Winter Backpacking Packs are more specialized than regular three-season backpacks, with a stronger emphasis on carrying heavier weight loads, external attachment points, and durability for handling bulky gear with sharp points, such as snowshoes, skis, ice axes, and crampons. They also favor more pockets and the ability to access and put away gear quickly, so …

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Many ultralight sleeping bags are as lightweight as backpacking quilts, making them a viable component in an ultralight backpacking sleep system. Sleeping bags also have the advantage over quilts in that they are draft-free because they can be zippered closed at night and have no pad attachment straps to mess around with in the dark. …

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If you’re a beginner hiker, what day-hiking gear do you need to get started? That’s a question I’m frequently asked. The truth is, you don’t need much, especially if you stick to the local trails in your town or those in a nearby state park, where you might want to only get out for a …

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The LifeStraw Peak Series Solo is a compact, ultralight water filter designed for hikers, trail runners, bikepackers, and anyone who wants a tiny water filter in their kit. The Solo takes the proven LifeStraw membrane technology and wraps it in a pocket-friendly form factor that pairs with standard 28mm bottle threads. Weight (dry): 1.7 oz …

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The Petzl Actik Core Headlamp is a high-powered 625 lumen dual power headlamp loaded with easy-to-use, intuitive features, including a single button control, a red light to preserve night vision, a battery meter, and an electronic lock to prevent accidental battery drain. It’s also a dual power headlamp that comes with a removable USB-C compatible …

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A down jacket has multiple uses on a hiking or backpacking gear list. It can be used as an insulating midlayer on its own or under a shell, as a warm outer jacket when you’re less active in camp, or as an adjunct to your sleeping bag/quilt at night. When it comes to hiking or …

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Here are 15 detailed tips to help you reduce your backpacking gear weight without compromising safety. Many require giving up some creature comforts, but that’s the price you pay to become an ultralight backpacker. 1. Choose Lightweight Gear The biggest gains in reducing gear weight come from selecting lighter gear. You’ll get the largest saving …

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The Lite Werks Daily Dose 55L is an ultralight rolltop backpack weighing 2lb 11 oz, ideal for carrying heavier loads, hauling multisport gear, or foreign travel, where its extra internal and external pockets help keep your documents and maps organized and accessible. It’s made with abrasion-resistant and waterproof Ultra fabrics for extra durability and comes …

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Trekking poles have become essential gear for many hikers, backpackers, and walkers. They can be a game-changer for stability, joint health, and comfort on the trail. However, they’re not for everyone, and the numerous types, including folding and telescoping options, along with various grip choices, can make shopping overwhelming. Here’s a detailed look at the …

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Summer sausage is a type of cured, fermented, and smoked sausage traditionally made from a mixture of beef and pork. It originated in Germany and Eastern Europe, and became popular in the United States, especially for its long shelf life without refrigeration. The name “summer sausage” comes from its ability to be stored and consumed …

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Hiking is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience nature, relieve stress, and stay fit. For people with arthritis, the idea of hitting the trail can seem daunting. Chronic joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue can make even daily activities challenging—so how can hiking be possible, let alone enjoyable? The good news is that with …

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The MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 is a freestanding double-wall two-person tent that weighs 3 lbs (48 oz). It has a rectangular footprint, which makes it easier to orient when camping and provides more interior space than tents with tapered floors. The Hubba Hubba has undergone many iterations over the years – I think this …

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Load lifters are adjustable straps that connect the upper part of the backpack’s shoulder straps to the top of the pack’s frame or back panel. If you look at a backpacking pack, you’ll usually see them angling up from the shoulders toward the top corners of the pack. These straps might seem minor, but their …

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As we age, hiking and backpacking remain wonderful ways to stay active, connect with nature, and enjoy life’s adventures. However, older hikers face unique challenges that require thoughtful adjustments to ensure safety, comfort, and enjoyment on the trail. This article provides advanced tips specifically designed for older hikers and backpackers, focusing on key areas such …

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Hiking blisters, athlete’s foot, broken toenails, and plantar fasciitis can be easily avoided or alleviated by using and carrying a small set of trail-proven foot care aids.  As Leonardo Da Vinci wrote, “the human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art,” but like all hiking gear, you need to take care …

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When it comes to backpacking and hiking, food choice is crucial. You want meals that are lightweight, easy to pack and prepare, nutritious, and tasty. Two popular preservation methods for backpacking food are freeze-drying and dehydration. While both remove moisture to extend shelf life and reduce weight, they differ significantly in processing, texture, nutrition, and …

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The best two-person backpacking tents weigh three pounds or less. Since you have to carry your tent when backpacking, weight is a very important consideration, but there are others as well, including: cost, the number of doors and vestibules, its dimensions, whether the interior stays dry when set up in the rain, and whether the …

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Cheese is a classic backpacking food. It’s calorie-dense, packs protein and fat for energy, and brings a touch of luxury to trail meals. But not all cheeses are equally suited for the rigors of backpacking. The best cheese for your trip offers a balance of high caloric content, good preservation, and enjoyable taste—even after days …

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Suspended-mesh backpacks (also called trampoline backpacks or ventilated backpacks) have a large gap behind the mesh that encourages airflow to help your shirt dry faster if you perspire. They’re much more comfortable than conventional backpacks when hiking in hot and humid weather or carrying a heavy load. They’re one of the most sought-after backpack features …

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Getting over the fear of camping alone is a major rite of passage for many backpackers. I think we all get a little pensive about the noises we hear around our campsites at night. Here are 10 easy ways to put that fear behind you if you find you need or want to camp alone. …

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