Petzl RAD System
It has everything a mountaineer needs to stage a crevasse rescue.
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Arc’teryx Voltair
It’s the smartest avy pack to date.
BCA Float 42
We hauled big loads with this avy pack.
BCA Shaxe Tech Avalanche Shovel
It’s a shovel. It’s an axe. It’s a . . . Shaxe!
Mammut Carbon Probe 240 Light
Check out Ryan Horjus's author page.
Mammut Alugator Light
Check out Ryan Horjus's author page.
The Best Snow Safety Gear of 2016
Get out of trouble with this essential equipment for backcountry riding.
The Best Skis, Splitboards, and Boots of Winter 2016
Winter doesn't last forever. Make the most of it with one of these top-shelf backcountry setups.
Jones Solution
A classic just got better.
OZ OZsym
Edges that lock together stay together.
K2 Split Bean
Now you can tour with a fat pow board.
ThirtyTwo MTB
This splitboard-specific boot is ready to climb.
La Sportiva Vapor Float
When it gets deep, there’s no better rig.
Black Diamond Helio 105
These skis delivered a best-in-class ride.
Dynafit Dhauligiri
They can handle all conditions, top to bottom.
Black Crows Anima Freebird
We dug these hard-charging fat skis in the sidecountry.
Dynafit TLT 7 Performance
Walking is effortless with these futuristic boots.
G3 FINDr 94
We loved technical descents on these light-but-stable planks.
K2 Wayback 96
Don’t carry more weight than you have to.
DPS Wailer 106 Tour1/ Zelda 106 Tour1
It’s a true one-ski quiver.
La Sportiva Spectre 2.0/ Sparkle 2.0
This four-buckle boot is ultracustomizable.
Dalbello Lupo Carbon T.I.
The hardest-charging boot in our lineup actually has an incredible range of motion in walk mode.
Salomon MTN Explore
This boot charges as hard as it climbs.
Scarpa F1
We loved this anatomically shaped featherlight on long, gentle tours.
The Best Backpacks of Winter 2016
Carry your gear in comfort and style with these five packs.
Kelty Redwing 50
Sometimes pure comfort trumps fancy features.
BCA Stash 30
This pack withstood everything from cliff drops to sharp ski edges.
Bergans of Norway Helium Pro 40
This pack carries a lot— but weighs little.
Cotopaxi Taboche 55L
Long hauls and big loads are this pack’s specialties.
Dakine Poacher RAS 26L
Keep your gear tight.
Hillary Clinton Spotted on Hiking Trail
Hiker meets former presidential nominee in New York woods.
So You Want to Be a Gear Tester?
Backpacker just got back from a week-long gear testing trip in Colombia. Get a glimpse at what we did while we were there.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Black Diamond Helio Fixed Length Poles
These poles combine light weight and serious durability for hard-charging tourers.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Black Diamond Helio Fixed Length Poles
These poles combine light weight and serious durability for hard-charging tourers.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Black Diamond Helio Fixed Length Poles
These poles combine light weight and serious durability for hard-charging tourers.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol
There are lighter and warmer pads out there. But the Z-Lite will always be one of our favorites for its sheer versatility.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol
There are lighter and warmer pads out there. But the Z-Lite will always be one of our favorites for its sheer versatility.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol
There are lighter and warmer pads out there. But the Z-Lite will always be one of our favorites for its sheer versatility.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Starbucks Via Instant Coffee
It would take some serious effort to get a better cup of Joe.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Starbucks Via Instant Coffee
It would take some serious effort to get a better cup of Joe.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Starbucks Via Instant Coffee
It would take some serious effort to get a better cup of Joe.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Tecnica Zero G Guide Pro Ski Boots
Skiing in these boots feels like pure freedom.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Tecnica Zero G Guide Pro Ski Boots
Skiing in these boots feels like pure freedom.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Tecnica Zero G Guide Pro Ski Boots
Skiing in these boots feels like pure freedom.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Qalo Silicone Rings
Show your commitment safely on the mountain with Qalo silicone bands.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Qalo Silicone Rings
Show your commitment safely on the mountain with Qalo silicone bands.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Qalo Silicone Rings
Show your commitment safely on the mountain with Qalo silicone bands.
Editors' Choice Winter 2016: Petzl Leopard FL Crampons
These aluminum spikes set a new standard.
Editors' Choice Winter 2016: Petzl Leopard FL Crampons
These aluminum spikes set a new standard.
Editors' Choice Winter 2016: Petzl Leopard FL Crampons
These aluminum spikes set a new standard.
Editors' Choice Winter 2016: Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket and Bib
This pants-jacket set kept us dry through the ski season.
Editors' Choice Winter 2016: Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket and Bib
This pants-jacket set kept us dry through the ski season.
Editors' Choice Winter 2016: Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket and Bib
This pants-jacket set kept us dry through the ski season.
Editors' Choice Winter 2016: Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket and Bib
This pants-jacket set kept us dry through the ski season.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket
As much freedom as you'll find in a puffy.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket
As much freedom as you'll find in a puffy.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket
As much freedom as you'll find in a puffy.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket
As much freedom as you'll find in a puffy.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: G3 Ion LT 12 Ski Bindings
We found a lot to like in these AT ski bindings.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: G3 Ion LT 12 Ski Bindings
We found a lot to like in these AT ski bindings.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: G3 Ion LT 12 Ski Bindings
We found a lot to like in these AT ski bindings.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Black Diamond First Light Hoody
Because everyone wanted to wear it
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Black Diamond First Light Hoody
Because everyone wanted to wear it
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Black Diamond First Light Hoody
Because everyone wanted to wear it
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Black Diamond First Light Hoody
Because everyone wanted to wear it
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Columbia Outdry EX Gloves
Keep the wet out.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Columbia Outdry EX Gloves
Keep the wet out.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Columbia Outdry EX Gloves
Keep the wet out.
Editors' Choice Snow 2016: Arc'teryx Procline Carbon Ski Boot
You've never worn a boot that let you move this freely.
Boston, MA: Distance Dreaming (Long Trail)
Experience thru-hiking fever (and New England hardwoods) on this section of the historic Long Trail across Glastonbury Mountain. BY RYAN WICHELNS
Sacramento, CA: See the Forest for the Trees (Bigfoot Trail)
Wend beneath sugar pines, Pacific yews, mountain hemlocks, and Shasta firs on this remote section of the Bigfoot Trail in Northern California. BY LAURA LANCASTER
Minneapolis, MN: Light Up Your Life (Superior Hiking Trail)
Sample the 310-mile Superior Hiking Trail on this overnight past Oberg Mountain and Lake Agnes. Fall bonus: Northern Lights. BY KATHLEEN FERRARO
The BACKPACKER Photo Contest
Check out jsrashkin's author page.
Sponsor Content: Win the Ultimate HydraPak Hydration Backpacking Kit!
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Enter To Win a Big Agnes Shovelhead Hooded Jacket + Rattlesnake SL3 mtnGLO™ Tent
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The Best Hiking Boots of Winter 2016
This footwear can do everything you need in winter, and more.
The Best Pants of Winter 2016
Skirt, puffy, softshell: The choice is yours.
The Best Baselayers of Winter 2016
From warm wool to sweat-wicking synthetics, your baselayer matters. Start with one of these.
Primus Winter Gas
Press your light-duty canister stove into the shoulder season.
Official Rules: #PetzlNightLife Headlamp Giveaway
Read the rules carefully for the #PetzlNightLife Headlamp Giveaway