Brooke Wilder
Brooke Wilder is the gear editor at Best for Backpacking, the named editorial persona we publish our research under. She synthesizes manufacturer specs, independent lab tests, long-term owner reports, and editorial reviews.
Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
The right ultralight sleeping bag is not just the lightest mummy bag you can find. It is the one whose comfort rating, fit, down fill, and shell fabric match the nights you actually expect. This guide is for backpackers who already want a sleeping bag instead of a quilt, but still want to cut weight
Sleeping Bag vs Quilt for Backpacking: Which Sleep System Fits You?
A quilt is not just a lighter sleeping bag with the back removed. It asks more from your sleeping pad, your head insulation, and your tolerance for drafts. This guide is for the hiker still choosing the system, not the person already shopping quilt models.
Vermont Long Trail: The Complete Thru-Hiker's Guide
The Vermont Long Trail runs the length of Vermont along the main ridge of the Green Mountains, from the Massachusetts border to the Canadian border. It is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States and the Green Mountain Club is still the route's central steward. The Appalachian Trai