Best for Backpacking (Page 2)

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX vs Altra Lone Peak 8: Waterproof Boot or Zero-Drop Trail Runner

Hiking Boots

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX vs Altra Lone Peak 8: Waterproof Boot or Zero-Drop Trail Runner

The Salomon wins for wet protection and support. The Lone Peak wins for adapted zero-drop hikers who want less foot weight and faster drying.

By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read

Kings Canyon and Sequoia Backpacking Guide

Backpacking

Kings Canyon and Sequoia Backpacking Guide

A practical backpacker's guide to Kings Canyon and Sequoia, including permits, zones, Rae Lakes, Mineral King, season timing, bear canisters, and current 2026 conditions.

By Brooke Wilder • 10 min read

Best Backpacking Quilts: What to Buy and What to Avoid

Backpacking Quilts

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

By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read

Jetboil Flash 1.0L Review

Backpacking Stoves

Jetboil Flash 1.0L Review

Boils 0.5L in about 120 seconds. The Flash is the buy for weekend backpackers who want hot water fast without fuss. Know the simmer limitation before you buy.

By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Review: The Roomiest Freestanding UL 2P Tent at Its Weight

Backpacking Tents

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Review: The Roomiest Freestanding UL 2P Tent at Its Weight

The Copper Spur UL2 offers more interior space and independent entry than most freestanding 2P UL rivals at this weight. Strong buy for two-person shared use; not for solo backpackers or weight-first buyers.

By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review: The Three-Season Benchmark

Sleeping Pads

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review: The Three-Season Benchmark

The warmth-to-weight benchmark for three-season backpackers, with meaningful NXT improvements and 8,000+ miles of proven durability.

By Brooke Wilder • 7 min read

Gregory Baltoro 65 Review: The Expedition Pack That Earns Its Weight

Backpacks

Gregory Baltoro 65 Review: The Expedition Pack That Earns Its Weight

The Baltoro 65 delivers class-leading load transfer and hipbelt comfort for heavy expedition loads. The weight penalty and warm back panel are real costs. For anyone carrying 35+ pounds regularly, it is the standard to beat.

By Brooke Wilder • 6 min read

Western Mountaineering UltraLite Review

Sleeping Bags

Western Mountaineering UltraLite Review

Best warmth-to-weight 20°F bag for warm sleepers. OGL top pick for colder 3-season conditions. Pass if you sleep cold, camp in wet climates, or need a budget option.

By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read

MSR PocketRocket 2 Review

Backpacking Stoves

MSR PocketRocket 2 Review

The industry-standard ultralight canister stove for 3-season solo hikers who know its wind and cold trade-offs and plan accordingly.

By Brooke Wilder • 7 min read

Altra Lone Peak 8 Review

Trail Runners

Altra Lone Peak 8 Review

Zero-drop, wide, 10.2 oz. The LP8 is the benchmark for fast-packers already in zero-drop shoes. Clear buy for that buyer; hard skip for beginners or loads over 30 lb.

By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read

Best Backpacking Sun Hoodies 2026

Sun Hoodies

Best Backpacking Sun Hoodies 2026

Four UPF-rated sun hoodies compared by fiber type, price, and use case. Natural fiber vs. synthetic for thru-hikers, weekenders, and desert hikers.

By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read

Appalachian Trail Virginia: Damascus to Harpers Ferry

Trail Guide

Appalachian Trail Virginia: Damascus to Harpers Ferry

Virginia spans 26% of the Appalachian Trail. Here is the complete section-by-section planning guide from Damascus to Harpers Ferry, covering Grayson Highlands, the Triple Crown, and Shenandoah.

By Brooke Wilder • 44 min read