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Your Southwest Hiker Pal

Your Southwest Hiker Pal

Flatlay image showing the PAKA Essential Tee, boxer briefs, mid-rise briefs, and Trail Ankle Socks on a bed

Gear Review: Trail-Tested Essentials By PAKA

PAKA's Essentials line blends performance and comfort in all the right ways. From the buttery-soft Essential Tee to the breathable socks and underwear, these are everyday staples that can hold their own on the trail and beyond.

Woman kneeling on a paddleboard in shallow clear water, wearing a bright orange Wuru Wool Lightweight Hoodie with red pants, surrounded by desert mountains and a blue sky.

Gear Review: 100% Merino Lightweight Hoodie by Wūru Wool

Looking for the ultimate merino sun hoodie? The Wuru Wool 100% Merino Lightweight Hoodie is soft, breathable, and made for long days on the trail. We’ve worn it everywhere- from alpine peaks to desert canyons -and it continues to impress.

Person holding a Mazama M!GO water bottle in the alpine with rocky terrain and wildflowers in the background.

Gear Review: M!GO Water Bottle by Mazama Designs

The M!GO Water Bottle by Mazama Designs is a reusable, ultralight alternative to the Smartwater bottle. It's perfect for backpackers who want performance and sustainability.

Coconut Chickpea Stew meal pouch on a white table with the Black Garlic Ramen and Quinoa Skillet in the background, next to crackers and outdoor gear.

Review: Poe & Co Folk Foods Backpacking Meals

Trail-tested review of Poe & Co Folk Foods dehydrated backpacking meals: Black Garlic Ramen Bowl, Coconut Chickpea Stew, and Quinoa Sweet Potato Skillet. Plant-based, gluten-free, and full of flavor.

Collage of outdoor adventurers using Hyperlite Mountain Gear's new Dyneema® Woven Composite backpacks while hiking through forests, mountains, and alpine terrain.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Relaunches Iconic Packs with Revolutionary Dyneema® Woven Composite

The Junction, Southwest, and Windrider packs are back: reengineered with next-gen Dyneema® Woven Composite for unmatched durability and ultralight performance. Hyperlite Mountain Gear sets a new standard in backpacking gear with this game-changing relaunch. Learn More!

Hiker wearing La Sportiva Spire GTX boots on snowy rocks while preparing Angry Pika dehydrated food in bright sunlight.

Gear Review: Spire GTX Hiking Shoes by La Sportiva

The La Sportiva Spire GTX is a lightweight, breathable hiking shoe with serious grip and support: perfect for scrambling 14ers, navigating slickrock, and tackling rugged terrain with confidence.

Cold water being poured into an Angry Pika Caramel Apple Granola Breakfast pouch in a snowy alpine setting.

Best Cold Soak Backpacking Meals Of 2025

Cold soaking is in! These top cold soak backpacking meals of 2025 make trail eating simple and satisfying. No stove, no stress, just add water.