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

Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A mobile, midweight option is worth considering, but heavier three-layer alternatives offer more confidence in prolonged heavy rain.
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacket Review
A man reaches in a wet and icy cave.

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Quiet, stretchy fabric feels unusually comfortable on the trail, although the hood and cuff details are not our favorites for severe storms.
Luno Packable Camp Pillow Review
A male hiker rests in his vehicle on an inflatable mattress made to fit his vehicle.

Luno Packable Camp Pillow Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
An ultra-soft car-camping cushion whose plushness comes at the cost of weight and neck elevation.
REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A stretchy, three-layer design balances features and price, although its packed weight is less attractive to dedicated ultralight hikers.
REI Trailmade Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a maroon rain jacket.

REI Trailmade Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A comfortable low-cost jacket suits short, easy outings, but poor breathability, limited storm protection, and bulky weight restrict its use.
Norrona Falketind Dri1 Rain Jacket Review
A front shot of an orange rain jacket showing the different pockets.

Norrona Falketind Dri1 Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Low weight and supple movement suit quick mountain adventures, while limited venting and cuff adjustment compromise versatility.
Norrona Trollveggen GORE-TEX Pro Light Review
A rear view of a hiking reclining on a mountain ridge at 12,000 feet in the Norrona trollveggen waterproof jacket

Norrona Trollveggen GORE-TEX Pro Light Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Guide-oriented weather protection, articulation, and airflow come at a price that makes sense primarily for demanding alpine use.
Wise Owl The Snoozy Pillow Review
A blue and gray pillow rests on desert rocks with faint pictographs on the rock face in the background.

Wise Owl The Snoozy Pillow Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
One of the softest low-cost campground choices, but a poor fit for backpackers seeking a compact sleep setup.
Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down Pillow Review
A blue-gray Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down pillow placed on a piece of driftwood.

Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down Pillow Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
The contoured down-topped inflatable suits neck-conscious backpackers, despite a valve that takes extra effort to close.
NEMO Disco 15 Endless Promise Review
A man sits up in a sleeping bag with the footbox outside of his tent, looking off in the distance. His shoes are off to the side and there is a lake and low mountains behind him.

NEMO Disco 15 Endless Promise Review

Last Updated: October 14, 2026
An unusually roomy down bag with excellent comfort and smart venting, but its bulk makes it better for comfort-focused trips than ultralight backpacking.
Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 Review
a hiker sits up in a tent, wrapped cozily in a sleeping bag

Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 Review

Last Updated: October 14, 2026
A warm, relatively light down mummy for cold backpacking, with an excellent zipper but a snug hip fit that limits movement.
Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2026
A person is standing on a rock and holding the Distance Carbon trekking poles. The area is rocky with some trees surrounding the wash. There are some rocky, desert peaks in the distance.

Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2026

Last Updated: October 13, 2026
From durable softshells to breathable budget picks and comfortable joggers, these are the women’s hiking pants that earned a place in our current lineup after extensive field testing
Women’s REI Trailmade Pants Review
A hiker wearing the REI Trailmade Pants crosses a stream on some rocks.

Women’s REI Trailmade Pants Review

Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Your bank account will love these hiking pants.
Women’s REI Sahara Convertible Pants Review
A backpacker wearing the REI Sahara convertible pants kneels next to a lake surrounded by mountains.

Women’s REI Sahara Convertible Pants Review

Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Are they pants? Are they shorts? They’re convertible hiking pants!
Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants Review
A person wearing the Dynama pants is wearing a backpacking and walking on a trail in the mountains.

Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants Review

Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Perfect for townie hikes and everyday wear, these pants combine comfort, breathability, and style. Durable enough for light use, but less ideal for rugged terrain or wet conditions.
Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review
A backpacker wearing the Athleta Trekkie pants walks on a trail in the mountains.

Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review

Last Updated: October 12, 2026
We like big pockets and we cannot lie…
1 2 3 4 5 6 … 57