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.

Find the perfect gear for your next adventure. Start with this basic advice:

Tents

We love cowboy camping as much as the next hiker, but most of the time, you're going to want a roof over your head. Which shelter you pick depends on your plans and experience level.

Most hikers will want a solid three-season tent. Balance weight and durability according to your needs: If you're planning on a light-and-fast hike and trying to take carry less, an ultralight tent is your ticket. On the other hand, if you're looking for a tent that will last or you're shopping on a budget, a standard backpacking tent is probably better. Two- and three-person tents are the most versatile choices; find both in our roundup of the year's best backpacking tents.

If you're really trying to cut your pack weight to the absolute minimum and are willing to forgo a little bit of comfort, consider getting a tarp. Pitching a tarp takes a little more skill and won't stop moisture (or bugs) from sneaking in at ground level, but if you're making miles, it may be worth it.

Another option: pack a hammock. While a lot of hikers think of them as a luxury item for warm-weather lounging, they can be a practical choice on portions of the Appalachian Trail where shelters may fill up and good, level campsites are hard to find.

Sleeping Bags

In a perfect world, every hikers would have a range of bags for different temperatures: A warm weather bag for summer camping, a zero- or subzero-degree bag for winter outings, and a 20- to 35-degree bag for the shoulder seasons. But getting by with a single bag is absolutely doable too. Pick a bag that's warm enough for your cool-weather outings, but not so bulky or heavy that its impractical to carry. (You may be able to push your bag's temperature rating by wearing your insulated layers to bed or using a liner.)

Down bags and synthetics each have their advantages and disadvantages. Down is extra compressible and warm for its weight, but tends to be more expensive; plus, non-waterproof down dries slowly. Synthetic tends to be cheaper and stays warm when wet, but usually doesn't compress as well.

One ultralight alternative: Get a quilt, which use less material but usually have a steeper learning curve. Whatever you pick, you'll find great options in our roundup of the year's best sleeping bags for backpackers.

Hiking Footwear

Gone are the days when all hikers used heavy leather boots. The footwear on the market for backpackers now runs the gamut from ultra-lightweight mesh trail runners to mountaineering boots that are ready to tackle the big hills.

Trail runners are the lightest option, and our preferred choice when we're carrying light loads or day hiking in warm or moderate weather. They generally combine a light and flexible EVA midsole with a soft synthetic top and rugged underfoot tread. While they can help reduce foot fatigue, their lack of support means they're not ideal for carrying heavy loads, and require some practice if you'll be using them to trek over rough or uneven terrain.

Midcut hiking boots offer a little more support, with a mid-ankle cuff to hold the joint steady. They can come in synthetic or leather, with midsoles ranging from soft and flexible to stiff and protective. Depending on what model you choose, you may need to plan on breaking them in before you hit the trail.

In the middle of these two categories are light hikers, which combine the lowcut design of a trail runner with a more rugged upper. Our roundup of the year's best boots and shoes for hikers and backpackers has options for hikers who prefer everything from a super-light trail runner to a tried-and-true classic hiking boot.

Backpacks

The backpack you choose to carry can make the difference between a smooth trip and constant back pain. The models we test vary not only in size, but in their ability to handle a load.

Today's internal-frame packs may feature a metal, carbon-fiber, or even wooden support system to help them keep their shape under a load. Look for comfort features like trampoline backpanels (to promote airflow and protect against the dreaded Damp Shirt Syndrome) and floating hipbelts (which pivot along with you as you move to improve balance and reduce strain and chafing). Pay attention to the layout of the pockets: Do you want an array of small, easy-to-access pockets and zippers to help you organize your gear, or do you prefer a simple top-loading design to cut weight?

Using an ultralight frameless pack can noticeably reduce the weight of your gear. The tradeoff is that without a frame, these packs can only comfortably handle a fraction of the weight of burlier models, so make sure you've got your kit dialed in before you commit.

Find the perfect pack for you in our roundup of the year's best hiking backpacks.

Jackets and Hiking Apparel

Let's face it: Once you're on the trail, you're probably not going to be changing your clothes for a while. Better make sure you're happy with the ones on your back. Eschew cotton for wool or synthetic fibers; the former tends to be warmer and fight stink better, while the latter dries fast and is affordable. Look for pants and shirts with good range of motion for high-stepping over boulders and tree roots (a lot of hiking trousers will include gussets, or triangular sections of fabric, in the crotch to promote mobility.)

Next, think about your insulating layer. Unless you're hiking in the tropics or somewhere else where it's reliably warm, you'll probably want to carry an insurance layer at the very least. A light puffy (down or synthetic) is a reliable option. In warmer weather, you might be able to get away with a wool or synthetic sweater or sweatshirt.

Finally, you'll need an outer layer to keep precip out. For wet weather, a hardshell is your best bet. These stormproof shells combine a waterproof-breathable membrane on the inside with a DWR treatment on the face fabric to prevent wetting out. On the other side of the spectrum, softshells are only water-resistant, not truly waterproof, but they're usually burly enough to fend off a short shower, and breath significantly better than most hardshells. Windshells can't repel anything more than a brief sprinkle, but if you're only worried about the breeze, they're the lightest option. Our roundup of the year's best hiking jackets features shells for every climate.

Essentials

The little things can make a big difference on your hike. Sometimes, they're luxury items, like a camp chair or a flask. Sometimes, they're a little more basic, like a good pair of socks. And sometimes, they could literally save your life, like a personal locator beacon. Browse our collection of backpacking essentials for odds and ends to really make your hike.

Backpacker Gear Guide: Weeklong Packs

Backpacker Gear Guide: Daypacks

Backpacker Gear Guide: Weekend Packs

Gear Guide 2011: Backpacks

Backpacker Editors' Choice 2008

Gear Guide 2010: Backpacks

Gear Guide 2009: Backpacks

Backpacker Gear Guide: Sleeping Bags