The growing use of ultralight, abrasion-resistant, and waterproof pack materials like Ultra, Woven Dyneema, EcoPak, and Liteskin has ushered in a new era of durable lightweight, sub-3-pound backpacks that can withstand the abuse of multiple thru-hikes, bushwhacking, packrafting, canyoneering, and winter hiking …
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10 Best One-Person Backpacking Tents of 2023
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 Kids Backpacking Packs for 2023
Buying a kid’s backpack is very different from buying an adult backpack because kids have smaller physical proportions. They also grow very quickly so you want to make sure that you purchase a backpack that can be adjusted over time. In addition …
Read More »10 Best Kids Sleeping Bags and Quilts of 2023
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 Camp Shoes of 2023
Many hikers and backpackers carry camp shoes to help their feet recover after a hot day of hiking or to change into for stream crossings to keep their socks and hiking footwear dry. Sandals, water shoes, slides, clogs, and minimalist footwear are …
Read More »10 Best Budget Backpacking Tents Under $250
It seems like backpacking tents are getting more and more expensive, especially ultralight tents made with specialty fabrics. But take heart. There are still plenty of good values and budget tents available if you know what to look for. Here are our …
Read More »10 Best Two-Person Backpacking Tents of 2023
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 Ventilated (Suspended Mesh) Backpacks of 2023
Ventilated backpacks, also called suspended-mesh backpacks, have a large gap behind the mesh that encourages airflow to help your shirt dry faster if you perspire. They’re much more comfortable than conventional backpacks when you’re hiking in hot and humid weather or when …
Read More »10 Best Hiking Shoes and Trail Runners of 2023
Hiking shoes and trail runners are the most popular footwear used by hikers and backpackers today. The biggest difference between the two is that hiking shoes, which tend to be heavier and more durable, can only be used for walking while trail …
Read More »10 Best Trekking Poles of 2023
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 »10 Best Sleeping Bag Stuff Sacks of 2023
Stuff sacks are an essential piece of backpacking and camping gear that keep sleeping bags or quilts dry, organized, and compressed. However most of the manufacturer’s stuff sacks that come with sleeping bags or quilts are designed for uncompressed storage, not field …
Read More »10 Best Men’s Hiking Pants of 2023
Hiking pants are an important piece of hiking gear but one that men often take for granted. They have to be highly breathable, durable, quick-drying, easy to vent when you get too hot, but warm when the temperature drops. Fit, freedom of …
Read More »10 Best Backpacking Chairs of 2023
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 Ultralight Backpacking Tents of 2023
Ultralight backpacking tents are a good option when you’re trying to reduce the weight of your backpacking gear but you’re unwilling to give up the comfort of a tent and sleep under a tarp without insect protection. The lightest weight ultralight backpacking …
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