Hikes and some vapor are a killer combo. There’s something about the fresh air, the lush views, and the way a little herb can quietly amplify the whole experience.
I had the pleasure of exploring one of the coolest places on earth: Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. It’s home to some of the planet’s most beautiful scenery, and I couldn't visit without a little herb to elevate the experience. With a vaporizer, hitting that sweet spot couldn’t be easier. No lighter to fumble with. No flame to fight against the wind. Just power it on, take a few puffs, and keep moving.
The XMAX Oont Pro was my vaporizer of choice. It’s super pocketable, easy to use, and requires no special techniques. I’m not someone who needs a whole lot of vapor to find my groove, and this setup delivered just enough without ever pulling me out of the moment.
Mix a subtle (or not-so-subtle) buzz with the natural beauty of a place like Banff, and you’re pretty much guaranteed a good time.
My perfect setup for the trail
I brought two vapes for this trip: the PAX Plus and the XMAX Oont Pro. These are no-fuss vapes that are easy to set up and require virtually zero technique or tweaks to handle. Just pack ‘em tight and go. Battery life is solid and they’re small enough to fit in nearly any pocket of mine. I brought a little fanny pack for some basic necessities and they slipped in perfectly.
I ended up using just the Oont Pro (more on that below) and it was a great little companion. I packed the dosing capsule instead of the oven so that I could stash it away with the glass mouthpiece tucked inside.
Saddleback Pass: Hitting the Trails (and a few clouds)
We started up Saddleback Pass just after sunrise. The air was cool, the trail was quiet, and the light was just starting to hit the peaks as we climbed. It was a slow and steady climb up with plenty of views along the way.
We came across a beautiful opening in the trees that gifted us a remarkable view of the valley below and surrounding mountains. Perfect time for a quick session! I pulled out the Oont Pro, set it to its middle temperature (390°F / 198°C), and took a good few puffs when it was ready. I slipped it back into the fanny pack and kept moving.
The buzz settled in not too long after as we continued our trek upwards. No big shift, just a nice little layer on top of what was already a great morning. The views and crisp air only got better as we made our way up, and that quick and easy session elevated the vibe exactly the way I wanted it to.
Finding my flow
Saddleback Pass is a real treat. The views, the natural silence, the way the trees open up into the wide, open sky make it a surreal experience on its own, even without a little vapor on top.
But that session didn’t overpower the moment. It gave it just a slight twist. Like time slowed down just enough to really take it all in. I wasn’t rushing to the summit or thinking about anything beyond the next step. It helped me settle into the moment and appreciate the trail for what it was.
The XMAX Oont Pro was a champ
For me, it’s all about the trails, the space, and the nature around me. For a quick session, I wanted something quick, easy, and discreet. I didn’t want to pull something out that needed to be dialed in or had a bunch of moving parts to mess with.
The Oont Pro kept things simple. Load the oven, turn it on, take a few puffs, and get back to the trail. Nice and seamless. The full conduction oven doesn't need any special draw technique. Just easy sips. I could go at it at my own pace, whether that was one light hit or a few throughout the hike. It’s exactly what I wanted out there.
Honorable mention: PAX Plus
The PAX Plus was actually my first choice for this trip. It does everything the Oont Pro does, but I find it a bit more discreet and easier to carry around. It doesn’t look like a vape at first glance, especially with the flat mouthpiece. It’s a sleek device with no obvious parts sticking out.
I had the oven packed and ready, but right before hitting the trail, I dropped it in the parking lot. The oven lid popped off and the herbs went flying. Game over. What a bummer…
Luckily, I had the Oont Pro and a full dosing capsule ready to go. I loaded it up and it ran like a champ the rest of the way.
What I’d do differently next time
Vape-wise, I’d bring a set of dosing capsules and pre-pack a handful before the trip. I like to leave my herb at home when I can. A set of preloaded capsules cuts out the need for an extra stash and a grinder. And if one spills, no big deal. I’ve got backups ready to go.
I’d also make sure to bring a portable charger. One for the phone, obviously, but also in case I need to top off the vape mid-hike or back at camp.
Other than that, I was prepped for a great trip and the setup worked exactly how I wanted it to.
Conclusion: The best vapes for hikes
Everything worked well for me because I’m a light user and don’t need a ton of vapor to find my sweet spot. I prefer slow sips, especially when I’m out in nature. It’s more low-key, easier to manage, and doesn’t pull attention away from the experience itself. Both the Oont Pro and PAX Plus fit that style perfectly.
If you’re a heavier user or want more power on the trail, I’d look at something like the Mighty+ or Venty. Battery life is great and they require very little technique. Just keep in mind they’re bulkier, so you’ll want a dedicated backpack or a big fanny pack to carry them comfortably.
For a budget-friendly but punchy option, the POTV Lobo is worth a look, too.
Whatever you bring, just be mindful. Respect the trails, keep it clean, and keep your sessions discreet. A little goes a long way out there.
