An upgraded trail runner, a convenient water filter, and a device built to clean up the trail: Class may be back in session, but this gear is too cool for school.
Published August 31, 2026 04:51PM
Even if, like us, your school days are long behind you, there’s a certain melancholy to summer’s final stretch. The days are getting shorter, and those warm-season trips are in the past. But for backpackers, the end of summer is just the beginning—crisp temps, changing leaves, and perfect hiking conditions are ahead.
This August, our editors beat the heat in the Rockies’ high peaks, ran rivers, and went wildlife-spotting in our local national forests. From a new-and-improved trail runner to a device that makes cleaning up the trail easy, this is the gear we’re psyched about as August draws to a close.
CleanTrek
Leave No Trace is cool, but getting rid of the traces other people left is even cooler. CleanTrek, a garbage pickup system that clamps on to almost any pair of trekking poles, makes it even easier. The device consists of two parts. On the end of one pole is the grabber, a small claw; pull a trigger mounted near the handle of the pole, and it swings out, clamping that energy bar wrapper or can between it and the pole’s tip. On the other is the collector, a reusable trash bag, mounted to an articulated plastic rim; pull the trigger for that, and the rim folds up, holding the bag open so you can easily deposit your litter. I had a chance to try it out for myself at Outdoor Retailer in Minneapolis and was shocked at how precise the grabber was: I was able to pick up items as small as a paper clip with little effort, but it was still strong enough to pick up aluminum cans. The full set is now available for preorder, and the company expects to ship in Spring 2027. —Adam Roy, Editor-in-Chief
HydraPak Filter Cap + Soft Flask
For a long time I didn’t carry a water filter on dayhikes or runs, but finally I have a system that’s lightweight, compact, and easy enough to use that I can justify bringing it on almost any adventure. The HydraPak Cap Filter has been a go-to in my backpacking kit for several seasons; I usually pair it with a 3-liter collapsible container so I can refill multiple Nalgene bottles at once or carry extra water during long dry stretches. But the 42-mm thread is also compatible with the half-liter soft flasks I use with my running vest.
On a recent hike, I decided to pair the two so I could refill and drink on the go. I’ve never been so hydrated on a summer dayhike. Having the filter integrated in my flask, which I keep in a chest pocket for light and fast missions, meant it was easily accessible for a refill any time I passed a water source. At just 57 grams, the filter adds barely any noticeable weight to my shoulder straps, and boasts an impressive flow rate. The soft flasks themselves are top rack dishwasher safe, so I can easily clean them at home without worrying about residual untreated water. (HydraPak also sells a version of the same filter with a bite valve as a bundle with a vest-compatible soft flask—the UltraFlask+ 500 ml, $52. I already had a flask and compatible filter on hand, which function the same way but without the bite valve.) —Zoe Gates, Senior Editor
BearVault BV One Adjustable Bear Canister
Bear canisters come in all sizes and shapes, but now brands are starting to design modular bear canisters that can be multiple sizes in one. BearVault released its BV One Adjustable Bear Canister this year, and it’s a step up from your standard canister. Two easy-to-press rubber buttons on the sides allow you to modify its internal volume from large to small. That way, your bear canister can shrink as your food supply diminishes, saving room in your backpack.
It’s also great for shorter trips where you might need less food storage space. Internally, the canister is separated into two compartments by a removable plastic lid. That makes it easy to keep trash or waste separate from your snacks and food. At full capacity, the BearVault BV One can hold 8.28 liters. At its most compact, it holds just 4.62 liters. The buttons are raised and present the only true point of weakness, but they’re easily repairable and can be popped back on if a bear pulls them off. At 1 lb. 15.57 oz, it’s a little heavier than standard bear canisters of similar volume, and at $120 it’s easily more expensive. But for the functionality this piece of gear has offered me on the trail this summer, it’s easily worth the weight and price. —Will Brendza, Associate Editor
Brooks Cascadia 20
Before Altra came along, the Brooks Cascadia was the footwear of choice for thru-hikers, and it still has a posse. Personally, it has the best fit for my particular foot shape of any trail runner, so I’ve tried out just about every iteration. The 20 is perhaps the largest departure from the Cascadia line since it was introduced.
The biggest change? A new midsole that uses a more propulsive, snappy nitrogen-infused foam. It also has a bigger drop and is taller overall, with a 37.9 millimeter stack height. That’s a tall runner!
The next big change is with the outsole. Previously Brooks used its proprietary TrailTack Green Rubber outsole for the Cascadia line. The 20 uses Vibram Megragrip, which is a bit sticker and—hopefully—more durable than TrailTack, which shredded rather quickly for my taste.
For me, the 20 is dramatically more fun to run and day hike in, but I don’t like it as much for backpacking. I really appreciated the plush-but-connected groundfeel that came with the old foam and rock plate combo. Brooks seems to be following the max-cush epidemic we’ve seen across the board in running shoes, and for backpacking it’s not a great shift. (The newest iteration is also narrower than previous Cascadias.) For hiking without much weight though, the Cascadia has never been more enjoyable. —Benjamin Tepler, Senior Gear Editor
