Home / Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Charmast 26800mah Power Bank Review
Close up of the Charmast power bank charging a phone that is sitting on a backpack with a lake and mountain in the background.

Charmast 26800mah Power Bank Review

The streamlined design, efficient charging capabilities, and not-too-shabby weight to charge ratio makes this portable charger one of our favorites.
Ultimate Backpacking Checklist & Gear Essentials

Ultimate Backpacking Checklist & Gear Essentials

After years of honing our backpacking gear to find the balance of weight, comfort, and…
Best Rain Jackets of 2025
A backpacker wearing an orange Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket in Yosemite National Park

Best Rain Jackets of 2025

From drizzles to downpours, we’ve got your back. Our team of seasoned hikers weathered the storm to find the best rain jackets for performance and protection.
REI Rainier Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

REI Rainier Rain Jacket Review

This affordable rain jacket excels in rain resistance, comfort, and mobility, making it a top budget choice for getting caught in the rain.
Outdoor Research Foray 3L / Aspire 3L Rain Jacket Review
A man stands in front of a yellow meadow with fall foliage.

Outdoor Research Foray 3L / Aspire 3L Rain Jacket Review

For anyone who plans to be out in heavy rains with no break in the forecast, this water resistant, superbly ventilated and burly jacket is for you.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review
A man walks through wet vegetation

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

A longtime trusted shell in the elements, this jacket is a flexible, durable, weather-repelling yet breathable forcefield in the toughest of rains.
Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review
A man wearing a running vest runs through fall colors

Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review

If you’re the lightweight backpacker who sometimes refuses to pack a raincoat because it is too bulky and heavy, this shell won’t bog you down or clog your pack.
Marmot Precip Eco Rain Jacket Review
A man hikes uphill with a coastal view behind him.

Marmot Precip Eco Rain Jacket Review

A lightweight, yet affordable option, this is a great entry-level rain coat providing enough weather resistance to ride out a passing drizzle.
Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the zippers of a rain jacket.

Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket Review

This is the jacket to bring when heavy rain and strong winds hit your next hike. We love its weather resistance, durability, and comfort.
Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review
a backpacker in yosemite holding up their treated and clean drinking water in a Platypus Gravityworks bladder

Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review

With over a decade and 3000-mile thru hike with the Platypus GravityWorks, it remains a favorite water treatment system for backpacking with a partner or group.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Review

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Review

This microfilter has an incredible flow rate, and it can be cleaned in the field. Because you can drink straight from the top like a sports bottle, you will spend less time squeezing or pumping and more time enjoying the trail.
Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter Review
Backpacker filling his sawyer squeeze pouch from a stream

Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter Review

This filter is a trail-ready, pint-sized powerhouse of a squeeze filtration system. It takes up minimal space and provides safe drinking water while you’re in the backcountry.
Sawyer Mini Filter Review
sawyer mini attached to a squeeze filter pouch for treating water to drink in the wilderness

Sawyer Mini Filter Review

This is an effective, lightweight, versatile and economical water filter great for all your backpacking adventures.
Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Loop Backpacking Guide

Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Loop Backpacking Guide

The Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Loop is one of our favorite hikes we’ve ever done in Oregon. Out in this Eastern Oregon paradise, you’ll encounter crystal clear lakes, vibrant fields of wildflowers, ample opportunities to view wildlife, and sweeping views of the Blue Mountain Range.
Three Fingered Jack Loop Backpacking Guide

Three Fingered Jack Loop Backpacking Guide

A roughly 24-mile loop circumnavigates the iconic three fingered jack in the heart of the Cascade Range of Oregon.
Steens Mountain Backpacking Guide – Southeastern Oregon

Steens Mountain Backpacking Guide – Southeastern Oregon

As you head toward the southeast corner of Oregon a panorama of raw wilderness stretches across the horizon, beckoning solitude seekers. The Steens Mountain monolith  runs nearly 60 miles from northeast to southwest and 18 miles across, with its summit sitting at nearly 9,733 feet.
1 18 19 20 21 22 35