Editors' Top Picks for Late Summer Hikes
Backpacker magazine's editors highlight four new pieces of gear for hikers, including a trail trash system, a modular bear canister, a water filter flask
Backpacker magazine's editors have selected four pieces of gear they used and enjoyed in August 2026. The picks include a trash collection tool, a water filtration system, an adjustable bear canister, and a new version of a classic trail running shoe. For more details on how gear performs on the trail, check our stats page.
Trail Cleanup Made Simple
A new device called CleanTrek aims to make picking up litter on trails easier. It attaches to trekking poles. One pole gets a small, trigger-operated claw for grabbing trash. The other pole holds a reusable bag on a folding rim. Editor-in-Chief Adam Roy tested it. He said he "was shocked at how precise the grabber was," noting it could pick up items as small as a paper clip yet was strong enough for aluminum cans. The full set is available for preorder with an expected ship date of Spring 2027.
Hydration On The Go
Senior Editor Zoe Gates recommends a specific water filtration setup for day hikes and runs. She uses a HydraPak Cap Filter paired with a half-liter soft flask compatible with her running vest. This integrated system allows for easy refills from water sources during activity. The filter weighs 57 grams and has a high flow rate. The soft flasks are dishwasher safe. HydraPak also sells a bundle with a bite valve for $52.
Modular Bear Protection
BearVault has released an adjustable bear canister, the BV One. Associate Editor Will Brendza notes its key feature: two rubber buttons on the side let hikers change its internal volume. This allows the canister to shrink as food is consumed, saving pack space. It also has an internal divider to separate trash from food. This kind of smart storage is key for managing supplies, much like reviewing team squad depth is for a long season.
The editor provides a comparison of the canister's capacities and notes its weight and price.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum Capacity | 8.28 liters |
| Minimum Capacity | 4.62 liters |
| Weight | 1 lb. 15.57 oz |
| Price | $120 |
Brendza states the BV One is heavier and more expensive than standard canisters of similar volume but considers the functionality worth it.
A Revamped Trail Classic
The Brooks Cascadia 20 trail runner represents a significant update to the line, according to Senior Gear Editor Benjamin Tepler. Key changes include a new nitrogen-infused foam midsole for a more propulsive feel and a switch to a Vibram Megagrip outsole for better grip and durability. The shoe has a 37.9 millimeter stack height, making it notably tall.
Tepler finds the new version "dramatically more fun to run and day hike in" but prefers older models for backpacking due to their different ground feel. He notes the latest iteration is also narrower than previous Cascadias. For thru-hikers, he recalls the Brooks Cascadia was the footwear of choice before Altra became popular.
