BCA Stash 30
This pack withstood everything from cliff drops to sharp ski edges.
Reviews
Reviews
Every year our editors test the latest backpacking gear essentials to find their favorites, displayed in our Editors’ Choice gear awards.
Every year our editors test the latest backpacking gear essentials to find their favorites, displayed in our Editors’ Choice gear awards.
Bergans of Norway Helium Pro 40
This pack carries a lot— but weighs little.
Cotopaxi Taboche 55L
Long hauls and big loads are this pack’s specialties.
Dakine Poacher RAS 26L
Keep your gear tight.
Primus Winter Gas
Press your light-duty canister stove into the shoulder season.
Mountain Standard Thermal Henley
This midweight top performs well above its price tag.
Arc’teryx Satoro AR Zip Neck shirt LS
Wear it all winter and still smell as good as you look.
ExOfficio TermA ¼ Zip
High-tech fabric delivers the year’s best warmth-to-weight ratio.
Halti Pinta Top and Pant
Technical performance meets luxe comfort.
MyPakage First Layer Pant Pro
An innovative pouch means ultimate comfort for dudes.
VOORMI ¾ Length Thermal II Bottoms
Special wool and a boot-friendly cut make these ski-ready in most conditions.
WoolX Merino Wool Tunic Top
This women’s pick pulls off flattering and functional.
Marmot Powertherm ½ Zip
This wool/synthetic blend works as a four-season midlayer.
Skhoop Supreme Gore Thermium Short Skirt
Who says you can’t wear a skirt in winter?
Patagonia Nano Puff Pants
Ounce for ounce, there’s no warmer option.
Stio Environ Pant
Women reached for these hardshells, thanks to the thoughtful tailoring and top-shelf breathability.
Outdoor Research Prusik Pant
These pants stand up to all conditions and activities.
Mammut Ultimate Alpine SO Hooded Jacket
Stay drier, longer in this highly protective shell.
Marmot Corsair
This versatile hybrid is airier than most softshells.
Ternua Yangra
Fight the chills in this warmer-than-it-looks softie.
White Sierra Glacier Point II
Get solid winter protection at a great price.
Adidas Terrex Fastr GTX Active Shell
This light and breathable shell is a true year-rounder.
REI Stormrealm
Get a full-featured, premium fabric winter shell for less than $300.
Brooks-Range Armor Jacket
This winter workhorse delivers uncommon comfort and protection.
Black Diamond Helio Alpine
This forcefield has the test’s best protection-to-weight ratio.
Montane Endurance Pro
Super-durable fabric makes this the go-to shell for the worst gear thrashers.
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.