stg-sectionhikercom-buttons.kinsta.cloud Backpacking Gear Reviews and FAQs

The REI Flash 3 is a freestanding, double-wall 3-person tent that’s lightweight and compact enough for backpacking but spacious enough for car camping. While REI rates it for 3 people, I think it’s on the small size for three full-grown adults unless your third companion is a dog or a small child. Where it really shines is as a 2-personal …

An insulating sleeping pad is a must-have for backpackers who sleep on the ground in tents and under tarp shelters to prevent body heat loss to the ground. The best backpacking sleeping pads are air mattresses or foam pads because they’re lightweight and compact. While they vary in composition and thickness, they are all designed to complement your sleep insulation, …

Freestanding tents are the holy grail of backpacking tents because they can be set up quickly just about anywhere, on wooden tent platforms, rock, sand, snow, and even climber’s portaledges, without having to be staked to the ground first. This is particularly useful in poor weather when you need to get out of the weather and can’t search for a …

Backpacking tents are getting increasingly expensive, especially ultralight tents made with specialty fabrics. But take heart. There are plenty of good values and budget tents if you know what to look for. Here are our recommended picks for the top 10 best budget backpacking tents for $250 or less. These tents are lightweight enough to be used for backpacking or …