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.

Read More

REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent Review

REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent Review

The REI Co-op Trailmade 2 replaced one of REI’s best-selling tents, the Passage 2, earlier this year. With a similar design, a very affordable price point, and exceptional durability, we decided to put the new Trailmade to the test to see how it stacks up against the competition.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent Review

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent Review

The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is one of our all-time favorite backpacking tents and one of Big Agnes’ best selling designs. The Copper Spur strikes an excellent balance between weight, livability, convenience, and weather protection. It’s an excellent choice for backpackers wanting to keep their packs light without giving up convenience and comfort.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag Review

Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag Review

The Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag offers the warmth of a hooded sleeping bag and the ventilation of a quilt all in one. It has one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios among all the choices on the market, and will surely become a top choice for heat-seeking hikers looking to dial in their gear.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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. 

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More