Switchback Travel | Outdoor Gear, Photography & Adventure

Hiking Gear Guides

A complete look at the best hiking gear of 2019, from light and packable tents and sleeping bags to proven backcountry footwear and clothing

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Mongolia's Altai Mountains

A step back in time in Mongolia’s “Wild West”

Read the Story
The Best Backpacking Tents

From ultralight models for moving fast and light to budget options for weekend trips, we break down the year’s top backpacking tents

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La Sportiva Bushido II

We test La Sportiva’s updated trail runner on rough and slippery terrain in North Vancouver

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Artist, Activist, Joy Evangelist

Using art to inspire environmental stewardship and love for the natural world

Read The Interview
The Best Running Shoes

From comfortable daily trainers and budget options to serious racing flats, we break down the year’s top shoes for running

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Review: REI Co-op Flash 55

Lightweight and impressively customizable, we give REI’s new 55-liter backpack a thorough test

Read The Review
The Best Rain Jackets

Tested in the rainy Pacific Northwest, we break down the year's top rain jackets from ultralight shells to versatile jackets for hiking and everyday use

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Free Range Equipment

A young backpack designer from Bend, Oregon uses his small business to support artists, host pop-up events, and create community

See The Article
In the Shadow of Manaslu

A climber's reflections on culture, failure, and the fragility of life during an attempt of Nepal’s Panbari Himal

See the Article

Adventure Travel

Trekking Mongolia's Altai Mountains

Don’t undo your bootlaces until you have seen the river. As we sit in dusty, windswept Ulgii, one of Mongolia’s westernmost cities, and await our delayed flight back to the capital city of Ulaanbaatar...

On Location: El Chaltén

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...

In the Shadow of Manaslu

Beams of light shine through the musty windows at the Seven Sisters Tea House in Tilje, Nepal, illuminating tendrils of smoke wafting about the room. The glowing dust and particulates move like an indoor aurora borealis. I momentarily...

New Zealand's Ball Pass Crossing

I wake at the crack of dawn. Only the faint outline of Aoraki/Mount Cook is visible from my bunk, but its sheer volume is enough to pull me from my sleeping bag. I eagerly nudge Brian awake and we tiptoe outside...

The West Coast Trail: Vancouver Island's Iconic Hike

I can’t think of a better way to experience a unique coastal landscape of crashing waves, tide pools, rock formations, old growth forest, birds, and wildlife...

10 Great Day Hikes from Seattle

From the peaks of the Cascades, across the coastal rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, to towering volcanoes like Mt. Rainier, hiking Washington’s diverse landscapes...

A Winter Float of the Grand Canyon

Millions travel just to stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon, gaze across the expanse, and peer into the abyss. When you’re lucky enough to see the river far below, it seems like...

Fall Backpacking in Salt Creek Canyon

Tracing canyon bottoms and following passageways carved by water and time, Utah’s trails meander across the state, connecting one dramatic landscape to the next...

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Norway’s Lofoten Islands are referred to as the Lofoten Wall because, quite literally, they are vertical rows of granite shooting out of the Arctic Sea. A number of colorful fishing villages hug the shoreline and a majority...

Trekking Mongolia's Altai Mountains

On Location: El Chaltén

In the Shadow of Manaslu

New Zealand's Ball Pass Crossing

The West Coast Trail: Vancouver Island's Iconic Hike

I can’t think of a better way to experience a unique coastal landscape of crashing waves, tide pools, rock formations, old growth forest, birds, and wildlife...

10 Great Day Hikes from Seattle

From the peaks of the Cascades, across the coastal rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, to towering volcanoes like Mt. Rainier, hiking Washington’s diverse landscapes...

A Winter Float of the Grand Canyon

Millions travel just to stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon, gaze across the expanse, and peer into the abyss. When you’re lucky enough to see the river far below, it seems like...

Fall Backpacking in Salt Creek Canyon

Tracing canyon bottoms and following passageways carved by water and time, Utah’s trails meander across the state, connecting one dramatic landscape to the next...

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Trekking Mongolia's Altai Mountains

On Location: El Chaltén

In the Shadow of Manaslu

New Zealand's Ball Pass Crossing

The West Coast Trail: Vancouver Island's Iconic Hike

I can’t think of a better way to experience a unique coastal landscape of crashing waves, tide pools, rock formations, old growth forest, birds, and wildlife...

10 Great Day Hikes from Seattle

From the peaks of the Cascades, across the coastal rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, to towering volcanoes like Mt. Rainier, hiking Washington’s diverse landscapes...

A Winter Float of the Grand Canyon

Millions travel just to stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon, gaze across the expanse, and peer into the abyss. When you’re lucky enough to see the river far below, it seems like...

Fall Backpacking in Salt Creek Canyon

Tracing canyon bottoms and following passageways carved by water and time, Utah’s trails meander across the state, connecting one dramatic landscape to the next...

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Outdoor Gear Guides

Hiking and Backpacking Gear Reviews

Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking and backpacking are two of the dearest to our hearts. They are some of the easiest ways to get outdoors for people...

Best Rain Jackets of 2019

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, we’re acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable jacket. The rain jackets for men and women...

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2019

Cozying into your sleeping bag at the end of a long day on the trail is one of the simple pleasures of backpacking. Today’s backpacking sleeping bags offer not only exceptional warmth for their weight...

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes of 2019

The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying...

Best Camping Tents of 2019

Spacious, user-friendly, and feature-rich, tents for camping are made for a relatively luxurious experience in the outdoors. Many of these behemoths offer enough room to set up cots or even chairs and a table for card games on a rainy day...

Best Trail-Running Shoes of 2019

For many, 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...

Best Daypacks for Hiking of 2019

A key piece of any gear closet is a go-to daypack. It’s what you grab for nearly any type of outdoor adventure, whether it’s a hike, bike ride, or day on the slopes. Generally, what most people look for…

Best Backpacking Tents of 2019

The ideal backpacking tent is lightweight, spacious, and tough enough to handle any inclement weather that you can throw at it. It’s a big category, but the good news for backpackers is that...

Best Bike Lights of 2019

Whether you’re a first-time commuter or 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 break...

Best Hiking Boots of 2019

Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots...

Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2019

If you’re looking for a jacket that offers solid warmth at a good value, synthetic insulation is the way to go. You don’t get quite as high of a warmth-to-weight ratio as down, but synthetic jackets resist moisture...

Best Down Jackets of 2019

Nothing beats a great down jacket, whether it’s for causal use or tearing around the backcountry. Below we break down the best down jackets of 2019, including the top down sweaters, ultralights...

Hiking and Backpacking Gear Reviews

Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking and backpacking are two of the dearest to our hearts. They are some of the easiest ways to get outdoors for people...

Best Rain Jackets of 2019

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2019

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes of 2019

The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying...

Best Camping Tents of 2019

Best Trail-Running Shoes of 2019

For many, 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...

Best Daypacks for Hiking of 2019

Best Backpacking Tents of 2019

The ideal backpacking tent is lightweight, spacious, and tough enough to handle any inclement weather that you can throw at it. It’s a big category, but the good news for backpackers is that...

Best Bike Lights of 2019

Best Hiking Boots of 2019

Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2019

Best Down Jackets of 2019

Nothing beats a great down jacket, whether it’s for causal use or tearing around the backcountry. Below we break down the best down jackets of 2019, including the top down sweaters, ultralights...

Hiking and Backpacking Gear Reviews

Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking and backpacking are two of the dearest to our hearts. They are some of the easiest ways to get outdoors for people...

Best Rain Jackets of 2019

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2019

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes of 2019

The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying...

Best Camping Tents of 2019

Best Trail-Running Shoes of 2019

For many, 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...

Best Daypacks for Hiking of 2019

Best Backpacking Tents of 2019

The ideal backpacking tent is lightweight, spacious, and tough enough to handle any inclement weather that you can throw at it. It’s a big category, but the good news for backpackers is that...

Best Bike Lights of 2019

Best Hiking Boots of 2019

Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2019

Best Down Jackets of 2019

Nothing beats a great down jacket, whether it’s for causal use or tearing around the backcountry. Below we break down the best down jackets of 2019, including the top down sweaters, ultralights...

In-Depth Gear Reviews

Salomon X Ultra 3 Review

Salomon’s X Ultra line of hiking footwear is one of our long-time favorites for all types of uses from day hikes to lightweight backpacking trips. We’ve tested the latest low-top shoe version through everything from early winter conditions in the...

REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Review

Beloved by backpackers for years, REI Co-op’s Half Dome boasts many of the features we love in a tent at a very reasonable price point. Updated last year, the Half Dome line is now exclusively offered in “Plus” models, which are among the roomiest and...

La Sportiva Bushido II (2019) Review

The La Sportiva Bushido has been at the top of our trail-running shoe rankings for years for its excellent traction and stability, performance on highly technical terrain, and snug fit...

Salsa Timberjack (2019) Review

Of all the bike brands on the market today, Minnesota-based Salsa Cycles conjures up the most thoughts of adventure and getting off the beaten path. I spent the last few months aboard...

Osprey Aura AG 65 Review

Osprey’s proven lineup of backpacking packs runs the gamut from simple entry-level haulers and ultralight builds to premium, feature-rich models. The Aura AG—and its men’s counterpart, the Atmos AG—falls right in the middle...

REI Co-op Flash 55 (2019) Review

With the 2019 Flash 55, REI Co-op enters the world of ultralight backpacking in a big way. For a reasonable $199, REI pulled out all the stops: ample storage, removable features including a top lid and...

Salomon Odyssey Triple Crown Review

Drawing heavily from their since-discontinued Odyssey Pro hiking shoe, Salomon’s recent addition to their lineup, the Odyssey Triple Crown, is aimed at long-distance backpackers looking to cut weight...

MSR Hubba Hubba NX (2019) Review

Discerning backpackers look for a high-quality, lightweight, and durable tent. And from our experience with the latest 2019 MSR Hubba Hubba NX, it checks all those boxes...

prAna Halle Review

Perhaps no other women’s hiking pant is as ubiquitous and revered as the prAna Halle. In fact, when I bought my first pair, the two female sales associates spotted my purchase and began raving about their experiences wearing the Halle to work...

Vasque Breeze LT Mid GTX Review

Recently updated with improved traction, a running shoe-inspired design, and significant weight savings, Vasque’s Breeze LT Mid is aimed squarely at the lightweight hiking and backpacking...

REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Review

REI Co-op has made major strides over the past few years, assembling an impressive in-house lineup of high-quality gear and clothing that doesn’t break the bank. And the XeroDry GTX rain...

Cannondale Habit (2019) Review

Connecticut-based Cannondale has always done things a little differently, but their revamped and surprisingly mainstream 2019 Habit seeks to make them a top contender once again. With its...

Salomon X Ultra 3 Review

REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Review

La Sportiva Bushido II (2019) Review

The La Sportiva Bushido has been at the top of our trail-running shoe rankings for years for its excellent traction and stability, performance on highly technical terrain, and snug fit...

Salsa Timberjack (2019) Review

Of all the bike brands on the market today, Minnesota-based Salsa Cycles conjures up the most thoughts of adventure and getting off the beaten path. I spent the last few months aboard...

Osprey Aura AG 65 Review

REI Co-op Flash 55 (2019) Review

Salomon Odyssey Triple Crown Review

MSR Hubba Hubba NX (2019) Review

Discerning backpackers look for a high-quality, lightweight, and durable tent. And from our experience with the latest 2019 MSR Hubba Hubba NX, it checks all those boxes...

prAna Halle Review

Vasque Breeze LT Mid GTX Review

Recently updated with improved traction, a running shoe-inspired design, and significant weight savings, Vasque’s Breeze LT Mid is aimed squarely at the lightweight hiking and backpacking...

REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Review

REI Co-op has made major strides over the past few years, assembling an impressive in-house lineup of high-quality gear and clothing that doesn’t break the bank. And the XeroDry GTX rain...

Cannondale Habit (2019) Review

Connecticut-based Cannondale has always done things a little differently, but their revamped and surprisingly mainstream 2019 Habit seeks to make them a top contender once again. With its...

Salomon X Ultra 3 Review

REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Review

La Sportiva Bushido II (2019) Review

The La Sportiva Bushido has been at the top of our trail-running shoe rankings for years for its excellent traction and stability, performance on highly technical terrain, and snug fit...

Salsa Timberjack (2019) Review

Of all the bike brands on the market today, Minnesota-based Salsa Cycles conjures up the most thoughts of adventure and getting off the beaten path. I spent the last few months aboard...

Osprey Aura AG 65 Review

REI Co-op Flash 55 (2019) Review

Salomon Odyssey Triple Crown Review

MSR Hubba Hubba NX (2019) Review

Discerning backpackers look for a high-quality, lightweight, and durable tent. And from our experience with the latest 2019 MSR Hubba Hubba NX, it checks all those boxes...

prAna Halle Review

Vasque Breeze LT Mid GTX Review

Recently updated with improved traction, a running shoe-inspired design, and significant weight savings, Vasque’s Breeze LT Mid is aimed squarely at the lightweight hiking and backpacking...

REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Review

REI Co-op has made major strides over the past few years, assembling an impressive in-house lineup of high-quality gear and clothing that doesn’t break the bank. And the XeroDry GTX rain...

Cannondale Habit (2019) Review

Connecticut-based Cannondale has always done things a little differently, but their revamped and surprisingly mainstream 2019 Habit seeks to make them a top contender once again. With its...

Photography

Digital Camera Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Welcome to our Darkroom! What started as one camera article has expanded into a burgeoning section of information covering everything from inexpensive point-and-shoots to full-frame...

Best Full-Frame Cameras of 2019

Full-frame cameras are the best of the best: they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and lenses that are simply unmatched. Despite the size and cost, they are the...

Lenses and Focal Lengths for Landscapes

Choosing lenses and focal lengths for landscape photography has a lot of layers, and it’s a topic I wish I researched more before jumping in. Accordingly, below is detailed information...

Best Mirrorless Cameras of 2019

The mirrorless revolution is in full swing. These impressive digital cameras pack large image sensors into compact bodies, offering some of the best image and video quality on the market with less bulk than a DSLR...

10 Great Sony FE (Full Frame) Lenses

Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras have created a lot of buzz in the photography world, and they keep improving with each rendition. It’s true that the FE lens options for Sony still...

Weather-Sealed Mirrorless Cameras: A Complete List

For photographers who frequently shoot outdoors, weather sealing is a must. It protects your expensive camera gear, takes away much of the worry, and allows you to keep...

10 Great Nikon FX (Full Frame) Lenses

Nikon’s full-frame camera lineup is impressive, but perhaps even more so is the extensive collection of FX-format (full frame) lenses. Below are 10 of the best FX...

Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras of 2019

It’s true that the low end of the camera market is being challenged by the convenience of smartphones, but mid-range and advanced compacts are thriving. In 2019, you can get a point-and-shoot camera...

Tips for Great Winter Photography

Winter is one of most rewarding yet challenging environments to shoot in as a photographer. From battling harsh conditions to managing moisture and making batteries last, there are...

10 Great Canon EF (Full Frame) Lenses

Buying a Canon full-frame DSLR is a very exciting prospect, but deciding on the right lenses can be challenging. To help you wade through the masses of Canon EF (full-frame) lens models...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2018

Digital SLR cameras are among the best of the best: they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and the highest quality selection of lenses. We break down the leading DSLRs on the market from...

Lens Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Experienced photographers know that a great lens is every bit as important as a great camera. Don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on your DSLR or mirrorless camera purchase and buying a...

Digital Camera Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Welcome to our Darkroom! What started as one camera article has expanded into a burgeoning section of information covering everything from inexpensive point-and-shoots to full-frame...

Best Full-Frame Cameras of 2019

Full-frame cameras are the best of the best: they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and lenses that are simply unmatched. Despite the size and cost, they are the...

Lenses and Focal Lengths for Landscapes

Choosing lenses and focal lengths for landscape photography has a lot of layers, and it’s a topic I wish I researched more before jumping in. Accordingly, below is detailed information...

Best Mirrorless Cameras of 2019

10 Great Sony FE (Full Frame) Lenses

Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras have created a lot of buzz in the photography world, and they keep improving with each rendition. It’s true that the FE lens options for Sony still...

Weather-Sealed Mirrorless Cameras: A Complete List

For photographers who frequently shoot outdoors, weather sealing is a must. It protects your expensive camera gear, takes away much of the worry, and allows you to keep...

10 Great Nikon FX (Full Frame) Lenses

Nikon’s full-frame camera lineup is impressive, but perhaps even more so is the extensive collection of FX-format (full frame) lenses. Below are 10 of the best FX...

Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras of 2019

Tips for Great Winter Photography

Winter is one of most rewarding yet challenging environments to shoot in as a photographer. From battling harsh conditions to managing moisture and making batteries last, there are...

10 Great Canon EF (Full Frame) Lenses

Buying a Canon full-frame DSLR is a very exciting prospect, but deciding on the right lenses can be challenging. To help you wade through the masses of Canon EF (full-frame) lens models...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2018

Lens Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Experienced photographers know that a great lens is every bit as important as a great camera. Don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on your DSLR or mirrorless camera purchase and buying a...

Digital Camera Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Welcome to our Darkroom! What started as one camera article has expanded into a burgeoning section of information covering everything from inexpensive point-and-shoots to full-frame...

Best Full-Frame Cameras of 2019

Full-frame cameras are the best of the best: they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and lenses that are simply unmatched. Despite the size and cost, they are the...

Lenses and Focal Lengths for Landscapes

Choosing lenses and focal lengths for landscape photography has a lot of layers, and it’s a topic I wish I researched more before jumping in. Accordingly, below is detailed information...

Best Mirrorless Cameras of 2019

10 Great Sony FE (Full Frame) Lenses

Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras have created a lot of buzz in the photography world, and they keep improving with each rendition. It’s true that the FE lens options for Sony still...

Weather-Sealed Mirrorless Cameras: A Complete List

For photographers who frequently shoot outdoors, weather sealing is a must. It protects your expensive camera gear, takes away much of the worry, and allows you to keep...

10 Great Nikon FX (Full Frame) Lenses

Nikon’s full-frame camera lineup is impressive, but perhaps even more so is the extensive collection of FX-format (full frame) lenses. Below are 10 of the best FX...

Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras of 2019

Tips for Great Winter Photography

Winter is one of most rewarding yet challenging environments to shoot in as a photographer. From battling harsh conditions to managing moisture and making batteries last, there are...

10 Great Canon EF (Full Frame) Lenses

Buying a Canon full-frame DSLR is a very exciting prospect, but deciding on the right lenses can be challenging. To help you wade through the masses of Canon EF (full-frame) lens models...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2018

Lens Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Experienced photographers know that a great lens is every bit as important as a great camera. Don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on your DSLR or mirrorless camera purchase and buying a...

Perspectives

Homegrown: Free Range Equipment

It’s still dark when Tosch Roy and his sister Zoe arrive at the Mt. Bachelor parking lot, and blusterier than the weather forecast had predicted. The “cone” looms above them, blanketed in a layer of fresh snow...

Quinn Brett: Look Up, Stand Still, Breathe

Quinn Brett does a handstand every day. She snorts when she laughs, is known to dye her hair with vibrant streaks of color, and simply does not sit down. As a climbing ranger in Rocky Mountain National Park...

The Cochamó Journals Part III

When it rains in Cochamó, it rains long and hard. Now, it is raining. It has been raining, it is raining, it will continue to rain. The Cochamó season is finally over. And well enough, after a stellar February with fantastic weather, my body needs a...