Satellite Communicators Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs Mini 3: Is the Upgrade Worth It? The Mini 3 brings a much better screen, tougher ratings, and more navigation capacity. The Mini 2 keeps the same core safety jobs for less. By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read
Backpacking Stoves Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System Review Jetboil MiniMo review: the integrated stove that simmers, top fuel efficiency in OutdoorGearLab's test, 14.6 oz. Now an outgoing model, and what to buy. By Dhaval Parekh • 8 min read
Trails Rae Lakes Loop: A Backpacker's Trip Planning Guide Planning the Rae Lakes Loop? Here's the honest read on permits, seasonal hazards, camps, bear-can rules, and how to choose between the Woods Creek and Bubbs Creek directions. By Brooke Wilder • 30 min read
Trail Guides John Muir Trail: A Safety-First Planning Guide Plan the John Muir Trail with verified permit, resupply, weather, altitude, and safety guidance for a Sierra thru-hike. By Brooke Wilder • 29 min read
camping-chairs Helinox Chair Zero Review: Is It Worth Carrying? The Helinox Chair Zero is a real seat for 17-18.5 oz. Worth it if you linger at camp; the 9 in seat height and soft ground are the catch. By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read
Backpacking Stoves MSR WindBurner Personal Stove System Review: Built for Wind, Not Flexibility MSR WindBurner Personal review: 15.3 oz, top wind and fuel scores in OutdoorGearLab's test, mostly boil-only. The fuel math, and who should skip it. By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read
Backpacking Stoves SOTO WindMaster Review The SOTO WindMaster is a 3.0 oz canister stove that keeps boiling in wind and simmers better than its rivals. Buy it if you cook; skip it if you only boil water. By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read
Sleeping Bags Best Winter Backpacking Sleeping Pads These four insulated pads solve different winter backpacking problems, from safest all-around warmth to comfort-first cold-weather sleep and better value. By Brooke Wilder • 6 min read
Sleeping Bags Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags for Backpacking My picks for the best ultralight backpacking sleeping bag start with the Sea to Summit Spark 15 and Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20. Read the comfort rating first. By Brooke Wilder • 7 min read
Ultralight Packs 3F UL Gear Qidian Pro Review: Half-Price Ultralight, Half-Measure Comfort The Qidian Pro is a 31 oz frameless pack for $100-115, with an honest spec and tough fabric. Comfort is the catch, and OutdoorGearLab doesn't recommend it. By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read
bear-canisters Best Bear Canisters for Backpacking The best bear canister is the one your destination accepts. Start with the agency list, then choose the right volume, weight, and lid for your trip. By Brooke Wilder • 10 min read
Trail Guides Lost Coast Trail Backpacking Guide A tide-first guide to the Lost Coast Trail from Mattole Beach to Black Sands Beach, with permits, hazards, and route-planning basics. By Brooke Wilder • 28 min read
