Salewa Firetail EVO Mid GTX Hiking Boot
A versatile hiker that's light like a trail runner but stiff enough for bigger hikes.
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 Khakis Peaks Flannel Shirt
A live-in comfy flannel that serves as a great trail shirt.
Fjällräven Akka View 2 Tent Review
A splurge of a tent and worth every penny.
Trail Undies
Cheap cotton skivvies don’t cut it for multiple days of hard wear. These wicking, quick-dry britches will keep you much, much happier.
Jockey Modern Sport Boxer Briefs Review
Cheap underwear - found at Target - that are perfect for hiking.
Ibex D-Lux Boxers
Pricey boxers with the right amount of breathing room.
Helly Hansen H/H Dry Stripe Boxer
Hot-weather boxers that repel sweat.
Super.Natural Base Boxer 175
Underwear our testers loved. Really loved.
ExOfficio Give ’n Go Lacy Low-Rise Bikini Cut Brief
Our female testers favorite trail undies.
How Do I Keep Running All Winter Long?
If you love your current shoes and don’t want to shell out for winter-specific runners, add a strap-on cleat like the STABILicers Run ($40; 32north.com) and a pair of running gaiters, like the Outdoor Research Stamina ($35; outdoorresearch.com), which will keep snow and slush from penetrating the upper or sneaking in over the top.
Ibex Shak Stretchy Vest
This stretchy vest is made of sheeps wool and will keep your bodies core warm when it's cool outside.
REI Windbrake Vest
Here lies a fleece fabric that's the most wind-resistance out of 10 vests we've tested.
Rab Strata Vest
This vest packs down tiny and works best when you're on the move.
Feathered Friends Daybreak Vest
This vest is packed down tiny, and delivers maximum core warmth.
Gear Guide 2014: Shells
If you've ever suffered through a storm with a shell that leaks or makes you wet from sweat, you know why a good jacket matters. Find yours here.
Trail Clothes for Every Condition
Pants, shirts, jackets, shorts, tees, and socks for every climate and condition.
ESEE-4 Knife Review
A splurge that's worth it.
Energizer High Performance Headlight
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Big Agnes Scout Plus UL2 Tent Review
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Topo Athletic MT Trail Runner Review
A minimalist trail runner
Mammut MTR 201 Dyneema Trail Runner Review
Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.
Gear Guide 2014: Electronics
Send messages from anywhere. Take better photos. Pack portable power. And five more gadget picks.
Wigwam Weather Warrior Sock Review
Calf-high socks perfect for all shoulder-season activities
Farm to Feet Adventure Sport Greensboro Low
Check out Kelly Bastone's author page.
Salomon Field Pant
Softshell pants that are waterproof from the knees down.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket
A puffy perfect for volatile alpine conditions.
Mountain Khakis Rendezvous Quarter Zip Shirt
A midweight merino wool base- or midlayer.
Howler Brothers Loggerhead Longsleeve
Check out Kelly Bastone's author page.
Bergans Utne Shorts
Perfect for hiking in scorching temps, these barely-there nylon shorts balance stretch and quick drying time
Patagonia Upslope Full-Zip Fleece Hoody
A performance piece that feels like a sweatshirt.
Mammut Lugano/Ascona Shirt
A trail-worthy flannel.
Dynafit Trail Tee
A gauzy tee built for heat.
Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Midweight Active Pant
Slim-fitting pants with top-notch durability and weather resistance.
Smith Optics Pivlock Overdrive Sunglasses Review
The light weight, snug fit, and interchangeable lenses make these Smith shades extremely versatile.
The North Face Tadpole FL Tent Review
A two-person, freestanding tent that can handle any storm.
Freewaters GPS Sandal Review
A legtimately supportive camp sandal at a reasonable price.
Fjällräven Move-in Sleeping Bag Review
Check out Merrill McCauley's author page.
Solo Stove Titan Review
A wood-burning stove that collapses small and burns big.
Field Test: Daypacks
From ultralight to ultraweatherproof, our testers found the perfect load hauler for every trip and hiker.
CamelBak Fourteener 24 Daypack Review
A hydration pack made for big days.
Granite Gear Superior Daypack Review
Looks like a backpack, protects like a raincoat.
Osprey Talon 22/Tempest 20 Daypack Review
Your stuff disappears into this daypack, and it disappears on your back.
Exped Mountain Lite 20 Daypack Review
A simple, clean, top-loading rucksack.
Ultralight Packs
Roll these up and stow them in your duffel or big pack for summits or dayhikes.
Marmot Kompressor Verve 26 Daypack Review
A breathable pack for sweaty testers.
Salomon Synapse Flow 30 AW Daypack Review
A low-profile bag that the wily climbers loved.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2014: Shells
eVent membrane technology goes stretchy—and that's great news for the evolution of softshells.
Summer 2014 Winning Gear Testers Announced!
Meet the two latest additions to our gear-testing team!
Gear Hall of Fame: Ultralight
When you’re ready to shave pounds from your pack, it’s time to invest in ultralight gear. Here’s a look at some of our all-time favorite featherweights.
Gear Hall of Fame: Kids' Gear
Want to get your kids to love the outdoors? Outfit 'em the right way.
VuVantage VuPackPole Camera Accessory Review
The perfect accessory for your POV camera.
Text Anywhere Off-Grid Messenger Review
This satellite-powered hotspot allows texting in the most remote locations.
Bushnell SolarWrap 250 Battery
This solar-powered lithium battery recharges efficiently.
Sony NEX-5T Camera Review
This easy-to-use camera takes quick and clear shots.
Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Review
A waterproof camera that's ready for any adventure.
Olympus TG-2 iHS Camera Review
An updated Editors' Choice camera with an improved focus range.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Smartphone Review
Phone is able to handle the most vigorous explorations.
Dell Venue 7 Tablet Review
A durable tablet with plenty of storage.
Power Practical Lithium 4400 Battery Bank Review
This battery pack has enough power to charge multiple devices.
Boom Movement Swimmer Speaker Review
High quality sounding bluetooth speaker is multi-sport ready.
The Best Portable Power Sources for Backpacking
Find the Charge That's Right For You
adidas Terrex Swift Mountain Summer Jacket Review
A combination of double- and single- weave nylon makes this jacket extra breathable.
Editors' Choice 2014: Marmot Essence Shell
There's always room to pack this featherweight, bombproof shell.
Rab Ventus Pull-On/Lunar Pull-On Jacket Review
Rab Ventus Pull-On/Lunar Pull-On Jacket Review
Black Diamond Equipment B.D.V. Jacket Review
A tester favorite for those all-day excursions.
Mountain Hardwear Super Chockstone Jacket Review
If you're hard on jackets, this Mountain Hardwear is for you.
Eddie Bauer First Ascent BC Ultralight Hardshell Review
A versatile hard shell that's light too.
Sierra Designs Stow Windshirt Softshell Review
The lightest shell in our test.
Arc'teryx Alpha SL Shell Review
A shell that is light, sleek, and minimalist.
Columbia Rainstormer Shell Review
A bargain jacket with full amenities.
Mountain Hardwear Super Light Plasmic Shell Review
A light and comfortable shell.
The North Face Verto Storm Shell Review
Put it in your pack and you can forget it's there...until you really need it.
Salomon GTX Active Shell Review
This minimalist shell kept testers dry during heart-pumping activities in the wettest weather.
L.L.Bean NeoShell Bounder Shell Review
A versatile, three-layer shield
Gear Hall of Fame: Socks
The BACKPACKER editors pick the pairs that have stood the test of time.
LOWA Cevedale Pro GTX Hiking Boot Review
The most supportive boot we tested
Asolo Shiraz GV Hiking Boot Review
These finely crafted Italian boots deliver big-load support with reliable waterproofing and maximum breathability.
Hi-Tec V-Lite SpHike Mid WP Hiking Boot Review
These midcut boots pack enough support for most backpacking trips, yet cost no more than most trail runners.
Oboz Bridger BDry Hiking Boot Review
With a sturdy leather upper and above-average support, the Bridger BDry delivers more than ample protection for on- and off-trail adventures and long days with a heavy pack.
Five Ten Guide Tennie Mid Hiking Boot Review
Combining the stickiness of a scrambling shoe and the ankle and underfoot support of a boot, this hybrid crushes hilly, rocky terrain.