Trekking poles provide many benefits to hikers and backpackers from added stability and balance on rough trails to less wear and tear on knees and hips, especially when hiking downhill. The most popular trekking poles used by hikers and backpacks are adjustable …
Read More »Gear Guides
10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2022
An insulating sleeping pad is a must-have for backpackers who sleep on the ground in tents and under tarp shelters to prevent body heat loss to the ground. The best backpacking sleeping pads are air mattresses or foam pads because they’re lightweight …
Read More »10 Best Backpack Accessory Pockets of 2022
Many hikers and backpackers like to attach extra accessory pockets to their shoulder straps and hip belts to provide extra storage and help organize their gear so it can be accessed quickly without removing their backpack. Extra water bottle sleeves, camera bags, …
Read More »10 Best Ventilated Backpacks of 2022
Ventilated backpacks, also called suspended-mesh backpacks, have a large gap behind the mesh that provides airflow to reduce perspiration. They’re much more comfortable than conventional backpacks when you’re hiking in hot and humid weather or when you’re carrying a heavy load. First …
Read More »10 Best Rechargeable Headlamps of 2022
A headlamp is one of the most important 10 essentials for backpacking, hiking, and any kind of outdoor adventure sport. Using your smartphone as a flashlight doesn’t cut it. But the days of old-school AA and AAA battery-powered headlamps are history. USB …
Read More »10 Best Freestanding Backpacking Tents of 2022
Freestanding tents are the holy grail of backpacking tents because they can be set up quickly just about anywhere, on wooden tent platforms, rock, sand, snow, and even climber’s portaledges, without having to be staked to the ground first. This is particularly …
Read More »10 Best One-Person Backpacking Tents of 2022
One person, solo backpacking tents are ideal if you’re thru-hiking, fast-packing, or backpacking big miles and want to trim your gear weight as low as possible. More livable than bivy sacks, one-person tents are designed for sleeping and bad weather protection. While …
Read More »10 Best Backpacking Chairs of 2022
A lightweight backpacking chair is a luxury item that can make the camping portion of a backpacking trip much more enjoyable and relaxed. If you like to sit around a campfire to socialize at night or read outdoors while sitting upright, bringing …
Read More »10 Best Backpacking Quilts of 2022
More and more backpackers are switching from sleeping bags to backpacking quilts because they’re lighter weight, more compressible, and more comfortable, especially for side sleepers. While top quilts have always been popular with the hammock crowd because they’re easier to use in …
Read More »10 Best Kids Sleeping Bags and Quilts of 2022
Kids aren’t just miniature adults, so purchasing a child’s sleeping bag or quilt isn’t just a matter of purchasing a miniature version of an adult sleeping bag. A kid’s attitude is also far more dependent on getting a good night’s sleep than …
Read More »10 Best Lightweight Backpacks of 2022
Backpacking packs and backpacking gear have gotten much lighter weight in recent years due to innovations in the materials and fabrics available to backpack manufacturers. Most lightweight backpacks now weigh between 2 and 3 pounds and have 40 to 60 liters of …
Read More »10 Best Budget Backpacking Tents Under $250 (2022)
Here are our recommended picks for the top 10 best budget backpacking tents for $250 or less including freestanding and trekking pole tents. All of these tents are lightweight enough to be used for backpacking or camping and provide a great bang …
Read More »10 Best Two-Person Backpacking Tents of 2022
Two-person backpacking tents can be used by couples or solo backpackers who want a little bit more space to store their gear inside the tent in bad weather or on long treks. When shopping for two-person backpacking tents, we recommend that you …
Read More »10 Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2022
Most truly ultralight backpacks are frameless, hip belt optional, and only designed to carry maximum recommended loads up to 20 pounds. While backpacking this light isn’t for most people, the increased availability of ultralight backpacking gear and access to know-how on the …
Read More »