Backpacking

No Crinkle, Extra Cushion: Sea to Summit Pursuit Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad Review

The Pursuit Sleeping Pad is the first pad from Sea to Summit with a self-inflating valve. It’s comfortable, durable, and quiet for backpackers who value…

Written by Will Brendza July 10, 2025

Rainproof Daypack, No Cover Necessary: Osprey Downburst 36 Review

Osprey’s 36L roll-top backpack is an ideal companion for water sports or traveling in rainy environments — even though it isn’t technically ‘waterproof.’

Written by Rebecca Parsons July 08, 2025

The Best Trekking Poles of 2025

We tested the best trekking poles of 2025 with options for every adventure and budget. Top picks include LEKI, Black Diamond, and more!

Written by Chris Carter, Jackson Sims-Myers and Samuel Martin June 30, 2025

Comfortable Pack Puts Safety Up Front: Gregory Paragon 60 Backpack Review

The Gregory Paragon 60 has ample room for backpacking supplies, carries comfortably, and even includes a specific pocket for your Garmin satellite messenger device on…

Written by David Young June 24, 2025

Part Pack, Part Vest for Fast Alpine Travel: Millet Trilogy Sky 25+ Backpack Review

The Millet Trilogy Sky 25+ Backpack is a vest-pack designed for fast-moving mountain pursuits that functions surprisingly well on dry summer trails

Written by Bergen Tjossem June 19, 2025

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2025

We’ve found the best backpacking sleeping bags for every environment and budget, with top picks from Therm-a-Rest, Mountain Hardwear, NEMO, and more.

Written by Chris Carter, Adam Ruggiero and Ian Atkinson June 19, 2025

Backpacking With a Gun? The Pros and Cons — And Why I’m Weighing Them

Backpacking with a gun is a controversial topic — but after a frightening encounter with a mountain lion, I’m seriously considering it as a solo female…

Written by Mattie Schuler June 05, 2025

A Simple, Affordable Solution for Your Camera Gear: CADeN Backpack Review

For photogs seeking a reliable way to carry precious equipment without breaking the bank, the CADeN Camera Backpack is the answer.

Written by Constance Mahoney June 03, 2025

The Best Backpacking Tents of 2025

Whether you’re looking to spend 100 nights on the trail or stick to a tight budget, we’ve found the best backpacking tents of 2025.

Written by Sean McCoy and Chris Carter May 16, 2025

The Best Headlamps of 2025

We tested the best headlamps of 2025 with options for every budget. Top picks include BioLite, Black Diamond, and more!

Written by Nicole Qualtieri and Sean McCoy May 16, 2025

The Best Hiking Socks of 2025

Get ready to hit the trail with the best hiking socks from Darn Tough, Smartwool, and more!

Written by Mary Murphy, Andrew Potter and Chris Kassar May 15, 2025

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2025

We tested and reviewed the best sleeping pads for backpacking in 2025. Whether you need an ultralight mat or more insulation, we’ve got it.

Written by Chris Carter May 15, 2025

Organization Like No Other: Pingora Outro 40 Backpack Review

The Pingora Outro 40 Backpack uses an internal divider system and sleek design that makes it one of the most user-friendly and comfortable packs I’ve…

Written by Will Brendza April 24, 2025

Tough Women Hike in Skirts; You Should, Too

Freeing your legs might help you hike better. A dress might not be the first piece of gear you think to reach for at the…

Written by Josette Rolfe April 18, 2025

How to Build the Ultralight Sleep System of Your Dreams

Balance your weight-to-warmth ratio like a pro to get the best sleep you’ve ever had in the backcountry.

Written by Sponsored by Sea to Summit April 16, 2025

Kick Off Camping: Free Entry at All National Parks on April 19

National Park Week kicks off with a free entry day, and extends to April 27 with events, themed days, and volunteer opportunities.

Written by Will Brendza April 14, 2025

The Best Backpacking Chairs of 2025

Planning to hit the trails but don’t want to sacrifice comfort at camp? Our expert testers found the best backpacking chairs of 2025.

Written by Miya Tsudome and Mary Murphy March 11, 2025

Cut Weight, Boost Warmth: Big Agnes Retools Bestselling Rapide SL Sleeping Pad (Review)

Big Agnes revamped its Rapide SL Insulated sleeping pad with a new material — claiming it’s warmer, tougher, lighter, and more compact.

Written by Mary Andino October 22, 2024

An Ultralight Tent Without the Ultralight Tradeoffs: NEMO Hornet OSMO 3P Tent Review

The semi-freestanding NEMO Hornet OSMO is very light, but it doesn’t sacrifice livability, storm protection, or the little details.

Written by Bergen Tjossem August 30, 2024

A Backyard to Backcountry Splurge: Big Agnes Mica Basin Chair Review

Have backpacking chairs lost the plot in the race to the bottom? The Big Agnes Mica Basin wouldn’t know — this is a seat after…

Written by Miya Tsudome July 29, 2024

Handmade, 3-Season, Ultralight Sleeping Bag: Western Mountaineering Alpinlite Review

Western Mountaineering makes its bags from scratch, using ultra-high-quality, hand-selected down and minimalist features. The Alpinlite sleeping bag is a perfect example of its high-quality,…

Written by Bergen Tjossem July 26, 2024

No-Frills Alpine Pack Might Be Too Ultralight: Blue Ice Stache 60 Review

The Blue Ice Stache 60 is a sub-1kg ultralight, multiday mountaineering backpack that pares down for versatility in the backcountry.

Written by Bergen Tjossem July 17, 2024

The Pack That Organizes for You: Near Zero ‘DEAN 55’ Backpack Review

Near Zero created a patent-pending compartmentalized backpack organization design that makes packing a cinch and helps prevent you from forgetting the essentials.

Written by Will Brendza July 15, 2024

Fjallraven Kajka 35 Review: Wooden Stays Support This Durable Backpack

The Fjallraven Kajka 35 backpack uses natural material and time-tested design for a stout backpack with a heart of birch.

Written by Nick LeFort July 05, 2024

Collapsible, Cheap, and Tough Enough Traction: Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Trekking Poles Review

The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Trekking Poles stand out as reliable pieces of kit that won’t break your bank account and can be stored away in…

Written by Samuel Martin June 28, 2024

Free Gear Fridays: Win a Stone Glacier Tokeen 2600 Pack

Three lucky winners will receive a Stone Glacier Tokeen 2600 pack this Free Gear Friday.

The Only Outdoor Hats I’ve Ever Loved: Fractel Headwear Review

Fractel’s hats come in a huge variety of styles and colors, and they’re my favorite hats for hiking, backpacking, ski touring, paddling, yard work, and…

Written by Will Brendza May 29, 2024

The Backpacking Luxury Item We Can’t Leave Behind: REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair Review

At only 16 ounces and as small as a Nalgene, the REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair hardly makes a dent in our pack weight, and…

Written by Miya Tsudome May 28, 2024

‘Disturbing and Very Unusual’: Authorities Seek Info in Hunt for Spiked Dog Treat Perpetrator on AT

Dog treats set with big, sharp fishhooks were discovered along a section of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania — the Game Commission is actively investigating…

Written by Will Brendza May 08, 2024

From Skiing to Hiking, One Shell for All Seasons: BEYOND Clothing Drilight Rain Jacket Review

Using upcycled GORE-TEX from its military line and testing in harsh winter and wet conditions, BEYOND Clothing’s Drilight Rain Jacket is a truly four-season shell…

Written by Will Brendza May 06, 2024

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