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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Tarptent Double Rainbow Tent Review
a man in a green jacket sits in a green tent

Tarptent Double Rainbow Tent Review

For a unique tent design that’s already established a reputation on trails for years, Tarptent has got something special with this model. The option to convert to freestanding mode is excellent to see, and it helps that it’s a good pick for taller people as well.
Zpacks Pivot Solo Tent Review
a silver green tent in a forest clearing

Zpacks Pivot Solo Tent Review

A fresh take on the classic pyramid design makes this tent stand out in a sea of rivals, making it one of our favorite shelters we tested.
Zpacks Offset Duo Tent Review
a man in a green coat sits in a blue tent

Zpacks Offset Duo Tent Review

Using a unique offset A-frame design and incorporating a panel pull into the design, this tent boasts impressive livability and performance at a great weight.
Best Camping Hammocks of 2026
A backpacker relaxing in a red Eno Ultralight Sub6 hammock near a mountain lake in the Enchantments

Best Camping Hammocks of 2026

From premium models that are worth the investment, to budget options that wowed us, we tested the best camping hammocks to find the ones that are right for you.
Durston X-Mid Pro 1 Tent Review
a man in a green coat sits in a one person tent in a forest clearing

Durston X-Mid Pro 1 Tent Review

With a good balance of comfort, weight, and price, this is our top pick for an all around great ultralight one person tent.
Durston X-Mid Pro 2+ Tent Review
a two person trekking pole tent in a forest clearing

Durston X-Mid Pro 2+ Tent Review

This is our favorite tent for two people, balancing many features well while also being easy to use, and not unreasonably priced.
Women’s Xero Shoes Scrambler Low Trail WP Review
Person stepping up on a rock, showing the creasing of her shoe’s upper material where her foot bends.

Women’s Xero Shoes Scrambler Low Trail WP Review

This shoe is designed with barefoot and minimalist hikers in mind, for those days when weather protection is necessary.
Best Ultralight Tents of 2026
The Zpacks Duplex and Tarptent Motrail ultralight backpacking tents in front of a jagged mountain peak at sunset

Best Ultralight Tents of 2026

Every gram counts when finding the best ultralight tent. Our hand-picked list of UL shelters passed the test from our scale to the trail.
Backpacking Trip Guides

Backpacking Trip Guides

We have hiked every single one of the trails we include in our in-depth backpacking and hiking trip guides below. For more popular CleverHiker resources to get you going on your next adventure, check out the following: United States & Canada Thru-Hikes Appalachian Trail Distance: 2,190 milesTime Needed: 3 – 5 monthsApprox. Elevation Change: 465,000 […]
Women’s Saucony Peregrine 15 Review
A trail runner runs along a rocky wooded trail in a pair of Saucony shoes.

Women’s Saucony Peregrine 15 Review

This non-fussy, light, fast, and breathable shoe will provide maximum performance for a wide array of runners and hikers on a variety of trails.
A Wild Weekend in Montana: The Beaten Path Trip Guide
A woman hikes off trail through alpine scenery

A Wild Weekend in Montana: The Beaten Path Trip Guide

The Beaten Path in Montana is a gorgeous weekend adventure that avoids the crowds of neighboring Yellowstone National Park. It’s a 2-3 day point-to-point hike.
Women’s Topo Ultraventure 4 Review
A person sitting on an overlook with a beautiful scene in the background, with a focus on her hiking shoes.

Women’s Topo Ultraventure 4 Review

This is a lightweight, comfy, and breathable shoe perfect for any trail that requires excellent grip and increased cushion. Those with larger or wider feet will especially appreciate its roomy toe box.
REI Flash 55 Backpack Review
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REI Flash 55 Backpack Review

Our favorite Budget Buy pack has all the components of a great pack, making few sacrifices to get to its excellent price and weight.
Wild Alaska: Bomber Traverse Trip Guide
A iced over lake with glacial background.

Wild Alaska: Bomber Traverse Trip Guide

This challenging trail can be done in a weekend. If you live in or are visiting Alaska, we recommend training up and getting out to this wild place.
JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack Review

JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack Review

A throwback fanny pack that never went out of style for all our practical people out there. This bag combines style and utility to meet the needs of life on the go from trails to concrete jungles.
Granite Gear Crown3 Backpack Review
a man wearing a white backpack

Granite Gear Crown3 Backpack Review

Our favorite option for a versatile crossover pack, the Crown 3 should help many people who can’t decide between ultralight and traditional backpacking.
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