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finetrack Flow Wrap Pants ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTERainwear by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): finetrack Flow Wrap Pants (men's) / finetrack Everbreath Snowline Pants (men's) / Millet Typhon Warm Pants / finetrack Flow Wrap Hoodie (men's)finetrack Flow Wrap Pants ReviewHow it differs from the Snowline. A mid-shell pant I recommend for people who want to keep their legs warm and keep moving in winter mountains. The finetrack Flow Wrap Pants come out in early October at ¥19,800 and 225g (men's M). A new crotch gusset has been added.Review · October 18, 2026

Gregory Baltoro 65 ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEPacks by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Gregory Baltoro 65 (2026 model)Gregory Baltoro 65 ReviewRelease date and changes in the 2026 model. The pack I recommend for multi-day traverses with heavy loads and tent camping. The 2026 Gregory Baltoro 65 is ¥57,200 and 2.278kg (M), with a max load of 27kg. The back panel and side pockets have been redesigned.Review · October 18, 2026

Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic Ice ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEBoots by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic Ice Mid Waterproof / Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic Mid GORE-TEX / Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic Ice Waterproof (low-cut)Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic Ice ReviewHow it differs from the Moab 3. A winter Moab I recommend for people who want one pair for winter foothills and snowy streets. The Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic Ice goes on sale October 9 at ¥28,600. It has a Vibram outsole that grips wet ice and a roomier last.Review · October 18, 2026

karrimor AR 20 ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEPacks by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): karrimor AR 20 / karrimor AR 15 / Deuter Speed Lite 21 / Salomon ADV SKIN 12karrimor AR 20 ReviewRelease date, price and how it differs from the AR 15. My pick for fast day hikes when you want to keep moving without taking your pack off. The karrimor AR 20 was released February 12, 2026, at ¥20,000 and 470g. The vest-style shoulder straps have four pockets.Review · October 18, 2026

ARAI TENT Light Air Raiz 1 ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTETents by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): ARAI TENT Light Air Raiz 1 / ARAI TENT Air Raiz 1 / Heritage Hi-Revo (1-person) / ARAI TENT Light Air Raiz 2ARAI TENT Light Air Raiz 1 ReviewRelease date and how it differs from the Air Raiz. The solo tent I recommend for people who want the Air Raiz's ease of use with a lighter load. The ARAI TENT Light Air Raiz 1 is new for June 2026 at 1,040g. The floor area is the same as the Air Raiz 1, and it is 320g lighter.Review · October 18, 2026

Suunto Core 2 ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEWatches by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Suunto Core 2 / Garmin Instinct 3 Dual Power 45mm / Suunto Vertical 2Suunto Core 2 ReviewRelease date, price and how it differs from the original Core. A watch I recommend for people who want to track altitude and weather changes on their wrist without worrying about charging. The Suunto Core 2 goes on sale October 22 at ¥39,600 and runs up to 15 months on a replaceable coin battery.Review · October 18, 2026

KEEN Targhee Apex Mid ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEBoots by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): KEEN Targhee Apex Mid Waterproof (men's) / KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof (men's) / KEEN Targhee Apex Waterproof (men's, low-cut)KEEN Targhee Apex Mid ReviewHow it differs from the Targhee IV. My pick for people who want to move fast in light boots on low-mountain day hikes. The KEEN Targhee Apex Mid was released January 16, 2026, at ¥24,200. It is new, at 375g per boot, 195g lighter than the Targhee IV.Review · October 18, 2026

NANGA Aurora Tex Light 480DX ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTESleep gear by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): NANGA Aurora Tex Light 480DX (regular)NANGA Aurora Tex Light 480DX ReviewCompared with the 380DX. A sleeping bag I recommend for people who want one bag for tent camping from spring to fall. The NANGA Aurora Tex Light 480DX is a redesigned version released September 11, at ¥55,000 and about 870g. The comfort rating is 0°C.Review · October 18, 2026

SOTO WindMaster SOD-311 ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEStoves by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): SOTO WindMaster TriFlex Set SOD-311GSSOTO WindMaster SOD-311 ReviewCompared with the SOD-310. If I were buying a SOTO WindMaster, I would choose the set that also includes the three-prong pot support. The SOD-311 now comes standard with a four-prong pot support, the price stays at ¥9,350, and the pot support is lighter at about 22g.Review · October 18, 2026

Millet Semnoz Ripstop Pants ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEClothing by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Millet Semnoz Ripstop Pants (men's) / Millet Monte Rosa Pants (men's) / Millet Typhon Warm PantsMillet Semnoz Ripstop Pants ReviewHow it differs from the Monte Rosa. The brushed-lining pant I recommend for people who want one pair for low mountains in the cold season. The Millet Semnoz Ripstop Pants are ¥16,500 and 402g (men's M), 188g lighter than the Monte Rosa Pants.Review · October 18, 2026

Millet Typhon Warm Pants ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTERainwear by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Millet Typhon Warm Pants / Millet Typhon Warm Next Stretch Pants / Millet Typhon Stretch Pants / Millet Typhon Warm JacketMillet Typhon Warm Pants ReviewRelease date and how it differs from the previous model. I recommend it for people who want one pair of pants to handle rain and cold in low mountains from late fall into winter. The Millet Typhon Warm Pants go on sale October 14 at ¥33,000 and 348g (M), 136g lighter than the previous model.Review · October 18, 2026

finetrack Flow Wrap Hoodie ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTERainwear by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): finetrack Flow Wrap Hoodie (men's) / finetrack Ascent Beyond Hoodie (men's) / finetrack Everbreath Photon Jacketfinetrack Flow Wrap Hoodie ReviewRelease date and how it differs from the old model. My pick for people who want to keep walking in winter mountains without taking it off. The finetrack Flow Wrap Hoodie is a renewed version coming out in early October, at ¥29,700 and 285g (men's M). I also made a table of how it differs from the Ascent Beyond.Review · October 18, 2026

Mammut Eiger Nordwand Light Down ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEClothing by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Mammut Eiger Nordwand Light Down IN Hooded JacketMammut Eiger Nordwand Light Down ReviewRelease date and price. The down jacket I recommend for people looking for an insulating layer for rock and snow. The Mammut Eiger Nordwand Light Down goes on sale October 14 at ¥88,000. It uses 900 cuin down, with synthetic insulation only in areas that tend to get wet.Review · October 18, 2026

finetrack Ascent Beyond Hoodie ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTERainwear by the numbers2026.10.17Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): finetrack Ascent Beyond Hoodie (men's)finetrack Ascent Beyond Hoodie ReviewRelease date and price. The wind shell I recommend for people who move over rocky terrain in a harness. The finetrack Ascent Beyond Hoodie was released September 3 at ¥22,000 and 115g (men's M), 35g lighter than the Squamish.Review · October 17, 2026

Garmin fenix 9 Pro Dual Power ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEWatches by the numbers2026.10.17Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Garmin fēnix 9 Pro Dual Power 51mmGarmin fenix 9 Pro Dual Power ReviewRelease date. For a fenix 9 to use in the mountains, I would choose the Dual Power over the AMOLED. The 51mm was released September 10 at ¥198,000 and lasts about 75 hours in the standard mode, 19 hours longer than the AMOLED.Review · October 17, 2026

Amazfit T-Rex Dual Solar ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEWatches by the numbers2026.10.17Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro (48mm)Amazfit T-Rex Dual Solar ReviewRelease date and price. A watch I recommend for people on 2-3 night hut-to-hut traverses who want a bright screen and a light. The Amazfit T-Rex Dual Solar goes on sale October 29 at ¥109,800, with 41 hours of high-accuracy GPS. It is a new design with solar on the back as well.Review · October 17, 2026

finetrack Drought Largo ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEClothing by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): finetrack Drought Largo Long Sleeve (men's)finetrack Drought Largo Review190g, ¥43.4 per gram. A review of the finetrack Drought Largo. The release date is September 10 (official schedule), and the long sleeve is 190g (M) at ¥8,250. Worth buying if you are looking for a second layer for spring, fall and the late-snow season. It is 65g heavier and ¥1,265 more than the Drought Quad, and the same 190g as the Drought Thermo at ¥1,100 less.Review · October 18, 2026

Mammut Broad Peak Light IN ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEClothing by the numbers2026.10.17Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Mammut Broad Peak Light IN Hooded JacketMammut Broad Peak Light IN ReviewA light 800FP down jacket at ¥48,400. A review of the Mammut Broad Peak Light IN Hooded Jacket. One of the fall/winter 2026 dry down pieces, released October 14: 800 cuin, ¥48,400, 10D recycled nylon. I compared it in a table with the NANGA Mountain Lodge at the same ¥48,400 and the higher-end Eiger Light, and judged who it suits and where it does not fit.Review · October 17, 2026

Garmin Enduro 4 ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEWatches by the numbers2026.10.17Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Garmin Enduro 4Garmin Enduro 4 ReviewOn sale October 22, same battery as the 3. Garmin Enduro 4 review. On sale October 22 (official), ¥138,000, 66g. The battery figures match the Enduro 3: about 80 hours in the standard mode, or 8 days at 10 hours of hiking a day. The price is ¥10,000 lower than the Enduro 3 at launch. I recommend it only for people who hike traverses of about a week without charging.Review · October 17, 2026

Mammut Sender Moc Low ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEBoots by the numbers2026.10.15Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Mammut Sender Moc Low (men's)Mammut Sender Moc Low ReviewAn insulated moc at 320g and ¥23,100. A review of the Mammut Sender Moc Low. Released October 8 (official), listed at ¥23,100 and 320g (UK 8.5), with synthetic insulation. That is ¥72.2 per gram and 65g lighter than the Nuptse Bootie. Not a replacement for hiking boots, but I judged it worth buying as a change of shoes after the descent and for the trip to and from the trailhead.Review · October 15, 2026

Millet Typhon Warm Jacket ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTERainwear by the numbers2026.10.15Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Millet Typhon Warm JacketMillet Typhon Warm Jacket Review504g, 200g heavier than the 50000. A review of the Millet Typhon Warm Jacket (released October 14, 2026). The official listing is 504g (M), a waterproof rating of 30,000mm, and ¥39,600. Being 200g heavier and ¥4,400 more than the Typhon 50000 is the price of the brushed lining and the waterproof rating. Worth buying if you want one waterproof shell for the cold season.Review · October 15, 2026

Petzl Actik Core Review: Compared by the Official NumbersHIKE GEAR NOTELights by the numbers2026.10.18Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Petzl Actik / Petzl Actik Core / Petzl Swift RL / Ledlenser HF4RPetzl Actik Core Review: Compared by the Official Numbers625lm, 88g, 7 hours on medium. A review of the Petzl Actik Core. Worth buying if you usually recharge and want to add AAA batteries only on long trips. The official numbers are 625 lumens, 88g and ¥13,530 incl. tax; medium (100 lumens) runs 7 hours on the rechargeable battery or 10 hours on AAA. I compared it with its sibling models and three models from other brands by price per lumen.Review · October 18, 2026

Millet Typhon 50000 Jacket ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTERainwear by the numbers2026.10.15Product image: Rakuten IchibaProducts shown (Rakuten Ichiba): Millet Typhon 50000 Stretch JacketMillet Typhon 50000 Jacket Review304g, about ¥116 per gram. A review of the Millet Typhon 50000 Stretch Jacket. Worth buying if you are willing to pay for the knit lining. The official listing is 304g, a waterproof rating of 20,000mm, and ¥35,200, or ¥115.8 per gram. I laid out how the breathability of 50,000 is measured and how it differs from its sibling models and two jackets from other brands.Review · October 15, 2026

Caravan C1_02S Review: By the Official NumbersHIKE GEAR NOTEHiking boots by the numbers2026.10.17Product image: Rakuten IchibaPictured (Rakuten Ichiba): Caravan C1_02SCaravan C1_02S Review: By the Official Numbers590 g per boot for ¥20,900: a buy. My Caravan C1_02S review. If it's your first pair and you're thinking about Mt. Fuji or hut-to-hut trips, buy it. Official numbers: about 590 g per boot (26.0 cm), ¥20,900 incl. tax, width 3E, 15 sizes. I worked out why it's 170 g heavier and ¥1,980 more than the C1_DL MID, and how it compares with Merrell and La Sportiva.Review · October 17, 2026

Millet Saas Fee NX 30+5 ReviewHIKE GEAR NOTEBackpacks by the numbers2026.10.15Product image: Rakuten IchibaPictured (Rakuten Ichiba): Millet Saas Fee NX 30+5Millet Saas Fee NX 30+5 Review1,500 g, just 60 g off the 40+5. My Millet Saas Fee NX 30+5 review. If you mostly do day hikes and want a rain cover and two compartments, buy it. Official numbers: 1,500 g, ¥28,050, back length M 48 cm / L 51 cm, and 60 g lighter than the 40+5. I compared weight and price per liter with the Zulu 30 and Stratos 34.Review · October 15, 2026