Backpacks

When to Choose 20L over 30L

by Andy Lin March 17, 2025

A 20L hybrid warrior engineered for day hikes and urban adventures, striking the perfect balance between ultralight (1.4lbs) and functional. Features a sandwich-style… Full Review »

Food Bags

Ursack Minor Critter-Resistant Bag

by Randy Givens March 10, 2025

A most effective way to store and protect your food, particularly from rodents, clever mammals, and birds. No need to hang your groceries from a tree. I've been… Full Review »

Weekend Packs

Osprey Aether 55

by Bob Withrow March 3, 2025

Let me just say, I'm getting lighter but not quite an ultralight enthusiast and I do love a full-featured pack that carries a load comfortably.  My 1st Gen Aether… Full Review »

External Frame Backpacks

Initial Ascent Gen I IA4K Pack System

by BrianD March 2, 2025

USA-made workhorse that will haul as much as you need. This new-to-me Initial Ascent Gen I IA4K pack system is one that I’ve been wanting to try out for several… Full Review »

Trail Running Shoes

Xero Shoes Scrambler Low

by Levi_Athle February 27, 2025

Extremely comfortable, but not so capable. Great for walking and light flat terrain hiking, not so much for running. XERO ScramblerStats: Weight: 263 grams (M42)… Full Review »

Camp Shovels and Trowels

Brautigam Expedition Works Titanium Pack Shovel

by Nathaniel Miller February 26, 2025

The coolest piece of gear you didn't know you needed! A lightweight titanium pack shovel with many uses. The coolest piece of gear you didn't know you needed! Brautigam… Full Review »

Four-Season Tents

Moss Tents Big Dipper

by Wally Plahutnik February 19, 2025

Best base camp tent ever for hot, cold, rain, snow, high winds or anything else. Purchased in 1997 for $785 after a Walrus Mountain 360 left us soaking wet in the… Full Review »

External Frame Backpacks

LuxuryLite StackPack

by Red Leader February 16, 2025

This pack is a carbon fiber and aluminum, external frame backpack, that uses multiple, removable, lightweight cylinders. My cylinders are in graduated sizes from… Full Review »

Three-Season Tents

Tarptent Sublite

by Red Leader February 16, 2025

The day that Tarptent released the Sublite Tyvek tent, I ordered one. Since then it has been my go-to tent for three-season use. It's lightweight, breathes very… Full Review »

Waterproof Jackets

Rab Cinder Phantom Waterproof Jacket

by Arjen February 14, 2025

Great well thought-through lightweight piece, made for cycling. This is a fantastic piece by Rab. It's well thought out. It doesn't have anything unnecessary, and… Full Review »