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Camping Gear Reviews & Expert Tips

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT Sleeping Pad Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT Sleeping Pad Review

Exceptionally warm for its weight and tougher than most inflatable pads, this is our go-to choice for winter backpacking, cold sleepers, and trips where frozen ground is part of the plan.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review
A man stands outdoors, holding a large yellow sleeping pad, with forest and mountains in the background.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review

This pad remains one of the best sleeping pads we’ve tested for backpackers who want to keep weight low without giving up much warmth, comfort, or durability.
Lake O’Hara Hiking and Camping Guide
view of mountains and lakes below

Lake O’Hara Hiking and Camping Guide

The immense beauty and grandeur of the Canadian Rockies is best enjoyed in the Lake O’Hara backcountry.
Big Agnes Divide Insulated Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker holds a yellow sleeping pad in a forest

Big Agnes Divide Insulated Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review

A durable, warm, and comfortable three-season option for backpackers who want strong all-around performance without paying premium-pad prices.
Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker holds an inflated red sleeping pad in the middle of the woods

Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review

A remarkably plush sleeping surface makes this a standout for comfort-focused backpackers who are willing to carry extra weight for a better night’s sleep.
Exped Ultra 6.5R Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker stands next to a green inflatable sleeping pad

Exped Ultra 6.5R Sleeping Pad Review

Warm, plush, and easy to inflate, this all-season pad is a strong cold-weather option for side sleepers who don’t mind carrying a little more weight than the lightest three-season models.
NEMO Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad Review
the nemo tensor all-season sleeping pad inflated for display on an alpine meadow with a rocky mountain backdrop on a sunny day

NEMO Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad Review

An ultralight, technical pad for all 4-seasons. It delivers a low decibel, comfortable, warm sleep, with a premium feeling top fabric and a protective bottom material.
Best Camping Lanterns of 2026
Nine lanterns- the LE 1000LM LED lantern, Black Diamond Moji, GoalZero Lighthouse 600, GoalZero Lighthouse Micro Flash, LuminAid String Light, Coleman Rugged Rechargeable, BioLite AlpenGlow 500, LuminAid Packlite Max 2-in-1, and LightUpCamp LED Solar Powered Foldable Camping Light- sit beside each other on a rock. The last remaining daylight illuminates the peaks of mountains in the background.

Best Camping Lanterns of 2026

When daylight fades, don’t fumble in the dark. Whether you need a lantern that’s bright, tough, or tricked out, these are the best of the best to keep the good times glowing after dark.
Best Utensils for Backpacking & Camping of 2026
the fork end of a plastic spork sticks out of the top of a backpacking meal with a mountain in the background.

Best Utensils for Backpacking & Camping of 2026

Stir things up with our brand new guide to the best camping utensils. From plant-based plastic to finely crafted titanium, we dig into which sporks, spoons and sets have us coming back for seconds.
Best Instant Coffee for Backpacking of 2026
An image of 12 different instant coffee brands staged on a rock

Best Instant Coffee for Backpacking of 2026

Skip the sludge with our freshly-brewed guide to the best instant coffees. These are our top picks for frosty mornings and early summit attempts.
35 Great Deals at REI’s Labor Day Sale 2026
A person places a can inside a soft-sided cooler. There are mountains and a lake in the background.

35 Great Deals at REI’s Labor Day Sale 2026

REI’s Labor Day Sale is here! Dig into the deals with our guide to the best camping, backpacking, and hiking gear to fuel your fall adventures.
Best Camping Cookware of 2026
The Stanley Adventure Base Camp 4 Cookset with the Camp Chef Everest 2x stove on a table in a campsite

Best Camping Cookware of 2026

Climbing mountains is impressive, but conquering hangry moments in the great outdoors feels even better. We’ve sautéed, simmered, and savored to uncover the top camping cookware available.
Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2026
The HART Extended First Aid Kit on a rock with moss and ferns

Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 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.
Best Stuff Sacks of 2026
A closeup of a stuff sack

Best Stuff Sacks of 2026

Toiletries, electronics, extra clothes, food – all the little bits and bobs in your backpack can become a mess if you don’t have a way to effectively store them.
Best Tent Stakes of 2026
A backpacker's hand holding a set of Vargo Titanium Shepherds Hook tent stakes in his hand with a NEMO tent in the background

Best Tent Stakes of 2026

Though they may seem trivial, tent stakes are vital to keeping your shelter secure – a sudden midnight storm will quickly remind you how important they really are.
Best 4-Season Tents of 2026
The Samaya 2.0 tent pitched on snow with evergreen trees and panoramic views of rugged mountain peaks in the background.

Best 4-Season Tents of 2026

The fun doesn’t stop when snow starts to fall. All of our top-rated winter tent picks are trail-tested in the mountains so you can find a trustworthy shelter for 4-season adventuring.
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