Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

A person using the Legacy poles and wearing a pack is walking up a trail towards the camera with pinion and juniper trees and a mesa in the background.

LEKI Legacy Lite Trekking Poles Review

Published: April 7, 2026

Affordable trekking poles with comfortable cork grips and ventilated handles that help keep hands cool. A dependable no-frills option for beginners and hikers seeking simple trail support.

Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Review

A person wearing a backpack and using the cascade poles is walking up a trail towards the camera. There are trees juniper trees in the background.

Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Review

Published: April 7, 2026

Durable carbon fiber trekking poles with excellent value, versatile accessories, and comfortable cork grips. A great choice for hikers seeking strong performance without paying premium prices.

Petzl ACTIK CORE Headlamp Review

Side close-up of a person wearing a Petzl headlamp over a beanie while adjusting the light with one hand.

Petzl ACTIK CORE Headlamp Review

Last Updated: April 6, 2026

This headlamp is a longtime favorite with bright and reliable performance, simple controls, and a recent upgrade to USB-C charging.

Coast FL97R Headlamp Review

Close-up of the Coast FL95R Headlamp front lens and reflector, resting in dry pine needles.

Coast FL97R Headlamp Review

Published: April 6, 2026

This is a feature-rich headlamp with serious brightness, intuitive beam control, and a warm area light that works as propped up in a tent as it does on your head.

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

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 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.

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.