We tested the 2026 summer gear so you know exactly what’s worth packing before you head outside.

Experienced camper Courtney Rohrig offers tips on gear, campsite selection, safety and Leave No Trace principles to help beginners build confidence outdoors.

From Mountain House classics to chef-driven freeze-dried meals, backpackers are reshaping how they eat on trail, where calories, convenience and weight matter more than anything on the menu.