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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

7 Best Base Layers of 2026
a hiker in a hooded black base layer stands with a coffee mug in an alpine environment

7 Best Base Layers of 2026

Last Updated: April 28, 2026
We’ve got your layering system covered starting with our trail-tested and reviewed guide to the best base layers around.
10 Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2026
The HART Extended First Aid Kit on a rock with moss and ferns

10 Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2026

Last Updated: April 23, 2026
We never venture into the wilderness without at least a basic first aid kit. A small selection of supplies and some know-how will keep you safe in the backcountry.
Helinox Chair Zero LT Review
A backpacker reaches for his Jetboil stove while sitting in the Helinox Chair Zero LT.

Helinox Chair Zero LT Review

Published: April 23, 2026
Slightly more durable, roomier, and more stable than the O.G., this ultralight backpacking chair ticks all the boxes for comfort, weight, packability, stability, and ease of use.
Best Backpacking Chairs of 2026
A man relaxes with his legs out and hands behind his head on a small backpacking chair.

Best Backpacking Chairs of 2026

Last Updated: April 22, 2026
Whether you see them as a luxury or a necessity, the best backpacking chairs make campsites more comfortable. These 10 chairs are worth the weight.
Best Hydration Bladders of 2026
A hiker drinks from a water bladder without a hose. A desert sunset is in the background.

Best Hydration Bladders of 2026

Last Updated: April 21, 2026
We’ve logged miles upon miles on the trails and hours of research to select and test this year’s best hydration bladders.
Best Hiking Socks of 2026
Closeup of a hiker's feet in the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew socks and Salomon X Ultra shoes on the rim of the Grand Canyon

Best Hiking Socks of 2026

Last Updated: April 15, 2026
Keep blisters at bay with the perfect pair of well-cushioned hiking socks. Check out our top picks to pamper your feet on your next backpacking adventure.
Women’s Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX Review
Closeup of hiking shoes while standing on a log.

Women’s Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX Review

Last Updated: April 15, 2026
This hiking shoe is a standout choice for rugged adventures thanks to great cushioning, protection, and long-term durability.
Best Headlamps of 2026
A backpacker reading a map in his tent at night using the Black Diamond Spot headlamps

Best Headlamps of 2026

Last Updated: April 14, 2026
We’ve trail-tested over 40 of the most promising headlamps on long night hikes, family camping trips, and pre-dawn climbs – so you don’t have to.
Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2026
A person sitting on an overlook with a beautiful scene in the background, with a focus on her hiking shoes.

Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2026

Last Updated: April 14, 2026
We’ve logged countless miles on trail to find the best hiking shoes for different hiking styles, foot shapes, and weather. Lace up and get outside with our guide to footwear for happy feet.
Women’s Salomon X Ultra 5 Low Review
A woman cinches up her hiking shoe.

Women’s Salomon X Ultra 5 Low Review

Last Updated: April 14, 2026
This is an excellent all-around pick for a comfy, durable, high-performance, and lightweight trail shoe that excels in any terrain.
Women’s Altra Olympus 6 Review
A woman walks across a mossy log.

Women’s Altra Olympus 6 Review

Last Updated: April 14, 2026
This shoe offers reliable protection, durability, and comfort over long distances – surpassing the popular Lone Peaks in these metrics.
Best Rain Jackets of 2026
A man smiles while wearing a rain jacket in the alpine.

Best Rain Jackets of 2026

Last Updated: April 10, 2026
From drizzles to downpours, we’ve got your back. Our team of seasoned hikers weathered the storm to find the best rain jackets for performance and protection.
Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Hiking of 2026
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 2026

Last Updated: April 10, 2026
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.
Nitecore NB Air Power Bank Review
Closeup of the NB Air sitting on a rock charging a Nitecore headlamp. There is a pinion-juniper forest in the background.

Nitecore NB Air Power Bank Review

Published: April 10, 2026
This compact, ultralight power bank is ideal for overnight trips, delivering fast recharging, excellent portability, and just enough power for quick top-offs on the trail.
Nitecore NB10000 Gen4 Power Bank Review
Closeup of the Nitecore NB10000 sitting on leaves on the ground.

Nitecore NB10000 Gen4 Power Bank Review

Published: April 10, 2026
Ultralight and highly efficient, this compact power bank delivers fast charging, excellent portability, and thoughtful features, making it a favorite for backpackers who want dependable power at minimal weight.
Norrona Trollveggen GORE-TEX Pro Light Review
A rear view of a hiking reclining on a mountain ridge at 12,000 feet in the Norrona trollveggen waterproof jacket

Norrona Trollveggen GORE-TEX Pro Light Review

Published: April 10, 2026
If you’re a guide or beast-mode hiker needing the most rugged, PFAS-free, GORE-TEX shell for high-altitude adventures, the Norrona trollveggen Pro Light may be the best investment.
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