testing gear for buyer's guide in the mountains

Gear Buyer’s Guides

Our gear buyer’s guides shortcut readers directly to the best lightweight and ultralight hiking and backpacking gear. From tents to trekking poles, from sleep systems to satellite communicators, we want you to save money and weight on the best performing equipment in existence. And while you’re here, don’t miss our apparel buyer’s guides, or jump back a level to view all buyers guides.

testing a fastpacking backpack on a trail run

Best Fastpacking Backpack For Multi-Day Trips 2023

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Our recommended multi-day fastpacking backpacks are ultralight, low volume, and offers an extra secure torso fit to prevent gear from bouncing. This buyer's guide covers all of our top picks.
testing backpacking stoves in the desert

Best Backpacking Stove System 2023 Ultralight

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These are the best backpacking stove systems for ultralight style food prep. They are the lightest weight, smallest, and most fuel efficient.
testing backpacking backpacks in the mountains

Best Backpacking Backpack 2023 | Ultralight

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A backpack is the single most important piece of gear that any backpacker will own. As such, there is no reason to settle for a heavy, old-school pack. That’s why this buyer’s guide highlights the very best backpacking backpacks for hiking. Below you will find exceptional and light hiking backpacks for men and women, and for all types of backcountry adventures and budgets.
testing the best backpacking sleeping bags

Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag For Backpacking 2023

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Find the best ultralight sleeping bag for backpacking! We've compiled the lightest and warmest backpacking sleeping bags in existence.
a backpacking test of ultralight camp quilts

Best Backpacking Quilt For Ultralight Camping 2023

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The best backpacking quilt for you is right here! We've compiled the warmest, most affordable, ultralight camping quilts of 2023.
a hiker testing an ultralight daypack in the mountains

Best Ultralight Daypack & Day Hiking Backpack 2023

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This guide will help you find the best ultralight daypack averaging less than 1 lb. Full size, fully-featured day hiking backpacks can be very lightweight.
testing trekking poles hiking in alaska

Best Trekking Poles 2023 Hiking & Backpacking

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Get the best trekking poles for hiking & backpacking. Our picks are backed by scientific analysis & extensive field experience all over the word!
man packs up a small 2 person tent in front of a mountain backdrop

Best Small 2 Person Tents for Backpacking or Camping

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Here are the best inexpensive 2 Person Tents (some in the $100-$150 range) that are light enough for backpacking, while being comfortable enough for more luxurious car camping outings.
person camped out in the desert resting on a therm-a-rest sleeping pad, one of the best for backpacking

Best Sleeping Pad for Backpacking 2023 | Complete Guide

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In this guide, we showcase the very best sleeping pads on the market, the ones we use the most. We back up these recommendations with a data-based analysis of weight, warmth, & cost as well as extensive field experience in a broad range of conditions. With better sleep comes more spring in your step, more alertness on the trail, and wider smiles all day long. Sweet dreams!
Best Backpacking Tent lead photo

Best Backpacking Tent 2023 | Lightweight & Ultralight

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There is an exceptional and LIGHT tent here for every type of backpacker. But you’ll need to choose carefully to get the perfect tent for you at the right price!
testing the best satellite communicator devices in the forest

Best Satellite Communicator | ZOLEO vs inReach 2023

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Buy wisely and be safe! This post has the best Satellite Communicators that will get help when needed and reassure family and loved ones that you are OK when everything is hunky dory. And yes, there are HUGE differences between devices.
Best Backpacking GPS

GAIA GPS the Best Hiking GPS and How to Use It

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Smartphones like an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy outperform a conventional GPS in almost every way. This post has all the information you need to use your smartphone as the best backpacking GPS, including getting up to 7+ days of battery life without recharging. Best of all, you can do this for less than $20!

Gear Buyer’s Guides Conclusion

The gear in these buyer’s guides have performed marvelously for us, and we’re confident that it will for you too. We hope you have found what you’re looking for. But if not, drop us a line on social media to request a new gear buyer’s guide.