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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Wise Owl The Snoozy Camping Pillow Review
A blue and gray pillow rests on desert rocks with faint pictographs on the rock face in the background.

Wise Owl The Snoozy Camping Pillow Review

Published: May 4, 2026
If you like a soft pillow but don’t want to spend much on camping gear, this pillow is a clear choice for frontcountry camping.
Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down Pillow Review
A blue-gray Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down pillow placed on a piece of driftwood.

Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down Pillow Review

Published: May 4, 2026
This bean-shaped camping pillow with a duck-down topper is comfortable, supportive, and packable enough for backpacking.
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.
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 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 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.
Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2026
A person sitting on an overlook with a beautiful scene in the background, with a focus on her hiking shoes.

Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2026

Last Updated: April 14, 2026
We’ve logged countless miles on trail to find the best hiking shoes for different hiking styles, foot shapes, and weather. Lace up and get outside with our guide to footwear for happy feet.
Women’s Salomon X Ultra 5 Low Review
A woman cinches up her hiking shoe.

Women’s Salomon X Ultra 5 Low Review

Last Updated: April 14, 2026
This is an excellent all-around pick for a comfy, durable, high-performance, and lightweight trail shoe that excels in any terrain.
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