Montane Endurance Pro
Super-durable fabric makes this the go-to shell for the worst gear thrashers.
Editors' Choice
Editors' Choice
Learn more about the best backpacking, hiking and camping gear of the year with expert gear reviews from Backpacker Magazine’s annual Editors’ Choice gear awards.
Learn more about the best backpacking, hiking and camping gear of the year with expert gear reviews from Backpacker Magazine’s annual Editors’ Choice gear awards.
Columbia OutDry EX Diamond Snow Shell
Need burly, never-wets-out performance for punishing winter weather? This is your shell.
Mountain Hardwear Exposure Parka
Powder seekers will love this durable shell.
Sponsored By REI: Patagonia Nano Puff
Check out jsrashkin's author page.
Mishmi Takin Nimba
Smart features make this the bargain of the year.
Patagonia Stretch Nano Storm
The Nano-Air gets a weatherproof shell.
Big Agnes Shovelhead Hooded Jacket
A beloved puffy armors up.
RAB Alpha Direct Jacket
Here’s a new idea: nothing between you and your insulation.
Montane High Q Luxe Pro Pull-on
Smart features make this an all-day insulation piece.
Arc'teryx Proton LT Hoody
Stay cool on hard-charging trips.
Sponsored By REI: Mammut Wenaha
Check out jsrashkin's author page.
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew
The perfect backcountry cuppa maximizes convenience and taste.
Black Diamond First Light Hoody
If a puffy is the sum of all its parts, there’s no better insulated jacket.
Petzl LEOPARD FL
Lightweight crampons that actually pack small? It can’t be.
G3 Ion LT 12 Bindings
These brakeless bindings shed grams.
Black Diamond Helio Fixed Length Carbon Pole
Swing weight matters, which is why we love these featherlight poles.
QALO Rings
The wedding ring gets an adventure upgrade.
Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket
Stretch your money and your arms with this new down puffy.
Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket & Bib
This softshell performs like a hardshell—or is it a hardshell that performs like a softshell?
Columbia Outdry EX Gloves
Sweaty hands are no match for these waterproof/breathable gloves.
Backpacker Editors' Choice Snow 2016
From skis to jackets to boots, these 12 products are the cream of the crop.
GSI Outdoors Essential Travel Spoon
Spatula spoon
The Best Knives of 2016
Ever backpacker needs a reliable knife. These three are a good bet, no matter your preferences.
Spyderco Native 5
Folder
Leatherman Signal
Multitool
The 15 Best New Hiking Shells of 2016
Our testers took hardshells and softshells out in every kind of weather. What follows is their favorite storm armor of the season.
Columbia Outdry Ex Diamond
This jacket never wets out. Period.
The 14 Best Tents of 2016
Whether you go light or go big, one of these bomber tents is right for your trip.
The 13 Best Sleeping Bags and Pads of 2016
Your bag is your bed in the backcountry. Pick one of the best sleeping bags of the year, and you'll stay comfy in whatever nature throws at you.
The 16 Best Hiking Boots and Shoes of 2016
Meet the best footwear that money can buy.
The 22 Best Backpacks of 2016
From hydration packs to multiday haulers, you won't find better backpacks than these.
The Best New Outdoor Tech of 2016
Navigate easier, see better, and keep charged with these smart backcountry gadgets.
Nike Skylon Ace XV
Trail Runner's Pick
Petzl Tikka
Glow in the Dark
Power Practical Luminoodle
Camp Light
Ruffwear Grip Trex
All-Terrain Booties
Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack
Good-Fitting Pack
NEMO Equipment Fillo Elite
Inflatable Pillow
SmartWool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew
Tough Socks
Coleman Conquer 300L
Motion Activated
UCO A-120 Comfort Fit
Soft on the Head
TurboPUP Meal Bars
Meal Bars
Sony X1000V 4K Action Cam
POV Camera
Suunto Traverse
GPS Watch
Snow Peak BiPod
Group Cooking
Lowe Alpine Cerro Torre 75:100 Backpack
Able to carry up to 100 liters, this pack is a load monster.
The North Face Fovero 70 Backpack
This comfortable pack grows with you and is built for hand-me-downs.
Montane Summit Tour 50 +15 Backpack
This pack is equally at home on dayhikes, weekends, and alpine ascents.
Ortovox Peak 45 / Peak 42 S Backpack
This pack's perforated wool backpanel kept us cool and dry.
Exped Black Ice 45 Backpack
This waterproof pack withstood everything from crampons to machetes.
Marmot Graviton 48 Backpack
You can grab items from the top, bottom, and middle of this pack without having to fish around.
Bergans of Norway Helium 55 Backpack
This ultralight pack carries 40 pounds without compromising features—and at a great price to boot.
Patagonia Black Hole 25 Daypack
This daypack's thick, waterproof skin repels everything.
Gregory Salvo 18 / Sula 18 Daypack
This daypack is compact, streamlined, and great for quick summertime escapes.
Thule Stir 35 Daypack
A simple adjustment system lets you quickly adjust this pack's torso length for a perfect fit.
Jansport Onyx Equinox 34 Daypack
This daypack gives you dawn-to-dusk capacity for less.
Osprey Manta AG 28 / Mira 26 AG Hydration Pack
A clever connection mechanism on this hydration pack makes water refills a cinch.
Columbia Titanium Trail Elite 22L Daypack
Great organization and load-carrying comfort make this our favorite daypack.
Boreas Monterey 35 Daypack
Lightweight and water-resistant, this streamlined pack is dialed for climbing.
Osprey Hydrajet
Hydration Pack
Columbia Featherweight Hike Long Sleeve Shirt
Wearing is believing: This is the lightest sunshirt we’ve ever tested.
Mountain Hardwear AP Pants
These tough trousers go everywhere.
Patagonia Merino Air
It’s a technical layer disguised as a stylish sweater.
Stio Kids' CFS Hooded Jacket
Softshell
UV Buff
Neck & Face Protection
Outdoor Tech Buckshot Pro
Power Pack
Edelrid Slash
Workhorse Quickdraw
Garmin Etrex Touch Series
Touchscreen GPS
MSR Guardian Purifier
This could be the last water filter you’ll every buy.
Jetboil Genesis Base Camp System
Car Camping
Mystery Ranch Sphinx & Mystic
This pack tames the biggest loads.
F-Stop Tilopa and Sukha
Serious about backpacking and photography? You’ll love this camera-ready pack.
2015 Winter Editors' Choice Awards
The only way to find the best winter gear? Get out and stay out—all season long.
Atomic Backland Carbon Boots
Set your ankles free with these ultra-flexible touring ski boots.
Our Favorite Women's Gear That Actually Fits
Despite huge advances in women’s gear, women are about twice as likely to have trouble getting a good fit. Here are our contributors' best solutions.