Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Planning for your thru-hike of the JMT can be a daunting and overwhelming task – not to mention the difficulty in procuring one of the coveted permits. In this guide we hope to break down every detail you’ll need to begin preparing for what will surely be an adventure of a lifetime.

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) spans over 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada and is one of the most significant trail systems in the world. It’s the highest, most remote, and, in many ways, most challenging of our National Scenic Trails. Thru-hiking the CDT is an adventure of a lifetime, but it’s not for the faint of heart. That said, the effort it takes to overcome the challenges the Trail presents are rewarded with unending panoramic views, deep solitude, and an opportunity to be immersed in true wildness.

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail can be one of the most rewarding and powerful things you do in life. Overcoming the challenges of a thru-hike requires a lot of research, planning and dedication, so we put together this guide to help get you started.

Long-distance hiking is a beautiful thing, but overcoming the challenges of a thru-hike requires a lot of research, planning and dedication. We put together this guide to help get you started. Below, you’ll find tips about choosing a start date, buying gear, what to expect on the trail, and so much more.

If you’re a backpacker looking for one of the lightest and warmest sleeping bags out there, this is a top contender.

This bag excels with its 800-fill-power insulation and thicker 20-denier nylon shell, which offers a level of durability that most backpacking bags can only dream of.

Despite being lighter and more affordably priced compared to many winter bags, it has an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio, and features like the no-snag zipper, included compression sack, and ethically sourced down are just the cherry on top.

Whether car camping or backpacking, you’ll sleep like a baby with this extra roomy sleeping bag.

The Classic is one of our top choices thanks to its ultralight construction and an industry-leading warmth-to-weight ratio.

This sleeping bag is ultra comfy, warm, and much easier on your wallet than others with similar specs.

This bag features a generous draft tube, draft collar, and a fitted cut that eliminates dead space so you’ll stay as warm as a glowing ember all night long.

Bottom Line The Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt 20 straddles the line between a sleeping bag and quilt, and it’s at the top of our list for the best lightweight sleeping bags for good reason. With its flexible design, best-in-class warmth-to-weight ratio, and customizable features, this quilt has become one of our favorites after hundreds of […]

A hike on the Arizona Trail (AZT) is a truly unique experience. The AZT will take you on an unforgettable 800-mile trek like no other through an ever-changing landscape.

The Grand Sawtooth Loop in Idaho is a little off the beaten path for those who want to step away from crowded national parks. It’s an exhilarating and burly trail with majestic passes and towering peaks galore.

Backpacking Food Meal planning is one of the most important considerations for any backpacking trip. The food you choose will depend on taste preference, nutritional value, caloric density of each meal, and how easy it is to cook. Some hikers bring dehydrated meals because they’re quick and easy. Others prepare DIY dinner recipes and use […]

Zucchini and mushrooms and black beans, oh my! We’ve once again donned our fancy food critic pants and ate all the food…