Expert gear tips and ultralight setups for hikers and backpackers. Weight-tested reviews of tents, sleeping bags, packs and essential trail equipment.
The Garmin Fenix 8 Solar leads the 2026 GPS watch field with an 86-hour battery and preloaded topo maps. Here's how it compares to Coros and Suunto.
Read articleThe Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus is the best satellite communicator for hikers in 2026. Compare Garmin, Zoleo and SPOT on price, messaging and plans.
Read articleThe best sun hoodies for hiking in 2026 block 98% of UV while staying breathable and light. Top picks from Ketl Mtn, Cotopaxi, REI and Icebreaker compared.
Read articleThe MSR PocketRocket 2 is the best backpacking stove for 2026. Compare canister, alcohol and integrated stoves on weight, boil time and price.
Read articleThe best hiking socks of 2026 compared — Darn Tough, Smartwool, Injinji and Farm to Feet tested on blister prevention, durability and multi-day comfort.
Read articleThe best ultralight sleeping bags of 2026 weigh 340–510 g with genuine 15–20°F ratings. Sea to Summit Spark leads; Zpacks Classic is the lightest.
Read articleThe best ultralight hiking rain jackets of 2026 weigh 113–340 g. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L leads for value, Arc'teryx Alpha SL for GORE-TEX performance.
Read articleThe best backpacking water filter of 2026 is the Sawyer Squeeze at 85 g, rated for 100,000 gallons. HydraPak UltraFlask leads for on-the-go drinking.
Read articleBest hiking headlamps of 2026: Black Diamond Spot 400-R leads at 86 g with IP67 waterproofing. The Nitecore NU25 UL is the lightest at just 28 g.
Read articleThe best lightweight backpacking tents of 2026 weigh 650g–1.1 kg. The Durston X-Dome 1 and NEMO Dragonfly lead for weather protection and livability per gram.
Read articleThe Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT at 340 g and R-value 4.5 leads our 2026 sleeping pad rankings. Full comparison across weight, warmth, and value.
Read articleThe lightest backpacking tent of 2026 is the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV2 Carbon at 530 g. Compare the top 6 ultralight shelters tested this season.
Read articleThe Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L at 510 g leads our 2026 ultralight backpack rankings. Full comparison of weight, volume, and frame type for thru-hikers.
Read articleThe best backpacking tent of 2026 is the Durston X-Mid 1 at 624 g and $269 — pitches in 2 minutes, handles 60 mph winds. Full comparison of 7 leading shelters.
Read articleThe best trail runner for hiking in 2026 is the HOKA Speedgoat 7, updated with higher-energy-return foam. See how 6 top models compare on grip, cushion and durability.
Read articleThe best trekking poles of 2026 are the LEKI Micro Vario Carbon at 230 g per pole and $220 per pair. See how carbon compares to aluminium across 6 leading models.
Read articleThe HOKA Kaha 3 GTX leads our 2026 boot test. Full comparison of the top four waterproof hiking boots by weight, grip and value.
Read articleThe Durston X-Mid 2 Pro at 680 g tops our 2026 ultralight tent test. Full comparison of weight, livability and storm performance.
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