Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite has been one of our favorite backpacking sleeping pads for years, and the best just got better with the introduction of the new XLite NXT version. This pad is still made with the high-quality construction that Therm-a-Rest is known for, but it’s warmer and much quieter than its predecessor.

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REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent Review

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent Review

The REI Half Dome SL 2+ is one of the absolute best value tents money can buy. It’s easy to set up, spacious, and made with high-quality materials, yet it costs significantly less than most tents in its class. We think one of the Half Dome’s best assets is its versatility - it’s large enough for car camping and light enough for backpacking.

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Big Agnes Zoom UL Sleeping Pad Review

Big Agnes Zoom UL Sleeping Pad Review

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better pad than the Big Agnes Zoom UL in this price range. This rectangular sleeping pad is plenty warm for most three-season adventures, and its compact, ultralight design will help keep your pack weight and bulk to a minimum.

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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Backpack Review

Made with thru-hikers in mind, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 backpack is everything you need and nothing you don’t. This pack is essentially waterproof, incredibly durable for the weight, and has convenient pockets galore. We put our Unbound pack to the test over hundreds of miles in the Sonoran Desert, and we think it’s a big win for long-distance hiking and ultralight backpacking.

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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Tent Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Tent Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear's Unbound 2 tent is a fresh take on a tried-and-true ultralight design. We’ve put ours through the wringer over hundreds of miles in the Sonoran Desert, and we found it to be a spacious retreat after hard days of hiking.

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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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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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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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NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Tent Review

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Tent Review

The incredibly spacious NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 is an excellent choice for those wanting a tent that’s comfortable for any type of adventure - it’s light enough for backpacking and roomy enough for frontcountry camping. As always, NEMO has designed a ton of useful features into this tent.

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MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent Review

MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent Review

The long-time crowd favorite MSR Hubba Hubba 2 tent has had a makeover, and there’s a lot to love about this newest iteration. Some of the most noticeable changes include a significantly lower weight, an updated color scheme that meshes nicely with natural surroundings, and a reimagined ventilation design.

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Gossamer Gear The Two & The DCF Two Tent Review

Gossamer Gear The Two & The DCF Two Tent Review

Gossamer Gear’s The Two and The DCF Two offer an excellent balance of low weight and spacious interior at a great value price. When compared to other ultralight tents, few come close to the generous headroom of The Two thanks to its unique slanted pole structure.

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