Gear

If you spend much time pitching a tent in the backcountry, heck, if you’ve ever spent a single night sleeping in a tent, you know what a wondrous thing a good night’s sleep can be. But sleep can often be an elusive thing when you’re sleeping on the ground outdoors (or in a hammock, for that matter). You know what can make it more achievable? A comfortable pillow, that’s what. But that’s easier said than found. So we went ahead and tested a whole slew of packable pillows to help you find the right one for you. I know. You’re welcome. So here ya go: the 8 best backpacking pillows we could find so you can sleep soundly during your next night under the stars.

It’s still hiking season! So are you ready to hit the trail? But going hiking doesn’t mean you have to spend multiple days in the wilderness. Short day hikes are just as wonderful a way to spend time in nature and more accessible and achievable by everyone from city folks who just want to enjoy the outdoors for a couple of hours to seasoned hikers and trail runners stoked for a challenge. So pack a small backpack (whether it’s with your camera and a celebratory beer to enjoy at the viewpoint or just some trail snacks and hiking poles–just don’t forget the 10 essentials) and get to it! Don’t have a small backpack? Then check out these sustainable daypacks–they’re just what you need to get the job done.

I know, I know. When we first learned that Counter Assault bear spray was more eco-friendly, we were all, whaaaat? Can bear spray even be NON environmentally friendly? So we dug in to learn more. Here’s what we found.

Some exciting new technology just hit the market that makes sustainable outdoor gear and apparel even more eco-responsible! YKK, together with EON and Houdini Sportswear have launched the first outdoor apparel with innovative new tech that helps promote product circularity. That means recyclable gear just got a lot easier to recycle at the end of its useable life thanks to YKK TouchLink. Read more in this press release and find out where to find this new tech.

Completely undyed AND made of recycled materials inside and out?! Could the Mountain Hardwear Lamina Eco AF be the world’s most sustainable sleeping bag? We think it’s entirely possible. But is it cozy? Comfortable? Packable? Read on (or watch) to find out what we think of this bright white bag.

A sleeping pad made of plants?! You betcha! How? Why? Where? We’ll tell you. Because we recently tried out the Big Agnes TwisterCane BioFoam, the newest sleeping pad from Big Agnes, and it’s maybe the most sustainable, ultralight, closed-cell foam sleeping pad on the market. Read (or watch) to learn more!

We’re deep in the throes of summer, so we figured it’s high time we let you know what we’re geeking out over this season, the coolest stuff we’ve tested and tried, and what we’ve decided we can’t live without during these long summer days and nights. So if you’re looking for some cool new gear to make the last month or two of the best season ever the best it can be, check out our favorite new gear for summer, some cool sustainable stuff that gets two big thumbs up from us.

Do you know what’s in your tent? What coatings and chemicals? Whether it’s treated with unsustainable PFC DWR treatments or chemically-dyed fabric? While most tent manufacturers these days put that sort of info front and center, there’s one thing not as many manufacturers are talking to consumers about: fire retardant tents.

Are you new to backpacking? A seasoned veteran whose worn-out pack is in need of an upgrade? Either way, it’s our humble opinion that you should gear up with something more sustainable in the backpack department. ‘Cause, you know, we’re all about making more sustainable choices here at Terradrift. But what makes a sustainable backpack? It’s in the production, materials, durability, even what the brand that makes it stands for. So if it’s time to shoulder a new pack, try out one of these sustainable backpacks on for size.

Summer’s here, which means camping season is also in full swing. And the number one thing you’ll need for any successful camping trip is a shelter where you can lay your head at night. So whether you’re camping three feet from your car or hiking into the middle of nowhere, we’ve got you (literally) covered with the best sustainable tents on the market.