Chris Mercer

7 power banks compared across three capacity tiers, so you can match the right bank to the trips you’re actually taking.

Three-season backpacking quilts compared — warmth, draft control, and a pick for each buyer type.

Which bear canister to buy for Sierra and Yosemite backpacking, broken down by trip length, weight, and park approval.

Ten weekend backpacking packs compared across comfort, lightweight, budget, and ultralight tiers, with picks for each kind of buyer.

Eight inflatable backpacking pads ranked for side sleepers, focused on thickness, baffle type, R-value, and weight.

Six sub-2-ounce headlamps for backpacking, with the right pick for every kind of trip.

Eight honest stove picks for 1-3 night backpacking trips — without the ultralight spreadsheets.

Comparing inflatable, hybrid, and foam backpacking pillows for better sleep without extra bulk.

Top budget tents under three hundred dollars with practical comfort and trustworthy all-weather performance.

A curated roundup of the best backpacking tents for comfort, weight balance, and real-world livability.