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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

UGREEN 145W Power Bank Review
A hiker has their back to the camera while taking a photo. The phone is hooked up to the UGREEN charger in the back pocket of the pack. There are trees and a mountain lake in the background.

UGREEN 145W Power Bank Review

Published: November 27, 2024
A literal powerhouse designed for large electronics, with a 140W output and 25,000 mAh capacity. Its digital display and pass-through charging add convenience, but the trade-offs include added weight, bulk, and expense.
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank Review
Close up of the BioLite power bank charging a phone and the Garmin Inreach while sitting on some pine needles.

BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank Review

Published: November 27, 2024
Designed for backcountry conditions, this power bank stands out for its durability. Its bulkier size and weight might be a drawback for those prioritizing portability.
Miady AS-TPB21 Power Bank Review
The Miady and a phone sit in front of a tent in the woods.

Miady AS-TPB21 Power Bank Review

Published: November 27, 2024
A great pick for budget-conscious hikers, this power bank handles cold weather well and is surprisingly durable. It’s not the lightest or fastest to recharge, but it gets the job done without straining your wallet.
Goal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank Review
Close up of the Goal Zero power bank charging a phone while sitting on some pine needles.

Goal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank Review

Published: November 27, 2024
A pocket-sized power bank for your next adventure. Lightweight, durable, and easy to carry, this power bank is great for short trips, though its recharge speed and capacity might leave you wanting more for longer outings.
Zendure Super Mini 10000 Power Bank Review
Close up of a backpack side pocket with one hand placing the Zendure and a cell phone into the pocket and the other holding the zipper. There are trees in the background.

Zendure Super Mini 10000 Power Bank Review

Published: November 27, 2024
This lightweight, ultra-portable power bank delivers solid performance and durability, though its features and efficiency are better suited for shorter trips.
Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 Power bank Review
The Anker and a phone sit in front of a tent in the woods.

Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 Power bank Review

Published: November 25, 2024
A straightforward, durable design that lives up to its reputation as a dependable option for budget-conscious users. While it lacks pass-through charging and takes longer to recharge, its sturdy build and reliability make it a trustworthy power bank for hikers needing a compact 10,000 mAh power bank.
Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
A man stands in front of a lake and mountains holding an orange inflatable mattress.

Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: November 21, 2024
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better pad in this price range. This rectangular sleeping pad is plenty warm for most three-season adventures, and its compact, ultralight design will help keep your pack and back happy.
Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker stands in the woods and holds up a gray sleeping pad.

Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: November 21, 2024
For those looking for one sleeping pad to do it all, this one fits the bill with its balance of durability, weight, comfort, and warmth.
NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad Review
A man holds an orange mat in a grassy area in the woods.

NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: November 21, 2024
A closed-cell pad can’t be any lighters, simpler and faster for softening the ground you sleep upon. Use for warm seasons, or pair with an air pad for winter camping.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Review
A man stands holding a yellow and grey foam sleeping pad, showcasing the pattern and accordion-style packed size.

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Review

Published: November 21, 2024
CleverHiker founder Dave Collins relied on this pad while thru-hiking the PCT. Affordable, indestructable, and lightweight, its a great option for hard sleepers or anyone who’s going for an ultralight backpacking set-up, or will be winter camping.
Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad Review
A woman relaxes inside a tent, sitting on a green inflatable sleeping pad. Trees are visible through the tent.

Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad Review

Published: November 21, 2024
This air pad is your affortable ticket into “oh sleeping on the ground isn’t that bad!” Perfect for new backpackers looking for a light sleeping pad on summer trips.
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
A man stands in the woods holding a red inflatable air pad.

Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Published: November 20, 2024
Big Agnes designed a pad that sets up easily, deflates quickly, insulates the cold ground, is soft and cushy, and takes a good old fashioned backcountry beating.
REI Helix Insulated Air Sleeping Pad Review
A woman is lying on an inflatable mattress on the grass on a sunny day.

REI Helix Insulated Air Sleeping Pad Review

Published: November 20, 2024
This air pad a great option for backpackers who sleep on their backs and tend to camp in colder temps. Plus the price won’t make you lose any sleep at night.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: November 18, 2024
We absolutely love how light, compact, quiet, and comfortable the Therm-a-Rest UberLite is. This is the pad you’ll find in our packs for all our summer outings. The main question to ask yourself with this pad is: how often do you backpack in sub-freezing temps? If the answer is rarely, this might be the perfect pad for you.
Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
a sea to summit ultralight insulated sleeping pad inflated in a backpacking tent with an ultralight pack and pod beside it.

Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Published: November 15, 2024
It’s nice when a pad doesn’t break your bank or your back. This version’s simple and clever design features provide you with a reliable and cushioned sleep.
NEMO Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
A man stands next to a lake gripping a large yellow inflatable camping pad.

NEMO Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: November 12, 2024
Thick, cushy, quiet, and very comfortable (even for side-sleepers), this ultralight pad is a perfect companion for summer backpacking trips that stay above freezing temps at night.
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