Gear

I’ve been backpacking for over two decades now. And over that time, I’ve become more and more of an ultralight Backpacker. Meaning, I prefer to carry as a little weight as possible, no matter how long of an excursion I am embarking upon. So I decided to go all in. I upgraded my entire backpacking kit to include only the most ultralight gear I could find to test it out and see if it was worth the weight savings, the cost, and the lack of feature-rich gear. So I took it all out on a recent weekend trip, and will break it all down for you right here, right now, and let you know if some of the most ultralight backpacking gear in existence today makes for a better backpacking experience or a more miserable one.

Coffee is what makes the wheel spin and keeps the content churning here at Terradrift. We love it. We’re obsessed with it. We’re probably addicted to it. So we’re always on the lookout for innovative devices and methods of brewing, especially portable coffee makers that we can take on the road with us. So allow me to introduce you to the Pakt Coffee Kit, a delightfully portable travel coffee maker that packs up into one convenient little handheld package and contains everything you need to brew a great cup of coffee just about anywhere. Read (and watch) all about it here.

Is there an ultralight backpacker in your life? One of those people who cuts their toothbrush in half or sleeps without a sleeping pad to save a few ounces (or grams)? Want to really wow them with the perfect gift that shows you understand their plight to have the lightest kit in town? These ultralight gifts for backpackers are guaranteed to impress. How do we know? Because we’ve either tested it or it’s on our own wishlist. Sustainability bonus: less weight means less fuel required for shipping! Huzzah! So shop happy (and ultralight)!

You know we love gear here at Terradrift. And if you know a hiking maniac, mountain biking fanatic, camping freak, climbing enthusiast, passionate paddler, or berserk backpacker, it’s probably safe to say they love gear, too (and wouldn’t mind receiving some as gifts for Christmahanukwanzadan). So we made it easy for you and rounded up some of our favorite outdoors gifts. Ready or not, here is out outdoor gift guide with 10 stellar gifts for outdoor lovers, all in one place.

Need small gifts that may or may not fit in an oversized sock hung by the chimney with care (or any other holiday vessel)? We got you this Christmahanukwankadan season! These items may come in small packages, but pack a big punch. They’re especially great for recipients who have everything, don’t want more stuff, live in small spaces, or are constantly on the road (looking at you van lifers and nomads). So if you’ll be gifting (or treating yourself) this season, let this gift guide full of outdoorsy stocking stuffers be your guide.

It’s November! And that not only means store are disgustingly over-decked with red and green, but the holiday shopping season has begun! And it starts in earnest with Black Friday. But the sales have started early this year! So we rounded up some of the best Black Friday Sales on outdoor gear from across the web so you can get your shopping done pronto. Check out all the baller deals now!

There are a pair of shiny new hiking pants for women on the market and they. Are. Legit. Why? They are designed to finally give anyone who has to pee sitting down the chance to laugh directly in the face of the patriarchy. Why? How? They allow women to pee in the outdoors with their pants still 100% on and their privacy protected. Got your attention? We thought so. Well, buckle up, because we’re gonna talk about these new SheFly Go Anywhere Pants, what we thought of them, and whether they’re worth the price right here, right now.

Winter is coming. (Sorry, I had to…) And that means it will soon be time to gird your feet in more insulated, protective shoes. (Permit me a moment of mourning as I put away my hiking sandals…) And that means it’s time to break out the winter hiking boots! But if you’re concerned with sustainability and/or are searching for warm vegan hiking boots, the pickings are slim to say the least. So we did some digging to find the best sustainable and vegan winter hiking boots on the market this season. These three are tops in our book!

We love a good fire here at Terradrift. Campfires, bonfires, fire pits, fire bowls, fireplaces, fires for roasting marshmallows, fires for grilling veggie burgers…I could go on. But not everyone can have a permanent stone fire pit installed in their backyard. Heck, some of us don’t even have a backyard! So over the years, we’ve loved testing, experimenting and learning about all the portable fire pits and flames that keep you toasty, bring the ambiance, and make s’mores making possible no matter where you are. Yup, even if you don’t have a backyard. Bonus: They’re also easy to transport to the campground for an easy, Leave-No-Trace campfire! So here are our 6 favorite portable fire pits for everyone from backyard burners to balcony snugglers.

Neck gaiters, neck tubes, multifunctional headwear, balaclavas…whatever you call them, their super duper popular in the great outdoors. And for good reason: they’re a fantastic multi-talker whether you’re hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, camping, kayaking, you name it. You can wear them to protect your neck from the sun in the summer or keep it warm in the winter. Wear it as a sweat band during high-output activities or to keep your hair out of your face. Knot the top and wear it as a hat or pull it over your face and head like a balaclava. It’s a face mask, a hair tie, a sweat mop when wrapped around your wrist, water filter, the possibilities are almost as endless as those offered by a towel (where my HGTTG fans at?). But not all neck gaiters are created equal. Especially where sustainability is concerned. So if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly neck tube, we’ve got you covered. Read on for 5 of the best neck gaiters that are also sustainable.