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Apparel

Fall Gear Guide 09: Softshells

Whether you're skiing, snowshoeing, running, or hiking this winter, grab one of these softshells.

Fall Gear Guide 09: Hardshells

These six hardshell jackets will keep you covered in any weather.

Fall Gear Guide 09: Baselayers

From shorts to tops, we've got your core coverings.

Gear Review: Sierra Designs BTU Parka

This shell-puffy combo comes with a shorter fit for climbers.

Gear Review: Rab Ascent Jacket

The super warm Rab jacket has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.

Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Synchronicity Jacket

Mount Hardwear combines a puffy with a shell in their Synchronicity jacket.

Gear Review: MontBell Permafrost Light Ultralight Jacket

This featherweight MontBell jacket is perfect for moderate winter temps.

Gear Review: Cloudveil Endless Down Jacket

This 700-fill down jacket was an instant tester favorite.

Gear Review: Patagonia Merino 4 Zip-Neck Baselayer

You could live in this Patagonia merino baselayer for weeks.

Gear Review: Outdoor Research Banff Body Suit

When it's extra cold, don this full body baselayer by Outdoor Research.

Gear Review: Ibex Balance Runner Shorts

Worn as underwear, or solo, these "runner shorts" are a versatile bottom base layer.

Gear Review: Icebreaker Longsleeve Velocity Zip Baselayer

This Icebreaker top is great for trail running and other high aerobic activities.

Gear Review: First Ascent Bat Hang Hoodie

This First Ascent top works as a baselayer and a jacket.

Gear Review: Columbia Mountain Tech Long Sleeve Top

This athletic baselayer feels like cotton but works like high-priced synthetic, for only $35.

Fall Gear Guide 2009 Table of Contents



Mount Hood Gear Checklist--Courtesy of John Harlin

BACKPACKER contributing editor John Harlin III first summited Mt. Hood at age 11 and has climbed the peak in every season. Here, he gives you his gear checklist for hitting the mountain right.

Women's Fall Gear 2008

Our female testers pick their favorite gear for fall hikes.

The Denali Test: Gear for America's Highest, Coldest Peak

Our tester spent 18 days climbing, camping, and evaluating gear on America's highest, coldest peak. If his picks made it there, they can make it anywhere.

Extreme Layering: All-Purpose Clothing

For all-purpose performance year-round, this layering system works overtime through any weather.

Extreme Layering: Rainy-Weather Clothing

Don't let a crappy forecast keep you home for the weekend. Just pack this deluge-tested system.

Extreme Layering: Hot-Weather Clothing

From the Grand Canyon to sunshine-pounded Colorado peaks, stay cool and comfortable with this ultralight system.

Extreme Layering: Cold-Weather Clothing

Our testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes.

Extreme Layering: Clothing for all Weather Conditions

Wild weather coming? We've devised a perfect system for every condition.

2008 Apparel Guide: The Outtakes

We couldn't fit all of our reviews in one spot. Here, read the outtakes.

3 Ways To Save: Ultralight Dayhiking

Save weight, your feet, and money with these three pieces of ultralight gear

Kids' Stuff



Rain Shells

From $500 to under $150, Backpacker has found the best rain shells for blowing snow or driving rain.

Puffy Jackets

Made with down or synthetic fibers and paper-thin shells, these puffy jackets weigh less, loft higher, and pack much smaller than fleece.

Trail Tops

These eight trail tops wick sweat, look great, and fit great. Wear them for a run or a week-long trek.

Gear-Buying Tips

Before shopping for gear it's important to plan a budget, do your research, and prioritize.

Gear: Clothing

Clothing is gear that's just as important as a tent or sleeping bag. We'll help you choose wisely.

Exclusive Online Content: Layer Up

Ward off the chill of cooler temps with these Backpacker-tested base layers and shells

Jacket Review: REI Mistral II

Comfortable, water-resistant fabric earns points lost from this jacket's boxy fit

Apparel Review: Eider Diko Racing T-Shirt

A bargain base layer designed to maximize wicking and enhance layering

Apparel Review: Arc'Teryx Ether Crew Short Sleeve

A little extra money buys a lot of extra wear with Arc'Teryx's latest T

Apparel Review: Marmot Kids DriClime

Don't let your kid board the bus underdressed this winter

Apparel Review: More For Your Money

Budget shopper or big spender? We have the perfect three-season layering system for you.

Trail Accessories Review: AntiGravityGear AT Mapdana

The Harry Potter hat for AT hikers: a bandanna that doubles as the key to the trail.

Apparel Review: Teko Socks

These Editors' Choice Green Award-winning socks are soft on the planet-and your feet

Time To Treat: When to Repair Gear

How do you know that your gear is crying out for help? Consult our handy list of signs and solutions.

Apparel Review: Arc'Teryx Switchback Pants

Look chic when you head for the alpine life.

Gear Rx: Clothing

Everyone knows good outdoor clothing is expensive. See if you can save your old hiking apparel.