Annette McGivney

The perfect combination of protection, support, weight, and comfort.

The price-to-performance ratio is off the charts.

Enjoy the best of both worlds: enough flex for a natural stride and the support for big-trip loads and terrain.

This boot eats up big miles, no matter how heavy your pack.

It breathes and flexes like a trail runner, but the rugged outsole is all boot.

A bargain-priced boot that doesn't settle.

Bomber materials and construction shine in a technical, off-trail backpacking boot.

If your foot is extra wide or super skinny, or if you have a protruding bunion, this is the boot for you!

This stretchy vest is made of sheeps wool and will keep your bodies core warm when it's cool outside.

Here lies a fleece fabric that's the most wind-resistance out of 10 vests we've tested.

This vest packs down tiny and works best when you're on the move.

This vest is packed down tiny, and delivers maximum core warmth.

Improve your balance and save your knees.

Improve your balance and save your knees.

Improve your balance and save your knees with this bargain set of trekking poles from Mountainsmith.

Trekking poles from MSR you can adjust one-handed.

If you can use a lighter you can adjust these trekking poles from Leki.

The space-saving and inexpensive mug by Stanley.

Stay hydrated on the trail with these innovative filters and containers.

The differences between nylon and polyester workout gear.

Two his-and-her options for trail shorts and tops.

This super soft synthetic crew shirt has excellent wicking and quick-drying properties.

A stink-free wool baselayer that's perfect for multiday backpacking trips.

The Voodoos cast a three-part spell of comfort, durability, and function.

This souped-up windshirt is the latest iteration of the DriClime.

Cut weight and boost comfort with the best new ounce-shaving load haulers—tested and rated by tough-on-gear Grand Canyon National Park rangers.

A versatile pack that can be pared down or bulked up depending on your load and the terrain.

The lightest ultralight pack we tested.

A roomy and comfortable ultralight bag.

An "ultralight" pack that can handle up to 40 pounds.

A top performing pack that's only $160.

Get light yet supportive shoes that stand up to the worst boot-chewing terrain–and satisfied our crew of Grand Canyon rangers and guides.

These cushy dayhikers are perfect for hiking with light loads.

This light hiker is practically abrasion resistant thanks to the thick pig suede upper.

This light hiker can carry up to 50 pounds!

A Five Ten shoe that excels at scrambling and smearing.

Bootlike support and traction with trail-runner shock absorption and weight.

Heading into rough terrain? Our crew of Grand Canyon rangers and guides abused nine pairs of boots for four months. Only five survived.

For lightweight stability these boots can't be beat.

Rocks, cacti, and clay were no match for these boots.

These boots are light and fast like a trail runner but offer the support and protection of a boot.

For less than $150 bucks you get a whole lot of boot.

Super tough boots that are also super comfortable.

Lighten your load with a warm-weather bag that packs small bug goes big on comfort.

This quilt/sheet combo covered a range of temperatures.

Even during a damp, tentless night our tester stayed dry.

This affordable bag is great for above-40s temps.

800-fill down keeps this bag toasty, while breathable nylon shell fabric and a two-way zipper prevents stuffiness in warmer temps.

Get technical layers that work everywhere from hotel bars to high-mountain trails. Our testers vetted more than 50 products from the Alps to the Andes to bring you these top systems.

A great pair of versatile leather boots that handle most conditions well.

The BACKPACKER ladies tested made-for-trail clothes that can double as street wear–wherever the streets may be.

These lightweight and tough nylon pants will do the trick

A functional shirt that will keep you dry and comfortable while looking stylish all the while

A quick-drying, simple cap for any global traveler

Try these breathable nylon shorts for steamy hikes.

Add this comfy fleece hybrid when those temps start to drop

Plenty of cargo space, an adjustable hood and great air flow, you may never have to take this coat off