Backpacking

Backpacking With a Gun? The Pros and Cons — And Why I’m Weighing Them

Backpacking with a gun is a controversial topic — but after a frightening encounter with a mountain lion, I’m seriously considering it as a solo female…

Written by Mattie Schuler June 05, 2025

A Simple, Affordable Solution for Your Camera Gear: CADeN Backpack Review

For photogs seeking a reliable way to carry precious equipment without breaking the bank, the CADeN Camera Backpack is the answer.

Written by Constance Mahoney June 03, 2025

The Best Trekking Poles of 2025

We tested the best trekking poles of 2025 with options for every adventure and budget. Top picks include LEKI, Black Diamond, and more!

Written by Chris Carter, Jackson Sims-Myers and Samuel Martin May 20, 2025

The Best Backpacking Tents of 2025

Whether you’re looking to spend 100 nights on the trail or stick to a tight budget, we’ve found the best backpacking tents of 2025.

Written by Sean McCoy and Chris Carter May 16, 2025

The Best Headlamps of 2025

We tested the best headlamps of 2025 with options for every budget. Top picks include BioLite, Black Diamond, and more!

Written by Nicole Qualtieri and Sean McCoy May 16, 2025

The Best Hiking Socks of 2025

Get ready to hit the trail with the best hiking socks from Darn Tough, Smartwool, and more!

Written by Mary Murphy, Andrew Potter and Chris Kassar May 15, 2025

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2025

We tested and reviewed the best sleeping pads for backpacking in 2025. Whether you need an ultralight mat or more insulation, we’ve got it.

Written by Chris Carter May 15, 2025

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2025

We’ve found the best backpacking sleeping bags for every environment and budget, with top picks from Therm-a-Rest, Mountain Hardwear, NEMO, and more.

Written by Chris Carter, Adam Ruggiero and Ian Atkinson May 07, 2025

Organization Like No Other: Pingora Outro 40 Backpack Review

The Pingora Outro 40 Backpack uses an internal divider system and sleek design that makes it one of the most user-friendly and comfortable packs I’ve…

Written by Will Brendza April 24, 2025

Tough Women Hike in Skirts; You Should, Too

Freeing your legs might help you hike better. A dress might not be the first piece of gear you think to reach for at the…

Written by Josette Rolfe April 18, 2025

How to Build the Ultralight Sleep System of Your Dreams

Balance your weight-to-warmth ratio like a pro to get the best sleep you’ve ever had in the backcountry.

Written by Sponsored by Sea to Summit April 16, 2025

Kick Off Camping: Free Entry at All National Parks on April 19

National Park Week kicks off with a free entry day, and extends to April 27 with events, themed days, and volunteer opportunities.

Written by Will Brendza April 14, 2025

The Best Backpacking Chairs of 2025

Planning to hit the trails but don’t want to sacrifice comfort at camp? Our expert testers found the best backpacking chairs of 2025.

Written by Miya Tsudome and Mary Murphy March 11, 2025

Cut Weight, Boost Warmth: Big Agnes Retools Bestselling Rapide SL Sleeping Pad (Review)

Big Agnes revamped its Rapide SL Insulated sleeping pad with a new material — claiming it’s warmer, tougher, lighter, and more compact.

Written by Mary Andino October 22, 2024

An Ultralight Tent Without the Ultralight Tradeoffs: NEMO Hornet OSMO 3P Tent Review

The semi-freestanding NEMO Hornet OSMO is very light, but it doesn’t sacrifice livability, storm protection, or the little details.

Written by Bergen Tjossem August 30, 2024

A Backyard to Backcountry Splurge: Big Agnes Mica Basin Chair Review

Have backpacking chairs lost the plot in the race to the bottom? The Big Agnes Mica Basin wouldn’t know — this is a seat after…

Written by Miya Tsudome July 29, 2024

Handmade, 3-Season, Ultralight Sleeping Bag: Western Mountaineering Alpinlite Review

Western Mountaineering makes its bags from scratch, using ultra-high-quality, hand-selected down and minimalist features. The Alpinlite sleeping bag is a perfect example of its high-quality,…

Written by Bergen Tjossem July 26, 2024

No-Frills Alpine Pack Might Be Too Ultralight: Blue Ice Stache 60 Review

The Blue Ice Stache 60 is a sub-1kg ultralight, multiday mountaineering backpack that pares down for versatility in the backcountry.

Written by Bergen Tjossem July 17, 2024

The Pack That Organizes for You: Near Zero ‘DEAN 55’ Backpack Review

Near Zero created a patent-pending compartmentalized backpack organization design that makes packing a cinch and helps prevent you from forgetting the essentials.

Written by Will Brendza July 15, 2024

Fjallraven Kajka 35 Review: Wooden Stays Support This Durable Backpack

The Fjallraven Kajka 35 backpack uses natural material and time-tested design for a stout backpack with a heart of birch.

Written by Nick LeFort July 05, 2024

Collapsible, Cheap, and Tough Enough Traction: Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Trekking Poles Review

The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Trekking Poles stand out as reliable pieces of kit that won’t break your bank account and can be stored away in…

Written by Samuel Martin June 28, 2024

Free Gear Fridays: Win a Stone Glacier Tokeen 2600 Pack

Three lucky winners will receive a Stone Glacier Tokeen 2600 pack this Free Gear Friday.

The Only Outdoor Hats I’ve Ever Loved: Fractel Headwear Review

Fractel’s hats come in a huge variety of styles and colors, and they’re my favorite hats for hiking, backpacking, ski touring, paddling, yard work, and…

Written by Will Brendza May 29, 2024

The Backpacking Luxury Item We Can’t Leave Behind: REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair Review

At only 16 ounces and as small as a Nalgene, the REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair hardly makes a dent in our pack weight, and…

Written by Miya Tsudome May 28, 2024

‘Disturbing and Very Unusual’: Authorities Seek Info in Hunt for Spiked Dog Treat Perpetrator on AT

Dog treats set with big, sharp fishhooks were discovered along a section of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania — the Game Commission is actively investigating…

Written by Will Brendza May 08, 2024

From Skiing to Hiking, One Shell for All Seasons: BEYOND Clothing Drilight Rain Jacket Review

Using upcycled GORE-TEX from its military line and testing in harsh winter and wet conditions, BEYOND Clothing’s Drilight Rain Jacket is a truly four-season shell…

Written by Will Brendza May 06, 2024

The Best Gluten-Free Freeze Dried Meals: Camp Food for Everyone

Increased awareness of gluten-free diets makes backpacking a little easier — and a lot more delicious — for gluten-free eaters.

Written by Steve Larese May 03, 2024

Ditch the Chair, Pack a Camp Stool: Grand Trunk Compass 360 First Look Review

GearJunkie first encountered Grand Trunk’s Compass 360 UC Stool at OR in 2023 — we’ve been eagerly waiting to get our hands on these nifty…

Written by Will Brendza April 25, 2024

Taking the High Routes: Documentary Explores Addictive Nature of Thru-Hiking

Follow three friends as they embark on a 400-mile journey linking several of California’s ‘high routes’ and hike and fish their way through in just…

Written by Will Brendza April 18, 2024

Purified Water on the Go, Just Add Salt: Aqua Research H2gO Global Purifier Review

Instead of carrying a pump or gravity purifier, the H2gO Global from Aqua Research offers a filterless form of chemical purification that you can use…

Written by Nick LeFort April 12, 2024

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