BACKPACKING GEAR

Explore articles…

This page lists all the backpacking gear posts on Exploring Wild. Nearly everything discussed here has been used by me personally, often for hundreds of miles. Some of it is budget-friendly and ideal for beginners, while other items are more specialized and pricey. My personal style tends toward lightweight but I also have some non-negotiable luxury and comfort items, so you’ll find a wide variety here.

For a list of my favorite items, see My Favorite Backpacking Gear.

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Backpacks

What Size Backpack Is Best For Your Hike?

40 Liter Ultralight Hiking Backpacks: Comparison Table

50 Liter Hiking Backpacks: Top Picks and Packing Tips

How to Choose the Right Backpack Size for Your Thru Hike

65 Liter Backpacks: The Right Size for Your Hike? (+ Popular Packs and Tips)

45 Liter Backpacks: The Right Size For Your Hike? (+ Tips and Popular Packs)

ULA Circuit Versus Granite Gear Crown: Comparison and Review

ULA Circuit Backpack Long-Term Review (1500 Miles)

The Most Popular Backpacking Packs: Lessons from the John Muir Trail

Shelter & Sleep

How Does the New Six Moon Designs Lunar Orbiter Tent Compare to the Competition?

Review: Six Moon Designs Haven 2P Tent (Tarp + NetTent Bundle)

Long-Term Review: Big Sky Soul 1P Tent (Bikepacking and More)

Comparing Therm-a-Rest’s Lightest Sleeping Pads: NeoAir XLite NXT vs. XTherm NXT

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Women’s) Long-Term Review

Long-Term Review: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent (3000+ Miles of Bikepacking)

5 Ways to Carry Your Tent While Backpacking, and the One I Recommend

Six Moon Designs Haven Tarp: Gear Review After 1300 Miles

Lightweight Solo Tents Ranked by Price and Weight (2023 Visual Guide)

Borah Gear Ultralight Bivy Long-Term Review (100+ Nights)

Food & Water

Bottles, Bladders, and Beyond: How to Carry Water While Backpacking

Review: One Bottle Hydration System Turns Bottles Into Bladders

Bear Canister vs. Bear Bag (Ursack): Which is Best for Backpacking?

Titanium Cookware for Backpacking: Pros, Cons, Top Picks

JetBoil MiniMo vs. MicroMo: Differences Explained

Ursack Major vs. Minor: Side-by-Side Comparison and Review

Bearikade Expedition Bear Canister: Long-Term Review

CNOC Vecto Long-Term Review (Better Alternative to Sawyer Squeeze Bags)

Backpacking Bear Canisters: Price vs Weight vs Capacity

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2024 (What Experienced Hikers Actually Use)

Clothing

Review: Ombraz Armless Sunglasses (Backpacking and Bikepacking)

Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Tights Long-Term Review

8 High-Performing Merino Sun Hoodies For Outdoor Adventure

Review: Wūru’s Nuyarn Lightweight Merino Sun Hoodie

Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie Long-Term Review

Smartwool Merino Sport Ultralight Hoodie Long-Term Review

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket Long-Term Review

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket Long-Term Review

Long-Term Review: Arc’teryx Cerium Down Jacket

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket Long-Term Review

PreCip vs. Helium II vs. Arc’teryx Beta AR: Comparing Rain Jackets for Outdoor Adventure

My Top Backpacking Clothes: A Lightweight Full-Comfort Packing List

Other Gear Posts

Bear Vault Users, Here’s How to Not Get Your Lid Stuck (learn from my mistakes)

Smartphone or GPS Device: Which is Best for Hiking Navigation?

Tested: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad Review

Flying With Backpacking Gear: What to Pack Where for Airport Security

Are Trekking Poles Worth It?

Black Diamond Carbon Distance Z Hiking Poles: Long-Term Review

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Hiking Poles: Long-Term Review

9 Ways to Care For Hiking Gear Before Packing It Away For Winter

Backpacking Gift Ideas for All Budgets: 33 Things We Actually Want

15 Backpacking Luxury Items: Are These Worth the Weight to You?

12 Things I Don’t Bring Backpacking Anymore

Arizona Trail Thru Hike Gear List: What Worked and What Didn’t

What’s in My Lightweight Toiletries Kit For Backpacking and Bikepacking

How to Use Your Garmin InReach Mini (Without Driving Loved Ones Crazy)

Long-Term Review: BigBlue 28W Solar Charger (Backpacking and Bikepacking)

Colorado Trail Thru Hiking Gear List: What Worked and What Didn’t

My Favorite Backpacking Gear: A Peek Into My Garage

Trekking Poles: How to Choose and Use Them Like a Pro

Honest Answers About Menstrual Cups for Camping, Backpacking, and Travel