Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Best Dog Boots of 2026

A close up of a German Shepherd Dog wearing the Expawlorer jumping in the snow in a forest.

Best Dog Boots of 2026

Last Updated: June 12, 2025

We’ve spent thousands of miles hiking with our dogs. From hot pavement to deep snow, we’ve rounded up the best dog boots to keep your pup’s toe beans safe for any adventure.

A Comprehensive Guide to Backpacking the Great Divide Trail

A person wearing a pack is hiking down a scree slope. There is a glacial blue lake in the valley below and mountains in the distance.

A Comprehensive Guide to Backpacking the Great Divide Trail

Published: June 12, 2025

This 700-mile trail through Alberta and British Columbia offers the rugged beauty of the Continental Divide with the added challenge of some off-trail travel.

Women’s Chaco Z/1 Classic Hiking Sandal Review

A woman walking along a dirt trail wearing Chaco Z/1 Classic hiking sandals.

Women’s Chaco Z/1 Classic Hiking Sandal Review

Published: June 11, 2025

A classic for a reason, these popular hiking sandals are great all-arounders. We love them for moderate hikes, water activities, and walking around town.

Lone Star Hiking Trail Backpacking Guide

The trail runs through a leafy, green forest. The ground is covered in green plants and it is a sunny day.

Lone Star Hiking Trail Backpacking Guide

Published: June 11, 2025

With easy access from Houston, this 95-mile trail is great for beginners or anyone who wants to knock out a thru hike over a week long vacation.

MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set Backpacking Cookware Review

Two hikers show two different cook pots and a lid against a desert background.

MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set Backpacking Cookware Review

Published: June 10, 2025

The pinnacle of ultralight cooking, this 2-pot set features a 4-liter capacity and a non-stick ceramic coating, ideal for basecamp and cooking delicious meals for a small group.

Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot Review

A close up of a hiker holding the evernew pasta pot on a stove with one hand and turning the stove on with the other. The lid of the pot is sticking out of snow.

Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot Review

Published: June 10, 2025

The ultralight backcountry chef will appreciate the large diameter, minimal weight, and practical features of this titanium pot. It’s fully featured enough to cook a delicious meal, yet light enough not to break a ten-pound base weight.

MSR Alpine Stowaway 1.1L Backpacking CookPot Review

A hiker crouches next to a backpacking pot cooking on a stove and begins to lift the lid.

MSR Alpine Stowaway 1.1L Backpacking CookPot Review

Published: June 10, 2025

This is a classic camping pot because it boasts excellent heat distribution, even cooking, and unparalleled durability. For anyone who abuses their gear or loves to cook over the fire, it’s a no-brainer.

Idaho Centennial Trail Guide

Landscape photo of a wooden suspension bridge spanning a good sized river. Beyond the bridge, granite peaks rise steeply making the valley deep cut.

Idaho Centennial Trail Guide

Published: June 10, 2025

Snaking its way the length of Idaho, this 1000-mile trail offers a rugged choose-your-own-adventure experience. It’s a challenging but beautiful thru hike.

Snow Peak Ti-Mini Solo Combo 2.0 Backpacking Cookware Review

The-BRS-Ultralight-backpacking-stove-with-the-Snow-Peak-Mini-Solo-Titanium-Cookset.jpeg

Snow Peak Ti-Mini Solo Combo 2.0 Backpacking Cookware Review

Published: June 9, 2025

This 6.9 oz, nesting two-pot cook set is perfect for ultralight backpackers who require hot water with breakfast or simply enjoy sharing a cup of coffee with a trail buddy.

GSI Outdoors Halulite Boiler Pot Review

The gsi halulite boiler sits on a stove with red rock formations in the background.

GSI Outdoors Halulite Boiler Pot Review

Published: June 9, 2025

This pure and simple pot features a streamlined design that is perfect for beginners and won’t break the bank. From boiling water to cooking hearty meals, this one liter pot gets the job done.

SOTO Thermostack Combo Backpacking Cookware Review

A hiker nests the two pieces of the insulated mug together with a snowy background.

SOTO Thermostack Combo Backpacking Cookware Review

Published: June 9, 2025

This is a 4-season design for solo backpackers who get after it in any weather. The titanium pot, cozy stuff sack, and insulated mug are perfect for a meal accompanied by a hot beverage.

Best Hydration Bladders of 2026

Waist-down view of a female hiker pulling the Gregory 3D Hydro hydration bladder out of her backpack along a trail

Best Hydration Bladders of 2026

Last Updated: June 5, 2025

We’ve scoured the market and logged miles upon miles on the trails to test this year’s Best Hydration Bladders.

Toaks Titanium 750 mL Backpacking Cookware Review

Closeup of a hand holding the TOAKS Titanium 750ml backpacking pot in front of granite mountains in Yosemite National Park

Toaks Titanium 750 mL Backpacking Cookware Review

Published: June 5, 2025

This simple titanium pot is perfect for the ultralight thru-hiker. It takes up minimal pack space, boils water efficiently, and only weighs 4.1 oz!

Stanley Adventure Nesting Two Cup Cookset Review

backpacker pouring water into bowl outdoors

Stanley Adventure Nesting Two Cup Cookset Review

Published: June 3, 2025

This rugged cookset has two insulated mugs and a stainless steel pot and it’s not priced like it’s fine china. Stay cozy in winter conditions with its thoughtful features and superior heat retention.

MSR Trail Mini Solo Backpacking Cookset Review

A hiker crouches and cooks with the trail mini solo on a backpacking stove with a mountainous background.

MSR Trail Mini Solo Backpacking Cookset Review

Published: June 2, 2025

This fully-featured cook pot is durable, practical, and easy to use. Backpackers of all levels and styles will appreciate its myriad of handy add-ons.

Patagonia Airshed Pro Review

A man puts on the hood of a windbreaker.

Patagonia Airshed Pro Review

Published: June 2, 2025

This ultralight, breathable, and wind-resistant layer is perfect for high-output activities like trail runs and mountain hikes.