4+ hour, 35+ min 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, 2+ day 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, 1+ 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…...

2+ mon, 3+ week 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…...

2+ mon, 3+ 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…...

3+ mon, 3+ week 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…...

3+ mon, 4+ 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…...

3+ mon, 4+ 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, 4+ day 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…...

5+ mon, 5+ day ago  (441+ words) The following is a guest post by Tyler Jensen. Submit your own thru-hiking story to The Trek here. My pack weighed 60 pounds, and every hiker I met had something to say about it. In the Boy Scouts, they teach you…...