The Gossamer Gear Twinn Tarp is an ultralight backpacking tarp that can accommodate two people and gear. It covers a generous 47 square feet and is easy to set up with two trekking poles or tied between two trees. The tarp is …

The Esbit Solid Fuel Stove and Cookset is a complete and inexpensive backpacking cooking system including a combination stove, pot stand, and windscreen with an anodized aluminum cook pot that has insulated folding handles and a lid. Weighing 7.7 ounces / 218 …

The Osprey Packs Atmos AG 50 might just be the most comfortable backpack you’ll ever wear. Featuring the new Anti-Gravity ventilated suspension system, this backpack wraps around your upper torso, positioning itself properly on your hips for maximum load transfer and comfort. …

The NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair is a portable trail chair that’s a bit heavier but far more robust than the other leading trail chairs available today such as the Helinox Chair Zero or the REI Flexlite. It has a comfortable mesh seat …

Wool vs synthetic baselayers: which is better? Wool baselayer garments feel warmer than synthetic baselayers, but synthetic baselayers dry more quickly than wool. What are the pros and cons of each and which should you buy for winter hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing? …

The Paria Outdoors Sanctuary Siltarps are a series of ultralight budget silicone/PU coated nylon tarps that come in various shapes (square, rectangular, hex and tapered) and sizes. For this review, we tested the lightest and most minimal size, the tapered A-frame tarp. …

REI’s Minimalist GTX Mittens 2.0 are 3-layer Gore-tex mitten shells that are ideal for use as rain mittens by themselves in cool weather or over a fleece or wool glove liner in winter. They have long gauntlets that cover your wrists, with …

Winter tents and shelters for mountaineering, winter backpacking, and backcountry skiing tours need to be stronger and wind-worthy for camping in exposed windy terrain that is subject to heavy snow loads. Some are single-walled since they’re only intended for winter use when …

OR’s Helium Gaiters are high hiking gaiters that are suitable for four-season use with any footwear that has an arched sole. They’re much thinner, cooler, and lighter weight than heavier-duty mountaineering gaiters (such as OR’s Crocodile Gaiters) but still perfectly suitable for …

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad is an insulated air mattress designed for three-season camping with an R-value = 4.2, measured using the new Outdoor Industry Sleeping Pad R-value Standard. Weighing just 12 oz (see below), the XLite is also lightweight, durable, and …

The Sleeping Pad R-Value Standard The Sleeping Pad R-Value Industry Standard: ASTM FF3340, defines a rigorous and reliable methodology for measuring the R-Value of all sleeping pads, including air mattresses, self-inflating pads, and foam pads. It was rolled out to consumers in …

The Black Diamond Hilight 2 Tent is a freestanding wedge-shaped, single-wall tent with a trail weight of 3 lbs 12 oz. It’s made with Sil/PU coated polyester which does not sag or stretch when it gets wet and is fully waterproof and …

The Featherstone Moondance 25 is an off-the-shelf 850 fill power down-insulated backpacking quilt with a zippered/drawstring footbox, draft collar, and pad attachment system that’s affordably priced and available for purchase on Amazon. It has a box baffled construction used by higher quality quilts …

Recommended Backpack Volumes How much volume should you get in a daypack, weekend backpack, multi-day backpack, or expedition backpack? Here are some volume guidelines and advice so you can start shopping for backpacks in the appropriate size range. Hiking Backpack Volume Guide Hiking …