Backpacking

Can a backpack make hiking and backpacking with moderately heavy loads more comfortable, help you move more freely, maintain good posture and keep you balanced? Aarn Packs thinks they can. So we tested an Aarn Featherlite Freedom 50L backpack from this new-to-the-USA brand that offers truly original backpacks that challenge conventional backpack design. It is, without question, one of the quirkiest—and most highly engineered—backpacks we’ve ever tested with its intriguing “balance pockets,” web of cords and toggles, and highly adjustable suspension system. ut did all this radical pack engineering and design live up to the claims? Read on.

Love ultralight backpacking? If you’re looking for the best ultralight backpack, one of these might be your perfect match!

We love ultralight backpacking here at Terradrift. In fact, it’s the only backpacking we ever want to do. But finding the perfect ultralight backpack can be tricky. So we tested out the new Gossamer Gear Skala 38 to see how it performed, what features were valuable (or not) and whether we’d carry it again. Let’s dive in.

Women/femme/petite folks: You don’t have to “make do” with a pack not designed for your body anymore! Allow us to introduce you to the Symbiosis Gear Aspen Backpack: a 38L ultralight backpacking pack designed by women, for women.

We’re all in on ultralight backpacking here at Terradrift. In fact, it’s the only way we trek into the backcountry at this point (check out these articles about our sub-10lb couple’s base weight and what UL gadgets we do and don’t love). But we had yet to test packs from one of the biggest names in Ultralight backpacking: Zpacks. So we got our hands on a Zpacks backpack–the Super Nero 50 Ultra, part of the Zpacks Nero backpack series–and took it into the backcountry to see how it performed (and whether we’d carry it again).

It’s time for the annual REI Memorial Day Sale! Which means great deals on tons of camping and backpacking gear. Here’s 12 of our favorites in 2025.

Planning a hiking or backpacking trip and want to know if you can bring along your trekking poles? We got you. Because the answer…well…it’s complicated. Keep reading to find out how to pack your trekking poles so they won’t get confiscated by security.

When it comes to backpacking, few filters can compete with Sawyer and Lifestraw. But which one is the ultralight king? Let’s break it down.

Are you team water bottle or hydration reservoir? Sound off! Well we tested a hydration system that’s truly the best of both worlds: It has the functionality of a bladder with the ease-of-use of a water bottle. It’s the One Bottle Hydration system, essentially a hydration tube for a water bottle, and it may be our new favorite way to stay hydrated on long hikes and backpacking trips. Read on for our full review.

Thinking of swapping your tent for a hammock on your next camping or backpacking trip? Or are you new to this whole camping thing and trying to decide which sleep setup is going to provide the ultimate backcountry experience? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Because choosing between hammock camping and tent camping is…nuanced? They’re just different, OK? And offer very different experiences. Fortunately, in the battle of tent vs hammock, there are distinct pros, cons and insider tips to help you choose the ultimate sleep setup for your next outdoor adventure and we’re gonna break ’em down to help you make the right decision for you.