Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides
We hope to inspire adventure and promote wilderness conservation through in-depth gear reviews, skill-based tutorials, and comprehensive trip guides.
Popular Content
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2026
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2026
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…
Best Backpacking Meals & Food of 2026
Best Backpacking Meals & Food of 2026
Our guide to the best backpacking meals and tips will help you fill your belly and fuel your hikes while out backpacking, camping, and thru-hiking.
Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2026
Best Backpacking Backpacks of 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.
Best Backpacking Tents of 2026
Best Backpacking Tents of 2026
We put the top-performing backpacking tents on the market through the wringer to find the best balance of comfort, weight, weather protection, ease of use, and durability.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2026
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2026
Our top backpacking sleeping bags cover ultralight thru-hiking, cold-weather trips, roomy side-sleeper designs, synthetic wet-weather options, and genuinely affordable beginner picks.
Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026
Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026
Our favorite backpacking water filters and purifiers, chosen for real-world usability, source conditions, long-term performance, and weight.
All Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides Content
How to Wash a Down Jacket
How to Wash a Down Jacket
Last Updated:
November 12, 2026
Many backpackers are afraid to wash down because they think getting it wet will ruin it. We disprove that myth in our guide – and cover the best way to do it.
Zion Traverse Backpacking Guide
Zion Traverse Backpacking Guide
Last Updated:
November 12, 2026
The Zion Traverse (aka the Trans-Zion Trek) is a gorgeous, varied backpacking route with scenic Zion Canyon as its centerpiece
Best Winter Boots for Women of 2026
Best Winter Boots for Women of 2026
Last Updated:
November 12, 2026
We put these winter boots through the wringer on snowy hikes, wet-weather errands, and cold trails, with practical comparisons to help choose the right pair.
Ultralight Backpacking Basics
Ultralight Backpacking Basics
Last Updated:
November 11, 2026
Is your backpacking kit weighing you down? Come to the light side! In this guide, we show how to trim valuable ounces, streamline your setup, and lower your base weight for your comfiest carry yet.
Backpacking & Camping Tent Size Guide
Backpacking & Camping Tent Size Guide
Last Updated:
November 11, 2026
Size is one of the most important considerations you’ll make when choosing a backpacking or camping tent.
Do You Really Need a Tent Footprint & How to Choose
Do You Really Need a Tent Footprint & How to Choose
Last Updated:
November 10, 2026
Tents are expensive, so do you really need to spend another $40 on a footprint to protect its floor? Here’s our expert take
A Complete Guide to Hiking the Colorado Trail
A Complete Guide to Hiking the Colorado Trail
Last Updated:
November 9, 2026
Stretching from Denver to Durango, the Colorado Trail is a full of challenges and rewarding experiences. Here are our first-hand tips for hiking the CT
Collegiate Peaks Loop Backpacking Guide
Collegiate Peaks Loop Backpacking Guide
Last Updated:
November 9, 2026
Searching for an epic two-week Colorado backpacking adventure? The Collegiate Peaks Loop may be what you’re looking for!
Reflection Canyon Ultimate Backpacking Guide
Reflection Canyon Ultimate Backpacking Guide
Last Updated:
November 7, 2026
A place made iconic by a National Geographic photographer (and subsequently a screen saver), Reflection Canyon, located on the Escalante arm of Lake Powell, perennially entices hikers far and wide. Though stunningly beautiful, we only recommend this hike to experienced backpackers with expert off-trail navigation skills.
What to Wear Hiking & Backpacking: The Ultralight Packing Guide
What to Wear Hiking & Backpacking: The Ultralight Packing Guide
Last Updated:
November 5, 2026
We use our combined 100 years of backpacking experience to put together this packing guide for lightweight adventures.
Best Women’s Backpacking Gear of 2026
Best Women’s Backpacking Gear of 2026
Last Updated:
November 5, 2026
We break down the key differences in women’s-specific backpacking gear and share our recommendations for everything from sleep systems to trail-ready layers.
Sawback Trail Backpacking Guide, Banff National Park
Sawback Trail Backpacking Guide, Banff National Park
Last Updated:
November 4, 2026
The Sawback Trail in Banff National Park is a 74 km (46 mile) traverse through the rugged and beautiful Sawback Mountain Range. With most people flocking to crowded trails on the west side of the Trans Canada Highway, this trek provides a true backcountry feel in a stunningly beautiful wilderness.
100+ Best Gifts for Hikers: Expert-Tested
100+ Best Gifts for Hikers: Expert-Tested
Last Updated:
November 2, 2026
From socks to sleeping bags, we’ve got every adventure covered in this year’s outdoor gift guide. Check out our top-notch gear picks for hikers, backpackers, and weekend warriors, with something for every budget.
A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail
A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail
Last Updated:
October 30, 2026
Planning for your thru-hike of the JMT can be a daunting task. This guide breaks down every detail, so you can pull off the adventure of a lifetime
20 Tips For First-Time Thru-Hikers
20 Tips For First-Time Thru-Hikers
Last Updated:
October 29, 2026
Are you considering the challenging yet profoundly rewarding experience of a thru-hike? Here are a few trail-tested tips to get you started
Best Tips for Hiking & Backpacking with a Dog
Best Tips for Hiking & Backpacking with a Dog
Last Updated:
October 27, 2026
Following the tips in this guide will prepare you and your pooch for the trail and build confidence to take them…