Osprey Viva 50
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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.
Bergans of Norway Skarstind 48
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Ortovox Civetta Hardshell
This comfy, ultralight hardshell strikes the perfect balance between weight, features, and comfort.
High Sierra Isle Hardshell
This bargain hardshell gives you features and performance rarely seen at this price.
Salomon Bonatti WP Hardshell Jacket
This ultralight, stripped-down hardshell will be a hit with the fast-and-light crowd looking for simple, effective weather protection at a sweet price.
Outdoor Research Realm Hardshell
This climbing-oriented hardshell has details everyone will love.
Ultimate Direction Ultra Hardshell Jacket
Save big on a weight-saving backpacking hardshell.
Marmot Red Star and Starfire Hardshells
Breathability, durability, and design combine for year-round protection in this versatile hardshell.
REI Rhyolite Hardshell
This value hardshell gives you the breathability of shells that cost $100 more.
Columbia Featherweight Hike Long Sleeve Shirt
Wearing is believing: This is the lightest sunshirt we’ve ever tested.
Mountain Hardwear AP Pants
These tough trousers go everywhere.
Patagonia Merino Air
It’s a technical layer disguised as a stylish sweater.
Stio Kids' CFS Hooded Jacket
Softshell
UV Buff
Neck & Face Protection
Bergans of Norway Moa Shorts
quick-dry clothes
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What’s the Biggest Mistake Beginners Make?
Master the shakedown for a smoother trek.
Outdoor Tech Buckshot Pro
Power Pack
Edelrid Slash
Workhorse Quickdraw
Garmin Etrex Touch Series
Touchscreen GPS
MSR Guardian Purifier
This could be the last water filter you’ll every buy.
Jetboil Genesis Base Camp System
Car Camping
Sponsor Content: On the Trail With the Salewa Lite Train and Ultra Train
Salewa’s new mountain training shoes are made to get you in shape for the trail.
High Sierra Karadon 55 Backpack
No more sweat stains with this pack: High-use areas detach for washing.
Mystery Ranch Sphinx & Mystic
This pack tames the biggest loads.
F-Stop Tilopa and Sukha
Serious about backpacking and photography? You’ll love this camera-ready pack.
Enter To Win The Ultimate Backcountry Sleep System
Sea to Summit has put together the ultimate backcountry sleep system, guaranteed to deliver the best night’s sleep you’ve experienced while camping.
Backpacker Ski Test 2016
19 testers, 28 brands, 74 skis, 600 laps: It took a lot of work to find our favorite ski gear of the season. Take a look inside Backpacker's 2016 test to learn how we did it
Save on Gear by Making It Yourself
Save a few bucks but, more importantly, earn bragging rights by making your own gear.
Tested: Buying Factory-Direct Outdoor Gear
Can a no-name imitation work as well as pricier outdoor gear? Our tester heads to Amazon to find out.
How to Save Money on Second Chance Gear
One hiker’s house cleaning is another hiker’s shopping spree.
Save on Gear at Big Box Stores
Don’t dismiss the mass-market chains: Careful shoppers can find great deals on basic items.
Gear Talk: Winter Traction Devices
Crampons vs. Snowshoes vs. Microspikes vs. the Field
8 Gadgets and Apps for Thru-Hikers
Hitting the trail? These products will help keep you just the right amount of connected.
The 10 Most Memorable Things We Saw at Outdoor Retailer
From snowshoes to a treehouse tent, these ten things caught our eye in Salt Lake.
2015 Holiday Gift Guide: The Hiker's Wish List
No matter who you're shopping for, we've got you covered with 2015's best holiday gifts for hikers, in every price range.
Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles
These trekking poles take the sting out of the most rugged trails.
Petzl MYO Headlamp
This powerful headlamp is the brightest option in its weight class.
myCharge All Terrain Charger
This is the most durable (and waterproof) portable battery we’ve seen.
Catalyst Waterproof iPhone Case
Get total protection for your iPhone without compromising sound quality.
GoPro HERO Video Camera
This lightweight helmet cam brings quality POV filming to the masses.
Backcountry Access Float 32 Airbag Pack
Get your favorite backpack features in an avy pack.
Icebug Zeal OLX Trail Runner
Metal studs in the outsole of this winter trail runner give hikers a claw-like grip on icy trails.
Salomon Fellraiser Trail Runner
Aggressive lugs make this trail runner the best shoe for muddy trails.
Altra Lone Peak NeoShell Trail Runner
A waterproof exterior and plenty of cushioning make this ultralight trail runner comfortable for 20-plus-mile winter runs and hikes.
Julbo Aerospace Goggles
You'll find the best airflow in these goggles—pop the lens away from the frame for instant ventilation.
Smith I/O Asian Fit Goggles
Now one of the best interchangeable goggle series on the market fits more face shapes.
K2 Source Goggles
Get two lenses for the price of one with these goggles—and the best case on the market.
Exped DownMat Winterlite Sleeping Pad
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Garmin Epix GPS Watch
This is the first GPS watch to show actual relief maps.
Big Agnes Storm King 0 Sleeping Bag
Most winter sleeping bags are slim -- but the Storm King has room to spare.
Brooks-Range Drift 0 Sleeping Bag
Stay toasty for less of a weight penalty with this light zero-degree sleeping bag.
Sierra Designs Convert 3 Tent
Stretch out in this lavish winter shelter.
NEMO Equipment Kunai 2P Tent
A four-season tent that's actually light enough to use year-round.
Dakine Women's Heli Pro DLX 24 Backpack
This full-featured backcountry ski and snowboard pack has the best women’s fit of any model we tested.
Mystery Ranch Big Mountain Backpack
You can fill this versatile pack up with 50 pounds for an expedition or cinch it down for summit bids.
Grivel Zen 40 Backpack
The low-profile design of this ski pack doesn’t restrict arm swings or high steps.
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32 Backpack
This is the first Black Diamond ski pack we could use with or without the company’s AvaLung system.
L.L. Bean Snowfield 30 Backpack
This durable ski pack is exceptionally tough for the weight and price.
KEEN Durand Polar WP Hiking Boot
An insulated upper and stable platform make these hiking boots ideal for cold winter treks with a heavy pack.
Vasque Pow Pow UltraDry II Hiking Boot
These insulated hiking boots are ideal for winter overnights and snowshoeing.
Asolo Avalon GTX Hiking Boot
A rigid midsole and durable upper made this hiking boot our choice for multiday trips with a heavy pack.
LOWA Phoenix GTX Mid Hiking Boot
This supportive yet cushy hiking boot boasts the best combination of comfort and protection in the lineup.
Oboz Bridger Low BDry Hiking Boot
Hikers who don’t need ankle support will still get durable, protective construction from this tough low-cut hiking boot.
Outdoor Research Uberlayer Hooded Jacket
You can put this insulated jacket on in the morning and wear it all day long.
Arc'teryx Norvan Jacket
This well-ventilated featherweight hardshell can handle race-pace running and snowshoeing.
Black Diamond Recon Jacket
This softshell's rugged construction makes it tough enough for years of fierce weather.
Mountain Hardwear Straight Chuter Jacket
This softshell provides waterproof protection that won’t soak you in sweat.
Cabela’s + Icebreaker Merino Thermal Zone Half-Zip Top & Bottoms
Three different fabric weights combine to deliver a premium all-conditions baselayer.
Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Crew
This ultralight baselayer kept testers comfy and dry well into summertime—and it’s eco-friendly.
Mountain Hardwear Butterman ½ Zip
This pullover combines a super-soft feel with maximum range of motion.
Ternua Snowmass Jacket
This airy, breathable softshell keeps pace with high-intensity workouts.
Marmot Zion Jacket
Meet the most comfortable jacket of the year. Period.
Bergans of Norway Viul Jacket
This warm, ultralight softshell wicks sweat and repels wind during race-pace efforts.
Dynafit Chugach Windstopper Jacket
This breathable, lightweight softshell is ideal for big climbs.
Outdoor Research Linchpin Hooded Jacket
This versatile softshell is optimized for ice climbing, but adaptable to most cold-weather adventures.
Ortovox Guardian Shell
The merino wool lining inside this hardshell speeds wicking and reduces the need for a bulky midlayer.
adidas Outdoor Terrex TechRock GTX Jacket
This streamlined shell is tough enough for week-long expeditions.