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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
A man stands in front of a lake and mountains holding an orange inflatable mattress.

Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: November 21, 2024
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better pad in this price range. This rectangular sleeping pad is plenty warm for most three-season adventures, and its compact, ultralight design will help keep your pack and back happy.
Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker stands in the woods and holds up a gray sleeping pad.

Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: November 21, 2024
For those looking for one sleeping pad to do it all, this one fits the bill with its balance of durability, weight, comfort, and warmth.
NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad Review
A man holds an orange mat in a grassy area in the woods.

NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: November 21, 2024
A closed-cell pad can’t be any lighters, simpler and faster for softening the ground you sleep upon. Use for warm seasons, or pair with an air pad for winter camping.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Review
A man stands holding a yellow and grey foam sleeping pad, showcasing the pattern and accordion-style packed size.

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Review

Published: November 21, 2024
CleverHiker founder Dave Collins relied on this pad while thru-hiking the PCT. Affordable, indestructable, and lightweight, its a great option for hard sleepers or anyone who’s going for an ultralight backpacking set-up, or will be winter camping.
Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad Review
A woman relaxes inside a tent, sitting on a green inflatable sleeping pad. Trees are visible through the tent.

Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad Review

Published: November 21, 2024
This air pad is your affortable ticket into “oh sleeping on the ground isn’t that bad!” Perfect for new backpackers looking for a light sleeping pad on summer trips.
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
A man stands in the woods holding a red inflatable air pad.

Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Published: November 20, 2024
Big Agnes designed a pad that sets up easily, deflates quickly, insulates the cold ground, is soft and cushy, and takes a good old fashioned backcountry beating.
REI Helix Insulated Air Sleeping Pad Review
A woman is lying on an inflatable mattress on the grass on a sunny day.

REI Helix Insulated Air Sleeping Pad Review

Published: November 20, 2024
This air pad a great option for backpackers who sleep on their backs and tend to camp in colder temps. Plus the price won’t make you lose any sleep at night.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: November 18, 2024
We absolutely love how light, compact, quiet, and comfortable the Therm-a-Rest UberLite is. This is the pad you’ll find in our packs for all our summer outings. The main question to ask yourself with this pad is: how often do you backpack in sub-freezing temps? If the answer is rarely, this might be the perfect pad for you.
Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
a sea to summit ultralight insulated sleeping pad inflated in a backpacking tent with an ultralight pack and pod beside it.

Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Published: November 15, 2024
It’s nice when a pad doesn’t break your bank or your back. This version’s simple and clever design features provide you with a reliable and cushioned sleep.
100+ Best Gifts for Hikers: Expert-Tested

100+ Best Gifts for Hikers: Expert-Tested

Last Updated: November 13, 2024
Give the gift that gets them outside with our guide to the best gifts for hikers and backpackers.
NEMO Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
A man stands next to a lake gripping a large yellow inflatable camping pad.

NEMO Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: November 12, 2024
Thick, cushy, quiet, and very comfortable (even for side-sleepers), this ultralight pad is a perfect companion for summer backpacking trips that stay above freezing temps at night.
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review
a hiker with their hood up in a forest in the rain.

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: November 11, 2024
This featherweight shell provides excellent coverage, is incredibly breathable, and is surprisingly durable for how light it is.
Zion Narrows Top Down Backpacking Guide
A hiker wearing an Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultralight Backpack in a slot canyon in Utah

Zion Narrows Top Down Backpacking Guide

Last Updated: November 11, 2024
One of the nation’s deepest and longest slot canyons, The Narrows is the consummate epic adventure. Sheer walls of sandstone reach thousands of feet above the North Fork of the Virgin River, framing blue slivers of sky while lush hanging gardens pulsate from the canyon walls.
CleverHiker Gear Guide

CleverHiker Gear Guide

Last Updated: November 11, 2024
Trail-tested recommendations on the best hiking, backpacking, and camping gear for maximizing comfort, minimizing weight, and increasing smiles.
15 Winter Camping Tips
A hiker situating a sleeping bag in a 4-season tent on a winter camping trip

15 Winter Camping Tips

Last Updated: November 7, 2024
The magic of winter camping, where snowfall transforms familiar trails into pristine wilderness adventures. Experience the profound satisfaction of wandering through untouched powder on snowshoes and digging your own sanctuary for a cozy camp.
Winter Camping Checklist
two tents pitched in the snow with mt hood in the distance

Winter Camping Checklist

Last Updated: November 7, 2024
When you go into the backcountry during the harshest season of the year, it pays to have the right equipment to keep…
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