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

Backpacking Gear Reviews

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent Review

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent Review

The Copper Spur HV UL2 is one of Big Agnes’ best-sellers, and it’s among our all-time favorite backpacking tents.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Backpack Review

Made with thru-hikers in mind, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 backpack is everything you need and nothing you don’t. This pack is essentially waterproof, incredibly durable for the weight, and has convenient pockets galore. We put our Unbound pack to the test over hundreds of miles in the Sonoran Desert, and we think it’s a big win for long-distance hiking and ultralight backpacking.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Tent Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Tent Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Unbound 2 tent is a fresh take on a tried-and-true ultralight design. We’ve put ours through the wringer over hundreds of miles in the Sonoran Desert, and we found it to be a spacious retreat after hard days of hiking.
Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag Review

Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag Review

The Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag offers the warmth of a hooded sleeping bag and the ventilation of a quilt all in one. It has one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios among all the choices on the market, and will surely become a top choice for heat-seeking hikers looking to dial in their gear.
C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe Review

C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe Review

The C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe is one of the lightest ice axes on the market, making it a top choice among weight-conscious backpackers and mountaineers who need the ability to self-arrest while crossing glaciers and steep snowfields.
Zpacks 7×9 Flat Tarp Review

Zpacks 7×9 Flat Tarp Review

f you’re looking for the lightest possible shelter that doesn’t compromise on space, the ZPacks 7×9 Flat Tarp is just about as light as they come. This minimal rectangular tarp packs down small, provides a ton of room for a single hiker, and is a bit more affordable than other tarps in its weight class.
Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Aquamira purification drops are a popular water treatment option among backpackers because they’re affordable, lightweight…
Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag Review

Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag Review

The Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag is a quilt/sleeping bag hybrid with one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios we’ve seen. This hoodless bag packs down super small, weighs next to nothing, and can be cinched tight to keep you cozy when the temperature drops.
Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review

Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review

We have over a decade of experience using the Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter now, and it’s still one of our favorite water treatment options for backpacking with a partner or group.
NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Tent Review

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Tent Review

The incredibly spacious NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 is an excellent choice for those wanting a tent that’s comfortable for any type of adventure – it’s light enough for backpacking and roomy enough for frontcountry camping. As always, NEMO has designed a ton of useful features into this tent.
MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent Review

MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent Review

The long-time crowd favorite MSR Hubba Hubba 2 tent has had a makeover, and there’s a lot to love about this newest iteration. Some of the most noticeable changes include a significantly lower weight, an updated color scheme that meshes nicely with natural surroundings, and a reimagined ventilation design.
NEMO Kunai Tent Review

NEMO Kunai Tent Review

The NEMO Kunai is one of the most versatile 4-season tents on the market with the ability to cover all your needs from backpacking to mountaineering.
Gossamer Gear The Two & The DCF Two Tent Review

Gossamer Gear The Two & The DCF Two Tent Review

Gossamer Gear’s The Two and The DCF Two offer an excellent balance of low weight and spacious interior at a great value price. When compared to other ultralight tents, few come close to the generous headroom of The Two thanks to its unique slanted pole structure.
Zpacks Plex Solo Tent Review

Zpacks Plex Solo Tent Review

Going as lightweight as possible doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. The spacious Zpacks Plex Solo weighs in at a ridiculously light 14.2 oz., and is one of the most livable one-person tents we’ve ever backpacked with.
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review

The Black Diamond Spot 350 is one of our favorite headlamps for backpacking because it’s bright, has a long burn time, and it’s full of convenient features. And at only $40, the Spot is a steal for such a powerful and durable headlamp. We named the Spot 350 the best value on our Best Headlamps list.
Snow Peak Litemax Stove Review

Snow Peak Litemax Stove Review

The Snow Peak Litemax is one of the lightest and most compact backpacking stoves on the market. This tiny powerhouse can boil a liter of water in just under five minutes, and then it folds away nicely to fit into pretty much any cookpot when you’re done. Because of how lightweight and compact the Litemax is, it’s one of our top picks on our Best Backpacking Stoves list.
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