If there were a backpacking gear hall of fame, it would be filled with products that revolutionized the hiking and backpacking experience. That extra spark of ingenuity is what keeps great backpacking gear relevant and allows it to stand the test of time even today in a market filled with cheap copies and knock-offs. Here
Why would an outdoor journalist with a full stock of quilts and bags choose to get a sleeping bag from the grocery store? Sometimes, it’s the right tool for the job. My discount sleeping bag is on (Photo: Adam Roy) Published on July 25, 2026 10:13 am The supermarket would seem an unlikely place to
Published on July 14, 2026 08:05 am In my opinion, there’s no better date night than spending an evening by an alpine lake, watching alpineglow creep over the surrounding peaks, enjoying a freeze-dried meal straight from the bag with your favorite hiking partner. Besides sharing experiences, one of the best parts about backpacking with someone
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something through one of our links, we may earn commission. The best backpacking stoves are lightweight, fuel-efficient, and fast – but most aren’t built for actual cooking. This is where the new Jetboil TrailCook 1.2L stands out. While it offers faster
Bear-safe storage is an absolute necessity when visiting parts of the backcountry, But as someone who doesn’t go into bear country much, my primary concern on backpacking trips is always rodents and other critters. There’s nothing worse than waking up to find that a squirrel has snuck into your food bag and taken your precious
If your dog is finicky on backpacking trips, Puppackr may have a dehydrated solution for both of you listen to this articleHear (Photo: Will Brendza) Published July 7, 2026 01:23 pm My dog was drooling as he watched my friends eat dehydrated backpacking food. We had covered the seven miles to our campsite, and everyone
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something through one of our links, we may earn commission. Finding a sleeping bag that works equally well for backpacking, hut trips and weekend car camping is not easy. After testing Rab’s new Neutrino 20 during a cool spring camping trip
The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 is a classic for a reason, and it’s on sale now. REI Half Dome 2 (Photo: Nathan Pipenberg) Published on July 6, 2026 01:57 pm $247 at REI (25 percent off). REI’s Half Dome is as classic as backpacking tents get. For more than 20 years, versions of this
Inexpensive, satisfying, and easy to bring along, these three-ingredient backpacking meals will revolutionize the way you eat while camping. (Photo: Zoe Gates) Published July 6, 2026 02:01 pm Backpackers are famous for our creativity when it comes to cheap and satisfying nutrition (just take a look). passenger trash food subreddit for inspiration). And when you’re
As a child, I have terrible memories of backpacking meals. On a trip to California, my dad insisted we eat old bags of Chili Mac. My mom once tried to rehydrate freeze-dried chicken breasts, resulting in the driest dinner known to man. Thankfully, backpacking brands have made huge improvements over the past decade. These days,