Gear Review: Columbia Hail Tech Rain Jacket
A cold-weather rain jacket that's $90.
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 Review: Helly Hansen Vancouver Rain Jacket
A $100 jacket which doesn't skimp on features.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Rampart Rain Jacket
Ventilation on this jacket is top-notch.
Gear Review: MontBell Thunder Pass Rain Jacket
The most bomber shell in our test.
Gear Review: Marmot PreCip Rain Jacket
There's nothing this bargain rain shell can't do.
ShaveMate Titan/Diva 6: All-in-One Razor & Shaving Cream
Hey porcupine face, your stubble troubles are over! This handy device makes shaving in the backcountry possible.
BACKPACKER Editors' Choice 2007: MSR Reactor and Primus EtaPower
These cooking systems offer remarkable power, efficiency, and wind resistance to gourmet cooks and noodle boilers alike.
What are the pros and cons of SAM splints and QuikClot bandages?
I'm a Wilderness First Responder student with a SAR K9 team, and would like to know your experience with them.
DEET for Dogs?
What bug repellent do you recommend for my pup?
Gear Review: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent
You can fit four people for a game of cards, three people for sleeping, and it still weighs less than many two-person tents.
Gear Review: Sole Sport Flip-Flops
Find out why BACKPACKER's executive editor Dennis Lewon wears his Sole flips ...even when he shouldn't.
My Achy, Breaky Knees
Why do the sides of my knees always hurt during descents?
I'm Allergic to DEET
What other mosquito repellents work?
Gear Review: MyBfflz Flip-Flops
An insta-sandal that fights germy camground bathroom floors and is biodegradable to boot.
Gear Review: Timex Ironman Global Trainer Bodylink System
Record your elevation changes, distance, speed, and heart rate all with one (big) watch.
How can I beat the heat?
Is it possible to acclimatize to hiking in hot temperatures?
Timex Ironman Global Trainer Bodylink System
Is your heart about to explode after multiple switchbacks? Find out just how much of a real workout you had with this GPS watch.
Gear Review: Tough Boots
Heading into rough terrain? Our crew of Grand Canyon rangers and guides abused nine pairs of boots for four months. Only five survived.
Get-Back-Alive Gear: Ultralight Survival Gear
Our survival expert reviews five of his favorite ultralight lifesavers.
Gear Review: GSI Collapsible Fairshare Mug
A shape-shifting camp mug that does double-duty.
Why am I so tired?
After long hikes or backpacking trips, why do I always feel exhausted two days later?
Gear Review: Salomon Quest 4D GTX Boot
For lightweight stability these boots can't be beat.
Gear Review: LOWA Baffin Pro/Baffin Pro Lady Boot
Rocks, cacti, and clay were no match for these boots.
Gear Review: KEEN Pyrenees Boot
For less than $150 bucks you get a whole lot of boot.
Gear Review: Asolo TPS 520 GV Boot
Super tough boots that are also super comfortable.
Gear Review: MontBell Breeze Dry-Tec U.L. Sleeping Bag Cover
This bivy stuffs smaller than a soda can.
Gear Review: Mammut TR1 Headlamp/Ambient Light Set
A headlamp and mini lantern in one.
Gear Review: Craft proCOOL Tee with Mesh
A t-shirt with air conditioning.
Gear Review: Big Agnes Lynx Pass 4 Tent
A sturdy, lightweight tent built for a family.
Gear Review: Lowe Alpine Travel Trekker Pro ND 60 Backpack
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Introduction to Knot Tying: Terminology
Knot tying is an essential skills for the backcountry, and knowing the lingo is essential to learning how to tie knots. Here's a vocab lesson to get you started.
Gear School: Trekking Poles
Pick the perfect telescoping sticks. Your legs will thank us in the morning.
Gear Review: Handful Bra
Found: A flattering, supportive, non-chafing sports bra.
My Toughest Gear: MSR PocketRocket
Online gear tester Will Rochfort weighs in on his toughest piece of backpacking gear to date–and how it has impressed the ladies.
Blister Woes
Why do I get blisters on the insides of my heels?
Toddlers, Tent Camping, and Thru-Hiking the AT
We were hoping to start thru-hiking the AT when our child reaches age two and half, but is that too young?
Gear Pro: Waterproofing or Bug Spray?
Which should be applied to clothing and gear first? Waterproofing or Permethrin bug spray?
Underwear Rub
How can I stop the elastic on my underwear from chafing me under my hipbelt?
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Momentum Running Glove
Top-shelf summer weight gloves with the added bonus of a touchscreen trapdoor for your index fingers.
Get Bargains on Gear
Forget full price. Here's how to score deals on outdoor duds.
Gear Review: Flip-Flops
These four flip flops are made with the outdoor enthusiast in mind–massaging footbeds, illuminating LED lights, sturdy straps, and rock-solid arch support are just some of their sporty features.
To stitch or not to stitch?
What's the best way to close an open wound?
Hot Summer Camping Gear: As Seen on the Today Show
See what summer essentials Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter recently recommended on the Today Show.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Men's Power Stretch Tights
Toasty, stretchy tights you don't have to hide.
Gear Review: ARC'TERYX Rampart Pants
Need pants you can wear for two weeks straight and still be presentable? Slip into the Rampart from ARC'TERYX.
Gear Review: Microcrampons
When the conditions call for grip but not burly crampons, strap on one of these three microcrampon options and feel secure on ice and snow.
Recycle Sleeping Bags?
How can I recycle old polyester fiberfill sleeping bags to keep them out of the landfill?
Help! I have 9 tick bites.
What's the best way to remove a tick, and should I see a doctor?
Boots With Arch Support?
Is there any one brand of hiking boots that you recommend that has excellent arch support? Currently I use an insole in my hiking boot which helps but I still have issues.
Gear Review: The StickPic
Turn your trekking pole into a tripod with this inexpensive, lightweight accessory.
Swollen Digits
Why do my fingers swell when I hike?
Water Filter Working?
How can you tell if your water filter is still working properly?
Gear Review: Brooks Cascadia 5 Trail Runners
Good trail feel, and protection, in these trail runners.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research DryComp Ridge Pack
A 34-liter rucksack made of waterproof 70-denier nylon fabric with a roll top closure and welded seams.
Gear Review: Do-It-All Backpacks
Whether you're going overnight or tackling a weeklong adventure, these versatile load haulers are high on comfort and convenience.
Small and Sharp: Knife Reviews
Pocket-size tools for every type of camper.
Knife Blades 101
Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.
Gear Review: Spyderco Ladybug 3 Salt Spyderedge Knife
This little knife will never rust and is key chain small.
Gear Review: Leatherman Expanse E33T Knife
A minimalist multitool–one blade and two screwdrivers.
Gear Review: ESEE Izula Knife
Wear this knife and sheath as a necklace for quick grabbing.
Gear Review: CRKT Guppie Knife
This tiny toolbox fits perfectly in the hand.
Gear Review: Baladeo 34 Gram Knife
This long blade is great in the backcountry kitchen.
Gear Review: Leki Corklite AERGON SpeedLock Trekking Poles
Flick-lock poles that really work as promised.
Gear Review: Eastern Mountain Sports Mountain Light 20 Sleeping Bag
A three-season sleeping bag that's warm, efficient, and tough.
Bemco Backpacker 7" Deluxe Oven Kit
This lightweight camping oven can cook like a normal oven, above 14,000 feet!
Gear Review: First Ascent Mountain Guide Lite Pants
The fit, the fabric, and the details make these pants shine.
Gear Review: The North Face Backpack Bivy
This "Bivy" is actually a bomber two-pole solo tent.
Gear Review: The North Face El Lobo 65
This stable pack has tons of padding and support.
Gear Review: Gregory Makalu Pro 70 Backpack
A single compartment backpack that hauls big loads.
Gear Review: Millet Odyssee 60+10 Backpack
This pack moves with you.
Gear Review: Lowe Alpine Nanon 50:60 Backpack
This lightweight pack doesn't skimp on support or organizational features.
Gear Review: GoLite Quest Backpack
Light, comfortable, and endlessly packable–this pack really does it all.
Gear Review: Osprey Meridian 22" Wheeled Convertible Carry-On
The Osprey Meridian is built for active travelers who hit the trails instead of the hotel treadmill.
Can you wash a tent?
Sure you can, but it's not as simple as throwing it into the washing machine.
Gear School: Sunglasses
Protect your eyes by picking the right shades for any activity.
Beat Pack Strain
Hauling a heavy load can do a number on the neck, back, and hips. Stay pain-free with these tips.
Gear Review: Chicobag DayPack15 rePETe
A "green" daypack that fits your daily life.
Gear Review: Monatauk Gnat Stove
This 1.6 oz. canister stove has our tester neglecting his regular go-to stove.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Men's Ravine Long-Sleeve Shirt
A backcountry performance top that performs as good as it looks.