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.
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
Best Backpacking Quilts: What to Buy and What to Avoid
Backpacking quilts are lighter than mummy bags and sleep warmer in most conditions, but only if you know how to buy one. The market is full of temperature ratings that do not mean the same thing across brands, footbox options that matter only in specific conditions, and no standard for comparison ac
