Gear Review: Platypus Insulator Hydration System
An all-in-one lightweight hydration system for snow lovers.
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.
An all-in-one lightweight hydration system for snow lovers.
Get great gear without breaking into the college fund.
Attention e-hikers: Upgrade–and power–your gadgets with these five finds.
For weeklong trips that range above treeline, you want gear that's light, protective, and built for abuse.
Get comfort and convenience with these four well-priced picks.
Dawn-to-dusk adventure ahead? Prepare for anything with this versatile system.
In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you the proper height of trekking poles for various types of terrain.
In this guide, we show you methods for lacing your boots to prevent blisters and maximize comfort.
In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you exactly how to fit a pack for optimum comfort and stability on the trail.
Am I too old to take up hiking?
It's a stretchy winter softshell completely coated in high loft, fuzzy lining. Need we say more?
An ultralight sleeping bag with 3.5 inches of loft and an extra-wide torso area
An ultralight poncho/tent with durable 15-denier, siliconized fabric
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
Stays comfortable and stable with loads up to 70 pounds
An all-mesh canopy and 54 square feet of living space
Has 24 pockets to keep all your gadgets in place
Does going to higher altitude make it difficult for your lungs to clear moisture?
Able to recharge off of any USB port
Smooth, clear sound and a voice recorder for 40 bucks
Easy to read touch screen with a tough hard-shell
Holds a lot of power, comes with 11 adapter tips, and charges quickly
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
This puffy has high-end weatherproofing and an insulated, versatile hood
Clips to your pack for easy access to stats like temperature and altitude
Boots with solid support and stability without being too heavy or clunky
Fend off heavy precipitation and 30-mph wind in this cozy tent for two
Two person, double-wall shelter with ample room and easy setup
Light, roomy, compressible, and perfect for weekends
Great suspension and easily accommodates a 50-pound load
These four-way stretch, double-weave polyester pants are comfortable and quick drying.
A stretchy softshell jacket that is perfect for dayhikes
These trail runners have exceptional shock absorption and a Gore-Tex liner to keep feet dry
Perfect dayhike hauler that can handle gear-heavy multi-day trips
I'm in the military and for deployments and long field ops, I am unable to wash my sleeping bag. I have adopted the practice of spraying the inside of my bag with Lysol and drying it in the sun. Do you see this ruining the bag in any way?
The rubber from the sole of my boots is starting to separate from the leather. Is there something I can do to mend this or are my boots toast?
My GPS works great in the Walmart parking lot, but in a steep valley, next to a mountain, or in the woods it can't get an adequate signal. How can I solve this problem?
Does campfire smoke degrade the properties of DWR or breathable laminates?
If your winter gear closet includes skis, snowshoes, snowboards, and sleds, you need only one pair of drawers: the men's Sierra Designs Fusion Pant.
What should you do when the ground is frozen and you have to dig a cathole?
Our own gear diva met with Martha on December 20th to talk about cold-weather layering. Here's the gear Kristin suggested:
Should ibuprofen be thrown away after the expiration date, or is it really still OK to use?
A minimalist-style bivy that separates you from the nasty outside.
Sporting a pair of Oakley's Radars gives your eyes as much protection as they can get, this side of a welding helmet.
Do you need to worry about water purity when doing activities like shaving?
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
If I want to purify just 8 ounces of water instead of the recommended one liter or quart, can I just use a smaller amount of the recommended treatment dosage?
At Eddie Bauer, we've been outfitting adventures since 1920 everything from family camping trips to historic mountaineering expeditions and epic first ascents. That tradition inspires everything we do, from our casual sportswear to our guide-built First Ascent mountaineering gear. Like the revolutionary BC-200 ultra light hard shell. A 3-layer, waterproof/breathable hard shell with 20K/25K performance that's under 11 oz AND under $200.
At Eddie Bauer, we've been outfitting adventures since 1920 everything from family camping trips to historic mountaineering expeditions and epic first ascents. That tradition inspires everything we do, from our casual sportswear to our guide-built First Ascent mountaineering gear. Like the revolutionary BC-200 ultra light hard shell. A 3-layer, waterproof/breathable hard shell with 20K/25K performance that's under 11 oz AND under $200.
Sidewalk campouts will never be the same.
When shopping for a pack, there are four major things to consider: type, fit, capacity, and features. In this guide, gear editor Kristin Hostetter shows you how to pick the right one for you.
See the wild side of West Virginia's best backcountry.
Shopping for a tent is like shopping for a home: there are dozens of styles, designs, sizes, and features to consider. In this guide, gear editor Kristin Hostetter shows you how to pick the right one for any outing.
A basic sighting compass that is lightweight, durable, and unsinkable.
Will my ankle pain worsen at altitude and can I take anti-inflammatory drugs for it?
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
If you're looking to splurge on your favorite outdoorsperson, here are the gifts to do it with.
Stay connected, warm and well fed, with these staple gift ideas.
Make camp a little more comfortable with these bonus items.
Don't break the bank with these gift ideas for the adventurous types.
Just because they have fur doesn't mean they're not serious backcountry boots.
The Krill Light electronic electroluminescent (EL) light stick is a bright, long-lasting glow stick made for function not fashion.
I'm bringing my one-year-old camping. What meds and ointments should I pack?
Snag an ideal stocking stuffer with this modernized classic.
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
An ultralight, waterproof mat that is handy for wet hikes, snow, rocky areas, and picnics.
Over the years we've tested a lot of gear, and learned a lot of lessons.
Any suggestions for small, leakproof containers for carrying cooking supplies such as oil, syrup, sauces etc.?
What is the best way to repair a tear in my fleece?