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 until recently, we had yet to test a pack from one of the biggest names in ultralight backpacking: Hyperlite Mountain Gear. So we got our hands on one of Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s top tier packs and took it into the wild to see how it functioned (and if we’d carry it again). Here’s our full Hyperlite Unbound 55 Review.
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).
What’s better than a roomy two-person tent when spending a few nights in the outdoors? A three-person tent, of course! They offer more room for duos, plenty of space for ultra plush double sleeping mattress and bag setups, are a mansion for single campers (whether or not you’re bringing your dog), and offer way more livable space for changing, lounging, or waiting out inclement weather. We recently tested two solid 3-person tents on a 10-day road trip to Utah’s national parks and compare them both here and now in this REI Half Dome vs Big Agnes Copper Spur tent comparison.
Whether you’re planning an extended road trip full of nights spent under the stars or you’re just looking for the ultimate comfy sleep setup for you and your partner/dog/best bud/just you, there may be no better option than a cushy self-inflating sleeping pad and a big ol’ roomy sleeping bag. Especially if you plan to get cozy with a camp buddy 😉. Heck, even if you’re on your own and you just love to sprawl when you sleep, a double sleeping bag and mattress are a stellar addition to your car camping setup.
We’re all about barefoot and minimalist shoes here at Terradrift. We love them for all seasons: summer, winter, in snow, sun and rain. And while we tend to prefer more breathable barefoot hiking boots when it’s warm, sometimes waterproof barefoot hiking boots are required. Fortunately, we’ve tested plenty over the years and these are some of our favorite minimalist, zero-drop waterproof boots designed for hiking and outdoor adventure.
If you’re ready to ditch traditional laces and step into the world of minimalist shoes, the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Boa is a solid choice. With a lightweight build, excellent traction, and a micro-adjustable Boa Fit System, it blends barefoot freedom with everyday comfort—perfect for trail runners, barefoot-curious walkers, and anyone who hates tying shoes.
Come summer, we’re all about barefoot sandals. We explore in them, travel in them, wander in them, and definitely hike in them. Yes, we hike in sandals (but only purpose-built sandals designed for the task). So just like last year, we got our hands on a bunch of different brands and styles, tested them all on dirty, rocky, uneven trails in Utah, plus on gravel and asphalt, and sized them up to determine which ones are best for what activities, which are most comfortable, durable, have the best groundfeel, you name it. So if you’re ready for a new pair of barefoot hiking sandals, here are some of the best money can buy.
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.