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Camping & Hiking

Expert Journal

Recent

A tent sits in a flat expanse of land with a mountain rising in the distance.
Updated
An Expert Guide to Desert Camping Essentials
Dreaming of the desert and wide-open skies? Read this guide by Camping & Hiking Expert Kat Smith so you can plan and enjoy your next desert camping trip.
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 hiker walking along a trail with hiking gaiters on.
Updated
What Are Hiking Gaiters and Do You Need Them?
Hiking & Camping Expert Andy C. breaks down everything you need to know when looking for a pair of gaiters for your hiking or trail running adventures!
A man looks at a sleeping bag in a store.
Updated
Should You Buy a Down or Synthetic Sleeping Bag?
Not sure what kind of insulation you need in your next sleeping bag? This guide can help you make an informed decision on which bag is right for you!
A dog wearing a hiking backpack.
Updated
An Expert Guide to Hiking Packs for Your Dog
Explore the ultimate guide to choosing hiking packs for your furry companion! Ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment for both you and your dog.

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.
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.
A campsite in a forest with two tents in front of trees
Updated
Tent Sleeping 101: 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 the most comfortable way to sleep in a tent so you can achieve restful slumber on your next outdoor adventure.
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.
Updated
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.

Buying Guides

The author stands on a peak high above a large lake and its surrounding, tree-covered hills.
Updated
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.
A pair of Altra Lone Peak 6's with some dog feet. There are red rocks in the background.
Updated
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.
An aerial shot of the ground below absolutely covered in tents with a few well-worn paths cutting through the throng.
Updated
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
Updated
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.
Updated
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
Updated
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.

Brand Guides

Brown hiking boots
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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 laying her head on a pillow in a tent.
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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!
A hiker standing overlooking a wooded area with her dog next to her. She has a hiking backpack on which has a water bottle in one of the pockets.
Updated
The 9 Best Backpacks for Day Hikes
A good day pack is an essential piece of gear for any hiker! Check out this list of the top 9 Expert recommended day packs for your hiking adventures!

Product Reviews

The Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad inside a tent.
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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.

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
Updated
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.
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
Updated
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 reading directions on a new tent.
Updated
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

Hikers make their way through a dense rainforest
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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
Updated
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
Updated
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.
Updated
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
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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.
Updated
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!
Closeup on oats in milk and topped by fresh blackberries
Updated
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.
Updated
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
Updated
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
Updated
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.
Updated
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."
Updated
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
Updated
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.
Updated
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
Updated
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.
Updated
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

Review: Smartwool Women's Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks
Updated
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.
Review: Petzl Bindi 200 Headlamp
Updated
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.
Review: Osprey Talon 33 Backpack - Men's
Updated
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.
Review: MSR Pocketrocket Stove Kit
Updated
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.
Review: The North Face Man's Base Camp Slide III Slides
Updated
Review: The North Face Man's Base Camp Slide III Slides
Curated Camping & Hiking Expert Alex Dolan shares his experience with using the North Face Man's Base Camp Slide III Slides. Note that experts are not sponsored by any brands; these are their honest opinions.

All Articles

A tent sits in a flat expanse of land with a mountain rising in the distance.
Updated
An Expert Guide to Desert Camping Essentials
Dreaming of the desert and wide-open skies? Read this guide by Camping & Hiking Expert Kat Smith so you can plan and enjoy your next desert camping trip.
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 hiker walking along a trail with hiking gaiters on.
Updated
What Are Hiking Gaiters and Do You Need Them?
Hiking & Camping Expert Andy C. breaks down everything you need to know when looking for a pair of gaiters for your hiking or trail running adventures!
A man looks at a sleeping bag in a store.
Updated
Should You Buy a Down or Synthetic Sleeping Bag?
Not sure what kind of insulation you need in your next sleeping bag? This guide can help you make an informed decision on which bag is right for you!
A dog wearing a hiking backpack.
Updated
An Expert Guide to Hiking Packs for Your Dog
Explore the ultimate guide to choosing hiking packs for your furry companion! Ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment for both you and your dog.
Review: Smartwool Women's Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks
Updated
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.
Review: Petzl Bindi 200 Headlamp
Updated
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.
Review: MSR Pocketrocket Stove Kit
Updated
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.
Review: The North Face Man's Base Camp Slide III Slides
Updated
Review: The North Face Man's Base Camp Slide III Slides
Curated Camping & Hiking Expert Alex Dolan shares his experience with using the North Face Man's Base Camp Slide III Slides. Note that experts are not sponsored by any brands; these are their honest opinions.
Review: Osprey Talon 33 Backpack - Men's
Updated
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.
A woman sitting outside of her tent on a summer evening.
Updated
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!
A man reading directions on a new tent.
Updated
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!