Gear Review: Hot Chillys PeachSkins Performance Wear Base Layer
A fuzzy top that never smells.
Apparel
Apparel
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.
Gear Review: Wickers Softsilk Thermal Base Layer
Lightweight and fast drying
Gear Review: Outlast Mid-Weight Base Layers
Outlast fabric regulates your body temperature for you.
Gear Review: PolarMAX Tech Waffle Crew Base Layer
Ski patrol approved
Gear Review: REI MTS Polartec Power Dry Midweight Base Layer
A baselayer made for high-exertion activities.
Gear Bargain Hunting: Fleece
Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.
Gear Review: L.L. Bean Goose Down Jacket
For the cost, you won't find a warmer down jacket.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Toaster Jacket
A bargain waterproof insulated shell that is Rainier worthy.
Gear Review: Merrell Charade Puffy Jacket
A synthetic puffy that turns into a neck pillow.
Gear Review: L.L. Bean Cresta Wool Midweight Base Layer Crew
A cheap(er) merino crew that stays stink-free.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Isotope Nano Rain Jacket
The lightest jacket in our under-$100 test.
Gear Review: Columbia Hail Tech Rain Jacket
A cold-weather rain jacket that's $90.
Gear Review: Helly Hansen Vancouver Rain Jacket
A $100 jacket which doesn't skimp on features.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Rampart Rain Jacket
Ventilation on this jacket is top-notch.
Gear Review: MontBell Thunder Pass Rain Jacket
The most bomber shell in our test.
Gear Review: Marmot PreCip Rain Jacket
There's nothing this bargain rain shell can't do.
Gear Review: Craft proCOOL Tee with Mesh
A t-shirt with air conditioning.
Gear Review: Handful Bra
Found: A flattering, supportive, non-chafing sports bra.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Momentum Running Glove
Top-shelf summer weight gloves with the added bonus of a touchscreen trapdoor for your index fingers.
Get Bargains on Gear
Forget full price. Here's how to score deals on outdoor duds.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Men's Power Stretch Tights
Toasty, stretchy tights you don't have to hide.
Gear Review: ARC'TERYX Rampart Pants
Need pants you can wear for two weeks straight and still be presentable? Slip into the Rampart from ARC'TERYX.
Gear Review: First Ascent Mountain Guide Lite Pants
The fit, the fabric, and the details make these pants shine.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Men's Ravine Long-Sleeve Shirt
A backcountry performance top that performs as good as it looks.
Gear Review: Man-Pris
Our tester took a pair of Patagonia Borderless Messenger Shorts (a.k.a Capris) on the trail, begrudgingly. But he came back a happy man.
Eddie Bauer
At Eddie Bauer, we've been outfitting adventures since 1920 everything from family camping trips to historic mountaineering expeditions and epic first ascents. That tradition inspires everything we do, from our casual sportswear to our guide-built First Ascent mountaineering gear. Like the revolutionary BC-200 ultra light hard shell. A 3-layer, waterproof/breathable hard shell with 20K/25K performance that's under 11 oz AND under $200.
Gear Review: Female Urination Devices
Women's equality takes on a whole new meaning with these seven contraptions.
Gear Review: The North Face Men's Paramount Peak Convertible Pant
This upgrade to The North Face's tried and true convertible pant makes the grade.
Gear Guide 2010: Essentials A to Z
Having the right boots, packs, bags, and tents is never enough. Here, a roundup of all the other "essential" pieces of gear you'll want in the great outdoors.
Gear Review: Cloudveil Run Don't Walk Boxers
Winter skivvies at their finest.
Gear Review: Isis Henna Hipster Underwear & Day Bra
These chafe-free undergarments also wick away moisture.
Gear Review: Patagonia Active Boxer Briefs & Ibex Zepher Boxers
Underwear for the outdoorsy man.
Gear Review: Discovery Trekking Extreme Ultralight Fast-Dry Towel
This towel packs small and absorbs a ton...except odors.
Gear Review: McNett Tenacious Tape
Repair any fabric with this super sticky tape.
Gear Review: Woolrich Topo/Sunrise Bluff Sun Shirt
This button-down sun shirt has a high collar and UPF 30 fabric.
Toughest Gear: Patagonia Capilene Baselayer
25 years later, this Patagonia model is still the baselayer to beat.
Gear Review: Sport Science Shortsleeve Rainbow Tee
This hiking shirt blends hippie style with technical attributes.
BACKPACKER Editors' Toughest Gear
Thirty indestructible gear picks from two decades of hardcore field-testing.
Toughest Gear: Beyond Clothing Steel Shock
Proof that clothes that fit better last longer.
Toughest Gear: Patagonia Regulator Series
Fleece sturdy enough to satisfy an Argonaut.
Toughest Gear: Ibex Icefall Jacket
This stretch-nylon softshell jacket is one of the most-worn garments in our gear closet.
Toughest Gear: ThorLo Classic Hiking Socks
These socks have padding that won't quit.
Toughest Gear: Feathered Friends Helios Jacket
This Feathered Friends puffy jacket stays fatter than a StayPuff marshmallow.
Toughest Gear: Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket
This Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket is overkill when you need it.
Toughest Gear: Fox River X-Static Liner, Chaco Sandals, and MSR Dromedary
No stink sock liners, rough & tough sandals, and a puncture-proof water bag.
Toughest Gear: Mountain Hardwear Transition Jacket
The toughest, most versatile windshirt around.
Gear Review: Lorpen TCXS
Long-lasting socks that will keep your feet warm and dry.
Gear Review: Merino Icebreaker Hiker Light Crewe
These midweight hiking socks can stand up to serious miles.
Gear Review: Point6 Outdoor Tech Medium Cushion Mini
Stretchy socks that never sag and always feel plush, even after big miles.
Gear Review: Injinji Performance Crew
These five-toes socks squelch blisters.
Almost Editors' Choice 2010
These five finalists were close to the tops for our editors–for you they may be perfect.
Gear Review: Marmot Big Wall Short
Light, tough shorts ideal for hiking and hanging.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Tactician Short
Super-comfy quick drying shorts for hiking, riding, or climbing.
Gear Review: Millet 350
This lightweight shell is mountain ready.
Gear Review: White Sierra Tempest Tek Jacket
Total rain protection at a happy, happy price.
Gear Review: Merrel Norgate
A do-it-all rainshell with a roomy cut.
Gear Review: Patagonia Down Sweater
A sweet, packable puffy with big warmth
Gear Review: Marmot Eigerwand Jacket
This synthetic-filled puffy stays warm even in wet, sloppy snow.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Flex Down Jacket
This stretchy-baffled down jacket traps mega heat for serious warmth.
Editors' Choice 2010: Patagonia Merino 1 Baselayer
Settle the wool-versus-synthetic debate once and for all: Get the best of both.
Gear Review: GoLite Tumalo Pant
Breathable rain-rebuffing pants that pack tiny
Gear Review: Marmot Rockstar Pant
Stretchy fabric and a clean, comfy cut make these hiking pants super-versatile.
Gear Review: Smartwool Neck Gaiter
A cozy cocoon for your neck and face
Gear Review: Patagonia Simple Guide Jacket
A streamlined softshell that packs up small and cuts the wind
Gear Review: REI's Sahara Convetible Pants
Hiking pants that are as tough as your kids
Gear Review: Mountain Hardware Boys' Epic
An affordable kids' rain jacket that can handle serious weather
Gear Review: Merino Wool Buff
A versatile head accessory that morphs from hat to gaiter to balaclava to pony-tail holder
Gear Review: Mountain Hardware Quasar
A comfy cap for hot days
Gear Review: Pistil Tulip
A cozy and cute wool hat
Gear Review: Mountain Hardware Torsion Glove
Nimble gloves for cold weather hiking
Gear Review: Mountain Hardware Seta Strapless Running Gaiters
Minimalist gaiters to keep out dirt and debris
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Delta LT Zip
A super-versatile, fleecy layering piece
Gear Review: Dublin Dog collar
The most rugged, stink-proof dog collar we've found
Gear Review: Nikwax Down Proof
Boost the performance of your down gear
Gear Review: Sugio MidZero Zip Jersey
A midweight base layer for cool to cold weather hiking
Gear Review: Kombi Bamboo 4-Way Stretch 1/4 Zip-Neck
A lightweight layering piece make of bamboo
Gear Review: I/O Merino Contact Long-Sleeve Crib
A superlight wool base layer that shines 12 months a year
Gear Review: Columbia Silver Ridge Crew
A tee-shirt designed for super-hot weather
Gear Review: Smartwool Arm Warmers
Transform your shortsleeve tee to long with these cozy add-ons.
Gear Review: Patagonia M10 Jacket
At 10.5 ounces, this jacket worked as a windshell in the Swiss Alps and and handled rain and wind in New England and the Rockies.