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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

15 Winter Camping Tips
A hiker situating a sleeping bag in a 4-season tent on a winter camping trip

15 Winter Camping Tips

Last Updated: November 7, 2024
The magic of winter camping, where snowfall transforms familiar trails into pristine wilderness adventures. Experience the profound satisfaction of wandering through untouched powder on snowshoes and digging your own sanctuary for a cozy camp.
Winter Camping Checklist
two tents pitched in the snow with mt hood in the distance

Winter Camping Checklist

Last Updated: November 7, 2024
When you go into the backcountry during the harshest season of the year, it pays to have the right equipment to keep…
Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon Backpacking Guide

Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon Backpacking Guide

Last Updated: November 6, 2024
Located in the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness of Utah and Arizona, this spectacular and unique hike winds through one of the deepest and longest slot canyons in the world.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT Sleeping Pad Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: November 5, 2024
One of the best warmth-to-weight ratios of any sleeping pad on the market, but is it worth the spendy price tag? We put the new iteration to the test to see how it holds up to real-world conditions.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2024
A backpacker holding the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite in Yosemite National Park

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2024

Last Updated: November 5, 2024
Whether you’re looking for inflatable or foam, ultralight or ultra-plush, we’ll help you get a great night’s sleep in the backcountry with our trail-tested picks…
NEMO Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad Review
the nemo tensor all-season sleeping pad inflated for display on an alpine meadow with a rocky mountain backdrop on a sunny day

NEMO Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad Review

Published: November 5, 2024
An ultralight, technical pad for all 4-seasons. It delivers a low decibel, comfortable, warm sleep, with a premium feeling top fabric and a protective bottom material.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review
A man stands outdoors, holding a large yellow sleeping pad, with forest and mountains in the background.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review

Last Updated: November 1, 2024
A global best-seller and one of our favorite backpacking sleeping pads for years just one-upped itself with a lofty 3 inches of insulation and 6x quieter design.
Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent Review
A hiker adjusting the Zpacks Duplex Zip in a plateau with mountains in the background.

Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent Review

Last Updated: November 1, 2024
We put 500 miles on the Zpacks Duplex Zip to see how it stacks up against the best ultralight tents on the market.
Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review
Closeup of Part A and Part B Aquamira dropper bottles

Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Last Updated: October 30, 2024
These purification drops are a popular water treatment option among backpackers because they’re affordable, lightweight and easy to use.
Zpacks Triplex Classic Tent Review
a backpacker seated next to their zpacks triplex tents near an alpine lake in california

Zpacks Triplex Classic Tent Review

Last Updated: October 30, 2024
One of our favorite ultralight shelters for two people, especially on difficult trips with a lot of elevation gain and long mileage.
Katadyn Steripen Ultra Water Purifier Review
a backpacker with the katadyn steripen inserted into a waterbottle next to a clear blue green river

Katadyn Steripen Ultra Water Purifier Review

Last Updated: October 30, 2024
Like a magic wand, this UV pen kills all the bad stuff (protozoa, bacteria, and viruses) in just 90 seconds.
Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Tent Review
a thru-hiker getting out of their six moon designs lunar solo tent

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Tent Review

Last Updated: October 29, 2024
One of our favorite ultralight one-person tents. It packs down small, it’s easy to pitch, and it’s got a great amount of space inside for a single hiker and their gear. It also holds up better in bad weather and has less condensation issues than some of our other favorite single-wall tents.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024
A backpacker sitting on a rock in the REI Magma 30 sleeping bag at sunset

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024

Last Updated: October 29, 2024
From summer summits to winter wanderings, our trail-tested list of the best backpacking sleeping bags will keep you warm and cozy in…
NEMO Hornet OSMO 3 Tent Review

NEMO Hornet OSMO 3 Tent Review

Last Updated: October 29, 2024
This tent is a dream for hikers who prioritize weight savings but don’t want to give up livability. The attention to detail is evident in the high-quality construction and plentiful interior pockets.
Skyline Trail Backpacking Guide, Jasper National Park

Skyline Trail Backpacking Guide, Jasper National Park

Last Updated: October 28, 2024
The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park is a spectacular backpacking destination in the Canadian Rockies. Of the 44 kilometers of trail, nearly two thirds is above treeline with sweeping mountain views in all directions, beautiful glacial lakes, and wind-swept ridges.
Men’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review
The side facing view of the HOKA Speedgoat 6 trail running shoes with a lake and pretty wilderness scenery in the background.

Men’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review

Last Updated: October 28, 2024
These shoes offer responsive midsoles with ample cushioning and impact absorption on rough trails. Their chunky lug pattern provide top-tier traction, and fast-drying, mesh uppers make them breathable and airy.
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