Gear Review: Black Diamond Equipment Bolt 24 Daypack
Stability for heavy loads from a stiff nylon framesheet allow for minimal rubbing and improved balance with this "carry-anything workhorse" daypack.
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.
Gear Review: Patagonia Black Hole Daypack
Durable, efficient, comfortable, surprisingly roomy, this pack survived 200 trail miles and 200,000 air miles and landed its spot as "best all-around."
2013 Reader Photo Contest – Your Best Shots
For 40 years, BACKPACKER readers have explored the wilderness and returned with photographic gold. But we were wowed by the entries for this contestmore than 650 of them. Check out these finalists (and this year's winner), then go to backpacker.com/photos to submit your own images. Well showcase the best entries in upcoming issues.
Gear Guide 2013: Charts
Hundreds of pieces of outdoor gear from all the major outdoor retailers - now in an easy-to-print digital format.
Field Test: Tough Waterproof Cameras
These six cameras can take it all and still bring home your hero shots.
Gear Review: Merino Midlayers
Get year-round versatility for travel, trail, or town.
Gear Review: Helle Dokka Knife
You'll never have to buy another knife after the 3.3-inch triple-laminated Helle Dokka.
Gear Review: Big Agnes Seedhouse 3 Tent
A lightweight tent that can handle 30-mph windstorms...and kids.
Gear Review: The North Face Verbera Backpacker GTX
A burly boot that doesn't beat up your feet.
Gear Review: Patagonia Piton Hybrid Hoody
A versatile fleece midlayer that performs like outerwear.
Gear Review: Black Diamond EXL Backpack
A 20-liter pack that offers all-day comfort.
Gear Review: SmartWool PhD SmartLoft Divide Full Zip
A versatile jacket that's comfy in temps from 20 to 60.
Gear Review: Rab MeCo 250 Long Sleeve Zip Tee
An ultralight turtleneck that is 65 percent merino and 35 percent Cocona polyester.
Gear Review: Icebreaker Sierra/Cascade Long Sleeve Hood
A mideweight merino layer perfect for on or off the mountain.
Gear Review: Ibex Scout/Alana Full Zip
A low-bulk merino sweater that can handle cardio workouts.
Upgrade Your Camera
Improve and protect your photos with these three accessories.
Gear Review: Nikon Coolpix AW100 and FujiFilm Fine Pix XP150
Two point-and-shoot cameras that maps & GPS lovers will appreciate.
Gear Review: iON Air Pro WiFi POV Videocam
The Air Pro is the quickest, most responsive point-of-view camera we've tested.
Gear Review: Pentax WG-2
A camera that withstood a 13-mile Tough Mudder race...clipped to the racer's waist.
Gear Review: Panasonic Lumix TS20
A compact (read: lightweight and highly packable) camera that's under $200.
Gear Review: Olympus Tough TG-1
A rugged waterproof camera with great image quality.
Kelty Cloud Airshell
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sierra Designs Hurricane Jacket
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ISIS Carlotta
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ISIS Alta 3L
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ISIS Aurora Jacket
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ISIS Acqua Rain Shell
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How to Read EN Ratings
Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.
Pool Float for Sleeping Pad?
I'm on a budget. Why shouldn't I substitute a $10 pool float for a sleeping pad that costs $100 or more?
Biodegradable Camp Soap
What is a good backpacking soap that's environmentally friendly?
Patch a Burn Hole in Pants
Whats the best way to patch a burn hole in my hiking pants and make sure it will not expand any bigger?
Wedding Rings & Backpacking
What can my husband and I do to protect our wedding rings when we are backpacking?
Gear Review: Patagonia Alpine Guide Pants
Softshell pants built for years of abuse.
Gear Review: Oboz Arete Trail Shoes
High-performance trail shoes that look good on the street.
Gear Review: Rab Generator Alpine Jacket
A jacket revered by a search-and-rescue team.
Gear Review: Terramar TXO 1.0 Body-Sensors Crew
This baselayer has excellent wicking and quick-dry performance.
Field Test: Two-Person Tents
Whether you seek maximum storm protection, minimum weight, or highest value, we've found your perfect shelter.
Four Field-Tested Two-Person Tents
Check out these four two-person tents, all under $300 and 5 pounds.
Gear Review: Marmot Traillight 2 Tent
68-denier ripstop polyester on the canopy and fly make this tent a burly one.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Archer 2 Tent
A tent that can handle any and all weather conditions.
Gear Review: First Ascent Stargazer 2 Tent
The First Ascent Stargazer is a highly livable shelter for backpackers who spend tons of time in wet weather.
Western Mountaineering Versalite
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Western Mountaineering Ultralite
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Western Mountaineering Alpinlite
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Western Mountaineering Megalite
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Western Mountaineering Summerlite
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Western Mountaineering Highlite
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Western Mountaineering Mitylite
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Western Mountaineering Caribou MF
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Western Mountaineering Alder MF
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Western Mountaineering Sycamore MF
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Western Mountaineering Apache MF
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Western Mountaineering Badger MF
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Western Mountaineering Ponderosa MF
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Western Mountaineering Antelope MF
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Western Mountaineering Sequoia MF
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Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF
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Western Mountaineering Bristlecone MF
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Western Mountaineering Tamarack
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Western Mountaineering Lynx GWS
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Western Mountaineering Puma GWS
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Western Mountaineering Bison GWS
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Easton Mountain Products Compact Carbon5
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Easton Mountain Products Ultralight Carbon 3
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Easton Mountain Products Hike Carbon 3
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Easton Mountain Products Backcountry AL3 Anti-Shock
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Easton Mountain Products Trail AL2
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Easton Mountain Products Trail AL3
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Easton Mountain Products Compact AL5
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Easton Mountain Products Hike AL3
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Bust 5 Common Fitness Excuses
Mountain guide and author of Fit by Nature John D. Colver offers up these hints for staying motivated and fit no matter what your excuse.
Carry the best maps for your adventures.
New Elite program from map partner Trimble Outdoors serves up best-in-class trip planning tools, exclusive map data, and mobile app extras.
Grand Canyon National Park: Custom adventure maps on waterproof paper
Our editors map their favorite trips on custom-centered topos. Order today!
Navigating in the desert
Tips from our experts and readers about traveling in deserts and canyon country
Test Kitchen: Cooking Trail Eggs
We cracked dozens of eggs to find the perfect camping prep. Here's how to pack them efficiently, use them in trail-worthy recipes, and clean up quickly.
Backcountry Chocolate Recipes
Need to kill your chocolate craving? Use these recipes to get your chocolate fix in the backcountry.
ARC'TERYX Arrakis 40
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
ARC'TERYX Arrakis 50
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ARC'TERYX Arrakis 65
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ARC'TERYX Naos 85
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