Finding the perfect gear is the first step to having a great adventure in the backcountry. That's why BACKPACKER's expert reviewers and gear testers spend so much time making helping you get it right. We spend hundreds of days and nights on the trail every year, testing everything from packs to tents, from footwear to cookware, just to make sure that your gear works the way you want it to when you take in on the trail.

Need to find the best sleeping bags for backpacking? Our testers have slept out in the coldest conditions to make sure you can get a good night's slumber. Looking for the best hiking shoes? We test trail runners and boots on everything from weekend jaunts to mountain climbs to thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail to see how they support you, and how they hold up. In search of the best ultralight tents, or a shelter for an expedition? We sleep out when everyone else is heading home, braving torrential rains, pole-bending winds and multi-day, blizzards to find out where every tent's breaking point lies.

And that's not all. Browse our review archives, and you'll find tester-approved outdoor electronics, accessories, compasses, knives, backpacking stoves, backpacking clothes and more.

Backpacker Gear Guide: Weekend Packs

Backpacker Gear Guide: Weeklong Packs

Backpacker Gear Guide: Daypacks

Backpacker Editors' Choice 2008

Gear Guide 2011: Backpacks

Gear Guide 2010: Backpacks

Gear Guide 2009: Backpacks

Backpack Buying Guide