Editors' Choice: The Best Gear of the Past 25 Years

What is the BACKPACKER Editors' Choice Awards? It's the best gear in the world, full stop. For a quarter century, our editors and contributors have taken the most promising products hiking and camping around the world in search of the cream of the crop. On the awards' 25th anniversary, we collect their favorites.

Updated Dec 3, 2024

Backpacker Editors

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Editors’ Choice Awards 2018

editors choice 2018 — Photo by Louisa Albanese

Editors’ Choice Awards 2017

rab jacket — wherenext.com/Gregg Bleakney

Editors’ Choice Awards 2016

None

Editors’ Choice Awards 2015

2015 Editors' Choice Awards - Princeton Tec Sync — photo: Andrew Bydlon

Editors’ Choice Awards 2014

The Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed on location in Wadi Rum, Jordan (Andrew Bydlon)

Editors’ Choice Awards 2013

editors choice 2013

Editors’ Choice Awards 2012

editors choice 2012

Editors’ Choice Awards 2011

editors choice 2011

Editors’ Choice Awards 2010

editors choice 2010

Editors’ Choice Awards 2009

editors choice 2009 sierra designs tent

Editors’ Choice Awards 2008

editors choice 2008 scarpa boot

Editors’ Choice Awards 2007

editors choice 2007 celestron GPS

Editors’ Choice Awards 2006

editors choice 2006 MSR tent

Editors’ Choice Awards 2005

editors choice 2005 the north face backpack

Editors’ Choice Awards 2004

editors choice 2004 event shelter

Editors’ Choice Awards 2003

editors choice 2003 backpack

Editors’ Choice Awards 2002

editors choice 2002 wearable sleeping bag

Editors’ Choice Awards 2001

Editors Choice 2001 sleeping bag

Editors’ Choice Awards 2000

Editors Choice 2000 Walrus Trekker Tarp

Editors’ Choice Awards 1999

Editors Choice 1999 dry skin

Editors’ Choice Awards 1998

editors choice 1998

Editors’ Choice Awards 1997

Editors choice 1997

Editors’ Choice Awards 1996

editors choice 1996 smartwool socks

Editors’ Choice Awards 1995

editors choice 1995 tecnica boots

Editors’ Choice Awards 1994

editors choice 1994 patagonia sweater

Editors’ Choice Awards 1993

editors choice 1993 Sierra Design tent