Hiking

Backpack Solar Panel Charges While You Hike: Pale Blue Earth Approach Solar Panel Review

Pale Blue Earth really surprised me with its first try at a solar panel product — one that’s designed even better than its competition.

Written by Mary Murphy April 05, 2024

OR’s Most Eco-Friendly Shell Has a Trick Up Its Sleeve: Outdoor Research Aspire II Jacket Review

The Outdoor Research Aspire II Jacket is not only taking major strides in sustainability, but it’s also pushing the envelope on innovation with its TorsoFlo…

Written by Rebecca Ross March 14, 2024

Thru-Hiking Culture Shock: Navigating Trail Differences Between the US and Europe

I’ve thru-hiked several long trails in the United States, but after 5 weeks on Spain’s GR11 trail, I realized that there are some big differences…

Written by Brett Kretzer March 12, 2024

Woo That Worked (for Me): Spiritual Hacks From Hiking the Sedona ‘Vortex’

Sedona is a renowned spiritual center surrounded by what locals call ‘vortex sites.’ I traveled to Central Arizona with Columbia Sportswear and dipped my toes…

Written by Will Brendza March 11, 2024

Seek Outside U-Turn Tent Stove Review: Lightweight Heat in Modular Titanium Package

Price is a big barrier to hot tent camping. Fortunately, Seek Outside’s Large Tent Stove is three stoves in one, offering less weight and more…

Written by Ian Graber-Stiehl March 05, 2024

All-in-One Hiking Daypack, Baby Carrier, Diaper Bag: Hatcher Pack Adventure Bag Review

The Hatcher Pack Adventure Diaper Bag is the diaper bag and baby carrier duo adventurous parents of small children have been looking for.

Written by Lauren Loria-Corbat February 22, 2024

2 Years, 6,800 Miles, and 27 Pairs of Shoes: First Woman Solo Hikes the ADT

The American Discovery Trail stretches from coast to coast, covering 6,800 miles and passing through numerous National Parks and Forests. And Briana DeSanctis just became…

Written by Will Brendza February 13, 2024

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

Packable, Technical, and Intensely Warm: La Sportiva Supercouloir 1000 Down Jacket Review

La Sportiva’s Supercouloir 1000 down jacket boasts a solid warmth-to-weight ratio, compresses impressively, and has the technical chops to tackle challenging routes.

Written by Bergen Tjossem January 09, 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

Cracks Are Lame: Dark Energy Spectre Flexible Solar Panel Review

Unlimited flexible power on the go is what the Dark Energy Spectre will get you. Your power bank is about to have serious juice without…

Written by Josh Kirchner December 22, 2023

Stop Throwing Your Gear Away: These Brands Offer Free Repairs

Repairing your used or worn-out gear increases its lifespan and diverts waste from the landfill. Here are some brands and businesses that repair gear.

Written by Mary Murphy December 07, 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.

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

Gear Under $75 I Used Every Day Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

When preparing for a thru-hike, the cost of gear can be intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. These products are all under $75…

Written by Xiaoling Keller November 21, 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

Save Up to 50% During the CamelBak Cyber Sale

Save up to 50% on hydration packs for biking, hiking, and travel, as well as insulated drinkware. It’s all discounted during the CamelBak Cyber Sale.

Spring Steel Frame, ‘Winged’ Expansion: Mountain Hardwear JMT 25L Backpack Review

The Mountain Hardwear JMT 25L Backpack is packed with technical features that are more common on overnight technical backpacks, making it perfect for adventures on…

Written by Nick LeFort November 14, 2023

Don’t Wait for Black Friday: Save Now With REI’s ‘Gear Up Get Out’ Sale

Save up to 30% on in-season gear during the REI Co-op ‘Gear Up Get Out’ sale.

Take a Virtual Hike With Conrad Anker (and Others): YETI Brings ‘Street View’ Into the Wild

Ride along with Conrad Anker, climber Steph Davis, freeskier Tatum Monod, and other YETI athletes on some beautiful ‘Map the Gap’ hikes, in full 360-degree…

Written by Adam Ruggiero October 26, 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

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

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