Camping & Hiking

Expert Journal

Recent

Three people backpack up a hill covered in boulders. They all wear large Deuter backpacks and carry hiking poles.
Updated
The 14 Best Camping & Hiking Brands
There are so many camping and hiking brands that it can be hard to know where to start. This list explores the top fourteen outdoor brands, covering everything from tents to apparel.
Product images from the gift guide below arranged in a collage.
Updated
The Ultimate 2022 Camping & Hiking Gift Guide
With the holidays coming up quickly, we've got you covered when it comes to gift ideas for the campers and hikers in your life! Check out these 11 present suggestions!
An image of selected products from each 2022 Holiday Gift Guide.
Updated
The Ultimate 2022 Holiday Gift Guide
Looking for the perfect holiday present? Curated Experts share their top Outdoor Sports, Baby & Toddler, Coffee & Espresso, and Grill product recommendations for your loved ones.
A group of people from Tahoe Aventures gathers on the top of Job's Peak for a picture with a black Curated flag.
Updated
How Curated Is Helping People Embrace the Outdoors
An online retailer offers a unique and personalized experience when shopping online which is changing the e-commerce industry.
The author crouches in the snow with her Yeti mug. She wears a red sweater and scarf and a baseball cap.
Updated
Expert Review: YETI Rambler 14 Mug
This review is my own honest opinion of the mug, which I bought with my own money in May 2021.

Popular

What Are the Different Types of Tents?
Updated
What Are the Different Types of Tents?
Camping & Hiking Expert Eric Bergdoll runs through all the different types of tents to help you find the right tent for you and your group.
A campsite in a forest with two tents in front of trees
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The Most Comfortable Way to Sleep in a Tent
After a long day in the wilderness, it feels amazing to hunker down for a good night’s sleep. Camping Expert Eric Bergdoll outlines how to achieve restful slumber in a tent.
A man sitting in a chair working on his laptop outside his large tent in the prairie at sunset
Updated
What the Heck is a “Guy Line” and Do I Need It?
You’re not the first person to find yourself here, and you certainly won’t be the last. So, let’s talk about why and how to use this small, but important part of your tent kit.
Three people backpack up a hill covered in boulders. They all wear large Deuter backpacks and carry hiking poles.
Updated
The 14 Best Camping & Hiking Brands
There are so many camping and hiking brands that it can be hard to know where to start. This list explores the top fourteen outdoor brands, covering everything from tents to apparel.
Two people sit in a green hammock in the forest
Updated
Hammock vs. Tent: The Great Debate
Camping & Hiking expert Alex Dolan shares insight on whether a hammock or a tent is right for your next camping or backpacking adventure.

Buying Guides

The author stands on a peak high above a large lake and its surrounding, tree-covered hills.
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16 Items I Never Backpack Without
Adventure photographer, blogger, and Curated expert Eva Seelye shares her favorite items that are always in her backpack when she hits the trail.
An aerial shot of the ground below absolutely covered in tents with a few well-worn paths cutting through the throng.
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An Expert Guide to Festival Camping
About to camp at a music festival for the first time? Camping & Hiking expert Andrew Corley shares his tips for safe, cool, and fun festival camping.
A man in a black jacket with arms out-stretched and facing the expansive valley and mountain scenery before him
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A Jacket for Every Occasion
Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. shares her favorite jacket options for every kind of hiking weather one may encounter.
The author smiles and holds out her hands in a red rock desert environment.
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Should You Try a Hiking Skirt?
Ever considered a hiking skirt? Camping & Hiking Expert Katie Benoit sheds some light on this stylish, comfortable, and versatile piece of gear.
A tent sits on a hill with mountains and a sunset in the background
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How to Pack for a Weekend Camping Trip
Camping expert Eric Bergdoll tells you all about the essential gear you'll need for your next weekend camping trip.
Two tents in the dark with a fire and chairs nearby.
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What Size Tent Do I Need?
With the warmer weather upon us, it's time to start planning your epic summer camping trips! Here are a few tips to consider when choosing your tent size!

Brand Guides

Three people backpack up a hill covered in boulders. They all wear large Deuter backpacks and carry hiking poles.
Updated
The 14 Best Camping & Hiking Brands
There are so many camping and hiking brands that it can be hard to know where to start. This list explores the top fourteen outdoor brands, covering everything from tents to apparel.

Most Recommended

A man rolling up a sleeping pad. There is snow on the ground and a tent set up nearby.
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The Most Comfortable Sleeping Pads
Camping and Hiking Expert Brett K. gives a rundown of everything you'd need to know about sleeping pads and lists the most comfortable sleeping pads on the market!
Someone in a beanie wears a blue Osprey backpack with their back to the camera. A foggy hillside covered in pines extends before them.
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Top 10 Brightly-Colored Backpacks
Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. shares her top ten list of brightly-colored backpacks that will stick out from the crowd so you'll never lose your pack again.
Someone walks across a snowy expanse with clouds or fog rising in the background so it's not clear where the landscape ends and the sky begins.
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Curated Experts' Favorite Cold-Weather Gear
Four Curated Experts share their favorite hat, turtleneck, puffy, and socks—all essential gear when trying to stay warm this winter!
White and black dog shakes owners hand in front of a camping tent.
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The Best Tents for Camping with Your Dog
Camping & Hiking Expert Hannah K. explains the best tents for camping with your furry friend along with some tips, tricks, and safety considerations.
Two grey and orange tents are pitched by the edge of a lake. There are some pants drying on top of one of the tents.
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10 Expert-Recommended Backpacking Tents
Hiking and Camping Expert Jessica LaPolla lists her top 10 recommended tents for backpackers! She explains why each one is awesome and shares a few pros and cons.
Three people walk towards a tent. Two of them are kids.
Updated
The Best Tents for Camping with Your Family
Looking for a tent that will ensure the whole family has fun on your adventures this summer? Look no further! Read on to find ten of the best family-friendly tents!

Product Reviews

Three people walking towards a rocky wall. One is wearing the Osprey Talon 22 L backpack.
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Expert Review: Osprey Talon 22 Backpack
This review is my own honest opinion of the backpack, which I bought with my own money in 2016.
The MSR Pocket Rocket stove being used on the back of a truck tailgate.
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Expert Review: MSR PocketRocket Stove Kit
This review is my honest opinion of the stove kit which I purchased with my own money in June of 2018.
A boy sitting in a chair near a fire.
Updated
Expert Review: Travel Chair Frenchcut Chair
This review is my honest opinion of the chair, which I purchased with my own money in June of 2019.
A woman sits at the top of a rocky peak wearing a red jacket. There are mountains in the background and a mailbox on the mountain.
Updated
Expert Review: Patagonia Houdini Jacket
This review is my honest opinion of the jacket, which I purchased with my own money in August of 2020.
Two campers making something on a small stove. One of the campers is pouring water in the pot on the stove.
Updated
Expert Review: Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier Bottle
This review is my honest opinion of the water purifier, which I purchased with my own money in August of 2019.
The Big Agnes Roxy Ann Sleeping bag in the back of a truck.
Updated
Expert Review: Big Agnes Roxy Ann 15 Degree Sleeping Bag
This review is my honest opinion of the sleeping bag, which I purchased with my own money in March of 2019.

Apparel Size Guides

Size Guide: Men's Camping & Hiking - Tops & Jackets
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Size Guide: Men's Camping & Hiking - Tops & Jackets
Find sizing information for Men's Tops and Jackets for Camping & Hiking. Camping & Hiking expert Andy C. shares information on what to look out for.

Gift Guides

An image of selected products from each 2022 Holiday Gift Guide.
Updated
The Ultimate 2022 Holiday Gift Guide
Looking for the perfect holiday present? Curated Experts share their top Outdoor Sports, Baby & Toddler, Coffee & Espresso, and Grill product recommendations for your loved ones.
A group of people gather around a campfire at night while a tent glows behind them
Updated
The Best Stocking Stuffers for Campers & Hikers
Shopping for a camper or hiker this holiday season? Fill their stocking with all the best stuff to get them back out on the trail in safety and comfort.
Two people sit in a hammock by a lake
Updated
9 Gifts for the Couple That Loves to Camp
Need a gift for an outdoorsy couple? Camping expert Amy Boissonneault makes some suggestions for gifts that are sure to be a hit.
A tent and two camp chairs among the trees
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14 of the Best Gifts for Campers
If you're looking for the perfect gift for an outdoorsy pal or loved one—or maybe even yourself!—check out this list from camping expert Amy Boissonneault!
A mom walks through a forest trail while holding the hand of her young child. She carries a baby in a carrier on her chest. Sunlight filters through the trees.
Updated
Mother's Day Gift Guide 2022
Find the perfect gift for your adventuresome mom this Mother's Day with fishing, golfing, hiking, cycling, tennis, skiing, and snowboarding gift ideas.

Product Care

Through the opening of an orange tent, you can see pine trees and blue skies through them.
Updated
How to Set Up a Tent
In this article, Camping & Hiking expert Micah D. gives the basic steps to setting up a tent so you can have an easy start to your adventure.
Two sleeping bags lay in a tent. One is green and one is blue.
Updated
How to Wash a Down Sleeping Bag
Is your down sleeping bag getting a little dirty? Afraid of washing it because you don't want to ruin it? Read these tips from Camping and Hiking Expert Hannah K.!
A tent is set up in a flat patch amidst a boulder field in a desert environment. Rocky peaks rise in the background.
Updated
How To Clean a Tent
Properly cleaning your tent after every trip is the best and easiest way to make sure it will last! Camping & Hiking Expert Elizabeth Hansen breaks it all down here.
An orange and blue tent sits on grass next to water and trees
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How to Make Your Gear Last a Lifetime
Camping expert Amy Boissonneault has some tips for keeping your gear clean and cared for so it can be with you for years to come.
A tent is set up with cooking equipment next to it on a rock base. Snow is visible in the background.
Updated
How to Take Care of Your Camping & Hiking Gear in the Off-Season
Storing and cleaning our camping gear during the off-season is critical to avoiding wear and tear as well as elongating the lives of the products.
A man stretches out an orange sleeping bag over his shoulders and it catches in the wind.
Updated
How to Properly Store Your Sleeping Bag
Follow the four simple steps in Camping & Hiking expert Micah D.'s article and get great use out of your sleeping bag for years to come.

How To

Hikers make their way through a dense rainforest
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Hiking for Beginners
New to hiking? Ready to get started? Hiking expert Amy Boissonneault overviews everything you need to know.
Someone holds out a tin mug that reads "The Mountains Are Calling and I Must Go." In the background, a Moka pot coffeemaker sits on a meadow floor with a river behind it.
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How Much Food & Water Should I Be Intaking on a Backpacking Trip?
Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. breaks down your backpacking food and drink necessities so you can stay strong and healthy on the trail.
A tent is illuminated by the sun on a ridge.
Updated
How to Make Tent Camping More Comfortable
With the right campsite, the right gear, and a few tips, you can be just as comfortable sleeping in a tent as you are in your own home!
Silhouette of a man standing on a mountain with the sun rising in the background
Updated
Becoming a Morning Person to Conquer Those Early Morn’ Hikes
Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. overviews the gear she uses to sleep better and thrive as an early morning riser.
A woman hikes across a field with mountains in the background
Updated
How to Deal with Getting Your Period on Trail
Periods are no fun and they're even less fun on trail, but expert Hannah K. offers some advice on how to make them suck slightly less.
A person with a backpack is silhouetted from behind with sunset hills in front of him.
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Why It’s Okay to “Fail” A Hike
We can’t always make it to every peak or finish every route. Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. shares her thoughts on "failing" a hike.

Travel Guides

A woman walks on a grassy trail.
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Camping in Los Padres National Forest
Camping & Hiking Expert Hannah K. shares the details of her recent camping trip to Los Padres National Forest and the adventures she had while there.
A tent sits on a hillside overlooking a body of water with peaks in the distance. A rising or setting sun shines over the peaks, spreading rays across the image.
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10 of the Most Popular Campsites in the World
Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. takes you to some of the most famous campsites around the world so you can start planning your next trip.
The famous Tunnel View of Yosemite National Park with Half Dome and a waterfall visible on the right side. The landscape is green and lush and the sky above is pale blue with puffy white clouds.
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Top Hikes in Yosemite National Park
If you're planning a trip this season, Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. shares some of the top-rated hikes in Yosemite National Park.
Two women walk with their dogs on a trail in Joshua Tree National Park.
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A Guide to Dog-Friendly National Parks: Pt. One - The West
Looking to explore some of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes with your four-legged friend? Check out this guide on dog-friendly national parks of the west!
An aerial view of a river snaking through red and yellow canyons
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Top 10 Wheelchair-Friendly Trails in the U.S.
Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. shares her top ten list of the most beautiful, accessible trails in the U.S.
Sunrise in Joshua Tree National Park
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How I Spent Six Hours in Joshua Tree National Park
The goal was to see as much as I could in one day (and try to do it with one tank of gas).

Activities

Closeup on oats in milk and topped by fresh blackberries
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Why Oatmeal is the Best Backpacking Meal and the Many Ways to Prepare It
Camping expert Hannah K. shares six ways to prepare oatmeal and her eight favorite recipes for appreciating all angles of this favorite breakfast food.
Two tents - one orange and one red - sit on a grassy hill as the sun rises
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How to Plan for Your Very First Camping Trip
New to camping? Don't know where to start? Check out this explainer by camping expert Blair Williams for everything from trip planning advice to gear recs.
Friends circle around a campfire at night.
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How to Organize a Camping Trip with Your Friends
Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. compiles a guide to group camping with questions to ask yourself, things to bring, and strategies for planning the perfect trip.
A hand pulling the top off of a can. There are mountains in the background.
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Expert DIY: How to Make a Camping Stove from a Can
Camping and Hiking Expert Bob Rogers gives step-by-step instructions on how to make a functional camping stove out of an aluminum can for ultralight backpacking!
Somone stands on a trail in between trees and, behind them, a mountain peak is visible.
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How to Avoid a Bad Backpacking Trip
You never want a backpacking trip to go poorly! Learn from Camping & Hiking Expert Hannah K.'s mistakes and review how to prepare for a successful trip.
A sunset over a large body of water with tree-lined shores on the righthand side.
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14 Fun Activities To Do While Camping
Wondering what to do with all your free time at your campsite? Curated expert Alex Dolan shares his favorite suggestions for what to do after you've pitched your tent.

Stories

Several people at a pride parade with flags.
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6 LGBTQIA+ Environmental Activists You Need to Follow on Instagram
With pride month upon us, check out these 6 can't-miss Instagram profiles of LGBTQIA+ activists fighting to make our planet a better place for our future!
A roadside sign reads "Welcome to Utah. Life Elevated."
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How to Move from Boulder to Los Angeles in July with a Dog and a Parent
Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. moved from Boulder to Los Angeles with a goal of hitting Utah's Big Five. Read about her adventures with her mom and dog here.
A view of sunrise through a shrub
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A Day in the Life of a Curated Camping & Hiking Expert
From sunup to sundown, Hannah K. runs through how she spends a Monday.
Sunset over layers of mountain ridges on the Appalachian Trail.
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Hiking Pioneers: Bill Irwin and His Journey on the Appalachian Trail
Curated expert Hannah K. explores the life and legacy of Bill Irwin, the first blind person to hike the Appalachian Trail on their own.
Three people sit at the top of a mountain overlooking some mountains in the distance. One of them is standing and the other two are sitting and talking.
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10 Outdoor Organizations to Give Back to This Year
Hiking & Camping Expert Jessica LaPolla lists 10 organizations that are doing awesome work in the outdoor space to consider donating to or volunteering with this year!
A path winding through a forest
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24 Hours on the Batona Trail: A Misadventure
Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. tells the story of her first thru-hike. Spoiler alert: It didn't go exactly as planned.

Short Answers

A campground with trucks, a camper, and tents in massive desert rock formations. The sky is pink and purple in the setting sun.
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What Is Dispersed Camping?
Camping & Hiking expert Elizabeth H. goes over common questions about the different ways to camp and the services available at each kind of site.

All Articles

Three people backpack up a hill covered in boulders. They all wear large Deuter backpacks and carry hiking poles.
Updated
The 14 Best Camping & Hiking Brands
There are so many camping and hiking brands that it can be hard to know where to start. This list explores the top fourteen outdoor brands, covering everything from tents to apparel.
Product images from the gift guide below arranged in a collage.
Updated
The Ultimate 2022 Camping & Hiking Gift Guide
With the holidays coming up quickly, we've got you covered when it comes to gift ideas for the campers and hikers in your life! Check out these 11 present suggestions!
An image of selected products from each 2022 Holiday Gift Guide.
Updated
The Ultimate 2022 Holiday Gift Guide
Looking for the perfect holiday present? Curated Experts share their top Outdoor Sports, Baby & Toddler, Coffee & Espresso, and Grill product recommendations for your loved ones.
A group of people from Tahoe Aventures gathers on the top of Job's Peak for a picture with a black Curated flag.
Updated
How Curated Is Helping People Embrace the Outdoors
An online retailer offers a unique and personalized experience when shopping online which is changing the e-commerce industry.
The author crouches in the snow with her Yeti mug. She wears a red sweater and scarf and a baseball cap.
Updated
Expert Review: YETI Rambler 14 Mug
This review is my own honest opinion of the mug, which I bought with my own money in May 2021.
Telos TR2 at Sage's Ravine Campsite.
Updated
Expert Review: Sea to Summit Telos TR Tent
This review is my honest opinion of the tent, which I purchased with my own money in October of 2021.
The Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL Sleeping Pad.
Updated
Expert Review: Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL Sleeping Pad
This review is my honest opinion of the sleeping pad, which I purchased with my own money in February of 2019.
A sleeping bag spills out of a tent and onto a pad. Hiking boots and a backpack also rest on the pad.
Updated
Most Popular Camping Gear Categories
Curated looked at data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and highlighted the five most popular camping gear categories in 2021.
The Black Diamond Distance Plus FLZ Poles.
Updated
Expert Review: Black Diamond Distance Plus FLZ Poles
This review is my honest opinion of the trekking poles, which I tested for 4 days in October of 2022.
The Jetboil MiniMo Stove.
Updated
Expert Review: Jetboil MiniMo Stove
This review is my honest opinion of the stove, which I purchased with my own money in June of 2022.
Four hikers walking along a trail.
Updated
Expert Review: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles
This review is my honest opinion of the trekking poles, which I tested for four days in October of 2022.
Four hikers walking along a trail.
Updated
Expert Review: Leki Makalu FX Carbon AS
This review is my honest opinion of the trekking poles, which I tested for 14 days in August of 2022.