Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Best Hiking Shorts for Women 2026

Close-up image of a woman in hiking shorts standing on a rocky outcropping with a view of the trail and forest below.

Best Hiking Shorts for Women 2026

Last Updated: June 11, 2026

From sunny summits to rugged trails, our handpicked selection of the best women’s hiking shorts will keep you comfortable, dry and stylish on every trek.

Warbonnet Ridgerunner Hammock Review

A man lies in a hammock in the woods at sunset.

Warbonnet Ridgerunner Hammock Review

Published: June 11, 2026

This bridge-style hammock is remarkably comfortable and comes with a nice set of premium features, including a dark bug net that makes for great stargazing.

Grand Trunk Air Bivy Hammock Kit Review

A man hangs in an orange hammock with a tarp behind him in a forest.

Grand Trunk Air Bivy Hammock Kit Review

Published: June 11, 2026

This hammock-and-tarp kit is appealing for budget-conscious campers and backpackers with an impressive combination of comfort, ease of use, and price.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Backpacking Tent Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Backpacking Tent Review

Last Updated: June 10, 2026

This tent features a tried-and-true ultralight platform with thoughtful details that set it apart from the gram-saving competitors.

Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2026

Waist-down view of a hiker standing on a rocky trail in the men's Patagonia Quandary hiking shorts

Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2026

Last Updated: June 10, 2026

Discover your new favorite trail-ready hiking shorts from Patagonia, prAna, REI, and more. Our experts bring you tailored suggestions for the best in comfort, durability, and style from trail to town.

Best Backpacking Tents of 2026

The NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 and Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 backpacking tents pitched in a campsite surrounded by granite peaks in the Sawtooth Mountains

Best Backpacking Tents of 2026

Last Updated: June 10, 2026

We put the top-performing backpacking tents on the market through the wringer to find the best balance of comfort, weight, ease of use, and more. Find your new home-away-from home with our guide.

Men’s Janji 5″ Multi Shorts Review

A man walks up a rocky ridgeline with snowy mountains and the ocean in the distance.

Men’s Janji 5″ Multi Shorts Review

Published: June 10, 2026

These lightweight, durable shorts offer quick-dry performance and versatile storage, designed for moving fast on trail and for training, with reliable comfort for all-day pursuits.

Men’s REI Flash Shorts Review

A closeup of blue shorts worn on a man standing on a trail.

Men’s REI Flash Shorts Review

Published: June 10, 2026

These lightweight shorts offer quick-drying comfort, breathable performance, and unrestricted mobility, making them a versatile choice for hiking, running, and warm-weather adventures.

Men’s Terignota Sendero Shorts Review

Published: June 10, 2026

These shorts feature an innovative cargo-carrying system, provide all-day comfort, and offer lightweight performance at an accessible price point for any budget.

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026

A hiker pumps with the msr guardian filter. the pre filter is submerged in murky water and a nalgene bottle is attached to the bottom of the filter.

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026

Last Updated: June 8, 2026

We’ve filtered out the nonsense to bring you our purest recommendations of the best water filters around.

Men’s La Sportiva Ultra Raptor III Review

Person wearing olive green and black hiking shoes with red details on a rocky terrain.

Men’s La Sportiva Ultra Raptor III Review

Last Updated: June 8, 2026

This hiking shoe delivers durable protection, secure stability, and grippy traction for rugged terrain and technical trails, perfect for demanding routes in varied conditions.

Men’s La Sportiva Prodigio 2 Review

Person wearing blue and orange running shoes on a dirt path.

Men’s La Sportiva Prodigio 2 Review

Last Updated: June 8, 2026

Tackle your next fast-and-light hike into the mountains with these high-performance trail-running shoes.

Men’s On Cloudrock Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes Review

Close-up of feet in brown hiking shoes on a forest floor with pine needles and a pine cone.

Men’s On Cloudrock Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes Review

Published: June 8, 2026

This waterproof hiking shoe delivers dependable wet-weather protection and rugged durability for long days on the trail, keeping feet dry and comfortable in challenging conditions.

Men’s Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Review

Hiker using trekking poles on a rocky, grassy slope.

Men’s Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Review

Published: June 8, 2026

This rugged mountain hiking shoe delivers technical performance and excellent traction for those tackling challenging alpine terrain, rocky scrambles, and muddy backcountry trails.

LifeStraw Peak Squeeze Water Filter Review

A hiker inserts a water filter into a water bladder.

LifeStraw Peak Squeeze Water Filter Review

Published: June 8, 2026

This adaptable squeeze filter effortlessly produces safe and delicious water in the backcountry and is compatible with a range of different water bottles and bladders.

Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter Review

Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter Review

Published: June 8, 2026

This pump filter comes in a lightweight package while eliminating the hassle of squeezing water bladders or waiting on chemical treatments to work.