On Cloudventure Waterproof
Best for wet trails
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.
Dynafit Feline Vertical
Best traction
The BACKPACKER Gear Hall of Fame
There's a reason we keep coming back to these 20 products season after season.
Asolo Drifter GV
Savor protection where you need it most.
GSI Outdoors Titanium Kung Foon
No noodle is left behind.
MSR Reactor
Ready, set, boil!
Outdoor Research Crocodiles
These gaiters check all the boxes.
SteriPEN Ultra
Purify water fast.
Petzl Tikka
You won’t find a more reliable headlamp.
Kahtoola Microspikes
Slip no more.
Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack
Nobody likes a wet blanket.
Garcia Backpackers’ Cache
Bears get hiker hunger, too.
Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
Treating water doesn’t get much simpler than this.
Kinco 1927KW Lined Pigskin
Utility meets necessity.
Crocs Classic Clog
There’s still no more practical camp shoe.
Gregory Baltoro 65/Deva 60
No load is too heavy for this comfy suspension system.
Mammut Trion Light 38+
Pack as much or as little gear as you need for alpine ascents.
Kelty Gunnison 2.3
Stretch your dollars—and your legs.
Mountain Hardwear Trango 3
Feel secure in this three-person tent when the biggest storms roll in.
Western Mountaineering Lynx GWS
A warm bag is good, but a dry one is better.
The North Face Cat’s Meow
Few synthetic bags will last this long.
prAna Halle Pants (m’s Stretch Zion)
Set your legs free.
Patagonia R1 Hoody
You may never take this midlayer off.
Editors' Choice Gold Award 2017: Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack
When you want an extra pack but don’t want to carry an extra pack, take this featherlight bag.
Editors' Choice Gold Award 2017: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 4
The most livable group tent out there gets better.
Editors' Choice Green Award 2017: Columbia OutDry Extreme ECO Jacket
One of our favorite waterproof/breathable fabrics gets an eco-friendly upgrade.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Voormi River Run Hoodie
This superlight merino/synthetic top works in all temps.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Katadyn BeFree
This no-fuss filter fixes every problem with squeeze hydration.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Arc’teryx Bora AR
Banish sore hips and pack sway with a new hipbelt that moves with you in all directions.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Good To-Go Oatmeal
The backpacker breakfast staple gets a long-overdue upgrade.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Mountainsmith Slingback Chair
Save weight and money with this minimalist recliner.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Helinox Chair Zero
Stay high and dry with a chair that’s so light you’ll never want to leave it behind.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Rab Kinetic Plus
Full storm protection was never this stretchy.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: REI Co-op Magma 850
If you’ve been waiting to get a premium down bag because of price, stop waiting.
Editors' Choice 2017: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
After thousands of hours of testing and a five-day trek through Colombia, these 11 products have earned a place in our pack.
The Best Comfort Thru-Hiking Gear
Luxe gear for hikers willing to carry a little more.
The Best Budget Thru-Hiking Gear
Thrifty options that get the job done.
The Best Ultralight Thru-Hiking Gear
Featherweight picks for gram-counters.
ULA Rain Kilt
Check out Laurel "Lollygag" Reisman's author page.
Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka
Check out Roger "Greg from Wild" Carpenter's author page.
Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite
Check out Clint "Lint" Bunting's author page.
Uniqlo Ultralight Down Jacket
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Black Diamond Trail Back
Check out Chris "Wolverine" Hillier's author page.
ZPacks Hexamid Solo
It's everything you need on a light-and-fast hike, and nothing you don't.
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2
Check out Laurel "Lollygag" Reisman's author page.
Tarptent Rainbow
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Thermarest Neoair XTherm
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Gossamer Gear Nightlight
Check out Clint "Lint" Bunting's author page.
Katabatic Alsek 22
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Western Mountaineering UltraLight
Check out Laurel "Lollygag" Reisman's author page.
Enlightened Equipment Prodigy
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Osprey Atmos AG 65
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Dirty Girl Gaiters
Check out Amanda "Zuul" Jameson's author page.
Swing Trek Liteflex Umbrella
Check out Clint "Lint" Bunting's author page.
SmartWater
Check out Laurel "Lollygag" Reisman's author page.
ZPacks Arc Blast
Check out Laurel "Lollygag" Reisman's author page.
ULA Circuit
Check out Amanda "Zuul" Jameson's author page.
Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer
Check out Amanda "Zuul" Jameson's author page.
Sponsor Content: Alton Richardson’s Casio ProTrek Adventure Video
Alton Richardson shows you how his ProTrek keeps him safe and helps to achieve his goals behind-the-scenes.
The Ten Best Canned Beers for Hikers
Upgrade your next trip with one of these tasty, trail-friendly brews.
2016 Holiday Gift Guide
No matter who you're shopping for, we've got you covered with 2016's best holiday gifts for hikers, in every price range.
The Best Winter Camping Gear of 2016
Defy the snow with these nine new winter camping essentials.
Casio WSD-F10 Smart Outdoor Watch
This smartwatch is primed for crushing some trail.
goTenna
It lets you text your friends in the backcountry.
Lander Neve Cables
These ultradurable cables pack small and withstand abuse.
Suunto Ambit3 Vertical
Finally, a full-featured GPS watch that cares about vert as much as you do.
Garmin Oregon 750t
This compact touchscreen GPS unit is beautifully simple.
The Best New Outdoor Tech of Winter 2016
Do gadgets belong in the backcountry? When they help you play harder, they do.
Nike Khyber
These goggles fit seamlessly with all helmets.
Native Upslope
They offer the best field of vision.
Dragon Alliance X1
One lens to rule them all.
Hobie Polarized Cruz-R
Get the best bang for your buck.
Revo Traverse
These shades transform into glacier goggles.
Vuarnet 02
These lenses offered the best clarity.
Seirus Solarsphere Brink
Innovative insulation kept testers’ hands toasty.
Outdoor Research Lodestar Sensor
Backcountry rippers dug this versatile glove.
Montane Endurance Pro Mitt
Call it storm armor for your paws.
Merino Wool ¾ Buff
Check out Josette Deschambeault's author page.
Dale of Norway Glittertind Hat
Check out Josette Deschambeault's author page.