First Look: National Park Quarters
U.S. Mint and Dept. of the Interior unveil 'America The Beautiful' quarters
All Content
Icebreaker Gets the Plastic Out
new sock packaging gets rid of useless plastic
Green Scene Gear: Helly Hansen North Marker
a high performance three layer jacket with minimal impact
Backpacker GPS Trails App for iPhone
Want to map and share your own adventures with the click of a button? Looking for instant access to thousands of GPS-enabled hikes? Look no further than GPS Trails. Just download the app and turn your phone into the ultimate navigation device and portable trip database.
Backpacker GPS Trails for Android
Want to map and share your own adventures with the click of a button? Looking for instant access to thousands of GPS-enabled hikes? Look no further than GPS Trails. Just download the app and turn your phone into the ultimate navigation device and portable trip database.
Backpacker Photo School: Photography Internship
If you are a photo or a design student and are looking for a summer internship, Backpacker has one for you. Keep reading for details.
Are Hammocks Safe in Lightning?
Is it safe to remain in the hammock during a thunderstorm? Should I leave the shelter of the rain fly between the trees, or set it up on the ground with trekking poles?
Editors' Choice Green Award 2010: La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 Boot
These midweight boots tread lightly on the planet.
Gear Review: Elemental Herbs Sport SPF 22 Tinted
Get all-day protection without the greasy white tint with this chemical-free sunscreen.
Gear Review: Granite Gear Uberlight CTF3 Drysacks (Ultralight)
Quite possibly the world's lightest waterproof stuffsacks
Gear Review: Elemental Herbs All Good Goop
This healing balm soothes cracked skin, dry lips, and minor cuts and burns.
Gear Review: Soto OD-1R Micro Regulator
Finally, a canister stove that thrives in cold weather.
Gear Review: Primus Express Spider
With a low center of gravity and a wide, stable burner, this stove is perfect for big groups or melting piles of snow.
Gear Review: JetBoil Flash
With great fuel efficiency, quick boil times, and a small packed size, this stove is ideal for campers who need hot water fast, without the fuss.
Gear Review: Lorpen TCXS
Long-lasting socks that will keep your feet warm and dry.
My Island, My Map: Downloadle Bainbridge Island Map
If you think you missed the age of exploration and discovery, you haven't tried the latest mapping tools.
Gear Review: Merino Icebreaker Hiker Light Crewe
These midweight hiking socks can stand up to serious miles.
Gear Review: Point6 Outdoor Tech Medium Cushion Mini
Stretchy socks that never sag and always feel plush, even after big miles.
Gear Review: Injinji Performance Crew
These five-toes socks squelch blisters.
Almost Editors' Choice 2010
These five finalists were close to the tops for our editors–for you they may be perfect.
Gear Review: Marmot Big Wall Short
Light, tough shorts ideal for hiking and hanging.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Tactician Short
Super-comfy quick drying shorts for hiking, riding, or climbing.
Editors' Choice Green Award 2010: GoLite Tier 1 Recycled Fabric
An entire line of packs and bags goes eco-friendly.
Gear Review: Stuffits Shoe Savers
Squash stinky feet.
Editors' Choice Gold Award 2010: REI Half Dome 2 Tent
Eight years later, this REI tent is still the best deal out there.
Editors' Choice Gold Award: Evernew Titanium Non-Stick Cookware
Eat well and carry less with these perfect pots.
Editors' Choice 2010: Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 Tent
Attention, ultralighters who want a legit two-person tent: This is it.
Gear Review: 5.10 Stealth Paint
Revitalize the soles of your hiking boots and climbing shoes.
Editors' Choice 2010: Soto Pocket Torch
Turn a disposable lighter into a weatherproof flamethrower.
Gear Review: Millet 350
This lightweight shell is mountain ready.
Gear Review: White Sierra Tempest Tek Jacket
Total rain protection at a happy, happy price.
Gear Review: Merrel Norgate
A do-it-all rainshell with a roomy cut.
Gear Review: Patagonia Down Sweater
A sweet, packable puffy with big warmth
Gear Review: Marmot Eigerwand Jacket
This synthetic-filled puffy stays warm even in wet, sloppy snow.
Editors' Choice 2010: Tanka Bar Spicy Pepper Blend
Give yourself a flavor-rich protein boost with this update on a classic.
Editors' Choice 2010: NEMO Meta 2P Tent
If you use trekking poles, you should use this tent.
Editors' Choice 2010: Zamberlan 760 Steep GT Hiking Boot
Tackle the biggest terrain–under the heaviest loads–in this uncommonly comfortable boot.
Editors' Choice 2010: Starbucks VIA Ready Brew (Cooking)
The best instant coffee. Ever.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Flex Down Jacket
This stretchy-baffled down jacket traps mega heat for serious warmth.
Editors' Choice 2010: Mophie Juice Pack Air
Make your iPhone trail-ready.
Editors' Choice 2010: Patagonia Merino 1 Baselayer
Settle the wool-versus-synthetic debate once and for all: Get the best of both.
Editors' Choice 2010: Soto OD-1R Micro Regulator Stove
Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.
Editors' Choice 2010: Salomon Wings Sky GTX
Hike far, fast.
Gear Review: GoLite Tumalo Pant
Breathable rain-rebuffing pants that pack tiny
Gear Review: Exped Air Pillow
Get some real sleep on your next trip with this packable pillow.
Gear Review: Marmot Rockstar Pant
Stretchy fabric and a clean, comfy cut make these hiking pants super-versatile.
Gear Review: Smartwool Neck Gaiter
A cozy cocoon for your neck and face
Gear Review: Sea to Summit X-Mug
A coffee cup that packs flat
Gear Review: Lunch
This sweet and savory sandwich is a staff favorite.
Gear Review: Eagle Creek Mobile Locker
Don't let a bike commute cramp your style.
Gear Review: GoMotion 3-Watt Sternum Luxeon LED Kit
This headlamp for your chest is ideal for night hikers.
Gear Review: Eureka Glide 51
A lightweight flashlight that converts to a lantern
Gear Review: eGear PICO
The tiniest light
Gear Review: Princeton Tec Remix
A superbright headlamp with big, easy-to-find buttons
Gear Review: Black Diamond Sprinter
Runners will love this headlamp.
Gear Review: Gerber Octane
A mid-size multitool with all the fixin's
Gear Review: Harley-Davidson 13740
A sharp, titanium-handled knife
Gear Review: Patagonia Simple Guide Jacket
A streamlined softshell that packs up small and cuts the wind
Gear Review: iPhone
The best smartphone for the backcountry
Gear Review: Starbucks VIA
The best instant coffee ever
Gear Review: REI's Sahara Convetible Pants
Hiking pants that are as tough as your kids
Gear Review: Julbo Ozone
Protective shades for your kids
Gear Review: Mountain Hardware Boys' Epic
An affordable kids' rain jacket that can handle serious weather
Size and Buy the Right Hiking Boots
Buy the right boots for you–and get the right fit.
Gear Review: Kayland Contact Rev Hiking Boot
A boot with mega support without the extra weight
Gear Review: La Sportiva Karakorum Hiking Boot
A summer mountaineering boot that's armor-tough
Gear Review: Zamberlan 308 Trekker RR Hiking Boot
A luxurious leather-lined boot built for backpacking
Gear Review: Hi-Tec Renegade Trail WP Jr. Kids' Hiking Boot
A real backpacking boot for kids
Gear Review: SCARPA Bhutan GTX Hiking Boots
A versatile boot with impressive support for its weight
Gear Review: Mammut Cirrus GTX Hiking Boots
A superlight boot for high-mileage speedhikers
Gear Review: Merrell Col Mid WP Hiking Boot
Killer traction in all sorts of slippery terrain
Gear Review: L.L. Bean Trail Model Hiker II TEK2.5 Hiking Boot
An all-purpose hiker with a bargain pricetag.
Gear Review: Columbia Pole Creek Omni-Tech Hiking Boot
If you need boots for wet, soggy conditions, these winners are a bargain.
Gear Review: Thinsulate Thermal Insoles
Boost your boots' warmth with these insoles.
Gear Review: Grand Trunk Nano-7 Hammock
A super-comfy hang-able camp "chair"
Gear Review: EZ Grill
A disposable grill for backcountry feasts
Gear Review: Merino Wool Buff
A versatile head accessory that morphs from hat to gaiter to balaclava to pony-tail holder
Gear Review: Mountain Hardware Quasar
A comfy cap for hot days
Gear Review: Pistil Tulip
A cozy and cute wool hat