Here are our favorite pictures from this month's photo contest. Vote for your favorite to help us choose the winner. The winning photo will be published in Backpacker's August issue and the winner will receive a Tamron zoom lens*.
Get fueled with tasty backcountry meals.
Don't get caught without these trail-tested must-haves.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Cook better - use the best tools.
Float away with the best boats and watersport accessories.
Our female testers found this year's best products.
These men and women were photographed as they thru-hiked the 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail, from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. They each walked more than 2,000 miles—enduring the Smokies, the Shenandoahs, and the White Mountains—to get
Step aside, GORP. This flavorful nut mix from Sahale Snacks is taking trail snacks to a new level.
These sun-dried tomatoes from Mooney Farms are great on-the-go or to add flavor to a meal.
Quick energy is the hallmark of these energy gels from Honey Stinger.
The adjustable Moving Comfort Vero has three adjustments, accommodating a variety of sizes.
Paddle through any conditions with this durable canoe from Wenonah.
Stay dry and comfortable with this breathable paddling jacket from Immersion Research.
Small-chested women rejoice: this moderate-compression racerback resists chafing.
Combine all the benefits of a dry bag and compression sack and you get the Airpurge Dry Compressions Sacks from Outdoor Research.
Go lightweight with this adjustable kayak paddle from Bending Branches.
This Isis bargain shell will keep you dry in hours of downpour.
Get flexibility for a bargain with this sea kayak from Perception.
Leg insulation built for a woman's curves.
Re-think your preconceptions with this comfortable PFD from Kokatat.
This inflatable kayak from Innova combines storage benefits and a hard-shell-like deck.
Grip and draining combine in this hybrid shoe from Sperry Top-Sider.
This sea kayak from Wilderness Systems gives you the comfort and storage space necessary for a multi-day journey.
Make more while carrying less with this compact cook kit from MSR.
These lightweight utensils from Hyalite Equipment are functional and fashionable.
Never take more than you need with this compact cookstove from Liberty Mountain
Never be at a loss for flavor when using this bottle set from GSI Outdoors.
Feel like you have an entire kitchen in your arsenal with this versatile stove from Optimus
Embrace your femininity on the trail with this oh-so-flattering skirt. Pockets included.
Comfy and fun, the Ahnu Montara Boot will keep you stabilized while hiking and stylish in the town.
I'm pretty skinny and when I tighten my hipbelt I end up with lots of extra strap flapping around. Can I just cut this extra stuff off?
If I alter a pair of waterproof pants, how can I make the new seams waterproof?
ExOfficio brings modesty, sun protection, and breathability with this women's shirt model.
Flexible and supportive: Isis Active Boy Shorts also double as spontaneous swim gear.
Fashion and function: these quick-dry pants can withstand cold, thorns, and dog loving with a comfortable waistband.
Crag-tested picks from the editors of Climbing magazine
These aptly named Refreshers from Starbucks provide a flavorful energy kick to get you back on the trail.
Kick back with luxe gear for car and boat trips.
These fruit infused drink mixes from Skratch Labs are the all-natural energy boost you need during a hard summit push.
Enjoy staying hydrated with this cold-brewed green tea from Hiya.
Go nuts over these flavored spreads from PocketFuel.
This freeze dried fruit from Just Tomatoes is great on its own or as an add-in.
Protect your eyes with versatile shades.
Stay energized the natural way with these fruity sweet Shot Bloks from Clif.
Spice up you adventure with this poblano corn chowder from Packit Gourmet.
This pizza-inspired flavor-packed filling from Packit Gourmet will become whatever you make it.
This cold-water-prep chicken salad from Packit Gourmet will keep you fueled and on the trail.
Bring the fruity flavors of the tropics to the backcountry with this vegan meal from Backpacker's Pantry.
This rich pasta from Adventure Appetites combines many exciting flavors - smoked salmon, black olives, and sun dried tomatoes to name a few - into one satisfying backcountry dish.
Spice up a backpacker's staple with this berry oatmeal from Quaker Oats.
Bring southern comfort food into the outdoors with these mildly spicy and cheesy grits from Packit Gourmet.
Don't break the bank or yourself with this affordable crashpad from Stonelick.
This adjustable, comfortable harness from BlueWater is a bargain to share with the whole family.
Stay comfortable without sacrificing performance with the Scarpa Force X Rock Shoe.
Stay protected without being weighed down wearing this ultralight helmet from Black Diamond Equipment.
Feel secure with this Mammut rope with built-in safety features.
Go lightweight without sacrificing features with this Big Agnes tent for two.
Become a camp cook extraordinaire when you put together your own big group cook kit.
Take camp food to a whole new level with this flavorful wrap from Adventure Appetites.
Save your vision without interfering with the scenery with these lightly tinted shades from Tifosi.
Stay comfortable and look stylish with this practical trail skirt from Skirt Sports. Stay comfortable and look stylish with this practical trail skirt from Skirt Sports.
Stay protected from the elements with this ultralight adidas softshell.
Our rugged tests put cameras against the elements.
Provide the best for your dog with these canine-specific items.
Let nature fuel your light with this solar powered lantern from d.light.
Stay safe with this handheld weather station from Highgear.
This flashlight/knife combo from SOG allows for use at all times of day - or night.
Backcountry food just got better with this light-weight skillet from Lodge.
Take a seat wherever you go with this compact seat from Big Agnes.
Keep food colder longer with this sturdy cooler from Pelican ProGear.
Get a good night's sleep with this luxury cot from Therm-a-Rest.
Camp in comfort with this spacious and weatherproof tent from Sierra Designs.
These multi-featured shades from Revo will keep you seeing clearly during high-altitude exertion.
These versatile shades from adidas provide no-slip comfort coupled with clear, natural colors.
View the world with clarity wearing these copper-tinted lenses from Costa,
Get great coverage in a light-weight, zero-fog package with the Smith PivLock V2.