Essentials

There's no lead or arsenic in these green-glassed binoculars.

This 8x26 Raven binocular comes with a waterproof housing.

Block the glacial glare with these stylish Julbo shades.

These lightweight ankle gaiters stretch over any light to midweight shoe.

These 800-fill down booties come complete with a detachable outer layer.

These burly Mountain Hardwear mountaineering gaiters performed equally well with lightweight scrambling shoes.

These leak-free polyurethane-coated nylon gaiters are less than $30.

These above-the-calf mountaineering socks offer extra warmth when you need it most.

These Wigwam socks are great for skiing thanks to the blister protection offered by the polypro inner face.

This midweight crew sock by Point 6 was a tester favorite.

This sunscreen goes on clear and blocks sun and wind. Bonus, it also moisturizes.

This dexterous, warm glove wins out as most versatile

These warm, waterproof gloves test best for climbing

Get sweaty and stay warm–this is the ideal hat for cold weather climbing.

With these books on haunted trails and creepy creatures, you'll be ready for a spooky hike in no time.

No kid gets left in the dark with this versatile LED lamp.

This waterproof glove is multisport.

You need a good read on any over-nighter. Just don't pack War and Peace. With these books, you'll stay on the ultralight track.

This midsize multitool lacks excess.

Remove most micro-nasties, draw water from barely-there puddles, and quench thirst fast with the versatile pump filter.

Get off the ground with this packable camp chair.

From sleeping pads to trekking poles, we'll have you good to go in no time.

There might be a journey too daunting for this load hauler. But it's not on this planet.

Bright, light, and rechargeable–the perfect camp lantern is here.

Here's a cheap, crazy-fun way to build mountain skills.

Forget brightest or lightest–get the most versatile headlamp. Ever.

Block out the rays with these stylish shades.

Take in those sweeping mountain vistas with the polarized Kaenon Bolsa sunglasses.

Freshly grated Parmesan with your fire-side spaghetti dinner? That's not a problem with this easy to clean, full-featured mess kit

Test your scrambling skills–plus sea kayak, rock climb, and scuba dive the Gulf of Orosei Coast.

Stunned by the loss of his friends, a stranded climber struggles down one of Alaska's toughest peaks.

4 backcountry brew gadgets even the snobbiest baristas will love.

The latest word from our testers

You don't need a boat to see this spectacular national lakeshore. Here's how to explore the best of its bluffs and beaches by foot (and paddle).

Lighten your planetary load, water bottle style, with these BPA-free water bottle alternatives.

With a light climbing rope, shoes, and harness, you'll be packed and ready to hit the rock in no time.

Learn the Dülfersitz rappel and safely lower yourself off of a steep pitch with only a rope.

Rest easy: Here are 6 ounces of pure lounge-lizard comfort

Some of the country's best wilderness is accessible only by boat. To help you get there, our testers picked the top canoes in six key categories.

Improve your speed and efficiency by synchronizing your strokes.

From an ultralight knife to a full-service multitool, prepare for your Survivorman moment. Or lunch.

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

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by Julia Vandenoever's author page.

Save yourself from squinting, and get the most of the view you've worked for with these essential specs.

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by Julia Vandenoever's author page.

Whether you've got hours or weeks, here's where to go for the birds.

In the Elwha Valley, tidal rivers collide with towering old-growth forests, creating an outsized multisport playground. You'll need a bike, a kayak, and a boatload of stamina to join Sara Gagnon, an area native and co-owner of Adventures Through Kayaking, on this rollicking tour.

Don't let a busted strap or a deflating tent ruin your trip. Pack these essentials and at all times and you'll be covered.

From water purifiers to first-aid kits, these accessories are also essentials.

A leading US manufacturer of apparel and accessories announced a number of new distribution partnerships in Canada, Western Europe and Japan.

Vibram continues to expand on its successful mission of reaching a younger, broader audience with work for innovators in the trail running field.

Five questions to ask yourself before you buy a sleeping bag

View redrock cliffs and spires as you float through Stillwater Canyon in Utah's Canyonlands National Park.

Master these skills to make your axe a tool—not a toy.

For just over 3 ounces, you get a smart, powerhouse light with all the functions you'll ever need.

An aluminum cookset that's light in your pack and on your wallet.

Pick up the pace with these lightweight trekking poles.

A two-setting headlamp with sharp, shadow-free light and a great price.

A bright mini-lamp with one-click operation.

A headlamp with a swiveling compact head and easy-to-use buttons.

A water bottle that doubles as an emergency lantern.

Socks so darn perfect they can make a thief out of your dearest friend

Want to impress friends and family? Strap this baby to your pack.

Sunglasses built so strong they'd knock out ZZ Top--despite the price.

Two tried-and-true favorites--the Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero and the Smith Sliders sunglasses--join our gear hall of fame

Pamper your feet with the most supportive footbeds we've tested

Winners of the 2005 Editors' Choice Gold Award, these innovative shades continue to lead eyewear evolution.

These boats are so light they redefine where you can paddle

Two experts debate whether a (very) sophisticated Swiss Army is worth the weight.

A knife expert's guide to blade selection and safety.

Carry less, enjoy the cold months more with the latest four-season tents, gloves, hats, and gaiters.

Get the lowdown on what your socks are made of.

Get more mileage from your stockings, on the trail and in the wash

Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.

Receding water levels mean more miles of choice desert hiking and kayaking.

Paddle blue inlets too new for any topo.

Liven up your purified water.

Try these easy cleaning tricks to keep using your hiking poles out on the trail longer.

A do-it-yourself guide for sewing space-age hats and other performance outdoor gear.

Spring is for the birds. Here's where to find a flock near you.