NEW Gear in Our Curated Guides

A backpacker hiking along a steep, rocky trail in the Wallowa Mountains

Hi Friends!

Our dedicated team of gear analysts has been hard at work, testing new gear, putting more miles on reliable favorites, and updating all of our gear guides to get them ready for your upcoming adventures.

Having done the market research, delved into specs, and rigorously field-tested hundreds of products, we've taken the hassle out of your search. Our team is up to 20,000 miles and 1,000 days (yep, almost 3 years!) on trail.

When it's time to upgrade or replace a vital piece of equipment, rest assured that our recommendations are not just reliable - they're curated to ensure you get the best gear for years to come.

As always, thanks for following, and happy hiking!

- CleverHiker Team

A backpacker walking through a slot canyon wearing the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 Backpack

🔥 Hot Post of the Week 🔥
Best Backpacking Packs
Our team has put in the miles over the past decade to test 50 packs from big names, like Osprey, Gregory, and REI as well as cottage companies, such as Gossamer Gear and Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Find your new favorite pack in a jiff.

Best Backpacking Tents
Your backpacking tent will be one of the most important gear purchases you make, and choosing one can be tough. Rest assured: We know the market like the back of our hand, and we've updated our reviews with even more long-term testing results.

Tutorial: How to Lace Hiking Boots & Shoes
Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or new to the trail, proper lacing can be the difference between a pleasant trek and a painful outing. Tying your shoes for comfort means prioritizing flexibility, support, and ventilation.

A backpacker wearing an orange Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket in Yosemite

Best Rain Jackets
From the rain forests of Oregon and the summer monsoon of the Rocky Mountains to the swampy and soggy Appalachians, we’ve put over 500 days of downpour to good use and whittled this list to the best of the best when it comes to rain protection.

Best Sleeping Pads
If you're in need of a backcountry sleep system upgrade, see what's new on our list of the best sleeping pads. We’ve updated the reviews of our long-time favorites with more in-depth analyses and added some new picks.

10 Tips for Hiking with Your Dog in Winter
Taking your dog for a rainy hike or a jaunt in the snow is incredibly fun and a great way to keep them active during the winter. But adventuring with your pup in cold, wet conditions comes with its own specific challenges.

GEAR PICK OF THE WEEK

REI Flash 55 Backpack

The REI Flash 55 now holds the top spot on our Best Backpacking Packs list.

With a wallet-friendly price tag, it doesn't compromise on quality or features. Ideal for budget-conscious lightweight backpackers, it's lauded by our Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley.

Casey, an avid hiker, praises its comfort, low weight, and handy pockets. Her favorite? The modular design for a customized, minimalist setup on every hike.

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