New Balance New Balance 910
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
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New Balance New Balance 876
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
New Balance New Balance 915
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Gear Review: Exped MultiMat
An ultralight, waterproof mat that is handy for wet hikes, snow, rocky areas, and picnics.
Best of BACKPACKER: Time-Tested Gear
Over the years we've tested a lot of gear, and learned a lot of lessons.
Best of BACKPACKER: How to Do Everything
Climb higher, live longer, and eat better, o.k. be better, with these skills.
The Last Best Place
More than three decades ago, a tiny band of California hikers discovered a magical valley in the Sierra Nevada. They possessed a rough map, but told no one. Now, the truth comes out.
Drop Into the Grand Canyon
Explore the worldÂ’s most-famous ditch on a 29-mile hike--here's why you should start planning now.
Backpacker Photo School: Capture Your Favorite Trees
Trees do more than keep our ecosystem in balance with oxygen: They bring nature closer to our lives, especially when we can't escape the bustle of daily city life.
Our Favorite New Trail Snacks
Pack these tasty treats for fast energy on the trail.
Leakproof Cooking Containers
Any suggestions for small, leakproof containers for carrying cooking supplies such as oil, syrup, sauces etc.?
Gear Pro Repairing a Tear in Fleece
What is the best way to repair a tear in my fleece?
Adding Down to Your Sleeping Bag
What is the best way to add down to areas of a sleeping bag?
Gear Review: Cocoon Travel Pillow – Aircore Ultralight
Just because you're sleeping on the dirt doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable.
Aku North America Rock Light GTX
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Aku North America La Stria Suede GTX
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Aku North America La Stria GTX
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Aku North America Cresta GTX
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Aku North America Arribba Mid GTX
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Aku North America Arribba GTX
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Aku North America SL Pro GTX
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.
Aku North America Tribute Leather
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.
Aku North America Tribute GTX
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.
Aku North America Suiterra Injected GTX
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.
Aku North America Cresta WEG GTX
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.
Aku North America Spider Kevlar GTX
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.
Aku North America Zenith GTX
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.
Aku North America Zenith Leather
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.
Aku North America Suiterra Suede GTX
One of the most versatile boots around.
Salewa Firetail GTX
Take on any kind of terrain with this versatile shoe that offers comfort, traction and durability.
Scott Aztec II
Take on any kind of terrain with this versatile shoe that offers comfort, traction and durability.
Trail Chef: 4 Hearty Sandwiches
For your next backcountry lunch, don't just munch on an energy bar. Try one of these tasty options.
Using a Gravity Water Filtration System
Clean up water for a group in minutes by using a gravity filter. Here's how one works:
Salewa AlP Trainer GTX
Take on any kind of terrain with this versatile shoe that offers comfort, traction and durability.
Salewa MTN Trainer Mid GTX
From scrambling to hiking, this killer deal provides ample protection.
Salewa Rapace GTX
From scrambling to hiking, this killer deal provides ample protection.
Salewa ALP Trainer Mid GTX
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Time-Tested Gear: Backpacks
You can't be a backpacker...without a backpack.
Tecnica Cyclone III Mid GTX
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Cyclone III Low GTX
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Cyclone III Mid GTX
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Wasp Mid GTX
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Recipe: Drunken Choco-Berry Fondue
A top-ranked dessert in the 2004 REI/BACKPACKER Camp Cook-Off
Tecnica Viper Low TCY
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Viper II Low
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Viper Low TCY
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Recipe: Omelette in a Bag
May 2000 readers' favorite
Tecnica Hermano Low
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Recipe: Stick Cookies
March 1982 readers' favorite
Tecnica Hermano Low LX
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Brezza II
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Recipe: Angry Red Lentil Tortilla Soup
First-place entrée winner of the 2004 REI/BACKPACKER Camp Cook-Off
Tecnica Cyclone Sport Mid
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Valentina II TCY
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Desert Low
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Brezza II
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
How to Do Everything – The Master Chef
Temper our recipe for Earthworm Patty Supremes with a little Drunken Choc-Berry Fondue. Plus, other recipes and cooking skills.
Tecnica Cyclone Sport Mid
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
How to Do Everything – The Survivor
Take care of yourself in the backcountry with these tips and laugh (or at least smile knowingly in the face of 10 common wilderness threats.
How to Do Everything: The Intrepid Explorer
Travel confidently across any type of landscape.
Tecnica Dragonfly Low
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Update: Be A Backpacker Map Correspondent
See who won FREE GEAR and a SWEET TRIP!
Tecnica Dragonfly Mid GTX
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Wasp Low
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Time-Tested Gear: Essentials (Cookware) (Stoves)
Apparel, cookware, stoves...swimsuits?
Time-Tested Gear: Boots
BACKPACKER testers have endured numerous blisters over the years finding the best boots on the shelves.
Popsicle Fingers
I have Reynaud's syndrome. How can I keep my fingers warm?
Time-Tested Gear: Sleeping Bags and Pads
Many starry nights–and a handful of miserable ones–revealed the best bags and pads over the years.
Time-Tested Gear: Tents
A-frames, domes, party tents–we've tested them all.
Tecnica Viper II Low
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Black Widow
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Tarantula
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Diablo Sprint
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Inferno Sprint
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Diablo Sprint
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Reader Rated
Extra gear reviews from our January 2011 Reader Test Team reports.
Tecnica Inferno Sprint
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Diablo Max
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Diablo Max
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Tecnica Inferno Max
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.