Expert gear tips and ultralight setups for hikers and backpackers. Weight-tested reviews of tents, sleeping bags, packs and essential trail equipment.
The best camp shoes for backpacking weigh 160–280 g per pair and double as water-crossing footwear. Top picks for 2026 compared by weight, sole and cost.
Read articleThe best hiking mid-layer jackets of 2026 weigh 200–350 g and pack to fist-size. Arc'teryx, Fjällräven and Norrøna tested and compared.
Read articleMerino wool wins on multi-day odour control; synthetics dry faster and cost less. Here's how to choose the right hiking base layer for 2026.
Read articleThe Coros Apex 2 Pro matches the Garmin Fenix 8's trail navigation for $450 less. Four hiking watches compared on GPS battery, topo maps and weight.
Read articleGarmin inReach Mini 3 Plus leads for 2026. Two-way messaging, SOS, battery life and subscription costs compared — and which device fits your hiking.
Read articleFive sun hoodies that block 98% of UV without overheating: Ketl Mtn, Cotopaxi, REI, Icebreaker and Mountain Hardwear compared on fabric, fit and weight.
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 articleDarn Tough's Hiker Micro Crew tops our 2026 hiking sock test: 65 g merino, lifetime guarantee. Five pairs under $27 compared on blisters and weight.
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 Zpacks Vertice is the lightest rain jacket for hiking at 113 g; the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L wins on value. 6 shells weighed, priced and compared.
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.
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