Trail gear that earns its pack weight: footwear, poles, layers, navigation, and the small tools that solve real trail problems.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Some content is reader-supported and reviewed by the editorial team. Best Dog Backpacks for Hiking 2026: 5 Packs That Let Your Dog Carry Their Share July 2026, By GearHound If your dog is hiking … Read more
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Why a Dedicated Camping Lantern Beats Your Phone Light Using your phone as a camp light is a fast way to drain your battery and a slow way to actually see anything. A real camping lantern throws 360 degrees of light, illuminates … Read more
Best Backpacking Water Filters 2026: How to Get Safe Water on the Trail Last updated: June 2026 | By GearHound GearHound is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing ruins a multi-day trek faster than gastrointestinal misery from a bad … Read more
Best Dog Cooling Mats and Pads 2026 When temperatures climb into the 90s and beyond, dogs struggle more than humans do. They can’t sweat through their skin — they cool themselves primarily through panting and a small amount of heat exchange through their paw pads. At camp, where shade is limited and the ground radiates … Read more
Why Your Backpacking Stove Matters More Than You Think A backpacking stove is the difference between a hot meal at the end of a 15-mile day and another handful of cold trail mix. The best backpacking stoves boil water in under 4 minutes, simmer well enough to cook real meals, and weigh less than 3 … Read more
Best Backpacking Backpacks 2026 Your backpack is the single most important piece of gear you carry into the backcountry. A good pack disappears on your back — you forget it’s there until you need something from it. A bad pack turns every mile into a shoulder-aching, hip-bruising ordeal. I compared the top backpacking backpacks for … Read more
Best Camp Hammocks 2026 Hammock camping has gone from a niche curiosity to a legitimate shelter system. Whether you’re lounging between two trees at a car campground or sleeping overnight on a backpacking trip, a good camp hammock can be more comfortable than sleeping on the ground in a tent — if you choose the … Read more
Why a Bear Canister Is Non-Negotiable in Bear Country If you are backpacking in bear territory, a bear canister is not optional gear — it is required by law in most national parks and wilderness areas. Bears that learn to associate humans with food become dangerous, and wildlife managers end up euthanizing them. A proper … Read more
A regular collar is fine for a walk around the block. But when you are running, hiking, or covering serious distance with your dog, a harness distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders instead of concentrating it on the neck. This prevents trachea damage, reduces pulling, and gives you better control on technical terrain. The … Read more
Your tent is the heaviest single item in your backpack and the one that protects you from the worst conditions you will encounter on the trail. A good backpacking tent weighs under 3 pounds for two people, sets up in under 5 minutes, and withstands wind, rain, and bugs. A bad one weighs 5 pounds, … Read more