Sleeping Pads Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review: The Three-Season Benchmark NeoAir XLite NXT review: 13 oz, R-4.5, 3 inches and 83% quieter, per Therm-a-Rest. What three reviewers found, and the ounces-per-R math. By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read
Backpacks Gregory Baltoro 65 Review: Heavy Loads, Heavy Pack The Baltoro 65 carries heavy loads with rotating straps, a big hipbelt and pockets everywhere. It weighs 5 lb 4 oz in a Large. Buy it if you haul heavy. Skip it if you count ounces. By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read
Sleeping Bags Western Mountaineering UltraLite Review UltraLite review: 29 oz of 850+ down. Maker rating 20°F; EN comfort 24.8°F, lower limit 14°F. Who should buy it, and who should skip it. By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read
Backpacking Stoves MSR PocketRocket 2 Review The PocketRocket 2 is a 2.6 oz canister stove with 4,299 Amazon ratings at 4.8 stars. It simmers, it's quick in still air, and it has no igniter. By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read
Trail Runners Altra Lone Peak 8 Review Altra's roomiest toe box, 0 mm drop, 10.7 oz by Altra's figure. Buy it if you're already in zero drop; skip it if you're new to it or need a long-lasting sole. By Brooke Wilder • 8 min read
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 • 11 min read
Trail Guide Appalachian Trail Virginia: Damascus to Harpers Ferry Planning Guide Virginia holds a quarter of the Appalachian Trail: 556 miles from Damascus to Harpers Ferry. Permits, the 2026 detours, water, mileage by section, resupply, gear and the Virginia Blues, checked October 17, 2026. By Brooke Wilder • 63 min read
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
Hiking Boots Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX Review Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX review: 1 lb 15 oz a pair, a 5.25-inch flood height and regular laces. What three reviews found. By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read
Backpacks Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Review The Mariposa 60 earned OutdoorGearLab's top comfort score and has seven outside pockets. Here's where its load ceiling sits, and who should pick a framed pack instead. By Brooke Wilder • 9 min read
Trail Guides PCT Washington: White Pass to Stevens Pass (Sections I and J) About 169 miles of Washington PCT, split at Snoqualmie Pass. Free permits, one resupply, and three things that decide the trip: fire closures, spring fords and two dry stretches. By Brooke Wilder • 51 min read
Backpacks Osprey Atmos AG 65 Review: Who It's Right For (and Who Should Look Elsewhere) The Atmos AG 65 is the cool-back pack for 30 to 40 lb loads, at 4.6 lb. Buy it for warm, conventional trips; skip it for ultralight kits or loads above 50 lb. By Brooke Wilder • 10 min read
