Camping & Hiking

Expert Journal

Recent

A tent in the rain with a tarp over it.
Updated
The 7 Best Tents for Camping in the Rain
Don't let bad weather dampen your camping spirit. Discover the top tents that'll keep you dry and comfortable during rainy outdoor adventures!
Top down view of cameprs sitting near a fire with their tent set up next ot them and their car parked next to their tent.
Updated
The 7 Best Tents for Car Camping
Find a spacious, easy-to-set-up tent that provides comfort and convenience on your next car camping trip. From family tents to compact options, we've got you covered!
An ultralight tent set up in a rocky field.
Updated
The 6 Best Ultralight Backpacking Tents
Travel light, camp right! Explore the best ultralight backpacking tents, designed for easy portability, durability, and comfort in the great outdoors.
Two women walk with their dogs on a trail in Joshua Tree National Park.
Updated
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!
Three hikers walking on the ridge of a peak.
Updated
Hardest Hike in Each State of the US - Part 1
Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. pulls together a list of hikes in each state with a reputation for pushing you to your limit.

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 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 One for My Tent?
Unsure what a guy line is? Let’s talk about why and how to use this small but important part of your tent kit.
A backpacker stands on a trail looking at a vast lake. He has a backpacking bag on his back and you can see some of his gear attached. He is using trekking poles.
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How To Pack for a 2-3 Day Backpacking Trip: A Detailed Packing List
Not sure what to bring along for a weekend-long overnight backpacking trip? In this guide, Camping & Hiking Expert Kat Smith teaches us how to pack for a backpacking trip by sharing everything she brings and how she packs it all up.
A tent in the rain with a tarp over it.
Updated
The 7 Best Tents for Camping in the Rain
Don't let bad weather dampen your camping spirit. Discover the top tents that'll keep you dry and comfortable during rainy outdoor adventures!
Three people backpack up a hill covered in boulders. They all wear large Deuter backpacks and carry hiking poles.
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The 14 Best Camping & Hiking Gear Brands for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
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.

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.
View through a yellow tent as two campers sit on a beach looking out over an ocean.
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Camping Tents: How to Choose the Right One for You
Find your perfect outdoor shelter: Learn how to choose the right camping tent, considering size, weather resistance, and ease of setup for your adventures.
A pair of Altra Lone Peak 6's with some dog feet. There are red rocks in the background.
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An Expert Guide to Trail Running Shoes
Having the right trail running shoes makes running more fun and can help prevent injury! Camping and Hiking Expert Hunter Reed talks all about trail running shoes.
Tents on a music festival campsite. Blue sky with clouds on background.
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The Ultimate Festival Camping Guide: Tent Setup, Camp Prep Ideas, and More
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.

Brand Guides

Brown hiking boots
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The 10 Best Hiking Boot Brands
Camping & Hiking Expert Elizabeth H. gives you her top hiking boot brands that you should consider, whether you're looking your first pair or your next pair.
Several sleeping bags hanging together.
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The 12 Best Sleeping Bag Brands
With all the options for sleeping bags, it's hard to know which brands to trust! Camping and Hiking Expert Hunter Reed lists the top sleeping bag brands out there!
Four hiker standing together at the top of a mountain as they look out at a river and some mountains.
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The 15 Best Hiking Clothing Brands
The right clothing for hiking can make a huge difference in staying comfortable, dry, and warm on the trails! Read on for the top hiking clothing brands!
Three people walk uphill with Deuter backpacking packs while using hiking poles.
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The 12 Best Backpack Brands for Hiking and Backpacking
Finding that there are too many options for backpacks? Camping & Hiking Expert Kate Wilson details her top 12 brands for you to consider when shopping around.
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 Gear Brands for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
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 hiker in sandals walks across a rocky ridge-line. There are mountains in the background.
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The 10 Best Hiking Sandals for Women
Hiking sandals offer a great alternative to hiking boots for warm-weather hikes and wet hikes! Check out the top recommended hiking sandals on the list below!
A woman in a blue sleeping bag sits outside her tent and smiles at the camera.
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The 5 Most Comfortable Sleeping Bags
Experience cozy nights outdoors! Explore the 5 most comfortable sleeping bags, designed for warmth, softness, and the ultimate sleep under the stars.
A woman laying her head on a pillow in a tent.
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The 8 Best Camping Pillows
The right camping pillow can leave you more well-rested for your outdoor adventures! Check out our top pillow recommendations in the list below!
A man rolling up a sleeping pad. There is snow on the ground and a tent set up nearby.
Updated
The Most Comfortable Sleeping Pad Options for Camping and Backpacking
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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The 10 Best Colorful Hiking 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!

Product Reviews

The Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad inside a tent.
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Expert Review: Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad
This review is my honest opinion of the sleeping pad, which I purchased with my own money in July of 2022.
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.
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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.
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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.

Gift Guides

A group of people gather around a campfire at night while a tent glows behind them
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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.
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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.
A man carries a baby in a backpack while walking through a field
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10 Camping & Hiking Gifts for Dads
Looking for a gift for that outdoorsy dad who swears he doesn't actually need anything this year? Look no further than this list.

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.
A sleeping bag hanging on a drying like with mountains in the background.
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.
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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 reading directions on a new tent.
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How to Know if You Need to Upgrade Your Tent
Is it time to upgrade your camping shelter? Learn the signs that indicate your tent is due for an upgrade so that you can stay comfortable on all your camping trips!

How To

Epic view of mountain ridge and range in the haze under the sun and victory gesture high five hands of hiker couple.
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Hiking for Beginners
New to hiking? Ready to get started? Hiking expert Amy B. 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.
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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
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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.
Updated
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

A woman sitting outside of her tent on a summer evening.
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How to Stay Cool When Camping in the Summer
Beat the summer heat on your camping trips with these expert tips. Stay cool, comfortable, and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest no matter the temps!
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 camper cooking something on a camp stove.
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10 Gluten-Free Camping Meals
Looking for some new gluten-free camping recipes to test out on your next trip? Look no further! Read on for a list of 10 simple and gluten-free camping meal ideas!
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.

Recipes

A camper making food and looking at a veggie sausage that he's holding on a spatula.
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10 Vegetarian Camping Meals
Looking for some camp meal inspo? Look no further! Camping & Hiking Expert Hunter Reed gives 10 vegetarian dinner recipes to chef up on your next camping trip!
Several people sitting around a campfire. There are tents in the background.
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10 Desserts to Make on Your Next Camping Trip
Just because you're camping doesn't mean you can't make a tasty post-dinner treat! Check out these ten dessert recipes for your next camping trip!
Two bowls of oatmeal in plastic bowls. They each have a camping spoon in them and there is a plastic cup sitting next to the bowls. You can also see a kettle. The kettle, bowls, and cup are on a sleeping pad inside a tent.
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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.
A cast-iron pan lets off steam from its position on a campfire.
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3 Delicious Recipes to Make this Summer
Three Curated Experts share their favorite recipes to make outside this summer, perfect for hungry anglers and famished campers alike!
Two marshmallows roasting over a campfire
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11 Desserts to Eat Under the Stars
To help mix up your dessert recipe book, Camping & Hiking Expert Hannah K. shares her list of easy camp desserts to make other than s’mores.
Mac n cheese with chicken in a pan
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How to Make Delicious Campfire Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Camping & Hiking Expert Hannah K. shares her top tips for bringing this fan-favorite meal to your campsite.

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.
Updated
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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Missteps and Redemption: A 24-Hour Journey on the Infamous Batona Trail
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.

Structured Reviews

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Review: Smartwool Women's Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks
Curated Camping & Hiking Experts share their experience with using the Smartwool Women's Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks. Note that experts are not sponsored by any brands; these are their honest opinions.
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Review: Petzl Bindi 200 Headlamp
Curated Camping & Hiking Experts share their experience with using the Petzl Bindi 200 Headlamp. Note that experts are not sponsored by any brands; these are their honest opinions.
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Review: Jetboil Flash Stove
Curated Expert, Johnny V, has tested this product to give you their unbiased, definitive take.
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Review: Osprey Talon 33 Backpack - Men's
Curated Camping & Hiking Experts share their experience with using the Men's Osprey Talon 33 Backpack. Note that experts are not sponsored by any brands; these are their honest opinions.
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Review: Therm-a-Rest Z- Lite Sleeping Pad
Curated Expert, Johnny V, has tested this product to give you their unbiased, definitive take.
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Review: MSR Pocketrocket Stove Kit
Curated Camping & Hiking Experts share their experience with using the MSR Pocketrocket Stove Kit. Note that experts are not sponsored by any brands; these are their honest opinions.

All Articles

Size Guide: The North Face Hats
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Size Guide: The North Face Hats
Not sure what size hats you need? Curated Experts know how important finding your perfect fit is. Find sizing information for The North Face hats here.
Size Guide: Darn Tough Socks
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Size Guide: Darn Tough Socks
Not sure what size of socks you need? Curated Experts know how important finding your perfect fit is. Find sizing information for Darn Tough socks here.
Size Guide: Royal Robbins Tops
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Size Guide: Royal Robbins Tops
Not sure what size tops you need? Curated Experts know how important finding your perfect fit is. Find sizing information for Royal Robbins tops here.
Size Guide: Aventura Apparel
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Size Guide: Aventura Apparel
Not sure what size of apparel you need? Curated Experts know how important finding your perfect fit is. Find sizing information for Aventura apparel here.
Size Guide: Gramicci Apparel
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Size Guide: Gramicci Apparel
Not sure what size of apparel you need? Curated Experts know how important finding your perfect fit is. Find sizing information for Gramicci apparel here.
Size Guide: Ambler Hats
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Size Guide: Ambler Hats
Not sure what size of hats you need? Curated Experts know how important finding your perfect fit is. Find sizing information for Ambler hats here.
A tent in the rain with a tarp over it.
Updated
The 7 Best Tents for Camping in the Rain
Don't let bad weather dampen your camping spirit. Discover the top tents that'll keep you dry and comfortable during rainy outdoor adventures!
Top down view of cameprs sitting near a fire with their tent set up next ot them and their car parked next to their tent.
Updated
The 7 Best Tents for Car Camping
Find a spacious, easy-to-set-up tent that provides comfort and convenience on your next car camping trip. From family tents to compact options, we've got you covered!
An ultralight tent set up in a rocky field.
Updated
The 6 Best Ultralight Backpacking Tents
Travel light, camp right! Explore the best ultralight backpacking tents, designed for easy portability, durability, and comfort in the great outdoors.
Two women walk with their dogs on a trail in Joshua Tree National Park.
Updated
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!
Three hikers walking on the ridge of a peak.
Updated
Hardest Hike in Each State of the US - Part 1
Camping & Hiking expert Hannah K. pulls together a list of hikes in each state with a reputation for pushing you to your limit.
Two tents set up on a dark night. One is green and one is yellow and they are lit up from the inside.
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6-Person Tents: How to Choose the Right One for You
Gear up for group adventures! Learn how to choose the right 6-person tent, focusing on space, weather resistance, and ease of setup for your camping needs.