Holiday Gift Guide - Moshe’s Picks

Another product in our Everest Base Camp-tested repertoire – and what a gem it was along the trail! The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak daypack checks in at 17L and it’s built to weather some serious action. Made with a composite fabric that’s more like a lightweight, malleable plastic, this pack is ultra-lightweight, highly water resistant and virtually indestructible. Useful features include drain holes should something inside your pack leak, a small interior pocket, two side pockets for hydration or other essentials and a water-resistant zipper. The belt is pretty minimal and lightly padded if you’re concerned about keeping the pack close to your back, but when that’s not of concern, there’s a hidden pocket the belt straps can tuck into. Because it’s Hyperlite, it’s built to accommodate extra attachments for a more customized bag.

Also included in his gear list for our Everest Base Camp Trek were the Fjallraven Keb Trousers. It might be evidence enough to say he wore these almost daily, but for those who don’t yet know this gearhead and our owner, let us expand on that sentiment. Like most Fjallraven products, these technical trousers are built with G-1000 fabric, which is time-tested to be both durable and versatile. Add some wax and they’re wind- and water-proof.  Without wax, they’re highly breathable. Under any circumstance, the Keb allows for mobility while maintaining a fitted appearance. Added features include fit adjustments at the waist and hem, pocket storage and extra zips that allow for increased ventilation.

Dubbed the Backpacker Editor’s Choice Award for 2017? None other than the Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket. The difference lies in their proprietary Proflex material – a flexible, breathable knit polyester and wicking backing. It’s surprisingly stretchy yet waterproof thanks in part to its taped seams and one-way zip and great as a mid-layer for sub-freezing temperatures or outer layer for cool-weather conditions.