Backpacking

The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

What’s the best ultralight backpack? We interviewed thru-hikers and put several models to the test to find some of the top lightweight hiking backpacks.

Written by Chris Carter, Sean McCoy and Nick Belcaster September 13, 2024

The Best Snowshoes of 2024-2025

After hours of research and months of testing, we found the best snowshoes for every use and budget. And don’t miss our buyer’s guide with…

Written by Austin Beck-Doss and Miya Tsudome September 11, 2024

The Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2024

We tested the best backpacking water filters and purifiers for your next trip into the great outdoors.

Written by Chris Carter, Mary Murphy and Will Brendza September 04, 2024

An Ultralight Tent Without the Ultralight Tradeoffs: NEMO Hornet OSMO 3P Tent Review

The semi-freestanding NEMO Hornet OSMO is very light, but it doesn’t sacrifice livability, storm protection, or the little details.

Written by Bergen Tjossem August 30, 2024

The Best Backpacks of 2024

A backpack isn’t just the bag on your back — it’s a mobile home, a traveling office, and a ticket to see the world. After…

Written by Nick Belcaster August 26, 2024

The Best Camping Cots of 2024

A camping cot can keep you warm, elevated, and comfortable outdoors. Here are the best camping cots currently on the market.

Written by Justin La Vigne and Meghan LaHatte August 26, 2024

The Best Camping Pillows of 2024

A camping pillow is both a luxury and an easy, lightweight addition to your pack. Here are the best camping pillows currently on the market.

Written by Billy Brown and Kylie Mohr August 19, 2024

A Backyard to Backcountry Splurge: Big Agnes Mica Basin Chair Review

Have backpacking chairs lost the plot in the race to the bottom? The Big Agnes Mica Basin wouldn’t know — this is a seat after…

Written by Miya Tsudome July 29, 2024

Handmade, 3-Season, Ultralight Sleeping Bag: Western Mountaineering Alpinlite Review

Western Mountaineering makes its bags from scratch, using ultra-high-quality, hand-selected down and minimalist features. The Alpinlite sleeping bag is a perfect example of its high-quality,…

Written by Bergen Tjossem July 26, 2024

No-Frills Alpine Pack Might Be Too Ultralight: Blue Ice Stache 60 Review

The Blue Ice Stache 60 is a sub-1kg ultralight, multiday mountaineering backpack that pares down for versatility in the backcountry.

Written by Bergen Tjossem July 17, 2024

The Pack That Organizes for You: Near Zero ‘DEAN 55’ Backpack Review

Near Zero created a patent-pending compartmentalized backpack organization design that makes packing a cinch and helps prevent you from forgetting the essentials.

Written by Will Brendza July 15, 2024

Fjallraven Kajka 35 Review: Wooden Stays Support This Durable Backpack

The Fjallraven Kajka 35 backpack uses natural material and time-tested design for a stout backpack with a heart of birch.

Written by Nick LeFort July 05, 2024

Collapsible, Cheap, and Tough Enough Traction: Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Trekking Poles Review

The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Trekking Poles stand out as reliable pieces of kit that won’t break your bank account and can be stored away in…

Written by Samuel Martin June 28, 2024

Free Gear Fridays: Win a Stone Glacier Tokeen 2600 Pack

Three lucky winners will receive a Stone Glacier Tokeen 2600 pack this Free Gear Friday.

The Only Outdoor Hats I’ve Ever Loved: Fractel Headwear Review

Fractel’s hats come in a huge variety of styles and colors, and they’re my favorite hats for hiking, backpacking, ski touring, paddling, yard work, and…

Written by Will Brendza May 29, 2024

The Backpacking Luxury Item We Can’t Leave Behind: REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair Review

At only 16 ounces and as small as a Nalgene, the REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair hardly makes a dent in our pack weight, and…

Written by Miya Tsudome May 28, 2024

The Best Hiking Shoes of 2024

We tested and ranked the best hiking shoes for men and women for 2024, including top picks from Salomon, Merrell, SCARPA, and more.

Written by Chris Carter, Austin Beck-Doss and Nick LeFort May 17, 2024

The Best Backpacking Tents of 2024

Whether you’re looking to spend 100 nights on the trail or stick to a tight budget, we’ve found the best backpacking tents of 2024.

Written by Sean McCoy and Chris Carter May 14, 2024

‘Disturbing and Very Unusual’: Authorities Seek Info in Hunt for Spiked Dog Treat Perpetrator on AT

Dog treats set with big, sharp fishhooks were discovered along a section of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania — the Game Commission is actively investigating…

Written by Will Brendza May 08, 2024

From Skiing to Hiking, One Shell for All Seasons: BEYOND Clothing Drilight Rain Jacket Review

Using upcycled GORE-TEX from its military line and testing in harsh winter and wet conditions, BEYOND Clothing’s Drilight Rain Jacket is a truly four-season shell…

Written by Will Brendza May 06, 2024

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2024

We tested and review the best sleeping pads for backpacking in 2024. Whether you need an ultralight mat or more insulation, we’ve got it.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss and Chris Carter May 03, 2024

The Best Gluten-Free Freeze Dried Meals: Camp Food for Everyone

Increased awareness of gluten-free diets makes backpacking a little easier — and a lot more delicious — for gluten-free eaters.

Written by Steve Larese May 03, 2024

Ditch the Chair, Pack a Camp Stool: Grand Trunk Compass 360 First Look Review

GearJunkie first encountered Grand Trunk’s Compass 360 UC Stool at OR in 2023 — we’ve been eagerly waiting to get our hands on these nifty…

Written by Will Brendza April 25, 2024

Taking the High Routes: Documentary Explores Addictive Nature of Thru-Hiking

Follow three friends as they embark on a 400-mile journey linking several of California’s ‘high routes’ and hike and fish their way through in just…

Written by Will Brendza April 18, 2024

Purified Water on the Go, Just Add Salt: Aqua Research H2gO Global Purifier Review

Instead of carrying a pump or gravity purifier, the H2gO Global from Aqua Research offers a filterless form of chemical purification that you can use…

Written by Nick LeFort April 12, 2024

Kick Off Camping: Free Entry at All National Parks on April 20

National Parks Week kicks off with a free entry day, and extends to April 28 with events, themed days, and volunteer opportunities.

Written by Will Brendza April 11, 2024

11 Ounces, 1,300 Gallons: LifeSaver Wayfarer Packable Water Purifier Review

Unlike other filters on the market, the LifeSaver Wayfarer blocks viruses from passing through its hollow fiber membrane filters — it’s rated to one of the…

Written by Will Brendza April 10, 2024

Backpack Solar Panel Charges While You Hike: Pale Blue Earth Approach Solar Panel Review

Pale Blue Earth really surprised me with its first try at a solar panel product — one that’s designed even better than its competition.

Written by Mary Murphy April 05, 2024

The Best Backpacking Chairs of 2024

Planning to hit the trails but don’t want to sacrifice comfort at camp? Invest in a backpacking chair.

Written by Miya Tsudome and Mary Murphy April 04, 2024

The Best Ultralight Tents of 2024

To pinpoint the hardiest, sturdiest, and lightest backpacking tents, we gathered sage advice from thru-hikers who’ve tracked the toughest, longest miles with their gear.

Written by Chris Carter and Morgan Tilton April 04, 2024

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