The Backpacker Editors

Get instant, all-day comfort and superb traction with this ultralight waterproof hiker.

Get a softshell that's so light and versatile, you won't leave it behind on multiday treks.

This ultralight water purifier is fast, easy, and leaves zero aftertaste.

Upgrade your zzzzz's with this luxe and versatile system.

In the quest for maximum warmth at minimum weight, we have a new standard setter.

This sub-four-pound bargain brings ultralight shelter to the masses.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Want a lightweight pack with the guts for big-load trips? This best-in-class suspension delivers.

Get a grip on the best carbon poles we've ever tested.

Low weight, high warmth, and modest price make this jacket a perfect fit.

Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.

Where are the smoke and mirrors? This family-size tent weighs the same as some two-person shelters.

Keep your favorite shelter in tip-top shape with this advice.

5 ways to embark on your own cartographic adventure

Thirty indestructible gear picks from two decades of hardcore field-testing.

Want to map and share your own adventures with the click of a button? Looking for instant access to thousands of GPS-enabled hikes? Look no further than GPS Trails. Just download the app and turn your phone into the ultimate navigation device and portable trip database.

Want to map and share your own adventures with the click of a button? Looking for instant access to thousands of GPS-enabled hikes? Look no further than GPS Trails. Just download the app and turn your phone into the ultimate navigation device and portable trip database.

This all-purpose midweight hits the hiking boot trifecta–great fit, support, and price.

Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.

Sleep-anywhere evidence that luxury and lightweight can go hand in hand.

This classic windshirt–a favorite of BACKPACKER testers for 15 years–goes green.

Don't ask yourself if you need this useful little widget. The question is: How many?

Get clean drinking water in mere seconds with this ultralight, ultra-quick filter.

Be the brightest hiker on the block with this laser-like headlamp.

Charge your light (and cell phone, too!) with this bright lamp and its companion solar panel.

Got a big load to carry? Put it in this ultra-comfortable pack and forget about it.

Now you can call in a rescue–or simply send the OK signal–from anywhere.

These sacks are warm like the Grand Canyon is big: You gotta experience it to understand it.

BACKPACKER contributing editor John Harlin III first summited Mt. Hood at age 11 and has climbed the peak in every season. Here, he gives you his gear checklist for hitting the mountain right.

Want a one-pack quiver? Get this versatile lightweight.

The best new gear. That's what earns our seal of approval, and only after months of hardcore testing. This year, we subjected dozens of products to heinous trail conditions from Alaska to Wales. In the end, 18 survived to take our top honor.

Soaked, scuffed, and beat up? We'll show you how to get your trusty footwear back to trail-ready.

This Gore-Tex hiking boot has only improved since we named it Editors' Choice last year.

Tackle the soggiest, wettest, and coldest terrain with this solid traction boot.

New ion mask technology is great for breathability in this lightweight midcut boot.

Bring us your narrow feet, your wide feet, or the freakishly long–these boots are the answer.

Can't decide which boots are right for the trip? Stop wondering and start hiking with this all-purpose midweight.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

There might be a journey too daunting for this load hauler. But it's not on this planet.

The ultimate solution for backcountry coffee–fast, ultralight, and fuss-free.

"Habitat for humanity" gets a new meaning with this eco-friendly tent.

Put this meal on the menu for any trip: It's easy-prep trail food that will wow every palate.

Tell the kids–finally, real packs for them, too

Bright, light, and rechargeable–the perfect camp lantern is here.

Backpackers get a made-to-order digital camera with the first affordable GPS-enabled shooter.

Carry less, sleep more with this light-and-luxe mattress.

Four is not a crowd in this family-size featherweight.

This light and totally waterproof camcorder changes the game for backcountry moviemaking.

Here's a cheap, crazy-fun way to build mountain skills.