From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. Below we cover all the gear you need for your backpacking adventures, including detailed round-ups, reviews, and informational articles on everything from tents and packs to footwear and clothing. Our picks come from years of backpacking experience and run the gamut from leading budget options to some the best ultralight gear on the market. For shorter day hikes, see our hiking gear reviews. 


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Backpacking Equipment

Backpacking tents (camping in MSR Hubba Hubba in Patagonia)

Best Backpacking Tents of 2024

In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. Uses and budgets vary, and the ideal tent for beginners and those taking shorter trips differs...
Durston X-Mid 1 trekking pole shelter (adjusting door in mountains)

Best Ultralight Tents of 2024

In the ultralight backpacking world, The Big Three refers to the most important (and heaviest) pieces in your kit: your backpack, sleep system (sleeping bag and pad), and shelter. Shaving a pound or two off of each of these items can go a long way...
Zipping up REI Co-op Passage 2 budget backpacking tent (camping on beach)

Best Budget Backpacking Tents of 2024

A premium two-person backpacking tent can cost upwards of $700, but not everyone needs best-in-class performance. Casual weekenders and those just dipping their toes into backpacking can save a lot of money with a budget design. These tents are often...
Tent brands (setting up REI Flash Air 2)

Best Tent Brands of 2024

Whether you’re car camping at your local state park for the week or venturing deep into the backcountry, you’ll need a quality shelter that’s spacious enough for your group, reasonably weather-worthy for the conditions, and able to withstand regular...
Backpacking Backpacks (Backpacking through the Wind River Range-t)

Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2024

Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body. Trends in backpacks these days err towards minimalism...
Smiling wearing Deuter Aircontact Core women's backpacking backpack

Best Women’s Backpacking Backpacks of 2024

Choosing a suitable backpacking pack can be a daunting task, with myriad models touting different capacities, organization, suspension designs, and more. Our breakdown—written by women, for women—will help you identify your personal style of...
Backpacking with the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 50 ultralight backpacking pack

Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Once a niche segment of backpacking, ultralight (UL) gear is gaining traction among outdoor enthusiasts who want to travel faster and further with less weight on their back. Nowadays there are countless choices of tents, sleeping bags, cook systems...
Backpacking sleeping bag (view out of tent)

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024

Cozying into your sleeping bag at the end of a long day on the trail is one of the great pleasures of backpacking. And today’s bags offer exceptional warmth for the weight along with a range of technologies that help them stay dry and perform in a...
Nemo Tensor sleeping pad (campsite on Olympic Coast)

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2024

A good night’s sleep on a backpacking trip used to be a rarity, but today’s sleeping pads are much improved over their predecessors. Comfort is better than ever with advanced baffling and cell designs, weight and packed size continue to drop, and you...
Camping and backpacking pillows (lined up on sleeping bag)

Best Camping and Backpacking Pillows of 2024

While small and relatively unassuming, a quality outdoor pillow can go a long way toward improving your sleep, whether you’re spending the night at your local state park or trekking miles into the...
Backpacking water filter (filtering in Wyoming with MSR Guardian)

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2024

Everyone exploring the backcountry needs water, but staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking straight from streams and lakes. To protect against protozoa, bacteria, and even viruses, there are myriad water filtration and purification systems built...
Backpacking stove (boiling water)

Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024

Backpackers need a stove that's lightweight, dependable, and will get the job done quickly after a long day on the trail. Thankfully, the market is full of both time-tested models and newer, more innovative designs. From all-in-one stoves made...
Backpacking meal (eating Itacate meal in Patagonia backcountry)

Best Backpacking Meals of 2024

It almost goes without saying: Dinnertime is one of the best parts of any backpacking trip. There’s just nothing quite like warm, filling food after a long day on the trail. We've been eating our way through the market to bring you our favorites since...
Hydration bladder lineup (CamelBak, Platypus, Gregory, MSR, HydraPak)

Best Hydration Bladders of 2024

Whether we’re hiking, biking, running, or climbing, on-the-go hydration is an essential part of our kit. There’s simply no better way to encourage drinking consistently during activity, which is vital to performance and enjoyment (after bonking one too...
Organizing stuff sacks near backpacking tent

Best Stuff Sacks of 2024

Ah, the stuff sack. Perhaps no other piece of outdoor gear packs as much function into such a small and lightweight form. From organizing toiletries, food, or clothing to compressing your backpacking tent or sleeping bag and protecting items against...
Trekking poles (hiking with Black Diamond poles in Washington State)

Best Trekking Poles of 2024

Serious hikers have known the benefits of trekking poles for decades. Aside from providing stability while hauling a heavy load or moving over technical terrain, hiking poles have distinct advantages even on easy trails. They’re great for setting a...
Headlamp (drinking tea at night)

Best Headlamps of 2024

If you've ever gone camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, trail running, or nearly anything else in the outdoors, chances are you've used a headlamp. While this handy piece of technology requires little introduction (everyone knows...
Satellite Messengers (Testing the inReach Mini in the Winds-t)

Best Satellite Messengers of 2024

We’re all for big adventures that take us off the grid, but it’s never a bad idea to have a way of getting in touch. For organizing a pick up, initiating a rescue, or just checking in, a satellite messenger has become our go-to means of staying...
Handheld GPS (mapping with the Garmin Montana 700i)

Best Handheld GPS of 2024

Whether deep in the backcountry or on open water, proper navigation is a must. And for route finding, recording tracks, or finding a geocache, there’s no more durable and long-lasting navigator than a handheld GPS. While it will never fully replace a...
GPS watch (closeup of Coros Apex screen)

Best Fitness Watches of 2024

Despite their diminutive size, fitness watches can really pack a punch. These modern timepieces put the power of a GPS device onto your wrist, allowing you to track your movements, follow a preloaded route, or even navigate complex terrain—hands-free...
GPS watch (testing the Garmin Fenix 7 in Nepal)

Best GPS Watches of 2024

For hikers and mountaineers alike, a quality GPS watch is a worthy addition to your gear collection. Built to handle the extremes, GPS watches have a distinct look with durable, scratch-resistant faces and large screens flanked by glove-friendly...
Packrafting out of mountains with skis

Best Packrafts of 2024

Packrafts are an impressive feat of modern engineering: They’re incredibly durable and capable, yet many pack up small enough to fit into a backpack or bike bag. As a result, packrafts have become popular additions to all manner of human-powered...

Backpacking Footwear & Clothing

Best Hiking Boots of 2024

Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots...
Women's hiking boots (La Sportiva boots stepping in water)

Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2024

For the best combination of protection and support on the trail, look no further than a hiking boot. Compared to other forms of hiking footwear, boots are epitomized by their mid-height build, which offers best-in-class stability on technical terrain...
Hiking shoes (water crossing in Altra Lone Peak 8)

Best Hiking Shoes of 2024

The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails, but the weight...
Women's hiking shoes (Merrell Moab Speed 2 on rock)

Best Women's Hiking Shoes of 2024

Whether you’re setting out on a casual day hike or hitting the trail with overnight gear, there’s a hiking shoe up for the task. Compared to traditional hiking boots, hiking shoes are characterized by their low-top design, which translates to less...
Hiking footwear (crossing creek in Salomon Quest 4)

Best Hiking Footwear Brands of 2024

Ask any hiker or backpacker on the trail and they’ll likely tell you that the key to success—i.e., staying comfortable mile after mile—is a good pair of hiking footwear. From well-established brands like...
Salomon hiking footwear (Quest 4 GTX splashing through puddle)

Salomon Hiking Footwear: How to Choose

Salomon is a clear frontrunner in the hiking footwear market, with an extensive collection that ranges from capable backpacking-ready boots to light and nimble low-top shoes. At the time of publishing, their hiking lineup comprises 14 core models—many...
Hiking pants (Arc'teryx Gamma LT in mountains)

Best Hiking Pants of 2024

A great pair of hiking pants offer comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. In terms of materials, many of today’s top pants are made from lightweight and stretchy...
Women's hiking pants (backpacking up pass in Rab Elevation Pants)

Best Women’s Hiking Pants of 2024

Women know the struggles in finding a good pair of hiking pants: Fit, comfort, and storage considerations all can be difficult to dial in. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a range of designs that offer impressive performance and...
Hiking shorts (prAna Stretch Zion closeup in Utah)

Best Hiking Shorts of 2024

Most hikers know the value of a quality pair of hiking pants, but for midsummer conditions or particularly active days on the trail, we turn to hiking shorts. In addition to being more breathable and quicker to dry, most of our favorite modern hiking...
Women's hiking shorts (Topo Designs Dirt Short)

Best Women’s Hiking Shorts of 2024

For midsummer conditions or high-exertion days on the trail, nothing beats the easy-breezy feel of a hiking short. Today’s offerings run the gamut from technically savvy softshell designs...
Hiking socks (Darn Tough socks with Oboz Bridger boots)

Best Hiking Socks of 2024

You can’t overvalue a great pair of hiking socks: They keep your feet comfortable and dry while helping to prevent blisters and hotspots. We've tested the full array of styles in varied conditions, and below are our picks for the best hiking socks of...
Rain Jackets (Hiking with the Arc’teryx Beta LT in The Winds) (t)

Best Rain Jackets of 2024

With a long history in the Pacific Northwest, the Switchback team knows a thing or two about rain. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpours in the mountains, we're acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell—not...
Norrøna Falketind Paclite rain jacket (crossing creek)

Best Women’s Rain Jackets of 2024

Let’s face it: It rains, and sometimes it pours. Thankfully, a good rain jacket can provide a solid layer of defense against the elements. Our female editors have tested dozens of designs on trails near and far to bring you our 18 favorites below...
Hiking in Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell hardshell jacket

Best Hardshell Jackets of 2024

Hardshell jackets are designed for the mountains: They're highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort skiing, mountaineering, alpine climbing, and 4...
Windbreaker jackets (sitting in truck at trailhead)

Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2024

Let’s get right to the point: We love windbreaker jackets. In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. These small but mighty outer layers pack a punch, offering serious protection from the elements for hikers...
Norrona Falketind Down750 down jacket (prayer flags in Nepal)

Best Down Jackets of 2024

It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether it’s for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetic options for easy storage. From...
Women's down jacket (wearing Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody in mountains)

Best Women’s Down Jackets of 2024-2025

As impressively warm and cozy insulators, down jackets are one of our favorite pieces of outdoor gear. Whether you’re looking for an uber-light alpine piece for the mountains, a casual and well-tailored option for around-town use, or something in...
Arc'teryx Atom AR (synthetic insulated jackets)

Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2024

Synthetic insulation might not offer quite the warmth-to-weight ratio of down, but it resists moisture, breathes better, and is more cost-efficient. With the choice of both types of jackets in our gear closet, we find ourselves consistently reaching...
Women's Synthetic Jackets (Patagonia Nano-Air)

Best Women's Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2024

Synthetic insulation is a bit of a miracle material: It’s breathable, water-resistant, and modern blends come impressively close to matching the loft and light weight of down. We’ll lounge around in our down jacket any day, but for performance use it’s...
Baselayer (layered underneath ski jacket)

Best Baselayers of 2024

As your next-to-skin article of clothing, a baselayer plays a fundamental role in pulling moisture away from the body and regulating core temperature. It’s far easier to justify purchasing a nice down jacket, but a baselayer can be just as important...
Women's baselayer (standing by fire in Kari Traa Rose Half-Zip)

Best Women’s Baselayers of 2024-2025

Your baselayer may not be the most exciting part of your layering system, but make no mistake: It’s certainly one of the most important. As your next-to-skin article of clothing, baselayers are tasked with the all-important duties of pulling moisture...
Lying in field of huckleberries (sun shirts)

Best Sun Protection Shirts of 2024

Move over sunburns, heat exhaustion, and sunscreen sweat—sun shirts are the newest solar antidote. With full upper-body coverage (our picks are all hooded), UPF ratings that ensure protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and breathable fabrics, sun...
Hiking in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (women's hiking shirts)

Best Women's Hiking Shirts of 2024

Shopping for a hiking shirt isn’t as research-intensive as looking for the best hiking boot or backpack, but the next-to-skin layer is still an important part of your trail apparel. First to consider is the shirt’s fabric—polyester offers the best in...
Outdoor clothing brands (group hiking in Cascade Mountains)

Best Outdoor Clothing Brands of 2024

The outdoor clothing market is vast, with everything from budget-focused brands to sustainability leaders and high-end backcountry specialists. With years of experience testing a wide range of hiking...

In-Depth Reviews

Backpacking tent

Tent Reviews

Whether you’re camping close to your car or trekking miles into the backcountry, a quality tent is a necessity for getting a good night’s sleep and staying protected against the elements. Below you’ll find all of our tent reviews, from lightweight...
Hiking boots

Hiking Boot Reviews

Your hiking boots are arguably the most important part of your kit: they protect your feet across technical terrain, cushion you from harsh impacts on the trail, and are built to perform mile after mile. Below we’ve compiled all of our detailed hiking...
Hiking shoes

Hiking Shoe Reviews

Lightweight hiking shoes have a clear advantage over burlier hiking boots: by shaving significant weight and bulk, they’re much faster, nimbler, and sprightlier on the trail. You do lose some ankle support, but many hikers prefer the added...
Backpacks

Backpack Reviews

From day hikes to extended treks and high-mountain adventures, a backpack is relied on to keep your gear safe and organized while offering high levels of comfort. Below are our in-depth pack reviews, including high-capacity designs...
Rain Jacket (hiking above glacier)

Rain Jacket Reviews

Whether you’re looking to stay protected on your daily commute or headed out on a backpacking trip in a notoriously wet environment, a quality rain jacket is a must-have to fend off the elements. Below you’ll find all of our detailed rain jacket...
Down Jacket

Down Jacket Reviews

Down jackets are one of our favorite pieces of outdoor gear: they’re impressively warm for their weight, pack down well, and provide a cozy haven from the cold. From performance pieces built for the backcountry to casual models that wear well around...

Tent Reviews

Backpacking tent

Tent Reviews

Whether you’re camping close to your car or trekking miles into the backcountry, a quality tent is a necessity for getting a good night’s sleep and staying protected against the elements. Below you’ll find all of our tent reviews, from lightweight...
Big Agnes Copper Spur backpacking tent (opening vestibule)

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent Review

First introduced in 2008, the Copper Spur series by Big Agnes has been a consistent frontrunner in the ultralight tent category. We tested the latest two-person model (which was lightly updated a few seasons back) on a series of backpacking trips in...
MSR Hubba Hubba backpacking tent (pitched in Patagonia mountains)

MSR Hubba Hubba Tent Review

Discerning backpackers look for a high-quality, lightweight, and durable tent, and MSR’s Hubba Hubba checks all of those boxes emphatically. Despite dropping a considerable 10 ounces from the past version, the latest model (updated in 2022) held up...
REI Half Dome SL 2+ backpacking tent (rainfly on with vestibule open)

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent Review

Beloved by backpackers for years, REI Co-op’s Half Dome was updated a couple seasons ago with a significant drop in weight. But despite using thinner fabrics (they’re still tough by modern standards)...
Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P backpacking tent (pitched in Patagonia)

Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Tent Review

Nemo’s Dagger has long been considered one of the most livable lightweight backpacking tents on the market, and the new OSMO version offers a similarly competitive mix of weight and roominess. We brought the 2-persion version to Patagonia for testing...
Zpacks Duplex Zip trekking-pole tent (pitched above lake)

Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent Review

Zpacks’ Duplex has long been one of the most popular trekking-pole tents on the market, with a design that deftly balances durability, spaciousness, and weather protection at a competitively low weight. Recently, Zpacks released the...

Backpack Reviews

Backpacks

Backpack Reviews

From day hikes to extended treks and high-mountain adventures, a backpack is relied on to keep your gear safe and organized while offering high levels of comfort. Below are our in-depth pack reviews, including high-capacity designs...
Osprey Atmos AG 65 backpacking pack (walking through forest)

Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack Review

One of the few downsides of the industry-wide transition to internal-frame packs is ventilation. Enter the Atmos line from Osprey, and more recently, the Atmos AG pack. This bag was designed from the...
Gregory Deva 70 backpack (standing with pack in Patagonia mountains)

Gregory Deva 70 Backpack Review

Gregory is well known for their comfort-oriented and feature-rich packs, and the Deva 70 (the women's counterpart to Gregory's Baltoro 75) carries the torch. The design stands out for its heavy-hauling capabilities with firm but supportive padding and...
Hiking along lakeshore in mountains (Osprey Eja 58 backpack)

Osprey Eja 58 Backpack Review

A pack specialist through and through, Osprey is known for their fully featured and comfort-oriented designs for everything from day hiking to week-long backpacking trips. Many of their high-capacity haulers check in at well over 4 pounds with robust...
Gregory Baltoro 75 backpacking pack (hiking by glacier in Patagonia)

Gregory Baltoro 75 Backpack Review

Gregory’s flagship men’s Baltoro and women’s Deva packs are long-time favorites for those carrying serious weight, and the latest versions carry the torch. We recently took the 75-liter Baltoro to Patagonia...
Osprey Aura AG LT 65 backpacking pack (hiking on trail above lake)

Osprey Aura AG LT 65 Backpack Review

Osprey’s Aura AG 65 has long been one of our favorite women's backpacking packs, so we were excited to hear about the release of the streamlined LT (“lightweight”) version. With a thoughtfully pared-down feature set, the Aura AG LT 65 manages to be...

Hiking Boot Reviews

Hiking boots

Hiking Boot Reviews

Your hiking boots are arguably the most important part of your kit: they protect your feet across technical terrain, cushion you from harsh impacts on the trail, and are built to perform mile after mile. Below we’ve compiled all of our detailed hiking...
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid hiking boot (closeup)

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review

Salomon’s X Ultra lineup is legendary in the world of hiking footwear, and they overhauled the flagship collection a few years back. We brought the mid-height version of the X Ultra 4 into Washington’s Hoh Rainforest and found that it retained most of...
Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX hiking boots (standing on rock)

Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review

Running brand Hoka has been aggressively growing their hiking footwear collection of late, and the Anacapa Mid is arguably their best effort yet. Now in its second iteration, this boot combines the smooth ride and excellent cushioning that the company...
Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boot (grip over wet log)

Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boot Review

Salomon’s Quest has garnered serious popularity over the years as a highly capable backpacking boot, and the fourth-generation model carries the torch. We put the latest Quest 4 through its paces in Washington’s Hoh Rainforest, where it faced wet and...
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX hiking boot (standing on rock)

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Review

La Sportiva makes some of our favorite climbing shoes on the market, and that technical expertise has translated nicely to their hiking boot lineup. The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is case in point: It’s impressively light at just over 2 pounds and has a...

Hiking Shoe Reviews

Hiking shoes

Hiking Shoe Reviews

Lightweight hiking shoes have a clear advantage over burlier hiking boots: by shaving significant weight and bulk, they’re much faster, nimbler, and sprightlier on the trail. You do lose some ankle support, but many hikers prefer the added...
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX hiking shoe (holding Quicklace cinch)

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Shoe Review

Every few years, Salomon revamps their best-selling X Ultra line, and they launched the latest “4” in spring 2021. Building on the success of the prior generation, the retooled shoe features a modernized and sleeker upper, updates to the lacing system...
La Sportiva TX4 (standing on rock)

La Sportiva TX4 Review

La Sportiva’s popular TX lineup runs the gamut from the minimalist TX2 approach shoe to the mid-height TXS hiking boot. Over the past few seasons, I’ve enjoyed my middle-of-the-pack TX3: an approach shoe with a great combination of breathability...
Merrell Moab 2 shoes (standing on rock in Utah desert)

Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoe Review

Merrell’s original Moab reached legendary status, and the current “2” carries on the tradition. To cut right to the chase, after taking the Moab 2 Ventilator to Utah’s Canyon Country and subsequent testing in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, the shoe...
Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX hiking shoe (closeup from side on rock)

Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX Hiking Shoe Review

Adidas has come on strong in the world of hiking footwear, and its Terrex Swift series is a notable standout among the competition. The R3 GTX is a low-cut waterproof hiking shoe that’s reasonably...
Scarpa Rush hiking shoe (Laguna Torre)

Scarpa Rush Hiking Shoe Review

In 2022, the line between trail runners and hiking shoes is growing increasingly blurry, and for good reason. As more and more hikers push their mileage and speed, the need for nimble yet protective footwear is paramount. Scarpa’s new Rush collection...

Rain Jacket Reviews

Rain Jacket (hiking above glacier)

Rain Jacket Reviews

Whether you’re looking to stay protected on your daily commute or headed out on a backpacking trip in a notoriously wet environment, a quality rain jacket is a must-have to fend off the elements. Below you’ll find all of our detailed rain jacket...
Patagonia Granite Crest rain jacket (standing at lake)

Patagonia Granite Crest Rain Jacket (Women's) Review

There’s no shortage of rain jackets to choose from, but Patagonia’s new Granite Crest stands out with its sustainably built design. Made from recycled fishing nets and featuring a perfluorocarbon (PFC)-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish, this...
Marmot PreCip Eco jacket (hiking through forest)

Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Jacket Review

Being from Seattle, we get asked for rain jacket recommendations a lot, and we often steer people to the Marmot PreCip. The reasons for this are fairly simple: the jacket punches well above its $100 price with quality waterproofing, a versatile feature...
Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket (backpacking in inclement weather)

Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket Review

North Vancouver-based Arc’teryx is no stranger to harsh mountain weather, and their Beta hardshell collection is well equipped to handle rough and rowdy conditions. We recently put the aptly named Beta SL (short for “superlight”) to the test on a late...
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (hiking by alpine lake)

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L rain jacket is about as popular as it gets in the outdoor apparel space. The hardwearing 3-layer build offers excellent protection and durability, you get a wide variety of color options, and it's very reasonably priced for...
Black Diamond StormLine Stretch rain jacket (in mountains)

Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Review

Black Diamond has assembled a solid lineup of quality rain jackets and hardshells over the last several years, and the StormLine is yet another standout. By adding stretch into the jacket’s face fabric, BD created an impressively lightweight...

Hardshell Jacket Reviews

Hardshells

Hardshell Jacket Reviews

Designed for sustained exposure in harsh conditions, hardshell jackets offer the ultimate in weather protection for activities like downhill and backcountry skiing, 4-season hiking, mountaineering, and ice climbing. Below we’ve complied all of our...
Hiking in the snow (Arc'teryx Beta AR hardshell jacket)

Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket Review

From Arc’teryx’s formidable hardshell lineup, the Beta AR slots in as the all-around workhorse. The jacket has been a flagship piece since its release back in 2000, and it’s a favorite for everything from hiking and backpacking in rough conditions to...
Arc'teryx Alpha SV hardshell jacket (in snowstorm)

Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket Review

Arc’teryx is no stranger to hardshell jackets and long has been a go-to option for protection in harsh mountain environments. At the very top of their lineup is the Alpha SV ("severe weather"), which is designed for use in the most serious of...
Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell Jacket (hiking in front of glacier)

Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell Jacket Review

Based in Sweden, Fjallraven is gaining popularity this side of the Atlantic with classy and well-built outdoor gear that transitions nicely between the mountains and urban environments. The Keb Eco-Shell is their premium hardshell offering and stands...
Arc'teryx Beta SV Jacket (backpacking in Patagonia)

Arc’teryx Beta SV Jacket Review

Arc’teryx makes some of our favorite hardshells on the market, and their SV offerings are purpose-built for the harshest of conditions. From their all-rounder Beta collection, the Beta SV slots in as the most protective option for fending off rough...
Norrona Trollveggen hardshell jacket (turning in powder)

Norrøna Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Jacket Review

Norway-based Norrøna isn’t a household name in the U.S. like Arc’teryx or Patagonia, but they offer a quality lineup of serious hardshells built for demanding backcountry pursuits. We brought the...

Down Jacket Reviews

Down Jacket

Down Jacket Reviews

Down jackets are one of our favorite pieces of outdoor gear: they’re impressively warm for their weight, pack down well, and provide a cozy haven from the cold. From performance pieces built for the backcountry to casual models that wear well around...
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody (standing in mountains)

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

Climbers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers of all types have enjoyed Patagonia’s Down Sweater for years. It’s a go-to piece that has defined a jacket category, and Patagonia gave it a significant revamp a few seasons back. Key changes include a more...
Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket (hands in pockets)

Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket Review

Feathered Friends is a boutique down specialist birthed out of Seattle’s climbing scene in the 1970s, and they still lead the pack in down outerwear construction and design. The company is known for...
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 jacket (fall colors)

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody Review

Ultralight without feeling ultra-compromised, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is one of the lightest fully featured down jackets on the market. Despite hitting a sub-9-ounce weight (for the men’s hoody model), Mountain Hardwear managed to...
Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody (standing above lake in Patagonia)

Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody Review

Arc’teryx’s Cerium Hoody is their leading down jacket and one sleek piece of gear. We’ve tested several iterations over the years—from the past-generation Cerium LT to the latest version featured here—and have come away impressed time and time again...

Ultralight Backpacking Reviews

Zpacks Duplex Zip trekking-pole tent (pitched above lake)

Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent Review

Zpacks’ Duplex has long been one of the most popular trekking-pole tents on the market, with a design that deftly balances durability, spaciousness, and weather protection at a competitively low weight. Recently, Zpacks released the...
​​Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L backpack (backpacking in mountains)

Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack Review

Zpacks is a leader in the UL pack market, known for mixing innovative suspension platforms with ultralight fabrics. The Arc Haul is a mainstay in their lineup, and it got a recent revamp with the switch...
Tarptent StratoSpire 2 (set up below mountains)

Tarptent StratoSpire 2 Tent Review

In a rapidly growing segment of ultralight tents, the Tarptent StratoSpire 2 stands out for its spacious and thoughtfully built design at an approachable price point. A longstanding option in their lineup, the StratoSpire proved to be very livable and...
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 backpack

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack Review

I typically purchase gear with an eye toward fastpacking and previously thought of high-capacity packs as being useful only for slower thru-hikes or long trips into the backcountry. The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 backpack has changed my mind. Though...
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P ultralight backpacking tent (zipping door)

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Tent Review

Dyneema-specialist Hyperlite Mountain Gear has tried their hand at trekking-pole tents in the past (notably with the discontinued Dirigo 2), but the Unbound is their best effort yet. Closely following the time-tested design...
Zpacks Duplex Flex (camping in snow)

Zpacks Duplex Tent Review

Purpose-built for thru-hikers and other ounce-counting backpackers, the Zpacks Duplex is one of the lightest and most well-built tents on the market. To test its limits, we took the Duplex Flex—a fully freestanding upgrade to the base model—backpacking...
Granite Gear Crown3 backpacking pack (looking out over lake)

Granite Gear Crown3 60 Backpack Review

Though not quite a household name like backpack giants Osprey or Gregory, Granite Gear has quietly established itself on the ultralight scene as a brand to trust. Featuring relatively simple yet highly customizable...
Big Agnes Copper Spur backpacking tent (opening vestibule)

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent Review

First introduced in 2008, the Copper Spur series by Big Agnes has been a consistent frontrunner in the ultralight tent category. We tested the latest two-person model (which was lightly updated a few seasons back) on a series of backpacking trips in...
Osprey Exos 58 (hiking through fall colors)

Osprey Exos 58 Backpack Review

For a time, Osprey’s Exos was the ultimate ultralight pack and a favorite among thru-hikers. The competition has grown lately, but the recent Exos (updated in mid 2022) offers a very strong mix of carrying comfort, ventilation, and organization...
BA Copper Spur Platinum (s)

Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 Platinum Tent Review

The Copper Spur line has been revered for years, and for those who want to cut even more weight, Big Agnes launched high-end Platinum versions. We took the three-person model on a bikepacking adventure...
Tarptent Double Rainbow (mountain backdrop)

Tarptent Double Rainbow Tent Review

The backpacking tent cottage industry is alive and well, and California-based Tarptent is one of the top brands among dedicated ULers. Their leading two-person model is the Double Rainbow, which hits a competitive balance of usability, weight, and...
Osprey Eja Pro 55 (backpacking through dense forest)

Osprey Eja Pro 55 Backpack Review

Osprey’s women's-specific Eja is a very well-rounded ultralight design for those transitioning from a standard backpacking pack. The Eja Pro 55 here is a trimmed-down variation that takes it even further, shaving off significant weight with streamlined...
Big Agnes Tiger Wall (camping in Utah canyon)

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Tent Review

Big Agnes’ Tiger Wall blends two of their best backpacking designs—the popular Copper Spur and Fly Creek—into one intriguing ultralight package. We took the UL2 model backpacking in Utah’s Canyon Country and found that the mixture worked: the two-door...
Hyperlite Southwest 2400 (in mountains)

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 Backpack Review

Dyneema is a hot ticket in ultralight gear, and for good reason: It's one of the strongest materials in the world relative to its weight, resists moisture very well, and is incredibly light. Maine-based Hyperlite Mountain Gear leads the charge in...
Hiking along lakeshore in mountains (Osprey Eja 58 backpack)

Osprey Eja 58 Backpack Review

A pack specialist through and through, Osprey is known for their fully featured and comfort-oriented designs for everything from day hiking to week-long backpacking trips. Many of their high-capacity haulers check in at well over 4 pounds with robust...
Setting up the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 backpacking tent

Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Solution Dye Review

In many ways, Big Agnes’ Fly Creek helped bring the ultralight movement to the mainstream. At under 2.5 pounds, it’s comparable to a bivy sack or hammock and stuffs down impressively small in a pack...

Backpacking Learning Center

Backpacking tent

How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

Tents are one of the most exciting pieces of your backpacking kit—it’s your home away from home in the backcountry—but selecting the right one requires a healthy amount of research and thought. Designs in this category vary widely, from budget...
Sleeping bag and quilt (side by side in tent)

Sleeping Bags vs. Quilts

For thru-hikers, bikepackers, or anyone looking to travel light and fast, an ultralight sleeping bag or quilt is a no-brainer purchase that can shave noticeable weight and bulk from an overnight kit. But the choice between the two styles can be tricky...
Backpacking checklist (tent set up by lake)

Backpacking Checklist

Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned veteran, everyone could use a good packing list to make sure they’re prepared before hitting the trail. Our detailed checklist below covers everything from critical backpacking equipment (tent, pack...
Backpacking Gear

How to Pack a Backpack

One of the first steps to enjoying a backpacking trip is learning how to load your pack properly. There are a lot of considerations that go into a well-packed backpack, from nailing the capacity and balancing your pack's contents to keeping critical...
Non-Freestanding backpacking tent (Hyperlite Dirigo 2 by lake)

Freestanding vs. Non-Freestanding Backpacking Tents

If you’re in the market for a backpacking tent, you’ll probably notice that designs are categorized as “freestanding” or “non-freestanding.” But what do these designations mean, and how do you know which style is right for your objective? Below we...
Lightweight backpacking tent

Backpacking Tents: How Light is Too Light?

While ultralight backpacking gear used to be more niche (and tricky the get ahold of), the past few years have seen a surge in mainstream brands integrating weight-saving designs and materials into readily available gear. One of the biggest areas that...
Footprint for backpacking tent (laying down footprint in desert)

Does Your Backpacking Tent Need a Footprint?

This age-old question challenges newbie backpackers and veterans alike. You've already spent a substantial amount on a tent, but should you tack on the extra purchase of a footprint? Is it really necessary? Below we break down the key components of the...
Down jacket (sitting on tailgate in REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0)

How to Choose a Down Jacket

For the best in cozy and lofty warmth, down jackets are in a class of their own. The category covers a wide range of options, from lightweight and packable designs for backcountry use to stylish and hardwearing models for your winter commutes. Below we...
Backpacking pack (overlooking mountains)

Backpack Fit and Sizing Guide

Your pack is arguably the most important piece of gear in your backpacking kit, and a proper (or improper) fit can make or break your time spent in the backcountry. It all starts with nailing the size, which can then be adjusted and fine-tuned to hug...
Wearing Arc'teryx rain jacket in a deluge (rain jacket construction)

Rain Jacket Construction: 2L vs. 2.5L vs. 3L

There’s no shortage of rain jackets to choose from, and one way to narrow down your search is by determining what sort of construction best fits your needs. Depending on their application, rain jackets...
Waterproof hiking shoes (crossing creek in Adidas Terrex Free Hiker)

Do You Need Waterproof Hiking Shoes?

We get this question a lot: Do your hiking shoes or boots need to be waterproof, or can you do without? Hikers and backpackers fall on both ends of the spectrum—some prefer the unparalleled breathability of non-waterproof footwear, while others...
Baselayer

How to Choose Baselayers

A baselayer’s primary job is to keep you comfortable while wicking moisture as you sweat. Whether you’re climbing steep skin tracks in the backcountry, skiing lift-accessed terrain at the resort, or climbing and hiking in cool shoulder-season weather...
Switchback team testing merino shirts while backpacking

Merino Wool: Is It Worth It?

Merino wool, the ultra-soft fabric most commonly found in performance baselayers and socks, is one of the most sought-after materials in the outdoor gear world. But is it worth the hype? Below we break down the pros and cons of merino wool, including...
Backpacking tent weight (Nemo tent at camp)

Backpacking Tent Weight Comparison Chart

If you’re researching backpacking tent weight, you’ve come to the right place. Below we’ve put together detailed tent weight comparison tables covering most models available for summer of 2024. For comparison's sake, all are two-person, three-season...
Backpacking Tent (Big Agnes Fly Creek at night)

One-Person Tent and Shelter Weight Comparison

One-person shelters are the definitive expression of going ultralight. Eschewing creature comforts, those that sleep solo reap the benefits of cutting precious ounces from their packs. To identify the absolute...
Sleeping bag (overlooking mountains)

Sleeping Bag Weight Comparison Chart

It’s amazing to think that a sleeping bag can weigh only 1 pound and keep you warm through the night. To pull this off, manufacturers utilize light and lofty down insulation, thin shell and lining fabrics, and...