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Latest
Is Buying a Home Freeze-Dryer Worth the Money?
Home Freeze-dryers are handy but expensive. Are they worth the cost? We show you how to find out.
Alpacka Scout Review
The Alpacka Raft Scout packraft (2022 model) weighs less than four pounds. We review its durability and stability for both flatwater and Class 1 river running.
Can Apple’s New iPhone 14 Replace Your Garmin inReach?
Should/will the iPhone 14 replace my Garmin inReach (or similar satellite messaging devices)?
Episode 67 | How to Poop in the Woods (Skills and Tools for Backcountry Pooping)
Ryan and Andrew chat about new gear and techniques for the age-old question: how to poop in the woods (safely, cleanly, and responsibly).
Durston Kakwa 40 Review
Gear Review: the Durston Kakwa 40 backpack utilizes an inverted U-shaped internal frame for stability and comfort at moderate loads. But how does it fare at heavier weights?
Lunar Eclipse at Craters of the Moon National Monument
Observing a lunar phenomenon in an otherworldly landscape provides a sense of awe distinct from typical backpacking trips
Gear Reviews
Durston X-Mid Pro 2 Review
The Durston X-Mid Pro 2 tent is an ultralight (20.4 oz / 578 g) two-person, side-entry, double-door, double-vestibule single-wall Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) trekking pole-supported shelter.
Bedrock Cairn Sandals Review
This review of the Bedrock Cairn Sandals examines footwear for hiking in sandals that is comfortable, secure, and grippy in dry, loose conditions.
Tarptent Dipole Li Review
The Tarptent Dipole 1 Li and 2 Li are rectangular DCF trekking pole tents with carbon end struts to boost interior volume and stability, and a four-stake footprint that eliminates the need for apex guyline tie-outs in mild weather.
Skills
Walking With Marcus: How Stoic Philosophy Informs My Ultralight Backpacking
Can an ancient Roman philosophy make you a better backpacker? It all depends upon your application.
How to Plan and Execute a Successful Backpacking Trip in Developing Nations
A few suggestions for your next out of the ordinary adventure.
How to Practice Leave No Trace Principles at Hot Springs
Camping near hot springs can be a magical experience for backpackers, but these unique natural features require special care to minimize human impact.
Gear Testing & Research
How to Store Freeze-dried Food
Best practices for storing your freeze-dried food (plus one killer chiles rellenos recipe).
By The Numbers: Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight vs. Patagonia Capilene Midweight Performance Comparison
How does Patagonia Thermal Weight Capilene stack up against Midweight Capilene?
By The Numbers: Testing the Performance of Mountain Hardwear AirMesh Garments
Is Mountain Hardwear AirMesh a breakthrough product or a prisoner of wicking base-layer physics?
Culture
Backpacking is Pointless, and That’s the Point
Maybe not everything about ultralight backpacking has to be optimized.
The Backpacking Tithe Revisited
Further reflections on short trips vs. thru-hiking.
Ultralight Cottage Gear Makers Reflect On The Last Few Years
Cottage backpacking gear makers face supply chain and logistical challenges but find fulfillment in other aspects of their operations.
