Gear Review: SOLE Exhale Slippers
Ditch your hiking boots for these fleece-lined slippers and relax.
Finding the perfect hiking apparel can be tricky. But with the help of Backpacker Magazine’s dedicated team of expert gear reviewers, you’ll easily find the perfect men’s and women’s outdoor apparel for every hiking and backpacking trip on your bucket list.
Finding the perfect hiking apparel can be tricky. But with the help of Backpacker Magazine’s dedicated team of expert gear reviewers, you’ll easily find the perfect men’s and women’s outdoor apparel for every hiking and backpacking trip on your bucket list.
Ditch your hiking boots for these fleece-lined slippers and relax.
Protect your beaner, or just keep it warm, with these headwear options.
Gloves that are rugged and cheap.
Gloves made with thermal-reflective Omni-Heat lining.
Tuck chemical handwarmers in these mitts for long-lasting heat.
Tough gloves that still let you use your fingers for delicate tasks.
The best gloves for wet and cold we tested.
These zippered gaiters keep out crusty debris.
These gaiters thrive in wet, wet conditions.
Made for ice climbers–perfect for anyone who needs tough, tall gaiters.
Ski socks that protect shins from boot bang.
Multi-season socks with tons of cush.
Bargain socks that are warm and resilient.
Perfect fit and great performance
The most comfortable helmet in our test.
An ultralight helmet with 16 vents.
A merino wool beanie for temps down to 25°.
A two-in-one hat that keeps out cold and precipitation.
A cap that lives up to its name
A full-face balaclava
A winter ball cap that's filled with down.
A barely there beanie for high-octane workouts.
Cool-weather enthusiasts–skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, & winter hikers–will love this jacket.
Softshell pants that are waterproof, breathable, and abrasion resistant.
Lightweight bibs that turn into pants with a zip.
Breathable softshell pants for skiers that log logs of vertical.
Ski or snowboard pants that won't get shredded.
Ultralight shell pants that protect from snow and cold.
A new fabric makes this synthetic zip-t odor free.
A superthin merino layer that is deceptively durable.
The softest baselayer we've tested...ever.
Baselayer bottoms that you can wear solo.
A bargain layer that's pretty and tough.
A short-sleeved baselayer for year-round wear.
A built-in neck gaiter for her and a built-in hoody for him give this shirt head and neck protection.
Patagonia updates this perennial favorite making it lighter, faster-drying, and softer then previous Capilene layers.
A full-body baselayer (a.k.a. pilot or "union" suit) that's as warm as they come.
Nordic skiiers and runners will love this moisture moving layer.
A three-in-one jacket system...that works.
This lightweight fleece jacket has been a long-time tester favorite.
-20°? No problem for this bargain heater.
A super warm jacket that compresses down to softball size.
Columbia's "Omni-Heat" increases insulation by 20 percent over standard fill.
A core-warming affordable, functional vest.
A versatile jacket that blends in anywhere.
Although perhaps not as sexy as a brand new Gore-Tex Pro hardshell, the most basic of baselayers is a crucial component of your backcountry enjoyment. We put three mens' styles to the test.
A waterproof ski jacket that's warm as well.
A hybrid softshell/puffy jacket.
A water resistant, down-filled force field.
A weather-resistant shell that's as warm as a sweater.
This wind resistant yet breathable softshell is great for layering.
An ultralight softshell that wicks.
A midweight softshell that's multiseason.
This softshell provides maximum breathability and weather protection.
This eco-friendly jacket is everything you'd expect from a midweight softshell.
A bargain softshell that's cozy and great for aerobic activities.
One pound of all-purpose protection
A good looking jacket with plenty of storm protection.
A versatile ski shell at a great price
An ultralight hardshell jacket for under $150.
A versatile hardshell that's lightweight and breathable.
Reinforced shoulders and three-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric make this jacket super tough.
An all-conditions jacket that's under $200.
255 gear reviews and cold-weather tips!
A reasonably priced rainshell that breathes well and feels great against the skin.
Check out Tyler Bounds's author page.
Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.
For those times when a little skull cap just want do, but you still want a hat that wicks and breathes.
A stylish hat that packs small and combats camp hair.
Three-season wool and polyester pants.
Warm, light fleece pants.
Our testers endured a year's worth of wet, cold conditions to find six lightweight jackets that will keep your body dry and your wallet plump.
From mild autumn evenings to winter's deep freeze, here's how to stay warm for less.
For $35 or less, keep your core warm and toasty.
For those times on the trail when serious hiking pants are overkill.
Check out Katie Herrell's author page.
This all-natural wonder fabric keeps you warm, cool, and stink-free.
Recycled polyester and bamboo makes this a super green baselayer.
A fuzzy top that never smells.
Lightweight and fast drying