Gear Reviews

The REI Flash Stretch Rain Jacket is a reasonably priced (on sale for 50% off) 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable raincoat loaded with features that hikers will appreciate, particularly for autumn and winter hiking. It has a two-way adjustable hood with a front bill, …

The Gregory Zulu 55 is a ventilated, adjustable frame backpack designed for carrying big loads with or without a bear canister. Weighing 4 lbs 2 oz, it is about a half pound heavier than its predecessor due to increased hipbelt padding enabling …

The Osprey Tempest 30 is a super comfortable, women’s specific lightweight pack with an adjustable torso length that is good for a variety of adventures from day hiking to ultralight backpacking trips. It has all of the typical features and useful pockets …

The Gregory Katmai 65 is an internal frame backpack with an adjustable torso length, an adjustable-sized hipbelt, and a suspended mesh back panel. The pack is loaded with pockets and has multiple access points that make it easy to organize and access …

The Gregory Juno 24 is a ventilated women’s daypack with an integrated mesh back panel and hip belt that cups your hips and torso like a second skin while keeping you cool and dry in hot and humid weather. Unlike many smaller …

The REI Flash Air 50 Backpack is an ultralight, roll-top backpack that weighs 1 lbs 14 oz. Available in men’s and women’s sizes, it’s quite similar to the REI Flash 55 Backpack (link to our review) with its reconfigurable pack-mod accessory pocket …

The Six Moons Design Pack Liner is an inexpensive ($20) 50L waterproof bag that helps keep your backpacking gear and clothing dry when it rains. It’s seam-taped and has a dry-bag style roll-top closure, with a D-ring so you can hang it …

The Frogg Toggs Xtreme Lite Rain Jacket is an inexpensive and durable rain jacket with a fully adjustable hood, zippered side pockets, velcro wrist closures, and a cord-adjustable waist. This well-fitting jacket is a great waterproof and windproof layer with fully-taped seams …

The Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie is a lightweight windbreaker that’s good for hiking or trail running when all you need is a thin jacket to keep the wind from chilling you. It’s made with a stretchy breathable fabric that’s 90% nylon …

The Ursack AllMitey is a bear-proof and critter-proof food storage bag for camping and backpacking. It differs from Ursack’s other food storage bags, (the Ursack Major, Ursack Major XL, and Ursack Minor), which are either bear-proof or critter-proof, but not both. If …

The ULA Ohm (formerly called the ULA Ohm 2.0) is a 63L ultralight style backpack that’s durable enough for rough and tough adventures. It’s also available with the same male and female shoulder straps and hip belts (available in multiple lengths) offered …

Gossamer Gear’s “The Two” is a single-wall, two-person ultralight trekking pole tent that weighs 23.5 oz and costs $320. It has two doors and two vestibules, making it ideal for couples (or a palace for 1), with all-mesh interior sidewalls that provide …

The REI Trail 40 Backpack is a multi-purpose backpack that can be used for long day hikes, peakbagging, travel, or short overnight trips. It’s an internal frame pack with a U-shaped zipper that provides complete access to the main compartment when unzipped, …

The Hammock Gear Dyneema Hex Tarp is a six-sided catenary cut tarp made with Dyneema DCF that weighs between 4.75 oz and 6.57 oz, depending on its length (10′, 11′, 12′) and whether you want a green or camouflage-colored tarp. It’s a …