Top 10 Gear Picks

Sporks are one of the backpacking industry’s greatest inventions. It’s a wonder that they’re not more widely used since having multifunction utensils would be such a great way to cut down on the plastic utensils polluting our oceans and urban landscape. Perhaps more amazing, is the amount of creativity and design …

Freestanding tents are the holy grail of backpacking and mountaineering 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. Because they’re so desirable, many tent manufacturers claim that their …

Adjustable length backpacks let you change the torso length of a backpack so it does a better job of transferring weight from the shoulders to the hips. Traditionally, backpack companies have dealt with torso length by forcing you to choose between small, medium, or large frame heights which may or not …

Ultralight and lightweight backpacks have become a lot tougher and harder to rip up over the past few years. The widespread use of Dyneema Composite Fabrics (formerly called cuben fiber), XPac, and high tenacity nylon has ushered in a new era of durable sub-3-pound backpacks that can withstand the abuse …

What are the best multi-day backpacking packs for thru-hikers, wilderness explorers, and weekend backpackers? While individual tastes and needs vary, here are the 10 backpacking packs available that we feel strike the best balance between form, fit, function, and price. There’s no such thing as a “best” backpack, but these …

What are the best water filter and purification treatment systems used by backpackers? We asked backpackers whether they preferred filter-based systems, pump water filters, gravity filter systems, chemical purification or purification using an ultraviolet light. Here are their top 10 picks. 1. Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System 2. Sawyer Mini Water Filter …

Hiking Boots and trail shoes are becoming much lighter weight. There’s no doubt about it. We surveyed hundred of backpackers to find out what their favorite hiking boots and trail shoes and it’s clear that the era of heavy leather hiking boots is on the wane. But people are people …

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 to protect you in bad weather. While some solo tents are …