Editor, CampDeck
Jordan Vale
Tests camping and hiking gear with an eye toward comfort, packability, weather handling, and beginner-friendly setup.
Jordan Vale covers camping gear for weekend campers, first-time backpackers, and families building dependable kits. His buying advice centers on field use, setup friction, weight, storage, and gear that lasts beyond one season.
Investigations
- Backpacking Gear List: Essential Equipment for a Safe and Comfortable Trip
The ten essentials updated for modern backpacking: shelter, navigation, water treatment, food, and the gear actually worth carrying.
- Tent Buyer's Guide: 3-Season vs 4-Season, Solo vs Group, Weight vs Comfort
How to choose a backpacking tent: when to go ultralight, when weather resistance matters more, and which brands to trust.