Backpackers.com

Summer's winding down, but your outdoor adventures don't have to slow down with it. In fact, some of the best hiking and camping happens when the crowds thin out and the temperatures cool off. Here's the thing, though: you're going to need the right gear for those crisp fall mornings and chilly nights. Lucky for you, the REI Labor Day Sale just dropped, and it's packed with everything you need at prices that'll make you do a happy dance.

The REI Co-op’s 4th of July Deals are a prime opportunity to gear up for backpacking adventures at a fraction of the cost. This annual event runs from June 27 through July 7, offering discounts as steep as 50% off on a wide range of outdoor gear. Whether you need a new tent, a reliable backpack, or camping accessories, you’ll find major brands on sale. To help you navigate the best bargains, we’ve rounded up 10 of the top backpacking and camping gear deals available.

REI’s biggest sale of the year is back! From May 16–26, you can save up to 30% on a huge range of outdoor gear, apparel, and accessories during the REI 2025 Anniversary Sale. Whether you're gearing up for hiking season, planning summer camping trips, or just need to upgrade some worn-out kit, now’s the time to shop. REI Co-op members get even more perks this year—20% off one full-price item and 20% off one REI Outlet item using code ANNIV2025 at checkout.

Even the most spectacular outdoor getaways can be ruined by an uncomfortable night in a tent. Being unprepared has its consequences, and a night without a proper backpacking pillow may result in a painfully kinked spine. No one wants to see you emerge from your tent with a bent neck like some kind of horror movie monster. So, how do you avoid crawling out of your backcountry shelter looking like the girl from The Ring?

The best backpacking backpacks are the core of what we do here at Backpackers.com. These backpacks are primarily for wilderness backpackers, who spend one too many nights sleeping under the stars, miles away from civilization. They are built to carry 30-50+ pounds, hold your new-age lightweight gear and old-school heavy stuff, and provide ample comfort and durability to last for years of use. This is a competitive category of gear. We break up the picks by their use and ideal backpacking trips.

Backpacking chairs are perhaps the ultimate backcountry luxury. You put small items into a large sack, carry it miles into the wilderness, set up a temporary home under the stars, and then, by some miracle, whip out a handy chair to take a seat by the campfire. For those who prioritize comfort in the wilderness — let’s be honest, it’s a lot of us — a backpacking chair is a welcome piece of gear, as long as it's lightweight, functional, and supportive.

MONTyBOCA and Chef Corso serve the camping, backpacking, hiking and outdoor communities looking to elevate their meals. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and recipes are trial-tested by the MONTyBOCA community all over the world. All recipes are fast, easy, mindful of pack weight and volume, require no pre-prep or dehydrating, and focus on real fresh ingredients rather than dry, salty, and expensive packaged options. Follow along on Instagram and on YouTube.

When you go on a trip by yourself or with other people, the chances are that you already know what to do – and your companions know as well. With that in mind, when you take a pet with you, things can get slightly more complicated. Without proper planning, the trip can get uncomfortable not only for you but also for your pet. Plus, if you are not careful enough, you might even put your pet in danger. Luckily, we live in a time when there is a kind of gear for everything.

If humans need one thing to walk in the woods, it's foot protection. Hiking boots have been the best way to do that since any of us can remember, and today there are more options than you can fathom. Below is a comprehensive list of the best hiking boots for backpacking and hiking.

Looking for a different way to make oatmeal? Want to add some micronutrients to your bowl to start your day? Whip up this Morning Glory Oatmeal bowl for a satisfying and filling way to change up your trail breakfast routine. I tried to match the flavor of a morning glory muffin with raisins, shredded carrots, ground ginger, and cinnamon. Give it a try! Apple cinnamon packets are tired. Chef Corso cooks up an elevated oatmeal on a morning walkabout in Seattle, Washington.