Ryan Wichelns

We asked 58 testers to put 99 puffies through their paces. These are the best.

These two titans of active insulation are more different than they might seem.

The next time you find yourself camping by a wild body of water, catch your own dinner with this packable fly fishing gear

These hikers will help you carry your load and stay comfortable and secure, no matter the terrain

Take a sneak peek at what might become your favorite piece of apparel next season.

Craving backcountry snow adventures? First, use this primer to learn how to identify and avoid slide-prone terrain. Then decide if you need an avalanche safety course to maximize your winter fun.

Which one of these highly-reviewed backpacking boots is for you?

Take it easy in these 15 accessible, mellow areas for some of the best backcountry skiing in the Lower 48.

Some of the wildest terrain in the East—loaded with rocky summits, waterfalls, and alpine ponds—is only a couple hour drive from Boston.

These eight products are versatile companions for every adventure.

Keep your toes warm this winter with these ultra-insulated loungers.

Secure permits before they sell out, convince your boss to give you time off work, make a foolproof meal plan, and more.

The Haul Lite Pack will have you thinking like a maximalist—trail runner, that is.

Bring it on, winter: The top insulated jackets of the year will keep you toasty no matter how icy the temperature gets.

The Erem Xerocole Expedition is dialed for sandy adventures.

The Stretchdown Light Pullover is warm, flexible, and stowable.

When you can’t count on the sunshine, these products come in handy.

Keep your phone, camera, and more humming along with these smart, trail-ready power sources.

When it comes to hiking in rough terrain with heavy packs, nothing beats the stability of our top six stalwart backpacking boots.

Keep your pack—and your sanity—in order with these gear organizers.

Nobody knows hiking boots like Backpacker. We sent testers around the world with the latest boots and shoes to see how they perform in varied conditions. These 10 rose to the top.

Grand Staircase-Escalante’s Little Death Hollow takes you into one of the most remote corners of Utah.

After a year of virtual meet-ups and less-than-ideal fresh air intake, this Colorado mountain town is the perfect place to fill up your adventure tanks.

Double your fun with a pair of shoes that's ready to pull double duty.

An abrupt shift in the weather turns into the best kind of White Mountains experience.

Treat your feet with these trail runners, mid-cuts, and a favorite camp shoe.

You'll never want to take this breathable puffy off.

A short hike in the Adirondacks leads to a classic 1900s Great Camp and a smaller, but no less beautiful tent camp.

More miles means there's more to see when you go bikepacking off the grid.

Head off the beaten—or any—path on one of the Adirondacks more obscure slide paths.

Hopping Pawnee Pass might be the secret to escaping the Indian Peaks’ crowds.

Explore a New York's little-known Santanoni Ridge while bagging three Adirondack 46ers on this challenging overnight.

On this short overnight into a remote corner of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you’ll see a lot more than wildlife.

Uphill Lean-to is the perfect basecamp to nab a collection of Adirondack High Peaks, including Mt. Marcy, the state’s crown jewel.

Bust through snow, crust, and slush with this warm, toothy footwear.

Spend two days in the high country of Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Stay warm and cozy with these perfect puffies and fleeces.

An insider's guide to San Rafael Swell, UT

Visit a world of water on this three-day trek through the hills.

Banish worries about pack space and morning shivers on your next cool-weather trip with these lightweight insulated jackets.

From cell phones to GPS devices to headlamps, rechargeable electronics are becoming increasingly common on the trail. Stay powered with this strategy guide.

Sleeping the sand? Pack these 10 items to ensure a good time.

Lighten your load and pick up the pace with these 10 ultralight pieces of gear.

Hike the desert or sail the Indian Ocean with these great (but sometimes cringe-inducing) flicks.

This is your year. Start planning one of these life-list hikes and create memories that will last a lifetime.