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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Best Headlamps of 2025
A backpacker reading a map in his tent at night using the Black Diamond Spot headlamps

Best Headlamps of 2025

Sunset doesn’t have to be the end of the adventure when you’re carrying one of our trail-tested headlamps recommendations.
Black Diamond Distance LT1100 Headlamp Review
A black headlamp sits on a stup in a forest of pine trees. The sun is out.

Black Diamond Distance LT1100 Headlamp Review

A high-output headlamp built for fast-moving adventures, with PowerTap brightness, RGB lighting, and a balanced design that performs well on trail runs and night hikes.
BioLite Dash 450 Rechargeable Headlamp Review
a closeup of a headlamp sitting on a stump in a forest.

BioLite Dash 450 Rechargeable Headlamp Review

This a lightweight, low-profile headlamp built with runners in mind. It also works well for hikers and backpackers who want reliable brightness without the bulk.
Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Hiking of 2025
10 baby backpack carriers lineup up in front of a wood pile with pine trees in the background.

Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Hiking of 2025

Explore the top baby backpack carriers ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures. We have evaluated the leading models based on comfort, durability, features, and value to identify the best options tailored to each unique requirement.
Baleaf Laureate Hiking Pants Review
A person wearing the Baleaf pants is resting against a tree in the woods drinking water from a water bottle.

Baleaf Laureate Hiking Pants Review

Durable, breathable, and affordable, these women’s hiking pants offer great value for outdoor enthusiasts seeking comfort and performance in dry, warm conditions. Perfect for various activities.
Best Hiking Pants for Women 2025
A person is standing on a rock and holding the Distance Carbon trekking poles. The area is rocky with some trees surrounding the wash. There are some rocky, desert peaks in the distance.

Best Hiking Pants for Women 2025

We took to the trails to test the most promising hiking pants for women. We looked for the most comfortable, lightweight, and durable options so you’ll feel great in your new ‘fit.
Best Water Bottles of 2025
Blue and black HydraPak Flux water bottles fitted with Katadyn BeFree Water Filters in front of the clear-blue McKenzie River

Best Water Bottles of 2025

Hydration is critical to tackling adventures close to home and off the beaten path. Our recommendations walk you through the best water bottles.
Leatherman Wave+ Multitool Review
close up of a person holding the leatherman wave+

Leatherman Wave+ Multitool Review

The Leatherman Wave+ earned a top spot on our best multitool list for being a solid and reliable tool packed with quality, durability, and versatility.
Gerber Dual-Force Multitool Review
The Gerber Dual force cutting hay bale netting with its knife blade.

Gerber Dual-Force Multitool Review

Compact and powerful, this tool shines with its slip-joint pliers, offering impressive strength and smooth operation for heavy-duty tasks.
Leatherman Surge Multitool Review
The Leatherman Surge held above a log, with its pliers extended.

Leatherman Surge Multitool Review

With a reputation as a jack-of-all-trades, this multitool lives up to the hype. It’s one of Leatherman’s most durable and versatile multitools, equipped with 21 tools…
Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2025

Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2025

Whether you’re looking to tackle a thru hike or haul some serious gear, we’ve got backpack recommendations for every type of adventure.
Gossamer Gear The Two UL Tent Review
a man in a green coat puts his shoes on while sitting in a trekking pole tent

Gossamer Gear The Two UL Tent Review

With a careful balance of trade offs to hit a great weight and price, this is a tent that will delight some and confuse others.
REI Flash Air 50 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker faces away from the camera while wearing a grey backpack with an orange sleeping pad on top and red rocks in the background.

REI Flash Air 50 Ultralight Backpack Review

Built to ease you into the style of ultralight backpacking, this pack features a sturdy hipbelt, ample airflow, luxurious padding, and a suspension system reminiscent of traditional backpacking backpacks.
Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 Ultralight Backpack Review
AhikerwearingtheZPacksArcBlastBackpackinZionNationalPark-2

Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 Ultralight Backpack Review

Built by extreme ounce-counters for extreme ounce-counters, this pack prioritizes function and longevity over luxury. It’s one of the lightest packs on the market without compromising on durability or weather resistance.
Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker wearing a black backpack with an orange sleeping pad strapped to the top walks along a dirt trail, with red rock formations and scrubby desert vegetation visible in the background.

Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 Ultralight Backpack Review

This thoughtfully designed pack is built for thru-hikers by thru-hikers. The convenient pockets are easy to reach, and the durable, lightweight fabric will keep you going for leagues.
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker looks over a frozen lake while wearing a fully loaded backpacking backpack.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Ultralight Backpack Review

A favorite amongst thru-hikers and section-hikers alike, this pack’s superior comfort, stability, and design features have made it worthy of the most demanding long-distance hikes.
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