Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka
Best all-around light insulated jacket
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.
Mammut Kento Light HS
Lightest shell
The 4 Best Bras for Backpacking
From ultrasupportive to odor-immune, these four models won us over.
What Our Members Are Testing Now: Dark Peak NESSH Lightweight Down Jacket
This puffy excelled as an insulating layer during winter on the Great Plains.
ExOfficio BugsAway Sol Cool Ampario Convertible Pants
Protective pants
Craghoppers Insect Shield Adventure II Long-Sleeved Shirt
Impenetrable shirt
Columbia Irico Freezer Pant
Heat-beating bottoms
Montane Element Stretch Jacket
Cozy shell
The 10 Best Outdoor Mothers' Day Gifts of 2020
Whether mom's nearby or far away, help her enjoy the outdoors with these 10 great picks.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Kalpana Hike Tight
Resilient legging
Mammut Crashiano Top
Fashion-forward tank
Arc’teryx Kyanite LT Hoody
Versatile fleece
Fjällräven Bergtagen Stretch Trousers
Protective pants
prana Ground Speed Short
Wet and wild shorts
Headsweats Crusher Hat
Heat-beating cap
Black Diamond Rhythm Tee
Durable wool shirt
Backcountry Pentapitch Hooded Pullover
Do-it-all midlayer
What We’re Testing Now: Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody
This breathable midlayer is a jacket for all seasons.
REI Co-op Westwinds GTX Jacket
Most durable shell
Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Jacket & Pant
Shell with the best protection
Black Diamond Highline Stretch
Most versatile shell
Arc’teryx Gamma SL Hoody
Best softshell
Mountain Equipment Impellor Shakedry
Best shell makeover
Flylow Davis Jacket
Best windshell
BlackYak Brava
Most breathable shell
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody
Save big on one of our favorite puffies.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
A great t-shirt gets even better—and earns a 2020 Editors' Choice Award from BACKPACKER.
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.
Smith Level/Liberty
Feature-rich helmet
The North Face Summit L3 Down Hoodie
Heat-hoarding jacket
Deal of the Week: Sierra Designs Tuolumne Sweater
This versatile, comfortable jacket is on sale starting at 68% off.
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
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: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Pants
These puffy trousers save heat—and space—on cold-weather trips.
Gear of the Week: Helly Hansen LifaLoft Hooded Stretch Insulator Jacket
This midlayer won't hold you back when you're on the move.
Gear of the Week: Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Baselayers
Unique design makes these layers extra-breathable.
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.
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
Gear of the Week: Ortovox Fleece Light Grid Jacket
This top does it all thanks to smart design and premium materials.
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
Foehn Women’s Brise Jogger
Best trousers
Smartwool Women’s Merino Sport 150 Short Sleeve
Best t-shirt
Deal of the Week: The North Face Ventrix Hoodie
Get ready for fall adventures with a deal on this versatile insulating layer
Mammut Kento HS Hooded Jacket
Do-it-all shell
Smartwool Merino Sport 150 Briefs
Best boxers
Duckworth Polaris Crew
Best warm top
Mountain Khakis Men’s Original Trail Pant
Most durable pant
Fjällräven Ovik Re-Wool Shirt
Best flannel