Benjamin Tepler

A comfy sleeping pad, an insulated bottle to keep your drinks chilly, and a pile of fantastic backpacking food: This is the gear that helped our editors make the most of this past month.

Quilts have a bad reputation as a chillier, less comfortable alternative to sleeping bags. But our gear editor thinks most campers should be using them most of the time.

Grippy shoes, quality sun layers, and an ultralight backpack that can handle a load: This key gear made our adventures better this month.

Summer's here, and from a pocket-size caffeine spray to trail-to-town footwear that's ready to travel, this is the gear that's getting us out there.

We tried every dehydrated dinner to find the ones you'll actually look forward to eating.

Never-blister socks, a perfect trail tee, and more: This is the gear that Backpacker's editors loved this month.

Top-shelf winter layers, perfect backcountry powder skis, and a FOMO-inducing, trip-generating collection of travel inspo: This is the gear that got our editors outside this month.

At less than 7 ounces per pair, they hardly register in your pack.

From shelters to packs to gadgets, these 50 pieces of gear helped us go further, see more, and have more fun last year.

From a $30 titanium pot to a $1,300, sub-6-pound raft, this is what’s on our editors’ wishlists this holiday season.

Today, parent company Red Wing Shoe Company announced that the 60-year-old stalwart would halt production.

From a sun-blocking car camping tent to a new favorite squeeze filter, these are our editors' top gear picks for September.

Two of the most popular ultralight brands make very similar packs—at least on paper. Our side-by-side test reveals the winner.

From a consummate day pack to a handy sleeping pad coupler, these are our editors' top gear picks for August.

From a tricked-out watch to a simple yet versatile tarp, these are our editors' top gear picks for July.

From a stink-proof sun hoody to women's pants that actually let you pee freely, these are our editors' top gear picks for June 2024.

A helmet built for late-season ski tours, a waterproof case built for early-season paddles, and a pair of hiking pants that's comfortable almost anywhere: This is the gear our editors rocked this month.

This one-pound Dyneema trekking pole shelter can hack it just about anywhere

A cozy fleece cap, a lightweight multitool, and a personal safety tool our editor always carries: Here's the gear that kept us moving on the trail this February.

A winterized trail runner, vegan candy, and a fast-and-light hydration pack: This is the gear that kept us moving this month.

The answer isn’t as obvious as it was five years ago

Galadriel—we’ve got notes

Don’t go peeping without it.

Because nothing is worse than finding out you’ve got a dud after a hard-charging day in the backcountry.

Think all cheese delivery services taste the same? Not a chance.

REI and Exped’s ultra-cush foam sleeping mats go head-to-head.

Stowaway Gourmet has changed the calculus for what a dehydrated meal can taste like.

Don’t visit Canyonlands without it.

Nine international spicy stews go head to head.

A comfortable carry comes down to finding your perfect rucksack.

Apparel-makers are turning to ever-more exotic materials in the search for planet-friendly fibers. But whether your fleece is made from wildflowers or recycled water bottles, the truth may not be as green as you think.

The TSL Symbioz HyperFlex Adjust is a cush ride with real bite.

Which take on beans and rice deserves to end up on your tortilla?

Heading out on your first overnight? Use this handy list as your guide to packing for a three-season backpacking trip.

Think they perish in winter? Not a chance.

Nine meals were sampled. Only one was crowned king.

Don’t leave this indispensable gear at home.

Only one rib-sticking potato mash took top marks.

Five-time Iditarod winner Dallas Seavey dishes on staying warm, well-fueled, and sane in extreme climates.

Plus: Should plastic water bottles should be illegal?

In 2022, expect just a little more mileage on the East Coast’s fabled thru-hike.

The Ooni Koda bakes restaurant-quality pies in roughly 60 seconds.

Only one smoky bean bowl earned top marks.

The future is now, thanks to these next-level gear innovations

Plus: the difficulty of designing a pocket for the always-changing smartphone.

Thanks to the warming world, Lyme infections are on the rise in the Northeast—and hiking there might never be the same again.

Upgrade your trail running wardrobe next spring.

... and everyone else.

The Patagonia Triolet jacket is a water-shrugging beast.

"That’s really what innovation is, looking outside of your bubble and seeing where you can pull ideas into your world."

This time, everyone walked away unscathed.

Nearly 400,000 acres of ancient rainforest are now under the co-management of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.

The outdoor mapping app, launched in 2009, is now as necessary as a pair of hiking boots.

After a two decade deadlock, now is the time to take a stand around plane and helicopter tourism.

General Sherman isn’t taking any chances.

If you toss and turn in your tent all night, try these snooze-inducing tools.

As if 412 miles of cave wasn't enough...