Backpacking

The Top All-Around Headlamp for Most People: Black Diamond Spot 400-R Review

The Black Diamond Spot 400-R has proven time and again that, for many use cases, it’s just about perfect.

Written by Sean McCoy February 01, 2024

The 6 Best Shorter Backpacking Trips on the Appalachian Trail

The 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail takes a lot of research and preparation to thru-hike. If you don’t want to tackle it all at once, you can…

Written by Xiaoling Keller January 08, 2024

A Fit That Feels Custom, But Isn’t: Alpine Fit Base Layers Review

Alaska’s Alpine Fit has made an impressive mark when it comes to comfortable, performance base layers.

Written by Mary Murphy December 06, 2023

Decathlon Makes an 800-Fill Puffy Jacket for Under $100

Decathlon cuts out the middleman and makes its gear for less than competitors. And that’s quite apparent when you look at its prices.

REI Adds Comfort and Ease for Beginner Backpackers: Trailmade 60 Pack Review

REI’s Trailmade collection aims to usher new blood and more diversity (in all shapes and sizes) into the outdoors. The Trailmade pack hauls with comfort…

Written by Ian Graber-Stiehl November 24, 2023

How to Sift, What to Gift: The Best Backpacking Gear You’ll Find on Amazon

Sorting through the depths of the internet for a good, practical, maybe even quirky gift? We did the digging for you.

Written by Claire Barber November 22, 2023

Osprey’s Black Friday Pack Deals Are Taking Flight Right Now

Discover backpacking gear at the intersection of affordability and comfort with Osprey’s big Black Friday savings.

Written by Andrew Marshall November 20, 2023

Warmth-to-Weight King: NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Sleeping Pad Review

NEMO has always been about innovation and performance, but for the ultralight cult, the Tensor Extreme Conditions Pad came out of left field.

Written by Chris Carter November 16, 2023

Leaping Into Liter Hiking: LiteAF 46L Curve Full Suspension Pack Review

Ultralight, but full suspension? Ultralight, but comfortable? After 2,000+ miles, the LiteAF 46L Curve pack seems to do it all.

Written by Guinevere Drabik November 10, 2023

A Great Entry Point to Ultralight: Pa’lante Desert Pack Review

Pa’lante Packs makes frameless ultralight packs that help you cut down on weight and stay comfortable — without sacrificing durability.

Written by Claire Barber November 06, 2023

Soak Up the Season With REI Co-op Staples

This holiday season, REI Co-op has everything you need to give your loved ones the perfect outdoor-inspired gift.

A Full Backpacking Guide to the ‘O Trek’ in Patagonia: Where & How to Go

In Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park’s ‘O Trek’ combines European hostel-style accommodations with a rugged hiking experience.

Written by Claire Barber October 30, 2023

Symbiosis Gear’s The Aspen Review: Finally, ‘A Pack for People With Boobs’

Symbiosis Gear is an up-and-coming brand that’s aiming to solve all major problems with pack fit for women. Here’s a first look at the Aspen…

Written by Mary Murphy October 27, 2023

Use Your Phone to Relieve Bug Bites: ‘Heat It’ Insect Bite Treatment Review

Salves and creams have long been used to treat bug bites. This tiny device plugs into a smartphone, providing instant itch relief with extremely high heat.

Written by Kraig Becker October 26, 2023

How to Pack a Backpack: Use These Tips to Pack Like a Pro

There’s an art to packing a backpack. Here are a few tips to help you hone your packing game.

Written by Will Brendza and Joybeth Sullivan October 23, 2023

Mystery Ranch Bridger 65 Review: Plenty of Trials, Few Errors — A Top-Class Pack for Any Trail

The Bridger series combines overbuilt experience and lightweight leanings in a nontraditional pack intended to offer traditional backpackers premium comfort and configurable carry.

Written by Ian Graber-Stiehl October 19, 2023

A Running Vest-Inspired Pack Built for Any Speed: Arc’teryx Aerios 15 Daypack Review

Running-vest-style shoulder straps are becoming common in daypacks and backpacking packs. The Arc’teryx Aerios 15 Daypack takes full advantage of this tech — and to great…

Written by Miya Tsudome October 16, 2023

Therm-a-Rest Neo Air XLite NXT Review: A Killer Sleeping Pad Just Got Better (And Quieter)

The Therm-a-Rest Neo Air series has been one of the best sleeping pads on the market for years, and it just got another upgrade.

Written by Xiaoling Keller October 11, 2023

Hands-Down Comfort, Plus Elbow Room: NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair Review

Hunch forward to light a camp stove or lean way back to watch the stars — the NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair can support you through…

Written by Mary Murphy October 10, 2023

Waterproof, Fogproof, Affordable, and Sharp: Nocs Provisions 10×30 Field Issue Binocular Review

The Nocs Provisions 10×32 Field Issue binoculars are the perfect balance of budget, durability, and quality for anyone who needs a good pair of trail…

Written by Cameron Martindell October 06, 2023

Synthetic Booties You Can Beat the Crap Out Of: Big Agnes Full Moon Camp Bootie Review

There are lots of booties out there. But these from Big Agnes quickly won me over when it comes to being a comfortable and durable…

Written by Mary Murphy October 04, 2023

Alpen Outdoors Women’s Ridge Pant Review: The Most Versatile, No-Compromise Outdoor Pant

I’ve tested 30+ pairs of outdoor pants for GearJunkie. And these Ridge Pants have worked for every discipline, in every scenario I’ve put them in.

Written by Mary Murphy September 22, 2023

The Best Vegan Backpacking Meals of 2024

When I go backpacking, I’m picky because I want something high-quality that tastes great after hiking. And it needs to be vegan.

Written by Mary Murphy September 22, 2023

Two Fishing Rods in One: Tenkara Rod Company Teton Zoom Review

Just 2 feet collapsed and 3.5 ounces, the Teton Zoom Tenkara Rod is simple yet versatile thanks to its adjustable length. But will it replace…

Written by Steve Larese September 21, 2023

REI Makes Major Updates to Iconic Tent: Half Dome ‘Super Light’ 3+ Review

The REI Half Dome 2 Plus has been my favorite camping tent for years. I upgraded to the new Half Dome SL3+ to compare it…

Written by Nate Lemin September 19, 2023

Colorado Trail FKT: Nina Bridges Laughed Off the Pain, Enjoyed Every Step

Nina Bridges set a new FKT for the Colorado Trail in just over 8 days and 14 hours. We asked her about her trek and…

Written by Will Brendza September 15, 2023

Most Comfortable Ultralight Pack at a Low Price: Granite Gear Virga3 Undyed Review

Granite Gear’s undyed Virga3 brings inclusive, adaptable sizing to an ultralight package. It’s smartly designed and well-priced — with a few growing pains.

Written by Ian Graber-Stiehl September 15, 2023

The Best Places to Camp on Mount Hood

Mt. Hood National Forest is home to over 2,000 beautiful campsites — here are a few favorites and the info you’ll need to find and…

Written by Ariel Frager September 15, 2023

No More Noseburn: Onus Optics Nose-Shielding Sunglasses Review

Sunglasses are great, but they have a fatal design flaw: they leave your nose totally exposed to direct solar radiation — Onus Optics has designed…

Written by Will Brendza September 11, 2023

Mystery Ranch Goes ‘Light’: Radix Backpacking Pack First Look Review

The Mystery Ranch Radix Backpack is a lightweight and highly customizable backpacking pack from the Montana brand known for building super-burly tactical and medical products.

Written by Cameron Martindell September 08, 2023

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