3 Great Treks to Experience 3 Diverse Climates
If you love hiking and backpacking, you know there’s nothing more important than being able to trust your gear. The ability to stay warm when it’s raining and snowing or to stay dry when it’s hot and humid makes all the difference, allowing you to enjoy the experience without worrying or feeling uncomfortable.
Mishmi Takin gear was inspired by treks through the Eastern Himalayas. The lightweight, breathable design is meant to keep you comfortable no matter what climate you visit. To prove that we have ideal gear for anywhere you want to adventure, here are three incredible treks in some of the most diverse and extreme climates in the US, along with recommendations for the perfect Mishmi Takin gear to take along with you. (Note: All gear suggestions are available in both men’s and women’s styles and sizes.)
Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
The View of Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield from the top of the Harding Icefield Trail. Photo: Justin Morgan, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Every mile of this 8.2-mile round-trip trail packs a punch. As you hike up from the valley floor, you’ll pass through heather-filled meadows and forests of aspens and cottonwoods, gaining nearly 1,000 vertical feet every mile. It’s strenuous, but at the top of the trail above the treeline, the view of Harding Icefield—300 square miles of deep blue ice surrounded by 40 magnificent glaciers—will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the last Ice Age.
As always when trekking in Alaska, you’ll need hearty gear. We recommend the Garamba 2.5L hardshell jacket, which will keep you protected from chilly winds while the eVent technology pulls sweat away from your body, keeping you dry on the challenging ascent. For your feet, the Kameng Mid eVent waterproof hiking boots provide waterproof warmth through snow and ice, and you’ll be thankful for the exceptionally grippy soles on the descent.
Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail will make you want to permanently relocate to Hawaii. This trail is an 11-mile point-to-point trek lined through mango and guava groves, and as it twists through five different valleys, you’ll catch incredible views of secluded beaches and sea cliffs all along the Na Pali coast. Even better, the trail ends at a stunning, secret beach where you can camp, miles away from civilization and tourists.
Hawaii’s warm, humid climate is exactly what Mishmi Takin gear was originally created to excel in. The Virunga 3L eVent waterproof hardshell jacket will keep you cool and dry in the occasional afternoon rainstorm, while the Jampui Mid eVent waterproof lightweight hiking shoe provides incredibly light moisture protection and grip on damp ground.
Mount Sterling Loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
A lush, wooded section of trail along Baxter Creek. Photo: Miguel.v, CC BY-SA 2.0.
This trek has everything from caves and rivers to wildflowers and abundant wildlife. In a 17-mile loop, this trail climbs to the top of Mount Sterling (5,842 feet), offering incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains, and down at lower elevations, make sure to keep an eye out for waterfalls and tucked-away swimming holes.
The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their variable weather. The valleys tend to be warm and humid, but the temperature drops 10-20 degrees at higher elevations. Also, sudden thunderstorms are common, especially in the spring. For such unpredictable conditions, you need gear that can handle anything. We recommend the Kameng Mid eVent waterproof hiking boots to keep your feet dry through rain storms and creek-crossings and the Salonga 3L waterproof hardshell jacket to keep you dry in any humid temperatures.
With reliable gear, you can venture farther, higher, and longer than ever before, and you can always count on Mishmi Takin to be there for you when you take your adventures to the next level.
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