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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.

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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
Closeup of the Sawyer Squeeze water filter in front of an alpine lake

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 Sun Shirts of 2026
Woman in floral sun shirt looking out at view of foothills in high desert detting

Best Sun Shirts of 2026

Last Updated: April 30, 2026
Here comes the sun – and along with it our recommendations for the best sun shirts to keep you protected all summer long on adventures from casual day hikes to Triple Crown attempts.
Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Sun Hoody Review
A woman in a yellow long sleeve shirts holds her arms above her head to shade her eyes as she looks into the distance.

Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Sun Hoody Review

Published: April 30, 2026
The Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Sun Hoody combines excellent comfort, solid sun protection, and surprising odor resistance in a flattering design.
Ridge Merino Solstice Pro Lightweight Wool Hoodie Review
A woman in a pink sun hoodie walks across rocks in a high desert landscape.

Ridge Merino Solstice Pro Lightweight Wool Hoodie Review

Published: April 30, 2026
We tested the Ridge Merino Solstice Pro Lightweight to see how its odor control, temperature regulation, breathability, and moisture-wicking stack up on tough mountain adventures. Spoiler alert: It’s the best natural fiber sun shirt in our lineup.
KETL NoFry Sun Hoodie Review
A woman wears a baseball cap and shows off the fit of a green sun hoodie in front of pine trees.

KETL NoFry Sun Hoodie Review

Published: April 30, 2026
After rigorous testing, we found the KETL NoFry Sun Hoodie to be the lightest, quickest-drying sun shirt in our lineup. Its silky fabric stole the show, convincing us to come back to this shirt time and time again.
Arc’teryx Sunna Hoody Sun Shirt Review
A woman hikes in a bright orange shirt.

Arc’teryx Sunna Hoody Sun Shirt Review

Published: April 30, 2026
The Arc’teryx Sunna Hoody is a lightweight, technical sun shirt with year-round versatility. It’s quick to dry, offers four-way stretch, has an excellent fit, and is made with high-quality materials, making it a standout choice for a wide range of activities.
7 Best Base Layers of 2026
a hiker in a hooded black base layer stands with a coffee mug in an alpine environment

7 Best Base Layers of 2026

Last Updated: April 28, 2026
We’ve got your layering system covered starting with our trail-tested and reviewed guide to the best base layers around.
Best Fleece Jackets of 2026
A woman unzips the chest pocket on her fleece.

Best Fleece Jackets of 2026

Last Updated: April 27, 2026
Looking for the ultimate fleece for men and women? We’ve thoroughly tested these jackets from windswept peaks to cozy trail towns – and they’ve earned their spot in our layering lineup.
10 Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2026
The HART Extended First Aid Kit on a rock with moss and ferns

10 Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2026

Last Updated: April 23, 2026
We never venture into the wilderness without at least a basic first aid kit. A small selection of supplies and some know-how will keep you safe in the backcountry.
Helinox Chair Zero LT Review
A backpacker reaches for his Jetboil stove while sitting in the Helinox Chair Zero LT.

Helinox Chair Zero LT Review

Published: April 23, 2026
Slightly more durable, roomier, and more stable than the O.G., this ultralight backpacking chair ticks all the boxes for comfort, weight, packability, stability, and ease of use.
Best Backpacking Chairs of 2026
A man relaxes with his legs out and hands behind his head on a small backpacking chair.

Best Backpacking Chairs of 2026

Last Updated: April 22, 2026
Whether you see them as a luxury or a necessity, the best backpacking chairs make campsites more comfortable. These 10 chairs are worth the weight.
Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2026
Nike Women's Pegasus 5 close up

Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2026

Last Updated: April 22, 2026
We hit the ground running to find the best trail runners for every type of terrain. From mountain ridges to forest paths, we’ll help you find the right shoe for you.
Best Hydration Bladders of 2026
A hiker drinks from a water bladder without a hose. A desert sunset is in the background.

Best Hydration Bladders of 2026

Last Updated: April 21, 2026
We’ve logged miles upon miles on the trails and hours of research to select and test this year’s best hydration bladders.
Best Ultralight Tents of 2026
The Zpacks Duplex and Tarptent Motrail ultralight backpacking tents in front of a jagged mountain peak at sunset

Best Ultralight Tents of 2026

Last Updated: April 20, 2026
Every gram counts when finding the best ultralight tent. Our hand-picked list of UL shelters passed the test from our scale to the trail.
Best Hiking Socks of 2026
Closeup of a hiker's feet in the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew socks and Salomon X Ultra shoes on the rim of the Grand Canyon

Best Hiking Socks of 2026

Last Updated: April 15, 2026
Keep blisters at bay with the perfect pair of well-cushioned hiking socks. Check out our top picks to pamper your feet on your next backpacking adventure.
Women’s Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX Review
Closeup of hiking shoes while standing on a log.

Women’s Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX Review

Last Updated: April 15, 2026
This hiking shoe is a standout choice for rugged adventures thanks to great cushioning, protection, and long-term durability.
Best Headlamps of 2026
A backpacker reading a map in his tent at night using the Black Diamond Spot headlamps

Best Headlamps of 2026

Last Updated: April 14, 2026
We’ve trail-tested over 40 of the most promising headlamps on long night hikes, family camping trips, and pre-dawn climbs – so you don’t have to.
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