Gear Reviews

Our team spent 516 field nights picking the best bags for all seasons -- so you'll never risk a sleepless night.

Get more for less with this durable foam pad from Mammut.

Stay warm in sub-freezing temps with these sleeping bags option.

Take the comfort of your bed outdoors with the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SL.

Year-round, well almost, sleeping bag comfort.

Find your perfect backcountry bed for when the temps are balmy.

Find the bag that fits you best with this plethora of reviews.

Go light without sacrificing warmth with the Marmot Plasma 0.

Keep warm and dry at a bargain with the Kelty Ignite DriDown 0.

Water-repellent down keeps this ultralight Sierra Designs bag drier and loftier than the competition.

Sorry men, this lofty and warm Marmot Xenon 15 is only available for women.

Perfect for car camping and shorter hikes, the NEMO Strato Loft 25 provides the best in roomy backcountry comfort.

Sleeping bag and pad are combined in this ultralight model from Therm-a-Rest.

Whatever tough adventures you dream up, the Exped UltaLite 500 is up to the challenge.

Pack small without sacrificing warmth with the GoLite Z10.

Waterproof and warm, this hybrid Millet is an excellent bargain.

This all-around bag from Eastern Mountain Sports boasts an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio.

This synthetic bag from Big Agnes is as breathable and lofty as down.

The North Face Hightail 2S offers unparalleled loft in a roomy, waterproof bag.

This hybrid bag from REI provides the best in comfort and waterproofing.

Save money without sacrificing quality with the LaFuma Lightway 45.

Think outside the bag with this minimalist blanket from Brooks-Range.

Strengthen weak ankles with optimal support and comfort.

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Pack on the pounds and strap on the Lowa Camino GTX Flex model: These tanks can take it.

Podiatrist-designed Ecco BIOM Hike 1.1 saves the day for those with pronation tendencies.

Feather-like ankle support and heel stability come with these Crispi Ascent Plus GTX heavy duties.

From scrambling to hiking, this killer deal provides ample protection.

Bear those heavy-packed trips with stable strides by way of Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX support.

You'll never want to take off these comfortable Patagonias.

Ditch the insoles with the built-in support of the mid duty AKU Transalpina.

The support, flex, and grip of these Salewas will keep your stride solid.

Scramble narrow edges without killing your feet: flat-footed stability for a killer price.

This Asolo model wins best light duty for its impressive stability.

Breezy shoes perfect for a heated hike where sandals just wont cut it.

These light duty kicks will bust you up scrambles with its impressive grips.

Secure and light: This fantasy turns reality with the Salomon XT Wings 3 model.

Fang-ridden soles keep runners on their feet in the muddiest terrain with this Saucony model.

Gel patch-induced comfort make Asics' lightweight model a tester favorite.

A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.

Water-resistant and light, hit the trail with no rainy day excuses.

These slip-resisting kicks allow for a bold increase of your trail-run stride.

A sturdy shelter that's under five pounds.

Double up in these two-person tents.

It's not often that the lightest shelter in our test is also the cheapest and biggest.

Comfy for three (or spacious for two!), these three-person tents are backcountry ready.

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Bugout lets you congregate for blissfully insect-free meals and card games.

Few four-person tents best this blend of livability, low weight, and reasonable cost.

This versatile, two-person shelter handles high-altitude summers and winters with equal aplomb.

If low weight is your prime tent priority, put this shelter at the top of your shopping list.

A tent that is ideal for regions that see plenty of rain and wintry weather year-round.

The perennial BACKPACKER favorite gets an upgrade with better ventilation.

A long drip line and spacious headroom let's you enjoy the inside, and the outside, no matter the elements.

A low-weight, low-cost two-person, freestanding tent

An affordable two-person tent that can handle real weather.

A 96-inch-long, two-person tents suits every height.

Lightweight, but sturdy tents for the solo camper.

Deluxe features and headroom for a relatively low weight.

A lightweight tent that doesn't skimp on weather protection.

A freestanding tent that tarp lovers will love.

Check out these additional tester picks.

For big, big loads (think parents or mountaineering) this pack is ideal.

The more you pack, the better it will carry.

412 trail-tested products

Clever features, plentiful pockets, and easy-access side zips have earned this pack "best organization."

Best all-around: this pack will melt into your body and accomodate any quick-access needs as it supports over 50 pounds.

Mountainsmith Lariat 65 is a big-load bargain pack that'll last.

Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.

Cure for back sweat takes the form of pack with the Kelty Fleet 55.

This pack's balance and close-fit is made complete with it's most exhaustive compression system.

This pack will fine-tune fit, carry 50-pound loads, and ease the burden with its ultralight weight.

With incredible load distribution, this pack's easy on the shoulders.

This "best travel pack" can check as luggage, keep your electronics dry, and accomodate your travel needs.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Tough fabric, compact, and room to spare. What more could you want?

Anywhere, any activity, this pack will carry your goods from bushwacking in Arizona to climbing Mt. Sneffels with an ice axe.

In constant downpour, the impermeable thermoplastic, PU-coated nylon material of this pack kept our tester's gear bone-dry.

Best-in-class air circulation keeps sweat off your back while maintaining stability, ideal for intense dayhikes.

This Mammut pack hugs your back for balance while maintaining freedom for movement, creating the ideal alpine pack.