Best of Backpacking Gear 2023

Gearing up for a long walk in the woods or an extended stay in the backcountry? Check out some of our favorite new packs, tents, sleeping bags, footwear, clothes, and other gear for getting out and staying out! Here our top backpacking gear picks for Spring/Summer 2023:

Osprey Atmos AG LT 50 and Aura AG LT 50 Women’s

Good luck doing a long hike anywhere in the world and not bumping into an Atmos or an Aura. They’re everywhere and with good reason, but they’re about to have company from a slimmed down sibling.…

NEMO Flyer

The Flyer has always impressed with its hybrid combination of foam and air cushioning. By strategically coring the foam core, NEMO basically removes 60% of the pad and the corresponding weight while enhancing overall warmth, packability,…

Sea to Summit Ikos TR3

Modularity is key to the Ikos TR3 tent. Repurposing the same innovative pole geometry introduced by Sea to Summit in their backpacking tents, the Ikos TR3 expands on space to give up to three campers (and…

NEMO Dragonfly OSMO Bikepack 1P

With shortened pole sections that pack down much smaller than traditional tents and a stuff sack equipped with bike-specific tiedowns, the Dragonfly OSMO Bikepack 1P was clearly designed for cyclists, but its lightweight, space-conscious design also…

Mountain Hardwear Meridian 2 w/Footprint

Give us a straightforward, reliable tent that is easy to set up, sure to protect us even in wet weather, and that we can count on for seasons on end and we’re going to be pretty…

Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube 8 x 32

Be honest, have you ever considered bringing binoculars on a trip, decided not to because of the weight and bulk, and then wished you had them later? We certainly have. But, thanks to the Zoom Tube…

Leki Makalu Cork Lite and Cressida Cork Lite Women’s

Incorporating trekking poles into your hiking and backpacking shouldn’t have to break the bank but settling for bargain basement-priced poles can also mean settling for disappointing performance and a bad impression on the value of using…

Sierra Designs Elemental Quilt

Add the Elemental Quilt to the long list of innovations that Sierra Designs has introduced over the years. We’re not sure if quilt or sleeping bag is a more fitting name for the Elemental but the…

NEMO Forte Endless Promise 35 Degree

It’s been inspiring to watch NEMO assess their manufacturing processes and take active steps to lessen their environmental footprint whether they’re building a sleeping pad, a tent, or sleeping bags. The Forte Endless Promise 35 Degree…

Marmot Hydrogen 30 Degree

The Hydrogen 30 Degree sleeping bag has long been a favorite of discerning backpackers looking for an optimal combination of lightweight construction, reliable warmth, and packability. The bag continues to use premium certified 800-fill power goose…

Big Agnes Anthracite 20 Degree

At a time where the cost seems elevated on everything from gas to groceries to gear, it’s fantastic to see the Anthracite 20 Degree sleeping bag offering great performance at an unbelievable price. And Big Agnes…

Big Agnes Torchlight Youth 20 Degree

Why do Mom and Dad have awesome sleeping bags and the kids get stuck with hand me downs or lesser bags? It doesn’t have to be that way and the Torchlight Youth 20 Degree bag is…

Vasque Breeze LT NTX

The Breeze is a classic offering from Vasque but this updated version does not rest on its laurels. Right out of the box, we love the way the aesthetics are somehow both traditional and modern at…

Salewa Pedroc PTX

This feels like the shoe we’ve been waiting for from Salewa. They’ve been building super-tough, highly technical boots and shoes for alpine pursuits for as long as we can remember and the Pedroc PTX leverages that…

Adidas MEN’s Terrex Skychaser Tech Mid GTX

Boy, Adidas pulled out all of the stops on the Terrex Skychaser Tech Mid GTX hiking boot. It is super athletic but also has bolstered durability, supportiveness, and grip for the demands of trekking in the…

Kelty Glendale 85

Over the years Kelty has built some of the most tried-and-true big backpacking packs and the latest iteration, the Glendale 85, lives up to that beloved heritage. When a pack says Kelty on it, you know…

Granite Gear Virga3 55

One of our most fickle ounce-counting Gear Specialists has long been a fan of Granite Gear’s super-streamlined and stripped down Virga packs. These frameless packs have always been designed with a completely minimalist mindset and a…

Outdoor Research Men’s Foray Super Stretch Jacket

The Foray Jacket has been one our go-to choices for a long, long time and the Foray Super Stretch Jacket takes that reliable waterproof/breathable performance up another notch for anyone taking on challenging conditions deep in…

Marmot Women’s Rock Haven Hybrid Tight

Ultimately, regardless of what you’re doing, comfort is key when it comes to choosing what to wear. The Rock Haven Hybrid Tight is built to deliver all-day comfort with durability for climbing, hiking, or backpacking while…

Fjallraven Men’s Vidda Pro Lite Trousers

A couple of our Gear Specialists spend much of the year in Vidda Pro Trousers and their only complaint is that they’re a bit too heavy for warmer weather. Guess they’ll need to invest in a…

Fjallraven Women’s Abisko Trail Stretch Trousers

The iconic Abisko Trekking Tights have been a standout choice for trekking and backpacking for many years, but some people prefer the look and feel of pants to that of close-fitting tights. Cue the Abisko Trail…

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT MAX

We’ve had one minor complaint about the NeoAir Xlite, the crinkly noise that its thermally efficient interior made if and when we changed position in the night. That gripe wasn’t enough to keep us from using…

Big Agnes Divide Insulated

We’ve watched the evolution of Big Agnes’s inflatable air pads over the years and love where they’ve landed. The Divide Insulated uses oversized vertical baffles, laminated synthetic insulation, and ultra-lightweight fabrics to reach a 3-season worthy…

Big Agnes Crag Lake SL2

The Crag Lake SL2 reminds us of one of our favorite Big Agnes backpacking tents, the gone-but-not-forgotten Seedhouse. It has the same simple, durable, and super-lightweight design that 3-season backpackers so easily embrace. But it isn’t…