Backpacking Reviews
We put the top brands to the test: Salomon, Garmin, Scarpa, Merrell, Keen, The North Face and Patagonia.
Exploring Colorado's Rocky Mountain wilderness with the Aura AG 50.
Credit: Briana Valorosi
Backpacking in your future? Our team of backcountry experts has been taking notes on the best backpacking gear for over 14 years. Our process: we purchase the top 10-20 products in each category (like our top backpacking tents and sleeping pad reviews) and then we send them into the field. After months of use and abuse, in a wide range of conditions, we rate and score how each product performed. Next, we make recommendations and give awards. If you are looking for the lightest load possible, check our our ultralight backpacking section. Whether you dream of hitting the trail with one of our favorite backpacking packs, a pair of hiking boots, or anything in between, let us help.
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Ultimate Backpacking Gear Checklist
If you are gearing up for backpacking, our comprehensive backpacking list will keep you on track.
Backpacking Sleeping Bags
A sleeping bag is a cornerstone of your overnight kit. Picking the best one isn't easy. To ease the confusion we...
Backpacking Stoves
We've been testing the best backpacking stoves for over a decade, and this current review has our favorites. We...
Pocket Knives
We are pocket knife experts who understand that you don't need to be a knife expert; you just want a tool to get...
Down Jackets for Women
From icy trailheads to stormy ski days, a well-designed down jacket can mean the difference between shivering on the...
10 Top Rain Jackets
If wet weather is keeping you cooped up inside, get your hands on a top-ranked wet weather winner from our lineup of...
Multi-tool Knives
We directly compare 23 different multitools and draw on decades of experience with many more. Our findings are...
10 Top Hiking Boots
If you've been itching to hit the trails, get your paws on one of the top-rated hiking boots from our selection of the...
Down Jackets for Men
Our experts tested 26 of the most promising down jackets available to find the best fitting, the warmest, and the most...
10 Top Hiking Shoes
We've got you if you're hunting for the best hiking shoe. The 10 best models have been rounded up after testing over...
Satellite Communicators
You seek some level of communication from the wild. We have examined your options and report on our findings for your...
Trekking Poles
Looking for the best trekking poles for your next hike or backpacking trip? Whether you're concerned with comfort...
Backpacking Sleeping Pads
No matter what your budget or backpacking style is, we can help you find a pad that will give you the best sleep while...
Backpacking Tents
We analyzed hundreds of models before deciding on the top contenders to purchase for testing. We'll help you find the...
Solar Power Banks
Are you in the market for a solar power bank? We've tested over 100 different portable solar chargers and panels...
Backpacking Packs for Women
Ready to go backpacking? We tested the top women's specific backpacks on the market to determine which one is best...
Backpacking Packs
Over the past decade, we've spent hundreds of days testing the market's top backpacking packs to give you the needed...
Base Layers for Men
A solid base layer is at the core of keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable as you set out on your next great...
Budget Backpacks
We know not everyone wants to pay for a top-tier backpack, so we've ranked some of the best budget backpacks on the...
Backpacking Chairs
Have you been stumped by the quest for a comfortable backcountry seat for your rump? We gathered data on countless of...
First Aid Kits
Nobody wants to need a first aid kit, but if you do, you will be very glad to have the right one. We thoroughly tested...
Handheld GPS
Looking to improve your backcountry navigation? We bought and tested 4 of the best GPS units on the market to help you...
Backpacking Sleeping Bags for Women
With so many great products to choose from it's hard to decide what to buy. We help you choose by testing and...
Base Layers for Women
Searching for a new base layer top? Our latest review of women's base layers features 21 of the best models available...
Backpacking Water Treatment
What's the best backpacking water filter? For over a decade, we have tested up to 50 unique models to find out. Our...
Sporks
Sporks are the perfect utilitarian utensils for eating away from the comfort of home. From workday lunch breaks to...Backpacking Reviews Learning Center
How to Choose the Right Trekking Poles
Ten years ago hardly anyone used trekking poles. Now it's rare to see someone on an overnight adventure without them...
How to Choose a Backpacking Sleeping Pad
We help you find the perfect pad for your next backcountry adventure and let you know where to spend and where to save...
How to Choose a Personal Locator Beacon
What device should you buy and for what application? Below we break it down. Once finished, however, do read our...
How to Choose a Solar Power Bank
From weekends in the woods to being a digital nomad in the remote corners of the world, solar panels have their place...
How to Choose the Right Backpacking Backpack
We want to make it easy for you to find the right pack for your next adventure. If you need help sorting through your...
How to Choose a Down Jacket
This article helps you decide which down jacket is the perfect one for you by going into much greater depth about the...Recent Product Reviews in Backpacking Reviews
Editors' Choice
Western Mountaineering MegaLite Review
In the extraordinarily close contest for the best backpacking sleeping bag, the Western Mountaineering MegaLite once...
MSR PocketRocket 2 Review
The PocketRocket has been around for decades — and for good reason. It's lightweight, small, and a great cooking...
MSR Whisperlite Review
Since its introduction in 1982, the MSR Whisperlite has proven itself as the most dependable lightweight liquid fuel...
Editors' Choice
Benchmade 940 Osborne Review
If the pocket knife world had a Mount Rushmore, the Osborne would be on it. Designed by the legendary knife maker...
Top Pick
Kershaw Link Review
The Kershaw Link is a large, heavy-duty pocket knife with a strong blade and a comfortable grip. The cutting edge is...
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded for Women Review
The Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded is a mid-weight down jacket with a loose, square-shaped fit and available in a range of...
Outdoor Research Helium Down for Women Review
Though we're big fans of many products in Outdoor Research's Helium line, the Helium Down didn't quite make it into...
Top Pick
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review
While many down jackets become useless in the rain, the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie offers excellent weather...
Editors' Choice
Rab Neutrino Pro Review
For bone-chilling winters and arctic adventures, the Rab Neutrino Pro is the jacket to have. With 800 fill power down...
Top Pick
Black Diamond Trail Back Review
The Black Diamond Trail Back is a budget-friendly trekking pole that can handle rough terrain and is comfortable for...
Best Buy
NEMO Switchback Review
If you've ever spent a night out on an inflatable pad only to have it deflate at 2 a.m., consider a closed-cell foam...
Top Pick
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Review
The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated is available in more sizes than any other sleeping pad we've tested. Whether you're...
Best Buy
Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Review
The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 is a foldable and adjustable trekking pole that comes at a very attractive price. We love its...
Top Pick
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Review
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is a two-door backpacking tent that is a great option when weight is at a premium. At a...
Best Buy
NEMO Aurora 2 Review
With one of the tallest ceilings in the test and more headroom than most backpacking tents, the Nemo Aurora 2 feels...
Best Buy
Blavor 10W Review
The Blavor 10W is an affordable solar panel that balances portability with solar charging efficiency. This model...
Top Pick
FlexSolar E10 Mini Review
The FlexSolar E10 Mini is the smallest and lightest solar panel that still works well when it comes to generating...
Editors' Choice
Granite Gear Blaze 60 Review
The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is an awesome backpack. Almost everything about this pack is perfectly designed, and it has...
Top Pick
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 Review
We have been waiting for years for Mountain Hardwear to bring back the Phantom Series for women. While that hasn't...
Top Pick
Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 for Women Review
One of the most well-constructed and highest quality bags in this review, the Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 knocks...
Potable Aqua Purification Tablets Review
As an iodine-based chemical treatment, Potable Agua kills bacteria, viruses, and protozoa like Giardia (but not...
Top Pick
Hydrapak Flux 1.5L Review
The Hydrapak Flux 1.5L is a collapsible water filtration system that offers everything we look for in a bottle design:...
Best Buy
Merino.tech Crew Review
For a base layer made of finely spun, 100% Merino wool, the Merino.tech Crew is a steal and a perfect top for adding a...
Best Buy
Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew Review
The Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew is a solid choice for a lightweight polyester base layer top, perfect for when...
Editors' Choice
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus Review
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is the best device on the market with the best service and features. It uses the...
Editors' Choice
Garmin inReach Messenger Review
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus scores a touch higher than the inReach Messenger because it can send photos and...
Best Buy
Merino.tech 250 Crew for Women Review
If budget is your top priority and you can afford to skimp on performance features other more expensive base layer...
Editors' Choice
Big Agnes Skyline UL Review
After months of testing backpacking chairs in a wide range of environments, the Big Agnes Skyline UL stands out as the...
Top Pick
Helinox Chair Zero Review
Helinox offers an array of excellent camp chairs, including the Chair Zero, one of the more popular among lightweight...
Best Buy
Teton Sports 55L Scout Review
The Teton Sports 55L Scout is one of the most budget-friendly backpacking packs that we would actually take...
Best Buy
Osprey Renn 65 Review
The Osprey Renn 65 features a trampoline back panel that is likely more universally comfortable than many backpacks...
Editors' Choice
Osprey Eja 58 Review
For optimal comfort during backpacking adventures, our expert testers solidly endorse the Osprey Eja 58. Its...
Editors' Choice
Leatherman ARC Review
ARC is the crown jewel of Leatherman's lineup in many ways, and certainly its most innovative. Drawing on years of...
Top Pick
Geekey Review
For a one-piece (i.e. no moving parts) multi-tool, the Geekey is the current undisputed king in the market. This kind...
Editors' Choice
Arc'teryx Rho Hoody for Women Review
The Arc'teryx Rho Hoody is for those seeking to invest in a high-quality and durable synthetic base layer that is...
Best Buy
Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 Review
The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 is our favorite down sleeping bag for those on a budget. While the down...
Top Pick
Mountainsmith Scream 55 Review
The Mountainsmith Scream 55L is a great design for minimalist backpackers with its simple, no-frills design that will...
Top Pick
Homestock+ Professional Review
The Homestock+ Professional is our choice for a front-country first aid kit to keep in the car, thanks to its solid...
Top Pick
Osprey Atmos 65 AG Review
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 stands out with its comfortable suspension and a plethora of awesome features. Plush shoulder...
Editors' Choice
Surviveware Small Review
The Surviveware Small earns our Editors' Choice award and recognition as the best first aid kit in our test, thanks to...
Toaks Titanium Review
The Toaks Titanium Spork would be a great addition to anyone's backcountry kitchen. While it did not receive an award...
Light My Fire Titanium Review
The Light My Fire Titanium spork would be a welcome sight in many adventure guides' meal kits. Based on the same...
Top Pick
MSR XGK EX Review
The liquid gas MSR XGK EX is a great stove for an expedition or extended overnight adventure. This high-powered stove...
Best Buy
Fire Maple Fixed Star 1 Review
Integrated canister stoves have become incredibly efficient at boiling water, but they have also become quite pricey...
Editors' Choice
Soto Windmaster Review
The Soto WindMaster has become a well-established favorite among our testing team. It is relatively lightweight and...
Top Pick
Jetboil Stash Review
The Jetboil Stash is a phenomenal option if packability and minimal weight are your top priorities. After years of...
Best Buy
Soto Amicus Review
Since 2010, Soto has become an industry leader for backpacking stoves that produce high-octane blue flames, even in...
Top Pick
Jetboil MiniMo Review
A step up from Jetboil's original stoves, the MiniMo has been in our lineup for years now, and it remains a favorite...
Jetboil Flash Review
A tried-and-true basic model, the Jetboil Flash has everything you need to boil water fast. It's cheaper than several...
Best Buy
BRS-3000T Review
This stove may only deliver average performance, but the well below-average price tag makes the BRS-3000T a clear...
Top Pick
MSR Reactor Review
Should you find yourself camping or bivouacking in inhospitable settings, the MSR Reactor should be at your side. This...
Top Pick
MSR Windburner Review
The MSR WindBurner is an incredible do-anything stove for the discerning year-round adventurer. From summertime quests...
Top Pick
MSR Whisperlite Universal Review
The MSR Whisperlite Universal is our top choice for a liquid fuel stove. When you want all the features that you love...
Editors' Choice
Rab Neutrino Pro for Women Review
We've been impressed with the Rab Neutrino Pro since we saw guides wearing it at surprisingly high elevations in...
Best Buy
Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Hooded Review
Ultralight puffy jackets are a sub-class of down garments that our team loves to obsess over, but we often get hung up...
Best Buy
Black Diamond Distance Z Review
The Black Diamond Distance Z is a lightweight and durable pole that packs down to a small size. It is also the most...
Editors' Choice
BigBlue SolarPowa 28 Review
When buying a solar panel, charging efficiency and dependability are downright crucial. The BigBlue SolarPowa 28 stood...
Top Pick
FlexSolar 40W Review
The FlexSolar 40W is one of the highest-watt panels we tested that can still be reasonably carried in a backpack. This...
Top Pick
REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Review
This tent is easy to set up and can be found at a very reasonable price. The REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 is a great starter...
Best Buy