Backpacking Gear Reviews
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Review
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Review
If you’re looking for one sleeping pad that can keep you warm and comfortable for most of the year, the Therm-a-Rest XLite is it. The XLite boasts an unmatched warmth-to-weight ratio, packs down incredibly small, and is durable enough to last through many seasons of regular use.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Review
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Review
Tired of tossing and turning in your tent because you’re too cold to sleep? Give the Therm-a-Rest XTherm a try. With an R-Value (insulation value) of 6.9 and weighing in at under a pound, this pad is perfect for 4-season adventures and for those who tend to sleep cold.
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove Review
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove Review
The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is a whole lot of power in a tiny package. With excellent simmer control, stable supports, and an efficient burn, it’s no wonder we named it best overall canister stove on our Best Backpacking Stoves list.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Tent Review
Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Tent Review
So many ultralight tents save weight by cutting out living space, but that’s not Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s style. The Ultamid 2 Pyramid Tent and Full Mesh Insert come together to make an absolutely ginormous ultralight castle that comfortably shelters two people and their gear.
Zenbivy Light Bed Quilt System Review
Zenbivy Light Bed Quilt System Review
Love being warm and cozy but hate the feeling of constricting mummy sleeping bags? Zenbivy’s new Light Bed System might be the answer you’re looking for. The Zenbivy Light Bed (you choose your quilt and sheet) offers the temperature regulation and freedom of movement of a quilt, but it stays tucked in and retains heat more like a traditional mummy bag when the temperature drops.
Gossamer Gear G4-20 Backpack Review
Gossamer Gear G4-20 Backpack Review
Gossamer Gear’s G4-20 new backpack has been designed for ultralight backpackers by ultralight backpackers.
NEMO Hornet 2P Tent Review
NEMO Hornet 2P Tent Review
The NEMO Hornet 2P is a great option for solo ultralight backpackers who like having a little extra space at camp. We liked the previous version of this tent, and NEMO has made some really great design improvements this year. The 2019 Hornet offers more headroom and corner struts in the foot for easier setup without adding any weight. You can find the Hornet on our list of the 10 Best Backpacking Tents.
Jetboil Flash Cooking System Review
Jetboil Flash Cooking System Review
Among integrated canister stoves, the Jetboil Flash is one of the most affordable and dependable options. The Flash is a solid budget buy with lots of nice extra features that make it very attractive for backpacking and camping trips. The Jetboil Flash is our top pick for integrated canister stoves on our 10 Best Backpacking Stoves list.
REI Co-op Magma 15 & 30 Sleeping Bag Review
REI Co-op Magma 15 & 30 Sleeping Bag Review
The REI Co-op Magma 15 and Magma 30 sleeping bags are some of our favorite in terms of quality for money. These bags are ultralight, ultra comfy, and much easier on your wallet than most bags with similar specs. Last season’s Magma bags made our top picks list, and these new bags are also at the very top of our 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags and Quilts list.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol vs. NEMO Switchback Review
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol vs. NEMO Switchback Review
Closed-cell foam sleeping pads are a popular option among thru-hikers and lightweight backpackers on a budget, and the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol has dominated that market for many years with very little competition. New in 2019, the NEMO Switchback offers some long overdue updates. We were curious to see how the two matched up, so we tested them side by side to determine a winner.
SlingFin Portal Tent Review
SlingFin Portal Tent Review
We’re excited to see SlingFin, an innovative new company focused on high alpine tents, going head-to-head with industry leaders by releasing their lightest freestanding backpacking tent ever, the SlingFin Portal.
Osprey Exos & Eja Backpack Review
Osprey Exos & Eja Backpack Review
The updated Osprey Exos 48 & 58 (men’s) and Eja 48 & 58 (women’s) are extremely comfortable, lightweight backpacks…
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad Review
New in 2019, the Ether Light XT Insulated is their lightest and thickest insulated sleeping pad yet. This new model incorporates the comfortable “air sprung cells” we love from their other pads with a lofty 4-inch thickness to prevent bottoming out. With an r-value of 3.8 and a durable build, the Ether Light will be a great fit for most 3-season backpacking trips.
NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad Review
NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad Review
For years, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad has been the industry leader foam pad with very little competition, but the NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad brings some long overdue updates to the closed-cell foam pad market. The Switchback features improvements to comfort and packability, and we find it to be superior to other foam pads we’ve tried.
Big Agnes Q Core SLX Sleeping Pad Review
Big Agnes Q Core SLX Sleeping Pad Review
The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX is a super cushy sleeping pad that differentiates itself from other pads with its large side rails that help keep users centered, and 4.25 inches of supportive thickness. The SLX is one of the thickest backpacking pads on the market.
REI Co-op Flash 55 Backpack Review
REI Co-op Flash 55 Backpack Review
The REI Co-op Flash 55 Backpack is one of the most affordable and customizable packs we’ve ever tested. It boasts a lightweight design without sacrificing comfort or features, which earned it a spot on our 10 Best Lightweight Backpacks and Favorite Budget Backpacking Gear lists.