Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol vs. NEMO Switchback Review
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol vs. NEMO Switchback Review
Published:
July 10, 2019
Closed-cell foam sleeping pads are a popular option among thru-hikers and lightweight backpackers on a budget, and the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol has dominated that market for many years with very little competition. New in 2019, the NEMO Switchback offers some long overdue updates. We were curious to see how the two matched up, so we tested them side by side to determine a winner.
Osprey Exos & Eja Backpack Review
Osprey Exos & Eja Backpack Review
Published:
June 28, 2019
The Osprey Exos 48 & 58 (men’s) and Eja 48 & 58 (women’s) are extremely comfortable, lightweight backpacks…
35 New and Exciting Products From Outdoor Retailer 2019
35 New and Exciting Products From Outdoor Retailer 2019
Published:
June 26, 2019
The CleverHiker team spent last week walking the halls of Outdoor Retailer in Denver, drooling over all the awesome new gear coming to the backpacking world in 2020. Outdoor Retailer is one of the largest gear conferences in the world and last week we were fortunate enough to meet up with some of our favorite companies to get a sneak peek at their upcoming innovations.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction Backpack Launch
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction Backpack Launch
Published:
June 24, 2019
On Friday, June 21st, Hyperlite Mountain Gear just released a new ultralight backpack to their line and they’re calling it the Junction. The Junction features an almost identical setup to the excellent Southwest and Windrider backpacks, but has a versatile pocket configuration that will allow for ventilation and visibility in the front mesh pocket, and durability and privacy in the side pockets.
Big Agnes Q Core SLX Sleeping Pad Review
Big Agnes Q Core SLX Sleeping Pad Review
Published:
June 13, 2019
The Big Agnes Q Core SLX is a super cushy sleeping pad that differentiates itself from other pads with its large side rails that help keep users centered.
Therm-a-Rest Vesper Quilt Review
Therm-a-Rest Vesper Quilt Review
Published:
May 29, 2019
Therm-a-Rest’s new Vesper Quilt is one of the lightest, most packable quilts on the market. Therm-a-Rest accomplished this by using a simple, effective design with a trim cut, free of all non-essentials, and by using the highest quality materials available.
Feathered Friends Flicker Quilt Sleeping Bag Review
Feathered Friends Flicker Quilt Sleeping Bag Review
Published:
May 28, 2019
The Feathered Friends Flicker Quilt Sleeping Bag is an excellent trail quilt with a great design that will help you sleep comfortably in the wilderness under many different conditions. We absolutely love how it can be opened fully like a blanket or cinched up tight like a mummy bag to hold in heat on chilly nights. It’s a very smart, comfortable, effective, and well-designed quilt sleeping bag.
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20°F Sleeping Bag Review
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20°F Sleeping Bag Review
Published:
May 22, 2019
The Hyperion is the newest sleeping bag in Therm-a-Rest’s Fast and Light line and it’s one of the lightest and most compressible bags we’ve ever tested. The Hyperion comes in two temperature ratings (20°F and 32°F), which both use very high-quality 900-fill-power down to make them extremely warm while keeping weight to an absolute minimum.
REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL Tent Review
REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL Tent Review
Published:
May 9, 2019
REI recently launched the new Quarter Dome SL 2 Tent, which is almost a pound lighter than their popular Quarter Dome 2 model. The SL is a good fit for ultralight backpackers on a budget, as it’s among the most affordable options in the double-wall, ultralight tent world.
Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket Review
Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket Review
Published:
May 3, 2019
One of the newest jackets introduced by Arc’teryx for the 2019 hiking season, the Zeta SL (men’s & women’s), is an excellent balance between quality, durability, and weight. The highly packable and versatile design of the SL is a great option for hikers looking to push through wet weather in rugged conditions.
Helinox Chair Zero Review
Helinox Chair Zero Review
Published:
April 3, 2019
Weighing just over a pound, the Helinox Chair Zero features a remarkably low weight, incredible packability, and durable construction unmatched by its competition. After some rigorous field testing of sitting around, we found the Chair Zero’s performance lived up to its reputation.
How to Use Your Phone as a GPS Device for Backpacking & Hiking
How to Use Your Phone as a GPS Device for Backpacking & Hiking
Published:
March 20, 2019
One piece of gear has recently revolutionized navigation in the backcountry and it’s right there in your very pocket…
Arc’teryx Zeta FL Rain Jacket Review
Arc’teryx Zeta FL Rain Jacket Review
Published:
March 14, 2019
Arc’teryx has introduced two new ultralight shells to their already strong line of rain gear.
Does Bear Spray Really Work?
Does Bear Spray Really Work?
Published:
January 21, 2019
You’ve packed a can of bear spray and are heading off to your favorite wildlife-populated backcountry. But somewhere in the back…
How to Poop in the Woods: A Backpacker’s Guide
How to Poop in the Woods: A Backpacker’s Guide
Published:
November 16, 2018
The problem of human waste in the outdoors was highlighted last May when a glacial geologist with the National Park Service…
Henry’s Fork Lake Loop – Uintas Backpacking Guide
Henry’s Fork Lake Loop – Uintas Backpacking Guide
Published:
September 6, 2018
This loop explores a gorgeous alpine mountain basin with every enticement you dream of — misty mountain meadows, tall pines, small lakes and winding streams that tie it all together. And if that weren’t enough, the whole scene is framed by a massive mountain range with Kings Peak at its head.