Home / Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2026
a hiker blowing air into a sleeping pad pump sack

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2026

Whether you’re looking for inflatable or foam, ultralight or ultra-plush, we’ll help you get a great night’s sleep in the backcountry with our trail-tested picks…
Trinity Alps Wilderness Backpacking Guide

Trinity Alps Wilderness Backpacking Guide

If you’re looking for an off-the-radar backpacking route in NW California, check out our guide to the Trinity Alps Wilderness.
Top Gear Picks of 2026
A hiker posing on top of a mountain at sunset

Top Gear Picks of 2026

This is where we highlight a wide range of exceptional choices, and talk about our personal favorites.
A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail requires a lot of research, planning and dedication, so we put together this guide to get you started.
Best Backpacking Meals & Food of 2026
backpacker pouring water into bowl outdoors

Best Backpacking Meals & Food of 2026

Our guide to the best backpacking meals and tips will help you fill your belly and fuel your hikes while out backpacking, camping, and thru-hiking.
A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Continental Divide Trail

A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Continental Divide Trail

Our first-hand guide to the Continental Divide Trail will cover logistics, gear, and tips, so you can hike over 3000 miles from Mexico to Canada
10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2026
Multiple energy bars on a camp table

10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2026

We’ve taste-tested the best energy bars for hiking and they’re almost as satisfying as finally reaching the summit. Let your snacking adventure begin!
A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Based on our thru-hiking experience, our guide to the PCT will help you crush the logistics of this 2650-mile hike from the Mexican border to Canadian border
Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop Backpacking Guide – Death Valley NP

Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop Backpacking Guide – Death Valley NP

This loop is popular with desert-loving backpackers looking for a long and challenging trip through Death Valley National Park.
Backpacking Meal Recipes & How to Dehydrate Food for Camping
woman eating a backpacking meal in the mountains

Backpacking Meal Recipes & How to Dehydrate Food for Camping

Making your own backpacking meals can be a fun hobby and a great way to take control of your nutrition while saving money.
The Ultimate Guide to Vermont’s Long Trail

The Ultimate Guide to Vermont’s Long Trail

Our guide to Vermont’s Long Trail will help hikers reap the rewards of this rugged hike to the Canadian border.
20 Tips for Backpacking on a Budget

20 Tips for Backpacking on a Budget

Whether you’re just starting out or updating your old gear, we have the tips and tricks you need to backpack on a budget so you can enjoy the outdoors without burning a hole in your wallet.
Durston X-Mid Pro 2 Tent Review

Durston X-Mid Pro 2 Tent Review

The Durston X-Mid Pro 2 is a solid investment for an ultralight shelter that’s big enough for two and light enough for any adventure.
How to Prevent and Treat Blisters While Hiking

How to Prevent and Treat Blisters While Hiking

Blisters don’t need to be a bummer on trail. This guide explains how to prevent blisters and how to treat them if they do pop up.
How to Stay Clean While Backpacking: The Expert Guide

How to Stay Clean While Backpacking: The Expert Guide

We have you covered from head to toe with our tips for keeping good hygiene on trail. It’s possible to embrace the funk while still staying clean in the backcountry.
Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon Backpacking Guide

Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon Backpacking Guide

Located in the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness of Utah and Arizona, this spectacular and unique hike winds through one of the deepest and longest slot canyons in the world.
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