Review: Flextail Tiny Pump 3X
A lighter, more powerful, and quieter update to Flextail’s compact 3-in-1 pump — it inflates, deflates, and doubles as a tent light, making it a practical choice for backpacking trips without adding much weight.
Your Guide to Hiking, Backpacking & Camping in the Pacific Northwest
Review: Berghaus Rain-Motion Jacket
Built for movement, the Berghaus Rain-Motion combines 3-layer Pertex Shield protection with impressive breathability, creating a lightweight rain shell for active days on trail.
Review: Berghaus Staindrop Hike Jacket
A micro-grid fleece with excellent breathability, the Staindrop Hike Jacket adds light warmth for active hiking without trapping excess heat on trail.
Best Backpacking Pillows
Even a small pillow upgrade can change your experience on backpacking trips, providing support for more restful sleep and helping prevent neck and shoulder stiffness in the morning.
New Backpacking Gear I Tested and Recommend for 2025
As an outdoor gear reviewer, I test new items year-round. These are my top backpacking gear picks from 2025 — favorites I’ve personally used and recommend.
New Backpacking Gear I Tested and Recommend for 2024
This year, I had a chance to test quite a few backpacking gear items for reviews. These are the products that I liked the best and will continue to use for future trips.
Review: Exped Ultra 6.5R Sleeping Pad
The Exped Ultra 6.5R is an ultralight sleeping pad with an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio — delivering strong cold-weather performance in a highly comfortable design.
What’s in My First Aid Kit for Hiking
Accidents happen... be prepared to deal with them by taking a first aid kit with medical supplies. This is what I carry.
Review: MSR Switch Stove System
An integrated stove system that includes fold-out pot supports for using with other cookware, plus a pressure regulator for fuel-efficient, controlled flame and versatile cooking beyond boiling water.
Review: Ogery Solar Camping String Lights
The OGERY Solar Camping String Lights combine ambient string lights with a built-in lantern and flashlight, creating a versatile all-in-one lighting setup for camping and outdoor use.
Review: Flextail Tiny Repeller – Portable Mosquito Repellent with Lighting
A lightweight, rechargeable mosquito repeller and lantern that creates a bug-free zone at camp — without sprays or fuel — ideal for camping or backpacking.
Badger Creek Backpacking Trip – Badger Creek Wilderness
Located southeast of Mount Hood, Badger Creek Wilderness is in a transition zone on the east side of the Cascade crest with a forest of mixed conifers including Ponderosa pine, western red cedar, and western hemlock.
Badger Creek Backpacking Trip
An early-season backpacking trip in the Badger Creek Wilderness, revisiting a favorite creekside campsite, testing new gear, and enjoying a quiet, relaxed weekend in a low-snow year.
How to Stay Clean on Camping Trips
Staying clean while camping can be challenging, but these tips (and a few gear items) can make it easier to remain fresh and comfortable on your outdoor adventures.
DIY Lightweight Backpacking Gravity Water Filter Setup
No more pumping or squeezing! Convert a Sawyer Squeeze or Hydroblu Versa Flow water filter and let gravity do the work of filtering water.
Camping with a CPAP Using a Portable Power Station
If you have sleep apnea, going camping doesn't have to mean foregoing treatment. With a portable power station, you can use your CPAP machine for multiple nights outdoors.
How to Build a DIY Bed Platform for 2007 Honda CR-V
This easy-to-build DIY bed platform is for vehicles where the seats don't fold down flat, and doesn't require removing any of the car seats.
Peak Wildflowers at Memaloose Hills
A short, scenic loop at Memaloose Hills during peak wildflower season — bright balsamroot covering the rolling hills, with sweeping Columbia River views.
Review: Zenbivy Ultralight Synthetic Bed
The Zenbivy Ultralight Synthetic Bed is a new addition for 2026, bringing a synthetic insulation option to Zenbivy’s popular ultralight sleep system.
Review: REI Trailmade Hydration Sling
The Trailmade Hydration Sling is made for short outings, with room for essentials and an included water bottle that stays secure in an outer pocket so you can stay hydrated on the go.
The Landmark Project: Outdoor-Inspired Gifts with Purpose
Meaningful gifts for outdoor enthusiasts, including apparel made with sustainable materials — all from a brand that supports conservation efforts and gives back to protect the places we explore.
Camping at Cape Blanco: Beaches, Trails, and Lighthouse Views
Camping at Cape Blanco State Park for five days — beaches, sea stacks, and trails along this rugged stretch of the Oregon Coast.
Ways to Use a Buff on Outdoor Adventures
A lightweight neck gaiter is a versatile piece of gear that has many uses when hiking, camping or backpacking.
Dalles Mountain Ranch Loop Hike – Columbia River Gorge
Early-season wildflowers, quiet trails, and a side trip to the iconic old truck made this Dalles Mountain Ranch loop a rewarding spring hike.