Karthika Gupta

Contributing Writer

Karthika Gupta, wearing a backpacking backpack and carrying trekking poles, with mountains and a lake in the background.

Karthika Gupta is an adventure travel writer with over 25 years of adventure travel experience. She has hiked on all seven continents and loved every minute of it. She has even completed Highlander UAE and Fjallraven Chile, along with hundreds of miles in the Indian Himalayas. 

She covers outdoor gear, small-group adventure travel, and hiking/camping trends for national and international publications, blending real experience with practical advice.

Her work is grounded in miles hiked, boots tested, and a belief that everyone belongs in the outdoors regardless of gear and experience—you don’t need to overpack or overcomplicate to have a meaningful adventure. 

You can find more of her adventures on her Instagram @karthikagupta or her website.

Gear Reviews
Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack Review: Kept Our Gear Dry Through Rapids
Karthika Gupta
Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack Review: Kept Our Gear Dry Through Rapids
Karthika Gupta

We tested the Matador 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack to evaluate packed size, carry comfort, durability, and real-world performance for travel, hiking, and everyday use.

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Karthika Gupta
Arc’teryx Heliad 15 Packable Backpack Review: Packs Tiny, Carries More Than You’d Expect
Karthika Gupta
Arc’teryx Heliad 15 Packable Backpack Review: Packs Tiny, Carries More Than You’d Expect
Karthika Gupta

We tested the Arc’teryx Heliad 15 backpack to evaluate packed size, carry comfort, durability, and real-world performance for travel, hiking, and everyday use.

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Karthika Gupta
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Daypack Packable Backpack Review: 22 Liters at Just 3.9 Ounces
Karthika Gupta
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Daypack Packable Backpack Review: 22 Liters at Just 3.9 Ounces
Karthika Gupta

We tested the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Daypack to evaluate packed size, carry comfort, durability, and real-world performance for travel, hiking, and everyday use.

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Karthika Gupta
Eagle Creek Packable Backpack Review: Our Best Overall Packable Pack
Karthika Gupta
Eagle Creek Packable Backpack Review: Our Best Overall Packable Pack
Karthika Gupta

We tested the Eagle Creek Packable Backpack to evaluate packed size, carry comfort, durability, and real-world performance for travel, hiking, and everyday use.

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Karthika Gupta
Osprey Daylite Review: A Real Daypack for Your Carry-On
Karthika Gupta
Osprey Daylite Review: A Real Daypack for Your Carry-On
Karthika Gupta

Our pick for best packable backpack for travel, tested on trips, flights, and day hikes. See how the 13L Osprey Daylite compares to Matador, Arc’teryx, and Sea to Summit.

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Karthika Gupta
Grayl GeoPress Purifier Travel Water Bottle Review: From Hotel Sinks to Mountain Streams
Karthika Gupta
Grayl GeoPress Purifier Travel Water Bottle Review: From Hotel Sinks to Mountain Streams
Karthika Gupta

Grayl GeoPress Purifier review: a 24 oz press bottle that removes viruses, bacteria, and protozoa in seconds. Tested for international travel and hiking.

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Karthika Gupta
Ocean Bottle Peak Go 24 oz Travel Water Bottle Review: From Hot Tea in Scotland to 90°F Hikes
Karthika Gupta
Ocean Bottle Peak Go 24 oz Travel Water Bottle Review: From Hot Tea in Scotland to 90°F Hikes
Karthika Gupta

We tested the Ocean Bottle Peak Go travel water bottle to evaluate packability, leak-proofness, durability, and real-world performance on flights, in cities, and in the outdoors.

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Karthika Gupta
LifeStraw Go Series Filter Water Bottle Review: From Airport Fountains to Oregon Streams
Karthika Gupta
LifeStraw Go Series Filter Water Bottle Review: From Airport Fountains to Oregon Streams
Karthika Gupta

We tested the LifeStraw Go Series Filter travel water bottle to evaluate packability, leakproofness, durability, and real-world performance on flights, in cities, and in the outdoors.

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Karthika Gupta
Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth with Flex Straw Cap Travel Water Bottle Review: Built for Hot Days
Karthika Gupta
Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth with Flex Straw Cap Travel Water Bottle Review: Built for Hot Days
Karthika Gupta

We tested the Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Bottle with Flex Straw Cap to evaluate packability, leakproofness, durability, and real-world performance on flights, in cities, and in the outdoors.

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Karthika Gupta
Best Packable Backpacks of 2026
Karthika Gupta
Best Packable Backpacks of 2026
Karthika Gupta

We tested packable backpacks for travel, day hikes, and everyday carry to find the best options for comfort, durability, and packed size.

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Karthika Gupta
Best Travel Water Bottles of 2026
Karthika Gupta
Best Travel Water Bottles of 2026
Karthika Gupta

We field-tested 12 travel water bottles for leakproofness, weight, and packability, from rigid steel to filtered and collapsible options.

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Karthika Gupta
The Grayl UltraPress Purifies Water in 8 Seconds — and Fits in Your Carry-On
Karthika Gupta
The Grayl UltraPress Purifies Water in 8 Seconds — and Fits in Your Carry-On
Karthika Gupta

We tested the Grayl UltraPress purifier bottle on flights, in cities, and outdoors for packability, leaks, filter life, and handling questionable tap water.

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Karthika Gupta
How to Choose
Adventure Travel Gear Checklist: The Complete Packing List for Any Trip
Karthika Gupta
Adventure Travel Gear Checklist: The Complete Packing List for Any Trip
Karthika Gupta

Adventure travel packing checklist for any trip, tested across 7 continents by an adventure travel expert: bags, clothing layers, footwear, toiletries, tech, safety, plus add-on modules.

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Karthika Gupta
Treeline Review Staffauthor, frequent contributor