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Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

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Best Sleeping Bags

Take a look at our top sleeping bag recommendations, along with comprehensive buying advice.

Almost nothing can compare to finishing an epic day of adventuring – perhaps hiking in the Tetons or trekking through the Smoky Mountains –  and then climbing into a cozy and comfortable sleeping bag for some well-deserved rest. But a sleeping bag that’s not warm enough for the climate or not comfortable for you can turn that night’s rest into a prolonged and intolerably cold ordeal. Therefore, it’s essential to find the best sleeping bag for your adventure, and we’ve pooled our knowledge and expertise to help you do exactly that.

We’ll cover the top sleeping bag buying considerations that you should think about before purchasing, followed by our comprehensive list of the best sleeping bags on the market today. So read on to find a cozy sleep system for your next hike!

All-inclusive Backpacking Adventures

QUICK LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Honorable Mentions

 

KEY CONSIDERATIONS for the Best Sleeping Bags

Insulation Type: Down vs. Synthetic

One of the early choices in your sleeping bag search will be deciding what type of insulation you’d like to have. In this regard, you’ll have two choices: down or synthetic insulation.

Down insulation features the incredibly soft and lightweight under-plumage from geese or ducks. It works by trapping heat within its feathery folds and holding it in place to create a reliable barrier against the colder temperatures on the outside. We’ll discuss different types of down quality towards the end of this article, but for now, it’s important to note that down is remarkably lightweight and very compressible yet offers superb warmth.

However, down’s one foe is moisture. If your sleeping bag gets wet, the down plumage will clump together and lose all its ability to retain heat. Along these same lines – i.e., keeping your insulation happy and unclumped – down sleeping bags also have a more involved process for cleaning and maintenance than your other option.

Synthetic insulation features artificial fibers, often polyester, designed to provide the same service as down by trapping heat to provide a buffer against cold temperatures. This option is often noticeably less expensive than down and will retain its insulation capability even when wet. The tradeoff is that synthetic’s weight-to-warmth ratio can’t quite measure up to down and synthetic sleeping bags are typically heavier and less compressible than their down counterparts.

Temperature Ratings

We all want our sleeping bags to keep us nice and cozy during chilly nights, but there’s a huge range of different temperatures that sleeping bags are aimed at. Let’s look at different temperature ratings that you’ll frequently see while looking for the best sleeping bags for backpacking.

The first number you’ll see is the standard temperature rating as provided by the sleeping bag manufacturer. This temperature is the manufacturer’s estimate of what temperature you should be able to comfortably sleep without getting too cold. However, this number is subjective to the testing method that the manufacturer employs. Therefore, it’s very beneficial to compare this number to a standardized testing method.

Enter ISO (International Organization of Standardization) or EN (European Norm) ratings. These standardized procedures lay out the exact testing methods for determining a sleeping bag’s temperature rating, and therefore allow us to accurately compare one manufacturer’s sleeping bag to another’s. These standardized tests yield two results: The Tested Comfort rating and the Tested Lower Limit.

The Tested Comfort Rating represents the lowest temperature at which folks who tend to sleep cold will remain comfortable all night long. As women traditionally sleep colder than men, the tested comfort rating is generalized to the lowest temperature that a woman could sleep comfortably in that particular sleeping bag.

Conversely, the Tested Lower Limit is the lowest temperature at which people who sleep warm (traditionally men) will stay comfortable.

Choosing a Temperature Rating

Now that we know what the different temperature ratings mean, it’s time to pick which one best suits you. First off, think about the average low temperatures at night during the season where you’ll be hiking. Secondly, take those average low temperatures, and give yourself a comfortable buffer – just in case.

So, if you’re forecasted to encounter lows around 35º F, then perhaps aim for a 20ºF sleeping bag to ensure that you’ll stay nice and comfortable. Or, if you’re heading into balmy summer temperatures with lows in the 50s, aim for a 40-degree sleeping bag.

Down Fill Rating

Every down sleeping bag will include a fill-power rating – 550, 750, 800, and so on. This rating directly corresponds to that sleeping bag’s overall down insulation quality. Specifically, this number represents how much loft the down has, where one ounce of 750-fill power down will expand to fill 750-cubic-inches.

In terms of finding the best sleeping bags for hiking, the down fill rating represents the bag’s quality. A sleeping bag with higher quality down will provide excellent warmth for less weight and bulk. Conversely, lower quality down means more weight to achieve that same level of warmth – but it will also be less expensive.

Sleeping Bag Weight

As we’re focusing on the best sleeping bags for backpacking in this article, weight will play a crucial role in your decision-making. There’s a fairly wide range of sleeping bag weights on the market, and you’ll typically see options between just 14 oz. all the way up to 3 lbs. (48 oz).

The best ultralight sleeping bags will typically feature high-quality down insulation and minimal frills. That means a very trim/tight cut, no extra pockets, and very thin shell material. On the other hand, heavier options will often include these additional features along with more durable shell materials that can stand up to more abuse and probably include a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating.

Therefore, it’s crucial to consider what features and weight are important to you. To help get you started, most standard backpackers and hikers will likely be very happy with a sleeping bag in the 1.5 to 2lbs range. Ultralight thru-hikers can go lighter, while car campers will probably go heavier.

Packability/Compressibility

The best sleeping bags for backpacking should easily pack down so you can seamlessly load them into your bag each morning. In this regard, down sleeping bags are almost always the best choice as they’re exceptionally compressible and quickly pack down to very small sizes for easy loading. However, don’t disregard synthetic sleeping bags altogether, as their manufacturing technology has improved drastically over the years to make them more packable.

Keep an eye open for “compressed volume” on the manufacturer’s website to help gauge how well a sleeping bag will pack down.

Sleeping Bag Sizing

It’s vitally important to pick out a sleeping bag that fits you properly! Too small will make you compress the insulation when you zip up for the night, reducing your warmth and making you uncomfortable at the same time. On the other hand, too large a sleeping bag will create a lot of extra space that you’ll need to warm with your body heat, therefore reducing your overall warmth efficiency.

So always pay close attention to the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines – often covering height along with shoulder and hip circumference. If in doubt, take the time to measure yourself to ensure you get a proper fit.

Price

Finding the best sleeping bag for your adventures typically involves a hefty investment. Quality insulation and materials often drive up the price of sleeping bags, and high-quality options typically range in the $250+ range.

However, lower-cost options are also readily available, and the best budget sleeping bags offer excellent value for their price. So think about what you need and expect from your sleeping bag – whether premium features or a more budget-friendly price point – and tailor your search accordingly.

Feathered Friends Hummingbird YF 20 (Men’s) and Egret YF 20 (Women’s)

Best Overall sleeping Bag for Warmth, Packability, and Quality

Feathered Friends Hummingbird and Egret sleeping bags

  • MSRP: $509.00
  • Insulation: 900+ Fill Goose Down
  • Tested Comfort Rating: Not Tested
  • Tested Lower Limit: Not Tested
  • Weight:
    • Men’s: 1 lb 11 oz
    • Women’s: 1 lb 13 oz
  • Shell Material: Pertex® YFuse®

PROS: Very high-quality down – Excellent warmth – Impressive weight and packability – DWR finish

CONS: Very expensive

CLOSE LOOK: For incredibly high-quality down insulation, a cozy and durable design, and excellent weight and packability for the trail, look no further than the Hummingbird and Egret YF 20 from Feathered Friends. Made in Seattle, WA, this sleeping bag features some of the best quality down on the market for a very warm yet lightweight design. The shell also includes a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish to help this sleeping bag resist damp conditions. While it hasn’t been tested to the EN or ISO standards (i.e., lower limit and comfort ratings), the overwhelming consensus is that the bag’s given 20ºF rating is accurate and may even be a little conservative. Keep in mind that his sleeping bag is a significant investment, but rest assured that it features excellent craftsmanship and will last for years and years of adventuring.

Note: The similar Hummingbird UL and Egret UL (ultralight) Sleeping Bags offer the same insulation and quality but feature a thinner shell material without a DWR finish to trim weight.

View At Feathered Friends

Men’s Hummingbird 20Women’s Egret 20

REI Co-Op Magma 15

Runner Up: Best Sleeping bag

best sleeping bags rei magma 15

  • MSRP: $429.00
  • Insulation: 850-Fill Down
  • Tested Comfort Rating: 21ºF
  • Tested Lower Limit: 9ºF
  • Weight: 2 lb 3.6 oz. (Medium)
  • Shell Material: Pertex® 15-denier ripstop nylon (bluesign® approved)

PROS: Huge range of widths and lengths for the perfect fit – Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio – Great quality down

CONS: Not quite as high quality as top-tier, premium brands

CLOSE LOOK: REI has impressed us lately with a quality lineup of backpacking gear, including tents, packs, and (now) sleeping bags. The Magma 15 continues to combine quality down with a very competitive, lightweight, and packable design. The upshot is a perfect middle-ground between lower-quality budget options and premium down sleeping bags (such as Western Mountaineering and Feathered Friends). The 15ºF rating also makes the Magma ideal for colder adventures in the shoulder seasons or at higher altitudes. While the material feels a little dangerously thin (15-denier thickness, whereas most manufacturers opt for 20), the Magma 15 still offers incredible value and is easily one of the best sleeping bags on the market today.

For the latest iteration, REI did away with specific men’s and women’s designs, instead opting for a single-unisex sleeping bag offered in a plethora of different sizes. Specifically, we have lengths including short, medium long along with different widths of narrow, regular, and wide. So when all said and done, the Magma 15 offers a refreshing range of sizing options to make sure you get the perfect fit.

View At REI.com

Unisex w/ Sizing Options

Kelty Cosmic Down 20

Best Budget Sleeping Bag

best sleeping bags kelty cosmic down

  • MSRP: $189.00
  • Insulation: 550-Fill Down
  • Tested Comfort Rating: Men’s: 31 ºF – Women’s: 25º F
  • Tested Lower Limit: Men’s: 21ºF – Women’s: 13º F
  • Weight: Men’s: 2 lbs. 7 oz, – Women’s: 3 lbs. 4.5 oz, (Regular Size)
  • Shell Material: 50-Denier Nylon

PROS: Budget-friendly for a down bag – Good comfort and warmth – Durable design

CONS: Lower-quality down – Heavy for a down sleeping bag

CLOSER LOOK: When it comes to making every dollar count on a tight budget, you can’t go wrong with the Cosmic Down 20 from Kelty. This sleeping bag comes for a reasonable price – especially for down insulation – and still offers decent quality and longevity. Keep in mind that the lower quality down fill results in noticeably increased weight than other options, but this sleeping bag still offers excellent value regardless. So for new hikers or those with a lower budget, the Kelty Cosmic Down is easily the best budget sleeping bag for you.

The latest iteration of the Cosmic Down 20 has several updates over last year’s version. First and foremost, Kelty expanded the footbox to provide a little extra wiggle room and comfort. Additionally, the shell and liner fabrics have been shuffled to improve durability and feature more recycled materials. Lastly, Kelty added a full-length draft tube along the zipper for improved warmth retention. Once the dust of redesign settled, the latest Cosmic Down 20 sleeping bags actually shaved off a few ounces of overall weight from their predecessors, making them ever so slightly a more reasonable option for backpacking. Remember, the Cosmic Down is still heavier than other down sleeping bags on our list, but the lower price may definitely overrule this drawback.

View At Kelty

MEN’S Cosmic Down 20women’s Cosmic Down 20

View At Backcountry.com

MEN’S Cosmic Down 20women’s Cosmic Down 20

View At REI.COM

MEN’S Cosmic Down 20

 

Marmot Trestles Eco Elite 20

Best Synthetic Sleeping bag

best sleeping bags marmot trestles

  • MSRP: $179.00
  • Insulation: Synthetic HL-ElixR Eco Micro recycled fibers
  • Tested Comfort Rating: Men’s: 32.2 ºF – Women’s: 20.3º F
  • Tested Lower Limit: Men’s: 21.6ºF – Women’s: 7.9º F
  • Weight: Men’s: 2 lbs. 6 oz, – Women’s: 2 lbs. 11 oz, (Regular Size)
  • Shell Material: 20-denier recycled ripstop polyester

PROS: Competitive weight – Doesn’t lose insulation capability when wet – Durable and dependable design

CONS: Bulkier than down sleeping bags

CLOSER LOOK: Synthetic sleeping bags have become less common on the trails as lighter down options become the preferred sleeping apparatus, but they still have plenty to offer. In our opinion, none offer more than the Marmot Trestles 20. For a very approachable price, we get superb warmth with surprisingly low weight (almost identical weight a budget down sleeping bag). In addition to the relatively low weight, the Trestles also costs less than other comparable synthetic sleeping bags on the market. Combine all these points, and we have a solid contender for backpacking that we believe is the best synthetic sleeping bag currently available.

View At REI.COM

MEN’S Trestles Eco Elite 20women’s Trestles Eco Elite 20

View At Backcountry.COM

women’s Trestles Eco Elite 20

 

Nemo Disco Endless Promise 30/15

Best Sleeping Bag for Side Sleepers

best sleeping bags nemo disco endless promise

  • MSRP: $299.95
  • Insulation: Down – 650-Fill
  • Tested Comfort Rating (Disco 30): Men’s: 40ºF – Women’s: 31ºF
  • Tested Lower Limit (Disco 30): Men’s: 30ºF – Women’s: 21º F
  • Weight (Disco 30): Men’s: 1 lb. 15 oz, – Women’s: 2 lbs. 4 oz, (Regular Size)
  • Shell Material: Recycled ripstop polyester

PROS: Very roomy design – Comfortable – Heat gills allow you to control temperature

CONS: Heavier than mummy-shaped down sleeping bags – Not as compressible as other premium options –

CLOSER LOOK: There’s no better way to give a side-sleeper a terrible night’s sleep than making it uncomfortable for them to lie on their side. That’s why Nemo launched their signature, spoon-shaped Disco Sleeping Bag – newly revised to the Disco Endless Promise. Increased wiggle room at the knees and elbows allows you to comfortably sleep on your side and even roll over to change positions without getting tangled. The result is an exceptionally comfortable sleeping bag that also boasts vertical heat “gills” that you can unzip to shed excess heat without needing to completely unzip the whole sleeping bag. The extra space does come with a weight and bulk penalty, however, but this may easily be worth it for folks looking for the best sleeping bag for side-sleeping.

For the latest redesign and rebranding as the Disco “Endless Promise”, Nemo went to great lengths to streamline and improve the overall design of this sleeping bag. We have new horizontal baffles to prevent the down insulation from moving around too much. The heat gills and draft collars have also seen a lot of updates to optimize performance and comfort while giving the sleeper as much control of their temperature as possible. Nemo also made the sleeping bag 100% recyclable with their Endless Promise revamp in order to keep their products out of the landfill.

If you’re looking for this same level of comfort in an even warmer version, Nemo offers the Disco Endless Promise 15 for those colder nights.

View At Nemo

MEN’S Disco 30/15women’s Disco 30/15

View At REI.COM

MEN’S Disco 30women’s Disco 30

MEN’S Disco 15women’s Disco 15

 

Honorable Mentions

Western Mountaineering Versalite 10

  • MSRP: $705.00
  • Insulation: 850+ Fill Goose Down
  • Tested Comfort Rating: 21ºF
  • Tested Lower Limit: 9ºF
  • Weight: 2 lbs (6′ size)
  • Shell Material: ExtremeLite, DWR coating

PROS: Fantastic warmth retention – Excellent down quality – Very packable

CONS: Thin materials feel less durable – Extremely Expensive

CLOSER LOOK: The Versalite Sleeping Bag is among the warmest of Western Mountaineering’s ExtremeLite series, and they hit that warmth goal perfectly. With impressive tested temperature limits, high-quality and plentiful down insulation, and plush baffles and collar insulation, this sleeping bag is built for those chilly adventures and excels when the temperature drops.  Therefore, this is easily one of the best sleeping bags for shoulder-season hikers or those heading to higher elevations with cooler temperatures.

Western Mountaineering Versalite

VIEW AT BACKCOUNTRY.COM

Nemo Riff Endless Promise 15

best sleeping bags nemo endless promise riff

  • MSRP: $399.95
  • Insulation: 800 Fill Down
  • Tested Lower Limit: 17ºF (Men’s) – 5ºF (Women’s)
  • Tested Comfort Rating: 28ºF (Men’s) – 18ºF (Women’s)
  • Weight: 2 lbs. 7 oz. (Men’s Regular) – 3 lbs 4 oz. (Women’s Regular)
  • Shell Material: Recycled ripstop polyester

PROS: Bags can zip together – Waterproof foot box – Pillow Sleeve

CONS: Heavier than the competition

CLOSE LOOK: Nemo’s Riff series has a more athletic cut than their signature disco series, but still offers a little extra room at the elbows and hips for improved comfort. We’re also big fans of the integrated pillow sleeve, heat gills to shed excess warmth, and waterproof foot box. The extra space adds a bit of weight to these bags, however, and they’re not the lightest option on the market. But still, they strike a good balance between space, warmth, and durability and certainly earn their place among the best backpacking sleeping bags.

Nemo recently updated most of the materials and features in this sleeping bag for two primary reasons. First, to optimize comfort and heat retention with new baffle and draft collar designs. Second, to ensure that the entire sleeping bag is 100% recyclable and will never end up in a landfill with their Endless Promise program.

View At Nemo

MEN’S Riff 15/30women’s Riff 15/30

View At REI.COM

MEN’S Riff 15women’s Riff 15

Therm-a-rest Parsec 20

  • MSRP: $469.95
  • Insulation: 800 Fill Down
  • Tested Lower Limit: 20ºF
  • Tested Comfort Rating: 32ºF
  • Weight: 1 lb. 12 oz. (Regular)
  • Shell Material: Recycled Nylon

PROS: Very roomy  – Plush and comfortable feel – Relatively low weight – Competitive price

CONS: Not quite as warm as other options

CLOSE LOOK: The Parsec 20 brings the plush warmth that we expect from high-quality bags but offers plenty of wiggle room for those who don’t like being constrained by narrow-cut, ultralight bags. We pay the price for this extra room with slightly increased weight. However, a plethora of features, including a draft tube, exterior pocket, and cinchable hood, all combine to make this a well-rounded hiking sleeping bag that delivers excellent comfort and warmth for a reasonable packed size and weight. What’s more, Therm-a-Rest manages to price the Parsec very competitively for a little less than the competition, further adding to its overall appeal.

Find Your Parsec 20 Sleeping Bag

VIEW AT REI.COMView at Backcountry.com

Big Agnes Sidewinder 20

  • MSRP: $249.95
  • Insulation: 650-fill-power DownTek w/ extra synthetic insulation at hip and feet
  • Temperature Rating: 20º F
  • Weight: 2 lbs. 4 oz. (Men’s Regular)
  • Shell Material: Ripstop Nylon

PROS: Designed specifically for side sleepers – Extra cushion at hips – Unique zipper design to stay out of the way

CONS: Not as much space at the hips as similar bags

CLOSER LOOK: Sleeping bags designed just for side sleepers are a new addition to the industry, and Big Agnes joins the fray with the Sidewinder. Let us say from the start that we’re very impressed! Big Agnes clearly thought a great deal about this bag. The extra synthetic padding at the hips and feet combined with the unique zipper designed to stay out of your way as you roll over all point to one of the best backpacking sleeping bags. We would have preferred a little extra space to put it on par with the Nemo Disco, but we can’t argue with the lower weight of the Sidewinder. Lastly, the stretchy mesh pillow pocket is an excellent touch so you can stay comfortable in any position.

Notable for this latest version is that Big Agnes is trying to push the sidewinder into the budget down sleeping bag category by dropping the price almost $40 from the previous year. While it’s not quite down to the same price as our favorite budget down bag, we’re delighted to see a new contender in that arena!

View At REI.COM

MEN’S Sidewinder 20women’s Sidewinder 20

View At Backcountry.com

MEN’S Sidewinder 20women’s Sidewinder 20

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More Information About The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

A Note on Bag Liners

In addition to the sleeping bags themselves, we also see a wide range of liners on the market. But what are these exactly? In their base form, bag liners are a sleeping bag-shaped layer that you can add to the interior of your sleeping bag. They can be added for warmth – fleece liners are great for this purpose – or as another layer to help keep the sleeping bags from getting dirty.

Remember, sleeping bags (especially down) can be difficult to clean. But our bodies naturally release oil that can soak into the bag’s material and insulation; Also, plain run-of-the-mill hiking grime can also build up over time. Therefore, adding a liner to the mix that you can easily throw in the washing machine may help increase your sleeping bag’s lifespan and cleanliness.

Your decision on whether or not to get a liner will depend on a few things. First of all is price. Liners can cost anywhere between $25 and $100, so it’s another expense to consider alongside your sleeping bag cost. Additionally, liners are yet another item that can take up space and add weight to your pack. Fleece liners in particular do not pack down very well and can take up noticeable space when you’re packing them away. So against these points, you’ll need to weigh the benefits of an easy-to-clean and potentially extra-warm layer. In general, hikers heading into extra-cold climates can often do with a little added warmth, and backpackers who use their sleeping bags often can benefit from the easy-to-clean nature of liners.

Sleeping Bag Care and Maintenance

Our sleeping bags are our warm refuge during cold nights in the backcountry, so it’s important to take care of them! Grime, dirt, and body oil can slowly build up in your sleeping bag over time which ­– in addition to unseemly smells – can cause down to clump together and lose its insulating capability. Therefore, occasional cleaning is called for.

First and foremost, read the manufacturer’s care and washing instructions and make sure you purchase a cleaner specially designed for down (if that’s your sleeping bag’s insulation type). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and your sleeping bag with stay fluffy and warm season after season. For more information about cleaning, take a look at this guide to cleaning your sleeping bag from Sea to Summit.

How to Store Your Sleeping Bag

The best method to store your sleeping bag is uncompressed and un-stuffed. If a sleeping bag is crammed into a stuff sack or bag for extended periods, the insulation can clump together and shift. This clumping can, in turn, lower the sleeping bag’s insulating capability. For this reason, many of the best sleeping bags come with an oversized sack that you can store the sleeping bag in without compressing it. Use this, or a similar bag of your own whenever possible to prolong your sleeping comfort as long as possible.

Packing Your Sleeping Bag for Hiking

When it’s time to hike, we’re going to pack our sleeping bags the exact opposite of how we store them – as compressed as possible. Many bags will come with a compression sack for this exact purpose. If not, we highly suggest you invest with one as it will squish the sleeping bag down as small as possible to make it easy to pack.

Lastly, unless you are hiking into absolutely guaranteed dry weather (such as a desert), we highly recommend that you pack your sleeping bag-compression sack combo inside a waterproof liner bag. This could be as simple as a trash bag or a large specialty waterproof bag and will keep your sleep system 100% dry no matter if it pours or you accidentally drop your pack in a puddle.

Double and Zip-Together Sleeping Bags

Two sleeping bag options that are becoming more popular these days are double and zip-together sleeping bags. Doubles simply refer to sleeping bags big enough for two. Meanwhile, zip-togethers are single-sized sleeping bags with compatible zippers so that the bags can be zipped together to form a double.

These types of sleeping bags can be an excellent purchase for couples who’d like a little extra coziness when camping. But keep in mind that after multiple backpacking days, it can be tough to share your sleeping space when the hiking grime starts to build up and you just feel substantially dirty. Also, sleeping bags work best to retain heat when there is minimal unoccupied space so there’s less air for your body to heat up. Large double sleeping bags have the potential to add more unoccupied space, not to mention larger openings than can cause drafts. So weigh the pros and cons before investing in this option!

Down Ethical Considerations

While down offers impressive insulation and warmth on our backcountry adventures, it raises the question of ethical treatment for the animals providing the down. Not too long ago, animal mistreatment raised serious ethical concerns surrounding how down was collected and necessitated the creation of a universal certification system to ensure proper animal treatment.

That certification came in the form of the Global Traceable Down Standard (TDS) and Responsible Down Standard (RDS). Now, many gear manufacturers have their down certified to these standards, and you should keep an eye open for these acronyms to ensure your product’s down was sourced responsibly.

Why Trust Us?

Choosing the right outdoor gear and apparel can be difficult. But at Wildland Trekking, we live and work with hiking gear every single day. It’s an integral part of what we do, and we understand better than anyone how important it is to have the right equipment. In addition to our vast knowledge of backpacking gear, we also offer:

  • Independence – our recommendations are not influenced by partnerships or sponsorships with outdoor gear and apparel manufacturers.
  • Experience – as one of America’s top guide companies, we take 8,000-10,000 people on hiking and backpacking tours annually. Since our inception in 2005, we have guided more than 75,000 people into the wilderness.
  • Cutting Edge Knowledge – we regularly attend trade shows and pay close attention to the leading edge of new developments.
  • Up To Date Recommendations – we update our recommendations regularly as new products are developed and released.
  • Dedication to our Readers – we know that the gear we select as our top picks will end up in the field with our readers, and we take that responsibility very seriously. We view our readers as guests on our guided trips, just without the guides. We are committed to helping you be as well-outfitted and prepared as possible for your adventures.

*Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. At no cost to you, we earn a commission on any products purchased through these links. Any proceeds go to supporting our blog and operations. These affiliate links do not influence the products that we include in our gear round-ups. We only recommend products that we 100% support and that we have used in the field. 

MORE GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS

Check out our Wildland Gear Guide for more recommendations about hiking, trekking, camping and outdoor gear. We are always adding new products to help our guests and readers make the best choices to outfit their adventures.