Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction Backpack Launch
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction Backpack Launch
Published:
June 24, 2019
On Friday, June 21st, Hyperlite Mountain Gear just released a new ultralight backpack to their line and they’re calling it the Junction. The Junction features an almost identical setup to the excellent Southwest and Windrider backpacks, but has a versatile pocket configuration that will allow for ventilation and visibility in the front mesh pocket, and durability and privacy in the side pockets.
Big Agnes Q Core SLX Sleeping Pad Review
Big Agnes Q Core SLX Sleeping Pad Review
Published:
June 13, 2019
The Big Agnes Q Core SLX is a super cushy sleeping pad that differentiates itself from other pads with its large side rails that help keep users centered.
Therm-a-Rest Vesper Quilt Review
Therm-a-Rest Vesper Quilt Review
Published:
May 29, 2019
Therm-a-Rest’s new Vesper Quilt is one of the lightest, most packable quilts on the market. Therm-a-Rest accomplished this by using a simple, effective design with a trim cut, free of all non-essentials, and by using the highest quality materials available.
Feathered Friends Flicker Quilt Sleeping Bag Review
Feathered Friends Flicker Quilt Sleeping Bag Review
Published:
May 28, 2019
The Feathered Friends Flicker Quilt Sleeping Bag is an excellent trail quilt with a great design that will help you sleep comfortably in the wilderness under many different conditions. We absolutely love how it can be opened fully like a blanket or cinched up tight like a mummy bag to hold in heat on chilly nights. It’s a very smart, comfortable, effective, and well-designed quilt sleeping bag.
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20°F Sleeping Bag Review
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20°F Sleeping Bag Review
Published:
May 22, 2019
The Hyperion is the newest sleeping bag in Therm-a-Rest’s Fast and Light line and it’s one of the lightest and most compressible bags we’ve ever tested. The Hyperion comes in two temperature ratings (20°F and 32°F), which both use very high-quality 900-fill-power down to make them extremely warm while keeping weight to an absolute minimum.
REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL Tent Review
REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL Tent Review
Published:
May 9, 2019
REI recently launched the new Quarter Dome SL 2 Tent, which is almost a pound lighter than their popular Quarter Dome 2 model. The SL is a good fit for ultralight backpackers on a budget, as it’s among the most affordable options in the double-wall, ultralight tent world.
Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket Review
Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket Review
Published:
May 3, 2019
One of the newest jackets introduced by Arc’teryx for the 2019 hiking season, the Zeta SL (men’s & women’s), is an excellent balance between quality, durability, and weight. The highly packable and versatile design of the SL is a great option for hikers looking to push through wet weather in rugged conditions.
Arc’teryx Zeta FL Rain Jacket Review
Arc’teryx Zeta FL Rain Jacket Review
Published:
March 14, 2019
Arc’teryx has introduced two new ultralight shells to their already strong line of rain gear.
17 Exciting New Backpacking Products from Outdoor Retailer
17 Exciting New Backpacking Products from Outdoor Retailer
Published:
July 27, 2018
We spent this week walking around the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Denver, drooling over all the awesome new gear coming to the backpacking world in 2019. Outdoor Retailer is one of the largest gear conferences in the world and this week we were fortunate enough to meet up with some of our favorite companies to get a sneak peek at their upcoming innovations.
Loowit Trail Loop – Mount St. Helens Backpacking Guide
Loowit Trail Loop – Mount St. Helens Backpacking Guide
Published:
July 20, 2018
Similar to Rainer’s Wonderland Trail, Adam’s Round-the-Mountain Trail and Hood’s Timberline Trail, the Loowit Trail around Mount St. Helens is nothing short of spectacular. If you enjoy solitude, navigation challenges, eye-popping vistas, and fascinating geology, consider adding the Loowit Trail to your list.
New HMG Hip Belt Pockets Review
New HMG Hip Belt Pockets Review
Published:
July 2, 2018
Hyperlite Mountain Gear makes some of our favorite ultralight backpacking gear and their Southwest 2400 and 3400 backpacks have been at the top of our Best Lightweight Backpacks list for almost three years running.
Mosquitos & Hiking: How to Protect Yourself
Mosquitos & Hiking: How to Protect Yourself
Published:
June 8, 2018
Few things can ruin a backpacking trip quicker than relentless swarms of buzzing mosquitoes…
Jetboil MiniMo vs. MSR WindBurner
Jetboil MiniMo vs. MSR WindBurner
Published:
May 31, 2018
In the world of integrated stoves, two models stand apart in our opinion: the Jetboil MiniMo and MSR WindBurner. While both stoves perform very well and are worth recommending, we wanted to put the two systems up against each other to see which one wins out in a range of performance categories.
Goat Rocks Wilderness Backpacking Guide
Goat Rocks Wilderness Backpacking Guide
Published:
May 30, 2018
The Goat Rocks Wilderness drapes over the crest of the Cascade Range in South-Central Washington, offering endless views of iconic Cascade peaks and volcanoes. Numerous snowfields flank its craggy ridges and peaks, while steep drainages open into basins filled with alpine meadows and glacial lakes.
Backpacking in Patagonia: Gear Checklist
Backpacking in Patagonia: Gear Checklist
Published:
May 16, 2018
Whether you’re preparing for the W Trek in Torres del Paine or chasing sunrises on Fitz Roy, packing the right gear to ensure you’re safe and comfortable is essential. Our gear checklist will help you keep your weight to a minimum so you can see and do more.
Big Agnes Insulated AXL Sleeping Pad Review
Big Agnes Insulated AXL Sleeping Pad Review
Published:
April 16, 2018
The new Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air Pad is among the lightest sleeping pads ever created and one of the very few pads that can…