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
Erem Xerocole Expedition Desert Hiking Boot Review
The Erem Xerocole Expedition Boots are stellar desert hiking boots for sandy trails, brushy off-trail bushwhacking, and mountainous rock hopping.
Super Sparrow Ultra-Light Series: Water Bottle Review
Super Sparrow Ultra-Light Series stainless steel water bottles are the cream of the crop.
LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants: Hiking Gear Review
The LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants are exceptional. They’re three-season hiking pants that you’ll want to wear during all of your outdoor activities.
Patagonia R1 Hoody Review
The R1 Hoody is a veritable buffet of fleece-awesomeness for the gear addicted backpacker. Comfort, warmth, design, and sheer versatility at your service.
Sierra Designs Backcountry Quilt Review
Sierra Designs Backcountry Quilt Review: A durable backpacking quilt with a hood and insulated arm pockets sounds too good to be true, but it’s not.
Rockay Flare Half Tight Shorts and Tech Tee Review
The Rockay Flare Half Tight Shorts are form-fitting performance shorts that are eco-friendly, wonderfully comfortable, and chafe-proof.
Patagonia Baggies Review
The Patagonia Baggies thrive in the “chill” department. They are no-fuss, good-looking, surprisingly quick-drying shorts that you can wear for days on end.
Sunski Headlands Review
Sunski Headlands Review: Simple, effective, and polarized, an affordable, do-it-all solution to active sunglasses. Get them for the ease of use, keep going back for the Lifetime Warranty.
Marmot PreCip Pants Eco Review
The Marmot PreCip Pants Eco Full Zip review: adaptive rain pants you can adjust at the hip, at the zip, and at any time on your outdoor trip.
Patagonia Quandary Shorts Review
Patagonia Quandary Shorts review: stretchy, durable adventure shorts that have ample pockets and breathe with the best of them.
Wilderness Backpacker Outdoor Guides
The Best Hiking Shorts of 2022
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 Down Jackets of 2022
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.
Dog Lovers Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking with Your Pooch
When adventuring with your pup, you need to have the right gear for your dog to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. Here’s the best dog gear.
The Best Fleece Jackets of 2021
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.
The Best 9 Rain Ponchos of 2021
Rain ponchos are the preferred rain protection of many outdoorsy folks. Why? Cause they’re versatile. Here are the best Rain Ponchos of 2021.
How to Plan and Prepare for a Hike in High Winds
Windy weather doesn’t have to put a damper on your hike, as long as you come prepared for the conditions. Learn how to hike in high winds.
The Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2021
We test, review, and compare the best backpacking backpacks for wilderness trekking. Plus, a primer of every jargon-laden backpack term you’ve ever heard.
The Best Camping Mattresses of 2021
The best camping mattresses are essential to a fun and relaxing outdoor vacation. Find the right sleep system for your excursions here!
The Best Hiking Boots of 2021
We highlight the best hiking boots after researching and testing. Find the perfect lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight hiking boot for you!
The 2021 Summer Backpacking Checklist
We assembled the ultimate summer backpacking checklist for all your warm-weather treks into the wild.