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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 Backpack Review
a man wearing a white backpack

Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 Backpack Review

This was the most comfortable backpack we tested that didn’t sport a suspended mesh panel. It has a good feature set but misses on a few design decisions.
High Tail Designs – The Ultralight Fanny Pack Review

High Tail Designs – The Ultralight Fanny Pack Review

This ultralight fanny pack offers a minimalist design with a sleek profile, dye sublimation printing for unique patterns, and durable craftsmanship. Ideal for ultralight enthusiasts, it balances innovation, artistry, and performance.
Osprey Tempest 6 / Talon Waistpack Review
man walking on a trail in the high desert wearing a fanny pack

Osprey Tempest 6 / Talon Waistpack Review

This 6-liter pack provides exceptional comfort and organization, featuring breathable padding, a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets, and water bottle sleeves, making it perfect for sunny day hikes and carrying essentials.
Thrupack Eco Summit Bum Fanny Pack Review

Thrupack Eco Summit Bum Fanny Pack Review

For a comfortable way to add extra storage to your backpack or carry essentials on a day hike – this customizable fanny pack is a dream.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Fanny Pack Review
woman unzipping the hyperlite mountain gear versa fany pack next to a rushing white water river

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Fanny Pack Review

This lightweight, waterproof fanny pack offers ample storage, durability, and functionality. It keeps your gear dry in all weather conditions and integrates seamlessly into larger backpack systems.
Women’s Altra Lone Peak 9 Review
Close up showing the Altra shoe while climbing up a rock

Women’s Altra Lone Peak 9 Review

Lace up and go farther with this versatile shoe. With a refined ripstop mesh upper, grippy outsole, and responsive midsole, and a roomy toe box and zero-drop design, it’s perfect for thru-hikers and trail runners alike.
Atom Packs: The Roo Fanny Pack Review
woman with the roo fanny pack by atom packs slung over her shoulder

Atom Packs: The Roo Fanny Pack Review

With 1.5L of storage and a weight under 4 ounces, this pack offers a comfortable and efficient way to carry essentials, making it a valuable and unique addition to any hiking kit.
KAVU Spectator Fanny Pack Review
woman wearing a kavu spectator waist pack while walking on a snowy field

KAVU Spectator Fanny Pack Review

Keep your hands free and your essentials organized with this sleek waist pack. Its minimalist design and range of color options make it a practical and stylish choice for both around the city and in the woods.
Gossamer Gear Bumster Fanny Pack Review
a woman croutched down saying hi to her black lab dog in the forest while wearing a fanny pack

Gossamer Gear Bumster Fanny Pack Review

Whether worn in front for additional storage while backpacking or sling-style at a summer music festival, this pack has space for more than essentials and the affordable price is worth the investment.
Cotopaxi Bataan Del Dia 3L Fanny Pack Review
man walking his dog on a desert trail wearing a cotopaxi fanny pack

Cotopaxi Bataan Del Dia 3L Fanny Pack Review

This versatile all-around fanny pack excels on the trail and in urban environments. Its distinctive colorways give some flare while providing reliable functionality.
Zpacks Front Utility Pack Accessory (FUPA) Review
a woman wears a zpack front utility pack accessory on her lumbar walking next to a river in the high desert

Zpacks Front Utility Pack Accessory (FUPA) Review

This ultralight, weatherproof fanny pack offers 1.7L of storage. Made with durable construction, interior mesh pockets, an exterior drop pocket, and a padded back panel for comfort.
LiteAF Featherweight Fanny Pack Review
woman wearing a liteaf featherweight fanny pack while walking next to a waterfall

LiteAF Featherweight Fanny Pack Review

This ultralight, compact fanny pack features a convenient front pouch for quick access to essentials. Its design allows for easy integration into larger backpack systems, making it ideal for minimalist hikers.
Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2025

Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2025

Whether you’re looking to tackle a thru hike or haul some serious gear, we’ve got backpack recommendations for every type of adventure.
Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Sun Shirt Review
Woman in floral sun shirt looking out at view of foothills in high desert detting

Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Sun Shirt Review

Snack pockets, adjustable hood, thumbholes, hood with vent/ponytail slot, and UPF 30 protection. The Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down is a thoughtfully designed, thru-hike tested sun shirt worthy of a rave review.
Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie Sun Shirt Review
hiker walking around pine forest

Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie Sun Shirt Review

With expert sun protection, all-day comfort, quick-drying fabric, and a delightful zippered pocket at the side, this is one of the best overall sun shirts on the market.
REI Sahara Shade Sun Shirt Review
woman hiking in high desert with dog

REI Sahara Shade Sun Shirt Review

A top-rated CleverHiker shirt that’s also reasonably priced, this sun shirt is lauded for its comfort, fit, and excellent sun protective features.
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