  Outsole: Trail Grip 2, G.15 Rubber

The Techyak is the most innovative shoe in the trail lineup, and it centers on one killer feature: a Rechargeable Drop-In Midsole. This removable EVA insert pulls out so you can dry it independently from the upper, completely changing the equation on wet-condition hiking and multi-day trips. You’re not managing one soggy shoe — you’re cycling fresh midsoles.

The Biodynamic Shape offers the widest toe box in Astral’s family, letting your toes splay naturally even on technical, uneven ground. Trail Grip 2 outsole with G.15 rubber is stitched to the upper for maximum durability — this shoe is built to go the distance. The 100% recycled 3D mesh upper is reinforced around the medial, toe, and heel. Also available in Silver Pine for Spring 2026.

Astral TR1 Merge 2.0 — Amphibious Hiking Boot

Best Use: Hiking, Thru-Hiking, Water, Travel  |  Weight: 10.7 oz  |  Drop: 0mm  |  Outsole: Trail Grip G.15 Rubber

If you have one pair of shoes for a river trip that involves serious hiking — canyon hikes to the put-in, portages over boulder fields, recon hikes at camp — the TR1 Merge 2.0 is that shoe. It’s a mid-top hiking boot with Astral’s full trail performance platform — Astralite foam, Top Shank, G.15 Trail Grip rubber — but the canvas upper is equipped with drainage ports so it handles river immersion as naturally as it handles a dusty switchback.

Ankle padding and TPU reinforcements give it protection where a pure water shoe falls short, and the eTPU sockliner with EVA heel cup means all-day comfort whether you’re hiking out to the car after a long float or approaching a remote put-in with a loaded pack. It’s equally at home on wet and dry terrain — and it dries faster than you’d expect from a boot. The TR1 Merge 2.0 earns the description ‘amphibious’ honestly.

Astral TR1 Sensi HT — High-Performing Trail Shoe (New for SS26)

Best Use: Hiking, Backpacking, Trail Running  |  Weight: 9.1 oz  |  Drop: 0mm  |  Outsole: G.15 Rubber, 2.5mm Hexagonal Lugs

The newest addition to the trail family, the TR1 Sensi HT brings natural materials into Astral’s most technical trail platform. The HempTech upper — a blend of 77% hemp and 23% recycled polyester — delivers breathability that synthetic uppers simply can’t match. Hemp is naturally cooling, antimicrobial, and temperature-regulating, which means these shoes feel better the harder conditions get.

Under that organic exterior, the TR1 Sensi HT runs full Astralite TPE foam and a Top Shank for impact absorption, G.15 rubber with 2.5mm hexagonal center lugs for superior trail traction, and the same zero-drop Balanced Geometry as the rest of the TR1 family. This is not a compromise shoe — it’s a performance shoe with a cleaner, more responsible construction. Available in Salty White, Silver Pine, and Light Black.

Water: Built for the River, Ready for Wherever It Takes You

If your footwear lives in a dry bag between trips, this is your section. Astral’s water shoe lineup is purpose-built for paddlers — quick-draining, grippy on wet rock, and designed to survive the kind of abuse only a river can dish out. But none of them feel like a penalty. These shoes are light enough that you’ll forget you’re wearing them until you really need them.

Astral Rassler 2.0 — Light Water Boot

Best Use: Water, Kayaking  |  Weight: 9 oz  |  Drop: 0mm  |  Outsole: G.SS Rubber

Ask any dedicated kayaker about their Rasslers and prepare yourself for a long conversation. The Rassler 2.0 is the shoe for people who are in and out of the water constantly — the daily paddlers, the raft guides, the folks who show up at the put-in before the sun does. It’s built specifically for river enthusiasts who need more protection and support than a standard water shoe provides.

Ankle padding and TPU toe reinforcements add durability and security without adding bulk. The Granite Grip outsole runs G.SS rubber — Astral’s softest, grippiest compound — which is exactly what you want when you’re scrambling over wet rocks during a portage or trying to find purchase on a slick eddy shelf. The canvas upper drains fast, and the drainage ports keep debris out even when you’re wading through shallows. With a barefoot-like feel thanks to the zero-drop Level Footbed and wide toe box, this shoe disappears on your foot while delivering serious performance. It’s the shoe paddlers reach for on their most serious river days — and the one they forget to take off when they get home.

Astral Hiyak — Modern Water Bootie

Best Use: Water, Boat  |  Weight: 9.8 oz  |  Drop: 0mm  |  Outsole: G.SS Rubber

Cold-water paddlers, listen up. The Hiyak is Astral’s answer to the neoprene bootie — except it dries faster, breathes better, and doesn’t smell like a locker room after a season of use. A 3mm quilted spacer mesh liner traps air between your foot and the hydrophobic shell, creating insulation without neoprene. This is a genuinely different approach, and it works especially well on early-season runs when snowmelt is still in the mix.

The G.SS rubber outsole is Astral’s softest and grippiest compound, which matters when you’re scrambling on wet riverbank rocks during a portage or eddy-hopping in slick shale. Drainage ports and a hook-and-loop strap keep water moving out and the shoe staying put. The zero-drop Level Footbed gives it a barefoot-like feel even in a mid-top silhouette. Think of it as your spring creek shoe — or your go-to for early-season runs where cold feet are more than just uncomfortable.

Astral Loyak AC — Air Conditioned Water Shoe

Best Use: Kayaking, SUP, Rafting, Water Hikes, Beach, Sailing, Fishing  |  Weight: 6.9 oz  |  Drop: 0mm  |  Outsole: G.15 Rubber

When the sun is hammering and the water is warm, the Loyak AC is how you keep your cool. It takes the DNA of Astral’s best-selling Loyak — zero drop, wide toe box, G.15 rubber outsole — and wraps it in a 100% recycled ripstop mesh upper that ventilates like nothing else in the lineup. It’s genuinely the most breathable shoe Astral makes, and at 6.9 oz, it barely registers on the scale.

TPU reinforcements at key wear points keep the lightweight mesh from giving out on you mid-trip, and drainage ports do double duty: water exits fast, but sand and silt stay out. If you’re on a summer rafting trip and want a shoe that handles the river as well as the riverfront bar afterward, the Loyak AC is your answer. Pack it flat — it fits in a full dry bag without taking up any meaningful space.

Astral Crewer — Summer Sneaker for Coastal Traveling

Best Use: Boating, Training, Sailing, Fishing, Travel  |  Weight: 10.7 oz  |  Drop: 0mm  |  Outsole: G.15 Rubber

The Crewer is what happens when Astral applies its water-shoe engineering to a boat shoe aesthetic. This is the shoe you wear from the marina to the dock bar and back — and it handles both without skipping a beat. The 3D mesh upper is built from abrasion-resistant, fully recycled material, and it’s turbo-ventilated to dry fast when you inevitably step off the dock and into the water.

The Granite Grip sole uses G.15 rubber — Astral’s toughest compound — with razor siping for wet/dry traction on boat decks, slick docks, and coastal sidewalks alike. A microfiber luxury liner means you can wear these sockless all day without regret. Zero drop, wide toe box — all the hallmarks of Astral’s Balanced Geometry are here, just in a package that looks as comfortable at a beachside restaurant as it does on the water.

How to Choose the Right Astral for Your Paddle Season

Here’s the quick version:

If most of your time is on the water — running rivers, kayaking, rafting — start in the Water category. Cold water? The Hiyak. Warm weather, everyday paddling? Loyak AC or Rassler 2.0. Serious expedition or wilderness objective? The new Pusha.

If you’re hiking to the water (or the water comes to you on trail) — look at the Trail lineup. TR1 Mesh 2.0 or Techyak for lighter summer hiking; TR1 Merge 2.0 for true amphibious performance; TR1 Sensi HT when you want trail performance in natural materials.

If you want one pair that handles paddling and life equally well — the Loyak and Brewer 3.0 are the classic answer. They’re the shoes people wear on river day trips and forget to take off because they’re too comfortable.

If you’re mostly dry but live adjacent to river life — the Loyak EZ HT is a revelation for casual warm-weather wear, and the Loyak All Weather has you covered when the forecast is uncertain.

Every shoe in this lineup shares the same core: G Rubber grip, Balanced Geometry fit, and water-ready construction. The SS26 collection adds HempTech natural materials and the mission-grade Pusha to an already exceptional lineup. No matter which direction your season takes you, Astral’s got the right shoe on the rack.

Shop the full Astral SS26 footwear collection at Campman.com — free shipping on orders over $50.

About the Author

Derek Newman

Born in the Wasatch, Derek has had an affinity for mountain life since day one. He was on skis the year he learned to walk, and as a high school graduation present he gifted himself rock climbing lessons. Nearly two decades later, Derek spends most of his time climbing up and/or skiing down most of the mountains around Salt Lake City, and he's traveled around the world multiple times for the sole purpose of peak exploration. When he isn't a man about camp, he's working in Campman's content marketing crew writing up blogs about backcountry skiing or rock climbing as well as describing products that he's used personally. He's climbed in most climbing shoes, toured on most backcountry skis, and ridden the resort on skis, snowboards, and even some evac sleds.