From "good old raisins and peanuts" to trail mixes spiced with hot peppers, Michigan cherries, beer nuts, and dried carrots, the ultimate backwoods snack comes your way, courtesy of Backpacker readers.
It sounds ridiculous, but some backpackers swear they sleep warmer when they slide into their sleeping bags in the buff. We get to the naked truth of it.
Master the art of layering to keep comfy all winter.
Save time, money, and the planet with these 16 simple gear fixes you can do at home.
Just because it's a little colder than usual doesn't necessarily mean that you want to run out and buy a new sleeping bag.
No one wants to eat out of a grubby bowl. But is there a way to keep your dishes clean on the trail?
A soaking wet bag can ruin your trip. Keep it at bay with this advice.
Bears get all the attention, but it's actually rodents that do most of the damage to backpackers' gear on the trail. Here's how to keep them at bay.
Don't let those partially-used cylinders linger on your shelf.
Strapping too much gear to the outside of your pack is a rookie mistake—but that doesn't mean you should never do it.
While rummaging around my basement I found a old can of stove fuel. Does this stuff spoil?
15 expert tips on how to winterize your cold-weather camping game, thrive and survive. Keep your core (and your gear) warm in the coldest weather with this ultimate guide.
A rib-breaking fall was my wake-up call.
One of our all-time favorite boots is back.
It’s a technical layer disguised as a stylish sweater.
You can put this insulated jacket on in the morning and wear it all day long.
This hybrid jacket is a warm-yet-breathable technical layer that looks good enough for a night out.
This bargain puffy is a screaming deal.
The warmest midlayer we tested kept us toasty on seven trips up Mt. Rainier.
This ultralight down jacket gives you maximum warmth with minimal weight and bulk.
This slim vest will warm your core with heat-reflecting insulation.
This half-zip jacket is the lightest synthetic midlayer we’ve ever tried.
Despite huge advances in women’s gear, women are about twice as likely to have trouble getting a good fit. Here are our contributors' best solutions.
A breezy shell, a comfy packbag, and a convenient water sterilization pen highlight this month's testers' picks.
A reader asks: What's the difference between a $100 tent and a $300 one?
Can a pool float replace a pad for budget-conscious hikers? Our gear editor responds.
Get core warmth without bulk.
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter is hiking to Everest Base Camp this week. Follow her progress here with live updates and photos.
For replenishing electrolytes and boosting flavor, our staff favors these mix-ins
The kids' version of this Editors' Choice Award winner is just as good as the original.
Point6 creates a merino wool alternative to typical kids' cotton socks.
Kids may not need trekking poles to save their knees like Mom and Dad do, but they sure feel cool when they get to use them.
Everest pioneer Reinhold Messner has a lifetime of intense gear stories and lessons. We asked him about his gear philosophy, worst gear fail, and more.
Get a feature-packed headlamp for a jaw-dropping price.
Ounce- and penny-counters will love this reliable cooker.
Cut pack weight in half with nine proven winners.
Enjoy decadent comfort—on the trail and in camp.
Don’t run for shelter when the sky opens up. Embrace nature’s wild side—and your own. But stay (relatively) dry with these top storm-hiking picks from our gear team.
The down/synthetic hybrid construction provides deep-freeze warmth without sacrificing breathability.
It takes the place of a windshirt, a soft-shell, and a light puffy.
Fluffy and full-cut, it’s like an upper-body sleeping bag, ideal for camp lounging.
It’s the toastiest synthetic belay jacket we’ve ever tested.
Highly breathable construction makes this light puffy ideal for working hard in cold conditions.
This ultralight, packable synthetic jacket has climber-approved freedom of movement.
A unique construction boosts insulation without adding ounces.
This thin fleece/wool jacket shined in the world’s toughest alpine conditions.
Here's a blast from the past. An external frame that inflicts the least amount of impact on your body.
A minimalist trail runner
Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.
The light weight, snug fit, and interchangeable lenses make these Smith shades extremely versatile.
A legtimately supportive camp sandal at a reasonable price.
Want to get your kids to love the outdoors? Outfit 'em the right way.
The best trail gadgets of all time.
Everything you need for a typical spring day hike.
An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a BACKPACKER gear testing trip.
These 7 items make a killer kit for your spring weekends..
Readers often ask why we review such pricey equipment. Here's the answer.
The land changes come winter, and so should your route finding techniques.
Stay toasty with the right fill for your bag and puffy jacket.
A synthetic puffy that rivals the weight and warmth of down.
A hearty hydration pack that's also water resistant.
A packable, comfortable camp chair that's not tippy.
Full-coverage lenses that let zero light seep, but shades that don't overwhelm a small face.
A versatile stove that works great in windy conditions.
Cook better - use the best tools.
Make more while carrying less with this compact cook kit from MSR.
These lightweight utensils from Hyalite Equipment are functional and fashionable.
Never take more than you need with this compact cookstove from Liberty Mountain
Never be at a loss for flavor when using this bottle set from GSI Outdoors.
Feel like you have an entire kitchen in your arsenal with this versatile stove from Optimus
An expert bootfitter can help. Here's how Phil Burgess of Ski Stop in Westwood, MA, a certified fit expert, helped one editor overcome a chronic and debilitating fit problem.
Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.
A slick drop-bottom feature sets this tough, smooth-rolling duffel apart.
Meet the four lucky readers -- two guys and two gals -- who will scouring the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market for the greatest (and weirdest) new gear!
For BACKPACKER'S Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2012, Kristin tested tons of gear. Here are a few of her special favorites.
A bomber traction device that's durable and versatile.
A light and packable miniature lantern.
Ultralight, oblong, zippered sacks to help you keep all your traveling gear organized.
Keeps coffee hot for over 24 hours, and water cold for more than 48!
An outstanding winter performance combo.