Bottom Line The Feathered Friends Swallow UL20 stands out for its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, premium materials, and thru-hiker tested craftsmanship. On our 30-mile backpacking trip through Colorado’s Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, it proved impressively warm, living up to its 20°F claim
Bottom Line The Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20 is one of the warmest backpacking quilts we’ve tested, offering outstanding warmth-to-weight performance for ultralighters and thru-hikers. We tested it on chilly nights in the Himalayas, where it held its own in freezing temps with only minor drafts
Bottom Line The brand-new Exped Terra 15 is a mid-level sleeping bag that delivers reliable warmth, comfort, and practical features at a very approachable price point. We tested it in the Rocky Mountains’ Indian Peaks Wilderness during a chilly fall, with nighttime temperatures dropping into the
Bottom Line Smellyproof bags aren’t a primary food storage method but improve your setup when used with a canister, Ursack, or bear hang. Although they slightly reduce the packable space in a bear canister, their wide opening and zipper-seal make it easy to pack and contain odors. We’ve relied on
Bottom Line The popular BearVault BV 500 is a lightweight bear canister that provides an excellent capacity-to-weight ratio, fits easily inside most packs, and features a flat lid that can double as a camp stool or table. Its transparent walls allow for easy viewing of contents, and the bumps and
Bottom Line The Ursack Major is one of the lightest and most convenient bear-resistant food storage options available. Unlike bulky canisters, it packs down small and easily fits inside a backpack, making it ideal for ultralight hikers who prioritize minimal pack weight. Its strong fabric and high
Bottom Line The REI Traverse is a two-in-one bargain that solves the issue of needing a single bear canister for any trip length. Its modular design folds down and expands to two sizes, accommodating both 2-day and 5-day trips equally. This sturdy canister is secure enough to withstand the best
Bottom Line The BV450 Jaunt is a practical bear canister for solo hikers or couples on most trips. It combines a lightweight, compact design with reasonable security and capacity. Weighing just over two pounds, it easily holds three to four days of food, depending on how it’s packed. Its wide-mouth
Bottom Line Although it’s not the most fun to carry because of its size and weight, the Counter Assault is hard to beat when it comes to security, durability, and acceptance. We’ve tested bear canisters for dozens of nights in some of the most densely populated bear areas, and with the Bearkeg
Bottom Line The Bare Boxer Champ is one of the strongest and most secure bear canisters available, offering great value at a fair price. When you visit a ranger station to rent a bear canister, this is likely one of three options you’ll see. We’ve spent many nights with the Champ, most recently in
