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

Backpacking Gear Reviews

Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Original Backpacking Chair Review
a hiker rests in the Hex chair in a desert wash

Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Original Backpacking Chair Review

Published: August 27, 2025
Built with a backrest for frontcountry and backcountry comfort, Crazy Creek’s been is the OG brand to beat with this budget alternative to a traditional legged backpacking chair.
Helinox Chair Zero Review
A man relaxes with his legs out and hands behind his head on a small backpacking chair.

Helinox Chair Zero Review

Published: August 27, 2025
This little luxury is an ultralight backpacking chair that our gear analysts love, thanks to its balance between weight savings and premium performance.
NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Backpacking Chair Review
backcountry campsite with a tent and backpacking chair set up in front of a grove of lodgepole pines

NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Backpacking Chair Review

Published: August 25, 2025
A recliner for your backcountry campsite?! This suprisingly stable and lightweight backpacking chair wowed us, but it isn’t for everyone. Learn more in our first-hand review.
Big Agnes Skyline UL Backpacking Chair Review
The Skyline Chair sits fully assembled next to the trunk of a lodgepole pine tree

Big Agnes Skyline UL Backpacking Chair Review

Published: August 25, 2025
If you’re looking for the most comfortable and stable backpacking chair under two pounds, this one is the obvious choice.
Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Review
A hiker tightens the straps on a backpack while wearing it and the Smartwool Intraknit. Sky, mountains, and trees in the background.

Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Review

Published: August 24, 2025
Lightweight, breathable, and mobile, this base layer has everything you need to stay comfortable on your most serious winter adventures.
Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie Base Layer Review
a hiker in a black hooded base layer stands in an alpine environment and raises the hood on his shirt

Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie Base Layer Review

Published: August 23, 2025
With its integrated hood and facemask, this base layer makes for a perfect sleep or active shirt in frigid weather.
Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew Base Layer Review
a hiker stands on a wooded trail wearing a light blue base layer and a backpack

Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew Base Layer Review

Published: August 23, 2025
Designed for cold weather activities, this base layer delivers some of the best warmth-to-weight ratios and comfort that we’ve seen.
Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Base Layer Review
a runner runs along a wooded trail in a black base layer.

Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Base Layer Review

Published: August 23, 2025
This base layer is redefining merino wool success with new spinning methods that boost warmth and durability. It’s also the lightest base layer on our list.
CRKT Drifter Pocket Knife Review
The CRKT Drifter Pocket Knife closed on a rock

CRKT Drifter Pocket Knife Review

Published: August 22, 2025
A compact, budget-friendly EDC knife with durable materials and smooth, reliable performance for daily carry and outdoor adventures.
Buck Knives 55 Pocket Knife Review
The Buck Knives 055 Pocket Knife open on a rock

Buck Knives 55 Pocket Knife Review

Published: August 22, 2025
A timeless, compact pocket knife with reliable strength, a sharp blade, and classic materials perfect for daily carry and outdoor use.
Civivi Yonder G10 Pocket Knife Review
Holding the Civivi Yonder G10 Pocket Knife up while open with a tree as the background

Civivi Yonder G10 Pocket Knife Review

Published: August 22, 2025
Lightweight, sharp, and built for daily use, this compact blade offers impressive cutting power and lasting value at an affordable price point.
Women’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts Review
A woman hikes along a trail with a hand in the pocket of her hiking shorts.

Women’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts Review

Last Updated: August 19, 2025
While these updated shorts are still incredibly durable with their wind and water resistance and UPF 50+ sun protection, we did have some gripes with the fit and the wider (and bulkier) belt.
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Hiking Shorts Review
A woman walks along a lush trail surrounded by greenery.

Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Hiking Shorts Review

Last Updated: August 19, 2025
This is a low-profile, stretchy, sweat-wicking, and flattering option that is a great pick for women who prefer compression shorts on the trail.
Rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 2.5” Women’s Hiking Shorts Review
A woman hikes down a trail, showcasing her red Rabbit shorts.

Rabbit Fuel n’ Fly 2.5” Women’s Hiking Shorts Review

Last Updated: August 19, 2025
This is one of the lightest and most breathable shorts in our lineup that also boasts five pockets, making it our go-to for trail runs or hikes in hot climates.
Oiselle Toolbelt Roga Women’s Hiking Shorts Review
A woman walks through a forest in her sports bra and Oiselle shorts.

Oiselle Toolbelt Roga Women’s Hiking Shorts Review

Last Updated: August 19, 2025
These shorts are quick drying, pocket-filled, versatile, and flattering with a 360 mesh pocket design around the waist and a 4-way stretch in the material.
prAna Stretch Zion Cargo Women’s Hiking Shorts Review
Woman hikes along a forested trail with her Prana shorts.

prAna Stretch Zion Cargo Women’s Hiking Shorts Review

Last Updated: August 19, 2025
These shorts are a new, unique high-rise style that features many pockets, adjustable waist cinches, and UPF-rated material.
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