Benjamin Tepler
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Articles by Benjamin Tepler
The 8 Best Forest Park Hikes
Set in a lush canyon alongside the cool waters of Balch Creek, Lower Macleay Trail is an explosion of ferns, salal, hemlocks, and firs. Forest Park is an undisputed crown jewel of Portland. At nearly 5,200 acres, it's one of the largest urban forests in the country and a paradise for hikers, whether you're a super athlete or just looking to take a stroll among some trees. But with more than 80 miles of trails, the options are daunting. Which is why we've taken the guesswork out of it.
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in August 2026
Even if, like us, your school days are long behind you, there’s a certain melancholy to summer’s final stretch. The days are getting shorter, and those warm-season trips are in the past. But for backpackers, the end of summer is just the beginning—crisp temps, changing leaves, and perfect hiking conditions are ahead. This August, our editors beat the heat in the Rockies’ high peaks, ran rivers, and went wildlife-spotting in our local national forests.
We Saw the Future of Outdoor Gear at OMA. It’s Cheaper, Lighter, and More Practical.
Every summer, our gear editors head to OMA’s media show for a look into the future of gear. For 2027, big name brands are pushing the limits for what’s possible in ultralight, from quilts to rain jackets. We also saw smart updates to existing favorites and new, affordable inventions from some of our most beloved backpacking and hiking brands. Stay tuned next spring to see how many of OMA’s hottest new pieces survive the testing process to become Gear Guide finalists.
The Best Backpacking Kitchen Gear of 2026
Table of Contents •For Solo Trips•For Two Backpackers•For Groups Culinary mishaps are a rite of passage for most backpackers. We’ve all tried—at least once—to cook up an elaborate group meal on a tiny aluminum skillet. An hour later, with only simultaneously burnt and somehow undercooked onions to show for it, you vow to buy a proper backcountry cooking setup. We’re here to tell you that cooking in the backcountry doesn’t have to be a hassle so long as you bring the right gear.
How to Keep Your Pack Alive for an Entire Thru Hike
6 hours ago There have been dozens of reports of Pacific Crest Trail hikers in Southern California falling ill to a highly contagious stomach flu that continues to spread. Norovirus has sickened hikers along the trail near Wrightwood in the San Gabriel Mountains of San Bernardino County. The Pacific Crest Trail …
The Gear That Backpacker's Editors Loved in January 2026
We’re heading into winter’s final stretch, and for Backpacker‘s editors, our experience this season has been radically different. Those of us out west are praying for snow, while our east coast friends are drowning in it. Neither stopped us from getting out in January, as we followed the weather up onto the Continental Divide, to the seaside, and deep into the New England woods.
Gossamer Gear Just Unveiled the Lightest Framed Pack Ever
2 hours ago After 40 years with the organization, the trumpeter and impresario will end his role as managing and artistic director in July 2027. After nearly 40 years as the charismatic founder and recognizable face of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Wynton Marsalis will step down as managing and artistic director next …
Going on Your First Winter Camping Trip? This Is the Gear You Need
Backpacker’s editor-in-chief Adam Roy and senior gear editor Benjamin Tepler will be available to answer any of your winter backpacking questions on January 23 at 1 P.M. ET. You can submit questions ahead of time, or join us in real time. If you’re starting to get the mid-winter backpacking itch, you’re not alone. After three months of snow, short outings and summer daydreaming have reached their limits.
The Best New Gear of 2025 According to Backpacker’s Gear Editor
Some years, significant gear innovation is scarce. It’s always nice to have a slightly lighter rain jacket or a sleeping bag made with even more sustainable materials. But to be honest, as a gear editor, it’s a little boring. The year 2025 did not disappoint.
The Gear Backpacker's Editors Loved in 2025
At Backpacker, we don’t just love gear, we live in it. Over the past 12 months our staffers and testers have hiked thousands of miles in all kinds of conditions, from pouring rain to harsh summer sun. Along the way, we’ve depended on our gear to keep us warm, keep us afloat, protect us from the elements, and enrich our experience. Every month, we asked our editors to choose their favorite gear of the month—you’ll find our picks below.
Our Favorite Backpacking Food Brand Has Some Killer New Meals
9 hours ago These sneakers (and boots!) are easy, reliable adventure partners. Really, there is no need to make hiking more treacherous than it already is. Slogging through barely trodden paths with a heavy backpack and uncomfortable shoes? Not a chance. Instead, we're going for hiking shoes that are light on …
Our Favorite Backpacking Meal Brand's New Flavors
If you haven’t tried Stowaway Gourmet yet, you’re in for a treat. We first sampled the brand back in 2021, and since then, it’s maintained the crown in our dehydrated backpacking meal category. And the competition isn’t even close: Stowaway’s next-level freeze-drying techniques, culinary talent, and ingredient-sourcing keeps them way above the competition.
Is Garmin’s InReach Mini 3 the New King of Satellite Messaging?
Today, Garmin launched the inReach Mini 3 and inReach Mini 3 Plus. They’re the the successors to the Mini 2, which came out almost four years ago and has become the most popular satellite communicator on the market for backpackers, hikers, thru-hikers, and plenty of other outdoor lovers.
Is Garmin’s InReach Mini 3 the New King of Satellite Messaging?
Trump Campaigned on Affordability. Now He’s Calling the Idea a ‘Con Job.’ His messaging on the cost of living contradicts itself. President Donald Trump has promised not only that America will be “great again” but also that it will be “healthy again,” “wealthy again,” “beautiful again,” and—crucially—“affordable again.” Now, as the country faces persistent inflation, a …
Is Garmin's InReach Mini 3 the New King of Satellite Messaging?
Today, Garmin launched the inReach Mini 3 and inReach Mini 3 Plus. They're the the successors to the Mini 2, which came out almost four years ago and has become the most popular satellite communicator on the market for backpackers, hikers, thru-hikers, and plenty of other outdoor lovers.
A Look Inside Our Gear Editor's Gear Crawlspace
As a team, the Backpacker staff accumulates a lot of gear. Some of it is exciting and cutting-edge. Most of it is just another insulated bottle we didn't ask for. But even relative to other outdoor journalists, the pack rat-ish nature of my collection is out of control. With precious little storage space at home, I cram my most pressing gear into a giant Ikea bookshelf in my office.
5 Ultralight Gear Hacks Using Nothing More Than Cordage
20 Most Beautiful Places in the World You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime Looking for your next dream destination? We’ve compiled an epic list of the 20 most breathtaking places on Earth that deserve a spot on every …
Quilt or Sleeping Bag? Here's How Backpacker's Gear Editor Decides
(Photo: Benjamin Tepler) For the uninitiated, there's a lot of fear around using a quilt while backpacking. Most casual backpackers see quilts as an ultralight compromise-one that will leave you shivering. As an absolute wuss when it comes to being cold, I'm here to tell you that using a quilt is for everyone, most of the time. That said, there are times when only a bag will do. Here's how I choose.
Can Ultralight Camp Shoes Survive in the Real World?
My Dad Trained Soldiers to Survive in the Wilderness. Here Is His Guide to Avoiding Death. My dad spent over two decades training tens of thousands of military warriors on how to survive. He shared his key takeaways with me. My dad on a backpacking trip in Alaska. (Photo: Cal Coblentz) Published July 31, 2025 05:00AM I still remember the way it felt when those airport doors opened, throwing …
The Best Backpacking Meals of May 2026
Table of Contents •At a Glance•The Reviews•Honorable Mentions•Brands to Avoid•How We Test•Meet Our Tester May 2026: The best backpacking meals overall are from Stowaway Gourmet for its shockingly good textures and diverse culinary inspirations. On a budget? Old-school Mountain House can be found in any REI or Walmart, and with dozens of flavors, odds are that you’ll find a pouch that you agree with.
Hate Hiking in Hot Weather? Wear Linen.
11 hours ago The butter yellow trend has been persistent—we were writing about its emergence even last June—and it’s found its rightful place in our bathroom towel sets, living room details, and, most importantly, our bedroom setups. With warmer months ahead, we’ve been considering a sheet refresh to suit the …
Can Sleeping Pad Inflators Really Be Ultralight?
4 hours ago You Don’t Have to Build Your Own Sleeping Platform to Camp In your Car The Hele Box solves a lot of problems for campers who sleep in their car I remember the first time I saw someone sleeping in their vehicle for fun. It was 1999. I was in Vail, and I hit a parking lot après party with a dude who was sleeping in his Ford Ranger pickup.
Tents Archives
REI’s Traverse is the First Modular Bear Canister
19 hours ago I got soaked, so you don’t have to — here’s what I learned. The first few warm days of the year are just beginning to appear, and it’s got me and everyone I know itching to get outside on the trail. It’s a classic early spring day, perfect for shaking off winter chill. The sun is shining, the birds …
The Best Ultralight Clothing Options Under $30
4 hours ago Cali, Colombia – Under lush trees drooping with moss and vines, Carlos Hernando Molina whistles as he approaches a herd of brown cows. This farm, called El Hatico, has been in Molina's family since the late 1700s. For centuries his family's cows would graze in open pastures under the hot sun. But in …
Kahtoola's Ghost Microspikes Are the Lightest We've Ever Worn
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. Traction devices are a point of contention for many thru-hikers. Many long trails in this country include stretches of hiking over ice, snow, and glacier depending on when you start and the direction you hike. Some hikers opt out of carrying them altogether for weight-savings. Some send them to resupply points, hoping that their timing will line up.
Everything You Need to Know About Ultralight Fleeces
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. A fleece jacket or pullover has been the essential hiking layer for decades. Fleece is robust, keeps you warm even when you get wet, and is generally inexpensive compared to down and other synthetics. But today's options are vastly more technical and varied than your parents' Patagonia pullover.
Beloved Footwear Brand Vasque Is No More
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. This afternoon, Red Wing Shoe Company sent out a press release announcing that its popular subsidiary shoe and boot brand, Vasque, would cease operations. "We have...made the difficult decision to sunset the Vasque brand and our outdoor business as we know it today," said Red Wing in a statement.
Should I Buy the Durston Kakwa 55 or Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60?
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. Anyone hunting for an ultralight backpack in today's market faces a sea of indistinguishable, crinkled, grayish-black rucksacks. The number of thru-hiker-focused designs from both cottage brands and larger companies, clad in either Dyneema or Ultra fabrics, is staggering.
Release Radar: The Coolest New Outdoor Gear of 2025
When we’re hungry for a look at the upcoming year’s brightest gear innovations, we head to the Outdoor Market Alliance media show, a biannual hands-on preview between the people who sell and market gear and the folks who cover it. Our look at 2025’s haul did not disappoint, with fashion-forward hiking apparel, featherweight sleeping pads, and some awesome new car camping tech. Here’s what’s on our release radar for this fall and early spring of 2025.
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in June 2024
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. Summer is in full swing here in Boulder, which means big hikes, weeknight camping, and alpine peakbagging are all on the menu. With the high country open and daylight lingering until 9 p.m., our mileage-hungry editors tend to wear through gear fast this time of year. Fortunately, we were able to find a few pieces that could keep up.
The Gear Backpacker's Editors Loved in May 2024
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. Here in Boulder, it feels like summer has arrived, with dry trails, busy reservoirs, and even a few halting, early-season thunderstorms. Drive an hour up the hill, though, and you’re greeted with a very different scene: snowed-over paths and Gore-Tex-clad backcountry skiers hunting for spring corn.
7 Reasons to Take a Foam Pad on Every Backpacking Trip
No stupid questions: Are thick or thin socks better for walking? We walkers often focus on the wrong gear. Well, there is nothing wrong with shoes, boots, and trousers; however, socks are equally as important. Yet, …
Outside's 2024 Editors' Choice Trip in Asheville, North Carolina
When we went hunting for a place to hold our annual Editors’ Choice trip last year, we had a few requirements. It had to be gob-smackingly beautiful. It had to be extremely challenging. And critically, it had to be close to an exceptional post-hike hamburger. Asheville, North Carolina, and its surrounding wilderness hit all three marks. Our gear-bashing extravaganza is something the editors at Outside look forward to all year long.
The Garmin Descent Mk3i Is the Best Smartwatch for Divers
Here are some features I genuinely never thought I’d see on a watch: subaquatic topo maps; a dive-readiness tracker; underwater text messaging. Shockingly, all of these features exist on the Garmin Descent Mk3i, the most lusted-after top-of-the-line smartwatch and dive computer on the market.
The Durston X-Mid Pro 1 Is Our Favorite One-Person Ultralight Tent
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. The Durston X-Mid Pro 1 is the most comfortable, storm-worthy one-pound shelter we’ve ever tested at Backpacker, thanks to its signature asymmetrical trekking pole tent design. “It felt positively palatial for a one-person tent,” said one tester after backpacking on the Art Loeb Trail in the Pisgah National Forest.
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in February 2024
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. Winter is drawing to a close, and we at Backpacker squeezed everything we could out of it. We joined backcountry skiing mentorships, powered up Vermont backroads on snowshoes, and took advantage of warm-weather breaks to go on sunny hikes and sea kayaking adventures. These four tools and pieces of apparel were our constant companions on the long journey toward spring.
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in January 2024
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. The first month of 2024 is drawing to a close, and what a month it’s been for the Backpacker crew. We hiked, even when the trails were mostly ice. We skied, even when the snow wasn’t great. We ran, even when we’d rather have been skiing. And in the process, we found some new favorite pieces of gear.
The Future of the Mountain Town
The Future of the Mountain Town Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, places like Mammoth Lakes, California, Crested Butte, Colorado, and Sun Valley, Idaho, are spectacular—but in this era of climate change, raging wildfires, and sky-high housing prices, making a life there has gotten hard. We asked our writers to imagine a glorious, sustainable tomorrow for these one-of-a-kind destinations. Join us as we dive into their recommendations.
Why I Gave Up the Mountain West to Move Back East
At a certain point, the human body can no longer differentiate between very hot and extremely hot. I discovered this firsthand while loading a decade’s worth of furniture, dog accessories, and magazines into a U-Pack shipping container in 116-degree heat. It was June 2021 in Portland, Oregon—a usually temperate city, with an average high at that time of year of around 74 degrees.
The Best Dehydrated Macaroni and Cheese
This article was originally published on Backpacker. Welcome to Pouch Wars, a monthly taste-test of dehydrated backpacking meals. We’ve surveyed the market, sampling both big, corporate brands and tiny cottage operations in our search for the very best. While we certainly take note of caloric value, food weight, and the use of unhealthy dyes and stabilizers, this is first-and-foremost about taste. Is it delicious? Does it have texture?
The Best Dehydrated Macaroni and Cheese
This article originally appeared on Outside This article was originally published on Backpacker. Welcome to Pouch Wars, a monthly taste-test of dehydrated backpacking meals. We've surveyed the market, sampling both big, corporate brands and tiny cottage operations in our search for the very best. While we certainly take note of caloric value, food weight, and the use of unhealthy dyes and stabilizers, this is first-and-foremost about taste. Is it delicious? Does it have texture?
New to Diving? This is the Gear You Should Buy First
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. News about the spike in global ocean temperature and mass coral bleaching off of Mexico, Central America, and North America is terrifying stuff. In June, when I warned that 2023’s impending El Niño might be the beginning of a massive die-off, I didn’t imagine quite how extreme it would be.
Why Your Next Outdoor Adventure Should Be to a Coral Reef
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, I started hankering for an epic expedition. Like many cooped-up, law-abiding city-dwellers, I wanted fresh air and a sense of adventure after months of the same old thing. As a Backpacker editor, my top picks were predictable: would it be a remote corner of the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico?
Why Your Next Outdoor Adventure Should Be to a Coral Reef
This article originally appeared on Outside In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, I started hankering for an epic expedition. Like many cooped-up, law-abiding city-dwellers, I wanted fresh air and a sense of adventure after months of the same old thing. As a Backpacker editor, my top picks were predictable: would it be a remote corner of the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico? Summer mountaineering in Washington's North Cascades?
Is camp cooking better than dehydrated backpacking meals?
This article originally appeared on Backpacker There’s no more reason to cook in the backcountry By Benjamin Tepler, Equipment Editor I’m a former professional chef and food writer, and used to agonize over my outback meals. How much water-laden fresh produce was I willing to carry in nature? How many microcontainers of smoked paprika did I dare throw into the confused void of my bag?
Is Camp Cooking Better than Dehydrated Meals While Backpacking? Original
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. There’s no reason to cook in the backcountry anymore By Benjamin Tepler, senior gear editor I’m a former professional chef and food writer, and I used to agonize over my backcountry meals. How much water-laden fresh produce was I willing to haul into the wild? How many microcontainers of smoked paprika did I dare toss into the jumbled void of my pack?
Is Camp Cooking Better than Dehydrated Meals While Backpacking?
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. There’s no reason to cook in the backcountry anymore By Ben Tepler, gear editor I’m a former professional chef and food writer, and I used to agonize over my backcountry meals. How much water-laden fresh produce was I willing to haul into the wild? How many microcontainers of smoked paprika did I dare toss into the jumbled void of my pack?
Is Camp Cooking Better than Dehydrated Meals While Backpacking?
There's no reason to cook in the backcountry anymore By Ben Tepler, gear editor I'm a former professional chef and food writer, and I used to agonize over my backcountry meals. How much water-laden fresh produce was I willing to haul into the wild? How many microcontainers of smoked paprika did I dare toss into the jumbled void of my pack?
What We’re Testing Now: Argali’s Absaroka Is the First Backpacking-Friendly Hot Tent We’ve Ever Tested
This wood-heated mid could change the game for cold-weather overnights. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. Winter backpacking isn’t for everyone. Sub-freezing nighttime temperatures make off-season camping seem more like a survival mission than recreation, leading many adventurers to opt for yurts and cabins.
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