Trail Tools
We didn't have room to print these readers in our January 2012 Readers Choice Issue--but they still tested some great gear.
A book of photos from a great outdoorsman who was equal parts climber and photogrpaher
The backcountry bookworm will love this glimpse into the past courtesy of Glen Denny.
Enjoy a little Merlot at your favorite high lake
New inReach device from Delorme offers two-way communication and much more.
A magic eraser for grease and grime.
A lightweight, six-liter bag.
A handy little speaker system.
An iPod dock for the backcountry.
This bomber solar charger was the most durable of all the models we tested.
A hybrid battery and solar array.
Through the use of monocrystalline solar cells, Goal Zero created a super effective charger.
Easily puncture and crush spent fuel cans with this handy tool.
These resealable, washable, and polyethylene bags protect food and toiletries from small critters.
Chart your campsite's night sky with customizable maps.
Handmade from fair-trade ingredients, this lip balm has BACKPACKER editors raving.
A rechargeable and programmable headlamp.
A 140-lumen beam in a lipstick-size flashlight.
A light for your cooler–perfect for car camping.
An easy-to-use headlamp (even with gloves on).
A full-size, three-inch blade that's sharp and light.
A knife, whistle, and light in one.
A bracelet with all your vital information in case of emergency.
Set up camp anywhere with this easy-to-use hammock.
While away tent hours with this fun card game.
A compass that floats.
Turn any standard-size sleeping pad into a decadent recliner.
Powerful optics that pack small.
A bargain binocular that doubles as a backcountry microscope.
Grab any pot with this lightweight and sturdy pot gripper.
Wash dishes and haul water easily in the watertight nylon container.
Make pancakes in camp with this silicone spatula.
An oven mitt, a dish towel, a food warmer - this cotton bag does it all.
An easily packable pot stand that will end tipping.
A bamboo utensil set that won't wreck nonstick coating.
A water bottle that makes chemically treated water taste better.
Water bottle and filter in one.
An easy-to-use tool that zaps water drinkable withe the use of ultraviolet rays.
A fast, effective way to filter water for a big group.
A lightweight filter that filters at a rate of three liters per minute.
A titanium mug and pot/lid set that is super durable and lightweight.
A stainless steel three-pot set that is bombproof.
A triangular shaped pot that's easy to pour and balance on three-legged stoves.
A versatile three-pot combo for the gourmet backcountry chef.
A two-person cookset that comes with a stuffsack for washing dishes.
Able to recharge off of any USB port
Smooth, clear sound and a voice recorder for 40 bucks
Easy to read touch screen with a tough hard-shell
Holds a lot of power, comes with 11 adapter tips, and charges quickly
Clips to your pack for easy access to stats like temperature and altitude
An ultralight, waterproof mat that is handy for wet hikes, snow, rocky areas, and picnics.
Just because you're sleeping on the dirt doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable.
Icon attempts the impossible: to make headlamps cool.
We can't think of anyone who wouldn't love this James Bonds-ian little gizmo.
Misleading sunscreen claims today could be causing tomorrow's skin cancer.
A master designer attempts to build the last mountain shelter you'll ever need.
Enjoy a cold beer mid-trip with this 64-ounce growler.
Is the iPad coming to a campsite near you? It saves its weight in maps, guidebooks, novels, songs, and more. Here are four top apps for hikers.
Cut your tool bag in half with this compact multi-tool.
Whether it's a torn pack, cracked buckle, ripped tent mesh, or leaky sleeping pad, these kits can pretty much restore anything that breaks.
An excellent avalanche resource in the field and on the couch.
This ultralight wallet is made from recycled tent scraps.
Zip-top bags that are super waterproof.
This portable toothbrush is made with recycled materials.
Repair any fabric with this super sticky tape.
This healing balm soothes cracked skin, dry lips, and minor cuts and burns.
Revitalize the soles of your hiking boots and climbing shoes.
A fully-featured GPS
A bargain GPS
A great rainy day tent game
Foolproof tinder to get your fire raging
Bright, light, and rechargeable–the perfect camp lantern is here.
We tested more than 500 products–stoves, clothes, cameras, filters, tech tools, knives, and meals–to find these proven performers.
Packs, tents, boots, and bags–that's easy. Now comes the hard part: Everything else. Below, you'll find our top picks for all the lust-worthy backcountry essentials you'll need to make your trip safe, fun, and simple.
Don't let a busted strap or a deflating tent ruin your trip. Pack these essentials and at all times and you'll be covered.
Learn how to orient your map with a few basic compass skills
Vibram continues to expand on its successful mission of reaching a younger, broader audience with work for innovators in the trail running field.
It's cold out there -- but don't fret. We've tested and reviewed all the best gear to keep you warm, dry, and comfy when the mercury drops.
For just over 3 ounces, you get a smart, powerhouse light with all the functions you'll ever need.
A two-setting headlamp with sharp, shadow-free light and a great price.
A water bottle that doubles as an emergency lantern.
An aluminum cookset that's light in your pack and on your wallet.
A headlamp with a swiveling compact head and easy-to-use buttons.
A bright mini-lamp with one-click operation.
Pick up the pace with these lightweight trekking poles.
A miniature tool with versatility and strength beyond its size.
A daypack and waterproof stuff sack in one
A light pack cover that kept contents dry in rain from New Zealand to the Pacific Northwest
Your complete guide to the latest in outdoor electronics, including a smart watch, a weatherproof MP3 player, and the best in GPS.
You won't miss a thing with this piece of raingear.
Try these easy cleaning tricks to keep using your hiking poles out on the trail longer.
A candid interview with duct tape guru Angelo Ritson.
An emergency kit doesn't amount to a hill of beans unless a few feet of duct tape are included. Here's everything you ever wanted to know about the sticky, miraculous fix-all.
A brief and shining history of the most useful backpacking tape.
