GoLite ReGreen Windshell
It used to be a bunch of plastic bottles. Now, it's one of the most eco-friendly windshells on the market.
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.
Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum
This ultralight tent cuts weight, not features.
Gerber Devour Multi-Fork
This multitasking utensil won't just keep you fed: It works as a can opener, flathead screwdriver, and more too.
The 8 Best Water Filters for Backpackers
Ultralight, ultrafast, and ultraeffective—the best new water treatment devices do the job better than ever.
NEMO Airpin Ultralight Stake
Do you really need a better stake? When it's this featherweight beauty, you do.
How This Outdoor App Is Using Data to Improve Sustainability
With easy, innovative technology, Fishbrain is enabling anglers and researchers to work together to ensure sustainability of fisheries.
The Best Gear for Hiking With Dogs
You have good gear. Why shouldn’t your best friend?
Gear of the Week: Farm to Feet Denali Sock
A sock to fend off the worst winter has to offer.
The BACKPACKER Backcountry Skiing Kit
Get in a perfect day tour with this 11-piece editor-tested setup
The 2019 BACKPACKER Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
Chocolate and champagne are fine, but this year, give your Valentine something that will keep them happy on the trail.
Sneak Peek: Sweet Protection Interstellar Goggle
Your coat is Gore-Tex. Soon, your goggles could be too.
Columbia Powderhouse Titanium Omni-Heat 3D OutDry Boot
Extreme conditions call for extreme boots.
Sneak Peak: Holden Outerwear Schoeller Corkshell and WholeGarment Line
An outerwear line that uses cork and a waste-free computerized knitting system are among the innovations the company hopes to show off this year.
Sneak Peak: Marmot West Rib Parka
We thought we had seen every possible way to package down. This coat proved us wrong.
Gordini Polar II Glove
The full coverage, warmth and breathability means this glove can go from the trail to the slopes.
Reviewed: 8 Snowshoes for Kids
We put eight pint-size snowshoes on our testers. Here's how they measured up.
POC Obex Spin Helmet
Efficient padding protects noggins from frontcountry snowmobiling to backcountry splitboarding.
8 Gear Deals to Grab from REI's January Clearance Sale
Get boots, jackets, and more on the cheap—but hurry.
Gear of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Super/DS Stretchdown Hooded Jacket
Abrasion-resistance, moisture management and natural stretch carries this puffy to a top level.
Icebreaker Persist Plus
Versatile pant
REI Co-op Arete ASL 2
Sturdy Shelter
Outdoor Research Skyward II
Editors’ Choice update
The Best Gear for Cross-Country Skiing
Glide through the backcountry with these time-tested picks.
Gear of the Week: KÜHL Jetstream
This weight-saving shell will keep you dry in any weather.
Gear of the Week: Bight Gear NeoShell Nuker Pant
Waterproof pants so breathable, you'll never want to take them off.
Gear 360 and Affiliate Policy
Check out BACKPACKERMagazine's author page.
The 14 Best Holiday Gifts for Outdoor Kids
Skip the video games and give them something they can use on the trail, or just in the park.
5 Ways a Smartwatch Can Make Backcountry Trips Easier
Spend more time taking in the sights and less time fumbling with your phone.
Getting the Most Out of Your Walkie Talkies
Two-way radios make it easier to communicate on the trail. Use these tips to maximize your walkie talkie use.
15 Last-Minute Gifts for Hikers From REI's Holiday Clearance Sale
Put off doing your shopping? Lucky you: Right now, some of our favorite products of the year are on sale at REI.
Deal of the Day: Mountain Standard Lightweight Pullover Hoodie
Get this closet staple for 56% off, but hurry.
A Taste Of Home In The Backcountry
Morning routines are sacred, and being miles from a proper kitchen shouldn’t change that.
The Best Gifts for Outdoor Enthusiasts of 2018
Feeling stuck this season? Get inspired to give with these gear picks.
8 Perfect Last-Minute Gifts from REI's 5 Day Sale
Join us in procrastination nation. With these great gifts, no one needs to know.
10 Gifts for the Thru-Hiker in Your Life
Long-distance hikers are selective about their gear. Here are some of the things they’ll want to add to their pack, even if they don’t know it yet.
10 Perfect Gear Upgrades for This Holiday Season
Know someone who needs a new rainshell, down jacket, or tent? We picked out ten of our favorite pieces to add to your collection.
NEMO Equipment Tensor Sleeping Pad
This 3-inch-thick pad weighs only 13 ounces and packs nearly as small as a soda can.
A GPS Smartwatch is the Adventure Enhancement You Need
With a Garmin fēnix 5X Plus, you'll feel like you can do anything.
The Best Adventure Travel Gear of 2019
These products will hold up to whatever the world has in store.
The North Face Motion Pants
Versatile men's pants
Helly Hansen Vanir Hybrid Pant
Versatile women's pants
Point6 37.5 Compression Socks
Foot savers
Columbia Spinner Vent Moc
Camp shoe
myCharge Portable Power Outlet
Juice box
Fjällräven Greenland Wind Jacket
Versatile shell
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil 18L Nano Daypack
Editors' Choice update
Big Agnes Stagecoach 125L
Tough duffel
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Convenient carry-on
The 8 Best Gear Deals from Backcountry's Cyber Monday Sale
Jackets, packs, puffies: Let us be your guide.
Our 12 Favorite Deals at REI's Cyber Week Sale
From one of our favorite tents of all time to a headlamp guaranteed to brighten up your dark nights, we pick a dozen steals to jump on this week.
The Best Gifts for Hikers With Kids
Keeping kids happy and comfortable on the trail can be as much of an adventure as the hike itself. These gifts will make the outdoors a little more child-friendly.
Gregory Baltoro 65 / Deva 60
Carry anything, anywhere.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Classic style meets modern performance.
The 5 Best Ski Boots of Winter 2018
Happy feet make for a happy skier, so get the proper boots for the job.
The 5 Best Pants of Winter 2018-19
Stay warm and dry with this season's best trousers.
The 11 Best Insulated Jackets of Winter 2018-2019
Keep warm and cozy with an insulated layer.
The 5 Best Goggles and Sunglasses of Winter 2018
Keep your eye on the prize this winter.
The 3 Best Splitboards of Winter 2018
Plus: The perfect bindings for new splitboarders
The 5 Best Backpacks of Winter 2019-2020
Bring everything you need with these five perfect packs.
Editors' Choice: The Best Gear of Winter 2018
Our top picks for fall and winter camping and adventuring.
The Best Winter Camping Gear of 2018
Get out and stay out with these tents, bags, and pads for sleeping in the cold.
Thule Roundtrip Snowsport Duffel 90L
Editors' choice for a sanity-saving duffel from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Black Diamond Whippet Ski Pole
Editors' choice for a whippet ski pole from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
DPS Phantom Permanent Base Glide Treatment
Editors' choice for infinite smoothness while skiing from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Decathlon Trek 100
Editors' choice for a bargain puffy from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Outdoor Research Crocodile
Editors' choice for toughest gaiter from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Gear Aid Seam Grip WP
Editors' choice for the backcountry cure-all from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Ortovox Swisswool Tec Stretch Zebru Jacket
Editors' choice for wooly comfort from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Sierra Designs Nitro 800 0°F
Editors' choice for best value winter sleeping bag from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Storm
Editors' choice for sun coverage from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Kahtoola Microspikes
Editors' choice for lightweight traction from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Therm-A-Rest Polar Ranger -20°F
Editors' choice for best expedition sleeping bag from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Snickers
Editors' choice for snacking from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Dynafit Hoji Pro Tour
Editors' choice for a fast-transition boot from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
G3 Zed
Editors' choice for a featherweight ski binding from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Outdoor Research Bitterblaze Gloves / Ouray Ice Gloves
Editors' choice for space-age gloves from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Merrell Thermo Rogue Tall Gore-Tex
Editors' choice for insulated agility from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Adidas Swift Parley Jacket
Eco Bargain shell from the Fall/Winter 2018 Gear Guide.
G3 Seekr 100
Most playful ski from the Fall/Winter 2018 Gear Guide.