The BACKPACKER Gear Hall of Fame
There's a reason we keep coming back to these 20 products season after season.
Author
Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan and Scott Yorko
My Stories
Asolo Drifter GV
Savor protection where you need it most.
GSI Outdoors Titanium Kung Foon
No noodle is left behind.
MSR Reactor
Ready, set, boil!
Outdoor Research Crocodiles
These gaiters check all the boxes.
SteriPEN Ultra
Purify water fast.
Petzl Tikka
You won’t find a more reliable headlamp.
Kahtoola Microspikes
Slip no more.
Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack
Nobody likes a wet blanket.
Garcia Backpackers’ Cache
Bears get hiker hunger, too.
Kinco 1927KW Lined Pigskin
Utility meets necessity.
Crocs Classic Clog
There’s still no more practical camp shoe.
Gregory Baltoro 65/Deva 60
No load is too heavy for this comfy suspension system.
Mammut Trion Light 38+
Pack as much or as little gear as you need for alpine ascents.
Kelty Gunnison 2.3
Stretch your dollars—and your legs.
Mountain Hardwear Trango 3
Feel secure in this three-person tent when the biggest storms roll in.
Western Mountaineering Lynx GWS
A warm bag is good, but a dry one is better.
The North Face Cat’s Meow
Few synthetic bags will last this long.
prAna Halle Pants (m’s Stretch Zion)
Set your legs free.
Patagonia R1 Hoody
You may never take this midlayer off.