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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Zion Narrows Top Down Backpacking Guide
A hiker wearing an Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultralight Backpack in a slot canyon in Utah

Zion Narrows Top Down Backpacking Guide

One of the nation’s deepest and longest slot canyons, The Narrows is the consummate epic adventure. Learn more in our trip guide
Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2026
A hiker wearing the Hillsound Flexsteps with trail running shoes

Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2026

Whether you’re trekking in the depths of winter or traversing north-facing slopes in spring, a pair of traction devices offers surefootedness and peace of mind in slick conditions.
How to Hike & Backpack More Comfortably While Pregnant
Pregnant person hiking on a flat trail, wearing maternity shorts and a t-shirt, with their white/yellow medium sized dog.

How to Hike & Backpack More Comfortably While Pregnant

Pregnancy doesn’t have to pause your time outside. These practical tips help you hike and backpack more comfortably, safely, and confidently as your body changes.
SlingFin Portal 2 Tent Review

SlingFin Portal 2 Tent Review

This tent excels in stormy weather with features borrowed from 4-season mountaineering designs like reinforced internal guylines, the ability to attach trekking poles for more stability, and thicker dedicated poles.
Best Winter Jackets for Women of 2026
A woman zips the Fjallraven Nuuk

Best Winter Jackets for Women of 2026

We tested this year’s finest winter jackets and parkas in Colorado, Montana, and British Columbia to find the most stylish, toasty, and windproof layers for taking on driving snow, wintery mixes, and sub-zero temperatures.
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King All-Season Tent Review
A person sitting at the open doorway of the tent in snowy conditions, pulling a large backpack into the vestibule while wearing winter boots and a warm jacket.

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King All-Season Tent Review

This is a winter-ready tent with burly fabrics and a proven layout, creating an approachable, high-value option for winter and shoulder-season adventures.
Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 Four-Season Tent Review
The Mountain Hardwear Trango2 4-season tent covered in snow on a winter camping trip

Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 Four-Season Tent Review

A rugged, storm-ready shelter built for harsh winter conditions, this tent delivers excellent durability and dependable weather protection. Ideal for demanding adventures where strength and security matter most.
The North Face Mountain 25 Four-Season Tent Review
The North Face Mountain 25 with its vestibule door open, revealing the yellow inner tent and a snow-covered campsite around it.

The North Face Mountain 25 Four-Season Tent Review

A rugged, expedition-ready 4-season tent built for harsh alpine conditions, offering outstanding strength, improved ventilation, and long-term durability for serious winter use, though its heavy weight limits versatility.
10 Tips for Hiking & Backpacking in the Rain
A person is standing in a mountain meadow on a rainy day wearing a soaked pair of the Dynama pants.

10 Tips for Hiking & Backpacking in the Rain

There’s no doubt that rainy and cold conditions add an element of challenge to getting outside. Our tips will keep you happy and dry.
Best 4-Season Tents of 2026
The Samaya 2.0 tent pitched on snow with evergreen trees and panoramic views of rugged mountain peaks in the background.

Best 4-Season Tents of 2026

The fun doesn’t stop when snow starts to fall. All of our top-rated winter tent picks are trail-tested in the mountains so you can find a trustworthy shelter for 4-season adventuring.
Best Winter Boots for Women of 2026
All the boots we tested are lined up on top of the snow with mountains in the background.

Best Winter Boots for Women of 2026

We’ve braved the winter chill to find top-notch boots that blend function with fashion. These winter wonders will keep you stomping away with confidence.
Best Winter Boots for Men of 2026
A closeup of the leather of winter hiking boots.

Best Winter Boots for Men of 2026

We’ve covered hundreds of miles on and off trail to bring you the best winter boots available – from heavy-duty options to some closer to insulated running shoes.
10 Best Winter Gloves of 2026
A man shows the palms of his gloves.

10 Best Winter Gloves of 2026

From snow and slush to icy water, we’ve dunked our hands and hiked mile after mile to find which gloves will keep your hands the warmest no matter what winter throws at you.
Men’s Paka Apu Parka Review
A man snowshoes through a winter landscape with mountains in the background.

Men’s Paka Apu Parka Review

This jacket combines alpaca and synthetic insulation with dependable weather protection, offering warm, breathable comfort and trustworthy performance for active use in cold winter conditions.
Men’s Arc’teryx Atom SV Review
A person in a green jacket and yellow gloves stands in a snowy yard holding firewood, surrounded by snow-covered trees.

Men’s Arc’teryx Atom SV Review

Lightweight yet warm, this alpine-focused jacket excels in cold, fast-moving missions, offering exceptional comfort, breathability, and packability for demanding mountain pursuits and backcountry adventures.
Men’s Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka Review
A man stands on a snowy hill overlooking the ocean at sunset.

Men’s Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka Review

This versatile 3-in-1 jacket combines warmth, waterproof protection, and everyday style, making it a dependable choice for city commutes and cold-weather adventures alike.
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