Holly Ashford covers hiking and backpacking for GigaCamping, from boots, socks and rain shells to packs, trekking poles, water bottles and trail food. Her guides explain fit, weight and materials in plain terms and point out which details matter on a day hike versus a multi night trip.
Looking for the best water bottle for hiking? We picked 3 options that hold up to sun, rain and daily outdoor use, plus setup and care tips for each.
Looking for the best carbon fiber trekking poles? We compared top models on weight & packed size, durability & weather resistance and value. Updated for 2026.
Shopping for the best trail running shoes? Here are our 3 favorite picks for every budget and trip. Find the right one for your next trip. Updated for 2026.
The best trail running shoes for women for 2026: 3 top picks picked with women in mind, compared on fit & comfort and weight & packability. Updated for 2026.
Shopping for the best 3 person backpacking tent? Here are our 3 favorite picks in the 3 person size. Find the right one for your next trip. Updated for 2026.
The best hiking socks for men for 2026: 3 top picks picked with men in mind, compared on fit & comfort and weight & packability. Updated for 2026.
Looking for the best glass water bottle? We picked 3 options that hold up to sun, rain and daily outdoor use, plus setup and care tips for each.
Shopping for the best backpacking backpack? Here are our 3 favorite picks for every budget and trip. Find the right one for your next trip. Updated for 2026.
The best rain jacket for 2026: 3 top picks for every budget and trip, compared on fit & comfort and weight & packability. Updated for 2026.
The best men's hiking boots for 2026: 3 top picks in the men's size, compared on fit & comfort and weight & packability. Updated for 2026.
Looking for the best backpacking tent under 200? We compared top models on weight & packed size, durability & weather resistance and value. Updated for 2026.
The best trekking poles for hiking for 2026: 3 top picks picked with hiking in mind, compared on weight & packed size and comfort & ease of setup.
Looking for the best hiking socks for women? We compared top models on fit & comfort, weather protection & breathability and value. Updated for 2026.
Shopping for the best trekking poles? Here are our 3 favorite picks for every budget and trip. Find the right one for your next trip. Updated for 2026.
The best 2 person backpacking tent for 2026: 3 top picks in the 2 person size, compared on weight & packed size and comfort & ease of setup. Updated for 2026.
The best down jacket for backpacking for 2026: 3 top picks picked with backpacking in mind, compared on fit & comfort and weight & packability.
Looking for the best rain jacket for hiking? We compared top models on fit & comfort, weather protection & breathability and value. Updated for 2026.
The best backpacking meals for 2026: 3 top picks for every budget and trip, compared on taste & quality and price per ounce. Updated for 2026.
Shopping for the best budget backpacking tent? Here are our 3 favorite picks (budget models only). Find the right one for your next trip. Updated for 2026.
