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

Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

REI Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow Review
Close up of the REI Trailmade Pillow on a boulder as the sun sets in the background. The pillow looks lumpy due to the foam blocks inside.

REI Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow Review

Published: January 17, 2025
Are you looking for an affordable camp pillow that’s comfortable in the campground and packable enough for backpacking? Here’s one that won’t break the bank.
Women’s Brooks Cascadia 18 Review
Brooks Women's Cascadia 18 shoes close up on trail

Women’s Brooks Cascadia 18 Review

Published: January 16, 2025
Made for eating technical trails for breakfast, these moderately cushioned trail runners will provide you with solid ground feel, excellent traction, and plenty of room in the toes.
Women’s La Sportiva Bushido III Review
La Sportiva Women's Bushido III close up on trail

Women’s La Sportiva Bushido III Review

Published: January 16, 2025
If tackling technical trails in the mountains is on your agenda, these rugged shoes, available in two widths, will stick to rocks and roots as well as dig into mud and dirt.
Women’s Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Review
Nike Women's Pegasus 5 close up

Women’s Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Review

Published: January 16, 2025
Fast, responsive, and perfectly cushioned, this trail runner is going to make you feel light on your feet as you zoom down the trail.
Kershaw Blur Pocket Knife Review
The Kershaw Blur open on a log next to wood shavings

Kershaw Blur Pocket Knife Review

Published: January 13, 2025
​A durable, easy-to-use pocket knife with smooth one-handed operation, excellent grip, and a sturdy blade for effortless cutting and carving—perfect for daily tasks and outdoor adventures.
SOG Twitch II Pocket Knife Review
Holding the SOG Twitch II pocket knife while open

SOG Twitch II Pocket Knife Review

Published: January 13, 2025
Compact and razor-sharp, this discreet everyday carry knife is perfect for tradespeople, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone needing a reliable blade for frequent use.
Backpacking Sleeping Bags vs. Quilts: Which One Is Right for You?
A man shakes out a long sleeping bag in a field with mountains and blue sky in the background.

Backpacking Sleeping Bags vs. Quilts: Which One Is Right for You?

Published: January 3, 2025
Your sleep system is one of the most important sets of gear you can bring on any backcountry adventure. We dive into the pros and cons of sleeping bags and quilts to help you figure out what’s best for you.
A Backpacking Guide to Utah’s Uinta Mountains

A Backpacking Guide to Utah’s Uinta Mountains

Published: January 2, 2025
Lying approximately 100 miles east of Salt Lake City, the Uinta Mountain Range is home to the highest peaks in Utah and the only major range in the contiguous United States that orients east to west.
Top Gear Picks of 2026
A hiker posing on top of a mountain at sunset

Top Gear Picks of 2026

Last Updated: January 1, 2025
This is where we highlight a wide range of exceptional choices, and talk about our personal favorites.
Petzl Actik Headlamp Review
The image shows a person wearing a Petzl Actik headlamp while standing outdoors during dusk. The person is looking upward, with the headlamp illuminated, casting light into the surrounding environment. The sun is setting in the background

Petzl Actik Headlamp Review

Published: December 26, 2024
This budget-friendly headlamp delivers solid performance with 450 lumens, great light quality, and simple operation. Ideal for camping and casual hikes, though not the brightest for technical use.
Fenix HM50R V2.0 Headlamp Review
The image shows a Fenix HM50R V2.0 headlamp hanging upside down from a strap, with its beam pointed downward. The headlamp is positioned beneath a red tent fabric, and the sky is visible in the background.

Fenix HM50R V2.0 Headlamp Review

Published: December 26, 2024
Compact and durable with 700 lumens, this budget-friendly headlamp shines for casual adventures. But is it versatile enough for your needs? Explore its strengths and limitations in our in-depth review.
Nitecore NU27 Headlamp Review
The photo features the Nitecore NU27 headlamp sitting on a log in a forest setting.

Nitecore NU27 Headlamp Review

Published: December 26, 2024
Looking for a bright, ultralight headlamp with plenty of features? This model offers adjustable color temperatures and an impressive brightness-to-weight ratio at an affordable price.
Women’s Merrell Moab 3 WP Hiking Boot Review
Hiker wearing the Merrell Moab 3 WP Women's Hiking Boots

Women’s Merrell Moab 3 WP Hiking Boot Review

Published: December 11, 2024
Perfect for weekend hikes and casual adventures, these boots are comfortable and durable. They have a trail-runner feel at an affordable price.
Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew Base Layer Review
A hiker crouches by a creek to fill a water bottle while wearing the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe base layer. Rocks and trees are in the background.

Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew Base Layer Review

Published: December 11, 2024
Perfect for high-output activities, this base layer provides just enough warmth while keeping you dry and comfortable.
Tubbs Wayfinder Snowshoe Review
A man adjusts the binding on a pair of snowshoes.

Tubbs Wayfinder Snowshoe Review

Published: December 10, 2024
This beginner-friendly snowshoe comes equipped with high-quality features that exceed its more budget-friendly price tag.
Women’s Patagonia Baggies Shorts Review
a women smiling and putting her hair behind her ear with the other hand in her pocket of the patagonia mult trails shorts while on a dirt road in next to sage brush and ponderosas

Women’s Patagonia Baggies Shorts Review

Published: December 10, 2024
If you’re looking for affordable, durable shorts that work for hikes and casual outings, the Patagonia Baggies 5″ shorts are for you
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