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

Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Women’s La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boot Review
Hiker starting up a rocky ridge wearing the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Women's Hiking Boots

Women’s La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boot Review

Published: December 9, 2024
These hiking boots have a balance of comfort, ankle support, and waterproof protection, making them ideal for backpackers embarking on challenging, wet terrains.
Women’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot Review
Hiker wearing Lowa Renegade GTX Women's Hiking Boots and crossing some rocks

Women’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot Review

Published: December 7, 2024
A durable, weather resistant, and supportive hiking boot that are a reliable choice for rugged trails and carrying heavy packs.
Women’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boot Review
Hiker wearing the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Women's Hiking Boots and walking up a rocky trail.

Women’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boot Review

Published: December 7, 2024
These boots have excellent stability, weather resistance, and durability, making them great for long hikes and backpacking trips over rugged, uneven terrain.
Icebreaker Merino Oasis 200 Base Layer Review
A hiker crosses a bridge with trekking poles, a pack, and wearing the Icebreaker Oasis 200 base layer. Trees are in the background.

Icebreaker Merino Oasis 200 Base Layer Review

Published: December 5, 2024
This base layer offers a balance of insulation, merino wool comfort, and natural odor resistance, making it great for many outdoor activities.
Women’s KEEN Targhee IV WP Hiking Boot Review
Hiker stopped on a path to adjust her Women’s KEEN Targhee IV WP

Women’s KEEN Targhee IV WP Hiking Boot Review

Published: December 5, 2024
These hiking boots feature a roomy toe box, a secure heel band, and multi-directional lugs, making them a reliable option for moderate hiking.
UGREEN 145W Power Bank Review
A hiker has their back to the camera while taking a photo. The phone is hooked up to the UGREEN charger in the back pocket of the pack. There are trees and a mountain lake in the background.

UGREEN 145W Power Bank Review

Published: November 27, 2024
A literal powerhouse designed for large electronics, with a 140W output and 25,000 mAh capacity. Its digital display and pass-through charging add convenience, but the trade-offs include added weight, bulk, and expense.
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank Review
Close up of the BioLite power bank charging a phone and the Garmin Inreach while sitting on some pine needles.

BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank Review

Published: November 27, 2024
Designed for backcountry conditions, this power bank stands out for its durability. Its bulkier size and weight might be a drawback for those prioritizing portability.
Miady AS-TPB21 Power Bank Review
The Miady and a phone sit in front of a tent in the woods.

Miady AS-TPB21 Power Bank Review

Published: November 27, 2024
A great pick for budget-conscious hikers, this power bank handles cold weather well and is surprisingly durable. It’s not the lightest or fastest to recharge, but it gets the job done without straining your wallet.
Goal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank Review
Close up of the Goal Zero power bank charging a phone while sitting on some pine needles.

Goal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank Review

Published: November 27, 2024
A pocket-sized power bank for your next adventure. Lightweight, durable, and easy to carry, this power bank is great for short trips, though its recharge speed and capacity might leave you wanting more for longer outings.
Zendure Super Mini 10000 Power Bank Review
Close up of a backpack side pocket with one hand placing the Zendure and a cell phone into the pocket and the other holding the zipper. There are trees in the background.

Zendure Super Mini 10000 Power Bank Review

Published: November 27, 2024
This lightweight, ultra-portable power bank delivers solid performance and durability, though its features and efficiency are better suited for shorter trips.
Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 Power bank Review
The Anker and a phone sit in front of a tent in the woods.

Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 Power bank Review

Published: November 25, 2024
A straightforward, durable design that lives up to its reputation as a dependable option for budget-conscious users. While it lacks pass-through charging and takes longer to recharge, its sturdy build and reliability make it a trustworthy power bank for hikers needing a compact 10,000 mAh power bank.
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.
1 … 34 35 36 37 38 … 51