Gear Reviews

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.

This pack moves with you.

You won't find a better pack at a cheaper price than Vaude's Astra 55+10.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends

Bring along your winter toys— L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.

This all-purpose weekend pack is comfortable and light.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.

A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends

This stable pack has tons of padding and support.

This pack has total load transfer, comfort, and a conveniently laid-out packbag.

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

Light, comfortable, and endlessly packable–this pack really does it all. This all-purpose weekend pack is comfortable and light.

Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.

Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.

Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.

Ski mountaineers will love both climbing and cruising in this pack from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

This pack moves with you.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Vaude created a simple, no-frills pack high on stability with the Versametric Ultralight 60+10.

Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.

Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.

Bring along your winter toys&mdash; L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

The latest word from our testers. This month, we test the Marmot Cauldro jacket, Gregory Z65 pack, Exped Andromeda, tents, Danner Formation boots, and more.

Learn how you can shop for ethical, eco-friendly wool to lighten your planetary load.

From ultra-warm to ultralight, here are the year's best-performing bags in every category.

Our reviewer found the Leki Carbonlite poles "tough, compact, and eerily light...."

This hearty camera bag has plenty of room, and padding, to haul picture-taking paraphernalia plus hiking gear.

4 sole-saving tips from a veteran boot doctor

This ultralight mainstay transforms from an A-frame sleeping shelter to a lean-to kitchen in seconds. Tip: Practice on a paper model if you're new to sewing.

Mountain weather in September is typically dry and warm&ndash;the perfect time to lighten your load with a versatile tarp.

For all-purpose performance year-round, this layering system works overtime through any weather.

Don't let a crappy forecast keep you home for the weekend. Just pack this deluge-tested system.

From the Grand Canyon to sunshine-pounded Colorado peaks, stay cool and comfortable with this ultralight system.

Our testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes.

Wild weather coming? We've devised a perfect system for every condition.

We go above and beyond the regular gear testing rigamarole. We'll simulate a thunderstorm, go for full submersion, and then, a cold&ndash;weather test...in a beer fridge.

We couldn't fit all of our reviews in one spot. Here, read the outtakes.

You won't roll off of this foam, self-inflating pad.

From head to, well, ankle, our testers give Outdoor Research and L.L. Bean a whirl.

Contain your body heat with with these skin-hugging baselayers: the 180s Quantum Dry Base Layer crew and pant, Icebreaker 180 GT Chase 1/4 Zip, Patagonia Wool 2 long sleeve crew and bottoms, and White Sierra Bamboo Crew.

Stay warm with the Arc'teryx Kappa SV Hoody, Marmot Torrid, REI Ladro Hoodie, and Solstice Cool Ruler.

Check out the Cloudveil Hobak, EMS Aurora Shell Pant, L.L. Bean Ascent GTX, Mountain Hardwear Dragon, and Sierra Designs Cyclone Eco

4 backcountry brew gadgets even the snobbiest baristas will love.

The latest word from our testers