Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Close up from the knees down of a man climbing up a steep rock.

Men’s Salomon SpeedCross 6 Review

Last Updated: June 23, 2025

Take on big miles with these smooth and grippy trail runners. These have the glove-like fit you need for long runs on mixed terrain.

Leki Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles Review

A close up of a hand holding the cork grip of the Leki Black Series FX Carbon pole with a forest in the background.

Leki Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 22, 2025

Thanks to its folding design, these cork trekking poles pack down to just 16 inches. It is also quite durable and has a respectable weight. However, with an expensive price tag, it may not be the right choice for everyone.

KUJU Coffee Pocket Pourover Review

Water pours into a Kuju coffee pouch sitting in a mug.

KUJU Coffee Pocket Pourover Review

Published: June 22, 2025

These single-serve pour-overs weigh as much as a packet of instant, are just as easy to use, and taste better, too.

GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso Coffee Maker Review

A hand grabs the small cup full of coffee from next to the GSI Mini Espresso.

GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso Coffee Maker Review

Published: June 22, 2025

The perfect shot of backcountry espresso is yours with no weighing, measuring or effort. All you need is a stove.

Wacaco Minipresso Coffee Maker Review

A shot of espresso topped with crema as extracted by the Wacaco Minipresso.

Wacaco Minipresso Coffee Maker Review

Published: June 22, 2025

The perfect shot of backcountry espresso does exist. Just fill, pump, and enjoy the crema-topped jump-start to your day.

ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press Coffee Maker Review

The ESPRO filter hovering above a full mug.

ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press Coffee Maker Review

Published: June 22, 2025

Finally, a travel coffee press for the sleepy heads, slow sippers, and multiple-cup-a-day drinkers.

Durston Iceline Trekking Poles Review

A person wearing a pack is standing on a rock holding their arms out and holding trekking poles in one hand. There is a rock outcrop and valley in the background.

Durston Iceline Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 22, 2025

Weight savings don’t have to mean enormous sacrifices. This trekking pole is streamlined and well thought out. Not only does that cut weight, but it makes this pole easy to use.

Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press Review

A hand presses the plunger of a Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press.

Jetboil Silicone Coffee Press Review

Published: June 22, 2025

Love your Jetboil? Don’t carry a whole separate device just for making coffee! Turn your favorite cookset into a French press with one simple accessory.

GSI Outdoors Java Press Coffee Maker Review

Pouring coffee into a mug with the GSI Java Press.

GSI Outdoors Java Press Coffee Maker Review

Published: June 22, 2025

Making camp coffee for the whole crew? Prepare several cups at a time so you can caffeinate and hit the trail.

Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles Review

A person is walking down a trail using some trekking poles. They are in desert like area with bushes and pine trees.

Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles Review

Last Updated: June 21, 2025

If you’re looking for a pair of trekking poles with a great balance of strength and low weight, you can’t go wrong with the Gossamer Gear LT5s.

Exped Mega Pillow Review

a hiker sleeps on his side with his neck supported by a camping pillow

Exped Mega Pillow Review

Last Updated: June 21, 2025

This was the most comfortable inflatable pillow we tested, but its weight and packed size make it borderline for backpacking. Learn more about this luxury camp pillow

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker Review

GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker Review

Published: June 21, 2025

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

Published: June 21, 2025

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

Published: June 21, 2025

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

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Men’s Saucony Peregrine 15 Review

Last Updated: June 20, 2025

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

Last Updated: June 19, 2025

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.