Backpacking Equipment Guides, Tips and Tricks in 2026

Best Bear Butt Double Hammock (March 2026) Expert Reviews

Backpacking Equipment

I’ve spent countless nights sleeping in hammocks across the country, from the Appalachians to the Pacific Northwest. When Bear Butt first hit the market around 2018, they disrupted things with…

10 Best Trekking Poles for Backpacking (March 2026) Tested

Buying Guides

After 15 years of backpacking and three long-distance hikes including the John Muir Trail, I have learned that trekking poles are not optional equipment for serious backpacking. The right poles…

10 Best Bivy Bags for Camping and Backpacking (March 2026) Tested

Outdoor Gear

After spending 15 years backpacking and shaving ounces from my pack, I’ve learned that shelter weight is often the biggest opportunity for savings. A quality bivy bag can replace a…

12 Best Camping Tarps Backpacking (March 2026) Tested

Outdoor Gear

I’ve spent countless nights under backpacking tarps across the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and countless weekend adventures. After testing over 20 different models in conditions ranging from gentle drizzles…

Best Backpacking Pillows: 10 Top-Rated Options for Quality Sleep on the Trail - ofzenandcomputing

10 Best Backpacking Pillows (March 2026) Top-Rated Options for Quality Sleep on the Trail

Buying Guides

After waking up with a stiff neck one too many times on the trail, I finally invested in a dedicated backpacking pillow and the difference was immediate. Quality sleep isn’t…

8 Best Hammock Underquilt (March 2026) Tested

Buying Guides

Sleeping in a hammock changes everything about insulation. That open space underneath you? It is stealing warmth faster than any sleeping bag can replace it. The DD Hammocks Underblanket is…

10 Best Single Wall Tent (March 2026) Top Picks for Ultralight Backpacking

Buying Guides

After spending 15 years backpacking and testing gear across the Appalachians, Rockies, and Sierra Nevada, I’ve learned that single wall tents aren’t for everyone. But when they work, they’re transformative.…

Best 1 Person Backpacking Tents [cy]: Solo Shelters Tested - ofzenandcomputing

12 Best 1 Person Backpacking Tents (March 2026) Solo Shelters Tested

Buying Guides

Sleeping solo in the backcountry changes everything about your backpacking experience. The right 1 person backpacking tent gives you the freedom to camp wherever you want, without being tied to…

8 Best Titanium Spork (March 2026) Tested for Backpacking & Camping

Buying Guides

After spending three years testing camping utensils on trails from the Appalachian to the Pacific Crest, I have learned that the right eating tool matters more than most backpackers realize.…

12 Best Socks For Hiking (March 2026) Complete Guide

Buying Guides

I still remember my first long-distance hike vividly. After just 5 miles in cotton socks, I had developed blisters on both heels that made every subsequent step miserable. That painful…

Top 10 Best Backpacking Hammocks (March 2026) Tested

Buying Guides

After spending three years sleeping in everything from $20 parachute hammocks to premium ultralight systems, I’ve learned that weight isn’t everything. The best backpacking hammocks balance packability, durability, and actual…

10 Best Hammocks With Mosquito Nets (March 2026) Tested for Bug-Free Camping

Backpacking Equipment

I’ve spent countless nights swatting mosquitoes while trying to sleep in a regular hammock. After testing different solutions, I found that integrated mosquito net hammocks are the only way to…

Best Merino Wool Base Layers [cy]: Premium Thermal Tops & Bottoms - ofzenandcomputing

12 Best Merino Wool Base Layers (March 2026) Premium Thermal Tops & Bottoms

Buying Guides

After testing merino wool base layers across three hiking seasons, I’ve learned the hard way which ones are worth the investment. I’ve spent over $800 on different merino brands, watching…

Best Hiking Umbrellas [cy]: Complete Guide for Backpackers and Day Hikers - ofzenandcomputing

10 Best Hiking Umbrellas (March 2026) Complete Guide

Buying Guides

Getting caught in a sudden downpour miles from the trailhead is miserable. After 15 years of hiking everything from local day loops to multi-day treks, I’ve learned that weather protection…

Best Wool Anorak: 8 Top-Rated Wool Pullovers and Jackets Tested - ofzenandcomputing

8 Best Wool Anorak (March 2026) Top-Rated Wool Pullovers & Jackets Tested

Outdoor Gear

After spending three winters testing various wool outerwear across the Pacific Northwest and Colorado Rockies, I have learned that not all wool jackets are created equal. The right wool anorak…

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