1+ week, 3+ day ago   (1045+ words) The Gossamer Gear Sidequest is a piece of gear you don’t realize you need, but once you try it you won’t want to go back. Like ultralight hiking gear, it’s designed to maximize efficiency while minimizing weight — but for everyday…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago   (1634+ words) The Osprey Aura AG LT 50 is a comfortable and versatile women’s backpacking pack. Its Anti-Gravity suspension system and thoughtful design make it an excellent choice for minimalists and weekenders who prioritize comfort over shaving every possible ounce. Versatile, supportive design....

2+ mon, 1+ week ago   (1847+ words) The Atom Packs Notch EP50 strikes an impressive balance between ultralight design and real-world comfort. With a supportive removable frame, thoughtful features, and durable ECOPAK construction, it’s a versatile pack that feels equally at home on long thru-hikes and shorter overnight…...

2+ mon, 3+ week ago   (1866+ words) The Atom Packs Pulse EP40 hits a sweet spot between ultralight simplicity and real load-carrying support. With a removable frame and hipbelt, it adapts to everything from heavier resupplies to stripped-down day hikes — making it a compelling option for hikers who…...

3+ mon, 2+ day ago   (341+ words) Over the years, I’ve turned into a gear nerd. When I first decided to hike the Appalachian Trail, I had never backpacked a day in my life. I mostly picked up gear on sale at REI. I didn’t know what…...

3+ mon, 1+ week ago   (1581+ words) The BearVault BV ONE rethinks the most frustrating part of bear cans: wasted space. Its collapsible design and finger-friendly buttons boost functionality — though it’s not quite big enough for long carries. Collapsible design. The can shrinks as you eat, reducing…...

4+ mon, 1+ day ago   (1396+ words) The HMG UltaMid 1 is a premium ultralight tarp that balances weight savings with real-world performance. If you’re comfortable with a floorless shelter, its spacious interior, storm-worthy design, and tiny packed size make it a standout option for long-distance hikers. Weight-to-performance…...

4+ mon, 1+ week ago   (1880+ words) The Zpacks Free Zip 2P is among the lightest truly freestanding tents available. If you want a sub-two-pound shelter that can pitch almost anywhere, it’s a compelling option — so long as you’re willing to accept a premium price and a few…...

4+ mon, 1+ week ago   (2000+ words) My hope for my 2025 hike was to start off with primarily all new gear in order to extend the life a bit. But I also set out with nearly all of the same pieces of gear that I’d tested over…...

5+ mon, 2+ week ago   (542+ words) In 2025, I hiked 1,500 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Lake Tahoe to Canada. Every few hours, I’d meet someone new, and the #1 question I got was: “Woah! What kind of pack is that?” To be fair, my pack…...