The ideal backpacking tent should have the combination of features, weight, comfort, and durability for the type of trips you plan to do. Learn more about what to look for when making a purchase. A high quality tent can be quite expensive, so it’s good to know what to look for before making an investment in your shelter. The least expensive tents are usually intended for car camping, often weighing over 5 pounds or more depending on the size of the tent. It is possible to purchase a tent that will work for both car camping and backpacking, but for the purpose of this post, I’ll cover what to ..read more

In the spring when higher elevations are still snow-covered, these backpacking locations are great for early season trips. Featured Trips Central Oregon: McKenzie River Trail Olympic Coast: Ozette Triangle SW Washington: Trapper Creek Olympic National Park: Hoh River Rainforest SW Washington: Lower Lewis River Trail Olympic Coast – Rialto Beach to Chilean Memorial Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness: Salmon River Canyon Olympic National Park: Enchanted Valley SW Washington: Upper Falls Creek Olympic Peninsula: Duckabush River Trail Goat Rocks: Packwood Lake Olympic National Park: North Fork Skokomi ..read more

The Kuhl Trekr and Freeflex hiking pants are made with high quality fabrics that have built-in stretch and are lightweight and comfortable to wear when hiking. When buying hiking pants, I look for well-made products that use high quality fabric for durability. In my experience of wearing several different types of Kuhl pants, their products meet both criteria – plus they offer multiple stylish options and colors to choose from. Kuhl Trekr Hiking Pants   The Trekr pants have a mid-rise, which is a nice change from pants that sit too low, and feature front pockets that are actuall ..read more

Cape Perpetua campground is located on the central Oregon coast two miles south of Yachats. Trails from the campground provide access to the scenic rocky coastline as well as to hikes through old-growth forest. Highlights The Cape Perpetua campground is located in a forested area within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. Cape Creek runs through the campground, with many sites situated next to the creek. Trails lead from the campground to the visitors center, and from there, to tidepools and several unique coastal features including Devils Cauldron, Thors Well, and Spouting Horn. Some of t ..read more

This heated jacket from Venustas features six graphene heat panels and is powered by a portable battery pack… ideal for staying cozy on cold weather outdoor adventures. How it works The graphene panels (inserted between the fill and lining of the jacket) connect to the battery pack via a cord in the interior pocket. Make sure the battery pack is fully charged before using, then connect it to the cord and zip the pocket shut to secure the battery pack. To turn on the heat panels: Press and hold the buttons on the front of the jacket for 3 seconds. The button light will blink red while preheat ..read more

The Nebo windbreaker is the layer I didn’t know I needed, providing lightweight protection while remaining highly breathable for staying warm while hiking without overheating. No matter the time of year, I often need a light layer to keep from being chilled in the wind. Instead of putting on an insulated jacket to warm up, then need to take it off a few minutes later, the Nebo provides light warmth with breathability so I can keep hiking. Features Wind protection: the Nebo effectively blocks wind to remove wind chill, which is the main feature of a windbreaker layer. Ultralight and packable ..read more

Organize your camping gear and then easily transport it with the Trailgate system of bins and cubes from REI. Whether I’m solo camping in my SUV or glam camping in a large tent, I like to keep my gear well organized so I can easily find what I need. After using multiple plastic bins for several years, I decided to try out these fabric bins and cubes to see if they would work better for me. I have a combination of REI’s Pack-Away system (introduced in 2023), and their Trailgate system (introduced in 2024). Both lines offer the same range of capacities and styles but with a change in colors. Tr ..read more

REI’s Camp Prep Table provides a sturdy base for camp cooking, while the adjustable legs make setting up on uneven terrain a breeze. What I like about the REI Camp Prep Table When I’m camping in my car during the rainy winter months, I need a sturdy table for cooking under a canopy. I want something that will stand up to the elements, provide a stable cooking surface, and not get knocked around easily. The Camp Prep Table features high quality materials, including powder-coated aluminum slats for the table top and steel legs. It creates a super stable base with little movement, and the heat r ..read more

More comfortable than a typical camp chair, the REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer offers flexibility with movement and a shape that cradles your body with hammock-like suspension. Specs dimensions: 35 x 27.2 x 23.6 inches dimensions, packed: 7 x 22 inches seat height: 12.5 inches weight capacity: 300 pounds material: ripstop polyester (bluesign approved) frame construction: aluminum weight: 3 lbs. 7 oz. View at REI What I like about this chair I find that most camp chairs aren’t comfortable due to a rigid structure and a seat height that creates pressure on my legs at the front of the chair. I als ..read more

This camping gear list contains my recommendations for gear that is high quality and built to last as well as making the camping experience more comfortable. When we initially started camping, we bought cheap budget gear – and most of it wasn’t the best quality and didn’t last long. Over time, we’ve replaced almost everything with better products, although a few small items from our first camp kit remain. The setup we currently use prioritizes spending a bit more for comfort – and on durable gear that will last over time. I like to rationalize the cost by comparing it to frequent stays at hot ..read more