Trimble Outdoors AllSport GPS
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
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.
TrailBehind, Inc. Offline Topo Maps
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
Apisphere Geomate.jr
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
TrailBehind, Inc. Topo Maps
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
TrailBehind, Inc. Gaia GPS
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
Gear Guide 2011 Table of Contents
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
How-To Slideshow: Learn to Fix a Tent Pole
Resurrect any tent pole with this handy how-to guide.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Lightning HT 2 Tent
Two-person tent with more space than meets the eye.
Mountainsmith Morrison Tent
A double-wall tent that's simple on design but big on space.
Gear Review: Tarptent Moment Tent
An ultra-affordable ultralight solo tent.
Gear Review: NEMO Moto 1P
A solo tent with XXL dimensions.
Gear Review: Ultra Light Kettle Co. mKettle
A cool way to boil and carry water, all in one package.
Gear Review: EMS Velocity 1 Tent
A bargain solo tent.
Plantar Warts
How can I treat this condition on the trail?
Editors' Choice 2011: Video Gear Reviews
This year's Editors' Choice testing trip took place in Utah's Capitol Reef National Park -- a perfect testing ground for our favorite gear of the year.
Gear Review: Marmot Variant Jacket
Ever wish to stitch additional insulation onto the front of your favorite mid-layer? Your wish is granted.
Eat More Salt?
My understanding is that the maximum amount of sodium you should have in your diet is about 2,400 mg. Is there a minimum amount you should have? I perspire excessively and get headaches without salt replenishment.
Tent TLC: Tips on Cleaning, Buying, and Mending Your Tent
Keep your favorite shelter in tip-top shape with this advice.
Sleeping Bags TLC: Tips on Cleaning, Fitting, and Mending Your Sleeping Bag
Your sleeping bag is critical to backcountry enjoyment - keep it happy.
Backpack TLC: Tips on Cleaning, Fitting, and Mending Your Pack
Proper fit and care will keep your backpack comfortable and functioning.
Charley Horse Treatments
Is there a medicine that will treat leg cramps?
Boot TLC: Tips on Cleaning, Buying, and Mending Your Hiking Boots
Your boots will last longer, fit better, and hike farther if you give them a little TLC.
Gear Guide 2011: Extra Online Chart Reviews
Read all the full-text reviews of the gear we didn't have room to dish about in the 2011 Gear Guide charts.
Gear Guide 2011: Online Boot Reviews
Online gear reviews of boots featured in the 2011 Gear Guide charts.
Untitled Document
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Review: MontBell Thermawrap BC Jacket
A light, warm, synthetic layering piece ideal for damp conditions and active pursuits.
Boot Buying Guide
More than any other category of gear, boots can make or break your trip. In this guide, gear editor Kristin Hostetter shows you how to pick the right pair for any outing, any feet.
Online Tent Reviews | 2011 Gear Guide
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Greening Gear: Q & A with Eco-Friendly Outdoor Gear Leaders
Imagine eco-friendly equipment that offers superior performance to today's gear. The future is bright, but how do we get there? A BACKPACKER roundtable discussion.
Sleeping Bag Buying Guide
In this guide, gear editor Kristin Hostetter shows you how to pick the right sleeping bag for any outing.
How-To Slideshow: Pitch a Tent on Snow
Learn how to pitch your tent when the snow falls with this how-to guide.
Frozen Fingers
I have very poor circulation in my fingers and toes. What is the best way to keep them warm consistenty without overheating?
Couples Camping 101: Little Extras
Freshen up for backcountry lovin' with these little extras.
Couples Camping 101: Set the Mood
Marvin Gaye loves camping.
Cleaning a Hydration Bladder
What is the best way to clean your hydration pack and tube?
Backflushing a Gravity Filter
What do you do with the water that is "backwashed" into the "dirty" bag? Discard the water or re-filter?
Static and Baselayers
My baselayers say not to wash with fabric softener. Are dryer sheets out too? No dryer sheet = major static.
Rechargeable Batteries and Headlamps
Can rechargeable batteries be used in LED and non-LED headlamps and flashlights?
Real GPS Unit vs. Smartphone GPS Apps
How do the GPS apps for smartphones compare to a regular GPS?
Couples Camping 101: Victoria's Secret Goes Backcountry
Skivvies for your bivy.
Couples Camping 101: Build a Cozy Lovenest
Comfort for a cozy backcountry couple
Couples Camping 101: Gear and Skills
Gear and skills to keep you and your outdoor-loving honey happy in the backcountry.
Gear Review: MontBell Tachyon Anorak Jacket
An extremely light and extremely packable windshell.
Gear Review: REI Arete ASL 2 Tent
A four-season tent that truly can be used year-round.
Gear Review: Granite Gear Blaze AC 60 Pack
We liked this pack so much, we upgraded it to an Editors' Choice award winner.
Gear Review: GoLite Demaree Canyon Jacket
A packable puffy with a sleek, athletic fit.
Gear Review: Teva Forge Pro Trail Runners
Comfortable low-cut trail runners that offer support and performance.
Puff Daddy
Is it true your body swells at high elevations?
Gear Review: Vargo Titanium Pot Gripper
Grab any pot with this lightweight and sturdy pot gripper.
Gear Review: Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink
Wash dishes and haul water easily in the watertight nylon container.
Gear Review: REI Campware Silicone Spatula
Make pancakes in camp with this silicone spatula.
Gear Review: Pot Pal
An oven mitt, a dish towel, a food warmer - this cotton bag does it all.
Gear Review: MSR Universal Canister Stand
An easily packable pot stand that will end tipping.
Gear Review: To-Go Ware RePEat Bamboo Utensil Set
A bamboo utensil set that won't wreck nonstick coating.
Gear Review: Airblaster Classic Ninja Suit
Behold, the only baselayer/Ninja suit you'll ever need.
Gear Review: CamelBak Groove
A water bottle that makes chemically treated water taste better.
Gear Review: Katadyn MyBottle
Water bottle and filter in one.
Gear Review: Steripen Adventurer Opti
An easy-to-use tool that zaps water drinkable withe the use of ultraviolet rays.
Gear Review: Platypus GravityWorks
A fast, effective way to filter water for a big group.
Gear Review: MSR HyperFlow Filter
A lightweight filter that filters at a rate of three liters per minute.
Gear Review: Vargo Ti-Boiler Mug and Pan
A titanium mug and pot/lid set that is super durable and lightweight.
Gear Review: MSR Alpine 4 Pot Set
A stainless steel three-pot set that is bombproof.
Gear Guide 2011: Online Backpack Reviews
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Food in the Tent
How can I keep glucose near me at night without attracting bears?
Slideshow: How to Pitch a Tent Anywhere
Think beyond the stake. Use these techniques to pitch a tent anywhere.
Is Desert Water Safe?
How should you purify water in the desert, since it is often high in heavy metals?
Sierra Designs Lightning XT 4
Score an ultralight tent for two—for less.
Gear Review: High-Powered Flashlights
We tested four unique high-powered lights using lithium batteries for lightweight super power.
Icicles in My Drink?
Is it safe to put icicles in my drink?
Slideshow: Adjusting Trekking Pole Straps For Max Effect
Little did you know, but there's a right way and wrong way to strap on those trekking poles. Use this tutorial for maximum comfort and utility.
Lowlander's Dilemma
I have a friend going to an altitude much higher than where he lives. Is there any way to train to be better prepared?
Escape the Chafe
I heard that the salt in sweat crystalizes and that's what causes chafing on your inner thighs. Have you heard this
Gear Review: Primus AluTech 1.4 Liter Pot
A triangular shaped pot that's easy to pour and balance on three-legged stoves.
Wanted: Cartilage
How to decrease knee pain and stay on the trail
Readers' Choice Issue: Reader-Rated Gear
Our official test team logged more than 2,337 miles and 263 nights in the backcountry to find the best gear for every type of hiker.
Reader Rated: The Ultralighter
Cut weight, not comfort, in three core categories.
Gear Review: Energizer's Solar Folding Lantern & Hard Case Professional Area Light
Two Energizer products that light up camp (and your social habits) in unique ways.
Bad Kitty!
Will bear spray work on a mountian lion?
Gear Review: Optimus Terra HE Cook Set
A versatile three-pot combo for the gourmet backcountry chef.
Gear Review: GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist Cookset
A two-person cookset that comes with a stuffsack for washing dishes.