Boot Review: Dunham Waffle Stomper Terrastryder-Mid
The Terrastryder-Mid triumphs in the "Best Fit" category for the hard-to-fit group -- just beware of its sogginess factor.
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.
Boot Review: AKU Croda GTX
If you wake up wanting to walk 1,000 miles, go out and purchase a pair of these first.
Boot Review: AKU Stone XCR
This scrambler provides everything you need to go anywhere you want: support, grip, comfort, and waterproofing.
Boot Review: Adidas Yukora Mid ATS
Mesh-covered vents take these strong midcuts into the future of fastpacking shoes.
Jacket Review: Ground Repel eVent
Stay sweat-free in all conditions with this lightweight shell
Light Vs. Luxe: Pocket Knives Review
Two experts debate whether a (very) sophisticated Swiss Army is worth the weight.
Winter Gear Lightens Up: Tent and Clothing Review
Carry less, enjoy the cold months more with the latest four-season tents, gloves, hats, and gaiters.
Tent Review: Hilleberg Jannu
Testers give the Jannu two thumbs up, despite wanting more space
Knife Tips: Get An Edge
A knife expert's guide to blade selection and safety.
Sleeping Bag Review: The North Face Momentum 900
Way warm for the weight
Refurbishing Your Tent's Coatings
Give that old tent a new waterproof coating without shelling out big bucks.
Sleeping Bag Review: Lafuma Warm n' Lite One Kilo
You'll find this bag to be the most comfortable for mild weather.
Sleeping Bag Review: The North Face Squall 3D
Great fit, but lacking loft
Sleeping Bag Review: GoLite Feather
Easy to pack and easy to vent
Sleeping Bag Review: Montbell Ultralight Super Stretch Alpine Downhugger #2
Don't tell us money can't buy happiness.
Sleeping Bag Review: Moonstone 3D Minima
Call this sack a rebel--a synthetic bag that weighs less and stuffs small.
Q&A: How to Stay Dry
We went to outdoor educators and gear retailers to uncover the most common questions asked about staying dry in the backcountry. Here are the top 6.
Tips and Tricks for Staying Dry (Skills)
How to keep your gear--and yourself--dry on your next backpacking adventure.
Time To Treat: When to Repair Gear
How do you know that your gear is crying out for help? Consult our handy list of signs and solutions.
Waterproof Your Wilderness Gear
A complete guide to buying gear that will keep you dry--no matter what
Save Your Feet: How to Prevent Foot Problems
You think thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is a long walk?
Jacket Review: Sierra Designs Hurricane LT
This super-compact and affordable shell is perfect for the Southwest
Accessory Review: Sea to Summit Trekking Umbrella
You won't miss a thing with this piece of raingear.
Jacket Review: EMS Thunderhead
You don't have to be a direct Mayflower descendant to appreciate a little Yankee thrift with this rain shell
Apparel Review: Arc'Teryx Switchback Pants
Look chic when you head for the alpine life.
Jacket Review: GoLite Phantom
Racing a storm to a peak is no time to whip out an inferior rain shell.
Boot Review: Dunham Trail Mix
Even big guys with wide feet will feel agile with these supportive shoes.
Boot Review: Vasque Velocity
Pillows underfoot might be softer, but they won't last like these cushy shoes.
Boot Review: Montrail Masai
Let others wilt in the heat; your feet are air-cooled by these ventilated runners.
Backpack Review: Exped Adventure Dry Pack
Stop lugging extra water weight. This pack comes with downspouts.
Salomon XA Pro 2
One of the lightest shoes in the test scores big with trail runners.
Boot Review: 6 Fast-Track Shoes
Ready, set, go. You'll literally run down the trail with these featherweight kicks.
Boot Review: Scarpa Alpha
No toes will be lost in these mountaineering boots.
Boot Review: Merrell Torque
Not a speed demon? These traditionalists are great for light hiking.
Boot Review: Tecnica Tricon
Ventilation and traction are a nice combo, but stability doesn't match the best.
Common Sock Materials
Get the lowdown on what your socks are made of.
Gear TLC: Make Your Socks Last
Get more mileage from your stockings, on the trail and in the wash
Jacket Review: MontBell Thermawrap
This is one of the lightest three-season sleep systems we've seen
Boot Review: Montrail Java GTX
These shoes can handle any terrain.
Sleeping Bag Review: EMS Mt. Light 20
This bargain bag could turn car campers into ultralight zealots.
Offshore GPS: How to Navigate in the Water
New tools for water navigation: Strap one to your thwart, and you'll never paddle in circles again.
A Cure For Latitude And Longitude: Using UTM Coordinates
Learn this mapping technique for better off-trail travel.
GPS Fast Fixes
Don't let your GPS unit stump you. Try one of these suggestions to get your unit trail ready.
GPS Basics
What's GPS, how does it work and will it help you? Find answers to these questions and more!
Boot Review: Tecnica Vortex Mid TCY
Light and supportive all in the same package
Boot Review: Scarpa Light Ascent
These aren't Elvis' blue suede shoes.
Boot Review: Salomon Expert Low
Not the best for long days and heavy loads, but great for fastpacking.
Boot Review: Garmont Nagevi XCR
You won't find a better all-purpose lightweight boot.
Boot Review: Merrell Torque
If a short trip is your plan, grab these boots and go.
Boot Review: L.L. Bean GTX Leather Cresta Hikers
They're not fancy, but they do the job.
Boot Review: Five Ten Via Ferrata
Snow-covered trails are no match for this shoe
Boot Review: Kayland Contact 1700
A boot that actually improves your agility
Boot Review: Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimble
Boots ideal for summer fast-packing
Boot Review: Garmont Dakota Plus
Want a midweight that can tread in heavyweight terrain?
Boot Review: Lowa Biomex Vertex
New technologies make this pair of boots a standout.
Boot Review: Asolo Fugitive
A top all-purpose midweight boot
Boot Review: Dunham Waffle Stomper Premier
A long lasting, hard working boot
Boot Review: Salomon Pro Trek 6 GTX
A well valued boot, great of every level of hiking.
Boot Review: Cabela's Perfekt Hiker
The cork-bed of your sandals in a boot.
Boot Review: Boreal Tundra
Boreal gives us a boot that provides stability and waterproofing.
Boot Review: Asolo FSN 95
Given an Editors' Choice Award in 2001, this boot continues to be a great value.
Boot Review: Montrail D7
Whether you're on rocks or a grassy trail, you're sure to love these boots.
Boot Review: Crispi All-Over Running
While these shoes aren't for running they are great on the trail or on the town.
Boot Review: Teva Haze
Hike on the trail then run on the road with these versatile shoes.
Boot Review: La Sportiva Monarch Crest
Become geckolike the minute you slide into these shoes.
Sleeping Bag Review: Kelty Light Year 25
The comfortably roomy cut pleased all testers.
Sleeping Bag Review: REI Sub Kilo +20
This compact bag might leave you dodging cold spots during cold nights.
How Pete Stays Dry (Beginner Skills) (Destinations Stories) (Skills) (Survival) (Weather)
3 waterproof secrets from veteran mountaineer Pete Takeda
Stone Cold Campers
They kill swiftly and silently. They flit like ghosts through enemy forests. And they will brew you a fine cup of cowboy coffee. Meet America's deadliest hikers as we hump ruck with the Special Forces.
Get A Spine
No frame, no pain--if you try these simple backpack solutions.
Repack Your Bag
Sometimes gaining balance is as simple as adjusting the load in your pack.
Getting Navy SEAL Gear
How to acquire your very own Navy SEAL Protective Combat Uniform.
Oregon, Silver Falls State Park (Adventure Travel) (Destinations Stories) (Oregon) (Weather)
The beauty of this hike comes alive with the rain.
Jiffypop Pan
This classic snack offers more then just a tasty treat for backpackers.
Maryland, Blackwater River
Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.
Utah, Glen Canyon
Receding water levels mean more miles of choice desert hiking and kayaking.
Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Paddle blue inlets too new for any topo.
Stinky Bag No More
Make your sleeping bag smell laundry fresh.
South Is Thata Way
Determine direction without your compass.
One Good Thing About Golfing
Who would have thought a piece of golf equipment could be really useful to backpackers?