ALPS Mountaineering: Outlet

The Best Budget Sleeping Pads: Tested

Our four favorite sleeping pads for less than $100 include options for backpacking and car camping, plus a variety of pad types and warmth ratings.

The Best Wide Sleeping Pads of 2023: Tested

Our crew of member-testers cued up the best sleeping pads available for backpackers seeking longer lengths and more spacious widths.

How to Choose a Backpack

Learn how to choose a backpack based on trip length and pack capacity, as well as fit, frame type and features.

How to Choose a Camp Chair

Hanging out in a comfortable camp chair is one of the great pleasures of a life outdoors. Learn how to choose the style of chair that’s right for you.

How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

Learn how to shop for backpacking tents: We'll cover tent capacity, seasonality, weight, livability, setup and materials.

How to Choose Sleeping Pads

Sleeping pads and camping mats offer cushioning and insulation for sound sleeping. Learn about types of pads, insulation, R-value and other features.