Columbia OutDry EX Diamond Snow Shell
Need burly, never-wets-out performance for punishing winter weather? This is your shell.
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.
Mountain Hardwear Exposure Parka
Powder seekers will love this durable shell.
Sponsored By REI: Patagonia Nano Puff
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Mishmi Takin Nimba
Smart features make this the bargain of the year.
Patagonia Stretch Nano Storm
The Nano-Air gets a weatherproof shell.
Big Agnes Shovelhead Hooded Jacket
A beloved puffy armors up.
RAB Alpha Direct Jacket
Here’s a new idea: nothing between you and your insulation.
Montane High Q Luxe Pro Pull-on
Smart features make this an all-day insulation piece.
Arc'teryx Proton LT Hoody
Stay cool on hard-charging trips.
Sponsored By REI: Mammut Wenaha
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Starbucks VIA Ready Brew
The perfect backcountry cuppa maximizes convenience and taste.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
This multipurpose mat makes winter better.
Black Diamond First Light Hoody
If a puffy is the sum of all its parts, there’s no better insulated jacket.
Petzl LEOPARD FL
Lightweight crampons that actually pack small? It can’t be.
G3 Ion LT 12 Bindings
These brakeless bindings shed grams.
Black Diamond Helio Fixed Length Carbon Pole
Swing weight matters, which is why we love these featherlight poles.
QALO Rings
The wedding ring gets an adventure upgrade.
Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket
Stretch your money and your arms with this new down puffy.
Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket & Bib
This softshell performs like a hardshell—or is it a hardshell that performs like a softshell?
Tecnica Zero G Guide Pro Boot
This super-stiff, aggressive boot is the lightest ever in its category.
Columbia Outdry EX Gloves
Sweaty hands are no match for these waterproof/breathable gloves.
Arc'teryx Procline Carbon Boot
It’s a one-boot quiver for alpinists.
6 Hiking Upgrades For Dogs
Pups love sleeping under the stars, too. Here are six doggie upgrades to improve Fido’s next camp-out.
Backpacker Editors' Choice Snow 2016
From skis to jackets to boots, these 12 products are the cream of the crop.
Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Neoshell Mid
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Mountain Laurel Designs 38L BURN
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GSI Outdoors Essential Travel Spoon
Spatula spoon
Under Armour Infil Hike GTX
Light and stiff hiker
Katadyn BeFree
Mini filter
Tailwind Endurance Fuel
Liquid Food
Omeals
Camp food
Sol Altitude Sunguard
Sun protection
National Park Rangers On Their Favorite Gear
What do the pros trust in the field? These 13 products.
Fjällräven Abisko Lite Trekking Trouser
Trail armor
Mountain Khakis Camber 104 Hybrid Pant
Trail to town
Millet Aiguilles Vertes Cordura Pant
Perfect for peakbaggers
Western Rise Granite Camp Pant
Most versatile outdoor pants
Under Armour ArmourVent Trail Shorts
Breathable shorts
Duckworth Vapor Tee
Comfiest tee
ExOfficio Sol Cool Long Sleeve Half Zip
Half zip sunshirt
Marmot Windshear SS
A breathable shirt for adventure travel
Eddie Bauer Resolution Mesh Tee Shirt
A cross-training bargain
Handful Adjustable Bra
Comfortable outdoor bra
Kari Traa Svala L/S
Versatile baselayer
Royal Robbins MerinoLux Go Everywhere Polo
Go from peak to pub
Terramar Airtouch T
Comfy bargain
Purple Rain Skirt
Hiking skirt
Patagonia Latticeback Tank
Workhorse tank
Mountain Equipment Eclipse Hooded Zip Tee
Alpine hoody
Dynafit Thermal 2 ½ Zip
Versatile baselayer
L.L. Bean Overland Performance Flannel Shirt
This flannel can handle just about any obstacle.
Sponsor Content: LEKI Find Your Place Photo Contest
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Sponsor Content: Enter To Win A Pair of Zamberlan Vioz Backpacking Boots
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Sponsor Content: Win a pair of Five Ten Access Approach Shoes
Five Ten has introduced the Access, the ultimate go anywhere do anything shoe.
The Best Knives of 2016
Ever backpacker needs a reliable knife. These three are a good bet, no matter your preferences.
Spyderco Native 5
Folder
Leatherman Signal
Multitool
The 15 Best New Hiking Shells of 2016
Our testers took hardshells and softshells out in every kind of weather. What follows is their favorite storm armor of the season.
Arc’teryx Atom SL Softshell
In cool conditions, ditch separate insulation and windshell pieces in favor of this light and warm softshell.
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol LT Softshell
This tough, breathable softshell will carry you from summer alpine hikes to winter ski tours.
Adidas Terrex Agravic Wind Jacket
You won’t find more comfortable protection for 4 ounces than this ultralight women's windshell.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Tufan Softshell
A fleecy pattern on the inside gives this lightweight softshell a supple feel.
Eddie Bauer Sandstone Shield Hooded Jacket
Superior weatherproofing and durability boost the all-purpose performance of this hybrid jacket.
Columbia Outdry Ex Diamond
This jacket never wets out. Period.
Montane Minimus 777 Hardshell
This ultralight hardshell is the lightest three-layer waterproof/breathable shell we’ve seen.
Rab Firewall Rain Jacket and Pants
This tough rain suit is tailor-made for lanky shapes.
The 14 Best Tents of 2016
Whether you go light or go big, one of these bomber tents is right for your trip.
Nemo Apollo 3P
Floorless Pyramid
Marmot Colfax 3P
Most Versatile
The North Face VE 25
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Hilleberg Tarp 5
Versatile Tarp
Sierra Designs Nightwatch
Affordable Castle
Fjällräven Abisko Shape 2
Planet-Friendly Bomb Shelter
MSR Freelite 2
Livable Lightweight
L.L. Bean Microlight UL2
Editor's Choice Update
Nemo Equipment Escape Pod
Minimalist Bug Shelter
Mountain Hardwear Ghost UL2
Light-and-Tight Freestander
Hilleberg Niak
Bomb Shelter