It's officially summer, and backpacking season is in full swing!
The CleverHiker Team is stoked to get into the mountains. Heather is currently backpacking through Glacier National Park, Dave is setting out on a family trip to connect with nature, and Casey will soon be heading down to the Rogue River Trail for some warm-up backpacking while snow melts in the Central Cascades. We’ll have trip reports, social media posts, and gear reviews coming your way soon!
Also, if you've ever dreamed of turning your passion for hiking and camping into a full-time job, now's your chance! We’re adding an Outdoor Gear Staff Writer and Managing Editor to our squad. Here are the details for the Staff Writer position, and the Managing Editor job listing will be up soon.
If you need any new gear, now is a great time to buy! REI is having their annual 4th of July sale with some can’t-miss deals, and there are a ton of past-season favorites marked down to clearance prices. The sale starts today (6/23) and ends on Independence Day (7/4). We also created a 4th of July Sale Guide with a list of all our favorite deals, so check that out for our take on the juiciest discounts!
As always, thanks for following, and make sure to hit us up on social media.
- CleverHiker Team
REI's 4th of July Sale You can save big on top-quality gear at REI from June 23 to July 4! Check out our Sale Guide to get the scoop on the sweetest deals, and see all the details of the sale.
Best Sleeping Bags After recent field testing, we reconfirmed our top choices on this list, but there have also been some big changes. We’re here to help make sure you’re snuggled up cozy in your sleep sack this summer.
We've recently made some big updates to our Best Tents list. Your shelter will be one of the most important items in your pack, so let us help you find an exceptional one.
Best Sleeping Pads Packing a top-notch sleeping pad will help take your backcountry sleep to the next level. A great backpacking pad will keep you comfortable, warm, and help keep your pack weight down.
Bonus: This tent is currently 40% off for REI members.
REI has made some of our favorite tents over the years, but few have been as impressive as the Flash 2. This tent has a weight and interior volume that rival some of the most popular backpacking tents of all time, but it costs far less than anything in its class.
With its unique pole architecture, the Flash 2 manages to feel more spacious than tents with the exact same dimensions. The headwall of the Flash 2 stands vertically and is supported by an arch pole that pulls the sidewalls out. As a result, you end up with more headroom where you need it most.
We highly recommend the Flash 2 to hikers looking to save a significant amount of money without having to compromise on weight, space, or the convenience of a freestanding design. And those looking for even more space should check out the Flash 3, which still costs less than many of the two-person tents on our Best Backpacking Tents list and only weighs about 10 oz more than the Flash 2.
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