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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Aquamira purification drops are a popular water treatment option among backpackers because they’re affordable, lightweight…
7 Best Sun Shirts of 2024

7 Best Sun Shirts of 2024

Ready for some fun in the sun? Stay protected with our trail-tested expert recommendations for the best sun shirts available.
10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2024
A blonde backpacker sitting on a rock in front of an icey lake in the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2024

We’ve tested the best hiking leggings and tights to keep you moving effortlessly through any terrain. We tested models with just the right combo of mobility…
Best Vegan & Vegetarian Backpacking Meals of 2024

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Backpacking Meals of 2024

Zucchini and mushrooms and black beans, oh my! We’ve once again donned our fancy food critic pants and ate all the food…
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

The Zpacks Vertice (men’s / women’s) is one of the lightest rain jackets available. This featherweight shell provides excellent coverage, is incredibly breathable, and is surprisingly durable for how light it is.
A Complete Guide to Hiking the Colorado Trail

A Complete Guide to Hiking the Colorado Trail

From the flower-filled alpine meadows of the Sawatch Mountains to the dramatic craggy peaks of the San Juans, a hike on the Colorado Trail is sure to be a journey full of challenges and rewarding experiences.
Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles Review

Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles Review

Drop + Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles are strong, comfortable to hold, and – best of all – they’re super affordable.
Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag Review

Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag Review

The Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag is a quilt/sleeping bag hybrid with one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios we’ve seen. This hoodless bag packs down super small, weighs next to nothing, and can be cinched tight to keep you cozy when the temperature drops.
Katadyn Micropur Water Purification Tablets Review

Katadyn Micropur Water Purification Tablets Review

Katadyn’s Micropur Water Tabs because they take up almost no pack space, they weigh next to nothing, and they…
Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review

Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review

We have over a decade of experience using the Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter now, and it’s still one of our favorite water treatment options for backpacking with a partner or group.
10 Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2024
Waist-down view of a hiker standing on a rocky trail in the men's Patagonia Quandary hiking shorts

10 Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2024

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.
10 Best Hiking Shorts for Women 2024
A female backpacker wearing the Nike Dri-FIT Tempo shorts on a mountain pass along the John Muir Trail

10 Best Hiking Shorts for Women 2024

From ultralight to baggies, only the most comfortable, stylish, and high-quality hiking shorts made our list of top picks.
ULA Alpha Knife Review

ULA Alpha Knife Review

The ULA Alpha Knife is a ridiculously lightweight knife (just over 1 oz. with the sheath) that was designed specifically for backpackers and thru-hikers.
30 Exciting New Products From Outdoor Retailer 2022

30 Exciting New Products From Outdoor Retailer 2022

The CleverHiker team spent last week walking the halls of Outdoor Retailer in Denver, drooling over all the awesome new outdoor gear coming out in 2022/23. We put together this article to share the inside scoop on the new products we’re most stoked to get out on a trail!
10 Best Winter Traction Devices & Crampons for Hiking 2024
A hiker wearing the Hillsound Flexsteps with trail running shoes

10 Best Winter Traction Devices & Crampons for Hiking 2024

Don’t let winter’s grip get you down on the ice. Our team of experts has trail-tested the ultimate traction devices to find the most secure and dependable options so you…
10 Best Fanny Packs for Hiking of 2024
Closeup of a female hiker wearing the Patagonia Black Hole Mini fanny pack with a backpack

10 Best Fanny Packs for Hiking of 2024

Fanny packs may have been considered a fashion faux-pas at one point, but nowadays it seems like we don’t make it a mile…
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