Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter Budget Tent Review

campers at their tent site during alpenglow on the flanks of mt. hood

Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter Budget Tent Review

Published: February 3, 2025

This is a spacious two-person backpacking tent that weighs only 3.7 pounds at a very reasonable price; it is constructed of 190T polyester and 40D mesh with dual doors and vestibules and dual curved poles for increased headroom.

Tarptent StratoSpire 2 Budget Tent Review

The Tarptent Stratospire 2 pitched with the rainfly and one vestibule door open, revealing the inner mesh and sleeping bag inside. Desert landscape with distant mountains in the background.

Tarptent StratoSpire 2 Budget Tent Review

Published: February 3, 2025

As an ultralight non-freestanding shelter built with functionality, versatility, and comfort in mind, this tent is equipped with a plethora of features, thoughtfully designed, and constructed for an array of situations and adverse conditions.

Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review

A person standing in snowy terrain wearing the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket fully zipped with the hood up for maximum protection.

Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review

Published: February 3, 2025

Built for cold-weather adventures, this jacket combines 700-fill hydrophobic down with a Pertex Quantum shell for reliable warmth and durability. Ideal for climbing and mountaineering, it’s a top choice for those prioritizing insulation over weight.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

Front view of a person smiling while wearing the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody with the hood fully zipped, standing in a snowy landscape with trees in the background.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

Published: February 3, 2025

This versatile down jacket offers warmth, comfort, and weather resistance for cool-weather adventures. Though not the lightest, it excels in moderate conditions and is a reliable choice for everyday use.

Best Budget Down Jacket: REI 650 Review

A man in a blue REI 650 Down Jacket stands with his hands in his pockets, gazing off into the snowy forest during an early winter evening.

Best Budget Down Jacket: REI 650 Review

Published: February 3, 2025

This lightweight, budget-friendly down jacket excels in warmth, packability, and versatility. It is ideal for everyday wear and casual outdoor activities in cooler conditions.

Testing an $80 Tent: Clostnature Polaris 2 Review

The Clostnature Polaris 2 pitched with doors open and the awning deployed and a backpack under the vestibule. Rolling mountains in the background.

Testing an $80 Tent: Clostnature Polaris 2 Review

Published: January 31, 2025

Campers looking for an affordable shelter that sets up quickly and has all of the necessary features should consider this tent. Equipped with reinforced corners and a shade awning, it has everything you need for your next outdoor adventure.

Coleman Peak 1 Budget Tent Review

Inner mesh tent of the Coleman Peak 1 with rainfly off and one of the doors rolled back. Shows the interior space with a sleeping bag and rolling hills and bushes in the background.

Coleman Peak 1 Budget Tent Review

Published: January 31, 2025

Durable materials, an included footprint, and unique features that enhance your time outdoors make this tent a great go-to choice for car camping.

Men’s prAna Brion II Shorts Review

Men’s prAna Brion II Shorts Review

Published: January 31, 2025

We love this pair for its town-to-trail style. When it comes to shorts that transition easily from day hikes to a brewery with friends, this is the one you want.

Vuori Kore Shorts Review

Vuori Kore Shorts Review

Published: January 31, 2025

These versatile hiking shorts balance comfort, durability, and performance, making them a great choice for trails, travel, and everyday wear.

Marmot Tungsten 2 Budget Tent Review

The Marmot Tungsten 2 pitched on pine needles among scattered rocks and pine trees.

Marmot Tungsten 2 Budget Tent Review

Published: January 31, 2025

This is an easy-to-use spacious tent with dual doors and vestibules, a color-coded assembly, pre-bent poles, and a ridge pole for extra interior space and a wider ceiling. It also features a lampshade pocket for diffused light.

Cotopaxi Brinco Shorts Review

Man hiking down a trail with a pack and trekking poles in green shorts.

Cotopaxi Brinco Shorts Review

Published: January 31, 2025

Built for adventure, these lightweight, quick-drying hiking shorts blend style and performance. See how they stack up on the trail.

Men’s prAna Stretch Zion II Shorts Review

Men’s prAna Stretch Zion II Shorts Review

Published: January 30, 2025

These shorts have a great balance of mobility and durability. The fabric is stretchy, easy to move in, and thick yet breathable.

Men’s patagonia Multi Trails Shorts Review

Men’s patagonia Multi Trails Shorts Review

Published: January 30, 2025

We love these shorts for their flattering fit and hand pocket zippers, which we always appreciate on a pair of athletic wear.

Men’s The North Face Wander 2.0 Shorts Review

Men’s The North Face Wander 2.0 Shorts Review

Published: January 30, 2025

These shorts are minimalist bottoms that fall somewhere between athletic and casual wear for everyday use.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Tent Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Tent Review

Published: January 29, 2025

Our most stormworthy ultralight tent is also the heaviest and most expensive. However, for the right type of adventurer on the edge of the world, this is the best tool for the job.

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket Review

A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: January 28, 2025

Stay dry without the bulk. Made with durable Pertex Shield fabric, it offers reliable protection and breathability. This jacket is ultralight, packable, and weather-resistant, perfect for adventures in unpredictable weather.