10 Backpacking Gear Tips We Learned the Hard Way
Get the most out of your backpacking equipment with this sage advice.
Get the most out of your backpacking equipment with this sage advice.
Up for a walk? A really, really long walk? We've gone big on the world's biggest trails, collecting the most important skills, gear reviews, trail guides, advice, and more for thru-hikers.
Backpacker’s 50 year history is rich with riveting storytelling. We tasked our editors with picking their all-time favorite stories.
Through the past five decades, there have been a lot of trend-setters and trailblazers. These are the best of backpacking.
Find shelter from the storm with these excellent backpacking tents.
You don’t have to learn the hard way, because we already did.
We dive deep into this backpacking cultural phenomenon.
Keep your feet snug and comfortable with these step-by-step directions for common hiking boot lacing techniques.
Pare down your kit weight, but not your comfort, with these minimalist load-haulers.
These lights have your back when the sun goes down.
These models will have you jumping for joy as you hike.
These hardshells seal out weather so you can enjoy your hike in comfort.
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Save packing space and weight—but still keep warm—with these minimalist sleeping bags.
Fire up a backcountry meal to remember with these camp-friendly cookers.
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As they wrap up the PCT, Sammy shares how the trails changed him, and he reads his post-hike bucket list. Hint: Eating a lot of ice cream and donuts.
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
Sammy ponders his thru-hike motivations after he receives difficult family news. He is also nervous to tell Jackson he wants to redo some of the CDT.
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Dehydration and questionable water sources get in the way of Sammy and Jackson's progress when one of them gets sick on trail.
Sammy and Jackson decide to split up embark on 200 miles of solo hiking. Then, Sammy finds himself in the most dangerous situation yet on the Triple Crown.
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Sammy and Jackson complete their first trail, but not without solving logistical challenges, rehabbing injuries, and outrunning snowstorms.
Learn the easiest way to hang a bear bag and keep your camping snacks safe from rummaging paws.
Sammy and Jackson face their first medical problem on the trail after hiking in worn boots for too long, and they have to decide whether to push through or rest.
Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell have to hike through multiple feet of snow on the AT. Are conditions bad enough to bail and transition to the CDT early?
Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell explain their thru-hike motives, check their packing lists, and say goodbye to their families on the first episode of Impossible Odds.
Two friends, 8,000 trail miles, one year. This is Impossible Odds.
Ward off the chill of fall backpacking with a cup of steamy, savory soup.
These easy-to-prepare camping desserts are well worth the extra ounces in your pack.
Turn the relaxation up with these activities to help you make the most of downtime in camp.
Carboload for a full day of hiking with these delicious pasta recipes.
Think before you throw.
On-the-go shower
Nate Dodge, one of the members of BACKPACKER and Bight Gear's new test team, knows the best way to beat the crowds is to brave the snow.
Earmark a long weekend for this 31-miler linking tree-shaded lowlands, old mining homesteads, waterfalls, and a beautiful alpine lake.
Whether you're looking for Coastal, Canyon, Peak, Forest, or Urban hikes, we have those. Plus some paddling (Water) trips for good measure.
Fix a zipper on the fly with this repair kit.
Yodeling lessons? Yes, sometimes a vista is worth a little lung power.
Upgrade any camp dinner with this medium-bodied wine.
Stop big bleeds fast.
Winter skivvies at their finest.
Strain and filter your water with this SteriPen product.
Filter water for a group with this big bladder.
This ultralight wallet is made from recycled tent scraps.
Photos, videos–this Sony Handycam is an HD beast.
A fork, knife, and spoon for the green and ultralight crowd.
Zip-top bags that are super waterproof.
A clear, waterproof case for your iPhone.
Protect your DSLR camera with this waterproof case.
These chafe-free undergarments also wick away moisture.
Underwear for the outdoorsy man.
This waterproof watch is surfer approved.
A wristtop altimeter, compass, and accelerometer.
This easy-to-use watch is perfect for small wrists.
A trailer-like rack that holds up to four kayaks.
These trekking poles are cheap and light.
This towel packs small and absorbs a ton...except odors.
This portable toothbrush is made with recycled materials.
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
Repair any fabric with this super sticky tape.
This light survival kit has all the essentials.
This button-down sun shirt has a high collar and UPF 30 fabric.
Get all-day protection without the greasy white tint with this chemical-free sunscreen.
Quite possibly the world's lightest waterproof stuffsacks
This healing balm soothes cracked skin, dry lips, and minor cuts and burns.
Finally, a canister stove that thrives in cold weather.
With a low center of gravity and a wide, stable burner, this stove is perfect for big groups or melting piles of snow.
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.
Long-lasting socks that will keep your feet warm and dry.
These midweight hiking socks can stand up to serious miles.
Stretchy socks that never sag and always feel plush, even after big miles.
These five-toes socks squelch blisters.
Light, tough shorts ideal for hiking and hanging.
Super-comfy quick drying shorts for hiking, riding, or climbing.
Squash stinky feet.
Revitalize the soles of your hiking boots and climbing shoes.