Lights for Night Hiking and Camping
Whether you’re hanging a lantern inside your tent so you can see before going to bed, or you need light to get camp set up or your first started, artificial light is helpful.
You don’t want to get caught in the dark, so check out some of the best lighting for backpackers.
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This extremely versatile tent light has 5 brightness settings and fits in the palm of your hand. |
Supernova Halo LED Tent Light Info
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This lightweight, collapsible lantern is chargeable by USB or solar, and it also has an outlet to let you charge another USB device. |
ErgaLogik Compact Solar Charging Camping Lantern Info
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A rugged and durable camping lantern that’s lightweight, collapsible for packing, and affordable. |
Etekcity Collapsible LED Camping Lantern Info
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The best-selling, most affordable option for a decent all-around headlamp. |
LE Hands-free Camping Headlight Info
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A weatherproof headlamp that’s lightweight and simple to use, with two lighting modes to manage battery life. |
Petzl Tikka Headlamp Info
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A seriously bright headlamp that you can run in low most of the time, and still have the serious power when you need it. |
Outdoor Pro Gear Bright LED Headlamp Info
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These bright green light sticks are handy to have for situations requiring emergency lighting backup. |
Cyalume SnapLight Industrial Grade Glow Stick Info
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How To Purify Water While Backpacking
The best way to purify water while hiking in the backcountry depends on knowing the type of impurities that are likely to be found in the waters you find.
Contaminated water sources are likely to contain bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms.
Any time you are drinking from a water source that is questionable, it is a good idea to purify first.
We also recommend bringing more than one way to purify your water, as a backup is also a good idea.
Water Filters
It’s important to be aware of the type of microorganisms common to the area, because of the size of the filter needed to filter them out.
Common protozoa like Giardia or Cryptosporidium are 5 microns or larger, and can be filtered out with most standard filters on the market.
Microfilters are needed to filter out bacteria in the 0.2–0.5 microns size range. This includes Cholera, E. coli, and Salmonella.
Best Ultralight Backpacking Water Filters
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Hang it up at camp and come back to delicious filtered water safe for drinking.
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Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System Info
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Drink straight from the source and get clean water with no chemical aftertaste.
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Lifestraw Personal Water Filter Info
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An effective microfilter that filters water quickly and is convenient to use.
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MSR SweetWater Microfilter Info
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Chemical Treatments
Viruses are much smaller, in the range of 0.004 microns, and not all can even be filtered with a microfilter. Chemical treatments are needed to kill most viruses that are small enough for microfilters to let through.
Best Iodine Water Treatments
Iodine is sensitive to light, and should be stored in a dark bottle. It also works best on water warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Iodine crystals provide an easy way to purify water for drinking.
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Polar Pure Iodine Water Disinfectant Info
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A 2-step iodine purification system that ensures there is no aftertaste or iodine coloring after purification.
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Potable Aqua PA-Plus Water Purification Tablets Info
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Best Chlorine Dioxide Water Treatments
Chlorine dioxide is a method of chemical purification that is often used by people with iodine allergies or sensitivities.
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Chlorine Dioxide tablets to chemically treat your water source and make it safe for drinking.
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Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets Info
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Aquamira Water Treatment Drops allow you to mix the exact amount of the amount of water to treat.
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Aquamira Water Treatment Drops Info
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Best UV Water Purifiers
Using ultraviolet light to purify contaminated water is a convenient and lightweight way to sterilize your drinking water.
The most popular UV purifier products on the market do require batteries or a full charge.
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A convenient UV sterilization pen that can be placed right in your water bottle and quickly activated.
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SteriPen Adventurer Opti UV Water Purifier Info
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A 750 ml water bottle with built in UV bulb sterilizer and LCD screen.
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Camelbak All Clear Purifier Bottle Info
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Boiling
Boiling your water is the most effective way to purify it. After bringing the water to a boil (212°F / 100°C), let it boil for at least one minute to be safe.
At higher altitudes, the boiling time should be increased, up to three minutes.
Best Products for Boiling Water While Backpacking
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This lightweight aluminum pot with a folding silicon handle is convenient to use for boiling water and cooking around camp. |
Wealers 4 Cup Capacity Pot Info
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A highly efficient fuel canister stove system with a wind shield, temperature indicator, and a built-in 1-liter cooking cup.
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Jetboil Flash Personal Cooking System Info
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Backpacking Hydration Bladder Recommendations
Backpacking Hydration Bladder Recommendations
Some people prefer drinking out of bottles, but the convenience of having your water easily available near your mouth makes it a lot easier to stay hydrated.
A hydration bladder, sometimes referred to as a reservoir, is a lightweight, flexible plastic or rubber container for water that has a tube with a mouthpiece to allow you to drink hands-free.
With a good quality hydration bladder, you’ll be able to drink while you walk without going in to your pack to get a bottle.
Hydration Pack vs Hydration Bladder
Hydration packs are backpacks that contain a bladder, but if you’re already wearing a backpacking pack with the rest of your gear in it, a bladder full of water can be carried in with the rest of your gear.
A lot of the best backpacking backpacks have a separate compartment meant for storing your hydration bladder, with an exit for the tube so it is reachable for drinking, and some have a clip to keep it in place.
Features To Look For When Choosing a Hydration Bladder
Opening Size
Reversibility
Taste
Add ons
Best Backpacking Hydration Bladders
The best-selling hydration bladders are strong and durable, and deliver the water reliably. Our top three choices are all slightly different and all have very desirable features in their design.
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The large opening makes this hydration bladder very easy to clean and quick to refill.
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Camelbak Antidote Reservoir Info
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This hydration bladder is popular for adding no unpleasant chemical taste or retaining flavors.
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Platypus Hoser Hydration System Info
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A pressurized hydration bladder that is top-filled, reversible, and delivers the water hygienically by spray.
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Geigerrig Hydration Engine Info
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Staying Hydrated While Backpacking
It’s important to stay properly hydrated while you’re hiking. If you’re out long enough you will eventually run out of the water you’ve brought with you, and be looking for places to fill up.
Whichever method of purifying your water you prefer, just make sure to bring and use it before drinking any water that may be contaminated.
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A pressurized hydration bladder that is top-filled, reversible, and delivers the water hygienically by spray.
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Geigerrig Hydration Engine Info
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The large opening makes this hydration bladder very easy to clean and quick to refill.
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Camelbak Antidote Reservoir Info
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This hydration bladder is popular for adding no unpleasant chemical taste or retaining flavors.
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Platypus Hoser Hydration System Info
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Iodine crystals provide an easy way to purify water for drinking.
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Polar Pure Iodine Water Disinfectant Info
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Chlorine Dioxide tablets to chemically treat your water source and make it safe for drinking.
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Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets Info
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Drink straight from the source and get clean water with no chemical aftertaste.
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Lifestraw Personal Water Filter Info
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A water bottle that includes the LifeStraw filter, allowing you to filter and carry in one step.
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Lifestraw Go Water Bottle with Integrated 1000-Liter LifeStraw Filter Info
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A convenient and lightweight system for effectively sanitizing water.
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Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System Info
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Hang it up at camp and come back to delicious filtered water safe for drinking.
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Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System Info
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An effective microfilter that filters water quickly and is convenient to use.
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MSR SweetWater Microfilter Info
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A 2-step iodine purification system that ensures there is no aftertaste or iodine coloring after purification.
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Potable Aqua PA-Plus Water Purification Tablets Info
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Aquamira Water Treatment Drops allow you to mix the exact amount of the amount of water to treat.
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Aquamira Water Treatment Drops Info
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A convenient UV sterilization pen that can be placed right in your water bottle and quickly activated.
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SteriPen Adventurer Opti UV Water Purifier Info
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A 750 ml water bottle with built in UV bulb sterilizer and LCD screen.
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Camelbak All Clear Purifier Bottle Info
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Ultralight Backpacking Hammocks
A hammock is a quick and comfortable way to get you sleeping off the ground. They are also a lot lighter than carrying most tents.
The best hammocks to take backpacking come in a lot of different types and styles.
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An ultra-light single person hammock that even has a bit of extra room.
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Hummingbird Hammocks Single Hammock Info
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This popular lightweight hammock is loved for how well-made it is, and it comes in different two-tone color schemes. |
Eagles Nest Outfitters SingleNest Hammock Info
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A very compact and light hammock that’s well constructed and includes ropes to hang it with. |
Gonex Parachute Nylon Outdoor Camping Hammock Info
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A reasonably priced lightweight hammock with a lifetime warranty. |
Himal Outdoor Travel Camping Hammock Info
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A unique, hybrid tent-hammock that sleeps flat and has attached bug netting and a detachable rainfly. |
Lawson Blue Ridge Camping Hammock Info
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The lightest and most compact hammock option suitable for two people.
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Hummingbird Hammocks Double Hammock Info
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An extremely comfortable heavy-duty, oversized double hammock. |
Neolite Double Camping Hammock Info
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Backpacking Food Ideas
The best foods for backpackers are items that are non-perishable, easy to carry, calorie-dense, and nutritious.
Staying nourished and energized on the trail takes a bit of planning. Take a look at some of our favorites that are tasty and easy to pack.
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Resealable bag with peanuts, chocolate candy pieces, raisins, and almonds. |
Planters Nut and Chocolate Trail Mix Info
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Single-serve packs of crunchy glazed walnuts, roasted cashews, granola clusters, shaved coconut, banana chips, dried mango, and dried pineapple. |
Emerald Tropical Blend Trail Mix (Pack of 6) Info
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Tender Teriyaki Beef Jerky that’s a favorite on the trail and off. |
Jack Links Tender Bites Teriyaki Beef Steak (10-Pack) Info
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Beef jerky and dried fruits are excellent trail food and making your own is tastier, healthier, and you’ll save money in the long run. |
Open Country Dehydrator and Jerky Kit Info
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Tasy and compact, high in protein, these tuna packets are lighter and more environmentally friendly to bring along than cans. |
Starkist Tuna Creations (4 Variety Pack) Info
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Instant oatmeal in convenenient single-serve envelopes are a quick and easy breakfast to prepare in a camping mug. |
Quaker Instant Oatmeal Packets (18-Count Variety Pack) Info
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Dehydrated meal kits are light and you simply add boiling water and wait for a full nutritious and flavorful meal. |
Mountain House 72 Hour Meal Kit (9 Meals) Info
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Delicious real fruit flavored bars are great to bring for an easy source of calories to give you that extra energy to keep going. |
Millennium Energy Bars (Assorted 18-pack) Info
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Quest Bars have no added sugar, and are full of high quality whey and milk protein isolates. |
Quest Nutrition Protein Bars (12-Pack) Info
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With one tablet every hour you can get minimum vitamins and nutrition for your body each day, especially great when you’re not carrying much food. |
LB1 Survival Tabs (8-Day Supply) Info
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These popular electrolyte tablets are made with clean, plant-based ingredients, are vegan, gluten free, soy and dairy free, and are low in sugar. |
Nuun Active Hydrating Electrolyte Tablets (4 Tubes) Info
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Convenient single serve packets of Starbucks coffee for when you’re nowhere near a coffee shop. |
Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee (12 Single Serve Packets) Info
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Convenient Cookware for Cooking
Cooking at camp can be done with minimal cookware – you can always eat right out of the pot you cook in.
Even though most of the essentials are actually optional, there is a lot of cookware you will appreciate having if you have enough room.
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A non-stick steel griddle that lets you grill on the campstove or campfire. |
Coleman Steel Griddle Info
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This aluminum pot set is perfect for hiking, and fits together conveniently for travel and storage. |
G4Free Camping Bowl Pot Pan Set Info
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This lightweight aluminum pot with a folding silicon handle is convenient to use for boiling water and cooking around camp. |
Wealers 4 Cup Capacity Pot Info
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Ultra-light, corrosion-resistant, titanium travel pot with fitted pan that will last for years. |
Toaks Titanium 1600ml Pot with Pan Info
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A convenient multi-spice dispenser to help flavor your outdoor meals. |
Coghlans Multi-Spice Pack – Six Herb Assortment Info
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A simple spoon-fork-knife combo utensil with a serrated edge on the side of the fork, and a textured middle for anti-slip grip.
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Light My Fire Titanium Spork Info
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A decent basic set you can use for campfire meals.
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GSI Cascadian 1-Person Outdoors Tableset Info
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A good basic set in a well-organized carrying case.
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Red Rock Outdoor Gear 8-Piece Mess Kit Info
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A set that has two insulated cups and a stainless steel cooking mug with locking handle and vented lid. |
Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set 24oz Stainless Steel Info
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All-purpose cleaner that is good for keeping your dishes or youself clean on the trail. |
Campsuds Concentrated Biodegradable Cleaner Info
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A lightweight, but sturdy, collapsible bucket that’s easy to pack and useful around camp. |
Freegrace Collapsible Bucket Info
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Backpacking Clothing Essentials
There are few clothing requirements for backpacking such as good boots or shoes, hiking socks, and environment or weather-specific clothing where appropriate too.
You might be in the same clothes for days at a time, and even if you’re not, they are getting a lot of use. Good quality items can really make a difference in your comfort.
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The Ridgepass is a tough hiking boot built for rough terrain and winter conditions. |
Merrell Mens Ridgepass Mid-Rise Hiking Boot Info
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The Bandera is a great hiking boot for women that is stable, durable, waterproof, comfortable, and stylish. |
Hi-Tec Womens Bandera Mid-Rise Hiking Boot Info
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The AX2 is a lightweight, breathable, and waterproof shoe that is ideal for light hikes or easy terrain. |
Adidas AX2 Mens Hiking Shoe Info
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The versitile hiking shoe built for easy trails, designed with a women’s-specific fit. |
Adidas AX2 Womens Hiking Shoe Info
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The popular Darn Tough socks are made in Vermont and guaranteed for life. |
Darn Tough Mens Merino Wool Hiking Sock Info
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Same Darn Tough lifetime guarantee, different fit in sizes suitable for women. |
Darn Tough Womens Merino Wool Hiking Sock Info
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Darn Tough knee-high socks are great with shorts or under pants, and are fashionable in any season. |
Darn Tough Merino Wool Knee High Hiking Socks Info
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Lightweight hiking pants that convert into shorts and are breathable, comfortable, and adorable. |
Columbia Womens Saturday Trail II Convertible Pant Info
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These convertible pants are the ideal solution for both multi-sport outings and unpredictable weather conditions. |
Columbia Mens Silver Ridge Convertible Pant Info
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Light and Portable Camp Seating
When everything you’re taking with you has to fit on your back, furniture might seem like a luxury. After spending all day on your feet, being able to sit somewhere other than on the ground can make it worth it.
Luckily, there are chairs small and light enough to take along with you.
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One of the lightest, most portable camping stools available. |
Tribe Provisions Adventure Field Stool Info
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An extremely small and very compact camping chair. |
Alite Designs Monarch Chair Info
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A nice, affordable camp chair that’s quick and easy to pack up and carry. |
Perfect Soccer Portable Folding Tripod Stool Info
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A very sturdy and comfortable lightweight chair that packs away small. |
Helinox Chair One Info
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A simple, lightweight outdoor stool with nice high-quality fabric. |
GCI Outdoor PackSeat Info
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The Best Backpacking Backpacks
The best backpacks for backpacking are lightweight, comfortable, ergonomic, durable, weatherproof, and have good storage and organization.
These are the features we look for when choosing a backpack.
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Deuter’s lightweight, multi-chamber, aluminum x-frame backpack with lots of separate compartments and mesh side pockets. |
Deuter ACT Lite 65+10 Info
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The Mountaintop Adventure 65+10L backpack is very comfortable and lightweight, with good storage space and very basic extra compartments. |
Mountaintop Adventure 65+10L Info
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A top quality and reasonable priced backpacking pack that has lots of convenient extra pockets and great support. |
TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Info
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One of the most affordable options available for a good quality, nicely organized backpacking pack. |
TETON Sports Scout 3400 Info
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Adjustable, well-ventilated, lightweight, and one of the most advanced suspension systems available. |
Osprey Mens Atmos 65 AG Info
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One of the most popular and best-selling backpacks chosen by backpackers who are looking for sturdy suspension, durable design, and extra features, while staying lightweight. |
Osprey Mens Aether 60 Info
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Adjustable, well-ventilated, lightweight, and one of the most advanced suspension systems available. |
Osprey Womens Aura 65 AG Info
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