Maggie’s Arizona Trail Gear List
Maggie is hitting the Arizona Trail next month. Here’s the gear she’ll take on this 800-mile desert hike (or, as long as she makes it before she has to fly home for a wedding)
My Experience with DIY Gear Making
I made a DIY Dyneema Backpacking Tarp Shelter and here is how it went
Trail Running Vests for Day Hiking, a Review
Trail vests do not have to be Trail Running vests. They are not only for runners. In fact, most trail running is power hiking anyways. Our Favorite Trail running vests…
How to Choose the Right Backpacking Gear
The best gear setup is the one that keeps you warm, lasts for years, and is within your budget. This looks different for every hiker, and lighter isn’t always better.
Gift Ideas for the Backpacker in Your Life
Six gift ideas for the backpacker or thru-hiker in your life
10 Small Backpacking Brands to Support This Season
The ultralight backpacking community loves their cottage industry brands. Here are 10 to consider supporting this season.
The Joys of Shoulder-Season Backpacking (and the Gear to Make it Work)
Shoulder season can be the best time for backpacking as summer crowds disperse, but the weather is still moderate.
US-Made and Cottage-Industry Backpacking Gear Companies
A list of our favorite made-in-the-US backpacking gear from cottage companies and brands who got big but still make their gear right here in the US
Our Favorite (BEST??) Backcountry Coffee
We aren’t one of those places that tout “The Top 10 Best.” What we will say is that these are Katie’s *favorite* backcountry coffee brands, and she thinks they’re the best.
Zpacks Free Duo Tent Review
Final Verdict: The Free Duo Tent by Zpacks Exceeds Expectations The Overview The Free Duo is a two-person freestanding tent—one that can be further secured with four stakes to spread the bathtub floor most efficiently. Eight stakes can be used in very windy weather to offer the most secure pitch. Read more…