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.

Sun Hoodies

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie Review: UPF 15 Sun Protection at 5.29 Ounces

The Echo Hoodie weighs 5.29 oz and is rated UPF 15 to 20. It's one of the most breathable sun hoodies reviewers have tested, and it lets through about three times the UV of a UPF 50 shirt.

By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read

Backpacks

Osprey Aether 65 Review: 4.9 lb of Load Hauler, and Who Should Skip It

The Aether 65 weighs 4.919 lb by Osprey's figure and is rated to 60 lb. The math on what that costs you at 30 lb is the whole review.

By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read

Backpacks

Osprey Rook 65 Review: The Budget Pack That Does Most of an Atmos

The Rook 65 is a 3.7 lb budget pack with a mesh back panel and a rain cover in the box. Buy it for 30-40 lb trips; skip it for heavier loads.

By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read

Sleeping Pads

Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Review: The Most Comfortable Pad I've Read About, at a Price in Ounces

The NeoLoft is the most comfortable backpacking pad in the reviews I read, at about 25 oz. Buy it if you sleep on your side; skip it if you count grams or camp on snow.

By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read

ultralight-tents

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Review: 26 Ounces, 26 Square Feet, One Catch

The Lunar Solo is 26 oz for 26.25 sq ft, and the scales agree with the maker. Buy it for solo trips in dry country; condensation and the pitch are the catch.

By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read

Backpacking Stoves

Best Lightweight Backpacking Stoves for 2026

Five lightweight backpacking stoves across canister, integrated, and windproof designs, ranked by weight, boil time, wind behavior, and fuel efficiency with a pick for each trip type.

By Brooke Wilder • 10 min read

headlamps

Best Headlamps for Backpacking 2026

Five current generation headlamps, matched to the trips you actually take: a balanced all-rounder, a waterproof wet-weather pick, a long-endurance color accurate lamp, a high-output trail runner, and a proven budget buy.

By Brooke Wilder • 10 min read

Guides

Essential Backpacking Gear for Solo Female Travelers

A practical, no-nonsense kit for the woman backpacking alone: satellite communication, spray you can legally carry, door locks and alarms that do a real job, theft-proof organization, and a headlamp you can trust in the dark.

By Brooke Wilder • 10 min read

Guides

Backpacking with a Partner: How to Plan Your First Trip Together

Plan your first backpacking trip with a partner without the predictable fights: pick a route you can both enjoy, split the gear fairly, set the pace around the slower feet, and tell someone where you're going.

By Brooke Wilder • 7 min read

camping-chairs

Helinox Chair Zero vs Naturehike YL08 vs ONETIGRIS Tigerblade: Which Ultralight Camping Chair Should You Carry?

Three packable camp chairs from value clone to proven original. Which one earns its weight in your pack depends on how much comfort you need and how much weight you are willing to carry.

By Brooke Wilder • 10 min read

ultralight-tents

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 vs NEMO Dragonfly OSMO vs Tiger Wall UL2 vs Hornet OSMO 1P: The Best Ultralight Backpacking Tents of 2026

Copper Spur UL2, Dragonfly OSMO, Tiger Wall UL2, Fly Creek UL1 and Hornet OSMO 1P compared on weight, space, setup, storm readiness and price. Different hikers walk away with different winners.

By Brooke Wilder • 10 min read

Hiking Boots

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX vs Merrell Moab 3 WP: Which Hiking Boot Should You Buy?

The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX and Merrell Moab 3 WP are two of the most popular hiking footwear choices on the trail. This comparison covers fit, weight, traction, waterproofing, and value to help you decide.

By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read