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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Women’s Saucony Peregrine 16 Review
A woman adjusts the tongue on her shoe.

Women’s Saucony Peregrine 16 Review

This non-fussy, lightweight, high traction shoe provides maximum performance on a variety of trails. Therefore, it will appeal to a wide array of runners and hikers.
Women’s Topo Terraventure 5 Review
Runner wearing the Topo Terraventure 5

Women’s Topo Terraventure 5 Review

This update to a rockstar shoe features a sturdy build, minimal drop, moderate cushion, and incredible traction that will take you anywhere you want to run.
Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2026
woman unzipping the hyperlite mountain gear versa fany pack next to a rushing white water river

Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2026

Fanny packs are making a comeback, and we’re on board. We stuffed these packs full and dragged them through rocks, dirt, and water to see which ones held up best.
REI Trail 2 Waist Pack Review
A blue fanny pack sitting on red dirt overlooking hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park.

REI Trail 2 Waist Pack Review

This sleek and versatile fanny pack makes it easy to stay organized while traveling, hiking, or backpacking. Its comfort and styling make it versatile for activities from technical to casual.
Black Diamond Pursuit 6 Waist Pack Review
Close-up of a hiker reaching for snacks stashed inside a blue lumbar pack.

Black Diamond Pursuit 6 Waist Pack Review

This 6-liter waist pack provides exceptional comfort and organization with breathable padding, a spacious main compartment, and water bottle sleeves – great for day hikes and backpacking trips alike.
Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2026
Nike Women's Pegasus 5 close up

Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2026

We’ve run thousands of miles in search of the best trail running shoes to take us from tempo runs to ultras and beyond.
Best Camp Shoes of 2026
a woman wears Merrell Hydro Moc by a creek

Best Camp Shoes of 2026

Our list of the best camp shoes includes only the most comfortable and capable crowd-pleasers, from minimalist sandals to winter-ready down booties. Treat your feet to something nice.
Chaco Z/Cloud Sandal Review
A woman in purple socks pulls the tab on her sandals to tighten the straps to her feet.

Chaco Z/Cloud Sandal Review

This sandal is a standout adventure companion that’s supportive, comfortable, and long-lasting – great for hiking, lounging at camp, or spending time by the water.
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandal Review
A woman sits with her feet against a branch.

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandal Review

Lightweight, supportive, and comfortable, this classic sandal exceeded our expectations for the price. Though it (probably) won’t summit Mount Whitney, there’s no reason it can’t be hanging off your pack for use at camp.
LUNA Sandals Leadville Pacer Review
A pair of black sandals sits on a rock.

LUNA Sandals Leadville Pacer Review

This ultralight sandal grips like no other. It’s lightweight, low-profile, and sticky enough to wear on the trail or by the water.
Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip On Review
A woman slips on a pair of slippers on top of a blue blanket.

Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip On Review

Highly comfortable, warm, and easy to sink into at camp or at home, this outdoor slipper is a standout for casual outdoor adventures.
Men’s Brooks Cascadia 20 Review
Legs down image of a person running on rocks in the mountains on a hiking trail.

Men’s Brooks Cascadia 20 Review

These are some of our team’s all-time faves for hiking, running, and backpacking with 6,000+ miles logged on the CDT, PCT, and Colorado Trail.
Best Dog Backpacks of 2026
A dog wearing the Ruffwear Approach backpack in front of a snowy lake and marbled mountain peaks

Best Dog Backpacks of 2026

Who doesn’t want their dog to join them on the trail? These dog backpacks allow your four-legged friend to pull their weight on hikes ranging from day trips to backcountry adventures.
Best Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers of 2026
Closeup of the GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip brewing coffee into an ultralight backpacking cup on a volcanic rock

Best Camping & Backpacking Coffee Makers of 2026

From ultralight pour-overs to one-pot espresso makers, we tested dozens of camp coffee makers so you can find the perfect brew method for your next adventure.
nCamp Cafe Coffee Maker Review
A coffee maker disassembled to show the nesting mug and stainless steel brewer components side by side on a tree stump.

nCamp Cafe Coffee Maker Review

For coffee lovers who refuse to settle at camp, this Moka pot-inspired, all-in-one design brews cafe-quality espresso in a stainless steel package barely bigger than a water bottle – nested mug included.
Alpine Mountain Gear Stainless Steel Percolator Review
A coffee percolator brewing on a camp stove in an outdoor trailer kitchen setup.

Alpine Mountain Gear Stainless Steel Percolator Review

A classic stainless steel percolator done right: no plastic, no fuss, and enough capacity to keep an entire group caffeinated from the first morning to the last.
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