Buyer’s Guides
Our buyer’s guides shortcut readers directly to the best lightweight and ultralight hiking and backpacking gear within any particular category. We want you to make an informed purchase that saves money, reduces carried weight, and performs optimally in the backcountry. This page shows all of of our buyer’s guides. Dial in the assortment by jumping straight to apparel buyers guides or gear buyers guides.
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 Lightweight Fleece Jacket Hiking & Backpacking 2024
Jackets, Clothing, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, TopsThis guide will identify the best lightweight fleece jacket for you. The average fleece on this list is warm and weighs just 7 oz.
Best Hiking Shoes 2024 Trail Runners
Footwear, Clothing, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Footwear & AccessoriesLooking for the best hiking shoes ? Read our no BS, unbiased guide for the best hiking shoes & backpacking shoes for men and women. Your feet are arguably your most important asset on the trail. Blisters, Achilles tightness, and foot pain can all quickly derail a hiking or backpacking trip. So, finding the right hiking shoes is imperative. We can help!
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 Sun Gloves For Hiking & Running UPF Rated 2024
Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Footwear & AccessoriesThis buyer's guide highlights the best sun gloves for hiking and running with trekking poles. Enjoy dexterous, fingerless sun protection with UPF rating.
Best Hiking Gloves 2024 Liner, UPF, Rain, Cold, Snow
Clothing, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Footwear & AccessoriesWe'll help you find the best hiking gloves for any condition or use-case: cold, sun, wind, rain, sleet, snow, we've got your hands covered.
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 Daypack & Day Hiking Backpack 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 Hiking Hats 2024 Sun Hats, Beanies, Balaclavas
Clothing, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Footwear & Accessories
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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 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 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 Rain Pants For Hiking 2024 Ultralight & Lightweight
Rainwear, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, BottomsThe best rain pants for hiking are ultralight, waterproof, breathable, and hold up on the trail. Stay dry, save weight, and upgrade today!
Best Down Pants For Ultralight Backpacking 2024
Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Winter Gear, BottomsThe best down pants have a statistically superior warmth to weight ratio. Browse ultralight down pants and winter warmth all in this guide.
Best Hiking Pants 2024
Clothing, Pants, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, BottomsThis buyer's guide to backpacking and hiking pants highlights models optimized for functionality, comfort, and protectiveness.
Best Windbreaker Jacket Ultralight & Lightweight 2024
Jackets, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, TopsThis guide will help you find the best lightweight windbreaker jacket for your hiking, climbing, & running. All ultralight under 5 oz.
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 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 Windbreaker Pants 2024
Clothing, Pants, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, BottomsThis guide will help you find the best windbreaker pants for hiking, backpacking, trail running, and travel. Comfy. Lightweight. Stretchy.
Lightweight Fleece Pants For Backpacking Ultralight 2024
Clothing, Pants, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, BottomsThis buyer's guide to lightweight fleece pants for backpacking and hiking prioritizes high warmth-to-weight ratio and comfort at camp.
Best Alpaca Hoodie For Hiking, Sun, Travel 2024
Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, TopsEach alpaca hoodie in this guide is adventure-proven. We cover sun hoodies and fleece alternatives with pros, cons, fabric blends, and more.
Best Sun Shirt for Hiking 2024
Clothing, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, TopsThe best hiking shirts are all sun shirts! This guide reviews & recommends the best sun hoody, t-shirt, button up, and merino base layer.
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 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 Lightweight Down Parka For Winter Backpacking 2024
Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Winter Gear, TopsEnjoy maximum warmth-to-weight ratio when you choose a lightweight down parka for backpacking in winter. These parkas are ultralight and packable!
Best Hiking Shorts 2024 Men’s & Women’s
Clothing, Apparel Guides, shorts, BottomsThis buyer's guide to the best hiking shorts of 2023 prioritizes features, materials, performance, functionality, and trail comfort.
Best Down Booties For Backpacking 2024
Footwear, Recommended Gear, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Winter Gear, Footwear & AccessoriesWhen temps drop to freezing put on a pair of lightweight down booties for backpacking. These models are ultralight, warm, and packable.
Best Merino Wool Hoodie Base Layers For Hiking 2024
Clothing, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, TopsThis is a data-based guide to choosing a merino wool hoodie base layer for hiking. We cover sun hoodies, all-season, and cold weather.
Best Lightweight Down Jacket for Backpacking 2024
Jackets, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, TopsThe very best ultralight and lightweight down jackets significantly outperform a standard issue puffy sweater, and upgrading will save weight in your pack and keep you warmer in the backcountry.
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 Rain Kilt, Skirt, Wrap For Hiking & Backpacking 2024
Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, BottomsWe will help you pick the best rain kilt, rain skirt, or rain wrap for hiking and backpacking in shorts and trail running shoes.
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 Ultralight Sandals For Backpacking 2024
Footwear, Clothing, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Footwear & AccessoriesChoose from among the best ultralight sandals for minimalist footwear to wear around camp in the backcountry.
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 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 Trail Running Shorts For Hiking 2024
Clothing, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, BottomsThis guide to the best trail running shorts for hiking focuses on models with zippered hand pockets and stretchy, breathable fabric.
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 Lightweight Rain Jacket For Hiking Ultralight 2024
Rainwear, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, TopsFind the best lightweight jacket & pants for your needs, your travel, and your budget. No BS! All these lightweight rain jackets have all earned their spot on this list by performing far better than the competition.
Best Backpacking Backpack & 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 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 Backpacking Pot 2024 Ultralight Titanium Cookware
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 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.
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 Hiking Socks for Trail Running Shoes 2024
Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Socks, Footwear & AccessoriesThe best hiking socks to use with trail running shoes aren't hiking socks at all! Use running socks. They're thinner, cooler, and dry faster.
Best Merino Wool Leggings For Base Layer 2024
Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, BottomsFind the statistically optimal merino wool leggings for your next trip. We cover fabric blends, temp ranges, base layering, pros and cons.
Best Ultralight Puffy Jacket 2024 Packable & Lightweight
Jackets, Clothing, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, TopsThis round-up of ultralight puffy jackets is the lightest on the internet, averaging just 10.2 oz per garment, and conservatively 30% less than competing buyer's guides. Perfect for hiking and backpacking.
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 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 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!
Best Backpacking Tent & Ultralight 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 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 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 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 Backpacking Stove System Ultralight 2024
Recommended Gear, Buyer's Guides, Gear Guides, AccessoriesThese are the best backpacking stove systems for ultralight style food prep. They are the lightest weight, smallest, and most fuel efficient.
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.
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.
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.
Best Alpha Direct Hoodie 2024
Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, TopsA Polartec Alpha Direct hoodie is the best way for ultralight backpackers to save weight on insulation without sacrificing warmth.
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.
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 buyer’s guide.