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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

10 Best Hydration Mixes & Electrolyte Powders of 2025
Semi-aerial view of dozens of electrolyte powders and mixes on a camping table

10 Best Hydration Mixes & Electrolyte Powders of 2025

Last Updated: February 6, 2025
Sip, sip, hooray! We’ve trail-tested the most flavorful, nutritious, and delicious hydration mixes out there so you can stay fueled up on your adventures.
Women’s Brooks Catamount 4 Review
Brooks Women's Catamount 4 close up on trail

Women’s Brooks Catamount 4 Review

Published: February 6, 2025
Built for speed with plenty of cushion and just enough traction to grip a wide variety of terrain without compromising weight, these shoes will propel you up and down the trail.
Kelty Late Start 2 Budget Tent Review
Inside view of the Kelty Late Start 2 interior showing the mesh walls, bathtub floor and floor space. Dry patches of grass and scattered bushes in the background

Kelty Late Start 2 Budget Tent Review

Published: February 5, 2025
This model is a unique twist on the classic dome-style tent with convenient corner pockets for a quick and effortless setup. The color-coded rainfly has pre-attached guy lines that are ready to use or stow away in their individual pockets.
Spacious Budget Tent: Mountainsmith Morrison EVO 2 Review
A Mountainsmith Morrison EVO 2 tent set up in the wilderness, with pine trees, fallen logs, and large boulders in the background.

Spacious Budget Tent: Mountainsmith Morrison EVO 2 Review

Published: February 5, 2025
This is an exceptionally large 2-person, three-season tent that offers unmatched interior space and a plethora of storage options. With oversized dual doors and vestibules and eleven interior pockets including loft and door stow pockets, this tent comes stacked with great storage options and plenty of space.
Naturehike Cloud Up 2 Review
The Naturehike CloudUp 2 pitched on a hilltop, showcasing its unique profile from the rear. Rolling hills and blue sky are visible in the background.

Naturehike Cloud Up 2 Review

Published: February 5, 2025
This is a lightweight crossover tent with a Y-hub pole structure allowing for fast setup and ample tension pullouts for increased ventilation – a good choice for a smaller tent that works in the frontcountry and can even handle small treks into the backcountry.
MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Full Review
A person wearing the MontBell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka, standing outdoors on a snowy trail while adjusting the front zipper.

MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Full Review

Published: February 5, 2025
Ultralight and incredibly warm, this down jacket is perfect for thru-hikers and backcountry travelers seeking exceptional warmth-to-weight performance for minimalist, three-season adventures.
REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Review
Person standing in a snowy forest wearing the REI Magma 850 Down Hoody, facing sideways with the hood up.

REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Review

Published: February 5, 2025
A lightweight, versatile down jacket with great warmth, packability, and thoughtful features. It’s sustainably made and balances performance with comfort, ideal for backpacking or around town.
8000+ Miles Logged: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody Review
A person sits in a red tent pitched on snow, wearing a lightweight down jacket with snow-covered boots.

8000+ Miles Logged: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody Review

Published: February 5, 2025
This ultralight and packable down jacket is built for adventure. With an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and compact design, it’s the ultimate choice for backpackers, climbers, and anyone pushing the limits outdoors.
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review
A person wearing the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoody with the hood up, surrounded by a snowy forest landscape.

Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review

Published: February 5, 2025
This rugged down jacket combines high-quality insulation and waterproof fabric for durability and moisture resistance, making it perfect for shoulder-season adventures in light rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Reliable and versatile.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka Review
A man walks down a rocky ridge over an ocean view in the winter.

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka Review

Published: February 5, 2025
Combining premium down insulation with stretchy, durable fabric, this parka offers unmatched warmth and freedom of movement.
Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout Budget Tent Review
View of the Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout with the vestibules and inner door rolled back showing a backpack and sleeping bag inside. Large rock pinnacles and desert landscape in the background.

Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout Budget Tent Review

Published: February 4, 2025
Taking inspiration from Six Moon Designs’ popular Skyscape Trekker Model, the Skyscape Scout’s features are similar, but it’s instead constructed of a more affordable 190T polyester material, making exceptional lightweight gear more accessible.
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket Review
A man in a puffy jacket smiles as he walks through a desert canyon.

Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket Review

Published: February 4, 2025
Warm and durable, with 800-fill down and weather-resistant fabric, this retro-inspired jacket is perfect for outdoor adventures or everyday wear. It effortlessly balances style, comfort, and performance.
Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket Review
A man in winter gear hikes through deep snow in a field.

Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket Review

Published: February 4, 2025
Packed with hydrophobic down and offering unbeatable warmth, this jacket is lightweight, water-resistant, and built for extreme cold.
REI Stormhenge 850 Hybrid Winter Jacket Review
A man snowshoes through a blizzard

REI Stormhenge 850 Hybrid Winter Jacket Review

Published: February 4, 2025
Perfect for hiking or everyday wear, this jacket features responsibly sourced down, breathable fabric, and smart features for all your adventures.
REI Half Dome SL 2+ Tent Review
Two people sit outside a yellow tent with forest, blue sky and mountains behind them.

REI Half Dome SL 2+ Tent Review

Last Updated: February 3, 2025
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.
New Favorite: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody Review
A person adjusting the zipper on the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody, with the hood up, standing outdoors in a snowy forest setting.

New Favorite: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody Review

Published: February 3, 2025
We went looking for a jacket that balances warmth and weight without compromising performance, and this one is one of the best.
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