Honest picks for the gear that makes trips easier: backpacks, hiking shoes, rain jackets, camping kit and the small travel accessories worth packing.
We compare the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, XTherm NXT, XLite NXT MAX and Z Lite Original on R-value, weight, width, price and owner ratings, with an R-value guide, size chart and the stacking trick most guides miss.
We compare the Osprey Exos 48, Eja 48, Kyte 48 and Gregory Focal 48 on real weight, real capacity by size, load range, fit and price, so you can pick the right 48L pack for your weekend trips.
A practical ultralight backpacking gear list: 10 affordable essentials with real weights (about 3.1 lb total), how they work together, a printable checklist and a sub-10 lb base weight budget.
We compare the 3F UL Gear Lanshan 2 Pro, Lanshan 2, Naturehike Cloud Up 2, OneTigris COSMITTO 2 and more to find the best ultralight backpacking tent, with real weights, seam sealing and condensation tips.
We compare the BRS-3000T, Fire-Maple FMS-300T, AOTU, Etekcity and Odoland to find the best ultralight backpacking stove under $30, with lab boil times, fuel tips and safety advice.
We compare Ruffwear Grip Trex, QUMY, EXPAWLORER and Kurgo Blaze Cross to find the best dog boots for hiking on rocky trails, plus how to measure paws and train your dog to wear them.
We compare the KEEN Newport H2, Chaco Z/1 Cloud and Teva Original Universal to find the best hiking sandals for river crossings, plus closed vs open toe and how to cross safely.
Compare the best collapsible water containers for camping from WaterStorageCube, HydraPak, Colapz, CNOC, Coghlan’s and TOPOKO, with a water-needs chart and filter fit guide.
Compare the best budget trekking poles for beginners from TrailBuddy, Cascade Mountain Tech, TREKOLOGY and Foxelli, with a height chart, aluminum vs carbon advice and top picks.
Compare 6 waterproof dry bags for hiking from Earth Pak, MARCHWAY, HEETA, Frelaxy and Wise Owl, with PVC vs ultralight advice, a size guide and our top picks.