How to Choose a Backpacking Pack Backpacking packs generally have larger capacities and more robust suspensions in comparison to daypacks. These bigger packs are designed to carry the larger amounts of gear (40+ liters) required for overnights or multiple-day adventures. They also…
How to Choose a Backpacking Tent Joining other essentials such as a backpack and sleeping bag, a tent is usually one of the basic items of a backpacker’s kit. Like with a camping tent, comfort is a factor but because a backpacking…
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite The NeoAir Xlite has become such a backcountry favorite, it’s almost hard to remember life before it! Those now iconic horizontal baffles provide a balanced, stable surface and the tiered internal structure and heat-reflective barrier provide excellent…
Osprey Archeon 45 Osprey has been leading the way on backpack design for a long time and they continue to take steps to lead the way on environmental issues too. Reflecting a commitment to upstream and downstream sustainability, the…
Outdoor Research Microgravity AscentShell Jacket It seems like just about every year, Outdoor Research nails down an award for another of their apparel pieces and the new Microgravity AscentShell definitely merits consideration. It utilizes propriety AscentShell technology to weave stretch, enhanced breathability,…
Altra Tushar Mid We’ve been huge fans of Altra ever since they first introduced their signature foot-shaped running shoes and zero drop design (meaning that the stack height of the heel and forefoot are the same). Pretty much any day…
Oboz Arete Low B-DRY Waterproof Based in Bozeman, Montana, the folks at Oboz are outdoor adventurers at heart and well aware of what you need from a shoe to confidently venture into the backcountry. The low-cut Arete Low B-DRY Waterproof is…
Arc’teryx NORVAN LD 2 The Norvan LD 2 trail running shoe offers a fantastic balance of weight, durability, and responsiveness. Despite the sleek and lightweight design, the shoe has impact-reducing EVA cushioning for all-day runs and extended mileage. It has a…
Salomon S/Lab Sense Ultra 5 Set When you toe the line for an ultra, knowing you’re going to be pushing hard for hours on end, performance matters, and the S/Lab Sense Ultra 5 Set delivers. We love the way the vest pack…
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe The NeoAir Topo Luxe inflatable sleeping pad’s design foundation is the ultra-lightweight, award-winning NeoAir X-lite. It utilizes the same horizontal baffles, but it takes the design a step further by bumping up the number of baffles, increasing…
MSR Thru-Link Inline Microfilter Hikers, backpackers, and travelers have long benefitted from the safe water treatment made available by the engineers at MSR. Their new Thru-Link Inline Water Filter is an ultra-lightweight solution that enables you to filter water as…
Deuter Trans Alpine 28 SL Women’s & Trans Alpine 30 Our Gear Specialists are obviously avid hikers and trail runners, but we love adventuring on two wheels too! The Trans Alpine packs from Deuter were definitely designed for touring cyclists as evidenced by the built-in helmet…
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody Talk about versatile! The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody is a fabulous warm-weather outerwear piece, but it also serves as an uber-comfy lightweight baselayer in any and every season. The Fair Trade Certified sewn and recycled polyester…
Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack 5L The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel has long been one of our go-to options for gear storage because of the super durable, weather-resistant recycled construction. The Black Hole Waist Pack pares down the size and capacity for…
Patagonia Lightweight Better Sweater Jacket The iconic Better Sweater jacket has long been one of our favorite cold weather layering pieces, but it can be a bit heavy and overly warm once spring and summer arrive. And that’s the perfect time…
Kelty Coyote 65 & Coyote 60 Women’s A true backpacking pioneer, Dick Kelty brought aluminum framed packs to prominence in the 1950s. While he never stopped innovating, he also never lost sight of the need to offer long-term durability at an affordable price…
Kelty Galactic 30 Degree The Galactic 30 Degree delivers versatile performance at a budget-friendly price. Its rectangular cut and roomy dimensions avoid the restrictive feel of a mummy bag and it even opens up entirely for use as a blanket…
MSR Habitude 4 The designers at MSR have been producing iconic high-performance backpacking tents for as long as we can remember. In the Habitude 4, they’ve utilized that same attention to detail and performance-oriented construction to produce a 3-season camping…
Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 25-40 Accomplished adventurer Andrew Skurka and Sierra Designs have been collaborating on gear innovations for several years and their creations have focused on lightweight efficiency without skimping on performance to hit a specific weight break. The Flex…
Arc’teryx Gamma SL Hoody Goldilocks would love the Arc’teryx Gamma SL Hoody because it’s just right for whatever activity is on the schedule. It has a clean, articulated, minimalist design that keeps weight to a minimum while still providing weather-resistance,…
Big Agnes Salt Creek SL 2 Whenever we’re getting out for a few days and sharing a tent with a partner or multiple partners, having two doors is high on our must-have list. The Salt Creek does one better than that, incorporating…
Big Agnes Torchlight UL 20 Degree When temperatures really dip, a close-fitting mummy bag is the best bet for its thermal efficiency. Of course, there are other times when conditions aren’t so demanding that it’s nice to have some extra wiggle room.…
Deuter Aviant Voyager One thing we’ve noticed about most travel backpacks is that they do a great job at the airport or between there and your destination, but they aren’t always well equipped for true backpacking demands. Or vice versa.…
Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Wheeled Duffel Carry-On The term “adventure travel” was basically coined by the globe-trotting experts at Eagle Creek and you can count on them to deliver the durability and functionality needed to see the world with confidence. Between the cost…
Black Diamond Sprint 225 Headlamp Delivering up to 225 Lumens of bright illumination, the rechargeable Sprint 225 is perfect for nighttime running. It’s compact and lightweight enough to also be a great back-up option for backpacking or hiking. A dimming function…
Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6 Some outings don’t find you pushing deep into the backcountry or attempting to reach tall summits. When the campground is your destination and you’ve got an entire family to keep happy, the Copper Canyon LX 6 is…
Eagles Nest Outfitters OneLink Shelter System Tents are great and remain the go-to shelter for most backpackers and campers, but hammocks are well worth consideration. The OneLink Shelter System deserves a long look as it provides not just the classic ENO DoubleNest…
Exped DeepSleep Mat There are some really plush options out there for camping, but sometimes it seems like you have no choice but to pay through the nose to get that comfort. That’s not the case with the DeepSleep Mat…
Fjallraven Abisko Midsummer Jacket Scandinavia is gifted or cursed, depending on your opinion, with long, cold, adventurous winters and the eventual arrival of warmer weather is cause for celebration. Midsummer’s Eve is a revered holiday in Sweden, and the highly versatile…
Fjallraven High Coast Lite Trousers Fjallraven doesn’t shy away from their claim of having “perfected” outdoor pants and, honestly, we’d have a hard time arguing with them. They pay so much attention to detail and especially when it comes to fit. You…
Garmont G-Trek High GTX Garmont’s Anatomically Directed Design (ADD) has always impressed us and it’s a stand-out feature of the new G-Trek High GTX backpacking boot. This asymmetrical construction better mirrors the ergonomic shape of your foot than most traditional…
Gregory Paragon 58 & Maven 55 Women’s It’s pretty amazing that the Paragon 58 and Maven 55 Women’s packs can be so chockfull of features and still weigh in at roughly 3.5 pounds. They offer voluminous, well-organized, and easily-accessed storage for multi-day backpacking…
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Ultrarunner Karl Meltzer has won more 100-mile footraces than anyone in history and at one time he held the fastest known time on the Appalachian trail. Not surprisingly, a shoe that bears his nickname needs deep cushioning…
Kelty Grand Mesa 4 Getting started backpacking can be intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. The Grand Mesa tent makes set up easy and intuitive, delivers reliable 3-season performance and durability, and is available at a price that lets you…
LEKI Super Micro We often envision challenging hikes and craggy peaks when we think of trekking poles, but they can be invaluable for rolling terrain and lower elevations too when time, injury, or circumstance has led to the need…
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