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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Petzl SWIFT LT Headlamp Review
Close-up of the Petzl Swift headlamp worn around the neck like a necklace, shining light onto a jacket.

Petzl SWIFT LT Headlamp Review

Published: April 6, 2026
This is an ultralight headlamp that earns its place in fast-and-light kits, with a stable fit that stays put at a dead sprint and enough brightness for most trail use.
BioLite Range 500 Headlamp Review
Side profile of a person wearing a red headlamp while standing outdoors at dusk with trees in the background.

BioLite Range 500 Headlamp Review

Published: April 6, 2026
This headlamp is light enough for trail runs, tough enough for downpours, and back to fully charged before you finish packing up camp.
Best Hiking Pants for Women 2026
A person is standing on a rock and holding the Distance Carbon trekking poles. The area is rocky with some trees surrounding the wash. There are some rocky, desert peaks in the distance.

Best Hiking Pants for Women 2026

Last Updated: April 2, 2026
From comfort to durability, we tested a variety of hiking pants to find the best options for every adventure. Discover which pants offer the perfect balance of value, mobility, and performance.
Best Rain Pants of 2026
A hiker sitting on a mossy old growth log in the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants

Best Rain Pants of 2026

Last Updated: April 1, 2026
We’ve trekked thousands of miles in drizzles, downpours and snow to find the most protective, versatile, and comfy rain pants out there. Any weather is hiking weather with the right gear!
Best Down Jackets of 2026
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.

Best Down Jackets of 2026

Last Updated: March 31, 2026
Down for an adventure? It’s time to layer up! Stay warm, cozy and comfy from city sidewalks to snowy slopes with our guide to the best puffy jackets for men and women.
Best Backpacking Stoves of 2026
The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe backpacking stove in front of a jagged mountain with red bands

Best Backpacking Stoves of 2026

Last Updated: March 30, 2026
We’ve spent years cooking up this list of the best backpacking stoves around so backcountry chefs and Cup Noodle connoisseurs can find their perfect match.
Best Backpacking Chairs of 2026
A man relaxes with his legs out and hands behind his head on a small backpacking chair.

Best Backpacking Chairs of 2026

Last Updated: March 28, 2026
Whether you see them as a luxury or a necessity, the best backpacking chairs make campsites more comfortable. These 11 chairs are worth the weight.
Best Camping Pillows of 2026
Camp pillows stacked on a sleeping pad from thickest (left) to thinnest (right) with rugged mountains in the background

Best Camping Pillows of 2026

Last Updated: March 27, 2026
Our guide to the best backpacking and camping pillows walks you through our favorites from brands like Therm-a-rest, Trekology, NEMO, HEST, and more.
Best Hiking Socks of 2026
Closeup of a hiker's feet in the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew socks and Salomon X Ultra shoes on the rim of the Grand Canyon

Best Hiking Socks of 2026

Last Updated: March 27, 2026
Keep blisters at bay with the perfect pair of well-cushioned hiking socks. Check out our top picks to pamper your feet on your next backpacking adventure.
Coulee Coffee EcoPour Filter Review
An EcoPour filter on a mug of coffee with freshness packs of Coulee Coffee blurred in the background

Coulee Coffee EcoPour Filter Review

Published: March 27, 2026
Pour-over coffee filters are an alternative to camping coffee makers and instant coffees. We like these eco-friendly filters for their convenience and ease of use.
Best Hiking Sandals for Men of 2026
Close up image from knees down of a person ascending a steep sandy rock in hiking sandals

Best Hiking Sandals for Men of 2026

Last Updated: March 26, 2026
Our trail-tested sandal recommendations go the distance to help you find the perfect pair for lounging, trekking, playing in the water, or thru-hiking the AT.
Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026
Closeup of the Sawyer Squeeze water filter in front of an alpine lake

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026

Last Updated: March 25, 2026
We’ve filtered out the nonsense to bring you our purest recommendations of the best water filters around.
Best Backpacking Quilts of 2026
A backpacker wrapped up in the Enlightened Equipment Revelation sleeping quilt while sitting on a rocky slab overlooking bare granite mountains across the valley

Best Backpacking Quilts of 2026

Last Updated: March 24, 2026
From the deep forests of the coastal Pacific Northwest to Arizona’s desert and beyond, we’ve vetted the best backpacking quilts to keep you cozy no matter the climate.
Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2026
Waist-down view of a hiker standing on a rocky trail in the men's Patagonia Quandary hiking shorts

Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2026

Last Updated: March 24, 2026
Discover your new favorite trail-ready hiking shorts from Patagonia, prAna, REI, and more. Our experts bring you tailored suggestions for the best in comfort, durability, and style from trail to town.
Best Hiking Shorts for Women 2026
Woman standing on a rock outcropping overlooking the scenery below.

Best Hiking Shorts for Women 2026

Last Updated: March 23, 2026
From sunny summits to rugged trails, our handpicked selection of the best women’s hiking shorts will keep you comfortable, dry and stylish on every trek.
Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2026
A backpacker standing in front of a lake in the men's Kuhl Deceptr hiking pants

Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2026

Last Updated: March 20, 2026
Whether you need to crush big days in comfort or blaze your own path through the backcountry, these are the best pants for hiking, backpacking, and big adventures.
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