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Backpacker relaxing next to a lit Six Moon Designs ultralight tent with sleeping bag inside, set up in a rugged alpine landscape at dusk with snowy mountains in the background.

SALE: 20% Off Sitewide at Six Moon Designs

Six Moon Designs is celebrating Independence Day with a huge Fourth of July Sale! From July 1–11, enjoy 20% off all SMD products (excluding third-party and closeout items). Shop ultralight shelters, packs, and accessories now. Just in time for summer adventures.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid shelter set up in an alpine meadow at sunset with mountain views in the distance, showcasing ultralight backcountry camping.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear July Sale 2025: Save Up to 20% Sitewide on Ultralight Essentials

Backpacker wearing an Exotic Pack Co Custom FKP with alpine lake and mountains in the background.

Gear Review: Custom FKP Backpack By Exotic Pack Co

Person standing with a dog on a cliff edge overlooking forested mountains at sunset

How to Responsibly Hike and Backpack With a Dog: A Guide for Good Trail Manners

Two people sitting outside a Sea to Summit tent in an alpine meadow with snow-covered mountains in the background, showcasing lightweight backpacking gear in a scenic wilderness setting.

Sea to Summit July 4th Sale: 50% Off Tents for Adventure Season

Three people jumping into a mountain lake from a dock while another lounges in a swimsuit, capturing summer joy and outdoor fun—REI 2025 Fourth of July Sale.

Celebrate Summer With Huge Savings at REI’s Fourth of July Sale 2025

Snow Peak Aurora Titanium Water Bottle in blue-green gradient color laying flat on snow

Gear Review: Recycled Titanium Aurora Bottle By Snow Peak

Gear

Backpacker wearing an Exotic Pack Co Custom FKP with alpine lake and mountains in the background.

Gear Review: Custom FKP Backpack By Exotic Pack Co

The Custom FKP by Exotic Pack Co is a practical and streamlined ultralight pack designed for big miles and bold hikers. We tested it on 14ers in the Sangre de Cristos and deep down into the Grand Canyon to see how this custom pack performs in demanding terrain.

Close-up of hiker on rocky summit wearing Vuarnet Altitude 01 glacier sunglasses and camera gear.

Gear Review: ALTITUDE 01 Sunglasses By Vuarnet

Woman wearing KUIU Chugach TR Rain Jacket and Pants under a large tree in Costa Rica’s jungle with a camera and umbrella.

Gear Review: Women’s Chugach TR Rain Jacket and Pants By KUIU

Hand holding Adotec Gear Rain Mitt Stuff Sacks in front of snow-dusted mountains and evergreen trees

Gear Review: Rain Mitt Stuff Sacks By Adotec Gear

Hiker wearing the pink PAKA SOL Sun Hoodie in the Organ Mountains desert landscape with hydration pack and braided hair.

Gear Review: SOL Hoodie By PAKA

woman in alpine hike wearing the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket

Gear Review: Torrid Jacket By Enlightened Equipment

HydraFuel Hydration Gummies package held up in front of a frozen alpine lake and mountain landscape by a gloved hiker.

Review: HydraFuel Hydration Gummies by Seattle Gummy Company

Gear News

Backpacker relaxing next to a lit Six Moon Designs ultralight tent with sleeping bag inside, set up in a rugged alpine landscape at dusk with snowy mountains in the background.

SALE: 20% Off Sitewide at Six Moon Designs

Six Moon Designs is celebrating Independence Day with a huge Fourth of July Sale! From July 1–11, enjoy 20% off all SMD products (excluding third-party and closeout items). Shop ultralight shelters, packs, and accessories now. Just in time for summer adventures.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid shelter set up in an alpine meadow at sunset with mountain views in the distance, showcasing ultralight backcountry camping.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear July Sale 2025: Save Up to 20% Sitewide on Ultralight Essentials

Two people sitting outside a Sea to Summit tent in an alpine meadow with snow-covered mountains in the background, showcasing lightweight backpacking gear in a scenic wilderness setting.

Sea to Summit July 4th Sale: 50% Off Tents for Adventure Season

Three people jumping into a mountain lake from a dock while another lounges in a swimsuit, capturing summer joy and outdoor fun—REI 2025 Fourth of July Sale.

Celebrate Summer With Huge Savings at REI’s Fourth of July Sale 2025

A Pika Kula Cloth with a starry night design, held in front of a pine tree in the backcountry.

Why Kula Cloth Is Still the Most Fun Pee Cloth on the Trail

Hand holding a Wanderlands Transporative Pecan Mix “Mineral Creek Wilds” flavor with rocky alpine terrain and bright blue sky in the background.

Why We Love Wanderlands Pecan Nut Mixes: Gourmet Trail Fuel With a Sense of Place

Close-up of Outdoor Vitals’ insulated technical fabric in green, showing the texture and high-loft structure of performance outdoor gear.

SALE: Outdoor Vitals Founders Sale 2025

Expert Advice

Snow Peak titanium mug held in gloved hand with snowy mountain landscape in the San Juan Mountains in the background.

Best Backpacking Coffee of 2025: Trail-Ready Brews to Fuel Your Wildest Adventures

Looking for the best backpacking coffee to fuel your hikes in 2025? From creamy instant lattes to bold espresso, we’ve rounded up the top trail-friendly brews that are lightweight, delicious, and easy to prep anywhere.

Sunset over desert canyon with a tent and sleeping bag in the foreground, showing affordable camping gear setup.

Top Budget-Friendly Outdoor Gear Brands for 2025

Woman sitting by a Dyneema ultralight tent at a high elevation lake, eating a backpacking meal at sunset.

Budget vs High-End Outdoor Gear: What’s Worth the Spend?

Camper packing up a Luno inflatable mattress and deflation valves into its storage bag after a night on the road.

Luno Life: The Best Car Camping Gear for Trailhead Sleepers and Road Trip Travelers

What To Expect Backpacking the Colorado Trail: Your Ultimate 2025 Guide

a family with many kids going for a hike on a nice wild hiking trail and all the children look very happy.

How to Get Kids Excited for Hiking: Fun Tips and Trail Games

hiking in extreme heat requires some expert advice. if you plan to hike in the desert or with saguaro advice is key

How to Hike in Extreme Heat: Advice From An Expert

Hiker Stories

More

Beer, Boots, and the Mighty Angels Landing

A Quick Escape: Two Days in the Chiricahua Mountains

Sky Island Traverse Thru-Hike: In My Pack

Through the Fog: A Hiker’s Tale

The Bright Angel Trail Hunger Scare

Stewardship

More

How to Responsibly Hike and Backpack With a Dog: A Guide for Good Trail Manners

PACT One Kit: The Ultimate Leave No Trace Bathroom System for Hikers

Why I Always Pack a Kula Cloth: Gear with a Big Leave No Trace Impact

Protecting Cryptobiotic Soil: A Hiker’s Guide to Preserving the Southwest’s Hidden Life

Inspiring the Next Generation of Hiking Stewards

Trail Reports

More

Trail Report: Salt Flat and Big Spring Canyon Loop in Canyonlands National Park

Trail Report: Cactus Wren Trail To Signal Hill In Saguaro National Park

Trail Report: Crystal Forest Trail In Petrified Forest National Park

Trail Report: Reservoir Hill Trail System

Trail Report: Treasure Falls Trail