Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides
Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket Review
Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket Review
Published:
May 3, 2019
One of the newest jackets introduced by Arc’teryx for the 2019 hiking season, the Zeta SL (men’s & women’s), is an excellent balance between quality, durability, and weight. The highly packable and versatile design of the SL is a great option for hikers looking to push through wet weather in rugged conditions.
Helinox Chair Zero Review
Helinox Chair Zero Review
Published:
April 3, 2019
Weighing just over a pound, the Helinox Chair Zero features a remarkably low weight, incredible packability, and durable construction unmatched by its competition. After some rigorous field testing of sitting around, we found the Chair Zero’s performance lived up to its reputation.
How to Use Your Phone as a GPS Device for Backpacking & Hiking
How to Use Your Phone as a GPS Device for Backpacking & Hiking
Published:
March 20, 2019
One piece of gear has recently revolutionized navigation in the backcountry and it’s right there in your very pocket…
Arc’teryx Zeta FL Rain Jacket Review
Arc’teryx Zeta FL Rain Jacket Review
Published:
March 14, 2019
Arc’teryx has introduced two new ultralight shells to their already strong line of rain gear.
Does Bear Spray Really Work?
Does Bear Spray Really Work?
Published:
January 21, 2019
You’ve packed a can of bear spray and are heading off to your favorite wildlife-populated backcountry. But somewhere in the back…
How to Poop in the Woods: A Backpacker’s Guide
How to Poop in the Woods: A Backpacker’s Guide
Published:
November 16, 2018
The problem of human waste in the outdoors was highlighted last May when a glacial geologist with the National Park Service…
Henry’s Fork Lake Loop – Uintas Backpacking Guide
Henry’s Fork Lake Loop – Uintas Backpacking Guide
Published:
September 6, 2018
This loop explores a gorgeous alpine mountain basin with every enticement you dream of — misty mountain meadows, tall pines, small lakes and winding streams that tie it all together. And if that weren’t enough, the whole scene is framed by a massive mountain range with Kings Peak at its head.
17 Exciting New Backpacking Products from Outdoor Retailer
17 Exciting New Backpacking Products from Outdoor Retailer
Published:
July 27, 2018
We spent this week walking around the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Denver, drooling over all the awesome new gear coming to the backpacking world in 2019. Outdoor Retailer is one of the largest gear conferences in the world and this week we were fortunate enough to meet up with some of our favorite companies to get a sneak peek at their upcoming innovations.
Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas
Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas
Published:
July 20, 2018
Moderately challenging, this hike takes you up to a high alpine lake with gorgeous campsites options. The trail follows the Stillwater and Ostler Forks of the Bear River as it ascends about 2050 feet, passing beautiful waterfalls along the way, to a stunning cirque basin.
Loowit Trail Loop – Mount St. Helens Backpacking Guide
Loowit Trail Loop – Mount St. Helens Backpacking Guide
Published:
July 20, 2018
Similar to Rainer’s Wonderland Trail, Adam’s Round-the-Mountain Trail and Hood’s Timberline Trail, the Loowit Trail around Mount St. Helens is nothing short of spectacular. If you enjoy solitude, navigation challenges, eye-popping vistas, and fascinating geology, consider adding the Loowit Trail to your list.
Red Castle Lakes Backpacking Guide – High Uintas
Red Castle Lakes Backpacking Guide – High Uintas
Published:
July 5, 2018
Gorgeous alpine meadows and pitch-perfect backcountry camping make this area, especially at sunset, a wonderland. It gets its name from the red castle-like peaks that stand like a fortress above the basin.
New HMG Hip Belt Pockets Review
New HMG Hip Belt Pockets Review
Published:
July 2, 2018
Hyperlite Mountain Gear makes some of our favorite ultralight backpacking gear and their Southwest 2400 and 3400 backpacks have been at the top of our Best Lightweight Backpacks list for almost three years running.
Mosquitos & Hiking: How to Protect Yourself
Mosquitos & Hiking: How to Protect Yourself
Published:
June 8, 2018
Few things can ruin a backpacking trip quicker than relentless swarms of buzzing mosquitoes…
Mount Adams Backpacking Guide
Mount Adams Backpacking Guide
Published:
June 7, 2018
With spectacular fields of wildflowers well into summer, incredible mountain scenery, and cozy campsites nestled in beautiful meadows, backpacking in the Mount Adams Wilderness should definitely be on your radar.
Jetboil MiniMo vs. MSR WindBurner
Jetboil MiniMo vs. MSR WindBurner
Published:
May 31, 2018
In the world of integrated stoves, two models stand apart in our opinion: the Jetboil MiniMo and MSR WindBurner. While both stoves perform very well and are worth recommending, we wanted to put the two systems up against each other to see which one wins out in a range of performance categories.
Goat Rocks Wilderness Backpacking Guide
Goat Rocks Wilderness Backpacking Guide
Published:
May 30, 2018
The Goat Rocks Wilderness drapes over the crest of the Cascade Range in South-Central Washington, offering endless views of iconic Cascade peaks and volcanoes. Numerous snowfields flank its craggy ridges and peaks, while steep drainages open into basins filled with alpine meadows and glacial lakes.