Apparel

BACKPACKER contributing editor John Harlin III first summited Mt. Hood at age 11 and has climbed the peak in every season. Here, he gives you his gear checklist for hitting the mountain right.

This durable shell is hefty enough for four-season wear.

Get technical layers that work everywhere from hotel bars to high-mountain trails. Our testers vetted more than 50 products from the Alps to the Andes to bring you these top systems.

The BACKPACKER ladies tested made-for-trail clothes that can double as street wear–wherever the streets may be.

These lightweight and tough nylon pants will do the trick

A functional shirt that will keep you dry and comfortable while looking stylish all the while

A quick-drying, simple cap for any global traveler

Try these breathable nylon shorts for steamy hikes.

Add this comfy fleece hybrid when those temps start to drop

Plenty of cargo space, an adjustable hood and great air flow, you may never have to take this coat off

When temperatures rise, trade your pants for the comfortable Isis Madiera Skort.

The Ibex Hooded Shaq is high in packability and warmth.

Hit the trail and the town with the functional Royal Robbins Cardiff Stretch Traveler pants.

Perfect baselayer: the Icebreaker Superfine 140 Henley Lite stays odor-free with style.

For searing sun or relentless rain, pack the Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap.

Core Concepts Monsoon to Market effortlessly transforms from satchel to shell.

Our female testers pick their favorite gear for fall hikes.

Our tester spent 18 days climbing, camping, and evaluating gear on America's highest, coldest peak. If his picks made it there, they can make it anywhere.

Learn how you can shop for ethical, eco-friendly wool to lighten your planetary load.

For all-purpose performance year-round, this layering system works overtime through any weather.

Don't let a crappy forecast keep you home for the weekend. Just pack this deluge-tested system.

From the Grand Canyon to sunshine-pounded Colorado peaks, stay cool and comfortable with this ultralight system.

Our testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes.

Wild weather coming? We've devised a perfect system for every condition.

We couldn't fit all of our reviews in one spot. Here, read the outtakes.

From head to, well, ankle, our testers give Outdoor Research and L.L. Bean a whirl.

Contain your body heat with with these skin-hugging baselayers: the 180s Quantum Dry Base Layer crew and pant, Icebreaker 180 GT Chase 1/4 Zip, Patagonia Wool 2 long sleeve crew and bottoms, and White Sierra Bamboo Crew.

Stay warm with the Arc'teryx Kappa SV Hoody, Marmot Torrid, REI Ladro Hoodie, and Solstice Cool Ruler.

Check out the Cloudveil Hobak, EMS Aurora Shell Pant, L.L. Bean Ascent GTX, Mountain Hardwear Dragon, and Sierra Designs Cyclone Eco

Save weight, your feet, and money with these three pieces of ultralight gear

True-blue reviews on the latest items we've taken out on trail.

The green truth behind bamboo, a hyper-efficient cookpot, and a bargain three-person tent.

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.

The best gear in the world can be worthless in the wrong conditions. That's where Backpacker's Perfect System comes in.

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.

Packs, tents, boots, and bags–that's easy. Now comes the hard part: Everything else. Below, you'll find our top picks for all the lust-worthy backcountry essentials you'll need to make your trip safe, fun, and simple.

We found 17 pioneering products that will cut your carbon cost without sacrificing performance.

Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.

From $500 to under $150, Backpacker has found the best rain shells for blowing snow or driving rain.

Made with down or synthetic fibers and paper-thin shells, these puffy jackets weigh less, loft higher, and pack much smaller than fleece.

These eight trail tops wick sweat, look great, and fit great. Wear them for a run or a week-long trek.

Patagonia implements the Common Threads Recycling Program to reuse your old Capilene long underwear tops and bottoms

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is waterproof and durable, but the manufacturing process creates carcinogens

From your tent, to your bivy sack, to yourself, learn how to stay dry and comfortable.

Before shopping for gear it's important to plan a budget, do your research, and prioritize.

Clothing is gear that's just as important as a tent or sleeping bag. We'll help you choose wisely.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

Make sure you don't forget a thing with our comprehensive gear checklists for pretty much any trip occasion. Plus, learn how to pick the perfect piece of gear.

It's cold out there -- but don't fret. We've tested and reviewed all the best gear to keep you warm, dry, and comfy when the mercury drops.

The Backpacker gear ladies try out these tough OR pants.

Don't overload your pack. Learn how to leave the non-essentials behind and still stay warm.

Salvage a few more years out of your favorite jacket with these zipper fixes.

Ward off the chill of cooler temps with these Backpacker-tested base layers and shells

Cutting-edge fabrics make outdoor gear eco-friendly.

Testing confirms it: You can get a real rain jacket for less than 8 ounces.

Proven extra-tough after 30 straight days of hiking

How to make your cold months warmer: boots, bags, jackets, backpacks, and booties for frosty weather

Comfortable, water-resistant fabric earns points lost from this jacket's boxy fit

Budget shopper or big spender? We have the perfect three-season layering system for you.

A bargain base layer designed to maximize wicking and enhance layering

Our field testers praise PreCip for its strength and breathability

A little extra money buys a lot of extra wear with Arc'Teryx's latest T

Don't let your kid board the bus underdressed this winter

The Harry Potter hat for AT hikers: a bandanna that doubles as the key to the trail.

Keep your wallet and load a little lighter with Outdoor Research, Marmot, and Integral Designs

These Editors' Choice Green Award-winning socks are soft on the planet-and your feet

Stay dry in the wettest weather with this lid, winner of a 2005 Editors' Choice Gold Award

Stay sweat-free in all conditions with this lightweight shell

We went to outdoor educators and gear retailers to uncover the most common questions asked about staying dry in the backcountry. Here are the top 6.

How to keep your gear--and yourself--dry on your next backpacking adventure.

How do you know that your gear is crying out for help? Consult our handy list of signs and solutions.

A complete guide to buying gear that will keep you dry--no matter what

This super-compact and affordable shell is perfect for the Southwest

You won't miss a thing with this piece of raingear.

You don't have to be a direct Mayflower descendant to appreciate a little Yankee thrift with this rain shell

Look chic when you head for the alpine life.

Racing a storm to a peak is no time to whip out an inferior rain shell.