Light & Breezy Desert Hiker: Meet the Danner Trail 2650 Campo

The Danner Trail 2650 Campo is a light and breathable hiking shoe designed for dry climates.

Danner’s original Trail 2650 received its design inspiration (and namesake number) from the Pacific Crest Trail. Its newest cousin continues the naming convention, paying homage to the PCT’s starting section in the arid desert of Campo, California.

Danner made the Trail 2650 Campo for hot and rocky terrain, where airflow in a shoe is paramount. By keeping the upper’s mesh thin, the Trail 2650 Campo shoes weigh in a couple of ounces lighter than the original Trail 2650, making the Campos one of the lightest offerings in the current Danner lineup.

Of course, these hikers will fit in fine on any trail this summer and are quick-drying in case you get caught in an unexpected rainstorm. The stylish, abrasion-resistant upper combined with cushioned soles are aimed at the crossover appeal of mixing a hike with some in-town fun, too.

Trail 2650 Campo Features

To target the needs of hikers in the drier sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Trail 2650 Campo uses a breathable upper and sneaker-like sole. Cutouts in the leather and abrasion-resistant upper allow for air intake, especially while on the move.

Additionally, a mesh liner and ports under the sole help keep air moving past your feet. Of course, these design details should translate to most summer hikes in warm, arid climates.

More hiker-specific features include a shank for extra stability and attachment hooks for strapless dust gaiters, so nature’s obstacles won’t slow you down (or get inside your shoe!). The shoes have a loop on the toe and heel for quick attachment on the go.

The Campo’s drainage ports and quick-drying ability are there to help with water crossings or heavy rain encounters. As for traction, Vibram Megagrip on the outsole aims to provide purchase on rocky terrain, even when it’s wet.

The Campo carries over design elements from the Trail 2650, like the exterior heel last and EXO Heel System for a more secure and comfortable fit.

• Quick-dry, wicking, breathable mesh
• Sock-like, bootie construction
• Trailguard platform underfoot
• Vibram 460 outsole with Megagrip

Kicking Up Dust

Danner is best known for its boots, and that heritage can still be found in the Trail 2650 Campo hiking shoes. Do they look more casual? Absolutely.

Despite the trail-runner aesthetics, these hikers emphasize lightweight breathability, while still using more rugged materials like the leather and abrasion-resistant upper and Vibram outsole. The result is a crossover hiker designed to support your feet under load for miles, and earn some compliments around town — from hikers and nonhikers alike.

This article is sponsored by Danner. Find out more about the Trail 2650 Campo here.

Danner Designed Its Lightest Hiker Ever: Here's Why

We know now's not the time to be out on the trail, but that doesn't mean you aren't daydreaming about it. Danner's Trail 2650 is a summer hiker inspired by its namesake trail, with plenty of street smarts to stay at home in the meantime. Read more…