Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp Review

Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp Review

f you're looking for the lightest possible shelter that doesn't compromise on space, the ZPacks 7x9 Flat Tarp is just about as light as they come. This minimal rectangular tarp packs down small, provides a ton of room for a single hiker, and is a bit more affordable than other tarps in its weight class.

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Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain jacket Review

Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain jacket Review

The Enlightened Equipment Visp (men’s / women’s) is among the best value ultralight jackets on the market for its price, protection, and adjustability. We’ve worn this jacket for hundreds of miles, including stints in Colorado’s monsoon season and the first snow of the year in the Pacific Northwest. We hope our experience helps you decide if the Visp is the right jacket for you.

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20 Great Backpacking Meal Recipes & Food Dehydration Tips

20 Great Backpacking Meal Recipes & Food Dehydration Tips

Making your own backpacking meals can be fun and a great way to take control over your nutrition while saving money. Store-bought freeze-dried meals are convenient and lightweight, but they can be expensive and full of preservatives. Follow the steps below to learn the basics of food dehydration, then try some of our favorite recipes for inspiration.

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Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Aquamira purification drops are a popular water treatment option among backpackers because they’re affordable, lightweight, and easy to use. They work similarly to most other chemical purification treatments, but we find they leave less chlorine taste behind. Like other chemical treatments, you’ll have to wait a bit for Aquamira to do its job. But we find that the peace of mind from knowing our water is completely safe to drink is worth the wait. 

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18 Hot Deals at REI's Holiday Warm Up Sale

18 Hot Deals at REI's Holiday Warm Up Sale

The winter fun has just begun, and REI has you covered with some great deals on cold weather gear. The Holiday Warm Up Sale is on from December 9-19th. It includes big discounts on some of our favorite winter clothing as well as some awesome gift items for the outdoorsy folks in your life.

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Our All-Time Favorite YETI Gear

Our All-Time Favorite YETI Gear

We often point people to YETI when they’re looking for exceptionally durable, long-lasting, and stylish gear for frontcountry adventures. YETI products have found their way onto many of our Gear Guides because they’re very high quality and built to last – something that really stands out in today’s market.

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John Muir Trail Gear List: What to Pack

John Muir Trail Gear List: What to Pack

The John Muir Trail is one of the most spectacular stretches of trail in the world. One of the most important considerations for those hiking the JMT is determining what gear to bring. In this guide, we’ll help you channel your inner thru-hiker in order to minimize your gear weight and maximize your enjoyment on the trail.

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A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

Planning for your thru-hike of the JMT can be a daunting and overwhelming task - not to mention the difficulty in procuring one of the coveted permits. In this guide we hope to break down every detail you'll need to begin preparing for what will surely be an adventure of a lifetime.

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30 Great Deals at REI's Gear Up Get Out Sale 2022

30 Great Deals at REI's Gear Up Get Out Sale 2022

REI shuts their doors every year on Black Friday to encourage everyone to #optoutside, but first they’re having their annual Gear Up Get Out sale from Nov. 11-21. Whether you’re getting a head start on holiday shopping or treating yourself to something nice, this is a great time to snag outdoor gear at deep discounts.

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Katadyn Micropur Water Purification Tablets Review

Katadyn Micropur Water Purification Tablets Review

We’ve come to really love Katadyn’s Micropur Water Tabs because they take up almost no pack space, they weigh next to nothing, and they can’t break or fail like a filter can. These tabs will purify your water, meaning they’ll kill everything - even viruses.

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Pros and Cons of Hiking With Trekking Poles

Pros and Cons of Hiking With Trekking Poles

Whether you're thru-hiking across the country or heading out on a quick weekend jaunt, trekking poles can add a lot of stability and comfort to your hike. Trekking poles shouldn't be considered essential, but many hikers and backpackers love them for a variety of reasons. In this article we’ll break down everything you need to know about hiking with poles.

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REI Wonderland Tent Review

REI Wonderland Tent Review

REI’s Wonderland tent is one of our favorite shelters for frontcountry camping because it feels spacious, luxurious, and it’s super user-friendly. We love that it has giant doors and windows all around for airflow. It also has a near-perfect balance of openness for views and privacy for campground settings.

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