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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Naturehike Cloud Up 2 Review
The Naturehike CloudUp 2 pitched on a hilltop, showcasing its unique profile from the rear. Rolling hills and blue sky are visible in the background.

Naturehike Cloud Up 2 Review

Published: February 5, 2025
This is a lightweight crossover tent with a Y-hub pole structure allowing for fast setup and ample tension pullouts for increased ventilation – a good choice for a smaller tent that works in the frontcountry and can even handle small treks into the backcountry.
MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Full Review
A person wearing the MontBell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka, standing outdoors on a snowy trail while adjusting the front zipper.

MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Full Review

Published: February 5, 2025
Ultralight and incredibly warm, this down jacket is perfect for thru-hikers and backcountry travelers seeking exceptional warmth-to-weight performance for minimalist, three-season adventures.
REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Review
Person standing in a snowy forest wearing the REI Magma 850 Down Hoody, facing sideways with the hood up.

REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Review

Published: February 5, 2025
A lightweight, versatile down jacket with great warmth, packability, and thoughtful features. It’s sustainably made and balances performance with comfort, ideal for backpacking or around town.
8000+ Miles Logged: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody Review
A person sits in a red tent pitched on snow, wearing a lightweight down jacket with snow-covered boots.

8000+ Miles Logged: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody Review

Published: February 5, 2025
This ultralight and packable down jacket is built for adventure. With an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and compact design, it’s the ultimate choice for backpackers, climbers, and anyone pushing the limits outdoors.
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review
A person wearing the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoody with the hood up, surrounded by a snowy forest landscape.

Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review

Published: February 5, 2025
This rugged down jacket combines high-quality insulation and waterproof fabric for durability and moisture resistance, making it perfect for shoulder-season adventures in light rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Reliable and versatile.
Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout Budget Tent Review
View of the Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout with the vestibules and inner door rolled back showing a backpack and sleeping bag inside. Large rock pinnacles and desert landscape in the background.

Six Moon Designs Skyscape Scout Budget Tent Review

Published: February 4, 2025
Taking inspiration from Six Moon Designs’ popular Skyscape Trekker Model, the Skyscape Scout’s features are similar, but it’s instead constructed of a more affordable 190T polyester material, making exceptional lightweight gear more accessible.
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket Review
A man in a puffy jacket smiles as he walks through a desert canyon.

Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket Review

Published: February 4, 2025
Warm and durable, with 800-fill down and weather-resistant fabric, this retro-inspired jacket is perfect for outdoor adventures or everyday wear. It effortlessly balances style, comfort, and performance.
Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket Review
A man in winter gear hikes through deep snow in a field.

Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket Review

Published: February 4, 2025
Packed with hydrophobic down and offering unbeatable warmth, this jacket is lightweight, water-resistant, and built for extreme cold.
REI Stormhenge 850 Hybrid Winter Jacket Review
A man snowshoes through a blizzard

REI Stormhenge 850 Hybrid Winter Jacket Review

Published: February 4, 2025
Perfect for hiking or everyday wear, this jacket features responsibly sourced down, breathable fabric, and smart features for all your adventures.
New Favorite: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody Review
A person adjusting the zipper on the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody, with the hood up, standing outdoors in a snowy forest setting.

New Favorite: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody Review

Published: February 3, 2025
We went looking for a jacket that balances warmth and weight without compromising performance, and this one is one of the best.
REI Trail Hut 2 Budget Tent Review
A tent with no fly on sits in a grassy field with a sunset in the background.

REI Trail Hut 2 Budget Tent Review

Published: February 3, 2025
This is an easy to use, compact, and dome-style tent with increased interior space from an included ridge pole.
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter Budget Tent Review
campers at their tent site during alpenglow on the flanks of mt. hood

Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter Budget Tent Review

Published: February 3, 2025
This is a spacious two-person backpacking tent that weighs only 3.7 pounds at a very reasonable price; it is constructed of 190T polyester and 40D mesh with dual doors and vestibules and dual curved poles for increased headroom.
Tarptent StratoSpire 2 Budget Tent Review
The Tarptent Stratospire 2 pitched with the rainfly and one vestibule door open, revealing the inner mesh and sleeping bag inside. Desert landscape with distant mountains in the background.

Tarptent StratoSpire 2 Budget Tent Review

Published: February 3, 2025
As an ultralight non-freestanding shelter built with functionality, versatility, and comfort in mind, this tent is equipped with a plethora of features, thoughtfully designed, and constructed for an array of situations and adverse conditions.
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review
A person standing in snowy terrain wearing the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket fully zipped with the hood up for maximum protection.

Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review

Published: February 3, 2025
Built for cold-weather adventures, this jacket combines 700-fill hydrophobic down with a Pertex Quantum shell for reliable warmth and durability. Ideal for climbing and mountaineering, it’s a top choice for those prioritizing insulation over weight.
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review
Front view of a person smiling while wearing the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody with the hood fully zipped, standing in a snowy landscape with trees in the background.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

Published: February 3, 2025
This versatile down jacket offers warmth, comfort, and weather resistance for cool-weather adventures. Though not the lightest, it excels in moderate conditions and is a reliable choice for everyday use.
Best Budget Down Jacket: REI 650 Review
A man in a blue REI 650 Down Jacket stands with his hands in his pockets, gazing off into the snowy forest during an early winter evening.

Best Budget Down Jacket: REI 650 Review

Published: February 3, 2025
This lightweight, budget-friendly down jacket excels in warmth, packability, and versatility. It is ideal for everyday wear and casual outdoor activities in cooler conditions.
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