Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides
Top Gear Picks of 2025
Top Gear Picks of 2025
Last Updated:
October 5, 2023
This is where we highlight a wide range of exceptional choices, and talk about our personal favorites.
Best Backpacking Food
Best Backpacking Food
Last Updated:
October 4, 2023
Trail-tested recommendations on the best freeze-dried meals, camp kitchen essentials, and tips for impressing your friends with your culinary prowess.
Wonderland Trail Backpacking Guide
Wonderland Trail Backpacking Guide
Last Updated:
September 25, 2023
The Wonderland Trail is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest. It’s one of the most iconic trails in the region, and with very good reason.
Durston X-Mid Pro 2 Tent Review
Durston X-Mid Pro 2 Tent Review
Published:
September 16, 2023
If you’ve been in the ultralight scene for more than a minute, chances are you’ve heard about the Durston X-Mid Pro 2.
ZPacks Arc Blast Backpack Review
ZPacks Arc Blast Backpack Review
Published:
August 19, 2023
At a mere 16.4 ounces, the ZPacks Arc Blast is an ultralight backpackers dream come true. The ZPacks Arc Blast is one of…
REI Co-op Flash 2 Tent Review
REI Co-op Flash 2 Tent Review
Published:
June 27, 2023
Spoiler alert: we really dig the REI Co-op Flash 2. This tent is ultralight, has a convenient design, and is very well-priced for the specs and quality. Read our full review to find out why this tent is earning high marks on our list of the Best Backpacking Tents.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Backpack Review
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Backpack Review
Published:
May 9, 2023
Made with thru-hikers in mind, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 backpack is everything you need and nothing you don’t. This pack is essentially waterproof, incredibly durable for the weight, and has convenient pockets galore. We put our Unbound pack to the test over hundreds of miles in the Sonoran Desert, and we think it’s a big win for long-distance hiking and ultralight backpacking.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Tent Review
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Tent Review
Published:
May 4, 2023
Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Unbound 2 tent is a fresh take on a tried-and-true ultralight design. We’ve put ours through the wringer over hundreds of miles in the Sonoran Desert, and we found it to be a spacious retreat after hard days of hiking.
Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag Review
Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag Review
Published:
February 6, 2023
The Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag offers the warmth of a hooded sleeping bag and the ventilation of a quilt all in one. It has one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios among all the choices on the market, and will surely become a top choice for heat-seeking hikers looking to dial in their gear.
C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe Review
C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe Review
Published:
January 31, 2023
The C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe is one of the lightest ice axes on the market, making it a top choice among weight-conscious backpackers and mountaineers who need the ability to self-arrest while crossing glaciers and steep snowfields.
Zpacks 7×9 Flat Tarp Review
Zpacks 7×9 Flat Tarp Review
Published:
January 18, 2023
f you’re looking for the lightest possible shelter that doesn’t compromise on space, the ZPacks 7×9 Flat Tarp is just about as light as they come. This minimal rectangular tarp packs down small, provides a ton of room for a single hiker, and is a bit more affordable than other tarps in its weight class.
Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain jacket Review
Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain jacket Review
Published:
January 18, 2023
The Enlightened Equipment Visp (men’s / women’s) is among the best value ultralight jackets on the market for its price, protection, and adjustability. We’ve worn this jacket for hundreds of miles, including stints in Colorado’s monsoon season and the first snow of the year in the Pacific Northwest. We hope our experience helps you decide if the Visp is the right jacket for you.
Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles Review
Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles Review
Published:
August 17, 2022
Drop + Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles are strong, comfortable to hold, and – best of all – they’re super affordable.
ULA Alpha Knife Review
ULA Alpha Knife Review
Published:
July 1, 2022
The ULA Alpha Knife is a ridiculously lightweight knife (just over 1 oz. with the sheath) that was designed specifically for backpackers and thru-hikers.
30 Exciting New Products From Outdoor Retailer 2022
30 Exciting New Products From Outdoor Retailer 2022
Published:
June 13, 2022
The CleverHiker team spent last week walking the halls of Outdoor Retailer in Denver, drooling over all the awesome new outdoor gear coming out in 2022/23. We put together this article to share the inside scoop on the new products we’re most stoked to get out on a trail!
How to Train for Hiking & Backpacking Trips
How to Train for Hiking & Backpacking Trips
Published:
May 14, 2022
If you’ve got your sights set on a difficult hike or an epic backpacking trip, it’s smart to prepare your body in the…