Best Women’s Backpacking Gear of 2025

The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 has earned its reputation as a go-to pack for ultralight enthusiasts, and after putting it through its paces on over 600 miles of trail, we understand why. From scrambling through the Spanish Pyrenees to grinding out long days on the PCT, traversing the Olympics, and circling Rainier on the Wonderland Trail, this pack continues to impress us with its ability to balance comfort and weight savings.

At the heart of the Gorilla’s performance is its PVT frame system, which handles loads up to 25 pounds with surprising stability. The hipbelt and shoulder straps deserve a special shoutout. Their breathable mesh and generous padding make long trail days noticeably more pleasant. We did notice some occasional rubbing from the back panel edge during particularly sweaty climbs, but it’s a minor gripe and could be just our personal experience.

What really makes the Gorilla shine are the trail-focused details that show Gossamer Gear’s backpacking experience. The redesigned trekking pole attachments work beautifully. The hipbelt pockets swallow a day’s worth of snacks, and the removable back pad doubles as a welcome lunch seat. Sure, the two-step closure system takes some getting used to, and you’ll need to baby the mesh pocket a bit, but any ultralight pack comes with weight-saving quirks.

For hikers who’ve been thinking about going ultralight but don’t want to sacrifice all their creature comforts, the Gorilla 50 hits a sweet spot. While it might not be our first choice for heavy loads or bush-bashing adventures, it’s become a go-to recommendation for traditional backpacking trips where every ounce counts.

More: Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Full Review

After thru-hiking thousands of miles with the ULA Circuit we can confidently say it’s an exceptionally durable backpack for long distance hiking. If you have your pack weight below 30 pounds the Circuit’s frame will carry your load very comfortably.

CleverHiker Gear Analyst, Heather Eldridge, has used the Circuit for her thru-hikes of the PCT and CDT as well as many small trips. She loves this bag because it has the perfect balance of durability and low weight – making it through multiple thru-hikes of over 2,000 miles each and then still going is no easy feat for an ultralight backpack. 

The Circuit now comes with a more durable mesh front pocket, it’s compatible with ULA’s removable Y-strap and bottom strap, and – to be quite frank – it got a much-needed aesthetic makeover. 

All the little design elements on the Circuit really make it shine on trail – large, convenient pockets; light, durable fabric; and a minimal, yet highly effective suspension system. The giant hipbelt pockets keep essentials and snacks easily accessible, which are worth their weight in gold for hikers spending long days putting up big miles.

This backpack has an exceptional balance of weight, comfort, and durability, so it’s no wonder the ULA Circuit is consistently called out as a favorite by thru-hikers.

More: ULA Circuit Full Review

The REI Magma 15 has the most extensive size-run we’ve seen offered for sleeping bags, and we’re really excited about the move to provide inclusive sizing. This unisex bag is warmer than their predecessors and have a refined fit that is comfortable for a wide variety of body shapes.

The Magma 15 is comfort-rated to 21°F (as opposed to the 28°F comfort rating of the previous unisex version). A sleeping bag’s EN/ISO Comfort Rating is the temperature at which most cold sleepers will remain comfortable, so those who have a hard time staying warm should be cozy in this bag well below freezing. Warm sleepers can certainly take the Magma 15 into the teens (provided you’re using a well-insulated sleeping pad), so it’s a great winter bag for all.

Part of what makes the Magma bag so warm is its trimmed-down design. The true mummy shape is highly efficient because it eliminates the dead space your body would otherwise have to warm up. Though there’s still some room to move in the Magma, the leg girth is a bit narrower than many similar models. Some hikers may find the space a bit tight, but there are wide models available for each length option (short, medium, long) for those who need a little more wiggle room.

This backpacking sleeping bag is highly compressible for efficient packing. If you’re a cold sleeper or you’re looking for a sleeping bag that’ll excel on high alpine and winter adventures, the Magma 15 is an excellent choice.

REI Magma 15 Full Review

The Enlightened Equipment Revelation has been one of our go-to backpacking quilts for years due to its versatile design, excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, and great price for the quality.

The Revelation can be left open like a blanket on warm nights or cinched up tight when the temperature drops, so it’s a good pick for hikers looking for something they can use for all but the coldest of trips. We’ve found that the 20°F model keeps us warm to right around freezing or just a little below, but cold sleepers may prefer the 10°F model for the extra warmth. 

CleverHiker Founder, Dave Collins, swears by the Revelation and has taken it on many of his most epic backpacking trips. From the chilly peaks of Glacier National Park to the much warmer twists of Marble Canyon in Death Valley National Park, the Revelation’s flexible build readily adapts to the conditions.

You can choose to custom order a Revelation to your desired color, size, and temperature rating. We recommend bumping up a size in length and width for full coverage on chilly nights if you sleep cold, or you could consider the EE Enigma quilt. The Enigma has a footbox that’s sewn closed (like a sleeping bag footbox), so it retains a lot more warmth than the Revelation. CH Managing Editor, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, prefers the Enigma, and he’s trusted it for many big backpacking trips – including his CDT thru-hike. 

Quality like this will usually set you back a pretty penny, but the Revelation comes in at an amazing price when compared to similar quilts. We’ve been using ours for years, and it’s still one of the best investments we’ve made in our backpacking setup.

Full review: Enlightened Equipment Revelation

The Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 and women’s Egret YF 20 are some of the highest quality down bags for backpacking on the market. CleverHiker Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, has used the Egret YF in frigid conditions – including a string of 20-degree nights in Utah, a winter campout in Nevada’s Sheep Mountain Range, and a late-season hike on Broken Top Mountain in Oregon with snow on the ground. 

These models are very light, feel soft against the skin, and are filled with responsibly sourced 900+ fill-power goose down – which is about as nice as down comes. This is one of the few instances where we would actually trust a 20-degree bag to keep us warm when the temperature drops to 20 degrees (Feathered Friends doesn’t list EN temperature ratings, but we’ve found their ratings to be more conservative than most of the competition). 

One of the biggest features that makes them so warm is the very generous draft tube – a down-filled tube that blocks cool air from entering through the zipper. Many premium sleeping bags include a draft tube, but the one on the Swallow and Egret is more robust than others and really locks in the warmth. Other warmth-preserving features include a draft collar around the neck and hood and a fitted but comfortable cut that eliminates dead space inside the bags.

Certainly the high price is one of the first things you’ll notice about the Swallow YF and Egret YF, but we can assure you they’re worth every penny if you’ll use them often. Ounce-counting backpackers might even prefer the Swallow UL and Egret UL which cost a bit more but provide the same reliable warmth as their YF counterparts at an even lower weight.

Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 Full Review

Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir XLite NXT is easily one of the best 3-season sleeping pads on the market. Several members of the CleverHiker team have a total of over 1,000 miles of experience with this pad and you’ll often find it in our packs during spring, summer, and fall trips. The XLite has a rare combination of comfort, warmth, and weight that make it tough to beat for backpacking.

The newest NXT version of the XLite has a slightly higher R-value and is 3 inches thick, so it’s a bit warmer and cushier than before. We’ve found the insulation good enough to stay comfortable in temps all the way down into the low 20s when paired with a quality sleeping bag, which is really incredible for a pad this light. CleverHiker Editor-in-Chief, Dave Collins, recently took the XLite NXT on a snowy late-season trek through Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and stayed perfectly warm and comfortable each night.

Keeping pack weight down on backcountry trips is critical, and the XLite NXT is among the absolute best this arena. At just 13 ounces, the XLite is one of the lightest insulated pads on the market. And you’d be hard-pressed to find another option that offers the same warmth or durability at this weight.

Ultralight gear tends to be on the delicate side, but that’s not the case with the XLite. With just a little care during campsite selection, this pad can last for thousands of miles. Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, took the XLite NXT on a 300-mile section of the Arizona Trail – a notoriously prickly path – and it held up without incident despite some lazier evenings where campsite clearing fell off the priority list. Still, the XLite is an air pad and accidents can happen. The included repair kit makes field fixes easy, and the valve can even be replaced if it fails – a fairly unique feature for an air pad.

The main knock on previous XLite models was the crinkly sound they make when shifting around. We’re happy to report that the NXT is much quieter than previous versions. We’ve tested it many times with tentmates by our side and camp neighbors nearby with no complaints. Don’t expect complete silence though – we’d say the XLite NXT is now just about as quiet as most air pads – they all make a little noise.

The other minor inconvenience with the XLite comes in the form of ease-of-use. The pump sack that’s included with the XLite is pretty basic, and isn’t as efficient as the top competitors. Additionally, the XLite doesn’t have a dump valve, so you’ll have to squeeze air out of the pad when it’s time to pack up camp in the morning. This will slow down the packing process a bit, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

All things considered, the NeoAir XLite is a truly exceptional sleeping pad that we’ve put through the wringer over thousands of trail miles. It’s an all-time great backpacking sleeping pad and is clearly one of the best on the market. 

More: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Full Review

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is the warmer and more durable sibling of the XLite above. This pad is our top recommendation for cold sleepers and hikers heading out for adventures in the winter chill. We loved the previous XTherm, but the latest NXT model is even better – it’s warmer, thicker, and even a touch lighter than before. 

The R-value of a sleeping pad tells you how much insulation it provides – the higher the number, the warmer the pad. With an R-value of 7.3, the XTherm NXT is one of the warmest backpacking sleeping pads on the market. It’s also considerably lighter than most other highly insulated sleeping pads, so it’s a great buy for hikers looking for the best balance of warmth and weight.

The XTherm is the pad our team members opt for when we head out on winter backpacking adventures. In our testing, even in absolutely frigid temperatures and several inches of fresh powder, we’ve stayed warm and comfortable thanks to the XTherm.

This pad also has a durable layer of 70-denier fabric on the underside to combat wear and prevent punctures. Its level of durability is among the best we’ve ever tested for backpacking air pads. The XTherm does make a slight crinkle sound when you shift around on it, but its considerable strengths far outweigh this minor downside.

With a weight that’s lower than the typical 3-season pad but an R-value ready for serious winter adventures, it’s no wonder the NeoAir XTherm NXT has been a fan favorite for many years.

More: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Full Review

The NEMO Tensor Insulated sleeping pad is thick, comfortable, and quieter than almost any air pad we’ve tested. So if you’re looking to avoid the crinkle sound some pads have, the Tensor is an excellent option.

Another thing that sets the Tensor apart is the wide variety of shape and size options, including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular/wide model. The rectangular models are popular, as they allow your feet to rest wider apart when back sleeping. This, along with 3 in. of thickness, makes the Tensor a real stand-out when it comes to comfort.

The Tensor also comes with one of the best pump sacks on the market, making inflation fast and easy. On top of that, the zero-profile valve allows for quick deflation and simple micro-adjustments.

We’ve been big fans of the NEMO Tensor since the first model hit the shelves, and we still rock it for trips where extra comfort is a top priority.

We’ve been running in the Saucony Peregrines for many years now, and we love them for their exceptional comfort and aggressive traction. Whether it’s a rocky mountain route, a muddy forest trail, or a groomed trail in our favorite local park, the Peregrines bite into the terrain and provide a confident ride.

In our testing of the updated 15, we found them to handle like a dream on a wide variety of terrain from slippery, leaf-covered trails to muddy singletrack. The mesh uppers have a nice amount of give, keeping our feet comfortable, even after long hours.

If you’ve been a longtime fan of the Peregrines like we have, you’ll be happy to know that the well-padded tongue with a gusseted design does an excellent job of preventing debris from entering through the top of the shoe.

The mesh upper is woven tightly for a good blend of durability and breathability, and several reinforced areas add to the longevity of this shoe. The fit of the sock liner is on the narrow side, but wide sizes are available if you need more wiggle room.

We recommend this shoe for those who frequently run on tricky terrain and require unwaveringly reliable traction. This versatile trail shoe comes at a great price and will keep going for hundreds of miles.

More: Women’s Saucony Peregrine 15 Full Review

Altra Lone Peaks have long been the flagship shoe of lightweight hikers due to their low weight, grippy outsole, and roomy fit. The 7th iteration of the LPs got another big makeover – the upper has been redesigned, the outsole has been overhauled, and the modern colorways make these shoes stand out from the crowd.

Some hikers struggled with the durability of the previous Lone Peak model, but we’re happy to report that the Lone Peak 7s feature more reinforced spots and will last far longer than the LP 6s. We put about 650 miles on a pair of Lone Peak 7s on the notoriously tough-on-shoes Arizona Trail before needing to buy a new pair. The signature Trail Claw lug pattern also got a makeover and is stickier than before, resulting in fewer slips on wet rock and other tricky terrain.

We love the LP 7s and they’ve quickly become our favorite version we’ve ever tested of this long-trail stalwart. For hikers seeking a wider fit that allows for natural movement, the Lone Peak 7s should be at the top of your list.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (men’s / women’s) has been at the top of our list for many years, and for good reason. It’s one of our go-to rain jackets and all-time favorites. From 150-day thru-hikes of the CDT including torrential downpours, high-alpine blizzards, and drizzly fall weather, to trips skiing, camping, and hiking the local trails, this jacket is a durable, affordable workhorse.

The Torrentshell features laminated triple-layer construction that makes it protective in sustained rain, but still feels impressively lightweight on your body. The hood is adjustable and features a large visor to keep the rain out of your eyes and off your face, but it also rolls away easily with a cord and hook when not in use.

For a rain jacket, the Torrentshell is cozy. A soft microfleece lining at the neck adds a soft-to-the-touch feel and wicks away moisture with ease. This jacket has two hand warmer pockets as well as storm flaps – overlapping material that covers the main zipper and pit zips to help you stay dry.

Even though it’s a bit bulky, the Torrentshell still packs down small into the left hand warmer pocket and comes with a convenient carabiner loop so you can keep it easily accessible when the skies open up.

The only major complaint we have about the Torrentshell is its weight. At 14.1 ounces for the men’s version and 12.4 ounces for the women’s, there are other jackets on this list that are better suited for long-distance trips where shaving pack weight is important. So if you’re considering the Torrentshell exclusively for backpacking, we’d recommend other options on this list.

Though it’s not as airy or compressible as some, we highly recommend it for adventures when stormy conditions are inevitable. The Torrentshell is a versatile, reasonably affordable, and very durable jacket that we recommend for all-around use.

More: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Full Review

The REI 650 Down Jacket (men’s / women’s) is one of the best bangs for your buck on the market. It’s a no-frills, lightweight, compressible option for almost any situation where you need a simple, warm extra layer.

The 650 Down has all the features we want, and nothing more: a cinch cord at the hem, two hand warmer pockets, two internal drop pockets, and a burly zipper. The nylon is comfortable against the skin, and at just over 10 ounces, it’s awesomely lightweight compared to other options on this list. 

This jacket is one of the most bare bones options we tested, but that’s why it’s also one of the most versatile. The 650 Down doesn’t have a two-way zipper, chest pocket, or even a hood – but that’s precisely what we love about it. A down jacket like this is a key layering piece for daily wear.

The 650 Down is made with lower-fill-power down, so it’s not quite as heat-efficient as some of the more technical jackets on our list. That said, the 650 down isn’t meant to be a technical jacket, but a go-to option for day-to-day use. Our team rocks this jacket constantly as a lightweight, compressible layer. And, for the price, it performs extremely well.

More: REI 650 Down Jacket Full Review