Gear Reviews

Reviews and field impressions of backpacking gear, including packs, shelters, sleep systems, clothing, footwear, and trail tools.

Gear Reviews

Durston X-Mid 2 Tent Review: Real-World Shakedown Test
ByAaron May 11, 2026May 8, 2026

Durston X-Mid 2 Tent Review: Real-World Shakedown Test Intro: First off, I’m not sponsored by anyone, so this review is just my honest assessment of a tent I paid full price for. Given the hype in the community, I wanted to review it from the perspective of an older person with older-person-type needs. That said,…

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Gear Reviews

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Review: Trail-Tested for Backpackers Over 40
ByAaron April 27, 2026April 25, 2026

When you are backpacking in places with little or no cell service, communication becomes more than a convenience. It becomes part of your safety plan. This is even more true if you’re older, a solo trekker, or have underlying health conditions.

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