Hiking & Backpacking Gear Reviews

There is nothing more fun than getting outside by yourself or with friends and climbing mountains. From the Snoqualmie mountain trails to the Eastern Sierra’s I have had the opportunity to hike some of the most scenic and brutal trails on the West Coast. Below we break down our gear reviews and recommendations for the best hiking & backpacking gear to make your next hiking excursion. From day hikes to 3 day rucking we’ve got you covered when it comes to the best gear.

A mixture of images from backpacking and hiking in the Eastern Sierras. Images include mountains, streams, boulders and trees.

Why Get The Best Gear For Hiking & Backpacking?

Whether you are just getting started with this awesome outdoor hobby or you’ve been hitting the trails since you were young, having the right gear for the right circumstances makes a huge difference.

I have been on enough overnight backpacking trips to know what is nice to have versus a necessity.

Below we break down our top picks in each gear category for backpacking, hiking and camping on the trail. Enjoy!

Group of hikers trekking on a rugged mountain trail in Oregon's scenic outdoors.

Disaster Preparedness Gear & Reviews

Collection of canned goods and plastic water bottle in a cardboard box for emergency preparedness.

Best Water Filters in 2025

Did you know the human body can only last three days without water? Click here to learn about the best & most effective water filters available in 2025.

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Best Survival Food of 2025

Allegedly you can survive for 3 weeks without food before dying of starvation… but who wants to do that right? Check out our favorite & reviewed survival foods of this year.

A rustic camping setup with a tarp shelter and essential tools in a forest clearing.

Best Survival Shelter for 2025

If you can’t stay dry, warm or sheltered from the elements you aren’t going to last long in the outdoors. See our top picks for survival shelters in 2025.

A person chopping wood outdoors using an axe, capturing the essence of manual labor and forestry.

Best Survival Hatchets & Axes in 2025

Your ability to create shelter from natural resources and & make fire depends on tools such as an axe. See our top best picks for survival axes in 2025.

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Best Folding Survival Saws in 2025

Electric or gasoline powered chainsaws aren’t going to help you much if the grid goes down. Check out our tried and true favorite picks for Folding Survival Saws of 2025.

Close-up of a red first aid kit in a hiker's backpack, perfect for outdoor safety.

Best Survival First Aid Kits in 2025

Injuries are bound to happen and it’s best to be fully prepared for them. See our reviewed list of most reliable & well stocked first aid kits.

Detailed close-up of a black flashlight with orange button on a reflective surface.

Best Survival Flashlights of 2025

Remember playing Resident Evil and your flashlight would die? Yeah screw that. Being able to see during the night or in dark spaces is vital to survival. Check out our top picks.

A hand holds a classic wooden pocket knife with accessories on a wooden table.

Best Survival Multi-tools for 2025

If I learned anything from MacGyver it’s that with duct tape and multi-tools you can get get a lot done. See our favorite ones here.

Black tactical backpack with knife resting on a log in a dense forest, ideal for adventure.

Best Survival Knives in 2025

Wanna live? Get a shiv… or something like that (thank you Chronicles of Riddick). A solid survival knife is make or break in the category of prepping tools. See our top choices for survival knives here.