Rab Phantom Pull-on
The lightest—and perhaps last—shell you’ll ever need. The Rab Phantom Pull-on is a 2020 Editors' Choice Award Winner.
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.
Giorgio’s Savory Wild Portabella Jerky
This snack that's more than a snack wowed our staff so much, we gave it an Editors' Choice Award.
Mountainsmith Zerk 40
Its our favorite pared down, long-trail-ready hauler, and its one of our 2020 Editors' Choice Award winners.
Editors' Choice Awards 2020: The Best Gear of the Year
Backpacks, a sleeping pad, an ultralight jacket, and one very special organization: These are our 9 favorite things this year.
Black Diamond Trail Zip 14
Lightest pack
Deal of the Week: Klymit Inertia X Frame Sleeping Pad
This futuristic-looking pad slashes weight, but not comfort.
BACKPACKER is Going Climate Neutral
We're not just going to talk the green talk, but walk it as well.
4 Discount Camping Gear Picks to Grab at Backcountry's Winter Yard Sale
Upgrade your sleeping bag, tent, or happy hour for less.
The Best Gear to Crush Long Hikes
Hike farther, carry less with these picks for long trails and other extended adventures.
Deal of the Week: Grand Trunk OneMade Double Hammock
Score a bargain on elevated sleeping for two.
SCARPA Maestrale XT
Most stable ski boot
Full Tilt Ascendant
Most versatile ski boot
Dynafit TLT8 Expedition
Best all-around
The 6 Best Deals to Help You Gear Up for Spring
Grab these steep discounts on jackets, tents, shoes, and more at REI's Spring clearance sale.
Deal of the Week: REI Co-op Revelcloud II Jacket
$50 will buy you one of the best packable, do-anything puffies on the market.
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Kor Preshell
Save big on this light-yet-mighty windbreaker.
5 Backpacking Gear Deals You Can Grab for 50% Off Today
Get a trekking pole, a versatile backpack, a high-end ski boot, and more at a steep discount.
G3 Minimist Universal
Packable climbing skins
Deal of the Week: Osprey Poco AG Plus Child Carrier
Get this full-featured kid transporter at a discount.
mountainFLOW Skin Wax
Eco-friendly wax
Baffin Cush
Best hut slipper
Rab Hot Socks
Best for car campers
Exped Down Sock
Best bootie for cold sleepers
40 Below Camp Booties
Best for tent campers
Western Mountaineering Standard Down
Best overall down booties
Gear Editor's Picks: The 5 Best Insulated Jackets
Stay warm this winter in our gear editor's favorite puffies.
Deal of the Week: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Sleep warm on this ultralight, compact, insulated sleeping pad, now available for 32% off.
The 11 Best Outdoor Valentine’s Day Gifts of 2020
Shopping for that outdoor lover in your life? These 10 items can add romance to a day hike, the campground or a remote hut.
The Best Ultralight Gear from REI's Winter Clearance Sale
Cut down your pack weight but not your bank account with these 7 perfect packs, sleeping bags, tents, and more.
Smith Level/Liberty
Feature-rich helmet
Black Diamond JetForce Tour 26L
Easy avalanche pack
The North Face Summit L3 Down Hoodie
Heat-hoarding jacket
Deal of the Week: Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
You need power. This headlamp has it—for 30% off.
Hults Bruk Jonaker
Best hatchet
Full Windsor The Muncher
Lightest multitool
Gerber Center-Drive Plus
Most versatile multitool
Leatherman FREE T4
Most user-friendly multitool
Bubba Sculpin Pocket Knife
Best value knife
Benchmade 535GRY Bugout
Lightest knife
Deal of the Week: Sierra Designs Tuolumne Sweater
This versatile, comfortable jacket is on sale starting at 68% off.
The 4 Best Satellite Communicators for Backpackers
The latest generation of satellite communicators is better than ever, ensuring that you can stay informed, connected, and safe wherever you go. Here are our favorites.
Somewear Global Hotspot
Easiest to use
Bivystick
Biggest battery
Garmin inReach Mini
Best in test
SPOT X
Most affordable
Deal of the Week: Julbo Coast Sunglasses
These wraparound shades handle mountain glare and sea spray without looking too technical.
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2
Home sweet home
Ultralight Adventure Equipment Ohm 2.0
Pack animal
Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32°F Quilt
Backcountry bed
Altra Lone Peak 4.0
Foot soldiers
1,000 Mile Test: Black Diamond Guide Gloves
These gloves have taken a beating—but they're still ready to go.
Point 6 Zip Front Top
Most durable wool
Ortovox 230 Merino Competition Zip Neck
Best for expeditions
Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal ¼ Zip
Best cold-weather wicking
Gear of the Week: The North Face Homestead Super Dome 4
This superlivable tent is great for families.
The 5 Best Post-Holiday Gear Deals
Start your year off right by saving big on great gear.
Ridge Merino Aspect Highneck
Women's baselayer pick
Outdoor Research Vigor Quarter Zip
Most versatile top
Gore Wear X7 Partial Gore-Tex Unfinium Tights
Most versatile bottoms
Gear of the Week: Smart Bottle Double Wall Outdoor Series
These water containers are durable, light, and packable.
Deal of the Month: Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Sleeping Pad
This thick pad provides lots of warmth, and at 50% off, it couldn't be a better deal.
Gear of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Pants
These puffy trousers save heat—and space—on cold-weather trips.
The Art and Science of Layering
Human thermoregulation is a complex process, and the better you understand it, the better you can harness its power.
Top 2019 Tech Gifts for Backpacking and Hiking
Your loved ones will actually want to bring this technology into the backcountry.
The 10 Best Gifts for Beginner Backpackers
Help someone you love get started backpacking with these great gifts for newbies.
Gear of the Week: Helly Hansen LifaLoft Hooded Stretch Insulator Jacket
This midlayer won't hold you back when you're on the move.
Meet the Basecamp Gear Testers
Our newest crop of Backpacker gear-lovers is ready to hit the trail.
The 10 Best Gifts for Adventurers of 2019
Months go into planning for big adventures, and the way you pack for remote destinations makes a big difference. Make sure their next trip goes off without a hitch with these 10 gifts.
The Best Trail-Ready GPS Units
Make sure that you are prepared and have a solid GPS in hand before venturing into the backcountry.
The 10 Best Car Camping Gifts of 2019
Settle in for a day or a week with this perfect basecamping gear.
Outdoor Research Skyward II: Still the Greatest Waterproof Shell
It’s true: BACKPACKER hasn’t given an Editor’s Choice Award to a waterproof shell since 2016. But hear us out.
6 Ways the Casio Pro Trek Smart WSD-F21HR Helps Guides Navigate the Backcountry
Guides Katie Burns and David Torres share about how the Pro Trek has made their jobs easier.
The Best Gifts for Ultralighters of 2019
Help them go lighter and faster with these 15 trail-ready gifts.
Salomon QST Lumen 99
Best women's ski
Black Diamond Helio Recon 95
Best stability
LINE Vision 108
Most fun
Blizzard Zero G 95
Lightest
G3 FINDr 102
Best feature