Ethan Caldwell

After spending 47 nights on the trail last year and testing 23 different stoves across the Pacific Crest Trail sections and weekend trips in the Sierra Nevada, I have boiled enough water to fill a small lake. Finding the best camping stoves for backpacking is not just about speed. It is about reliability when you … Read more

There’s a particular kind of frustration that comes with waking up after a night of camping only to feel the dull ache of hip or shoulder pain radiating through your body. If you are a side sleeper, you know exactly what we are talking about. The truth is, sleeping on your side places concentrated pressure … Read more

When the temperature drops below freezing, your sleeping bag becomes the difference between a restful night and a dangerous situation. I have spent years testing cold weather camping gear, and I can tell you that finding the right sleeping bag for frigid conditions is not optional. It is essential for both comfort and safety. The … Read more

I have spent countless weekends car camping across the Pacific Northwest, and I have learned one lesson the hard way: your tent makes or breaks the trip. After dealing with leaking seams during a storm in Oregon and wrestling with a stubborn pole system at midnight, I decided to test the best camping tents for … Read more

When you are out on the trail, having the right hiking daypack can make or break your adventure. Whether you are tackling a quick morning hike, an all-day summit bid, or a multi-sport journey that takes you from the peaks to the pavement, a well-designed daypack keeps your essentials accessible, your back comfortable, and your … Read more

After logging 2,400 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail and testing 23 different ultralight backpacks over three years, I can tell you this: the wrong pack will ruin your thru-hike before you hit mile 100. Your best ultralight backpack for thru hiking isn’t just about shaving ounces. It is about finding the sweet spot between … Read more

After testing dozens of women’s backpacking packs over three seasons and 400+ miles on trails from the Appalachians to the Cascades, I can tell you that fit matters more than features. The best backpacking backpacks for women aren’t just smaller versions of men’s packs. They’re engineered with shorter torso lengths, S-curve shoulder straps that accommodate … Read more

The best hiking shoes for flat feet are designed with enhanced arch support, firm midsoles (20+ HA durometer), stiff heel counters, and wide toe boxes to control overpronation and provide stability on trails. Our team tested 14 top-rated hiking shoes over 3 months on varied terrain to find options that actually work for flat-footed hikers. … Read more

I switched from hiking boots to trail runners five years ago on a 12-mile day hike in the Sierra Nevadas, and I have never looked back. My feet were cooler, my legs felt fresher at the end, and I actually enjoyed the descent instead of dreading every step. If you are here, you are probably … Read more

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting millions of Americans each year. When you combine this condition with the demands of hiking on uneven terrain, steep inclines, and long distances, finding the right footwear becomes critical. The best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis need to provide exceptional arch support, … Read more