Backpacks

This pack moves with you.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.

You won't find a better pack at a cheaper price than Vaude's Astra 55+10.

Vaude created a simple, no-frills pack high on stability with the Versametric Ultralight 60+10.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Vaude created a simple, no-frills pack high on stability with the Versametric Ultralight 60+10.

The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.

Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack. For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

The latest word from our testers. This month, we test the Marmot Cauldro jacket, Gregory Z65 pack, Exped Andromeda, tents, Danner Formation boots, and more.

Our reviewer found the Leki Carbonlite poles "tough, compact, and eerily light...."

This hearty camera bag has plenty of room, and padding, to haul picture-taking paraphernalia plus hiking gear.

Does your pack smell like last summer's cheddar? Here's how to clean up.

High performance and low cost? These 6 weekend packs deliver.

Shed useless pack weight, not luxuries

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

The year's best packs, boots, tents, jackets, and sleeping bags. Period. Plus, a never-die headlamp, a life-saving beacon, a back-saving ultralight chair, and more innovative, trail-tested gear.

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.

Not quite sure how to fit a pack, measure your torso, calculate your V02 max, patch a sleeping pad, or clean a funkified hydration unit? Watch and learn.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack.

The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack. The Solution: One of these 30 field-tested vanishing acts.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

By loading your backpack properly you protect your gear and prevent back issues--plus it's easy to find the gear you need.

There's a bewildering array of tent options available, including hundreds of three-season tents and specialized models built for hot deserts, Arctic summits, and steamy rain forests.

It's important to consider loading, capacity, and pockets when choosing which pack to buy.

High Sierra Sport Company Donates to A Silver Lining Foundation and Susan G. Komen For the Cure Chicagoland Affilitiate: The Company to Support The Third Annual "Dancing With Chicago Celebrities" Benefit.

Backpacker's Ultimate Fix-It Guide

Organization and preparation will make your next overnight or day-hike packing session easy. Below, the Backpacker editors showcase their mistakes for your benefit.

By keeping your gear (relatively) free of dirt and grime and storing it properly you can make your gear last forever.

Join Gregory Mountain Products master pack designer for a day in Joshua Tree National Park

Load haulers for light and fast adventures

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

If the February '08 Backpacker article "Magnifique" inspired you to take a hut trip to France's Maritime Alps, here are ten lodging options.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.