Hiking Gear
Thoughtful packing lists, detailed gear reviews, gift guides, and other helpful advice about hiking and backpacking gear.
Helpful Hiking Resources
Best Hiking & Backpacking Gear of 2025
Day Hiking Checklist
Ultralight Backpacking Gear List
How to Meal Plan for Backpacking
Best Gifts for Hikers
Complete Hiking & Backpacking Resources Guide
7.8 lb Ultralight Backpacking Gear List | 2026 Optimal Setup
Last Updated: August 15, 2026 I’ve spent several years and thousands of miles on the trail earning my stripes as a backpacker, and I’m here to share my 2026 ultralight backpacking gear list with you. Because the gear you bring along can decide the fate of your backpacking trip. Believe me, I’ve overpacked and returned … Read more
Backpack Fabrics: Understanding Nylon, Canvas, DCF & More
Last Updated: August 25, 2024 Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the different backpack fabrics and materials that make up modern-day bags. We’ll start by looking at the most popular synthetic fabrics on the market: nylon (Ripstop, Ballistic, Cordura, and Robic), polyester, neoprene, Dyneema/DCF, ULTRA, X-Pac, and ECOPAK. After that, we’ll look at tried-and-true … Read more
Colorado Trail Gear List (Checklist + Tips for CT Thru-Hikers)
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 Hiking the Colorado Trail is no easy feat, so you must assemble a lightweight and functional gear list for your 2025 thru-hike, backpacking trip, or section hike. Dialing in your ideal setup is essential, so get prepared well before arriving at the trailhead. In this post, I’ll give you an … Read more
Zpacks 8.5’ x 10’ Tarp Review: The Ultralight Tarp to Carry?
Last Updated: August 8, 2025 My favorite hammock tarp is the Zpacks 8.5′ x 10′ Flat Tarp, a top choice for ultralight enthusiasts in search of single-digit base pack weights. It’s light and versatile enough that I take it everywhere, including day hikes and car camping trips. I mostly use tarps as hammock rain covers, … Read more
Zpacks Offset Trio Review: A Stellar 3-Person UL Shelter?
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 Zpacks’ ultralight tents have long reigned supreme in the backpacking shelter world. But rather than resting on their laurels, the good folks at Zpacks have continued to raise the bar with their recently released Offset Duo and, now, the three-person Offset Trio, which I was recently able to test out … Read more
Zpacks Triplex Review: A Formidable 3-Person Backpacking Tent?
Last Updated: August 18, 2025 I welcomed the chance to review the Zpacks Triplex ultralight backpacking tent. Its versatile trekking pole setup and Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) make it one of the lightest, thinnest, and most reliable tents for staying dry and out of the elements. Here’s my in-depth look at its features, specifications, setup, … Read more
Best Hiking Underwear for Men & Women in 2025
Last Updated: August 19, 2025 Upon walking into an REI, it’s easy to get dazzled by all the big, shiny items on display, such as packs, trekking poles, and tents. But don’t overlook that humble but crucial piece of gear — your hiking underwear. Sure, your favorite cotton undies will do for a short jaunt … Read more
59 Unique Gift Ideas for Hikers & Backpackers in 2025
Last Updated: August 21, 2025 It isn’t easy to buy gifts for hikers and backpackers. I get it. We’re a gear-hungry bunch who spend far too much of our free time searching for products that’ll take our trail game to the next level. Buying something for an avid hiker that’s unique and worthwhile can get … Read more
11 Best Ultralight Tents for Backpacking & Thru-Hiking
Last Updated: August 19, 2025 Gone are the days of toting bulky six-pound Eureka tents around the woods — backpacking shelters today save hikers every possible ounce. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide on the best ultralight tent for your next backpacking or thru-hiking trip. Your tent … Read more
13 Waterproof Backpacks to Keep Your Gear Dry in 2025
Last Updated: August 19, 2025 Ever hiked in the pouring rain, eager to change into the dry clothes inside your pack, only to find out they were soaking wet when you finished? We sure have, which is why we created this list of the 13 best waterproof backpacks of 2025. These weatherproof packs will keep … Read more
7 Best Ditty Bags to Stash Gear (Backpacking & Travel)
Last Updated: August 19, 2025 Careful packing and storage planning is a big part of travel and backpacking, so check out the best ditty bags on the market today. I have a whole bunch of little peripherals I like to bring with me while out on an adventure, and I’m sure you do too. So, … Read more
16 Stellar Hiking Hats for Men, Women & Hikers of All Stripes
Last Updated: August 19, 2025 If you hit the trail without a proper hiking hat, what’s your plan? Will you trudge through the wilderness like a masochist as the sun beats down on your face without mercy? Are you going to squint, grimace, and shield your eyes from the harsh UV rays as you pray … Read more
12 Best Minimalist Barefoot Sandals for Running & Hiking
Last Updated: August 21, 2025 I’ve been searching for a more minimalist approach to footwear for years since I bought my first Vibram Five Finger style back in 2005. From my years of research, I’ve put together my list of the best minimalist barefoot running sandals for men and women. What are minimalist barefoot sandals? … Read more
Patagonia R1 Regulator Fleece Pullover Hoody Review
Last Updated: August 19, 2025 Price: $159 MSRP – Check Price on REI | Backcountry | Patagonia Connor’s Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars Pros: Comfortable, versatile, easy to layer with Cons: Not very weather-resistant, not super packable Weight: 11 oz | 312 grams Women’s Model: R1 Pullover Lighter Option: Patagonia R1 Air Crew – … Read more
14 Hiking & Backpacking Essentials (Best Gear of 2025)
Last Updated: August 21, 2025 If you’re on a quest for hiking and backpacking essentials — the best gear, clothing, gadgets, and accessories of 2025 — you’ve come to the right place. Why? Because I’m a hopeless ultralight hiking and backpacking junkie, and I’m itching to nerd out over my 14 all-time favorite pieces of … Read more
Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review: THE Ultralight Solution?
Last Updated: August 19, 2025 Price: $199 MSRP – Check Price on Montbell Noel’s Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars Pros: Lightweight, packable, full-featured, great fit, breathable Cons: Wets out after long rain exposure, pricey Weight: 6.4 oz | 182 grams Women’s Model: Versalite Jacket Lighter Option: Enlightened Equipment Visp – 4.9 oz | 140 grams … Read more
10-lb Budget Backpacking Gear Kit for Cheap [~$500]
Last Updated: August 19, 2025 Quality backpacking gear has a reputation for being pricy, but I’m here to show you that it’s possible to put together an affordable setup on a $500 budget. Yes, you can get your hands on a brand-new backpacking gear kit with a 10-pound base weight without having to max out … Read more
Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka Hands-On Review
Last Updated: August 19, 2024 Price: $439 MSRP – Check Price on Montbell Noel’s Rating: 4.6 of 5 stars Pros: Extremely warm and lightweight, very comfortable, full set of features Cons: Not very water-resistant, slightly delicate, expensive Weight: 8.4 oz Women’s Model: Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka Lighter Option: Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Jacket: 4.8 oz Budget … Read more
What to Bring on a Hike (10 Essentials + Full Checklist)
Last Updated: August 19, 2025 Okay, I’ll admit it: years ago, I would never have been qualified to tell you what to bring on a hike. I used to set off on trails completely unprepared for the twists and turns that lay ahead. I’ve left my rain jacket in my car, and hiked unsuspectingly into … Read more
Montbell Women’s Permafrost Light Down Parka Review
Last Updated: August 23, 2024 Price: $279 MSRP – Check Price on Montbell Keri’s Rating: 4.8 of 5 stars Pros: Great weight to warmth ratio; practically waterproof; extremely comfortable Cons: No internal zippered pockets; a tad bulky for ultralight backpacking Weight: 13.8 oz Men’s Model: Permafrost Light Down Parka Lighter Option: Alpine Light Down Parka: 12 oz … Read more