The North Face Verto Storm Shell Review
Put it in your pack and you can forget it's there...until you really need it.
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.
Salomon GTX Active Shell Review
This minimalist shell kept testers dry during heart-pumping activities in the wettest weather.
L.L.Bean NeoShell Bounder Shell Review
A versatile, three-layer shield
Editors' Choice 2014: ExOfficio Sol Cool Ultimate Hoody
Stay cool with the perfect top for heat and sun.
Editors' Choice 2014: Marmot Essence Shell Review
There’s always room to pack this featherweight, bombproof shell.
The Backpacker Gear Hall Of Fame: Hardshells
A look back at the hardshells we've loved for years that are still at the top of their class.
The Backpacker Hall of Fame: Softshells
A look back at the softshells we've loved for years that are still at the top of their class.
Readers' Choice 2014: Merrell Belay Hiking Pants
Technical hiking pants that fit a woman's curvy figure.
Editors' Choice Snow Award 2013: The North Face Thermoball Hoodie
A synthetic puffy that rivals the weight and warmth of down.
Gear Review: Norrøna Roldal Warm1 Shirt
A versatile and breathable shirt from Norrøna.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Supercharger Pants
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Millet Trilogy GTX Pro
The protective and durable hardshell jacket from Millet.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Cerium LT
A movement-friendly puffy synthetic jacket from Arc'teryx.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Plasmic Jacket
A bargain rain jacket that's actually breathable.
Tech Talk: The Science Behind Synthetics
The differences between nylon and polyester workout gear.
Field Test: All-Purpose Trail Clothes
Our crew of Grand Canyon rangers spent 520 days in the backcountry to find the best three-season wardrobe.
Gear Review: Trail Shorts & Hiking Tops
Two his-and-her options for trail shorts and tops.
Gear Review: Merrell Ngeo Crew
This super soft synthetic crew shirt has excellent wicking and quick-drying properties.
Gear Review: GoLite Koli Wool Baselayer Shortsleeve
A stink-free wool baselayer that's perfect for multiday backpacking trips.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Voodoo Pants
The Voodoos cast a three-part spell of comfort, durability, and function.
Gear Review: Marmot Stride Jacket
This souped-up windshirt is the latest iteration of the DriClime.
Gear Review: Salomon Mont Baron WS Hoodie
This breathable hoodie is ideal for high-elevation or high-intensity trips.
Gear Guide 2013: Women's Gear
Our female testers found this year's best products.
Gear Review: Moving Comfort Vero Sports Bra
The adjustable Moving Comfort Vero has three adjustments, accommodating a variety of sizes.
Gear Review: Nux Breathe T-Back Sports Bra
Small-chested women rejoice: this moderate-compression racerback resists chafing.
Gear Review: Isis Aurora Shell
This Isis bargain shell will keep you dry in hours of downpour.
Gear Review: Patagonia Women's Capilene 4 Expedition Weight Bottoms
Leg insulation built for a woman's curves.
Gear Review: Skirt Sports Adventure Girl
Embrace your femininity on the trail with this oh-so-flattering skirt. Pockets included.
Gear Review: Ahnu Montara Boot
Comfy and fun, the Ahnu Montara Boot will keep you stabilized while hiking and stylish in the town.
Gear Review: ExOfficio Women's Dryflylite Long-Sleeve Shirt
ExOfficio brings modesty, sun protection, and breathability with this women's shirt model.
Gear Review: Isis Active Boy Shorts
Flexible and supportive: Isis Active Boy Shorts also double as spontaneous swim gear.
Gear Review: Helly Hansen Harmony Pants
Fashion and function: these quick-dry pants can withstand cold, thorns, and dog loving with a comfortable waistband.
Editors' Choice 2013: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Accelerant Jacket
Discover extreme versatility: You'll find a reason to wear this mid- and outer layer 12 months a year.
Gear Guide 2013: Shells
Stay dry and warm with core protection for any weather.
Gear Review: Tilley T5MO Organic Cotton AIRFLO Hat Sun Protection
Stay covered in the toughest of conditions with this Tilley hat.
Gear Review: SmartWool Lightweight Crew Baselayer
Experience all of the comfort with none of the smell with this SmartWool baselayer.
Gear Review: Kühl Raptr Pants
Trek everywhere with assurance with the durable and stylish Kühl Raptr Pants.
Gear Review: Three Essential Socks
Find the best socks for any occasion and preference.
Gear Review: The North Face Verto Micro Hoodie
This hybrid hoodie from North Face will keep you comfortable in changing conditions.
Gear Review: More Tester Picks Shells
Find your ideal shell with these myriad reviews.
Gear Review: Wild Things Custom Wind Pro Hoody Softshell
Make a statement with this custom softshell from Wild Things.
Gear Review: Marmot Nabu Softshell
The waterproof Marmot Nabu bridges the gap between softshell and hardshell.
Gear Review: Rab Zephyr/Solar Softshell
The Rab Zephys/Solar pairs a multitude of features with one low price.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Gamma LT Hoody Softshell
Explore off the beaten path with this durable softshell from Arc'teryx.
Gear Review: Mammut Ultimate Light Softshell
Be ready for all weather conditions with the Mammut Ultimate Light.
Gear Review: adidas Outdoor Terrex Zupalite Softshell
This ultralight adidas softshell excels in everything from daily life to daring ascents.
Gear Review: Westcomb Crest Hoody Softshell
For cold weather activities, check out this softshell from Westcomb, a minimalist in price and weight.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Enchainment Softshell
The sky is the limit for this weather-resistant softshell from Outdoor Research.
Gear Review: Patagonia Encapsil Down Belay Parka Hardshell
What do you get when you make a down jacket water resistant and increase its loft? The Patagonia Encapsil Down Belay Parka Hardshell.
Gear Review: Millet Alpine Xcelerator Hardshell
This well-rounded hardshell from Millet suits the most varied of lifestyles.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Transonic Hardshell
Choose the Outdoor Research Transonic for breathability in the worst of conditions.
Gear Review: Salomon Veyrier Stretch Jacket Hardshell
Freedom of movement defines this hardshell from Salomon.
Gear Review: Patagonia Torrentshell Hardshell
Spend less with this all-around performer from Patagonia.
Gear Review: Montane Minimus Smock Hardshell
Go minimalist with the Montane Minimus Smock.
Gear Review: Marmot Micro G Hardshell
Stay snug in a storm with the Marmot Micro G.
Gear Review: Westcomb Focus LT Hoody Hardshell
Breathability and ultralight combine in this hardshell from Westcomb.
Gear Review: Bergans Helium Hardshell
The breathability of this hardshell from Bergans provides comfort in all conditions.
Gear Review: Rab Myriad Hardshell
For comfort in Myriad conditions, look no further than this hardshell from Rab.
Gear Guide 2013 Table of Contents
412 trail-tested products
Gear Guide 2013: Charts
Hundreds of pieces of outdoor gear from all the major outdoor retailers - now in an easy-to-print digital format.
Gear Review: Merino Midlayers
Get year-round versatility for travel, trail, or town.
Gear Review: Patagonia Piton Hybrid Hoody
A versatile fleece midlayer that performs like outerwear.
Gear Review: SmartWool PhD SmartLoft Divide Full Zip
A versatile jacket that's comfy in temps from 20 to 60.
Gear Review: Rab MeCo 250 Long Sleeve Zip Tee
An ultralight turtleneck that is 65 percent merino and 35 percent Cocona polyester.
Gear Review: Icebreaker Sierra/Cascade Long Sleeve Hood
A mideweight merino layer perfect for on or off the mountain.
Gear Review: Ibex Scout/Alana Full Zip
A low-bulk merino sweater that can handle cardio workouts.
Kelty Cloud Airshell
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sierra Designs Hurricane Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
ISIS Carlotta
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
ISIS Alta 3L
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
ISIS Aurora Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
ISIS Acqua Rain Shell
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Review: Patagonia Alpine Guide Pants
Softshell pants built for years of abuse.
Gear Review: Rab Generator Alpine Jacket
A jacket revered by a search-and-rescue team.
Gear Review: Terramar TXO 1.0 Body-Sensors Crew
This baselayer has excellent wicking and quick-dry performance.
Gear Review: The North Face Radish Mid Layer Softshell
A killer softshell that performs both as an outerlayer and a midlayer.
Gear Review: Stoic Microlith Softshell Pullover
A softshell and baselayer in one.
Gear Review: Sage Quest Insulated Softshell Hoody
This angler-worthy jacket keeps your torso toasty and your arms free.
Gear Review: Rab Baltoro Guide Jacket Softshell
Warm and fuzzy on the inside, durable on the outside.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Salvo Softshell
Mediating breathability and weather-proofing, the Salvo does exactly what a softshell is supposed to.