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Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 / 45+5 SL Review
a man wearing a white backpack

Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 / 45+5 SL Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Established-trail backpackers get one of our favorite close-contact comfort systems and a highly adjustable fit, but high bottle pockets and floppy hipbelt storage create repeated trail friction.
REI Flash 55 Review
a man wearing a backpack stands in front of a tree

REI Flash 55 Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Budget-conscious backpackers get a sub-three-pound framed pack with a flexible Packmod system and good trail access, but its lumbar support is more basic and large bear canisters fit best vertically.
ULA Equipment Circuit Review
The ULA Circuit backpack with Three Fingered Jack in the background

ULA Equipment Circuit Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Thru-hikers carrying lightweight to moderate loads get a durable, simple pack with unusually good load transfer for its weight, but its 68-liter capacity can be more volume than a dialed-in kit needs.
Titcomb Basin Backpacking Guide – Wind River Range, WY

Titcomb Basin Backpacking Guide – Wind River Range, WY

Last Updated: October 6, 2026
The Wind River Range, or the Winds, as they’re commonly known, are jammed with bucket-list day hikes and backpacking trips that reward you with epic views and unbelievable beauty.
Does Bear Spray Really Work?

Does Bear Spray Really Work?

Last Updated: October 6, 2026
Bear spray is a must-have in many wilderness areas, but it’s only effective if you know how to use it. Read on for helpful deployment tips, buying considerations, and more.
A Guide to Hiking in Torres del Paine: W, O, and Q Treks

A Guide to Hiking in Torres del Paine: W, O, and Q Treks

Last Updated: October 6, 2026
If it’s your first time visiting Patagonia, Torres del Paine should be on your itinerary. Here’s how to enjoy some of the best trekking in the world:
How to Poop in the Woods: A Backpacker’s Guide
the tools for pooping in the woods (trowel, hand sanitizer and a baggie of toilet paper

How to Poop in the Woods: A Backpacker’s Guide

Last Updated: October 6, 2026
When nature calls, we’ve got steps to turn a backcountry bathroom break into a five-star experience. Plus, properly disposing of your #2 keeps our wild places and waterways clean and pristine.”
A Guide to Backpacking & Hiking in Patagonia

A Guide to Backpacking & Hiking in Patagonia

Last Updated: October 6, 2026
We’ve been fortunate enough to hike and backpack extensively in Patagonia. Here’s what we’ve learned about this magical region after many years of travels to South America.
Best Hiking Daypacks of 2026
A person with a black dog looks out over a rocky landscape filled with pines. An EXPED brand pack is on their bag and a fly fishing rod is strapped to the side.

Best Hiking Daypacks of 2026

Last Updated: October 5, 2026
From fast summit missions to gear-heavy winter hikes, these are the daypacks that stood out after extensive side-by-side trail testing.
Pinhoti Trail Guide
A person wearing a rain jacket is sitting on a rock on the edge of a ridge looking out at the ridge on the other side of the valley. There is a small terrier standing next to them and the day is overcast.

Pinhoti Trail Guide

Last Updated: October 5, 2026
Stretching across eastern Alabama and western Georgia, this thru-hike offers an extended hiking season, unique trail towns, and relatively gentle terrain.
Santa Cruz Trek, Peru – A Guide to Hiking the Cordillera Blanca

Santa Cruz Trek, Peru – A Guide to Hiking the Cordillera Blanca

Last Updated: October 5, 2026
Nestled in the white-peaked Cordillera Blanca range in the Andes, the classic 4-day Santa Cruz backpacking trip may be one of the most beautiful treks in the world. Here’s how to hike this overlooked hiking mecca north of Lima, Peru.
Exped Skyline 20 Review
A person packs items into a green EXPED Skyline 20L Daypack. A black lab watches from the background.

Exped Skyline 20 Review

Last Updated: October 2, 2026
A durable, versatile 20-liter daypack with strong materials, useful ventilation, and an included rain cover, though comfort varies by body shape.
Osprey Daylite Plus Review
Close up of a backpack on a person's back in the desert.

Osprey Daylite Plus Review

Last Updated: October 2, 2026
A light, compressible commuter and travel pack that handles casual hikes well but gives up the support and ventilation of dedicated hiking daypacks.
REI Flash 22 Review

REI Flash 22 Review

Last Updated: October 2, 2026
A remarkably light, inexpensive daypack for minimalist hikers and travel, with simple storage and a removable sit pad but limited load support.
REI Trail 25 Review
Closeup image of a man wearing a backpack with a foam sleeping pad on the bottom and two hiking poles attached.

REI Trail 25 Review

Last Updated: October 2, 2026
A cushioned, durable budget daypack with a useful rain cover and lots of lash points, but limited ventilation, support, and on-the-go access.
Cotopaxi Batac 16L Review
Person wearing a colorful Cotopaxi daypack squats by a riverside to watch the rapids.

Cotopaxi Batac 16L Review

Last Updated: October 2, 2026
A colorful, highly packable 16-liter bag for travel and casual outdoor use, best for light loads rather than serious day hiking.
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