Reviews

Single-product reviews: what's worth knowing, who it's for.

Newest Top picks Under $200

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie Review: UPF 15 Sun Protection at 5.29 Ounces

The Echo Hoodie weighs 5.29 oz and is rated UPF 15 to 20. It's one of the most breathable sun hoodies reviewers have tested, and it lets through about three times the UV of a UPF 50 shirt.

Brooke Wilder 9 min read

Backpacks

Osprey Aether 65 Review: 4.9 lb of Load Hauler, and Who Should Skip It

The Aether 65 weighs 4.919 lb by Osprey's figure and is rated to 60 lb. The math on what that costs you at 30 lb is the whole review.

Brooke Wilder 9 min read

Backpacks

Osprey Rook 65 Review: The Budget Pack That Does Most of an Atmos

The Rook 65 is a 3.7 lb budget pack with a mesh back panel and a rain cover in the box. Buy it for 30-40 lb trips; skip it for heavier loads.

Brooke Wilder 8 min read

Sleeping Pads

Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Review: The Most Comfortable Pad I've Read About, at a Price in Ounces

The NeoLoft is the most comfortable backpacking pad in the reviews I read, at about 25 oz. Buy it if you sleep on your side; skip it if you count grams or camp on snow.

Brooke Wilder 9 min read

ultralight-tents

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Review: 26 Ounces, 26 Square Feet, One Catch

The Lunar Solo is 26 oz for 26.25 sq ft, and the scales agree with the maker. Buy it for solo trips in dry country; condensation and the pitch are the catch.

Brooke Wilder 9 min read

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.

Brooke Wilder 9 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?

Brooke Wilder 8 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.

Brooke Wilder 9 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.

Brooke Wilder 8 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.

Brooke Wilder 8 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.

Dhaval Parekh 8 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.

Brooke Wilder 8 min read

Get one honest gear take every Friday.

One email a week: new reviews, one gear pick with my reasoning, and nothing sponsored. Confirm your address and you get my printable 2-page backpacking gear checklist.

You'll get a confirmation link first, and nothing else arrives until you click it. Every email has a one-click unsubscribe. How your email is handled