This photo shows the The REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles on a rock outside.

REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles Review

The REI Co-op Flash Carbon Trekking Poles are ultralight, adjustable carbon-composite trekking poles aimed at backpackers and hikers. To get us a closer look, REI sent Man Makes Fire a review unit. This is w...
This photos shows multiple best down jackets together including the REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Jacket, Eddie Bauer MicroTherm StormDown Jacket, KUHL Spyfire Down Jacket and more.

The 29 Best Down Jackets for 2018 and Beyond

There is no one single best down jacket, and that's a good thing because it means we have choices -- there are many best down jackets. Everyone has different body types, does different sports, has different bud...
backpacking gear gift guide

35 Best Gifts for Backpackers 2018

You need gear to go backpacking, and backpackers need gifts, so here are our 35 best gifts for backpackers. Photo location? Ship Island Lake. We're here to help you find the best gifts for backpackers in 20...
This best sleeping pad reviews photo shows several air mattresses and sleeping pads for camping and backpacking stacked up in a tent.

10 Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking & Camping 2018

The best sleeping pad for backpacking is ultralight, super cushy and insulated. There are dozens of great backpacking sleeping pads available in 2018, and as it turns out, lightweight backpacking pads make some...
This photo shows the REI Co-op Quarter Dome 2 Tent near a mountain lake in a backpacking wilderness area.

REI Co-op Quarter Dome 2 Tent Review

The REI Co-op Quarter Dome 2 Tent is an excellent ultralight freestanding backpacking tent — and it’s one of the best overall backpacking tents available for most backpackers. REI completely redesigned the Quar...
This photo shows a backpacker sitting by a mountain lake drinking coffee with the Sierra Designs Backcountry Quilt 700.

Sierra Designs Backcountry Quilt 700 Review

The Sierra Designs Backcountry Quilt 700 surprised us: It’s one of the best sleeping bags we’ve tested — and it’s not exactly a sleeping bag nor is it a true quilt. The Sierra Designs Backcountry Quilt is more ...
This image shows the REI Co-op Magma 10 Sleeping bag in a tent.

REI Co-op Magma 10 Sleeping Bag Review

The REI Co-op Magma 10 Sleeping Bag is an outstanding ultralight down sleeping bag. The shell fabric, overall design, weight, and even the color all come together to create a truly excellent backpacking sleepin...
north face storm break 1 review

The North Face Stormbreak 1 Tent Review

The North Face Stormbreak 1 Tent tops our list of the 7 Best Backpacking Tents for the Money in the 1-person category, and for good reason: The North Face Stormbreak 1 tent is a great tent at a fantastic price ...