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Skyline Trail Backpacking Guide, Jasper National Park

Skyline Trail Backpacking Guide, Jasper National Park

The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park is a spectacular backpacking destination in the Canadian Rockies. Of the 44 kilometers of trail, nearly two thirds is above treeline with sweeping mountain views in all directions, beautiful glacial lakes, and wind-swept ridges.
REI Trailmade Women’s Hiking Pants Review
A hiker wearing the REI Trailmade Pants crosses a stream on some rocks.

REI Trailmade Women’s Hiking Pants Review

We love these affordable, lightweight, and soft hiking pants for class 1-2 trails.
REI Sahara Women’s Hiking Pants Review
A backpacker wearing the REI Sahara convertible pants kneels next to a lake surrounded by mountains.

REI Sahara Women’s Hiking Pants Review

We love these affordable, lightweight, and soft hiking pants for class 1-2 trails.
Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review
A backpacker wearing the Athleta Trekkie pants walks on a trail in the mountains.

Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review

An Athleta best-seller for good reason: these joggers work in so many outdoor settings that you’ll find any reason to put them on and get after whatever “it” is for the day.
The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Women’s Hiking Pants Review
a day hiker wearing the north face aphrodite 2.0 pants on a trail through an aspen forest

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Women’s Hiking Pants Review

Flow up and over passes and along valley river trails in hiking pants that feel like your favorite pair of leisurewear.
MSR FreeLite 2 Tent Review

MSR FreeLite 2 Tent Review

This is a lightweight and compact semi-freestanding tent. It’s great for backpacking solo or keeping pack weight down if you don’t mind a tight squeeze with your hiking partner.
Zpacks Plex Solo Tent Review
the zpacks plex solo tent pitched near a river on a sunny day

Zpacks Plex Solo Tent Review

Go lightweight without sacrificing every creature comfort. At 14.2 oz., this is the most livable one-person tents we’ve ever backpacked with.
Kuhl FreeFlex Rollup Women’s Pants Review
a backpacker on a ledge looking into a forested meadow in the mountains

Kuhl FreeFlex Rollup Women’s Pants Review

This option can switch from pants to capris in a snap. Designed and constructed to outlast your burliest hikes and trails.
Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants Review
A hiker wearing the Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2 pants walks on a trail in the mountains.

Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants Review

Hike, run, scramble, or be a couch potato in these super comfortable and streamlined joggers.
Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent Review
two backpackers below a volcano in oregon sitting inside their sea to summit telos tent without the rain fly

Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent Review

This backpacking tent offers standout features, including exceptional headroom, light-dispersing Lightbar, and adaptable ventilation, adding luxury to a rugged design.
Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip-Neck Base Layer Review
A hiker zips up the neck on the Arc'teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip Neck base layer. Trees are in the background.

Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip-Neck Base Layer Review

This is a top-of-the-line base layer offering fleece-like warmth for cold campsites, alpine starts, or that long chairlift.
Ortovox 185 Rock’n’wool Base Layer Review
A hiker hiking through the woods with a pack and trekking poles while wearing the Ortovox Rock'n'Wool base layer. Trees and a trail are in the background.

Ortovox 185 Rock’n’wool Base Layer Review

This midweight base layer features ultra-soft fine wool fibers and a comfortable, but snug fit making it feel warmer than other base layers of similar weight.
REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Review
A hiker climbing down some rocks in a desert landscape wearing the REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer

REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Review

If you’re only going to buy one base layer, this midweight budget friendly and comfy top is a great option. No base layer can do it all, but this one comes close.
Smartwool Classic All-Season Base Layer Review
A hiker crosses a log wearing a backpack and the Smartwool Classic All-Season base layer. Trees are in the background.

Smartwool Classic All-Season Base Layer Review

The value of this base layer is right in the name—“classic” and “all-season.” It utilizes a timeless design without overcomplicating things. The moderate warmth and excellent breathability make it an appropriate choice all year round.
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie Base Layer Review
A hiker walks down a trail with mountains and trees in the background. He is using trekking poles and wearing a pack and the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie Base Layer Review

This is an ultimate layer. The one that you will always bring on every trip “just in case” and end up wearing everyday.
7 Best Base Layers of 2025
A hiker stands in the woods wearing the Smartwool Classic All-Season base layer. Trees are in the background.

7 Best Base Layers of 2025

We’ve got your layering system covered starting with our trail-tested and reviewed guide to the best base layers around.
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