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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Tent Review

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Tent Review

Last Updated: October 21, 2024
This incredibly spacious 2-person tent is a high-quality choice for those wanting a shelter that’s comfortable for any type of adventure.
Zpacks Plex Solo Tent Review
the zpacks plex solo tent pitched near a river on a sunny day

Zpacks Plex Solo Tent Review

Last Updated: October 21, 2024
Go lightweight without sacrificing every creature comfort. At 14.2 oz., this is the most livable one-person tents we’ve ever backpacked with.
Best Hiking Pants for Women 2024
A waist-down photo of a female hiker wearing The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 hiking pants with the tuft columns of Smith Rock in the distance

Best Hiking Pants for Women 2024

Last Updated: October 21, 2024
We took to the trails to test the most promising hiking pants for women. We looked for the most comfortable, lightweight, and durable options so you’ll feel great in your new ‘fit.
MSR FreeLite 2 Tent Review

MSR FreeLite 2 Tent Review

Last Updated: October 21, 2024
This is a lightweight and compact semi-freestanding tent. It’s great for backpacking solo or keeping pack weight down if you don’t mind a tight squeeze with your hiking partner.
REI Trailmade Women’s Hiking Pants Review
A hiker wearing the REI Trailmade Pants crosses a stream on some rocks.

REI Trailmade Women’s Hiking Pants Review

Published: October 21, 2024
We love these affordable, lightweight, and soft hiking pants for class 1-2 trails.
REI Sahara Women’s Hiking Pants Review
A backpacker wearing the REI Sahara convertible pants kneels next to a lake surrounded by mountains.

REI Sahara Women’s Hiking Pants Review

Published: October 21, 2024
We love these affordable, lightweight, and soft hiking pants for class 1-2 trails.
Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle Pants Review
A hiker wearing the Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2 pants walks on a trail in the mountains.

Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle Pants Review

Published: October 21, 2024
Hike, run, scramble, or be a couch potato in these super comfortable and streamlined joggers.
Kuhl FreeFlex Rollup Women’s Pants Review
a backpacker on a ledge looking into a forested meadow in the mountains

Kuhl FreeFlex Rollup Women’s Pants Review

Published: October 21, 2024
This option can switch from pants to capris in a snap. Designed and constructed to outlast your burliest hikes and trails.
Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review
A backpacker wearing the Athleta Trekkie pants walks on a trail in the mountains.

Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review

Published: October 21, 2024
An Athleta best-seller for good reason: these joggers work in so many outdoor settings that you’ll find any reason to put them on and get after whatever “it” is for the day.
The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Women’s Hiking Pants Review
a day hiker wearing the north face aphrodite 2.0 pants on a trail through an aspen forest

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Women’s Hiking Pants Review

Published: October 21, 2024
Flow up and over passes and along valley river trails in hiking pants that feel like your favorite pair of leisurewear.
Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent Review
two backpackers below a volcano in oregon sitting inside their sea to summit telos tent without the rain fly

Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent Review

Last Updated: October 18, 2024
This backpacking tent offers standout features, including exceptional headroom, light-dispersing Lightbar, and adaptable ventilation, adding luxury to a rugged design.
REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent Review
Two people sit outside a yellow tent with forest, blue sky and mountains behind them.

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent Review

Last Updated: October 18, 2024
This one of the absolute best value tents money can buy. It’s easy to set up, spacious, and made with high-quality materials, yet it costs significantly less than most tents in its class. We think one of the Half Dome’s best assets is its versatility – it’s large enough for car camping and light enough for backpacking.
7 Best Base Layers of 2024
A hiker stands in the woods wearing the Smartwool Classic All-Season base layer. Trees are in the background.

7 Best Base Layers of 2024

Last Updated: October 17, 2024
We’ve got your layering system covered starting with our trail-tested and reviewed guide to the best base layers around.
REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Review
A hiker climbing down some rocks in a desert landscape wearing the REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer

REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Review

Published: October 17, 2024
If you’re only going to buy one base layer, this midweight budget friendly and comfy top is a great option. No base layer can do it all, but this one comes close.
Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip-Neck Base Layer Review
A hiker zips up the neck on the Arc'teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip Neck base layer. Trees are in the background.

Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip-Neck Base Layer Review

Published: October 17, 2024
This is a top-of-the-line base layer offering fleece-like warmth for cold campsites, alpine starts, or that long chairlift.
Ortovox 185 Rock’n’wool Base Layer Review
A hiker hiking through the woods with a pack and trekking poles while wearing the Ortovox Rock'n'Wool base layer. Trees and a trail are in the background.

Ortovox 185 Rock’n’wool Base Layer Review

Published: October 17, 2024
This midweight base layer features ultra-soft fine wool fibers and a comfortable, but snug fit making it feel warmer than other base layers of similar weight.
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