Gear Guide 2011: Essentials
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Gear Reviews
Gear Reviews
Find the best backpacking gear with help from our expert reviewers and gear testers at Backpacker. We review the best backpacking gear on the market, from sleeping bags, to cookware, to backpacks, to the best hiking boots, in the most rigorous trail conditions imaginable so you can find the perfect setup for all your adventures.
At Backpacker, we take our responsibility to provide readers with fair and accurate gear advice seriously. When you make a purchase through our site, we may earn a commission.
Find the best backpacking gear with help from our expert reviewers and gear testers at Backpacker. We review the best backpacking gear on the market, from sleeping bags, to cookware, to backpacks, to the best hiking boots, in the most rigorous trail conditions imaginable so you can find the perfect setup for all your adventures. At Backpacker, we take our responsibility to provide readers with fair and accurate gear advice seriously. When you make a purchase through our site, we may earn a commission.
Gear Guide 2011: Winter Sleeping Bags
Camp through the coldest months with these hearty sleeping bags.
Gear Guide 2011: Three-Season Sleeping Bags
This year's roundup of three-season bags features three killer deals and an Editors' Choice Award winner.
Gear Guide 2011: Summer Sleeping Bags
Six summer bags that cover summer's mood swings.
Gear Guide 2011: Sleeping Bags & Pads
Enjoy sweet dreams in nasty conditions with these sacks and pads.
Gear Guide 2011: Big Agnes Jack Rabbit SL2 Tent
A lightweight, freestanding, stable tent with adequate space.
Gear Guide 2011: Three- & Four-Person Tents
Pile in with these three- and four-person tents.
Gear Guide 2011: Tents
Stay warmer and drier thanks to efficient pole structures, geometries that enhance space and stormproofing, durable lightweight materials, and wind-tunnel-proven shapes.
Gear Guide 2011: Two-Person Tents
Whatever your needs–ultralight, inexpensive, all-season, tough–we found the perfect two-person tent.
Gear Guide 2011: One-Person Tents
If you fly solo, these are the tents for you.
Gear Guide 2011: Backpacks
Whether you're loading for a local dayhike, a weekend in the wilderness, or a once-in-a-lifetime thru-hike, this year's class of packs redefines comfort.
Gear Guide 2011: Light Duty Boots/Trail Runners
If light and fast is your hiking/trail running motto, these are your kicks.
Gear Guide 2011: Mid Duty Boots
Two of BACKPACKER's 14 Editors' Choice Award winners fall into this all-purpose hiking boot category.
Gear Guide 2011: Heavy Duty Boots
For big mountain climbs, these are your boots
Gear Guide 2011: Boots
From fit to grip, this year's shoes do everything better.
How Far Do Mosquitoes Range?
What is the mosquito's hunting range?
Gear Review: Montrail Mountain Masochist MID GTX Hiking Boot
Bedroom-slipper light and instantly comfortable
Gear Review: SCARPA Terra GTX/Luna GTX Hiking Boot
The Terra's soft PU midsole, gives the boot a cushy, shock-absorbing feel.
Gear Review: Patagonia Scree Shield Hiking Boot
One shoe for everything from dayhikes to dog walks to peakbagging epics.
Gear Review: La Sportiva Quantum Trail Runner
This shoe excels when 'trail' is a generous description.
Gear Review: New Balance 101 Trail Runner
This barely there trail runner has the perfect blend of breathability, support, and durability.
Gear Review: Pacific Outdoors Peak Elite AC
This pad delivers low weight and low cost, making no more grumpy mornings.
Gear Review: Exped SynMat UL 7
Stay warm and comfy with this insulated sleeping pad.
Gear Review: Ahnu Montara Women's Hiking Boot
Women love this comfortable, stable and affordable boot.
Gear Review: Garmont Zenith Hike GTX Hiking Boot
Lightweight book with a lightweight price.
Gear Review: AKU Suiterra Suede GTX Hiking Boot
One of the most versatile boots around.
Gear Review: Merrell Refuge Core Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
It crushed the competition in terms of support.
Gear Review: Vasque Bitterroot GTX Hiking Boot
A classic looking boot with above average support and stability.
Gear Review: Kayland Vertigo Dual Hiking Boot
This boot offers maximum performance and durability.
Gear Review: La Sportiva Delta GTX Hiking Boot
A great lightweight boot for heavy duty hiking.
Gear Review: Mammut Mountain Cascade GTX Hiking Boot
The perfect boot for big, unpredictable mountain adventures.
Knee Arthritis
How can reduce the pain from knee arthritis so I can still hike?
Mother's Day Gift Guide: CAN'T GO WRONG
Socks to hats to sports bras–the essential gear for any female hiker.
Mother's Day Gift Guide: WEEKEND HIKER
Outfit your mama with the perfect overnight gear.
Mother's Day Gift Guide: PEAK BAGGER
If the lady on your gift list likes to go hard or go home, we have eight pieces of gear calling her name.
Mother's Day Gift Guide: TRAIL DINNER DATE
A backcountry setup for the maestro in the kitchen.
Mother's Day Gift Guide 2011
Whether you're shopping for your wife, mom, girlfriend, or BFF we've done the heavy lifting for you with 40 picks that are sure to make her Mother's Day.
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Outdoor Research Solar Roller
Fool-proof sun protection for her noggin
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Smith Optics Heyday Sunglasses
Good-looking performance shades that fit a woman's face.
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Moving Comfort Alexis Sports Bra
Finally–a flattering sports bra
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Prana Burnout Headband
Say goodbye to hat head
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka
Maximum warmth for minimum weight
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Dahlgren Hiking Socks
Plushly padded socks for all-day comfort
Mother's Day Gift Guide: The North Face Venture Jacket
An eco-friendly jacket that performs and won't break the bank
Mother's Day Gift Guide: LEKI Cressida AERGON Speedlock
Save your knees with these lightweight poles made especially for women
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Ki
An ideal weekend pack for women
Mother's Day Gift Guide: The North Face Women's Hotlum 3-Season Sleeping Bag
A tough, warm, bargain down sleeping bag
Mother's Day Gift Guide: DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator
Manage your social network from anywhere
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Mountain Hardwear Super Power Hoody
This mid-weight fleece is ultra-comfy, stretchy, and warm.
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Ahnu Montara Hiking Boot
All-terrain stability and all-day comfort in this women's only hiking boot.
Treating Water with Bleach
Will bleach make water safe to drink?
Tax Rebate Gear: Build a Better Backpacker
This year, spend that extra dough on at-home workout gear that will make it easier to get out and log miles. Basically, you're investing in you.
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Smartwool Spring Glove
Breathable merino wool and rugged leather make for happy hands
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Mammut Ultimate Hoody
A featherweight softshell with the biggest pit zips you've ever seen
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Patagonia Multi Use Skirt
A cute, comfy, and functional hiking skirt
Mother's Day Gift Guide: REI Traverse 30 Daypack
Perfectly sized and organized for done-in-a-day outings
Highgear Axio Mini Altimeter Watch
A feature-filled altimeter watch sized for the female wrist
Petzl Tikka2 Headlamp
A tough, dependable nightlight
Mother's Day Gift Guide: TrekSta Evolution Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Incredible traction, light weight, and zero break-in
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Jetboil Sol Advanced Cooking System
Smaller, lighter, and even better performing than the original
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Horny Toad Tranquil Hoody
A comfortable, cute, easy-to-wear top
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Kelty Diaper Daypack
An everyday diaper pack that goes from trail to train with ease
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Olympus TG-310 Point-and-Shoot Camera
Shockproof, waterproof, and freezeproof means it's kid-proof
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Goal Zero Guide 10 Adventure Kit Battery Charger
Rechargeable, portable power for all your mobile devices
Itchy, Numb Hands
Will trekking poles help prevent my hands from falling asleep and getting itchy when I hike?
Trekking Poles for a Thru-hike
I am planning a thru-hike on the AT. Can you give me insight into the pros & cons of ultralight poles vs the old standbys?
Mildewed Rain Fly
If a rain fly has a few areas of mildew will it still work to repel rain, or do I need to get a new fly?
Summer Layers: Wool or Fleece?
For a summer trek at Philmont, which is better, a wool sweater or a fleece garment?
Sleeping Bag Revival
I accidentally left my down sleeping bag in a stuff sack for two years! Is it ruined?
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Kelty Big Dipper 30 Jr. Kids Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag that grows with your child.
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Smartwool Lupine Striped Hat
A densely knit merino wool that fits and breathes well.
Staying Hydrated in the Desert
How many quarts of water per person per day should you carry when packing in the desert Southwest in the middle of May?
Do Ropes Ward Off Snakes?
Is it true that placing a rope around your sleeping bag will discourage snakes from crossing it?
Gear Review: Olympus Tough TG-310 Point-and-Shoot Camera
A shockproof, waterproof, freeze-proof camera for all your outings
Numb Limbs When Sleeping
What can I do to prevent getting numb hands and arms when I'm sleeping in the backcountry?
Editors' Choice 2011: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
From a bargain ultralight tent to perfect-fit boots, here are 14 products that passed the ultimate field test.
Gear Review: Montrail Sabino Trail Mid GTX Boots
Want boots with maximum support and protection for minimum weight?
Gear Review: Flip An Zip Zipper Repair Kit
This kit makes zipper repair a DIY project.
Gear Review: XC navigation skills
Learn everything you need to know to get from point a. to point b.
Gear Review: Grease Monkey Wipes
A magic eraser for grease and grime.