Backpackers.com — The good news? It’s officially summer. Sure, coastal California may suffer from June gloom, but the sun is shining just about everywhere else. We’ve been sleeping under the stars (and on top of a few rocks) to test our latest gear, and we have a lot to share this month.
Below you’ll find the sleeping bags, sleeping pads, headlamps, and even more puffy jackets we’ve awarded and recommended for all five Backpacker Types. Plus, we have a new Sleeping Pad Guide that will help you achieve the ultimate night’s sleep in the wild.
Your Backpackers.com update is here!
New Gear Reviews
This gear has been researched, tested, and found worthy. Follow the links to read the full gear reviews and get the gear!
The North Face Thermoball Hoodie Synthetic Puffy — Classic Pick for the Car Camper and Urban Hiker
The North Face Thermoball Hoodie will keep you warm at all costs and looking good while you hunker down in the huge hood and quilted, down-like heat.
Read the full gear review of The North Face Thermoball Hoodie to see why we recommend it as our Classic Pick for the Car Camper and Urban Hiker.
Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag — Premium Pick for the Ultralight Backpacker
The Western Mountaineering UltraLite is a legendary sleeping bag: incredible loft, crazy compressible, fully hooded with a down collar, and ultralight.
Read the full gear review of the Western Mountaineering UltraLite to see why we recommend it as our Premium Pick for the Ultralight Backpacker.
Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Sleeping Pad — Premium Pick for the Wilderness Backpacker
The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Mat may not be the lightest pad in town, but it is a weight worth bearing. Work harder, sleep better.
Read the full gear review of the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Mat to see why we recommend it as our Premium Pick for the Wilderness Backpacker.
The North Face Cat’s Meow Sleeping Bag — Premium Pick for the Car Camper
The North Face Cat’s Meow is a premium synthetic mummy sleeping bag that works for car camping and backpacking, all for under $200. You’ll purr.
Read the full gear review of The North Face Cat’s Meow to see why we recommend it as our Premium Pick for the Car Camper.
Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp — Premium Pick for the Wilderness Backpacker and Car Camper
The Black Diamond ReVolt is a waterproof rechargeable headlamp. Let that sink in. And it has all the other features you need for quick and easy light, too.
Read the full gear review the Black Diamond ReVolt to see why we recommend it as our Premium Pick for the Wilderness Backpacker and Car Camper.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad — Classic Pick for the Ultralight Backpacker
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite delivers the comfort, warmth, and thickness of a much heavier pad, and is ready to whisk you away directly to dream-land.
Read the full gear review of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite to see why we recommend it as our Classic Pick for the Ultralight Backpacker.
New Outdoor Guides
We dug deep on this one. A new Outdoor Guide means a massive dose of information for our readers. That’s you. You can thank us later.
Backpackers.com Guide to Sleeping Pads
This sleeping pad guide helps you choose the best pad for you. Learn about different types of sleeping pads, R-Value and insulation, how to patch a pad, and a whole lot more. Sleep easy, sleep well.
Stay Up to Date
We publish content weekly and update you every month. Visit Backpackers.com to see what new gear we’ve recommended, and what new guides we’ve penned for your reading pleasure.