Thule Versant 60l
Best pack for big loads
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Osprey Archeon 30
Most durable pack
ALPS Mountaineering Peak 45
Most versatile pack
Ultimate Direction Signature Series Adventure Vest 5.0
Most customizable pack
Featured Member: Liz Claflin
This Californian ultralighter knows her way around her home state—and is no stranger to big-name trips across the country.
Big Agnes Torchlight UL 20
Quiver-killer sleeping bag
Therm-a-Rest Vesper 45
Lightest sleeping bag
Marmot Yolla Bolly 30
Most comfortable sleeping bag
MontBell Seamless Down Hugger WR 900 #3
Best ultralight sleeping bag
Rab Mythic Ultra 360
Best sleeping bag for peace of mind
Exped Waterbloc Pro
Best sleeping bag for bad weather
NEMO Forte 35
Best value for a sleeping bag
Chaco Lowdown
Best sandal
Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX
Best footwear for technical terrain
Oboz Arete Mid Waterproof
Most protective footwear
Topo Athletic MTN Racer
Best footwear for big miles
LOWA Innox Pro GTX LO
Light but sturdiest footwear
Salomon Sense Ride 3
Most versatile footwear
Garmont 9.81 N AIr G S Mid GTX
Most comfortable footwear
Merrell Altalight Knit Mid
Most durable footwear
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4
Most nimble footwear
Altra Tushar
Footwear with the best traction
Tents, Apparel, Coolers, and More Are All On Sale For a Steep Discount Right Now
Thanks to a confluence of online sales, now is a great opportunity to update your gear.
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3
Most eco-friendly tent
Gossamer Gear The Two – DCF
Tent with best space-to-weight ratio
Jack Wolfskin Exolight III FR
Easiest tent to setup
Marmot Superalloy 2P
Best all-around tent
Big Agnes Salt Creek SL2
Tent with the best features
Klymit Maxfield 4
Best tent for families
MSR Front Range 4 Person Ultralight Tarp Shelter
Most versatile tent
Exped Lyra II
Tent with the best protection
NEMO Aurora 2
Best value for a tent
Big Agnes Scout 1 Platinum
Lightest tent
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody
Save big on one of our favorite puffies.
While You Were Quarantined, National Parks' Air Was Getting Cleaner
In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, improving air quality in our wild spaces could be a vision of a better future.
Get Our Fit, Fresh, and Fleet of Foot Exercises for Backpackers Ebook for Free Now
Up your fitness the easy way with these simple exercises.
Live Stream: Kick Back and De-Stress in a Redwood Forest
Get away from it all with this live nature cam.
Backcountry Skiing Isn't the Brilliant Idea You Think It Is Right Now
With resorts closed because of COVID-19, an unprecedented number of skiers are swapping their downhill gear for an alpine touring setup. And that's a problem.
Here Are the National Parks That Are Closed Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic
A handful of major parks have shuttered, while many more have modified operations.
Sponsored Content
Grab These 5 Camping Basics Online for 25% Off at REI’s Co-op Sale
Get a tent, a sleeping bag, a pair of wool socks, or an entire backpacking kit on the cheap right now.
Pacific Crest Trail Association Asks Thru-Hikers to Cancel Their Trips Due to COVID-19
"It is clear that anyone traveling the PCT and resupplying in communities along the trail represents a serious risk to others on the trail and people in those communities."
The National Parks Are Free Right Now. Some Locals Say to Stay Away.
In Utah, health officials and hospital executives are trying to keep visitors away from national parks even as the federal government makes it easier to go.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy: Postpone Your Thru-Hike
Citing risk of spreading coronavirus, CEO Sandra Marra urges hikers to postpone or cancel their 2020 hikes.
How Should Parks Respond to Coronavirus?
Some state and tribal parks have reacted to the COVID-19 outbreak by closing campgrounds and visitor centers, while the National Park Service is beginning to implement "social distancing" guidelines.
5 Can’t-Miss Values In the Outdoors
From a gem of the national park system to a do-everything backpack, these five things are the best value for every hiker.
Basecamp Joins Active Pass
Check out Backpacker Magazine's author page.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Just Released its Coronavirus Plan
As COVID-19 spread across the US, the ATC is limiting group sizes on trail projects, shutting down its visitor center, and asking hikers who contract the virus to contact them.
America the Beautiful Pass
This all-access ticket to the national parks is always a great buy.
Climate Neutral
This nonprofit is helping us do better business—and we're giving it an Editors' Choice Award.
Gregory Paragon 48 / Maven 45
This all-around performer is perfect for weekend trips, and it's one of the winners of our 2020 Editors' Choice Awards.
MSR Dromedary
The Editors' Choice Gold Award-winning bladder came out in 1991, and it's still the toughest soft-sided water hauler ever made.
Exped FlexMat Plus
The last word in in affordable, worry-free sleeping pads is one of our Editors' Choice 2020 winners.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
A great t-shirt gets even better—and earns a 2020 Editors' Choice Award from BACKPACKER.
Rab Phantom Pull-on
The lightest—and perhaps last—shell you’ll ever need. The Rab Phantom Pull-on is a 2020 Editors' Choice Award Winner.
Giorgio’s Savory Wild Portabella Jerky
This snack that's more than a snack wowed our staff so much, we gave it an Editors' Choice Award.
Mountainsmith Zerk 40
Its our favorite pared down, long-trail-ready hauler, and its one of our 2020 Editors' Choice Award winners.
Editors' Choice Awards 2020: The Best Gear of the Year
Backpacks, a sleeping pad, an ultralight jacket, and one very special organization: These are our 9 favorite things this year.
Black Diamond Trail Zip 14
Lightest pack
Deal of the Week: Klymit Inertia X Frame Sleeping Pad
This futuristic-looking pad slashes weight, but not comfort.
BACKPACKER is Going Climate Neutral
We're not just going to talk the green talk, but walk it as well.
Intro to GPS Navigation
Whether you’re just getting into using a GPS to navigate in the backcountry, or have had a unit for a year but still don’t fully understand how to use it, BACKPACKER’s intro to GPS navigation online course is the place to start.
Intro to GPS Navigation: Plan a Route at Home
Whether you’re just getting into using a GPS to navigate in the backcountry, or have had a unit for a year but still don’t fully understand how to use it, BACKPACKER’s intro to GPS navigation online course is the place to start.
Intro to GPS Navigation: Sight and Go
Whether you’re just getting into using a GPS to navigate in the backcountry, or have had a unit for a year but still don’t fully understand how to use it, BACKPACKER’s intro to GPS navigation online course is the place to start.
Intro to GPS Navigation: Measuring Distances
Whether you’re just getting into using a GPS to navigate in the backcountry, or have had a unit for a year but still don’t fully understand how to use it, BACKPACKER’s intro to GPS navigation online course is the place to start.
Essential Knots
Tired of staring at knot illustrations to teach yourself?
Essential Knots: Using Tarps
Tired of staring at knot illustrations to teach yourself?
Essential Knots: Types of Rope
Tired of staring at knot illustrations to teach yourself?
Essential Knots: Big Knots
Tired of staring at knot illustrations to teach yourself?
Essential Knots: How to Cut Rope
Tired of staring at knot illustrations to teach yourself?
Essential Knots: How to Coil
Tired of staring at knot illustrations to teach yourself?
4 Discount Camping Gear Picks to Grab at Backcountry's Winter Yard Sale
Upgrade your sleeping bag, tent, or happy hour for less.
The Best Gear to Crush Long Hikes
Hike farther, carry less with these picks for long trails and other extended adventures.
Here’s How the Presidential Candidates’ Public Lands Plans Stack Up
While Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden have spoken at length about fighting climate change, conservation groups say their plans for America’s public lands are big on promises and short on details.
4 Portable Camping Games You Can Play in Your Tent
Downtime in camp has never been so fun.
Deal of the Week: Grand Trunk OneMade Double Hammock
Score a bargain on elevated sleeping for two.
SCARPA Maestrale XT
Most stable ski boot
Full Tilt Ascendant
Most versatile ski boot
Dynafit TLT8 Expedition
Best all-around
Gear Library Request Form
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.