After Thru-Hiking 223 Miles, My Take on the Mountain Hardwear ALUULA Alakazam Backpack

We tested the Mountain Hardwear Alakazam backpack to evaluate ALUULA fabric durability, waterproof performance, comfort, and load carry on long-haul backpacking trips.

backpacking, hiking, single product, thru-hikingLiz ThomasMarch 11, 2026liz thomas, mountain hardwear aluula alakazam backpack

Best Hiking Underwear For Women of 2026

We test 19 pairs to find the best women's hiking underwear. No riding, creeping, wedgies, or rolling waistbands. No chafing or rubbing. No itchy material. Just quick drying and moisture-wicking, odor-free undies.

gear reviews, apparelLiz ThomasMarch 10, 2026hiking underwear, apparel, women's, women's apparel, liz thomas

I Tested the NEMO Pulse Ultralight Backpacking Quilt From Sequoia Snow to Desert Heat

We tested the NEMO Pulse on the Appalachian, Timberline, and Grand Enchantment Trails. Here's whether 1000 fill power and full recyclability justify the $550 price tag.

backpacking, thru-hiking, single productLiz ThomasMarch 9, 2026liz thomas, nemo pulse ultralight backpacking quilt, backpacking quilts

How the Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5 Tent Performed During My 223-Mile Ouachita Trail Thru-Hike

We tested the Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5 backpacking the 223-mile long Ouachita Trail to see how its vertical sidewall design, and generous interior space perform for solo backpacking and bikepacking trips.

backpacking, camping, thru-hikingLiz ThomasMarch 9, 2026liz thomas, big agnes string ridge vst 1.5 tent, backpacking tents, ultralight tents

After 40 Nights in Snow, Rain, and Desert Camps, Here’s My Take on the Exped DeepSleep Sleeping Bag

Sustainable synthetic insulation meets innovative features—our Exped DeepSleep review tests the 3D footbox and recyclable design across three temperature ratings.

backpacking, camping, Single Product ReviewLiz ThomasMarch 9, 2026liz thomas, exped deepsleep sleeping bag, sleeping bags

Best Base Layers of 2026

We tested 50 lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight men’s and women’s base layer tops over four years. We put these base layers to work, and came out with the best base layers for warmth, durability, comfort, and ability to wick away sweat and odor over time.

PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2026

One of few people to thru-hike the PCT northbound and southbound weighs in on the differences in gear and strategy. Here’s the gear, strategy, and plan for PCT NOBO vs. SOBO.

Mike Unger & Liz Thomas & Naomi HudetzJanuary 30, 2026backpacking, pacific crest trail, gear list, thru-hiking, gear strategy, main, mike unger, naomi hudetz, liz thomas

A Folding Cooler That Fits in Your Car and Packs Smart — What I Found With the REI Co-op Campwell 18 L

Space-saving cooling for day trips and groceries, our review tests the REI Campwell 18L’s unique folding design and real-world performance and versatility.

camping, travelLiz ThomasOctober 25, 2025liz thomas, rei co-op campwell 18l folding cooler, soft coolers, camping coolers

1 Pound? Full Frame? How the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L Held Up on the Arizona Trail

We tested the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L to see if its carbon fiber frame, Ultra 100X fabric, and sub-1.5-pound weight deliver on ultralight backpacking performance.

backpacking, backpacking gear, hiking, thru-hikingLiz ThomasOctober 22, 2025liz thomas, zpacks arc haul ultra, backpacking backpack

Tested from the Mojave Desert to the High Sierras: How the VOORMI River Run Sun Hoodie Holds Up

Is the VOORMI River Run Hoodie Sun Shirt worth it? We tested its fit, comfort, breathability, durability, and style to see how it performs hiking, bikepacking, backpacking, and thru-hiking.

backpacking, camping, single product reviewsLiz ThomasOctober 13, 2025liz thomas, voormi river run, sun shirt, backpacking gear, single product review, single product, outdoor apparel, men's apparel, women's apparel

50 Nights, Sub-Freezing to Warm Summer: What I Learned Testing the Kelty Cosmic 20

The Kelty Cosmic 20 camping sleeping bag combines 550-fill down insulation with durable construction - our review tests real-world warmth and packability for car campers, cabin and summer camp trips, sleepovers, and entry-level backpackers.

backpacking, backpacking gear, Camping, campingLiz ThomasOctober 9, 2025kelty cosmic sleeping bag, sleeping bag, camping sleeping bag, backpacking sleeping bag, kelty, camping, backpacking, single product review, single product, liz thomas

What 8 Years and Thousands of Miles Reveal About the TOAKS Titanium Backpacking Cook Pot

We spent 8 years testing the TOAKS Titanium 750 mL Backpacking Cook Pot on backpacking trips, thru-hikes, and camping to see if its lightweight and durability hold up over time.

backpacking, campingLiz ThomasOctober 8, 2025liz thomas, TOAKS titanium, cook pot, backpacking gear, single product review, single product

Best Outdoor and Camping Blankets of 2026

We spent 2 years testing 12 outdoor blankets to find down, fleece, puffy, and picnic blankets that are warm, waterproof, resist stains, and are easy to wash.

Camping, Travel & Lifestyle, accessoriesLiz ThomasOctober 6, 2025outdoor blankets, camping blankets, camping gear, camping, camping-related, liz thomas

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review

We tested the Black Diamond Spot 400 headlamp, which won our Best Battery-Operated Headlamp, for brightness, waterproofness, functionality, and battery life

camping, electronics, hiking, backpacking, runningMike Unger & Liz Thomas & Naomi HudetzSeptember 29, 2025mike unger, naomi hudetz, liz thomas, black diamond spot 400 headlamp, headlamps

When You Need to Cook for Two or More in Harsh Conditions: Our Field Test of the MSR WindBurner Duo

We tested and reviewed the MSR WindBurner Duo stove, an integrated backpacking stove great for group cooking at camp or on the go, no matter the weather.

backpacking, campingLiz ThomasSeptember 18, 2025liz thomas, msr windburner duo, backpacking stoves, camp stoves, camping

Turn-and-Click Ignition and a 2-Minute Boil: How the Jetboil Flash 1.0 L Performed

We spent a year testing the Jetboil Flash 1.0L stove on camping trips and thru-hiking to see if its 120-second boil time, FluxRing technology, and integrated design deliver on backpacking cooking efficiency.

backpacking gear, campingLiz ThomasSeptember 17, 2025liz thomas, backpacking stove, jetfoil flash 1.0 L, camp stove

Best (and Brightest) Headlamps of 2026

We spent 400+ nights testing the best headlamps for brightness, battery life, comfort, and ease of use for backpacking, hiking, running, climbing, and camping.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad Review

Long-term review of the insulated Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping pad based on thousands of miles of cold-weather backpacking, thru-hiking, snowshoeing, and ski touring on this inflatable, lightweight pad.

backpacking gear, backpacking, thru-hiking, thru-hiking gear, single product reviewsAmanda Jameson and Liz ThomasSeptember 9, 2025amanda jameson, liz thomas, backpacking gear, backpacking, sleeping pad, neoair xlite, therm-a-rest, thru-hiking gear

Best Women's Short Tights for Hiking, Running, and Outdoor Activities of 2026

Find the best women's short tights (aka, biker shorts or compression shorts) through expert testing and reviews. We tested shorts hiking, running, and outdoor activities with fit guides for every body type.

Apparel, apparel, Apparel and Footwear, our favorites, staff picksTreeline Review StaffSeptember 3, 2025short tights, biker shorts, staff picks, women's apparel, apparel, women's, mary murphy, becca downs, liz thomas, mary beth skylis, amy gravlee, sara kruglinski, meg carney

YETI Hopper Flip Soft Cooler Review

We tested the YETI Hopper Flip to see if its HydroLok zipper, ColdCell insulation, and cubed design deliver on portable cooling performance for day trips.

camping, single product reviewsJosette DeschambeaultSeptember 2, 2025josette deschambeault, liz thomas, soft coolers, yeti, yeti hopper flip, yeti hopper, camping, camping gear, single product review, single product

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