The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in August 2026

As the golden hues of summer begin to deepen and the days subtly shorten, a familiar, albeit gentle, melancholy can settle in for those whose academic years are behind them. The warmth of the sun, once a constant companion on long adventures, starts to recede, signaling the end of a season of spontaneous trips and extended daylight. Yet, for the dedicated backpacker and outdoor enthusiast, this transitional period from summer to autumn is far from an ending; it is, in fact, a vibrant beginning. The crisp air that replaces the summer heat, the breathtaking spectacle of changing leaves painting the landscape in fiery palettes, and the general easing of trail traffic combine to create what many consider the prime hiking conditions of the year.

This past August, Backpacker magazine’s editorial team embraced the opportune moment to rigorously test new and innovative outdoor gear. Their efforts took them to the formidable high peaks of the Rockies, where they navigated challenging terrain and reveled in the breathtaking alpine scenery. They also ventured onto rushing rivers, experiencing the thrill of navigating whitewater, and spent time in the tranquil embrace of local national forests, observing the diverse wildlife that calls these protected areas home. From a significantly improved trail running shoe designed for enhanced performance to a clever device engineered to make trail cleanup not just feasible but remarkably easy, the gear highlighted here represents the cutting edge of outdoor innovation, sparking genuine excitement as August draws to a close and the promise of fall adventures beckons.

CleanTrek Grabber: Revolutionizing Trail Etiquette, One Piece of Litter at a Time

The ethos of "Leave No Trace" has long been a cornerstone of responsible outdoor recreation, encouraging hikers and backpackers to minimize their impact on the natural environment. However, an even more proactive and arguably more satisfying endeavor is actively removing the traces of litter left behind by others. This is precisely the mission that the CleanTrek Grabber system aims to simplify and amplify. This ingenious device, designed to attach seamlessly to almost any pair of trekking poles, transforms the often cumbersome task of litter collection into an efficient and accessible activity.

The CleanTrek system comprises two primary components, each ingeniously integrated into the trekking pole experience. The first is the "grabber" itself, a compact yet powerful claw mechanism situated at the end of one pole. With a simple pull of a trigger, conveniently located near the pole’s handle, the claw extends and securely grasps unwanted items – be it a discarded energy bar wrapper, a stray plastic bottle, or a crushed aluminum can – holding it firmly between the claw and the pole’s tip. The second crucial element is the "collector," a durable, reusable trash bag ingeniously mounted on an articulated plastic rim. Activating a secondary trigger on the same pole causes the rim to fold upwards, effectively holding the bag open and creating a wide, easy-to-access aperture for the deposited litter.

During a recent demonstration at Outdoor Retailer in Minneapolis, Adam Roy, Editor-in-Chief of Backpacker magazine, had the opportunity to personally test the CleanTrek Grabber. He expressed his astonishment at the device’s remarkable precision. "I was able to pick up items as small as a paper clip with little effort," Roy reported, highlighting the fine motor control offered by the grabber. Yet, he was equally impressed by its robust capability, noting that it was "still strong enough to pick up aluminum cans." This dual functionality – the ability to handle both minute debris and more substantial items – underscores the grabber’s versatility.

The complete CleanTrek kit, which includes both the grabber and collector attachments, is now available for preorder directly from CleanTrek’s website, with the company anticipating shipments to commence in Spring 2027. The preorder price is set at $85. This innovative system not only empowers individuals to actively contribute to trail cleanliness but also elevates the practice from a chore to an integrated, almost effortless part of the hiking experience, making "Leave No Trace" even more impactful.

HydraPak Filter Cap + Soft Flask: Seamless Hydration for the Active Adventurer

For many outdoor enthusiasts, the decision of whether or not to carry a dedicated water filter on day hikes or trail runs has historically been a trade-off between convenience and necessity. The perceived bulk, weight, or complexity of traditional filtration systems often made them seem like overkill for shorter excursions. However, the HydraPak Filter Cap and Soft Flask system has fundamentally altered this calculus, offering a solution that is not only lightweight and compact but also remarkably user-friendly, justifying its inclusion on virtually any adventure.

Zoe Gates, Senior Editor at Backpacker magazine, has made the HydraPak Cap Filter a staple in her backpacking kit for several seasons, finding it to be the perfect companion for a variety of hydration needs. She frequently pairs the filter cap with a 3-liter collapsible Seeker water container. This larger reservoir allows her to refill multiple standard water bottles simultaneously or to carry a substantial reserve of water during extended treks through arid landscapes where water sources are scarce. The versatility of the 42mm thread on the filter cap, however, extends beyond this larger container. It seamlessly screws onto the half-liter soft flasks that Gates utilizes with her running vest, providing an integrated hydration solution for faster-paced activities.

On a recent summer day hike, Gates decided to combine the HydraPak Filter Cap with her running vest’s soft flasks for an on-the-go hydration strategy. The results were transformative. "I’ve never been so hydrated on a summer dayhike," she exclaimed, attributing this to the ease with which she could access and filter water. Keeping the filtered flask in a chest pocket – a preferred configuration for "light and fast missions" – meant that refilling was readily achievable at any passing water source. The filter itself is astonishingly lightweight, tipping the scales at a mere 57 grams, adding virtually no discernible weight to her shoulder straps. Furthermore, it boasts an impressive flow rate, ensuring that hydration stops are brief and efficient.

The practical advantages extend to maintenance as well. The HydraPak soft flasks are designed to be top-rack dishwasher safe, allowing for effortless cleaning at home and eliminating any concerns about residual untreated water lingering in the system. HydraPak also offers a bundled option: the UltraFlask+ 500 ml, which includes a vest-compatible soft flask pre-fitted with the same filter and a convenient bite valve, retailing for $52. While Gates already possessed a compatible flask and filter, the integrated functionality of the bundle offers a streamlined solution for those seeking an all-in-one system. The HydraPak Filter Cap itself is priced at $40, and a pair of 2-liter soft flasks is available for $42 at REI, making this an accessible and highly effective upgrade for any outdoor enthusiast prioritizing reliable hydration.

BearVault BV One Adjustable Bear Canister: Modularity Meets Security

The realm of bear canisters, essential for safe food storage in bear country, has long been characterized by a variety of sizes and shapes, each catering to different trip lengths and food requirements. However, a new wave of innovation is emerging with the introduction of modular bear canisters, designed to offer unparalleled adaptability. BearVault’s BV One Adjustable Bear Canister represents a significant leap forward in this category, moving beyond the limitations of single-capacity containers.

The BV One’s most compelling feature is its ingenious ability to modify its internal volume with remarkable ease. Two strategically placed, low-profile rubber buttons on the canister’s sides allow users to seamlessly adjust its internal capacity, transitioning it from a larger configuration to a smaller one. This dynamic adjustability offers a crucial advantage: as a backpacker’s food supply dwindles over the course of a trip, the bear canister can shrink accordingly, reclaiming valuable space within their backpack. This feature is particularly beneficial for shorter excursions where the full capacity of a standard bear canister might be unnecessary.

Internally, the BV One is thoughtfully designed with organization in mind. It features a removable plastic lid that divides the canister into two distinct compartments. This separation is invaluable for keeping odorous food items and snacks distinct from trash and waste, thereby minimizing any temptation for bears to investigate. At its maximum capacity, the BearVault BV One can accommodate an impressive 8.28 liters of gear. When adjusted to its most compact setting, it still offers a useful 4.62 liters of storage.

While the design is largely robust, the raised buttons represent the sole potential point of vulnerability. However, BearVault has addressed this by making them easily repairable and designed to be popped back into place if a bear were to dislodge them. Weighing in at 1 pound and 15.57 ounces, the BV One is admittedly a touch heavier than some standard bear canisters of comparable volume. Furthermore, its price point of $120 places it at the higher end of the market. Nevertheless, for the unparalleled functionality and peace of mind it provides, Will Brendza, Associate Editor at Backpacker magazine, asserts that "for the functionality this piece of gear has offered me on the trail this summer, it’s easily worth the weight and price." This adjustable design not only enhances packing efficiency but also represents a thoughtful evolution in bear-safe food storage solutions.

Brooks Cascadia 20: A Trail Runner Reimagined for a New Era of Performance

For a significant period, the Brooks Cascadia stood as the undisputed footwear of choice for many thru-hikers, a testament to its enduring legacy and reliable performance. Even with the emergence of other popular brands, the Cascadia has maintained a dedicated following, and for many, including Senior Gear Editor Benjamin Tepler, it has consistently offered the most accommodating fit for his unique foot shape. This long-standing loyalty has led Tepler to meticulously test nearly every iteration of the Cascadia line, making him uniquely qualified to assess its latest evolution. The Cascadia 20, he notes, represents perhaps the most substantial departure from the shoe’s established design since its inception.

The most significant transformation lies within the midsole. The Cascadia 20 now features a nitrogen-infused foam, engineered to provide a more propulsive and responsive ride. This new compound contributes to a more energetic feel with each stride. Complementing this change, the shoe boasts a slightly larger heel-to-toe drop and an increased overall stack height, measuring an impressive 37.9 millimeters. This elevated profile firmly positions the Cascadia 20 within the category of "tall runners," offering a substantial level of cushioning.

Another pivotal update concerns the outsole. Historically, Brooks employed its proprietary TrailTack Green Rubber compound for the Cascadia line. The Cascadia 20, however, transitions to Vibram Megagrip, a compound renowned for its exceptional stickiness and, crucially, its enhanced durability. Tepler expresses his hope that this change will address an issue he experienced with previous versions: "TrailTack… shredded rather quickly for my taste." The Vibram Megagrip promises a more tenacious grip on a variety of surfaces and improved longevity, addressing a key concern for serious trail runners.

From a personal performance perspective, Tepler finds the Cascadia 20 to be "dramatically more fun to run and day hike in." The enhanced responsiveness and cushioning contribute to a more dynamic and enjoyable experience on less demanding terrain. However, he expresses a nuanced view regarding its suitability for backpacking. "I really appreciated the plush-but-connected groundfeel that came with the old foam and rock plate combo," he reflects. Brooks’ apparent embrace of the "max-cushion epidemic" prevalent across the running shoe industry, while beneficial for some applications, is not, in his opinion, an ideal shift for the demands of backpacking. Furthermore, he observes that the newest iteration is also narrower than its predecessors, which may affect fit for some long-time Cascadia wearers. Despite these reservations for heavier loads, for hikers seeking an exceptionally enjoyable experience on trails with minimal pack weight, the Cascadia 20 has undoubtedly reached new heights of performance and exhilaration.