Under the stars, miles from civilization, everything you need to survive tucked into the pack on your back. You venture into the wild for internal peace, a slowing down, and the ability to make endless fart jokes.
You know who you are. Let’s not pretend. The trail does strange things to the mind, and the freedom to commune with nature as nature intended (peeing under a glowing vault) is akin to freedom. There is nothing like the crunch of boots, the sweat on your back, the weight of survival, and the depth of conversation reached when its you, your friends, and the wild.
Our Recommended Gear and Outdoor Guides for the Wilderness Backpacker will cater to the whole lot of you: the overnighters who pray for Saturday, haul sirloins up the hill, and enjoy the bite of whisky round the campfire; the two-to-three day trekkers loaded up with 50 pounds, have a peak in mind, and like to get dirty; the families who teach survival and resilience by throwing their kids into the real thing; the thru-hikers who have decided that the wild is a necessary place to probe, to gain insight, and to make forever trail friends. We write for all of you, and everyone in between.
Explore Recommended Gear and Outdoor Guides for Wilderness Backpacker below!
Wilderness Backpacker Gear Reviews
Gear Test: MSR Access 3 Tent
We’re out there in the field with the MSR Access 3 Tent, putting this 4-season tent to the test.
Gear Test: Biolite Dash 450 Headlamp
Testing the Biolite Dash 450 Headlamp where it matters most—out in the wild, where reliability is everything and performance can’t be compromised.
Gear Test: Shimoda Designs Action X50 V2
We’re testing the Shimoda Designs Action X50 V2, a rugged adventure camera backpack built for the wild outdoors.
Gear Test: Black Diamond Deploy Down Hoody
We took the Black Diamond Deploy Down Hoody straight into the wild to see how it stands up to the elements.
Gear Test: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Down Jacket
We’re out there in the backcountry with The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Down Jacket, putting this down jacket to the test.
Gear Test: Norrøna Trollveggen Superlight Down850 Jacket
We’ve taken the Norrøna Trollveggen Superlight Down850 Jacket on a mountain adventure, putting this down jacket to the test.
Gear Test: REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles
We’re out on the trail with the REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles, putting these walking poles to the test.
Gear Test: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow
We’ve taken the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow out into the wild to see how this inflatable pillow really holds up.
Gear Test: Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat
We’ve taken the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat on a range of adventures to test its comfort and durability.
Gear Test: Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag
Out in the field, we’ve been testing the Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag to see if this down sleeping bag can deliver when it counts.
Wilderness Backpacker Outdoor Guides
The 10 Best Backpacking Chairs of 2024
The best backpacking chairs will make camp way more comfortable. Lean back, get comfy, and prepare to find the right backpacking chair for you!
The Best Hiking Boots of 2024
We highlight the best hiking boots after researching and testing. Find the perfect lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight hiking boot for you!
The Best Hiking Sandals of 2024
We highlight the best hiking sandals of 2024 after researching and testing. Open toe, closed toe, or finger-style? Find the perfect hiking sandal for you!
The Best Hiking Shorts of 2024
Hiking shorts are the underrated all-stars of gear. The best hiking shorts kick sweat and chafe to the curb, and keep you trekking mile after mile.
The Best 9 Rain Ponchos of 2024
Rain ponchos are the preferred rain protection of many outdoorsy folks. Why? Cause they’re versatile. Here are the best Rain Ponchos of 2024.
The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking of 2023
Get a comfy night’s rest with the best sleeping pads for backpacking. We list 10 of our favorite models, and give tons of sleeping pad advice on finding the right sleep for you.
The Best Down Jackets of 2024
The best down jackets will keep you cozy in the wilderness, on the couch, or at the bar. We have tested many, and list the best down jackets for you, here.
The Best Fleece Jackets of 2024
The best fleece jackets are cozy, breathable, versatile, full of zippers and have unique features. We list the best here, and what makes them shine.
Backpackers Guide to Fleece Jackets in 2024
This Guide to Fleece Jackets answers mysterious questions: What is fleece fabric? Is fleece warm? Is fleece breathable? And what’s recycled fleece? Read now.
The 10 Best Puffy Jackets on Amazon
Explore the best puffy jackets on Amazon for unbeatable warmth and style on your outdoor adventures this fall and winter.