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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

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Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2026
a hiker blowing air into a sleeping pad pump sack

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
backpacker pouring water into bowl outdoors

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

Whether you’re looking to tackle a thru hike or haul some serious gear, we’ve got backpack recommendations for every type of adventure.
Best Backpacking Tents of 2026
The NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 and Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 backpacking tents pitched in a campsite surrounded by granite peaks in the Sawtooth Mountains

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, ease of use, and more. Find your new home-away-from home with our guide.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2026
A man sits up in a sleeping bag with the hood over his head. He is smiling and looking off camera.

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2026

Our list of trail-tested backpacking sleeping bags will help you find a cozy sack for everything from summer summits to winter wanderings.
Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026
A hiker pumps with the msr guardian filter. the pre filter is submerged in murky water and a nalgene bottle is attached to the bottom of the filter.

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026

We’ve filtered out the nonsense to bring you our purest recommendations of the best water filters around.

All Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides Content

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Backpacking Tent Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Backpacking Tent Review

Last Updated: June 10, 2026
This tent features a tried-and-true ultralight platform with thoughtful details that set it apart from the gram-saving competitors.
Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2026
Waist-down view of a hiker standing on a rocky trail in the men's Patagonia Quandary hiking shorts

Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2026

Last Updated: June 10, 2026
Discover your new favorite trail-ready hiking shorts from Patagonia, prAna, REI, and more. Our experts bring you tailored suggestions for the best in comfort, durability, and style from trail to town.
Best Backpacking Tents of 2026
The NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 and Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 backpacking tents pitched in a campsite surrounded by granite peaks in the Sawtooth Mountains

Best Backpacking Tents of 2026

Last Updated: June 10, 2026
We put the top-performing backpacking tents on the market through the wringer to find the best balance of comfort, weight, ease of use, and more. Find your new home-away-from home with our guide.
Men’s Janji 5″ Multi Shorts Review
A man walks up a rocky ridgeline with snowy mountains and the ocean in the distance.

Men’s Janji 5″ Multi Shorts Review

Published: June 10, 2026
These lightweight, durable shorts offer quick-dry performance and versatile storage, designed for moving fast on trail and for training, with reliable comfort for all-day pursuits.
Men’s REI Flash Shorts Review
A closeup of blue shorts worn on a man standing on a trail.

Men’s REI Flash Shorts Review

Published: June 10, 2026
These lightweight shorts offer quick-drying comfort, breathable performance, and unrestricted mobility, making them a versatile choice for hiking, running, and warm-weather adventures.
Men’s Terignota Sendero Shorts Review
A close-up view of a logo on a pair of shorts.

Men’s Terignota Sendero Shorts Review

Published: June 10, 2026
These shorts feature an innovative cargo-carrying system, provide all-day comfort, and offer lightweight performance at an accessible price point for any budget.
Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026
A hiker pumps with the msr guardian filter. the pre filter is submerged in murky water and a nalgene bottle is attached to the bottom of the filter.

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026

Last Updated: June 8, 2026
We’ve filtered out the nonsense to bring you our purest recommendations of the best water filters around.
Men’s La Sportiva Ultra Raptor III Review
Person wearing olive green and black hiking shoes with red details on a rocky terrain.

Men’s La Sportiva Ultra Raptor III Review

Last Updated: June 8, 2026
This hiking shoe delivers durable protection, secure stability, and grippy traction for rugged terrain and technical trails, perfect for demanding routes in varied conditions.
Men’s La Sportiva Prodigio 2 Review
Person wearing blue and orange running shoes on a dirt path.

Men’s La Sportiva Prodigio 2 Review

Last Updated: June 8, 2026
Tackle your next fast-and-light hike into the mountains with these high-performance trail-running shoes.
Men’s On Cloudrock Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes Review
Close-up of feet in brown hiking shoes on a forest floor with pine needles and a pine cone.

Men’s On Cloudrock Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes Review

Published: June 8, 2026
This waterproof hiking shoe delivers dependable wet-weather protection and rugged durability for long days on the trail, keeping feet dry and comfortable in challenging conditions.
Men’s Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Review
Hiker using trekking poles on a rocky, grassy slope.

Men’s Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Review

Published: June 8, 2026
This rugged mountain hiking shoe delivers technical performance and excellent traction for those tackling challenging alpine terrain, rocky scrambles, and muddy backcountry trails.
LifeStraw Peak Squeeze Water Filter Review
A hiker inserts a water filter into a water bladder.

LifeStraw Peak Squeeze Water Filter Review

Published: June 8, 2026
This adaptable squeeze filter effortlessly produces safe and delicious water in the backcountry and is compatible with a range of different water bottles and bladders.
Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter Review
A water filter on a rock.

Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter Review

Published: June 8, 2026
This pump filter comes in a lightweight package while eliminating the hassle of squeezing water bladders or waiting on chemical treatments to work.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2026
A man sits up in a sleeping bag with the hood over his head. He is smiling and looking off camera.

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2026

Last Updated: June 2, 2026
Our list of trail-tested backpacking sleeping bags will help you find a cozy sack for everything from summer summits to winter wanderings.
Western Mountaineering TerraLite 25 Review
a hiker shakes out a blue sleeping bag

Western Mountaineering TerraLite 25 Review

Published: June 2, 2026
This roomy semi-rectangular sleeping bag offers far more freedom of movement than a traditional mummy bag while still maintaining low weight, solid warmth, and excellent packability.
Teton Sports Trailhead 20 Sleeping Bag Review
a hiker holds an orange and grey sleeping bag

Teton Sports Trailhead 20 Sleeping Bag Review

Published: June 2, 2026
For mild, summer conditions, this budget sleeping bag will complete your backpacking sleep system at an absolute minimal cost. Say goodbye to high costs and hello to the great outdoors.
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