Bergans of Norway Helium 55 Backpack
This ultralight pack carries 40 pounds without compromising features—and at a great price to boot.
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Patagonia Black Hole 25 Daypack
This daypack's thick, waterproof skin repels everything.
Gregory Salvo 18 / Sula 18 Daypack
This daypack is compact, streamlined, and great for quick summertime escapes.
Thule Stir 35 Daypack
A simple adjustment system lets you quickly adjust this pack's torso length for a perfect fit.
Jansport Onyx Equinox 34 Daypack
This daypack gives you dawn-to-dusk capacity for less.
Osprey Manta AG 28 / Mira 26 AG Hydration Pack
A clever connection mechanism on this hydration pack makes water refills a cinch.
Columbia Titanium Trail Elite 22L Daypack
Great organization and load-carrying comfort make this our favorite daypack.
Boreas Monterey 35 Daypack
Lightweight and water-resistant, this streamlined pack is dialed for climbing.
Osprey Hydrajet
Hydration Pack
Mountainsmith Mayhem 45
Check out Nancy Bouchard's author page.
Deuter Rise Tour 45+
Check out Nancy Bouchard's author page.
Granite Gear Lutsen 55
Check out Nancy Bouchard's author page.
Osprey Viva 50
Check out Nancy Bouchard's author page.
Bergans of Norway Skarstind 48
Check out Nancy Bouchard's author page.
Ortovox Civetta Hardshell
This comfy, ultralight hardshell strikes the perfect balance between weight, features, and comfort.
High Sierra Isle Hardshell
This bargain hardshell gives you features and performance rarely seen at this price.
Salomon Bonatti WP Hardshell Jacket
This ultralight, stripped-down hardshell will be a hit with the fast-and-light crowd looking for simple, effective weather protection at a sweet price.
Outdoor Research Realm Hardshell
This climbing-oriented hardshell has details everyone will love.
Ultimate Direction Ultra Hardshell Jacket
Save big on a weight-saving backpacking hardshell.
Marmot Red Star and Starfire Hardshells
Breathability, durability, and design combine for year-round protection in this versatile hardshell.
REI Rhyolite Hardshell
This value hardshell gives you the breathability of shells that cost $100 more.
Columbia Featherweight Hike Long Sleeve Shirt
Wearing is believing: This is the lightest sunshirt we’ve ever tested.
Mountain Hardwear AP Pants
These tough trousers go everywhere.
Patagonia Merino Air
It’s a technical layer disguised as a stylish sweater.
Stio Kids' CFS Hooded Jacket
Softshell
UV Buff
Neck & Face Protection
Bergans of Norway Moa Shorts
quick-dry clothes
Saved by a Tent Pole
Use these five techniques when things get grim.
5 Drinks for Backcountry Bartenders
Passing around the flask makes you a good friend. Whipping up one of these wilderness-ready cocktails from top bartenders? That makes you a legend.
Rapid City Blog: Custer State Park Safari
Check out Lisa Jhung's author page.
Rapid City Blog: Family Shenanigans
Check out Lisa Jhung's author page.
Rapid City Blog: Downtown Trails and Recreation
Check out Lisa Jhung's author page.
Rapid City Blog: Impressive Learning Center
Check out Lisa Jhung's author page.
Rapid City Blog: Jewels Above and Below Ground
Check out Lisa Jhung's author page.
Rapid City Blog: Crazy Horse Memorial
Check out Lisa Jhung's author page.
Rapid City Blog: The Opposite of Camping Can be Fun
Check out Lisa Jhung's author page.
Rapid City Blog: Oh, the Granite
Check out Lisa Jhung's author page.
In Praise of Mountain Monogamy
By returning to the same place again and again, the old slowly becomes new again.
Presenting the Colorado Trail Fest
We’re throwing a backpacking bash in the Rockies and you’re invited.
Braving Weather in the California Mountains
Mt. San Jacinto is a gorgeous hike. Just watch the weather.
Pass/Fail: Hammock Camping
If you’ve come across campers hanging blissfully above the cold, hard ground, you might have wondered: How hard can it be? Our scout finds out.
When the Trail is Closed
What are thru-hikers to do when fire scars block their path?
Out Alive: Free Falling in a Utah Canyon
Niki Rellon, 40, fell 45 feet during a canyoneering expedition in November, 2013.
Yellowstone Bison Calf Euthanized After Tourists Put it in Car
Animal was rejected by herd.
The Best Views in the National Parks: Toroweap Overlook
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
The Best Views in the National Parks: Jordan Pond
Acadia National Park, ME
The Best Views in the National Parks: Forbidden Peak
North Cascades National Park, WA
The Best Views in the National Parks: The Dunes
Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO
The Best Views in the National Parks: Johns Hopkins Inlet
Glacier Bay National Park, AK
The Best Views in the National Parks: Hickman Bridge
Capitol Reef National Park, UT
The Best Views in the National Parks: Point of Arches
Olympic National Park, WA
The Best Views in the National Parks: Tall Trees Grove
Redwood National Park, CA
The Best Views in the National Parks: Taft Point
Yosemite National Park, CA
The Best Views in the National Parks: Thunder Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
The Importance of Doing Nothing
On the PCT, sometimes the laziest days are the most valuable.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What’s the Biggest Mistake Beginners Make?
Master the shakedown for a smoother trek.
How to Fear Less
We’re all scared of something. No need to let it stand in our way.
Six Household Items That Could Save Your Life
They're in your cabinets, in your drawers, and in your trunk. Master these six items to improve your chances of survival.
Breaking Desert Stereotypes on the Pacific Crest
It's not all sun and sand, as our correspondent discovers.
Mile Zero: Starting the Pacific Crest Trail
Our correspondent takes her first steps down one of America's longest trails.
Outdoor Tech Buckshot Pro
Power Pack
Edelrid Slash
Workhorse Quickdraw
Garmin Etrex Touch Series
Touchscreen GPS
MSR Guardian Purifier
This could be the last water filter you’ll every buy.
Jetboil Genesis Base Camp System
Car Camping
Sponsor Content: On the Trail With the Salewa Lite Train and Ultra Train
Salewa’s new mountain training shoes are made to get you in shape for the trail.
Meet Backpacker's 2016 PCT Thru-Hiker
Our correspondent Amanda Jameson is about to live the dream.
High Sierra Karadon 55 Backpack
No more sweat stains with this pack: High-use areas detach for washing.
Rapid City Blog: Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse
Check out Madison Perrins and Aidan Lynn-Klimenko's author page.
Rapid City Blog: Nightlife
Check out Madison Perrins and Aidan Lynn-Klimenko's author page.
Rapid City Blog: Downtown, Rapid City
Check out Madison Perrins and Aidan Lynn-Klimenko's author page.
Meet Randy Propster
Randy Propster is hitting the road and traveling throughout the country for Get Out More.
Colorado Trail Fest 2016
Discover the famous Colorado Trail this Fall during a trail-based celebration bringing together outdoor enthusiasts to hike and camp approximately a 25-mile stretch of the Colorado Trail.
How to Snack Like a Norwegian
Cheese, flatbread, and a bar that looks suspiciously like a Kit-Kat: Eat like a Scandanavian hiker on your next trip.
Sponsor Content: The South Carolina Scavenger Hunt
Enter the South Carolina Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win Editor’s Choice Gear!
Mystery Ranch Sphinx & Mystic
This pack tames the biggest loads.
F-Stop Tilopa and Sukha
Serious about backpacking and photography? You’ll love this camera-ready pack.