Reviews
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Trail Shoe Review
I began my thru-hiking career (Colorado Trail, 2015) in Hoka’s Mafate Speed, which was extra cushy, incredibly tough and astonishingly lightweight. Alas, some 861 miles into my 2016 Appalachian
Best Down Jackets for Backpacking of 2025
Your insulating midlayer is a key component of your backpacking setup, and rarely should you hit the trail without an insulation layer wedged in your pack. Here are our top...
Zpacks Pivot Solo Lite Review: The Most Livable Ultralight Shelter Yet?
For the past few years, innovation in the ultralight tent market has felt a little stagnant. Material improvements slowed, and the designs themselves started to feel typical. Recently, though, the
Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt Review
Enlightened Equipment is one of the biggest names in ultralight backpacking quilts. In last year’s PCT and AT hiker surveys, they filled the top two most popular slots by a...
7 gifts for the ultralight backpacker in your life under 1 lb,14 oz under $200 total
7 gifts for the Ultralight Backpacker in your life video I will be bringing all of the following with me on my trip from Harper's Ferry, West Virginia through Maryland...
Six Moon Designs Lunar Orbiter Review
Trekking pole tents have been a favorite in the ultralight community for a long time. But they aren’t always practical. Hikers who don’t use trekking poles, need to set up...
This Is Now the Lightest Backpacking Sleeping Pad on the Market
The new Nemo Tensor Elite sleeping pad is a real contender for best ultralight pad at a scant 8.5 ounces. The Tensor Elite draws obvious comparisons to the (now discontinued)...
The Best Backpacking Tents for Thru-Hiking in 2025
Choosing a tent for your thru-hike is a big deal, but it's also probably the least stressful home-buying experience you'll have in your lifetime. Enjoy it. The best backpacking tents...
Altra Lone Peak 9 Review
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu For many thru-hikers, that first step is in a pair of Altras. Since launching the Lone...
Is This the Lightest Backpacking Shelter on the Market?
This fall, I had the joy of testing out the Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp. The shelter is just about as ultralight as you can get without simply cowboy camping —...