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Helinox Chair Zero Review
A man relaxes with his legs out and hands behind his head on a small backpacking chair.

Helinox Chair Zero Review

Last Updated: October 9, 2026
A water-bottle-scale packed chair with a top portability result makes the strongest case for backpackers and space-conscious campers who accept minimal features.
Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2026
A backpacker standing in front of a lake in the men's Kuhl Deceptr hiking pants

Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2026

Last Updated: October 9, 2026
From airy warm-weather trail pants to durable softshells and practical convertibles, these are our favorite men’s hiking pants after side-by-side testing.
Kelty Asher 55 Review
A green backpack sits on a picnic table in a State Park

Kelty Asher 55 Review

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
First-time backpackers get a low-cost, uncomplicated pack that carried a roughly 45-pound test load better than expected, but awkward bottle storage and exposed mesh limit its long-term appeal.
Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2026

Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2026

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
From lightweight thru-hiking packs to heavy-load haulers, these are the backpacking backpacks we trust after extensive field testing and more than 100,000 collective trail miles.
The North Face Wawona 6 Review
The image shows a wide shot of The North Face Wawona 6 tent. Both front vestibule doors are open and rolled up to allow a full view through the open vestibule. There are tree covered hills in the background. The sky is blue with mixed in clouds.

The North Face Wawona 6 Review

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
A cavernous basecamp shelter with excellent gear storage, durable materials, and enough weather protection for families who camp in a wide range of conditions.
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 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 Review

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
A compact crossover tent that gives two campers excellent ventilation, simple setup, and high-quality materials without the bulk of a traditional car-camping shelter.
REI Westward 6 Review
The REI Westward 6 tent pitched at camp with the rainfly and front vestibule fully set up.

REI Westward 6 Review

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
A tall, roomy family shelter with one of the best warm-weather interiors we tested, plus a huge vestibule that works as real camp living space.
NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 Review

NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 Review

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
A well-built four-person tent that combines a tall, bright interior with intuitive setup, excellent airflow, and dependable storm performance.
Gregory Paragon 60 / Maven 58 Review
a man wearing a black and blue backpack

Gregory Paragon 60 / Maven 58 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Traditional backpackers get our favorite all-around comfort, useful side access, and excellent bottle reach, but they pay a weight penalty compared with lighter framed packs.
Gregory Baltoro 75 / Deva 70 Review
A man in a green jacket wears a blue backpack in the forest

Gregory Baltoro 75 / Deva 70 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Backpackers carrying genuinely heavy or bulky loads get our preferred heavy-hauling comfort and excellent bottle access, but the five-pound-plus pack is unnecessary for ordinary three-season trips.
Osprey Exos 58 / Eja 58 Review
a man wears a blue backpack

Osprey Exos 58 / Eja 58 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Backpackers who want a framed pack under three pounds get excellent suspended-mesh ventilation and useful trail features, but the load rides farther from the body than on close-contact designs.
REI Trailmade 60 Review
man wearing tan backpack

REI Trailmade 60 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
New backpackers get a durable, straightforward pack with easy bottle access and simple organization, but its suspension is more basic than the category leaders.
Osprey Atmos AG 65 / Aura AG 65 Review
man wears a green backpack

Osprey Atmos AG 65 / Aura AG 65 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Backpackers who run hot and want maximum organization get exceptional suspended-mesh ventilation and a huge feature set, but the weight and hardware are overkill for simpler trips.
Osprey Aether 65 / Ariel 65 Review
man wears blue backpack in front of a pine tree

Osprey Aether 65 / Ariel 65 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Heavy-load backpackers get the toughest pack in this field and a frame that stayed controlled at 60 pounds, but the weight and less-forgiving comfort make it excessive for ordinary weekend loads.
Granite Gear Crown3 60 Review
a man wearing a white backpack

Granite Gear Crown3 60 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Backpackers moving from traditional gear toward lighter systems get unusual lashing flexibility and a configurable carry, but comfort fades as loads approach the mid-30-pound range.
Exped Lightning 50 Review
A man wearing a blue backpack stands in front of a river gorge

Exped Lightning 50 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Backpackers who value premium construction and thoughtful technical features get a lot to like here, but awkward bottle access, a fiddly Y-strap, and compressed rear storage keep the experience from feeling seamless.
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