Backcountry Power: Solio Xcellerator + Hub
A highly packable solar panel
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.
Backcountry Power: Mophie Powerstation Pro
For its pocket-friendly size, this rugged, impact- and splash-resistant battery packs a punch
Tablet Review: Apple iPad Mini
A tester favorite thanks to the easy-to-use interface, long battery life, and large selection of quality apps.
Readers' Choice 2014: Vaude Cheyenne 500 Sleeping Bag
A supremely comfortable bag for mild-weather backpacking trips and car camps.
Readers' Choice 2014: Vasque St. Elias GTX Boots
Boots built for Alaska.
Readers' Choice 2014: Merrell Belay Hiking Pants
Technical hiking pants that fit a woman's curvy figure.
Readers' Choice 2014: Leatherman Wave Multitool
A 17-tool powerhouse.
Readers' Choice 2014: Big Agnes King Solomon Sleeping Bag
A luxurious two-person sleeping bag.
Readers' Choice 2014: Gregory Maya 18 Backpack
This frameless little pack is a great all-arounder for bike commuting and dayhikes.
Readers' Choice 2014: Asolo Vertex GV Hiking Boots
Quintessential backpacking boots - high-cut, durable, and can handle rugged terrain.
Readers' Choice 2014: Mountainsmith Haze 50 Backpack
A durable, ultralight pack that's affordable.
Readers' Choice 2014: Eastern Mountain Sports Traverse
A dependable, year-round shelter from Eastern Mountain Sports.
Gear Review: Columbia BugaTrek Omni-Heat
For casual winter adventures, a warm-and-cozy boot.
Gear School: Insulation
Stay toasty with the right fill for your bag and puffy jacket.
Editors' Choice Awards 2013
From a bomber ultralight tent to the best GPS watch we've seen, here are the 15 products that passed the ultimate field test.
Gear Review: Komperdell Alpinist
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Northern Lites Quicksilver
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Gear Review: Faber Sommet
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Gear Review: Tubbs Xpedition
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Gear Review: Atlas Fitness
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Gear Review: MSR Evo Ascent
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Mountain Hardwear UltraLamina 0
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Radiant 20F PLUS
Think outside the bag with this minimalist blanket from Brooks-Range.
Exped DownMat XP 9 M
Stay warm with this down-lined inflatable sleeping pad from Exped.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Dream
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
NEMO Canon -40 Sleeping Bag
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Editors' Choice Snow Award 2013: The North Face Thermoball Hoodie
A synthetic puffy that rivals the weight and warmth of down.
Mountain Equipment Snowline SL Sleeping Bag
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
The North Face Aleutian 3S Down
A packable synthetic sleeping bag with an extremely durable DWR shell
Ask Kristin: $300 tent or a $100 tent?
Sometimes they look the same, but there are several key differences.
Ask Kristin: Need a Sleeping Bag that will fit 6'7"
To get the best answer for your question, I went to two BACKPACKER staffers who can relate: Jon Dorn and Ben Fullerton, both 6’6”. Here are a few of their three-season picks.
Ask Kristin: Allergic to Wool
For long johns, there are plenty of polyester options. If it’s maximum warmth you’re after, look for higher lofted polyesters, with gridded channels that trap heat and accelerate wicking....
Gear Review: Brooks-Range Elephant’s Foot
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Sea to Summit Micro MC III
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Gear Review: L.L.Bean Down Mummy with DownTek
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Norrøna Roldal Warm1 Shirt
A versatile and breathable shirt from Norrøna.
Gear Review: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Bacon Pack
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Salomon Conquest GTX
A midweight boot with surprising protection and support.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Supercharger Pants
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Outdoor Edge Fish & Bone
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Gear Review: Patagonia Sweet Pack Vest
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Redington Sonic-Pro Ultra Packable Waders
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Orvis Clearwater Fishing Rod & Encounter II Reel
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Fenix HL30
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: LED Lenser SEO 5
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: UCO ARKA Lantern
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Snow Peak Lapel Torch
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Light & Motion Solite 250
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Princeton Tec Vizz
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Gear Review: Black Diamond Spot
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Editors' Choice 2013: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
From a bomber ultralight tent to the best GPS watch we've seen, here are the 15 products that passed the ultimate field test.
Trekking Poles: Helinox Passport Tension Lock Adjustable
Improve your balance and save your knees.
Trekking Poles: Easton Hike Carbon 3
Improve your balance and save your knees.
Trekking Poles: Mountainsmith Glissade
Improve your balance and save your knees with this bargain set of trekking poles from Mountainsmith.
Trekking Poles: MSR Deploy TR3
Trekking poles from MSR you can adjust one-handed.
Trekking Poles: Leki Cristallo
If you can use a lighter you can adjust these trekking poles from Leki.
Gear Review: Boreas Bootlegger
The versatile gear-hauling system by Boreas Gear.
Gear Review: Kelty Ignite 20
The affordable three-season down bag from Kelty.
Gear Review: Stanley Adventure Nesting Mug
The space-saving and inexpensive mug by Stanley.
Gear Review: Millet Trilogy GTX Pro
The protective and durable hardshell jacket from Millet.
Gear Review: KEEN Marshall WP
The supportive hiking shoes by Marshall WP.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs DriDown Cal 30
The best all-around water-resistant down bag by Sierra Designs.
Gear Review: Big Agnes Bellyache Mountain SL 17/Lithia Spring SL 15
The lofty and roomy 700-fill DownTek Bag from Big Agnes.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Cerium LT
A movement-friendly puffy synthetic jacket from Arc'teryx.
Gear Review: Platypus Sprinter X.T. 35.0
A hearty hydration pack that's also water resistant.
Gear Review: Oboz Traverse Low Hiking Shoes
Low-cut hiking boots that are grippy in all conditions.
Drink Up: Hydration and Purifying Gear for the Trail
Stay hydrated on the trail with these innovative filters and containers.
Gear Review: Alite Mayfly Chair
A packable, comfortable camp chair that's not tippy.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Plasmic Jacket
A bargain rain jacket that's actually breathable.
Pamper Your Feet
Boost comfort with these three sock, shoe, and insert options.
Gear Review: The North Face Verbera Hiker GTX Boot
Excellent cushioning in a long-trail hiker.
Gear Review: Mammut T Advanced GTX Boot
Boots that can handle the up-and-down with ease.
Gear Review: LOWA Focus GTX Mid/Focus GTX QC Boot
An ideal boot for technical terrain that requires precise footing.
Field Test: Big-Trip Boots
Tackle rugged peaks, haul mighty loads, and thrash through the backcountry. These seven boots will support and protect you through it all.
Gear Review: Garmont Croda GTX/Syncro GTX Boot
An all-terrain boot that's supportive enough for big-load backpacking.
Gear Review: La Sportiva Garnet GTX Boot
The lightest boot in our August 2013 test.
Gear Review: Zamberlan 298 Tundra GT Boot
Perfect boots for people who tackle big miles with substantial packs.
Bugs getting into your tent? And other common questions.
Keep up with your buddies on the trail, backpack on the cheap, keep pesky bugs out of your tent, and stay on track with your weight loss goals without bonking mid-trip.
Wired and Unplugged
With the latest tech tools, you can plan trips better and more easily, stay safer on the trail, and instantly put your summit hero shot in front of the whole world.
Record Better Media: Picture and Video Masterpieces
You can't beat a dedicated camera for clarity, control, and quality, but smartphones come close enough for most of us-this magazine has even published iPhone photos. Use these tools and techniques to amp up your device's multimedia power: