BACKPACKER Editors' Toughest Gear
Thirty indestructible gear picks from two decades of hardcore field-testing.
Readers constantly ask us: “What’s the most durable gear you’ve used?” Here’s our answer: A collection of rugged favorites voted on by 12 editors with 170 total years of field-testing experience. In our hands, these products have weathered howling storms, arctic freezes, slot-canyon scrapes, bug infestations, battery acid, weeks without showers, salt-water submersion, high-altitude UV exposure, and Alaskan grizzlies. Most are still on the market—durability will do that—and you can find the rest on eBay or Craigslist. Trust us, it’s worth your time to search: In the long run, durability is lighter on your wallet—and the planet.
Western Mountaineering Antelope Sleeping Bag
Patagonia Capilene Baselayer
CamelBak Omega Hydration Bladder
Garcia Machine Backpackers’ Cache and MontBell Handy Scoop
Trails Illustrated Maps
Arc’teryx Bora Backpack
Smith Slider Sunglasses
Outdoor Research Crocodiles Gaiters
LOWA Trekker/Lady Sport Boot
Beyond Clothing Steel Shock
Patagonia Regulator Series
Ibex Icefall Jacket
ThorLo Classic Hiking Socks
Feathered Friends Helios Jacket
Nikon D70 Camera
Crazy Creek Original Camp Chair
MSR XGK-EX Stove
MSR Alpine Cookware and GSI Cascadian Bowls
Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket
Fox River X-Static Liner, Chaco Sandals, and MSR Dromedary
Therm-a-Rest Z-Rest Sleeping Pad
Magellan Meridian
Leatherman Juice C2 Multitool
Mountain Hardwear Transition Jacket
Sierra Designs Tiros Tent & MSR Tough Gear