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Exped Ultra 6.5R Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker stands next to a green inflatable sleeping pad

Exped Ultra 6.5R Sleeping Pad Review

Warm, plush, and easy to inflate, this all-season pad is a strong cold-weather option for side sleepers who don’t mind carrying a little more weight than the lightest three-season models.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT Sleeping Pad Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT Sleeping Pad Review

Exceptionally warm for its weight and tougher than most inflatable pads, this is our go-to choice for winter backpacking, cold sleepers, and trips where frozen ground is part of the plan.
Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker holds an inflated red sleeping pad in the middle of the woods

Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review

A remarkably plush sleeping surface makes this a standout for comfort-focused backpackers who are willing to carry extra weight for a better night’s sleep.
Big Agnes Divide Insulated Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker holds a yellow sleeping pad in a forest

Big Agnes Divide Insulated Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review

A durable, warm, and comfortable three-season option for backpackers who want strong all-around performance without paying premium-pad prices.
Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker stands in the woods and holds up a gray sleeping pad.

Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

A thick, soft, body-conforming sleeping surface makes this a strong choice for backpackers who prioritize comfort and durability over ultralight weight.
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
A man stands in the woods holding a red inflatable air pad.

Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

A thick, cradled sleeping surface makes this a strong comfort-first choice for three-season backpackers who don’t mind carrying a bit more weight.
North Coast Route Backpacking Guide – Olympic National Park

North Coast Route Backpacking Guide – Olympic National Park

The North Coast Route in Olympic National Park is a challenging but rewarding multi-day trek with some of the most rugged and isolated coastal landscapes in the country.
Loowit Trail Backpacking Guide – Mount St. Helens

Loowit Trail Backpacking Guide – Mount St. Helens

The Loowit Trail around Mount St. Helens is nothing short of spectacular, with eye-popping vistas, interesting geology, and ultimate solitude for experienced backpackers.
Hiking Boot & Shoe Soles for Grip, Traction & Different Terrains
hiker walking on granite rock in yosemite national park

Hiking Boot & Shoe Soles for Grip, Traction & Different Terrains

The soles of your shoes are literally where the rubber meets the trail. Learn more about what to look for in the bottoms of your hiking footwear in this in-depth article on grip, traction, and terrain.
Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes vs. Trail Running Shoes

Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes vs. Trail Running Shoes

Hiking footwear is a really personal choice, and people often have differing opinions on what type of shoe works best for hiking.
Mount Margaret Backpacking Guide, Mount St. Helens

Mount Margaret Backpacking Guide, Mount St. Helens

The Mount Margaret Backcountry, just north of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, offers an unmatched combination of convenience, epic scenery, and interesting geology.
Glacier National Park Backpacking Guide

Glacier National Park Backpacking Guide

With more than 700 miles of backcountry trails traversing lush alpine meadows, glacier-carved peaks, deep valleys, and moss-fringed cirques cradling stunning azure lakes, Glacier National Park is as breathtakingly beautiful as it is physically and mentally demanding.
Top 10 Best Day Hikes in Glacier National Park

Top 10 Best Day Hikes in Glacier National Park

With over 700 miles of trails winding through Glacier National Park, it can be hard to choose what areas you want to explore. The…
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2026
a hiker blowing air into a sleeping pad pump sack

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2026

Whether you’re looking for inflatable or foam, ultralight or ultra-plush, we’ll help you get a great night’s sleep in the backcountry with our trail-tested picks…
Goat Rocks Wilderness Backpacking Guide

Goat Rocks Wilderness Backpacking Guide

Our guide to Washington’s Goat Rocks Wilderness covers everything you need to explore the area by foot, from permit requirements to recommended day hikes and overnights.
Wonderland Trail Backpacking Guide

Wonderland Trail Backpacking Guide

The Wonderland Trail is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest. It’s one of the most iconic trails in the region with breathtaking views, pristine alpine lakes, and miles of lush rainforest.
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