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
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
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
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
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
Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2026
Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2026
Last Updated:
July 10, 2026
Now that you’ve got your ultralight kit dialed in, it’s time to upgrade your pack to match. Dive into our top picks to find which pack is best for you.
Tread Labs Redway Hiking Sandal Review
Tread Labs Redway Hiking Sandal Review
Published:
July 10, 2026
These highly comfortable sandals are one of our go-to’s for dependable durability, top-notch traction, and around-town comfort, making them perfect for hiking, backpacking, and casual wear on any terrain.
Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Ultralight Backpack Review
Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Ultralight Backpack Review
Published:
July 10, 2026
This tactical/ultralight hybrid pack features a utility-forward design without the weight penalty, delivering streamlined functionality and true ultralight performance for covering serious miles.
Evolved Supply Co. The Ranger Ultralight Backpack Review
Evolved Supply Co. The Ranger Ultralight Backpack Review
Published:
July 10, 2026
Designed by one of the most seasoned thru-hikers out there, this dialed ultralight pack is purpose-built for the fastest and lightest of adventurers.
Black Diamond Beta Light 45 Ultralight Backpack Review
Black Diamond Beta Light 45 Ultralight Backpack Review
Published:
July 10, 2026
This high-tech ultralight pack offers vest-like comfort, efficient load support, and trustworthy waterproofing for fast, technical adventures in demanding backcountry conditions.
Women’s Brooks Cascadia 19 Review
Women’s Brooks Cascadia 19 Review
Last Updated:
July 9, 2026
These trail runners will provide you with cushioned ground feel, excellent traction, and plenty of room in the toes.
Women’s Altra Experience Wild 3+ Trail Runner Review
Women’s Altra Experience Wild 3+ Trail Runner Review
Last Updated:
July 9, 2026
Trail ready with plenty of room for your toes and thick cushioning this shoe will take you from trail to summit and back again.
Women’s HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review
Women’s HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review
Last Updated:
July 9, 2026
This cushioned trail running shoe marries deep lugs and a Vibram outsole with lightweight upper materials to make an aggressive trail running shoe that won’t weigh you down.
Lowa Skyterra Women’s Trail Runner Review
Lowa Skyterra Women’s Trail Runner Review
Published:
July 9, 2026
This durable shoe has a grippy outsole, breathable upper and maximum cushion. It accommodates wide or high-volume feet and is at home on a wide variety of terrain.
Women’s HOKA Challenger 8 Review
Women’s HOKA Challenger 8 Review
Last Updated:
July 9, 2026
This shoe is the perfect combination of highly breathable, wide foot friendly, and extra grippy as well as lightweight and comfy.
Women’s Saucony Peregrine 16 Review
Women’s Saucony Peregrine 16 Review
Last Updated:
July 8, 2026
This non-fussy, lightweight, high traction shoe provides maximum performance on a variety of trails. Therefore, it will appeal to a wide array of runners and hikers.
Women’s Topo Terraventure 5 Review
Women’s Topo Terraventure 5 Review
Last Updated:
July 8, 2026
This update to a rockstar shoe features a sturdy build, minimal drop, moderate cushion, and incredible traction that will take you anywhere you want to run.
Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2026
Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2026
Last Updated:
July 7, 2026
Fanny packs are making a comeback, and we’re on board. We stuffed these packs full and dragged them through rocks, dirt, and water to see which ones held up best.
REI Trail 2 Waist Pack Review
REI Trail 2 Waist Pack Review
Published:
July 7, 2026
This sleek and versatile fanny pack makes it easy to stay organized while traveling, hiking, or backpacking. Its comfort and styling make it versatile for activities from technical to casual.
Black Diamond Pursuit 6 Waist Pack Review
Black Diamond Pursuit 6 Waist Pack Review
Published:
July 7, 2026
This 6-liter waist pack provides exceptional comfort and organization with breathable padding, a spacious main compartment, and water bottle sleeves – great for day hikes and backpacking trips alike.
Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2026
Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2026
Last Updated:
July 6, 2026
We’ve run thousands of miles in search of the best trail running shoes to take us from tempo runs to ultras and beyond.