Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Santa Cruz Trek, Peru – A Guide to Hiking the Cordillera Blanca

Santa Cruz Trek, Peru – A Guide to Hiking the Cordillera Blanca

Last Updated: September 5, 2025

Nestled in the white-peaked Cordillera Blanca range in the Andes, the classic 4-day Santa Cruz backpacking trip may be one of the most beautiful treks in the world. Here’s how to hike this overlooked hiking mecca north of Lima, Peru.

Does Bear Spray Really Work?

Does Bear Spray Really Work?

Last Updated: September 4, 2025

You’ve packed a can of bear spray and are heading off to your favorite wildlife-populated backcountry. But somewhere in the back…

Moon Lence Portable Camping Chair Review

a backpacker stares across a canyon while sitting comfortably in the Moon Lence Portable chair

Moon Lence Portable Camping Chair Review

Published: September 2, 2025

This chair is affordable and comfortable, but there are tradeoffs, too. Learn more in our first-hand review of this budget option.

Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad Review

The Gossamer Gear Thinlight pad set up as a recliner with its backrest leaning against a log

Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad Review

Published: September 2, 2025

Sit pad. Sleep pad. Yoga mat. Lounger. This backcountry foam pad isn’t a classic backpacking chair, but it can pull off a lot.

Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad Review

close up of the thin foam cushion pods of the Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat sit pad

Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad Review

Published: September 2, 2025

Backpacking demands redefining “chair.” Thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers might be tempted to add this sit pad to their must-have list of backcountry luxuries.

Women’s Title Nine MVT 7/8 Train Hiking Leggings Review

Woman wearing bright blue leggings in a camouflage like pattern on a hike, with one foot up on a rock, stretching her calf and hamstring. She has curly hair and is wearing a purple rain jacket.

Women’s Title Nine MVT 7/8 Train Hiking Leggings Review

Published: August 29, 2025

For the hiker who prefers a compression fit with a snug waistband, these leggings are ideal for the active hiker who might even end up jogging downhill for fun.

Helinox Ground Chair Review

Close up of Helinox Ground Chair with rocks and driftwood in the background

Helinox Ground Chair Review

Published: August 29, 2025

If you’re looking for a stable backpacking chair that lets you extend your legs at camp, this low rider is a top pick.

REI Flexlite Air Stool Review

REI stool set up on the stand in front of gray boulders

REI Flexlite Air Stool Review

Published: August 29, 2025

We prefer REI’s latest camp stool over the original because it’s lighter, more packable, and carries more weight.

INIU 20000 PD 22.5W Power Bank Review

The Iniu 20000 PD power bank sitting on a granite slab while charging a rechargeable Biolite headlamp with the Wallowa Mountains at sunset in the background

INIU 20000 PD 22.5W Power Bank Review

Last Updated: August 28, 2025

With 20,000mAH this bank will keep your electronics powered on a long loop, point-to-point, or thru-hike. Just snuggle up with it at night to keep it’s juice!

REI Flexlite Air Chair Review

Close up of backpacking chair set up in the sand in front of boulders

REI Flexlite Air Chair Review

Published: August 28, 2025

Lightweight, comfortable, and packable, this chair gives us everything we want from a backpacking chair at a nice price point.

Women’s Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash Hiking Leggings Review

Woman with curly hair and sunglasses hiking in blue leggings, a dark blue tank top. She's standing on a rock with a reflective lake behind her, and pine trees in the distance.

Women’s Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash Hiking Leggings Review

Published: August 28, 2025

Unmatched comfort in light-weight, breathable leggings perfect for hot summer hikes and long road trips in between trails. Packable and versatile—your go-to for adventures and downtime.

Trekology Yizi-Lite Camping Chair Review

hiker sits on a rocky cliff overlooking a desert canyon while sitting on a camp chair

Trekology Yizi-Lite Camping Chair Review

Published: August 28, 2025

We were hesitant at first to trust this entry-level camp chair that’s just light enough for backpackers. Testing proved it’s a great budget buy for your back and your bum.

Women’s Stio Glide Tech Legging Review

Women in green hiking leggings, standing on a rock in a lake, with her dog, with trees in the background on the other side of the lake.

Women’s Stio Glide Tech Legging Review

Published: August 27, 2025

Crushing fit, comfort, and features, these leggings are durable, soft, and breathable, with a waistband that stays up without squeezing. These are the pair to pack when you’ve only got room for one.

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.