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.
Best Ultralight Freestanding Tent 2024
Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksChoose an ultralight freestanding tent to decrease weight without sacrificing ease and versatility of pitching. Here are the 10 best.
Best Small 2 Person Tent for Backpacking & Camping 2024
Tents, Tarps & Shelters, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksHere 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.
Best Field Watch For Hiking 2024
Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesChoose a field watch for hiking to reliably keep time while reducing digital distraction. These watches are simple, rugged, waterproof, reliable, and self-powered.
Best EDC Backpack For Hiking, Commuting, & Travel 2024
Gear Guides, Tents & PacksThis buyer's guide is your answer to finding the best EDC backpack for hiking, made by an outdoor brand. Choose our next everyday carry backpack.
Best Ultralight Backpack 2024
Backpacks, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksA 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.
Best Expedition Backpack 2024 Ultralight 70L+ Packs
Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksChoose an ultralight expedition backpack for hauling extra gear without the extra weight. We cover stats, features, pros, and cons.
Best Running Backpack With Vest Harness 2024
Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksEach running backpack we reviewed has a vest harness, fits an entire day of gear, and is perfect for both runners and hikers.
Best Backpacking Tarp 2024 Ultralight & Lightweight
Tents, Tarps & Shelters, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksThis buyer's guide will help you select the best backpacking tarp with reviews based on stats, testing, features, and meta-study.
Best 0 Degree Sleeping Bag For Winter Backpacking 2024
Sleeping Bags & Quilts, Sleeping, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Winter Gear, Sleep SystemsThis data based guide evaluates each 0 degree sleeping bag based on its warmth-to-weight ratio. We focus on lightweight and ultralight winter sleeping bags for backpacking.
Best Ultralight Daypack, Day Hiking Backpacks 2024
Backpacks, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksThis 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.
Best 1 Person Tent For Backpacking Ultralight 2024
Tents, Tarps & Shelters, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksWith an ultralight 1 person tent for backpacking, you will carry less weight, increase comfort, and be more protected from the elements.
Best Backpacking Battery Pack Portable Charger 2024
Electronics, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesWe'll help you choose the lightest & best backpacking battery pack, power bank, or portable charger with the highest mAh-to-weight ratio.
Zoleo vs inReach Messenger vs Mini 2 Best Satellite Comms 2024
Emergency & SOS, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesChoosing between ZOLEO vs inReach Messenger vs Mini 2? We break it down to help you decide on the best satellite communicator.
Best Backpacking Tent 2024
Tents, Tarps & Shelters, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksUpgrade your backpacking tent or ultralight tent using this buyer’s guide. Lighter, smarter, comfier shelters for the backcountry.
Best 4 Person Backpacking Tent 2024
Tents, Tarps & Shelters, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksWe will help you choose a 4 person backpacking tent optimized for weight, volume, and price. Choose a 4 person tent and bring the family!
Zpacks Tents – How To Choose
Recommended Gear, Tents, Tarps & Shelters, How To, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Gear ComparisonLearn how to choose the best Zpacks Tent for you needs. We dive deep into specs, features, and materials to help inform your decision.
Best 3 Person Tent For Backpacking Lightweight 2024
Recommended Gear, Tents, Tarps & Shelters, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksA premium 3 person tent for backpacking will provide adequate space and shelter without excess weight. These 3p tents are best-in-class.
Best Fastpacking Backpack For Multi-Day Trips 2024
Backpacks, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksOur 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.
Best Hiking Fanny Pack 2024
Backpacks, Recommended Gear, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesA top tier hiking fanny pack is very useful and extremely versatile. Keep your valuables safe and essentials on-hand!
Best Heat Exchanger Pot For Backpacking Ultralight 2024
Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesChoose from among the best ultralight backpacking pot and cookware option available. We focus on one liter titanium pots.
Best Backpacking Quilt For Ultralight Camping 2024
Sleeping Bags & Quilts, Sleeping, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Sleep SystemsThe best backpacking quilt for you is right here! We've compiled the warmest, most affordable, ultralight camping quilts of 2023.
Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag For Backpacking 2024
Sleeping Bags & Quilts, Sleeping, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Sleep SystemsFind the best ultralight sleeping bag for backpacking! We've compiled the lightest and warmest backpacking sleeping bags in existence.
Best Backpacking Mug 2024 Ultralight Titanium Cup
Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesChoose the best backpacking mug from among our recommended ultralight, titanium, single and double wall models. Perfect for coffee, tea, cocoa, and soup mixes.
Best Backpacking Stove Systems 2024 Fast Light Efficient
Recommended Gear, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesThese are the fastest boiling, most fuel efficient, most cold and wind resistant backpacking stove systems for basic food prep.
Best Trekking Poles 2024 Hiking & Backpacking
Recommended Gear, Trekking Poles, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesGet the best trekking poles for hiking & backpacking. Our picks are backed by scientific analysis & extensive field experience all over the word!
Best Backpacking Knife 2024
Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesOur criteria for the best backpacking knife is as follows: (1) high quality 2.5-3" blade, (2) useful for food prep, (3) weighs less than 3 oz.
Best Freeze Dried Meals For Backpacking 2024
Backpacking Food, Food & Cooking, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesYou're researching which are the best freeze dried meals for backpacking, and we've got recommendations! There have been lots of new brands and dietary options popping up in the freeze dried sector over the past decade, and this buyer's guide highlights a few of our favorites.
Best Backpacking Trowel & Ultralight Hiking Shovel 2024
Gear Guides, AccessoriesWe will help you choose the best backpacking trowel or shovel for hiking. It should weigh half an ounce, cut roots, and be comfy to dig with.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad Ultralight 2024
Sleeping Pads, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Sleep SystemsIn 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 Long Handle Spoon for Backpacking 2024
Gear Guides, AccessoriesThe best long handle spoon for backpacking weighs half an ounce, has an upwards tilted bowl, and offers exceptional durability.
Best Backpack For Bear Canister Horizontal Fit 2024
Gear Guides, Tents & PacksWe have identified the best backpack for bear canister storage. This comfy, lightweight pack can easily fit a horizontal bear can inside.
Best Water Bottle Holder For Backpack Shoulder Strap 2024
Gear Guides, AccessoriesAttach a water bottle holder to your backpack shoulder strap for on the go hydration while hiking and backpacking.
Best Shoulder Strap Pocket For Backpacking & Hiking 2024
Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesWe connect you to the best shoulder strap pocket for backpack phone and accessory storage to use while hiking and backpacking
Best Backpacking Pillow Ultralight 2024
Recommended Gear, Sleeping, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Sleep SystemsWhat makes the best backpacking pillow is (1) ultralight, (2) comfortable, (3) mass user-approved. These ultralight pillows are top tier!
Best Hiking Water Bottle For Ultralight Backpacking 2024
Hydration & Water Purification, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesWe will help you choose the most effective hiking water bottle for your ultralight backpacking needs. Hard and soft-sided options.
Best Headlamp For Backpacking & Hiking Ultralight 2024
Electronics, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesWe will help you choose the best headlamp for hiking and backpacking, with a focus on ultralight headlamps with high power/weight ratios.
Best 0 Degree Quilt For Winter Backpacking 2024
Sleeping Bags & Quilts, Sleeping, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Winter Gear, Sleep SystemsAn ultralight 0 degree quilt is the best way to stay warm in sub-freezing temps, and offers the highest warmth to weight ratio.
Best Dry Bag For Backpacking Ultralight 2024
Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesStore your gear in the best dry bag for backpacking! We focus on lightweight and ultralight dry bags made with Dyneema.
Best Winter Sleeping Pad For Backpacking 2024
Sleeping Pads, Sleeping, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Winter Gear, Sleep SystemsA winter sleeping pad for backpacking should have an extremely high R-Value to weight ratio. The warmest and most lightweight mat is best.
Sawyer Squeeze vs Katadyn BeFree vs Platypus Quickdraw
Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Gear Comparison, AccessoriesFor the best ultralight backpacking water filter, here's how to choose between Sawyer Squeeze vs Katadyn BeFree vs Platypus Quickdraw.
Best Lightweight 4 Season Tent For Backpacking 2024
Recommended Gear, Tents, Tarps & Shelters, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Winter Gear, Tents & PacksFor backpacking in windy, stormy, and snowy conditions, you need a lightweight 4 season tent. These light and ultralight shelters are best.
GAIA GPS the Best Hiking GPS and How to Use It
Navigation, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Gear Tech, AccessoriesSmartphones 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!
Best Pyramid Tent 2024
Tents, Tarps & Shelters, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, Tents & PacksAn ultralight pyramid tent is larger, lighter, and more wind-worthy than any other shelter. Choose from among the best of the best.
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.