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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Women’s KEEN Rose Hiking Sandal Review
Our tester on a hike in the KEEN Rose sandals.

Women’s KEEN Rose Hiking Sandal Review

These sturdy hiking sandals, with their tough upper and stocky midsole, are great for hikers with narrow feet.
Women’s Teva Hurricane XLT2 Hiking Sandal Review
Our tester on a hike in the Teva Hurricane XLT2 hiking sandals.

Women’s Teva Hurricane XLT2 Hiking Sandal Review

A beefier version of the Teva Original Universal, we love the enhanced traction, wide footbed, and padded heel strap on these chunky utilitarian hiking sandals.
Women’s Teva Original Universal Hiking Sandal Review
Our tester on a hike in the Teva Original Universals hiking sandals.

Women’s Teva Original Universal Hiking Sandal Review

From the beach to the city to the trails, these simple sandals are a versatile and comfortable choice for a variety of outdoor activities.
Colorado’s Four Pass Loop Trip Guide
Close up of some yellow cup shaped flowers and pink Indian Paintbrush flowers. There is a large mountain, Pyramid Peak, in the background.

Colorado’s Four Pass Loop Trip Guide

Lots of oo’s and aw’s will be had on the four pass loop in the maroon bells-snowmass wilderness. It’s a stunning mountainscape with colorful flora all spring through fall.
Pinhoti Trail Guide
A person wearing a rain jacket is sitting on a rock on the edge of a ridge looking out at the ridge on the other side of the valley. There is a small terrier standing next to them and the day is overcast.

Pinhoti Trail Guide

Stretching across eastern Alabama and western Georgia, this thru-hike is a favorite starter pack trail for both beginners and seasoned thru-hikers building their endurance, thanks to its extended hiking season, unique trail towns, and relatively gentle terrain.
REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review

With its excellent stretch and mobility combined withgreat weather resistance, we liked this shell for hiking in the rain.
Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2025
Our tester wearing the Earth Runner Alpha sandals on a hike.

Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2025

Whether you’re heading out for a paddle or setting off on a grand hiking adventure, your perfect pair of sandals is on our list.
Best Rain Jackets of 2025
A backpacker wearing an orange Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket in Yosemite National Park

Best Rain Jackets of 2025

From drizzles to downpours, we’ve got your back. Our team of seasoned hikers weathered the storm to find the best rain jackets for performance and protection.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2025
a hiker blowing air into a sleeping pad pump sack

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2025

Whether you’re looking for inflatable or foam, ultralight or ultra-plush, we’ll help you get a great night’s sleep in the backcountry with our trail-tested picks…
Women’s Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boot Review
Hiker wearing the Oboz Katabatic LT Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots on a riverbank

Women’s Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boot Review

Lightweight and narrow-fitting with impressive stability, these hiking boots are a solid pick for hikers who want agile performance without sacrificing support.
Keen Zionic Waterproof Women’s Hiking Boots Review
Hiker crossing over a rocky ridge wearing the Keen Zionic Waterproof Women’s Hiking Boots

Keen Zionic Waterproof Women’s Hiking Boots Review

Lightweight, speedy, and built for comfort, these waterproof hiking boots deliver trail performance with eco-friendly materials and a snug, contoured fit for all-day adventures.
Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2025
Two hikers wearing the Keen Targhee IV WP and Merrell Moab 3 WP Women's Hiking Boots

Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2025

After rigorous on-trail testing, we’ve narrowed down our list of the most comfortable, durable, and lightweight hiking boots to keep you moving on…
NEMO Tensor Elite Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker stands in the woods and holds up a gray sleeping pad.

NEMO Tensor Elite Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review

With other manufacturers discontinuing their most ultralight options, this sleeping pad emerges as our new top pick as an ultralight option for summer trips.
Best Stuff Sacks of 2025
A closeup of a stuff sack

Best Stuff Sacks of 2025

Toiletries, electronics, extra clothes, food – all the little bits and bobs in your backpack can become a mess if you don’t have a way…
Big Agnes Divide Insulated Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker holds a yellow sleeping pad in a forest

Big Agnes Divide Insulated Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review

This ultra-affordable sleeping pad offers the comfort and warmth of a premium three-season pad at a fraction of the price.
NEMO Quasar 3D Insulated Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker stands in the woods and holds up a blue sleeping pad.

NEMO Quasar 3D Insulated Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review

This versatile sleeping pad is ideal for casual campers who are getting into backpacking. It offers reliable comfort and durability at a budget-friendly price.
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