Best for Backpacking (Page 4)

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 • 9 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

Osprey Atmos AG 65 vs Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60: Full Suspension or Light Carry

Backpacks

Osprey Atmos AG 65 vs Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60: Full Suspension or Light Carry

The Atmos AG 65 hauls 30 to 50 lb loads with Osprey's Anti-Gravity suspension. The Mariposa 60 weighs roughly a third as much and targets ultralight hikers carrying under 25 lb. Here's when each one is the right answer.

By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Review

Hiking Boots

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Review

One of the best waterproof mid hikers at its price. Delivers Gore-Tex protection and confident traction in a light package suited to most day hikers and weekend backpackers. Narrow fit and QuickLace durability are the only meaningful limits.

By Brooke Wilder • 7 min read

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Review

Backpacks

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Review

A rare ultralight pack that does not skimp on organization. Built for 20-30 lb thru-hiking loads, the Mariposa 60 pairs hipbelt pockets and a useful pocket layout with a sub-2-lb carry. Hard to beat in its weight class.

By Brooke Wilder • 7 min read

PCT Washington: White Pass to Stevens Pass (Sections I and J)

Trail Guides

PCT Washington: White Pass to Stevens Pass (Sections I and J)

The stretch of Pacific Crest Trail from White Pass to Stevens Pass covers roughly 170 miles of Washington's most varied high-country terrain. This is two full PCT sections end to end: Section I from White Pass to Snoqualmie Pass (about 98-99 miles), and Section J from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass

By Brooke Wilder • 31 min read

Osprey Atmos AG 65 Review: Who It's Right For (and Who Should Look Elsewhere)

Backpacks

Osprey Atmos AG 65 Review: Who It's Right For (and Who Should Look Elsewhere)

The Atmos AG 65 puts its engineering into back ventilation: the AG mesh keeps air moving between your back and the pack body all day. It carries 30-50 lb loads well. The trade-off is real weight, around 5 lbs for S/M.

By Brooke Wilder • 10 min read