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Osprey’s Aether is a longstanding and highly capable heavy hauler, and the upgraded “Plus” packs retain that proven performance but with more exterior storage and a convertible top lid that doubles as a daypack. I recently brought the mid-range 70...

Norway-based Helly Hansen doesn’t have a huge presence in the U.S., but their insulation and hardshell collections compete with the likes of Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and other leading outdoor brands...

Still a relative newcomer to the tent market, Sea to Summit has added a third backpacking model for 2023: the Ikos. At $429 for the two-person capacity, it’s the most affordable of the bunch but retains the space-enhancing Tension Ridge pole and high...

Gregory has been pumping out quality packs since the late 1970s, and the Jade—the women’s counterpart to the Zulu—is another high-quality and well-built design. I recently tested the pack in Patagonia and came away pleased by its effective balance of...

NEMO is a leader in the lightweight backpacking tent market, and their Hornet stands out for its two-door-and-vestibule layout in an ultralight package. My wife and I recently took the three-person version to...

KEEN’s Terradora is one of just a few women’s-specific designs on the market, and the latest “Flex” version sticks to a similar formula but with added flexibility and cushioning. I recently brought the boots to Patagonia and put them to the test while...

The Kaha 2 GTX is Hoka’s top-of-the-line hiking boot, with Gore-Tex waterproofing, a leather upper, and Vibram tread. We’ve had largely positive experiences with Hokas, but the Kaha 2 underwhelmed on a challenging backpacking trip in Southern Patagonia.

NEMO’s Dragonfly fills a nice niche in their backpacking tent lineup, offering better livability than the ultralight Hornet at a lower weight than their popular Dagger. I recently brought the latest two-person version to southern Patagonia for testing...

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...

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)...

In a surprising move, REI replaced their popular Kingdom series with the Wonderland line last year. We’ve had a chance to test both the four- and six-person versions (note: The photos below are of the Wonderland 4), and we have to admit that the new...

Most hikers know Merrell by their popular Moab hiking shoe and boot, which are on the feet of many a casual trail-goer. But while the Moab is decidedly classic, it’s not a particularly technically savvy offering. Enter Merrell’s MQM series—short for...