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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Men’s HOKA Torrent 4 Review
Close up image of a person tying a pair of trail running shoes.

Men’s HOKA Torrent 4 Review

Published: June 24, 2025
These trail runners are a great bang for your buck. Their budget-friendly price is a steal for anyone who wants a light, fun and fast trail runner.
Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles Review
A person wearing a backpack is walking down a trail using some trekking poles. They are in desert like area with pushes and pine trees.

Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 23, 2025
On a budget or just starting to dabble in hiking and backpacking? Want to save your knees? We love that this trekking pole includes all the basics without breaking the bank. They are super durable and include helpful features such as winter baskets.
Men’s Brooks Catamount 4 Review
Close up from ankles down of a person in trail running shoes

Men’s Brooks Catamount 4 Review

Last Updated: June 23, 2025
Sleek, fast, and built to last, this trail runner is our top pick. Rugged miles are no match for the snappy ride, updated plates, and solid all-around performance.
Nnormal Kjerag Review
Close up image of a person tying the shoelaces on a pair of trail runners while sitting on a log.

Nnormal Kjerag Review

Last Updated: June 23, 2025
If you want some of the lightest and most durable trail runners on the market, these earn top marks from our team of testers. They’re the ultimate performance shoe to keep speed when the terrain gets tough.
Men’s Salomon SpeedCross 6 Review
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
A mug full of coffee.

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.
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