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Gear Guides: Tents & Packs

From tents and tarps, to backpacks and fastpacks, this is your one-stop-shop for core ultralight backpacking gear recommendations.

Best Backpacking Tarp 2024

Best Backpacking Tarp 2026 Ultralight & Lightweight

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This buyer's guide will help you select the best backpacking tarp with reviews based on stats, testing, features, and meta-study.
testing a lightweight 4 season tent during fall

Best Lightweight 4 Season Tent For Backpacking 2026

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For backpacking in windy, stormy, and snowy conditions, you need a lightweight 4 season tent. These light and ultralight shelters are best.
Best Pyramid Tent

Best Pyramid Tent 2026 Ultralight 1-4P Mids

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An ultralight pyramid tent is larger, lighter, and more wind-worthy than any other shelter. Choose from among the best of the best.
testing an ultralight freestanding tent from big agnes

Best Ultralight Freestanding Tent 2026

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Choose an ultralight freestanding tent to decrease weight without sacrificing ease and versatility of pitching. Here are the 10 best.
best 1 person tent for backpacking

Best 1 Person Tent For Backpacking Ultralight 2026

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With an ultralight 1 person tent for backpacking, you will carry less weight, increase comfort, and be more protected from the elements.
best ultralight backpacking tents after a storm in CO

Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent 2026

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Upgrade your backpacking tent or ultralight tent using this buyer’s guide. Lighter, smarter, comfier shelters for the backcountry.
best 3 person tent for backpacking

Best 3 Person Tent For Backpacking Lightweight 2026

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A premium 3 person tent for backpacking will provide adequate space and shelter without excess weight. These 3p tents are best-in-class.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Aero 28 fastpack vestpack

Best Fastpacking Backpack For Multi-Day Trips 2026

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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.
4 person backpacking tent on grass

Best 4 Person Backpacking Tent 2026

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We will help you choose a 4 person backpacking tent optimized for weight, volume, and price. Choose a 4 person tent and bring the family!

Best Ultralight Daypack 2026 Lightweight Day Hiking Backpacks

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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.

Best EDC Backpack For Hiking, Commuting, & Travel 2026

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This 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.
testing the best running backpack with vest harness on a glacier

Best Running Backpack With Vest Harness 2026

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Each running backpack we reviewed has a vest harness, fits an entire day of gear, and is perfect for both runners and hikers.
testing the best expedition backpack in the mountains of alaska

Best Expedition Backpack 2026 Ultralight 70L+ Packs

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Choose an ultralight expedition backpack for hauling extra gear without the extra weight. We cover stats, features, pros, and cons.
best backpacking backpacks

Best Ultralight Backpack 2026

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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.
ULA Ultra Catalyst The Best Backpack For Bear Canister Horizontal Fit

Best Backpack For Bear Canister Horizontal Fit 2025

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We have identified the best backpack for bear canister storage. This comfy, lightweight pack can easily fit a horizontal bear can inside.
a small 2 person tent in the grass

Best Small 2 Person Tent for Backpacking & Camping 2025

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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.