Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides / Backpacking Individual Gear Reviews

Backpacking Gear Reviews

Tarptent StratoSpire 2 Budget Tent Review
The Tarptent Stratospire 2 pitched with the rainfly and one vestibule door open, revealing the inner mesh and sleeping bag inside. Desert landscape with distant mountains in the background.

Tarptent StratoSpire 2 Budget Tent Review

Published: February 3, 2025
As an ultralight non-freestanding shelter built with functionality, versatility, and comfort in mind, this tent is equipped with a plethora of features, thoughtfully designed, and constructed for an array of situations and adverse conditions.
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review
A person standing in snowy terrain wearing the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket fully zipped with the hood up for maximum protection.

Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review

Published: February 3, 2025
Built for cold-weather adventures, this jacket combines 700-fill hydrophobic down with a Pertex Quantum shell for reliable warmth and durability. Ideal for climbing and mountaineering, it’s a top choice for those prioritizing insulation over weight.
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review
Front view of a person smiling while wearing the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody with the hood fully zipped, standing in a snowy landscape with trees in the background.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

Published: February 3, 2025
This versatile down jacket offers warmth, comfort, and weather resistance for cool-weather adventures. Though not the lightest, it excels in moderate conditions and is a reliable choice for everyday use.
Best Budget Down Jacket: REI 650 Review
A man in a blue REI 650 Down Jacket stands with his hands in his pockets, gazing off into the snowy forest during an early winter evening.

Best Budget Down Jacket: REI 650 Review

Published: February 3, 2025
This lightweight, budget-friendly down jacket excels in warmth, packability, and versatility. It is ideal for everyday wear and casual outdoor activities in cooler conditions.
Testing an $80 Tent: Clostnature Polaris 2 Review
The Clostnature Polaris 2 pitched with doors open and the awning deployed and a backpack under the vestibule. Rolling mountains in the background.

Testing an $80 Tent: Clostnature Polaris 2 Review

Published: January 31, 2025
Campers looking for an affordable shelter that sets up quickly and has all of the necessary features should consider this tent. Equipped with reinforced corners and a shade awning, it has everything you need for your next outdoor adventure.
Coleman Peak 1 Budget Tent Review
Inner mesh tent of the Coleman Peak 1 with rainfly off and one of the doors rolled back. Shows the interior space with a sleeping bag and rolling hills and bushes in the background.

Coleman Peak 1 Budget Tent Review

Published: January 31, 2025
Durable materials, an included footprint, and unique features that enhance your time outdoors make this tent a great go-to choice for car camping.
Men’s prAna Brion II Shorts Review
Man walking in woods.

Men’s prAna Brion II Shorts Review

Published: January 31, 2025
We love this pair for its town-to-trail style. When it comes to shorts that transition easily from day hikes to a brewery with friends, this is the one you want.
Vuori Kore Shorts Review
Man walks down a trail in blue shorts.

Vuori Kore Shorts Review

Published: January 31, 2025
These versatile hiking shorts balance comfort, durability, and performance, making them a great choice for trails, travel, and everyday wear.
Marmot Tungsten 2 Budget Tent Review
The Marmot Tungsten 2 pitched on pine needles among scattered rocks and pine trees.

Marmot Tungsten 2 Budget Tent Review

Published: January 31, 2025
This is an easy-to-use spacious tent with dual doors and vestibules, a color-coded assembly, pre-bent poles, and a ridge pole for extra interior space and a wider ceiling. It also features a lampshade pocket for diffused light.
Cotopaxi Brinco Shorts Review
Man hiking down a trail with a pack and trekking poles in green shorts.

Cotopaxi Brinco Shorts Review

Published: January 31, 2025
Built for adventure, these lightweight, quick-drying hiking shorts blend style and performance. See how they stack up on the trail.
Men’s prAna Stretch Zion II Shorts Review
Man wearing shorts steps on a tree.

Men’s prAna Stretch Zion II Shorts Review

Published: January 30, 2025
These shorts have a great balance of mobility and durability. The fabric is stretchy, easy to move in, and thick yet breathable.
Men’s patagonia Multi Trails Shorts Review
Man stands in a clearing in a forest.

Men’s patagonia Multi Trails Shorts Review

Published: January 30, 2025
We love these shorts for their flattering fit and hand pocket zippers, which we always appreciate on a pair of athletic wear.
Men’s The North Face Wander 2.0 Shorts Review
A man walks up a trail in blue shorts.

Men’s The North Face Wander 2.0 Shorts Review

Published: January 30, 2025
These shorts are minimalist bottoms that fall somewhere between athletic and casual wear for everyday use.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Tent Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Tent Review

Published: January 29, 2025
Our most stormworthy ultralight tent is also the heaviest and most expensive. However, for the right type of adventurer on the edge of the world, this is the best tool for the job.
Ledlenser HF6R Signature Headlamp Review
The image shows the Ledlenser HF6R Signature headlamp placed on a rock with a green light glowing from the front. The headlamp is resting on a natural surface with lichen, and the strap is partially visible. In the background, the fading light of a sunset creates a gradient in the sky, with trees and distant mountains framing the view.

Ledlenser HF6R Signature Headlamp Review

Published: January 28, 2025
Explore a powerful 1000-lumen headlamp with versatile lighting and durability. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, but its weight and setup complexity may be drawbacks. Dive into our review to learn more.
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket Review

Published: January 28, 2025
This jacket will keep you dry and let you move freely. It’s perfect for day hikes, climbing, or around town.
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