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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.
AMPware Crank Case
Power-generating phone case
Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus
Slim solar charger
Biolite BaseLantern XL
Feature-rich lantern
Kokatat Poseidon
Customizable PFD
Seal Line Bulkhead Compression Drybag
Best storage
Bending Branches Expedition Plus
Canoe paddle
AIRE BAKraft Hybrid
Self-bailing packraft
Old Town Predator PDL
Leg-powered paddlecraft
Red Paddle Co Explorer
Packable SUP
Dagger Stratos 14.5L
Touring kayak
Hydration through Hell: How the CamelBak changed the way we drink
Thanks to a 100-degree bike ride and some innovation push from desert-stationed soldiers, the CamelBak permanently changed the course of hydration history.
The 12 Best New Hiking Shells of 2017
Hardshell, softshell and everything in between: These jackets will protect you from any kind of weather.
Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds
Best for Mountaineering
Patagonia Storm Racer
Lightest
Marmot Valor (m's Adonis)
Most breathable
Montane Minimus Stretch
Best weight-to-features
Dynafit Elevation Gore-Tex Jacket
Year-round performer
Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip
Eco-friendly windshell
Marmot Lightstream
Best Summer Softshell
Montbell Stretch Rain Pants
Best Leg Protection
adidas Voyager Jacket
Best Buy
Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid Hooded Jacket
Most Versatile
Mountain Hardwear Thundershadow
Best Value
Columbia OutDry Extreme ECO Jacket
One of our favorite waterproof, breathable fabrics gets an eco-friendly upgrade.
The 11 Best New Tents of 2017
Whatever type of shelter you're looking for, these backpacking tents have you covered.
Sierra Designs High Route 1FL
Solo Palace
Mountainsmith Bear Creek 2
Budget Saver
NEMO Spike 2P
Floorless Ultralight
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Platinum
Roomy Ultralight
Kelty Horizon 2
Best Value
REI Co-op Quarter Dome 2
Light and Livable
MSR Access 2
Shoulder-Season Shelter
Cotopaxi Inti 2
Shape Shifter
Marmot Tungsten UL 3P
Light and Strong
Cotopaxi Techo 3
Most Organized
Therm-a-Rest Tranquility 6
Car-Camping Luxury
Slingfin WindSaber
Strongest
The 13 Best New Sleeping Bags & Pads of 2017
The best sleeping bags and pads to keep you well rested for the trail.
REI Co-op Flash Insulated
Lightest
Sea to Summit Comfort Light SI Pad
Best Self-Inflater
Therm-A-Rest Trail King SV
Extra Cushion
Kammok Thylacine
Most Versatile
Sierra Designs Zissou Plus 4 Season
Best Value
Cotopaxi Sueño
Most versatile
NEMO Equipment Disco 15
Most Comfortable
Marmot Phase 20
Lightest Three-Season
The North Face Hypercat
Best Synthetic
REI Magma 850
If you've been waiting to get a premium down bag because of price, stop waiting.
Mountain Equipment Firefly
Lightest Mummy
Enlightened Equipment Revelation
Best Quilt
Big Agnes Pin Ears 20
Lightweight Bargain
The 13 Best Backpacks of 2017
Find just the right blend of comfort, organization and durability with the best backpacks of the year.
Exped Skyline 15
Most Versatile
Mountain Hardwear Ozonic 70
Weather Champ
Osprey Aether AG 85 (w’s Ariel AG 75)
Best for Big Loads
Mystery Ranch Stein 62
Most Organized
Granite Gear Crown 2 60L
Lightest
The North Face Alpine 50
Light and Tough
Gregory Paragon 58 (w’s Maven 55)
Best All-Around
REI Co-op Flash 45
Best Women's Fit
Fjällräven Abisko Friluft 45
Most Eco-Friendly
Columbia Trail Pursuit 40L
Do-It-All Workhorse
Patagonia Lightweight Black Hole 26L
Most Versatile
Black Diamond Blitz 20
Most Stable
Arc’teryx Bora AR
Banish sore hips and pack sway with a new hipbelt that moves with you in all directions.
The 14 Best New Hiking Boots and Shoes of 2017
The best boots and shoes of the year can rip their way up steep trail runs, traverse long trails, and tackle the roughest mountain routes. Pick your favorite and get out there.
Columbia Daska Pass III OutDry Extreme
Most waterproof
Lowa Irox GTX (w’s Lyxa GTX)
All-Mountain Boot
SCARPA Zodiac Plus GTX
Most Supportive
La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX
Best Traction
The North Face Ultra Gore-Tex Surround Mid
One-boot Quiver
AKU Alterra GTX
Best Fit
Vasque Breeze III GTX
Best All-Around
Altra Lone Peak 3.0 NeoShell Mid
Ultralight
SCARPA Epic Lite
Most versatile
Salomon Odyssey Pro
Most comfortable
Oboz Crest Low BDry
Most durable
Brooks Caldera
Best ride