Fjällräven Keb Trouser
With salvaged materials and no PFCs, these pants are easy on the Earth.
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.
Salomon Trek S/LAB
Check out Scott Yorko's author page.
Cabela's Orion 2
Best space-to-price of any budget two-person tent
Slumberjack Nightfall 2
Best pitch of any budget two-person tent
Big Agnes C-Bar 2
The lightest two-person tent for hikers on a budget
Eureka! Suma 2
The best value two-person tent for hikers on a budget
Mountainsmith Morrison EVO 2
Most liveable two-person tent for hikers on a budget
Sierra Designs Meteor 2
Best all-around two-person tent for hikers on a budget
Deal of the Week: Salewa Alp Flow Mid GTX Hiking Boot
Strut into savings with this trusty mid-cut.
Marmot PreCip
There’s nothing cheap about this shell’s performance.
The 8 Best Hiking Gadgets of Fall 2018
Stay safe and connected on the trail with these lightweight, durable electronics.
G3 Alpinist+ Glide Skins
Best skins from the Fall/Winter 2018 Gear Guide.
ROMP 106
Most customizable ski from the Fall/Winter 2018 Gear Guide.
Julbo Shield
Best glacier glasses from the Fall/Winter 2018 Gear Guide.
Strafe Outerwear Alpha Direct Insulator
Most versatile insulation layer from the Fall/Winter 2018 Gear Guide.
Blackyak Niata
Best featured insulated layer from the Fall/Winter 2018 Gear Guide.
Costa Sunglasses Slack Tide
Best all-around shades from the Fall/Winter 2018 Gear Guide.
REI's 12,000-Person Test Team
The biggest name in outdoor retail turned its employees into testers to improve its house brand—and some of its best pieces are on sale this weekend.
Quiz: The Exciting and Mysterious History Of Gaiters
Test your knowledge of this sexy piece of gear and you might just learn what a houppelande is.
The Best Deals From REI's Labor Day Sale
Upgrade your backpacking kit for chump change through September 3rd.
The Ultimate Mountaineering Kit
Steep slopes and snow make for fun—but hazardous—terrain. Bring the right gear to get to the summit and back.
Gear of the Week: GCI Backpack Event Chair
Car camp in luxury with this portable lounger.
The 4 Best Tarps for Backpackers
Lighten up with these simple tarp shelters.
YETI Panga 100
Having conquered coolers, YETI brings its bomber aesthetic to drybags.
The Best Gear for Summer Adventures
The warmer months are in their final stretch, but they're not over yet. Make the most of the dog days with these 14 products.
Danner Mountain 600 EnduroWeave
Mixing the best of a low-top with mid-cut stability, this may be the perfect light boot.
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3
Live large in this lightweight, ultracomfy three-person tent.
The 6 Best Budget Two-Person Tents on the Market
Sleep well and spend less with these two-person tents.
The Best Deals at the Backcountry Semi Annual Sale
Now's a good time to grab hiking boots, jackets, adventure luggage, and more.
Patagonia R1 Fleece Hoody
You’ll never want to take this midlayer off.
Exotac nanoSPARK
This fire starter is the full package.
Lowepro Photo Sport BP 300 AW II
This photo pack is ready for an adventure.
Kokopelli Rogue-Lite
This is one tough packraft.
2019 Gear Preview: Trail Running Shoes at Outdoor Retailer
Trail runners get dialed-in drop and extra support as customers train for their next ultrarun or thru-hike.
2019 Gear Preview: New Hiking Shoes at Outdoor Retailer
Hiking footwear gets decked out with proprietary components, race car rubber, and laceless cinching systems.
2019 Gear Preview: New Headlamps and Lights at Outdoor Retailer
For Spring 19, outdoor electronics put more power into smaller spaces to streamline tech-packed adventure.
2019 Gear Preview: New Sleeping Bags at Outdoor Retailer
You won't see these bags on store shelves just yet.
Deal of the Week: Merrell Trail Glove 4 Knit
Skip Prime Day and pick up this fleet-footed trail runner instead.
The Best Backpacking Food of 2018
Don't just fuel up: indulge with these excellent backcountry-ready meals, snacks, and drinks.
The Best Layers for Summer Hiking Adventures
The year's best new layers all point to one truth: No matter where you go, comfort is always in style.
Trailtopia Peach Blueberry Crisp
So good, you'd never guess it came from a bag.
Mishmi Takin Kameng
This breathable boot is a swamp foot slayer.
Deal of the Week: Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero
Hang on to your hat—this is a great deal.
First Look: Garmin inReach Mini
Our favorite satellite messenger gets even smaller.
Gear of the Week: Danner Crag Rat USA
A tank of a boot that will keep you cruising along in comfort.
Hall of Fame Gear: REI Half Dome 2 Plus
When it comes to roomy, durable, affordable shelters, this tent is king.
23 Great Father's Day Gifts for Outdoor Dads
Yes, there are socks on here, and so much more. Surprise the outdoorsman in your life with something special this Father's Day.
The Best Gear for Desert Hiking
Heading into the hot zone this summer? Use these gear picks to stay comfy, safe, and cool.
Peter Whittaker’s 100,000-foot Promise
American mountaineering royalty flips the apparel industry on its head with the launch of Bight Gear, a line of clothing for mountaineers, by mountaineers.
Gear of the Week: Mishmi Takin Jampui
This light, waterproof boot is built to handle the heat.
The Best Trekking Poles for Backpackers
Improve your balance and save your knees with the best trekking poles on the market.
Review: Sufferfest FKT Pale Ale
With its added electrolytes, FKT could be your new post-workout brew.
Deal of the Week: MSR PocketRocket 2
Snag a this tried-and-true stove for a steal this week.
The Best Ultralight Packs of 2018
Cut weight, not comfort, with the year's best new lightweight packs.
The 12 Best Tents of 2018
Big or small, your tent is your home in the backcountry. Get the perfect one with these picks from the experts at BACKPACKER.
The Best Gear for Canyoneering
If you’ve experienced one slot, odds are good you’ll be back for more. Use these picks from Steve Howe, owner of Redrock Adventure Guides in Torrey, Utah, to stay safe and mobile in the Southwest’s iconic canyons.
10 Perfect Gifts for Mothers Who Love the Outdoors
Up your Mothers' Day game this year with one of these ten perfect presents.
Deal of the Week: Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
Brighten your day with a deal on this trusty light.
The Best Camping Hammocks for Backpackers
Rest easy and swing free in the best camping hammocks
The Best 2-Person Tents for Backpackers
The best small tents can be as decadent or as minimalist as the hikers carrying them.
The Best 4-Person Tents for Backpackers
The more, the merrier. Bring the gang along with one of these king-size shelters.
The Best Solar Chargers for Backpacking
Here are the best solar chargers for your next trip.
The Best Cameras for Hiking
Capture that special moment on the trail with the best cameras on the market.
Chaco Z/1 Classic
Expect more from your sandals.
Gear of the Week: Outdoor Research Optimizer
Fend off moisture both inside and out with this uber-breathable shell.
The Best 3-Person Tents for Backpackers
Make room for your friends and their gear with these perfect 3-person tents.
The Best Trail Running Shoes for Backpackers
Eat up trail miles with these fleet-footed kicks.
The Best Hiking Boots for Backpackers
Need a little extra support on the trail? These mid-cut boots are here to help.
The Best Base Layers for Backpackers
Your warmth strategy starts with your next-to-skin layer. Pick the right one.
The Best Softshell Jackets for Backpackers
With a perfect mix of breathability and protection, these shells are reliable trail buddies.
The Best Backpacking Water Filters
Nothing ruins a trip quicker than giardia. Stay healthy with these versatile filters.
The 5 Best Hydration Systems of 2018
A heavy-duty insulated bottle, a versatile filter, and more round out our picks for the best backpacking hydration gear of the year.
The Best Hydration Packs for Backpackers
Keep your H20 handy with these handy water carriers.
The Best Outdoor Watches for Backpackers
They'll help you navigate, measure your hikes, and sometimes even hold your texts for you.
The Best Hiking Socks for Backpackers
Treat your feet right with a high-quality pair of socks from this list.
The Best Hiking Pants for Any Conditions
Fend off thorns, cold, and more with the best hiking pants on the market.
The Best Camping Stoves for Backpackers
Whether you need something light and fast or are settling in for a few days at a basecamp, there is an efficient and proficient stove here for you.
The Best Rain Jackets for Backpackers
Prices may vary in these five rain jackets, but all of them are guaranteed to keep you dry depending on the conditions.
Mystery Ranch Saddle Peak
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
The 4 Best Camp Kitchen Items of 2018
Upgrade your camp cooking experience with this kit.