The Backpacker Editors

Three field-tested bags and how they'll save money, space, and your feet

Cram all of your stuff and your hiking partner's five extra bags of gorp into this light daypack.

New Zealand is pretty to look at, but harsh on gear--making it just what we needed for our Kiwi challenge.

Get started--or get simple--with the best GPS deal

Young hikers deserve performance shoes

Use a map, compass, and GPS unit to plot an ambitious route with this beginner's guide to bushwhacking

These boats are so light they redefine where you can paddle

Satellite broadcasting gets light, cheap, and trailworthy

Not going light? Experience a revolution in big-load backpack comfort

Slip into the most comfortable all-leather backpacking boot you've worn in years

This versatile midsize pack is the sweetest deal of the year

Two tried-and-true favorites--the Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero and the Smith Sliders sunglasses--join our gear hall of fame

Meet the new benchmark in lightweight, three-season shelter

These Editors' Choice Green Award-winning socks are soft on the planet-and your feet

Be cool in fastpacking's finest footwear

Stay dry in the wettest weather with this lid, winner of a 2005 Editors' Choice Gold Award

Pamper your feet with the most supportive footbeds we've tested

This ultralight weekender stabilizes any load

Winners of the 2005 Editors' Choice Gold Award, these innovative shades continue to lead eyewear evolution.

Two experts debate whether a (very) sophisticated Swiss Army is worth the weight.

A knife expert's guide to blade selection and safety.

Testers give the Jannu two thumbs up, despite wanting more space

Stay sweat-free in all conditions with this lightweight shell

3 tips for conquering snowy hills and steep climbs

Way warm for the weight

How to keep your gear--and yourself--dry on your next backpacking adventure.

This super-compact and affordable shell is perfect for the Southwest

You don't have to be a direct Mayflower descendant to appreciate a little Yankee thrift with this rain shell

You think thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is a long walk?

Look chic when you head for the alpine life.

Racing a storm to a peak is no time to whip out an inferior rain shell.

This is one of the lightest three-season sleep systems we've seen

This bargain bag could turn car campers into ultralight zealots.

These shoes can handle any terrain.

If a short trip is your plan, grab these boots and go.

Become geckolike the minute you slide into these shoes.

A long lasting, hard working boot

Snow-covered trails are no match for this shoe

The cork-bed of your sandals in a boot.

Boreal gives us a boot that provides stability and waterproofing.

Boots ideal for summer fast-packing

Given an Editors' Choice Award in 2001, this boot continues to be a great value.

New technologies make this pair of boots a standout.

Whether you're on rocks or a grassy trail, you're sure to love these boots.

A top all-purpose midweight boot

Hike on the trail then run on the road with these versatile shoes.

A well valued boot, great of every level of hiking.

Light and supportive all in the same package

You won't find a better all-purpose lightweight boot.

These aren't Elvis' blue suede shoes.

They're not fancy, but they do the job.

Not the best for long days and heavy loads, but great for fastpacking.

A boot that actually improves your agility

While these shoes aren't for running they are great on the trail or on the town.

Want a midweight that can tread in heavyweight terrain?