Backpacking gear that actually makes your hike less brutal Let’s be honest — backpacking sounds dreamy on Instagram: trail selfies, sunrise views, a coffee cup balanced on a rock. Reality? Your hike can go from “main character energy” to “why did I leave my couch?” real quick if you don’t have the right gear. That’s why we hit up outdoor pros to break down the stuff that really matters. “Backpacking is about efficiency and comfort,” says Alex Johnson, a guide who’s led hundre

From ultralight carbon fiber models to no-pole purists, hikers debate whether trekking poles improve efficiency and stability or just add unnecessary weight and complication on the trail.

Whether it’s a weekend in the woods, a weeklong backpacking trek or an overnight hike, outdoor cooking can be simple, satisfying — and surprisingly gourmet with the right recipes and equipment. In 2025, outdoor kitchen gear has evolved, from lightweight backpacking stoves to rugged cooksets that make preparing meals under the open sky almost as easy as in your own kitchen.