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Ultimate Backpacking Checklist & Gear Essentials

Ultimate Backpacking Checklist & Gear Essentials

Last Updated: September 26, 2024
After years of honing our backpacking gear to find the balance of weight, comfort, and…
Marmot Precip Eco Rain Jacket Review
A man hikes uphill with a coastal view behind him.

Marmot Precip Eco Rain Jacket Review

Published: September 26, 2024
A lightweight, yet affordable option, this is a great entry-level rain coat providing enough weather resistance to ride out a passing drizzle.
Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review
A man wearing a running vest runs through fall colors

Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review

Published: September 26, 2024
If you’re the lightweight backpacker who sometimes refuses to pack a raincoat because it is too bulky and heavy, this shell won’t bog you down or clog your pack.
Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the zippers of a rain jacket.

Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket Review

Published: September 26, 2024
This is the jacket to bring when heavy rain and strong winds hit your next hike. We love its weather resistance, durability, and comfort.
REI Rainier Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

REI Rainier Rain Jacket Review

Published: September 26, 2024
This affordable rain jacket excels in rain resistance, comfort, and mobility, making it a top budget choice for getting caught in the rain.
Best Rain Jackets of 2025
A backpacker wearing an orange Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket in Yosemite National Park

Best Rain Jackets of 2025

Last Updated: September 26, 2024
From drizzles to downpours, we’ve got your back. Our team of seasoned hikers weathered the storm to find the best rain jackets for performance and protection.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review
A man walks through wet vegetation

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

Published: September 26, 2024
A longtime trusted shell in the elements, this jacket is a flexible, durable, weather-repelling yet breathable forcefield in the toughest of rains.
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent Review
The image shows a side shot of the Mineral King 3 in a grassy environment set against a burnt orange sky.

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent Review

Published: September 25, 2024
This tent is a fantastic crossover that hits all the right notes. It’s perfectly sized and has a familiar yet refreshing design.
Kelty Wireless 6 Tent Review
The image shows a side view of the Wireless 6 with the front vestibule open and rolled back. There is a stakes out guy line showing the tightness of the fly when guyed out. The tent it in a grassy environment with trees in the background.

Kelty Wireless 6 Tent Review

Published: September 25, 2024
This tent is a feature-packed, six-person tent with a spacious interior and strong build, all at a surprisingly low price.
NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 Tent Review

NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 Tent Review

Last Updated: September 25, 2024
This tent is spacious and easy to set up. We love the big door on the front and the windows on all four sides.
Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review
a backpacker in yosemite holding up their treated and clean drinking water in a Platypus Gravityworks bladder

Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review

Last Updated: September 25, 2024
With over a decade and 3000-mile thru hike with the Platypus GravityWorks, it remains a favorite water treatment system for backpacking with a partner or group.
REI Wonderland 4 Tent Review
A medium wide photograph of the REI Wonderland 4 camping tent. The ten is set on a mountainside and the sun is setting in the background. Wildfire smoke shrouds the sky and the sun is setting with a twinge of orange in the clouds.

REI Wonderland 4 Tent Review

Last Updated: September 25, 2024
This tent is one of our favorite shelters for frontcountry camping because it feels spacious, luxurious, and it’s super user-friendly.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Review

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Review

Last Updated: September 25, 2024
This microfilter has an incredible flow rate, and it can be cleaned in the field. Because you can drink straight from the top like a sports bottle, you will spend less time squeezing or pumping and more time enjoying the trail.
REI Skyward 4 Tent Review
The image shows a medium shot of the REI Skyward 4 from the side with a child poking is head out of the ten. The ten is surrounded by pine trees.

REI Skyward 4 Tent Review

Last Updated: September 25, 2024
This a well-rounded tent with a sweet balance of simplicity, spaciousness, and weather protection. You can stand up and move freely inside.
Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter Review
Backpacker filling his sawyer squeeze pouch from a stream

Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter Review

Last Updated: September 25, 2024
This filter is a trail-ready, pint-sized powerhouse of a squeeze filtration system. It takes up minimal space and provides safe drinking water while you’re in the backcountry.
Sawyer Mini Filter Review
sawyer mini attached to a squeeze filter pouch for treating water to drink in the wilderness

Sawyer Mini Filter Review

Last Updated: September 25, 2024
This is an effective, lightweight, versatile and economical water filter great for all your backpacking adventures.
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