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Best Camping Hammocks of 2024
A backpacker relaxing in a red Eno Ultralight Sub6 hammock near a mountain lake in the Enchantments

Best Camping Hammocks of 2024

We’ve been kicking back in the backcountry to bring you our trail-tested top picks for hammock camping in comfort. Put your feet up and chill out with…
Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2024

Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2024

Our team of seasoned backcountry experts hiked thousands of miles using the best backpacking packs on the market to narrow down this list of…
Updated Best Backpacking Tents – Gear Guide

Updated Best Backpacking Tents – Gear Guide

10 BEST BACKPACKING TENTS OF 2016 Earlier this week I updated my Gear Guide to include a list of the 10 Best Backpacking Tents. If you’re in the market for a new bombproof, spacious, and lightweight shelter, I highly recommend having a look. Enjoy! 
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024
A backpacker sitting on a rock in the REI Magma 30 sleeping bag at sunset

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024

From summer summits to winter wanderings, our trail-tested list of the best backpacking sleeping bags will keep you warm and cozy in…
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2024
A backpacker holding the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite in Yosemite National Park

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2024

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…
Updated Best Lightweight Backpacks List – Gear Guide

Updated Best Lightweight Backpacks List – Gear Guide

7 BEST BACKPACKS OF 2016 Last week I updated my Gear Guide to include the 7 Best Lightweight Backpacks of 2016. It’s a list of fantastic hiking packs for thru-hiking, long-distance trekking, or just getting more comfortable on shorter backcountry trips. I hope you find it helpful!  
Patagonia M10 Jacket Review

Patagonia M10 Jacket Review

The Patagonia M10 Jacket is a fantastic rain shell for any lightweight adventurer. It has quickly become my all-time favorite backpacking jacket, and I expect you’ll feel the same. 
Top Gear Picks of 2024
A hiker posing on top of a mountain at sunset

Top Gear Picks of 2024

This is where we highlight a wide range of exceptional choices, and talk about our personal favorites.
Mountain House Meal Review – 3 New Flavors

Mountain House Meal Review – 3 New Flavors

Mountain House recently released three new flavors – Biscuits and Gravy, Chicken Fried Rice, and Italian Style Pepper Steak with Rice and Tomatoes. We really enjoyed the new flavors, so I thought I’d write a quick post to spread the word and share our thoughts.
Trip Report: Mount St. Helens Loop – Ape Canyon to Smith Creek

Trip Report: Mount St. Helens Loop – Ape Canyon to Smith Creek

Earlier this week, Annie and I took a trip to the east side of Mount St. Helens to explore a 28-mile backpacking loop a friend had recommended. We were blown away by how remarkably beautiful, surprisingly diverse, and unexpectedly secluded the route was.
Reader Response: LightHeart Duo vs. SMD Lunar Duo vs. ZPacks Duplex

Reader Response: LightHeart Duo vs. SMD Lunar Duo vs. ZPacks Duplex

Hey Dave, I’m looking to buy the LightHeart Gear Duo tent. Could you elaborate on some the pros and cons you have experienced as well as how it compares with other two person single wall tents? 
Trip Report: Elk Meadows & Elk Mountain

Trip Report: Elk Meadows & Elk Mountain

Short backcountry trips are a fantastic way to reboot your system and cleanse weekly stress. It’s always amazing to me how quickly I feel my body relax when I begin a hike. It often only a few steps before I start to feel the peace of the wilderness wash over me.
Spikeball Review – Spoiler Alert: It’s Awesome

Spikeball Review – Spoiler Alert: It’s Awesome

Spikeball is a ridiculously fun beach & park game played with 4 people. It’s like a warped version of 2 v. 2 volleyball that’s heavy on spikes, drop shots, trickery, and diving around. It’s great for players of all skill levels. If you enjoy active outdoor games, you’ll love Spikeball.
Reader Response: New Shoes, Same Blisters, What Gives?

Reader Response: New Shoes, Same Blisters, What Gives?

Below is an email from a reader I received this week. Den from Berkshire, UK brings up a problem I hear about all the time, so I thought I’d share my response. Also, if you want more info on the hiking boots vs. running shoes debate, check out my article 5 Reasons To Ditch Your Hiking Boots. A big thanks to Den for the great question! 
Nepal Earthquake Disaster Relief

Nepal Earthquake Disaster Relief

On April 25th, Nepal was rocked by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, devastating much of Kathmandu and killing over 6,200 people. It crushes me to see the struggle that Nepal is going through in the aftermath of such a powerful earthquake, especially having experienced their culture first hand. The people of Nepal are incredibly generous and kind. They need help now more than ever, so I’m urging my readers to please support them however you can.  
Reader Response: Thru-Hiking Shelter Space and Size

Reader Response: Thru-Hiking Shelter Space and Size

I often get fantastic emails from readers with really great questions. I try to answer them to the best of my ability and I frequently wish that others could read my responses. So today I’m trying out a new idea and I’m going to publish a recent reader email. If you like this type of content – please let me know with a “like” or “comment” below. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful notes and questions. You guys rock!
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