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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker Review
A mug full of coffee.

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker Review

Want to lighten your load but don’t want to give up drinking good coffee in the backcountry? This is the ultralight pour-over of your dreams.
Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles Review

Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles Review

These poles are durable, comfortable, and user-friendly. With cork grips that absorb sweat and easy-to-adjust flick locks, they offer the perfect balance of features for the everyday hiker or backpacker. While they aren’t the lightest or most compact option, they still provide excellent value.
MiiR Pourigami Coffee Maker Review
Dry coffee grounds in a filter in the MiiR Pourigami sit atop a mug.

MiiR Pourigami Coffee Maker Review

This may be the smallest, most portable, most durable camp coffee maker ever. Meaning there’s no excuse not to take it with you on every adventure.
Men’s Saucony Peregrine 15 Review
Close up image of a person sitting on a patch of grass tying their shoes

Men’s Saucony Peregrine 15 Review

Fast on your feet and secure on any terrain, these shoes shine whether it’s May in the desert or August in the mountains.
Men’s Altra Lone Peak 9 Review
A person's finger is looped through the heel loop on a trail running shoe. Image is close up and centered on the shoe.

Men’s Altra Lone Peak 9 Review

The Altra Lone Peak 9 is an excellent zero-drop trail runner that blends a huge toe box and great traction with a breathable, ergonomic design.
Men’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review
Hey side facing view of the HOKA Speedgoat 6 trail running shoes with a hiker, wearing them at high altitude with snowy peaks in the background.

Men’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review

The Speedgoat 6 sees a serious redesign this year, but it hasn’t lost its magic thanks to breathable uppers, plenty of support, and bright colors.
Men’s Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review
Close up from the knees down of a person wearing trail runners.

Men’s Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review

Say goodbye to squished toes — the Ultraventure 4’s ultra-roomy fit and sensitive lacing keeps you cruising comfortably from trail to town.
REI Flash Carbon Trekking Poles Review
A female backpacker hiking up to the top of a red, rocky mountain pass in Glacier National Park using the REI Flash Carbon trekking poles

REI Flash Carbon Trekking Poles Review

Surprisingly tough in the field and lighter than average, these hiking poles make a good choice for the everyday hiker. We enjoyed using them in the Sky Islands and think you will too on your next adventure.
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press Review
Hands screw the filter cap on an Aeropress Go.

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press Review

Looking for the most versatile, functional, portable coffee maker for camping and backpacking? This might be the one.
Bialetti Moka Express Coffee Maker Review
Pouring coffee into a mug from the Bialetti Moka Express.

Bialetti Moka Express Coffee Maker Review

The one-pot wonder you didn’t know you needed for your next camping trip. It’s easy to use, brews fast, and makes a strong cup of espresso.
MSR DynaLock Explore Carbon Trekking Poles Review
A person wearing a backpack is walking down a trail using some trekking poles. They are in desert like area with bushes and pine trees.

MSR DynaLock Explore Carbon Trekking Poles Review

With a solid performance all around, these trekking poles make a great option for a wide range of adventures. They are reasonably priced and come with helpful features that any hiker can appreciate.
Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles Review
A person wearing a backpack is walking down a trail using trekking poles in a forest.

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles Review

Check out why these are our favorite trekking poles overall. Basically they are comfy, not heavy, durable, simple and effective. Plus they work for snow and summer mountain pursuits!
Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Trekking Poles Review
A person is walking on a trail with a pair of trekking poles and a forest in the background.

Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Trekking Poles Review

These trekking poles are the best screaming deal pair we tested that aren’t made to fall apart immediately.
Best Trail Running Shoes for Men of 2025
Waist-down view of a runner wearing the Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes with a view of Mt. Hood in the background

Best Trail Running Shoes for Men of 2025

Whether you’re chasing summits or logging miles close to home, our updated list of the best men’s trail runners has your next favorite pair.
Best Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers of 2025
Closeup of the GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip brewing coffee into an ultralight backpacking cup on a volcanic rock

Best Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers of 2025

Spending time in the woods doesn’t mean you have to ditch your daily brew. We’ve tested the top coffee makers so you can embrace your morning coffee ritual wherever you are.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Review
A person wearing a backpack is walking towards the camera on a trail using the Distance Carbon trekking poles. The area is rocky, grassy, and hilly.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Review

These ultra-light, compact trekking poles are perfect for ultralight backpackers and trail runners. They pack down small, set up quickly, and offer impressively streamlined features for fast-paced adventures.
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