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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

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.
Rogue River Trail Backpacking Guide

Rogue River Trail Backpacking Guide

The Rogue River Trail is one of the most scenic early season backpacking trips in Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest in general. The route traverses the north side of the Rogue River for 40 miles as it rolls through the lush and remote Rogue Valley.
Wallowa River Loop Backpacking Guide

Wallowa River Loop Backpacking Guide

Often referred to as the “Alps of Oregon”, the immense granite peaks of the Wallowas are best experienced on multi-day backpacking trips.
Oregon Coast Trail Backpacking Guide – Bandon to Port Orford
backpacker overlooking the expansive view of the oregon coast with haystacks and wide sandy beaches.

Oregon Coast Trail Backpacking Guide – Bandon to Port Orford

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of exploring this beautiful section of the Oregon Coast Trail with one of my best friends. The trip was a spectacular reminder of how rewarding and diverse backpacking can be. James and I were both blown away by the pristine seclusion of this 30-mile stretch of Oregon coast. I highly recommend placing this trip on your Oregon backpacking to-do list. You will not be disappointed. 
Best Hiking Boots for Men of 2024
Knee-down view of a hiker walking a ridge in the Cascade Mountains in the Men's Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots

Best Hiking Boots for Men of 2024

We set out to find the most comfortable, durable, and supportive hiking boots available. After logging hundreds of trail miles ourselves, these top…
McKenzie River Trail Backpacking Guide

McKenzie River Trail Backpacking Guide

The McKenzie River Trail ventures through old lava flows, past views of crystal-clear blue waters, and traverses lush…
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