The 5 Best Windshells for Hikers
These featherweight windshells ensure that the weather doesn’t blow your plans away.
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.
Arc’teryx Incendo SL/Cita SL
Lightest windshell
Patagonia Houdini Air
Warmest windshell
Ortovox Merino Windbreaker
Most comfortable
Montane Lite-Speed
Best protection
10 Must-Have Items in Our Ski Touring Kit
From eye protection to bibs to energy chews, we reach for these products again and again.
Mammut Macun SO
Warmest softshell
The North Face North Dome Stretch Wind Jacket
Best value softshell
Mountain Hardwear Kor Preshell
Most breathable windshell
Black Diamond Deploy Wind Shell
Lightest windshell
Rab Kinetic Alpine
Most comfortable
Columbia OutDry Ex Reign
Best protection
Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow
Most versatile
Marmot PreCip Active
Best value
Eddie Bauer BC Uplift
Killer deal
SITKA Vapor Shakedry Jacket
Most breathable
Helly Hansen Odin Minimalist 2.0
Best features
Polartec Power Air
Stay warm and save rivers with this eco-friendly fleece layer.
Rab Kinetic Alpine Pant
Finally, a pair of rainpants you won't be afraid to wear all day.
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Hoody
This sun shirt is a soft alternative to wearing sunscreen.
GoLite ReGreen Windshell
It used to be a bunch of plastic bottles. Now, it's one of the most eco-friendly windshells on the market.
Sneak Peak: Holden Outerwear Schoeller Corkshell and WholeGarment Line
An outerwear line that uses cork and a waste-free computerized knitting system are among the innovations the company hopes to show off this year.
Sneak Peak: Marmot West Rib Parka
We thought we had seen every possible way to package down. This coat proved us wrong.
POC Obex Spin Helmet
Efficient padding protects noggins from frontcountry snowmobiling to backcountry splitboarding.
8 Gear Deals to Grab from REI's January Clearance Sale
Get boots, jackets, and more on the cheap—but hurry.
Gear of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Super/DS Stretchdown Hooded Jacket
Abrasion-resistance, moisture management and natural stretch carries this puffy to a top level.
Icebreaker Persist Plus
Versatile pant
Outdoor Research Skyward II
Editors’ Choice update
Gear of the Week: KÜHL Jetstream
This weight-saving shell will keep you dry in any weather.
Deal of the Day: Mountain Standard Lightweight Pullover Hoodie
Get this closet staple for 56% off, but hurry.
The North Face Motion Pants
Versatile men's pants
Helly Hansen Vanir Hybrid Pant
Versatile women's pants
Point6 37.5 Compression Socks
Foot savers
Fjällräven Greenland Wind Jacket
Versatile shell
The 8 Best Gear Deals from Backcountry's Cyber Monday Sale
Jackets, packs, puffies: Let us be your guide.
Marmot Eclipse Jacket
This shell ditches PFCs for a weatherproof, eco-friendly coat.
Vaude Gleann Shirt V
The secret ingredient in this shirt's quick-drying fabric? Used coffee grounds.
Fjällräven Keb Trouser
With salvaged materials and no PFCs, these pants are easy on the Earth.
Marmot PreCip
There’s nothing cheap about this shell’s performance.
Strafe Outerwear Alpha Direct Insulator
Most versatile insulation layer from the Fall/Winter 2018 Gear Guide.
Patagonia R1 Fleece Hoody
You’ll never want to take this midlayer off.
The Best Layers for Summer Hiking Adventures
The year's best new layers all point to one truth: No matter where you go, comfort is always in style.
Deal of the Week: Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero
Hang on to your hat—this is a great deal.
Gear of the Week: Outdoor Research Optimizer
Fend off moisture both inside and out with this uber-breathable shell.
The Best Base Layers for Backpackers
Your warmth strategy starts with your next-to-skin layer. Pick the right one.
The Best Softshell Jackets for Backpackers
With a perfect mix of breathability and protection, these shells are reliable trail buddies.
The Best Hiking Pants for Any Conditions
Fend off thorns, cold, and more with the best hiking pants on the market.
The Best Rain Jackets for Backpackers
Prices may vary in these five rain jackets, but all of them are guaranteed to keep you dry depending on the conditions.
This Year’s Most Innovative Gear
The future is now. These 10 gear picks set new standards in their respective categories.
Flylow Lab Coat
This shell boasts the perfect balance of breathability and durability for backcountry skiing.
Sunday Afternoons Stellar Beanie
Warmth meets style
BUFF ThermoNet Neckwarmer
Most eco-friendly
Skida Alpine Hat
Versatile beanie
Shred Slam Cap NoShock
Best value helmet
Sierra Designs Tuolumne
Best value
686 GLCR Gore-Tex Paclite Multi Shell Jacket
Best for quick changes
Rab Sharp Edge Shell Jacket
Most breathable
Mountain Standard Terrain N’ Rain Shell
Best value
Patagonia Pluma Shell Jacket
Eco-friendly
Montane Ajax Shell Jacket
Most versatile
Dynafit Radical GTX Shell Jacket
Full-featured
Arc’teryx Beta LT Shell Jacket
Lightest
Smartwool Merino 250 Asym Bottom
Women’s pick
Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Seamless ½ Zip and Pants
Best wicking
The North Face Wool Baselayer Tight
Best ski bottoms
Under Armour UA Base 2.0 Hoodie and ¾ Legging
Bargain set
Terramar The Beast Half-Zip Baselayer
Most versatile
Patagonia PowSlayer Bib
Eco-friendly all-rounders
Rab Sharp Edge Pant
Women’s touring pant
Dynafit Speedfit Dynastretch Pants
Best for touring laps
The North Face Summit L2 FuseForm Grid fleece 1/4 Zip Hoodie
Most breathable
Outdoor Research Shiftup Half-Zip Hoodie
Most versatile
Smartwool Merino 250 Sport Pattern Hoodie
Most comfortable
Montane Wolf Hoodie
Warmest
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown DS Hooded Jacket
Most comfortable