Photos

Good things DO come in small packages, and these little widgets are too useful to leave at home in the gear closet.

If spring finds you in the market for a tent that's lightweight and bombproof, check out this two-person, two-door, three-season shelter.

Snag this pint-sized, ultralight, frameless pack for dayhikes, quick, after-work cross country ski laps, or pack it as a stuff sack/summit pack on your big trip.

We asked to see your worst blister photos. Here's the best of the worst.

The Firefly is a multipurpose entry-level performer, at a low price.

Love traveling in bear country, but dread carrying bear canisters? Try a pack that's specifically designed to make carting a bear can a pleasant experience.

With The North Face's new Drywall tent fabric and external clips, you can pitch the Phoenix 2 in the middle of a downpour without spilling a drop on the tent floor.

How do you improve on a tent that's already received an Editors' Choice award? Try adding a detachable vestibule, or "gear shed", that practically doubles the tent's footprint and its versatility.

Backpacker went wild and bush beat Craghoppers Bear Grylls line of clothing, survival style.

Big adventure awaits with this comfortable, large-capacity waterproof pack

A lightweight two-person tarp with multiple setup options.

Is this the summer you vowed lighten your load? Pick up this sequel to a previous Editors' Choice winner and start the season off right.

This four-person tent offers room in all directions, sky view ventilation, and a bone dry fly.

Two waterproof/breathable fabrics paired with a stowable hood for durability and solid performance in a lightweight, compressible package.

Tax return burning a hole in your pocket? How about blowing it on a feathery-light shelter for two?

Never suck again with this unique hydration system.

If you lack the cash, storage space, and/or desire to own a quiver of packs, get the ultraversatile Gregory Z65.

Ultralight, simple design for light-and-fast hiking

They're nimble, versatile, and by far the easiest snowshoe binding I've ever used.

Easy to pitch + easy to carry + easy to stay warm = Easy to love.

Custom fit snowshoes that are fast and fun

Winter warmth doesn't always mean boring black beanies; here are four fourth-season hats whose fashion keeps pace with their function.

Starring the Dogs of BACKPACKER

Clean up water for a group in minutes by using a gravity filter. Here's how one works:

This lightweight sport watch features a magnifying lens and an LED flashlight

This jacket hits a backpacking trifecta sweet spot: ultralight, ultracompact, and ultrawaterproof.

A low-cut hiker that's stable and waterproof.

It's a backpack made of wool. Need we say more?

Destroy clutter and get your camp squared away with durable, bright, and unique organizational "envelopes".

Internchangeable soles allow this wading boot to double as a hiking boot.

The Osprey Meridian is built for active travelers who hit the trails instead of the hotel treadmill.

Is it a sandal, a shoe, or a boot? Or maybe all of the above? You decide.

Are you man enough to wear man-pris? Our skeptical tester discovers that he is.

Make your tent a little sturdier, a little handier, and a little more visible with these five accessories.

This smartly designed daypack carries well, protects itself from rainstorms, and makes sure you stay properly hydrated.

When Mother Nature threatens to thwart your outing, foil her plans with the Kuhl Skuhl eVent rain shell. This heavy duty shell will keep you cozy for three seasons, and may last four if you insulate it well.

The Alpamayo 55 is a solid performer at a competitive price.

The Sexy Hotness has more than just a catchy name. This 20°F mate-able sleeper has features that leave other bags blushing.