CleverHiker Staff

Gear Nerds Rejoice! REI’s biggest sale of the year is upon us. Running from May 17th-27th, REI’s Anniversary Sale includes deeps discounts on some of our favorite backpacking, camping, and hiking gear. In addition to sale items, REI members also receive 20% off one full-priced item and an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item with coupon code ANNV19.

Whether you’re just starting out or updating your old gear, we have the tips and tricks you need to backpack on a budget so you can enjoy the outdoors without burning a hole in your wallet.

You’ve packed a can of bear spray and are heading off to your favorite wildlife-populated backcountry. But somewhere in the back…

Before REI shuts its doors and encourages everyone to #optoutside on Black Friday, they’re having a huge sale. The Gear Up-Get Out sale runs from November 9 – 19 and includes some of our favorite backpacking and hiking gear. Check out the gear we’re most excited about!

We have hiked every single one of the trails we include in our in-depth backpacking and hiking trip guides below. For more popular CleverHiker resources to get you going on your next adventure, check out the following: United States & Canada Thru-Hikes Appalachian Trail Distance: 2,190 milesTime Needed: 3 – 5 monthsApprox. Elevation Change: 465,000 […]

We tell you the key differences in women-specific backpacking gear and what we pack for every backcountry visit.

View fullsize Big Ticket Gifts GIFT GUIDE SECTIONS STOCKING STUFFERS MID-RANGE GIFTS BIG TICKET GIFTS POPULAR CONTENT: Need a new tent, backpack, sleeping bag/pad, etc? Find our favorites in the CleverHiker Gear Guide. REI CO-OP Magma 10 & 17 REI’s new Magma 10 (men’s) and Magma 17 (women’s) sleeping bags have a combination of weight, warmth, and cost that is hard […]

Mid-Range Gifts GIFT GUIDE SECTIONS STOCKING STUFFERS MID-RANGE GIFTS BIG TICKET GIFTS POPULAR CONTENT: Need a new tent, backpack, sleeping bag/pad, etc? Find our favorites in the CleverHiker Gear Guide. Steripen Ultra The SteriPEN Ultra uses UV light to purify 1L of water in 90 seconds without any pumping, squeezing, or chemicals, which is really nice. It’s light, compact, […]

Trail-tested recommendations on the best hiking, backpacking, and camping gear for maximizing comfort, minimizing weight, and increasing smiles.

This is where we highlight a wide range of exceptional choices, and talk about our personal favorites.