From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. Below we cover all the gear you need for your backpacking adventures, including detailed round-ups, reviews, and...
Whether you're setting off on a three-month foray around South America or visiting family a state away, wheeled duffel bags are versatile pieces of luggage for any itinerary. In addition to offering unmatched portability, wheeled duffels make it easy...
Shopping for a hiking shirt isn’t as research-intensive as looking for the best hiking boot or backpack, but the next-to-skin layer is still an important part of your trail apparel. First to consider is the shirt’s fabric—polyester offers the best in...
From short day hikes and summit scrambles to all-day adventures into the backcountry, you’ll want the right pack for the job. Most people carry water and food, a layering piece and rain shell, and a few other accessories like a first-aid kit or...
For years, it felt like we had to choose between the tried and true slouchy sweatpants method or overly technical hiking pants for long flights and road trips. Either that or a stiff, scratchy pair of jeans. While these have their place, there's just...
Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of a treadmill). Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into and requires only minimal gear. Our team has...
From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. Below we cover all the gear you need for your backpacking adventures, including detailed round-ups, reviews, and...
Whether you're setting off on a three-month foray around South America or visiting family a state away, wheeled duffel bags are versatile pieces of luggage for any itinerary. In addition to offering unmatched portability, wheeled duffels make it easy...
Shopping for a hiking shirt isn’t as research-intensive as looking for the best hiking boot or backpack, but the next-to-skin layer is still an important part of your trail apparel. First to consider is the shirt’s fabric—polyester offers the best in...
From short day hikes and summit scrambles to all-day adventures into the backcountry, you’ll want the right pack for the job. Most people carry water and food, a layering piece and rain shell, and a few other accessories like a first-aid kit or...
For years, it felt like we had to choose between the tried and true slouchy sweatpants method or overly technical hiking pants for long flights and road trips. Either that or a stiff, scratchy pair of jeans. While these have their place, there's just...
Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of a treadmill). Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into and requires only minimal gear. Our team has...
From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. Below we cover all the gear you need for your backpacking adventures, including detailed round-ups, reviews, and...
Whether you're setting off on a three-month foray around South America or visiting family a state away, wheeled duffel bags are versatile pieces of luggage for any itinerary. In addition to offering unmatched portability, wheeled duffels make it easy...
Shopping for a hiking shirt isn’t as research-intensive as looking for the best hiking boot or backpack, but the next-to-skin layer is still an important part of your trail apparel. First to consider is the shirt’s fabric—polyester offers the best in...
From short day hikes and summit scrambles to all-day adventures into the backcountry, you’ll want the right pack for the job. Most people carry water and food, a layering piece and rain shell, and a few other accessories like a first-aid kit or...
For years, it felt like we had to choose between the tried and true slouchy sweatpants method or overly technical hiking pants for long flights and road trips. Either that or a stiff, scratchy pair of jeans. While these have their place, there's just...
Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of a treadmill). Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into and requires only minimal gear. Our team has...
Beloved by backpackers for years, REI Co-op’s Half Dome received some notable updates this year: The latest version uses thicker fabrics, boasts a larger floor area, and features an updated pole design to provide even more head and shoulder room. I...
La Sportiva’s TX collection debuted as a series of approach shoes (the TX2, TX3, and TX4) and has since expanded to include a few hiking-oriented models. As a result of its climbing heritage, the lightweight TX Hike Mid Leather GTX...
Therm-a-Rest is well known in the backpacking space for their lightweight sleeping pads, and perhaps no design is more ubiquitous than the NeoAir XLite NXT. Built with ultralight backpackers in mind, this pad is popular for its impressive warmth-to...
Is it possible to look like a million bucks, keep sensitive documents concealed, and feel cozy while trotting around the globe? I didn't think so—until I met the Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants. These pants had been on my radar for years...
Sweden-based Thule is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of car racks and bike accessories, and the T2 Pro XTR is their core hitch-mounted offering. An evolution of the popular T2 Classic, this is a fully featured rack with an easy-to-use tilt...
Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L rain jacket is about as popular as it gets in the outdoor apparel space. The hardwearing 3-layer build offers excellent protection and durability, you get a wide variety of color options, and it's very reasonably priced for...
Beloved by backpackers for years, REI Co-op’s Half Dome received some notable updates this year: The latest version uses thicker fabrics, boasts a larger floor area, and features an updated pole design to provide even more head and shoulder room. I...
La Sportiva’s TX collection debuted as a series of approach shoes (the TX2, TX3, and TX4) and has since expanded to include a few hiking-oriented models. As a result of its climbing heritage, the lightweight TX Hike Mid Leather GTX...
Therm-a-Rest is well known in the backpacking space for their lightweight sleeping pads, and perhaps no design is more ubiquitous than the NeoAir XLite NXT. Built with ultralight backpackers in mind, this pad is popular for its impressive warmth-to...
Is it possible to look like a million bucks, keep sensitive documents concealed, and feel cozy while trotting around the globe? I didn't think so—until I met the Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants. These pants had been on my radar for years...
Sweden-based Thule is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of car racks and bike accessories, and the T2 Pro XTR is their core hitch-mounted offering. An evolution of the popular T2 Classic, this is a fully featured rack with an easy-to-use tilt...
Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L rain jacket is about as popular as it gets in the outdoor apparel space. The hardwearing 3-layer build offers excellent protection and durability, you get a wide variety of color options, and it's very reasonably priced for...
Beloved by backpackers for years, REI Co-op’s Half Dome received some notable updates this year: The latest version uses thicker fabrics, boasts a larger floor area, and features an updated pole design to provide even more head and shoulder room. I...
La Sportiva’s TX collection debuted as a series of approach shoes (the TX2, TX3, and TX4) and has since expanded to include a few hiking-oriented models. As a result of its climbing heritage, the lightweight TX Hike Mid Leather GTX...
Therm-a-Rest is well known in the backpacking space for their lightweight sleeping pads, and perhaps no design is more ubiquitous than the NeoAir XLite NXT. Built with ultralight backpackers in mind, this pad is popular for its impressive warmth-to...
Is it possible to look like a million bucks, keep sensitive documents concealed, and feel cozy while trotting around the globe? I didn't think so—until I met the Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants. These pants had been on my radar for years...
Sweden-based Thule is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of car racks and bike accessories, and the T2 Pro XTR is their core hitch-mounted offering. An evolution of the popular T2 Classic, this is a fully featured rack with an easy-to-use tilt...
Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L rain jacket is about as popular as it gets in the outdoor apparel space. The hardwearing 3-layer build offers excellent protection and durability, you get a wide variety of color options, and it's very reasonably priced for...
We get this question a lot: Do your hiking shoes or boots need to be waterproof, or can you do without? Hikers and backpackers fall on both ends of the spectrum—some prefer the unparalleled breathability of non-waterproof footwear, while others...
There’s no shortage of rain jackets to choose from, and one way to narrow down your search is by determining what sort of construction best fits your needs. Depending on their application, rain jackets...
If you’re in the market for a backpacking tent, you’ll probably notice that designs are categorized as “freestanding” or “non-freestanding.” But what do these designations mean, and how do you know which style is right for your objective? Below we...
As lightweight gear gains popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, above-the-ankle hiking boots are quickly becoming obsolete. For a major bump in comfort and weight savings, hikers and backpackers are now opting for lightweight hiking shoes and trail...
A day hike can be as simple as walking a well-maintained trail near your home or as complex as a dawn-to-dusk journey through a remote wilderness area. The items you bring may vary depending on the difficulty and length of the hike, but no matter how...
The outdoor clothing market is vast, with everything from budget-focused brands to sustainability leaders and high-end backcountry specialists. From years of experience testing a wide range of hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and everyday...
We get this question a lot: Do your hiking shoes or boots need to be waterproof, or can you do without? Hikers and backpackers fall on both ends of the spectrum—some prefer the unparalleled breathability of non-waterproof footwear, while others...
There’s no shortage of rain jackets to choose from, and one way to narrow down your search is by determining what sort of construction best fits your needs. Depending on their application, rain jackets...
If you’re in the market for a backpacking tent, you’ll probably notice that designs are categorized as “freestanding” or “non-freestanding.” But what do these designations mean, and how do you know which style is right for your objective? Below we...
As lightweight gear gains popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, above-the-ankle hiking boots are quickly becoming obsolete. For a major bump in comfort and weight savings, hikers and backpackers are now opting for lightweight hiking shoes and trail...
A day hike can be as simple as walking a well-maintained trail near your home or as complex as a dawn-to-dusk journey through a remote wilderness area. The items you bring may vary depending on the difficulty and length of the hike, but no matter how...
The outdoor clothing market is vast, with everything from budget-focused brands to sustainability leaders and high-end backcountry specialists. From years of experience testing a wide range of hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and everyday...
We get this question a lot: Do your hiking shoes or boots need to be waterproof, or can you do without? Hikers and backpackers fall on both ends of the spectrum—some prefer the unparalleled breathability of non-waterproof footwear, while others...
There’s no shortage of rain jackets to choose from, and one way to narrow down your search is by determining what sort of construction best fits your needs. Depending on their application, rain jackets...
If you’re in the market for a backpacking tent, you’ll probably notice that designs are categorized as “freestanding” or “non-freestanding.” But what do these designations mean, and how do you know which style is right for your objective? Below we...
As lightweight gear gains popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, above-the-ankle hiking boots are quickly becoming obsolete. For a major bump in comfort and weight savings, hikers and backpackers are now opting for lightweight hiking shoes and trail...
A day hike can be as simple as walking a well-maintained trail near your home or as complex as a dawn-to-dusk journey through a remote wilderness area. The items you bring may vary depending on the difficulty and length of the hike, but no matter how...
The outdoor clothing market is vast, with everything from budget-focused brands to sustainability leaders and high-end backcountry specialists. From years of experience testing a wide range of hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and everyday...
Brian and I had spent four days hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park the previous summer on a trip that just scratched the surface and whet our appetites for more. Throughout the past year, we dreamed of returning to see the classic spires and tundra...
All good plans start with a wild idea, but this one might just take the cake. Back in the spring, Kaytlyn—who I’d never met at the time—approached me with an ambitious proposal. She wanted to link up a series of North Cascades high routes on foot...
“Do you think that rain is coming our way?” We pedal under the bright sun, constantly glancing nervously over our shoulders as if being chased by a predator. Behind us, dark gray streaks stretch vertically from ground to sky. Ahead, a rainbow frames...
"I guess I just really want to do something different—something I'm not comfortable doing. Something aside from hiking." I quickly threw "Imja Tse" into Google, gripping the phone between my shoulder and ear as details unfolded. "It'd be about a month...
We wake at 6am to the faint jingle of Lorna’s watch muffled by her sleeping bag. My body creaks as I pull my sore arms from my sides, grab my headlamp, and light the JetBoil that I had carefully placed outside our tent the night before...
The arctic landscape has an allure that is difficult to describe; not only is it reminiscent of being in the alpine—stunted trees, big skies, and unimpeded vistas—but the utter remoteness and rawness is palpable...
Brian and I had spent four days hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park the previous summer on a trip that just scratched the surface and whet our appetites for more. Throughout the past year, we dreamed of returning to see the classic spires and tundra...
All good plans start with a wild idea, but this one might just take the cake. Back in the spring, Kaytlyn—who I’d never met at the time—approached me with an ambitious proposal. She wanted to link up a series of North Cascades high routes on foot...
“Do you think that rain is coming our way?” We pedal under the bright sun, constantly glancing nervously over our shoulders as if being chased by a predator. Behind us, dark gray streaks stretch vertically from ground to sky. Ahead, a rainbow frames...
"I guess I just really want to do something different—something I'm not comfortable doing. Something aside from hiking." I quickly threw "Imja Tse" into Google, gripping the phone between my shoulder and ear as details unfolded. "It'd be about a month...
We wake at 6am to the faint jingle of Lorna’s watch muffled by her sleeping bag. My body creaks as I pull my sore arms from my sides, grab my headlamp, and light the JetBoil that I had carefully placed outside our tent the night before...
The arctic landscape has an allure that is difficult to describe; not only is it reminiscent of being in the alpine—stunted trees, big skies, and unimpeded vistas—but the utter remoteness and rawness is palpable...
Brian and I had spent four days hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park the previous summer on a trip that just scratched the surface and whet our appetites for more. Throughout the past year, we dreamed of returning to see the classic spires and tundra...
All good plans start with a wild idea, but this one might just take the cake. Back in the spring, Kaytlyn—who I’d never met at the time—approached me with an ambitious proposal. She wanted to link up a series of North Cascades high routes on foot...
“Do you think that rain is coming our way?” We pedal under the bright sun, constantly glancing nervously over our shoulders as if being chased by a predator. Behind us, dark gray streaks stretch vertically from ground to sky. Ahead, a rainbow frames...
"I guess I just really want to do something different—something I'm not comfortable doing. Something aside from hiking." I quickly threw "Imja Tse" into Google, gripping the phone between my shoulder and ear as details unfolded. "It'd be about a month...
We wake at 6am to the faint jingle of Lorna’s watch muffled by her sleeping bag. My body creaks as I pull my sore arms from my sides, grab my headlamp, and light the JetBoil that I had carefully placed outside our tent the night before...
The arctic landscape has an allure that is difficult to describe; not only is it reminiscent of being in the alpine—stunted trees, big skies, and unimpeded vistas—but the utter remoteness and rawness is palpable...
We’re all for big adventures that take us off the grid, but it’s never a bad idea to have a way of getting in touch. For organizing a pickup, initiating a rescue, or just checking in, a satellite messenger has become our go-to means of staying...
Nemo is best known for their tents and sleep systems, but they’ve made quite the splash in the daypack market in the last couple years. Their latest offering is the Persist, which is available in 30- and 45-liter capacities in both men’s and women’s...
Running is among the most approachable forms of fitness, requiring only a pair of quality shoes to get you going. But the sport’s widespread popularity has led to a dizzying array of shoe brands, styles, and available features. Below we break down our...
Choosing a suitable backpacking pack can be a daunting task, with myriad models touting different capacities, organization, suspension designs, and more. Our breakdown—written by women, for women—will help you identify your personal style of...
When it comes to outdoor gear, we often find ourselves forced to make decisions between weight savings and functionality. Ultralight gear is great for moving quickly, but it usually comes with significant tradeoffs in terms of comfort, function, and...
While small and relatively unassuming, a quality outdoor pillow can go a long way toward improving your sleep, whether you’re spending the night at your local state park or trekking miles into the...
Once a niche segment of backpacking, ultralight (UL) gear is gaining traction among outdoor enthusiasts who want to travel faster and farther with less weight on their backs. Nowadays, there are countless tents, sleeping bags, cook systems, and...
If you've ever gone car camping, you've likely seen the classic red Everest stove from Camp Chef churning out meals. The Everest 2X is the most current version of this camp kitchen staple, redesigned to be a bit beefier and more durable than the now...
Whether you’re a first-time bike commuter or a dedicated mountain biker, riding at night can be an exhilarating experience. But traveling along dark streets or singletrack at any speed requires a quality light (or two) to illuminate the way. Below we...
We’re all for big adventures that take us off the grid, but it’s never a bad idea to have a way of getting in touch. For organizing a pickup, initiating a rescue, or just checking in, a satellite messenger has become our go-to means of staying...
Nemo is best known for their tents and sleep systems, but they’ve made quite the splash in the daypack market in the last couple years. Their latest offering is the Persist, which is available in 30- and 45-liter capacities in both men’s and women’s...
Running is among the most approachable forms of fitness, requiring only a pair of quality shoes to get you going. But the sport’s widespread popularity has led to a dizzying array of shoe brands, styles, and available features. Below we break down our...
Choosing a suitable backpacking pack can be a daunting task, with myriad models touting different capacities, organization, suspension designs, and more. Our breakdown—written by women, for women—will help you identify your personal style of...
When it comes to outdoor gear, we often find ourselves forced to make decisions between weight savings and functionality. Ultralight gear is great for moving quickly, but it usually comes with significant tradeoffs in terms of comfort, function, and...
While small and relatively unassuming, a quality outdoor pillow can go a long way toward improving your sleep, whether you’re spending the night at your local state park or trekking miles into the...
Once a niche segment of backpacking, ultralight (UL) gear is gaining traction among outdoor enthusiasts who want to travel faster and farther with less weight on their backs. Nowadays, there are countless tents, sleeping bags, cook systems, and...
If you've ever gone car camping, you've likely seen the classic red Everest stove from Camp Chef churning out meals. The Everest 2X is the most current version of this camp kitchen staple, redesigned to be a bit beefier and more durable than the now...
Whether you’re a first-time bike commuter or a dedicated mountain biker, riding at night can be an exhilarating experience. But traveling along dark streets or singletrack at any speed requires a quality light (or two) to illuminate the way. Below we...
We’re all for big adventures that take us off the grid, but it’s never a bad idea to have a way of getting in touch. For organizing a pickup, initiating a rescue, or just checking in, a satellite messenger has become our go-to means of staying...
Nemo is best known for their tents and sleep systems, but they’ve made quite the splash in the daypack market in the last couple years. Their latest offering is the Persist, which is available in 30- and 45-liter capacities in both men’s and women’s...
Running is among the most approachable forms of fitness, requiring only a pair of quality shoes to get you going. But the sport’s widespread popularity has led to a dizzying array of shoe brands, styles, and available features. Below we break down our...
Choosing a suitable backpacking pack can be a daunting task, with myriad models touting different capacities, organization, suspension designs, and more. Our breakdown—written by women, for women—will help you identify your personal style of...
When it comes to outdoor gear, we often find ourselves forced to make decisions between weight savings and functionality. Ultralight gear is great for moving quickly, but it usually comes with significant tradeoffs in terms of comfort, function, and...
While small and relatively unassuming, a quality outdoor pillow can go a long way toward improving your sleep, whether you’re spending the night at your local state park or trekking miles into the...
Once a niche segment of backpacking, ultralight (UL) gear is gaining traction among outdoor enthusiasts who want to travel faster and farther with less weight on their backs. Nowadays, there are countless tents, sleeping bags, cook systems, and...
If you've ever gone car camping, you've likely seen the classic red Everest stove from Camp Chef churning out meals. The Everest 2X is the most current version of this camp kitchen staple, redesigned to be a bit beefier and more durable than the now...
Whether you’re a first-time bike commuter or a dedicated mountain biker, riding at night can be an exhilarating experience. But traveling along dark streets or singletrack at any speed requires a quality light (or two) to illuminate the way. Below we...
Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma, Washington. He authored Alpine State of Mind, a beautifully presented book of adventure stories and...
Misty Mountain's headquarters in the hills of Western North Carolina is not the kind of place you just stumble upon. It's the kind of place you set off to find. And when you arrive...
America’s Top 10 Conservation Heroes is a series honoring the individuals and organizations that have made the biggest mark on conservation, environmental protection, and awareness of the outdoors...
Sarah Uhl calls herself an artist, activist, and joy evangelist. That's quite the job description, and yet she’s pulling it off, brush stroke by brush stroke. A plein air painter from Carbondale, CO...
At Switchback Travel, we love stories. Nothing moves or motivates us quite like artfully written and insightful accounts of the world. And while the online format is great, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a soft spot for books...
The time could have been 9pm or 5am, and we wouldn’t have known the difference. It was a clear, mid-June day in the land of the midnight sun. The warm orb hung high in the sky as I pulled onto the summit block...
Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma, Washington. He authored Alpine State of Mind, a beautifully presented book of adventure stories and...
Misty Mountain's headquarters in the hills of Western North Carolina is not the kind of place you just stumble upon. It's the kind of place you set off to find. And when you arrive...
America’s Top 10 Conservation Heroes is a series honoring the individuals and organizations that have made the biggest mark on conservation, environmental protection, and awareness of the outdoors...
Sarah Uhl calls herself an artist, activist, and joy evangelist. That's quite the job description, and yet she’s pulling it off, brush stroke by brush stroke. A plein air painter from Carbondale, CO...
At Switchback Travel, we love stories. Nothing moves or motivates us quite like artfully written and insightful accounts of the world. And while the online format is great, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a soft spot for books...
The time could have been 9pm or 5am, and we wouldn’t have known the difference. It was a clear, mid-June day in the land of the midnight sun. The warm orb hung high in the sky as I pulled onto the summit block...
Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma, Washington. He authored Alpine State of Mind, a beautifully presented book of adventure stories and...
Misty Mountain's headquarters in the hills of Western North Carolina is not the kind of place you just stumble upon. It's the kind of place you set off to find. And when you arrive...
America’s Top 10 Conservation Heroes is a series honoring the individuals and organizations that have made the biggest mark on conservation, environmental protection, and awareness of the outdoors...
Sarah Uhl calls herself an artist, activist, and joy evangelist. That's quite the job description, and yet she’s pulling it off, brush stroke by brush stroke. A plein air painter from Carbondale, CO...
At Switchback Travel, we love stories. Nothing moves or motivates us quite like artfully written and insightful accounts of the world. And while the online format is great, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a soft spot for books...
The time could have been 9pm or 5am, and we wouldn’t have known the difference. It was a clear, mid-June day in the land of the midnight sun. The warm orb hung high in the sky as I pulled onto the summit block...
