Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

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

Published: April 8, 2025

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

Published: April 8, 2025

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.

Nashville Pack Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025

This ultralight backpack is built for speed. With comfy vest-style straps, a plethora of reachable pockets, and an ultra-customizable design, this pack is made to go the distance at warp speed.

ULA Circuit Ultralight Backpack Review

The ULA Circuit backpack with Three Fingered Jack in the background

ULA Circuit Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025

A PCT staple and our favorite for hauling large loads for extended journeys, this pack boasts a wonderful balance between comfort, durability, and huge carrying capacity.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Ultralight Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025

Our overall favorite ultralight pack thanks to its versatility and tried and true construction. This pack can handle anything you throw at it and gives back with thoughtful, experience-driven features.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L Ultralight Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025

Through functional, lightweight simplicity, this pack keeps your gear safe and dry, carries weight well, and is comfortable to wear.

Pa’Lante V2 Ultralight Backpack Review

A hiker walks away from the camera wearing the pa'lante v2 backpack with trees and blue sky in the background.

Pa’Lante V2 Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025

This pack is designed specifically for dedicated ultralight adventurers. The frameless design, functional features, and lightweight construction allow you to go light and fast through the backcountry.

Durston Kakwa 55 Ultralight Backpack Review

Side view of a hiker wearing a gray ultralight backpack in a snowy winter landscape. The hiker is wearing a black base layer and green beanie while using a trekking pole. The backpack appears to have mesh side pockets and compression straps, with bare winter trees and patches of snow visible in the background.

Durston Kakwa 55 Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: April 7, 2025

This ultralight backpack provides unparalleled value for hikers who prioritize durability, ruggedness, and on-trail efficiency at an affordable price point.

Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2025

A hiker wearing the Hillsound Flexsteps with trail running shoes

Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2025

Last Updated: April 1, 2025

Whether you’re trekking in the depths of winter or traversing north-facing slopes in spring, a pair of traction devices offers surefootedness and peace of mind in slick conditions.

Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2025

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 2025

Last Updated: April 1, 2025

Looking for the most comfortable, durable women’s hiking shoes around? Our team of experts tested dozens of the most promising pairs over thousands…

Women’s Xero Shoes Scrambler Low Trail WP Review

Person stepping up on a rock, showing the creasing of her shoe’s upper material where her foot bends.

Women’s Xero Shoes Scrambler Low Trail WP Review

Published: March 31, 2025

This shoe is designed with barefoot and minimalist hikers in mind, for those days when weather protection is necessary.

Women’s Saucony Peregrine 15 Review

A trail runner runs along a rocky wooded trail in a pair of Saucony shoes.

Women’s Saucony Peregrine 15 Review

Last Updated: March 27, 2025

This non-fussy, light, fast, and breathable shoe will provide maximum performance for a wide array of runners and hikers on a variety of trails.

A Wild Weekend in Montana: The Beaten Path Trip Guide

A woman hikes off trail through alpine scenery

A Wild Weekend in Montana: The Beaten Path Trip Guide

Published: March 27, 2025

The Beaten Path in Montana is a gorgeous weekend adventure that avoids the crowds of neighboring Yellowstone National Park. It’s a 2-3 day point-to-point hike.

Women’s Topo Ultraventure 4 Review

Published: March 27, 2025

This is a lightweight, comfy, and breathable shoe perfect for any trail that requires excellent grip and increased cushion. Those with larger or wider feet will especially appreciate its roomy toe box.

Wild Alaska: Bomber Traverse Trip Guide

A iced over lake with glacial background.

Wild Alaska: Bomber Traverse Trip Guide

Published: March 26, 2025

This challenging trail can be done in a weekend. If you live in or are visiting Alaska, we recommend training up and getting out to this wild place.

JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack Review

JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack Review

Published: March 26, 2025

A throwback fanny pack that never went out of style for all our practical people out there. This bag combines style and utility to meet the needs of life on the go from trails to concrete jungles.