Decathlon Quechua 2 Second Easy Fresh & Black
This tent’s up-in-a-flash setup makes it a great car camping shelter.
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.
How to Sharpen and Maintain Your Backpacking Knife
Keep this essential gear item in tip-top shape.
SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray 9.2 oz. With Practice Spray
This spray provides extra safety in grizzly country.
SABRE Frontiersman Insider Bear Canister
This new-look bear canister is easy to pack and carry.
SABRE Runner Pepper Gel with Adjustable Hand Strap
A compact safety device for solo hikes and runs
GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station
This storage-heavy table is a mini-kitchen for car camping meals.
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker
This chair delivers maximum comfort for car camping chill sessions.
Deal of the Week: Marmot Tungsten UL Hatchback 3
This weather-beating fortress will keep you dry and safe.
Gear 360: Readers Review Helly Hansen Layers
Get ready for fall with a sunshirt, a midlayer, and a do-anything shell.
Merrell Rubato
This light hiking shoe will keep your feet in the comfort zone
Merrell Antora 2
Versatility and comfort for hiking and trail running
VOORMI Drift Jacket
This versatile midlayer excels at temperature regulation.
Deal of the Week: Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOLite
This warm foam pad is a smart shoulder-season pick.
Member Deal of the Month: Big Agnes AXL Air Sleeping Pad
This featherweight pad doesn't skimp on cushion.
Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 Down Hiking Jacket
This down puffy offers lightweight warmth at a sweet price.
Geyser Systems Portable Shower Giveaway
Enter by 10/6/20 for your chance to win a Geyser Systems Portable Shower
The 5 Best Car Camping Tents of 2020
For trips that don’t take you far from the car, these tents will let you rest your head in spacious comfort and style.
Eureka! Copper Canyon LX 4
Most spacious
MSR Habitude 4
Most durable
Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3
Best gear storage
Klymit Cross Canyon 2
Most versatile
Merrell MTL Long Sky
A lightweight trail-running shoe that provides outsized protection and stability
The 7 Best Gear Deals for Hikers at REI's Labor Day Sale
Grab serious savings on GPS units, sleeping bags, lighting, and more.
5 Early Labor Day Deals to Get You Ready for Fall Hiking
It may not feel like it, but autumn is just around the corner.
Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 2.0 Jacket
Stay protected and comfortable in all outdoor conditions
Helly Hansen Odin Stretch Hooded Light Insulator
A comfortable, lightweight, and soft synthetic puffy
Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen Hoodie
Stay comfortable and protect against the sun
Gear 360: Readers Review Merrell Hiking Shoes
We sent three of Merrell's newest trail runners and light hikers to BACKPACKER members and asked them what they thought.
The Best Gear for Late-Summer Dayhiking
Even on a lowkey dayhike, good gear can be the difference between a forgettable outing and a fun one.
AMK Mountain Hiker Medical Kit
Emergency aid
Duckworth Vapor Snorkel Hood
UV shield
Kate’s Real Food Bars
Energy boost
Vasque Breeze LT GTX
Light-and-mighty boot
Osprey Hikelite 26
Reliable rucksack
What our Members are Testing Now: The North Face Sotara FUTURELIGHT Jacket
There's more than meets the eye with this comfy, waterproof shell.
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Super/DS Climb Down Hoody
Save on this warm, stretchy puffy.
Decathlon 2 Second Fresh & Black Three Person Tent
This shelter offers a rapid setup for all campers.
Merrell MQM Flex 2
A hiking shoe that strikes a desirable balance between weight and support.
Merrell Nova 2
Go far in comfort in this ultracushy shoe
Merrell Bravada
A rock solid, women's-specific shoe that is flexible for all-day comfort
The 6 Best Packable Puffies for Weightless Warmth
Banish worries about pack space and morning shivers on your next cool-weather trip with these lightweight insulated jackets.
Decathlon Trek 100 Down Hiking Jacket
Most affordable lightweight puffy
Black Diamond Approach Down
Most comfortable lightweight puffy
My Big Three: Jessica Tackett, Backpacking Guide
The gear a hiking lifer can't leave home without.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody
Most versatile lightweight puffy
Mammut Broad Peak Light IN Jacket
Most packable puffy
Western Mountaineering QuickFlash Jacket
Most durable lightweight puffy
Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka
Best all-around light insulated jacket
Deal of the Week: Patagonia Planing Roll Top Pack 35L
Keep your gear dry with this waterproof pack.
Small-Time Spotlight: PackTowl Nano
This ultralight item boasts outsize convenience.
Deal of the Week: OMEALS Vegetarian Chili
Ditch your stove, not your hot food, with these self-heating meals.
Deal of the Week: SPOT Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger
Just enough device to keep you safe.
Deal of the Week: Gregory Paragon 58 / Maven 55
If you only have room in your budget for one pack, this jack-of-all-trades can handle almost everything.
The 6 Best Water Filters for Every Type of Adventure
On short trips or epic expeditions, clean water is a must. Here's how to pick the right filter or purifier for you.
Deal of the Week: Rab Element 2 Shelter
Save on this minimalist tarp.
Get to Know: Hyperlite Mountain Gear
An inside look at the Dyneema-loving, ultralight-preaching manufacturer.
Our 5 Favorite Camp Stoves
Fire up something delicious with these efficient burners.
Deal of the Week: Marmot Tungsten UL Hatchback 3 Tent
Stand up to any storm with this durable, portable shelter.
Lily Trotters Compression Socks
You can feel the compression as soon as you pull them on, but they’re not too tight for all-day use.
The 6 Best Light Hiking Boots of 2020
We used to have to choose between supportive boots and light ones. No more. These six models are agile enough for day missions and casual outings, but will keep your feet happy as the miles pile up.
The North Face Activist Mid FUTURELIGHT
Most Breathable
adidas Terrex Free Hiker Parley
Most Comfortable
Deal of the Week: Leatherman Micra
Save on this small-yet-mighty multitool.
Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Texapore Mid
Most Stable
Hoka One One Challenger Mid Gore-Tex
Best Stride
Tecnica Plasma Mid
Best Fit
La Sportiva Saber GTX
Best All-Around Light Hiking Boot
How to Power Your Electronic Devices in the Backcountry
From cell phones to GPS devices to headlamps, rechargeable electronics are becoming increasingly common on the trail. Stay powered with this strategy guide.
Deal of the Week: Nikwax Duo-Pack
Keep your gear going strong with a great deal on this cleaning kit.
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
Stay connected anywhere with this affordable, easy-to-use text and email messenger. Get two-way global communication, emergency SOS, and check-in with GPS location.
Deal of the Week: Big Agnes Picket SL 30°F
This bag stretches, but your wallet won't.
What Our Members Are Testing Now: Zoleo Satellite Communicator
This simple backcountry messaging device was a hit with our tester.
Gear Up for Summer Camping at the REI 4th of July Sale
Make the most of the long days with hand-picked discounts on a solo tent, summer sandals, and more.
Deal of the Week: MSR WindBurner
This stove won't let a little weather ruin your dinner.
10 Times Gear Rescued Us
In tough situations, this gear had our keisters covered.
The Best New Ultralight Backpacking Gear of 2020
Want to pare down your hiking kit's weight? These 14 minimalist products are made for going far and fast.
Mammut Kento Light HS
Lightest shell
Deal of the Week: Merrell Trail Glove 5
Save on a minimalist, distance-crushing shoe.
The 6 Best Daypacks of 2020
Wring extra miles out of long summer afternoons with these weight-conscious daypacks.