Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Alakazam Softshell
This breathable softshell combats weather like the best hardshells do.
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: Helly Hansen Racing Light Softshell
This sleek softshell was built for speed and temperature regulation.
Gear Review: Icebreaker Kodiak Hood/Arctic Hood Softshell
Feel good, look good, and perform at your best in this high-tech merino softshell.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2012: Softshells
These versatile jackets repel wind and wet.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) REI Revelcloud Hoody
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) REI McCone Softshell Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) REI Rangeclimber eVent Jacket – Women's
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) REI Rangeclimber eVent Jacket – Men's
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) REI Rainwall Jacket – Women's
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) REI Rainwall Jacket – Men's
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Review: Columbia Triple Trail II Pants
These bullet-proof pants are unbreakable.
Gear Review: First Ascent Nail Driver Pants
Durability and insulation in a mobile and comfortable pant.
Gear Review: Sherpa Adventure Gear Saba-Tek Pants
Sherpa agains delivers quality pants at a great price.
Editors' Choice Snow Award 2012: La Sportiva Storm Fighter GTX Pants
These Gore-Tex beauties will restore your faith in hardshell pants.
Gear Review: The North Face Enzo Shell Pant
From snow to rain, backcountry to lifts, these pants do it all.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2012: Pants
Tame winter's worst with five all-purpose pants.
Editors' Choice Snow Award 2012: First Ascent BC MicroTherm 2.0 Jacket
An outstanding winter performance combo.
Editors' Choice Snow Award 2012: Sierra Designs Tov Jacket
Warm, high-tech, and fitted for optimal winter performance.
Editors' Choice Snow Award 2012: L.L. Bean Ultralite 850 Puffy
The ultimate bang-for-buck ratio jacket.
Gear Review: The North Face Polar Hooded Fleece
This fleece will keep you warm, light, and unrestrained.
Gear Review: Mammut Eigerjoch/ Biwak Jacket
This coat redefines what warm means.
Gear Review: SmartWool MerinoMax Full Zip Midlayer
This midlayer will go with you on any adventure requiring more than short sleeves.
Gear Review: Stoic Luft 60 Anorak Pullover
A bullet-proof pullover that doesn't add pounds.
Gear Review: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
This insulated hoody keeps performing, even when conditions are at their worst.
Gear Review: Marmot Variant Hoody
The perfect jacket for when your hardshell is just too much.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Incandescent Jacket
A versatile and lightweight puffy you won't be disappointed by.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2012: Insulation
If these heat-makers don't keep you from freezing, nothing will.
The North Face Anti-Matter Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Adamello Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Ultimate Hoody
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Albaron
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Erebus Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Rainier Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Felsnadel Half-Zip
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Mittellegi Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Felsturm Half-Zip
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Mammut Nordwand Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
SeasonFive SeasonFive Windom Wind Shell
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
SeasonFive SeasonFive Crestone 2.5L
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
SeasonFive SeasonFive Blanca 2.5 L
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Salomon Mont Baron WS Hoody
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Salomon Veyrier Stretch Jacket M
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
The North Face Verto Pro Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Mani Rimdo Jacket – Women's
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Asaar 2.5-Layer Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Nisha Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Tseten Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Deoche Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Lobutse Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Mani Rimdo Jacket – Men's
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2012: Headwear
Keep your noggin' warm or protected with these three hats and two helmets.
Gear Review: Bollè Synergy Helmet
An all-weather helmet with a unique double venting system.
Gear Review: Bern Macon Carbon Fiber Helmet
A helmet that's tough, but that you can forget you're wearing.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Dome Beanie
A slim, 100-percent polyester skull cap.
Gear Review: Dale of Norway Weatherproof Hat
A classic Norwegian wool hat with Teflon-treated yarn for enhanced water resistance and the windproof Gore liner.
L.L.Bean Pathfinder Waterproof Rain Shell
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Aria/ Transcendent Beanie
"It's a parka for your melon!"
L.L.Bean Timberledge Wind Shell
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Merrell Footwear Orenco
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2012: Hardshells
Stay protected from the elements with these nine hardshell picks.
Merrell Footwear Aquatia
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Merrell Footwear Hawthorne
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Merrell Footwear Torrent Shell
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Review: Wild Things Alpinist Hardshell Jacket
A super breathable hardshell that also offers great protection.
Merrell Footwear Catalyst Shell
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Kriti Tech Jacket – Women's
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Review: Millet Davai GTX Hardshell Jacket
A jacket burlier enough for a BASE jumper.
Gear Review: Hi-Tec Hard Rain WP Hardshell Jacket
A sub-$100 jacket that provides excellent rain protection with decent breathability.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Imja Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Merrell Footwear Proterra
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Review: Patagonia Troposphere Hardshell Jacket
A shell that offers winter-worthy protection at a year-round weight.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Khumjung 2.5-Layer Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Review: adidas Terrex Skyclimb Hardshell Jacket
The comfort of a softshell with the protection of a hardshell.
Gear Review: Columbia Ultrachange Hardshell Jacket
A 3-in-1 system that also works great as separate pieces.
Gear Review: Marmot Speed Light Women's Hardshell Jacket
A great fitting, great performing jacket for the ladies.
Gear Review: The North Face Split Hardshell Jacket
A lightweight hardshell for under $200.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Mentor Hardshell Jacket
A great all-around jacket that handled a month straight of wet weather and rough hiking.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Men's Khangri Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Kriti Tech Jacket – Men's
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Women's Pumori Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.