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Camping Gear Reviews & Expert Tips

The North Face Wawona 6 Review
The image shows a wide shot of The North Face Wawona 6 tent. Both front vestibule doors are open and rolled up to allow a full view through the open vestibule. There are tree covered hills in the background. The sky is blue with mixed in clouds.

The North Face Wawona 6 Review

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
A cavernous basecamp shelter with excellent gear storage, durable materials, and enough weather protection for families who camp in a wide range of conditions.
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Review
The image shows a side shot of the Mineral King 3 in a grassy environment set against a burnt orange sky.

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Review

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
A compact crossover tent that gives two campers excellent ventilation, simple setup, and high-quality materials without the bulk of a traditional car-camping shelter.
REI Westward 6 Review
The REI Westward 6 tent pitched at camp with the rainfly and front vestibule fully set up.

REI Westward 6 Review

Last Updated: October 8, 2026
A tall, roomy family shelter with one of the best warm-weather interiors we tested, plus a huge vestibule that works as real camp living space.
Does Bear Spray Really Work?

Does Bear Spray Really Work?

Last Updated: October 6, 2026
Bear spray is a must-have in many wilderness areas, but it’s only effective if you know how to use it. Read on for helpful deployment tips, buying considerations, and more.
How to Poop in the Woods: A Backpacker’s Guide
the tools for pooping in the woods (trowel, hand sanitizer and a baggie of toilet paper

How to Poop in the Woods: A Backpacker’s Guide

Last Updated: October 6, 2026
When nature calls, we’ve got steps to turn a backcountry bathroom break into a five-star experience. Plus, properly disposing of your #2 keeps our wild places and waterways clean and pristine.”
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2026
A man sits up in a sleeping bag with the hood over his head. He is smiling and looking off camera.

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2026

Last Updated: October 2, 2026
Our top backpacking sleeping bags cover ultralight thru-hiking, cold-weather trips, roomy side-sleeper designs, synthetic wet-weather options, and genuinely affordable beginner picks.
REI Trailmade 2 Review
a tent is setup with no fly, doors open, and a mountain view

REI Trailmade 2 Review

Last Updated: September 30, 2026
A beginner-friendly budget tent with excellent durability and easy setup, best for short backpacking trips and crossover car camping.
REI Half Dome 2 Plus Review
a hiker sits in a tent without its rain fly, doors open, with a mountain view

REI Half Dome 2 Plus Review

Last Updated: September 30, 2026
A roomy, durable budget tent that is excellent for two people and crossover camping, with weight as the main compromise.
MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 Review
An MSR tent is pitched on dirt with pine trees in the background.

MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 Review

Last Updated: September 30, 2026
A sturdy, easy-to-pitch freestanding tent for backpackers who prioritize weather protection and durability over minimum weight.
NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Review
one hiker lays in a tent while another reaches into an upper pocket above him

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Review

Last Updated: September 29, 2026
A spacious, weather-resistant crossover tent for backpackers who value room, easy setup, and comfort more than shaving every ounce.
Portal Outdoors Quick Adjust Roll-Up Table Review
The Portal Roll-Up Table is standing on snow with a stove and cookware on top of it. There is a beige cooler and a red chair next to it. The background is tree-covered hills.

Portal Outdoors Quick Adjust Roll-Up Table Review

Last Updated: September 25, 2026
A roomy, highly portable camp table with independently adjustable legs, quick setup, and useful under-table storage.
NEMO Tensor Elite Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker stands in the woods and holds up a gray sleeping pad.

NEMO Tensor Elite Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: September 22, 2026
An exceptionally light air pad for gram-counting backpackers who are willing to trade warmth, durability, and space for the lowest possible pack weight.
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker sits on the ground and leans up against a log with a foam pad underneath him

Gossamer Gear Thinlight Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: September 22, 2026
This featherweight foam layer adds puncture protection, grip, and versatility to a sleep system, but only the most committed minimalists will want it as their sole pad.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT Sleeping Pad Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: September 21, 2026
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

Last Updated: September 21, 2026
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

Last Updated: September 21, 2026
The immense beauty and grandeur of the Canadian Rockies is best enjoyed in the Lake O’Hara backcountry.
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