Backpacking / Backpacking Individual Gear Reviews

Backpacking Gear Reviews

Zpacks 7×9 Flat Tarp Review

Zpacks 7×9 Flat Tarp Review

f you’re looking for the lightest possible shelter that doesn’t compromise on space, the ZPacks 7×9 Flat Tarp is just about as light as they come. This minimal rectangular tarp packs down small, provides a ton of room for a single hiker, and is a bit more affordable than other tarps in its weight class.
Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Aquamira purification drops are a popular water treatment option among backpackers because they’re affordable, lightweight…
Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag Review

Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag Review

The Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag is a quilt/sleeping bag hybrid with one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios we’ve seen. This hoodless bag packs down super small, weighs next to nothing, and can be cinched tight to keep you cozy when the temperature drops.
Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review

Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review

We have over a decade of experience using the Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter now, and it’s still one of our favorite water treatment options for backpacking with a partner or group.
NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Tent Review

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Tent Review

The incredibly spacious NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 is an excellent choice for those wanting a tent that’s comfortable for any type of adventure – it’s light enough for backpacking and roomy enough for frontcountry camping. As always, NEMO has designed a ton of useful features into this tent.
MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent Review

MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent Review

The long-time crowd favorite MSR Hubba Hubba 2 tent has had a makeover, and there’s a lot to love about this newest iteration. Some of the most noticeable changes include a significantly lower weight, an updated color scheme that meshes nicely with natural surroundings, and a reimagined ventilation design.
NEMO Kunai Tent Review

NEMO Kunai Tent Review

The NEMO Kunai is one of the most versatile 4-season tents on the market with the ability to cover all your needs from backpacking to mountaineering.
Gossamer Gear The Two & The DCF Two Tent Review

Gossamer Gear The Two & The DCF Two Tent Review

Gossamer Gear’s The Two and The DCF Two offer an excellent balance of low weight and spacious interior at a great value price. When compared to other ultralight tents, few come close to the generous headroom of The Two thanks to its unique slanted pole structure.
Zpacks Plex Solo Tent Review

Zpacks Plex Solo Tent Review

Going as lightweight as possible doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. The spacious Zpacks Plex Solo weighs in at a ridiculously light 14.2 oz., and is one of the most livable one-person tents we’ve ever backpacked with.
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review

The Black Diamond Spot 350 is one of our favorite headlamps for backpacking because it’s bright, has a long burn time, and it’s full of convenient features. And at only $40, the Spot is a steal for such a powerful and durable headlamp. We named the Spot 350 the best value on our Best Headlamps list.
Snow Peak Litemax Stove Review

Snow Peak Litemax Stove Review

The Snow Peak Litemax is one of the lightest and most compact backpacking stoves on the market. This tiny powerhouse can boil a liter of water in just under five minutes, and then it folds away nicely to fit into pretty much any cookpot when you’re done. Because of how lightweight and compact the Litemax is, it’s one of our top picks on our Best Backpacking Stoves list.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Review

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Review

The Katadyn BeFree water filter has become one of our go-tos for ultralight backpacking. This microfilter has an incredible flow rate, and it can be cleaned in the field. Because you can drink straight from the top like a sports bottle. That means, you can spend less time squeezing or pumping and more time enjoying the trail. The BeFree earned a top spot on our Best Water Filters list for its low weight, convenience, and compact size.
Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Tent Review

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Tent Review

The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is one of our favorite ultralight one-person tents. It packs down small, it’s easy to pitch, and it’s got a great amount of space inside for a single hiker and their gear. It also holds up better in bad weather and has less condensation issues than some of our other favorite single-wall tents from our Best Ultralight Tents list.
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Backpack Review

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Backpack Review

The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 is one of the most comfortable ultralight backpacks on the market, and we like using it for trips…
Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent Review

Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent Review

The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is an innovative tent with a lot of unique features to love. It has more headroom than any 2-person backpacking tent in its weight class, which makes it feel a lot more livable than many others. And with other creature comforts, like the light-dispersing Lightbar and adaptable ventilation, the Telos feels like a little slice of luxury in the backcountry.
Slingfin Crossbow 2 Four-Season Tent Review

Slingfin Crossbow 2 Four-Season Tent Review

The Slingfin Crossbow is one of the most spacious and versatile 4-season tents we’ve tested. Multiple setup configurations make it an excellent value that can be used in almost any conditions. The Crossbow is a true 4-season tent, but it’s easier to set up, more compact, and more livable than most others.
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