Backpacks Osprey Exos 58 Review: The 2 lb 13 oz Pack That Carries 35 lb The Exos 58 is a real frame and a ventilated back at 2 lb 13.4 oz, for 25 to 35 lb loads. Buy it in that window; skip it for ultralight kits or heavy hauls. By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read
Trail Guides Appalachian Trail: A Backpacker's Full-Trail Planning Guide Full-trail planning guide for the Appalachian Trail's 2,190+ miles from Georgia to Maine. Permits, ten contiguous sections, resupply, transport, gear, budget, and Helene recovery. By Brooke Wilder • 22 min read
Backpacks Osprey Atmos AG 65 vs Atmos AG LT 65 vs Gregory Paragon 60 vs Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60: Best Multi-Day Backpack, Compared Four current multi-day packs, one clear winner per buyer type. Fit first, then load. Weights and prices dated and sourced. By Brooke Wilder • 10 min read
ultralight-tents Lunar Solo vs Lunar Duo Outfitter vs Lanshan 1 vs Lanshan 2: Best Trekking Pole Tents You Can Buy in 2026 The best trekking pole tents you can actually buy today: Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo and Lunar Duo Outfitter lead the list, with the 3F UL Gear Lanshan 1 and 2 as the budget bets. By Brooke Wilder • 12 min read
Satellite Communicators Garmin inReach Mini 3 Review The tiny Garmin inReach Mini 3 packs two-way satellite messaging, interactive SOS, and reliable Iridium coverage into 4.31 ounces. Worth it for remote or solo hiking? By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read
Backpacks Gregory Paragon 60 vs Osprey Atmos AG LT 65 vs Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60: Pick by Pack Style Three very different pack approaches that serve completely different backpackers. Here is how to pick yours. By Brooke Wilder • 10 min read
Backpacking Stoves MSR Switch Stove System Review: Worth It for Real Trail Cooking? The MSR Switch is a 13.8 oz system stove that can also simmer and take your own pots. Buy it if you cook; skip it if you only boil water. By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read
Backpacking Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking Guide A reservation-first plan for a 22-mile Smokies backpacking route from Newfound Gap to Icewater Spring and Pecks Corner shelters. By Brooke Wilder • 11 min read
Backpacking Tents NEMO Dragonfly OSMO Bikepack 2P Review NEMO Dragonfly Bikepack OSMO 2P review: 3 lb 12 oz, a bar bag that finally works, and a near-twin rival from Big Agnes. Who should buy it. By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read
Trails Hoh River Trail to the Lateral Moraine Viewpoint: Trip Planning Guide A 37-mile out-and-back from Olympic's Hoh rainforest to the non-glacier Lateral Moraine viewpoint above Blue Glacier, with permits, camps, hazards, and itineraries. By Brooke Wilder • 13 min read
Sleeping Pads Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT vs NEMO Tensor All-Season The XTherm NXT brings more insulation margin. The Tensor All-Season gives side sleepers a quieter, roomier bed. Here is how to choose based on the trips you actually take. By Brooke Wilder • 6 min read
Sleeping Pads NEMO Tensor Elite Sleeping Pad Review NEMO Tensor Elite review: 8.5 oz, 3 inches, R-2.4. What OutdoorGearLab and CleverHiker found, and the warmth-per-ounce math that decides it. By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read
