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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

On Cloudultra 3 Trail Running Shoe Review
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On Cloudultra 3 Trail Running Shoe Review

An excellent do-everything shoe that handles many different surface types well. We love them for everyday training and long distances on well-groomed trails.
Hoka Rocket X Trail Review
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Hoka Rocket X Trail Review

A super fun, responsive, propulsive, and fun super shoe for off-road racing.
Mount to Coast T1 Trail Running Shoe Review
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Mount to Coast T1 Trail Running Shoe Review

One of our favorite new trail running shoes thanks to its excellent traction, supreme durability, light weight, responsiveness, and comfort.
Best Camping Pillows of 2026
Camp pillows stacked on a sleeping pad from thickest (left) to thinnest (right) with rugged mountains in the background

Best Camping Pillows of 2026

Our guide to the best backpacking and camping pillows walks you through our favorites from brands like Sea to Summit, Therm-a-Rest, and HEST.
Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow Review
Close up of the Aeros Down Pillow under our male tester's head in the Pecos Wilderness.

Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow Review

Sea to Summit spruced up the typical air pillow with a duck down cushion top. Learn how it performed in our firsthand review.
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow Review
Holding up the Aeros Premium pillow on a hike in New Mexico's Sandia Mountains.

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow Review

As one of the best backpacking pillows on the market, the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow scores high on comfort, weight, packability, and support.
Wise Owl The Snoozy Camping 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 Camping Pillow Review

If you like a soft pillow but don’t want to spend much on camping gear, this pillow is a clear choice for frontcountry camping.
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

This bean-shaped camping pillow with a duck-down topper is comfortable, supportive, and packable enough for backpacking.
Best Sun Shirts of 2026
Woman in floral sun shirt looking out at view of foothills in high desert detting

Best Sun Shirts of 2026

Here comes the sun – and along with it our recommendations for the best sun shirts to keep you protected all summer long on adventures from casual day hikes to Triple Crown attempts.
Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Sun Hoody Review
A woman in a yellow long sleeve shirts holds her arms above her head to shade her eyes as she looks into the distance.

Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Sun Hoody Review

The Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Sun Hoody combines excellent comfort, solid sun protection, and surprising odor resistance in a flattering design.
Ridge Merino Solstice Pro Lightweight Wool Hoodie Review
A woman in a pink sun hoodie walks across rocks in a high desert landscape.

Ridge Merino Solstice Pro Lightweight Wool Hoodie Review

We tested the Ridge Merino Solstice Pro Lightweight to see how its odor control, temperature regulation, breathability, and moisture-wicking stack up on tough mountain adventures. Spoiler alert: It’s the best natural fiber sun shirt in our lineup.
KETL NoFry Sun Hoodie Review
A woman wears a baseball cap and shows off the fit of a green sun hoodie in front of pine trees.

KETL NoFry Sun Hoodie Review

After rigorous testing, we found the KETL NoFry Sun Hoodie to be the lightest, quickest-drying sun shirt in our lineup. Its silky fabric stole the show, convincing us to come back to this shirt time and time again.
Arc’teryx Sunna Hoody Sun Shirt Review
A woman hikes in a bright orange shirt.

Arc’teryx Sunna Hoody Sun Shirt Review

The Arc’teryx Sunna Hoody is a lightweight, technical sun shirt with year-round versatility. It’s quick to dry, offers four-way stretch, has an excellent fit, and is made with high-quality materials, making it a standout choice for a wide range of activities.
7 Best Base Layers of 2026
a hiker in a hooded black base layer stands with a coffee mug in an alpine environment

7 Best Base Layers of 2026

We’ve got your layering system covered starting with our trail-tested and reviewed guide to the best base layers around.
Best Fleece Jackets of 2026
A woman unzips the chest pocket on her fleece.

Best Fleece Jackets of 2026

Looking for the ultimate fleece for men and women? We’ve thoroughly tested these jackets from windswept peaks to cozy trail towns – and they’ve earned their spot in our layering lineup.
10 Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2026
The HART Extended First Aid Kit on a rock with moss and ferns

10 Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2026

We never venture into the wilderness without at least a basic first aid kit. A small selection of supplies and some know-how will keep you safe in the backcountry.
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