Editors' Picks: The 11 Best Gifts for Hikers of 2019
Want to shop like a BACKPACKER editor? Here's your list.
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 of the Week: CTR Howler Markus Skully
This light cap is full of features.
Deal of the Month: Garmin Instinct GPS Watch
Snag a rugged GPS watch at a wallet-friendly price.
The 11 Best Gifts for Expert Hikers of 2019
Help the hardcore backpacker on your list make their gear lighter, better, or just more fun with these 11 trail-ready gifts.
Gear of the Week: Hillsound FlexSteps
Keep your footing on snowy trails with these packable spikes.
The 5 Best Winter Sleeping Bags
Ward off the cold with these superwarm products.
CEP 3.0
Best for trail running
Heat Holders Original
Warmest sleep sock
Lasting Trekking WHI
Best value
Le Bent Le Send
Best for ski touring
How the Garmin fēnix 6 Series Makes You a Better Backpacker
Stay more present on the trail with the features on the latest watch from Garmin.
The North Face Forecaster 35
Best for mountaineering
Mystery Ranch Gallatin Peak 40
Most durable
Eddie Bauer Alpine Sisu 50
Best access
BCA Stash 30
Best fit
Editors' Choice: The Best Gear of Winter 2019
We broke our own records this time. In the name of testing, there was no weather too cold, no snow too deep, no location too remote. For one final assessment, we took the standout products to Banff National Park in Alberta, where we found both wicked wind and perfect skiing. The 10 items that excelled in that ultimate trial earned the right to be called the year’s best cold-weather gear.
Gear of the Week: Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Baselayers
Unique design makes these layers extra-breathable.
2019 Holiday Gift Guide
No matter who you're shopping for, we've got you covered with 2019's best holiday gifts for hikers, in every price range.
Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Stimulus
Most breathable
Seirus Range LX
Warmest glove
Gordini Elias Gauntlet
Best protection
Outdoor Research Inception Aerogel X
Best dexterity
Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip
Warmest boot
Vasque Coldspark Ultradry
Best value boot
Salewa Wildire Edge Mid GTX
Best fit
Hanwag Alverstone II GTX
Best traction
Jack Wolfskin Wilderness Lite Texapore Mid
Best support
Sierra Designs Cold Canyon Fleece
Best value insulated jacket
Ortovox Piz Palu
Most comfortable
Mountain Hardwear Phantom Hoody
Lightest jacket
Dynafit FT Insulation Jacket
Best warmth-to-weight
Black Diamond Vision Parka
Most durable puffy jacket
Rab Verglas
Best weatherproofing
Outdoor Research Refuge Air Hooded Jacket
Most versatile jacket
Marmot West Rib Parka
Warmest jacket
The 11 Best Hiking Jackets of Winter 2019-2020
Wind, rain, snow: No matter the weather, these jackets are ready to help you get outside and hit the trail.
KEEN Terradora Winter Lace Boot WP
Women's boot pick
NEMO Cosmo 3D Insulated
Best shoulder-season pad
Black Diamond FirstLight 2P
Best tent for mountaineering
Tarptent Moment DW 1P
Strongest tent
Therm-a-Rest Oberon 0°F
Best all-around sleeping bag
Decathlon Forclaz Trek 900 Bag
Best value sleeping bag
Sea to Summit Alpine -40°F
Warmest sleeping bag
Gear of the Week: Sierra Designs Tuolumne Sweater
A versatile layering piece that's perfect for shoulder season.
Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Hybrid Softshell
Best protection
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Grid Hooded
Killer deal
Eddie Bauer BC Freshline 2.0/BC Fineline 2.0
Best protection
Amundsen Sports Peak Anorak
Best features
Direct Alpine Revolt
Most versatile
Adidas Outdoors Primeknit Climaproof Jacket
Best mobility
Montane Pac Plus
Best value
Dynafit Speed 3L Reflective Jacket
Best for fast-and-light touring
The North Face Summit L5 LT Jacket
Most breathable
GoLite Ready Set Go
Lightest
What We're Testing Now: Merrell Zion Mid Waterproof
This boot offers superb traction and solid weatherproofing.
Gear of the Week: Oru Kayak Inlet
This boat packs up small but goes big on the water.
The 5 Best Recovery Shoes for Backpackers
Your feet deserve a little downtime. Pamper them with these 5 post-hike pairs.
Gear of the Week: Ortovox Fleece Light Grid Jacket
This top does it all thanks to smart design and premium materials.
Deal of the Month: Oboz Wind River III
This bomber boot offers tons of protection and comfort.
DPS Alchemist Wailer 100 RP / Alchemist Yvette 100 RP
You won't find a smoother ride in the backcountry.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Exped Downmat XP 9
Snow on the ground? Snow problem with this heavy-duty sleeping pad.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Osprey Kamber 42/Kresta 40
A full-featured ski pack that has the storage you need
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Fleece Hoodie
There's no such thing as a "perfect" insulating midlayer, but this is as close as we're going to get.
The 5 Best Deals From REI's End of Season Sale
It's not the holiday season yet, but you can still spoil yourself by grabbing these discounted products.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Montbell Ignis Down Parka
This weather-resistant puffy keeps the heat in and the precip out.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Smith 4D Mag
The increased field of vision in these goggles helped us get a whole new perspective.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Sweet Protection Ascender MIPS
Protect your head with this versatile, tough helmet.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: MSR Lightning Ascent
These mountain-ready snowshoes are easy to use in any temperature.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Flylow Siren Bib
Say goodbye to baggy touring pants once and for all.
Hit Backcountry Lakes and Rivers With This Perfect 6-Piece Paddling Kit
Gear up for trips on all types of water.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Mountain Hardwear Trango 2
No storm can flatten this bomber tent.
3 Lightweight Backpacking and Hiking Shells to Stash in Your Daypack
Carry one of these barely-there jackets, and you'll be equipped for the next rainy day.
The Best Women's Hiking and Backpacking Apparel of 2019
Time to upgrade your trail outfit? Check out this season's best apparel to boost your backcountry comfort.
Marmot Women’s Trail Bender Tights
Best leggings
Columbia Northern Comfort Midlayer Shirt
Most versatile top
Title Nine Grace Long Sleeve Top
Best long sleeve
Conner Hats Bird and Feather Wool Hat
Best sun hat
Kari Traa Sol Bra
Best bra