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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail can be one of the most rewarding and powerful things you do in life. Overcoming the challenges of a thru-hike requires a lot of research, planning and dedication, so we put together this guide to help get you started.
A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Long-distance hiking is a beautiful thing, but overcoming the challenges of a thru-hike requires a lot of research, planning and dedication. We put together this guide to help get you started. Below, you’ll find tips about choosing a start date, buying gear, what to expect on the trail, and so much more.
Sea To Summit Spark 15 Review
Standing outside of his tent at camp, a man zips up his sleeping bag in the morning light.

Sea To Summit Spark 15 Review

If you’re a backpacker looking for one of the lightest and warmest sleeping bags out there, this is a top contender.
Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 Review

Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 Review

This bag excels with its 800-fill-power insulation and thicker 20-denier nylon shell, which offers a level of durability that most backpacking bags can only dream of.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0 Review
Two people pack up their sleeping bags in a green tent with a large desert butte visible in background.

Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0 Review

Despite being lighter and more affordably priced compared to many winter bags, it has an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio, and features like the no-snag zipper, included compression sack, and ethically sourced down are just the cherry on top.
NEMO Disco 15 Endless Promise Review
A man sits up in a sleeping bag with the footbox outside of his tent, looking off in the distance. His shoes are off to the side and there is a lake and low mountains behind him.

NEMO Disco 15 Endless Promise Review

Whether car camping or backpacking, you’ll sleep like a baby with this extra roomy sleeping bag.
Zpacks Classic 20 Sleeping Bag Review
A man shakes out a sleeping bag in a grassy field on a hot summer day.

Zpacks Classic 20 Sleeping Bag Review

The Classic is one of our top choices thanks to its ultralight construction and an industry-leading warmth-to-weight ratio.
REI Magma 15 Sleeping Bag Review
A man sits up in a sleeping bag with the hood over his head. He is smiling and looking off camera.

REI Magma 15 Sleeping Bag Review

This sleeping bag is ultra comfy, warm, and much easier on your wallet than others with similar specs.
Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 Review
A man reads inside a blue sleeping bag inside a tent while backpacking.

Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 Review

This bag features a generous draft tube, draft collar, and a fitted cut that eliminates dead space so you’ll stay as warm as a glowing ember all night long.
Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Review
A woman stands outside with mountains in the background, holding up a blue sleeping bag, while she looks off int he distance.

Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Review

This bag is lighter than many other synthetic options, packs down decently small, and offers top-of-the-line features – all at a minimal price tag.
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Review
A man stands on the banks of a large alpine lake shaking out a purple quilt.

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Review

Bottom Line The Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt 20 straddles the line between a sleeping bag and quilt, and it’s at the top of our list for the best lightweight sleeping bags for good reason. With its flexible design, best-in-class warmth-to-weight ratio, and customizable features, this quilt has become one of our favorites after hundreds of […]
Men’s La Sportiva Spire GTX Review
Closeup of a hiker tying the laces of the La Sportiva Spire GTX hiking shoes

Men’s La Sportiva Spire GTX Review

The La Sportiva Spire GTX have received high praise in both the fastpacking and hiking worlds – but do they live up to the buzz?
Men’s Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Review
Closeup of a hiker's feet in the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew socks and Salomon X Ultra shoes on the rim of the Grand Canyon

Men’s Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Review

These are comfortable out of the box. Their supportive, springy midsole and stable outsoles guarantee a smooth and cushioned ride that makes them amazingly versatile.
Men’s Danner Trail 2650 Review

Men’s Danner Trail 2650 Review

These are versatile hiking shoes that are exceptionally stylish and comfortable whether you’re thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail or walking the dog to the coffee shop.
Men’s Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 Review

Men’s Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 Review

We’ve used these shoes to scramble long Class 4 ridge traverses at 13,000’ in the Colorado Rockies, hike hundreds of miles on local trails, and even tackle half marathons.
Men’s Keen Targhee IV WP Review

Men’s Keen Targhee IV WP Review

These classic leather kicks are perfect for rugged, technical backcountry conditions and provide some of the best waterproofing of any hiking shoes we tested, making them ideal for wet trails and cooler weather.
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