Essentials
Essentials
Learn which gear essentials to never leave at home with expert advice from Backpacker Magazine.
Learn which gear essentials to never leave at home with expert advice from Backpacker Magazine.
Thermacell Backpacker
Mosquito repeller
Uco X-120R
Most Comfortable
Petzl ACTIK CORE and Noctilight
Do-anything set
LuminAID Packlite Nova
Solar lantern
Black Diamond Ion
Compact headlamp
Mountain Laurel Designs LightSnow Gaiters
Ultralight gaiters
Ellsworth Hike/Pack
Comfiest
Swiftwick Pursuit Hike
Driest
CEP Ortho+ Plantar Fasciitis Sleeve
Pain relief
Smith ChromaPop Performance
Best lens
ZEAL Optics Capitol
Eco Pick
Sunski Olema
Bargain
Electric Stacker
Most versatile
Dragon Alliance SeafarerX
Best for water
Nike Tailwind
Trail runner’s pick
MSR TrailShot
On-the-go filtration
Gregory 3D Hydro
Easy-clean hydration
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Katadyn BeFree
No Fuss Filter
Humangear casq
Insulated bottle
CamelBak Quick Stow Chill Flask
Insulated bottle
Grayl Ultralight
Purest water
Mosquito Protection Designed For the Backcountry
Thermacell mosquito repellers offer an alternative to messy lotions and sprays. All Thermacell repellers create a 15 FT zone of protection against mosquitoes, covering you and those around you.
Good To-Go Bibimbap
Korean feast
Larabar Bites
Decadent snack
Know Brainer Creamer
Butter coffee
Copper Cup Turmeric Latte
Decaf nightcap
Wondermade Marshmallows
Cocoa booster
Sherpa Food Tsampa
Himalayan breakfast
Mountain Standard Power On Protein Pancakes
Muscle cakes
Birch Benders Paleo Pancakes
Caveman flapjacks
Alpine Aire Classic Guacamole
Best trail guac
Mountain Standard Red Mountain Salsa
Classic salsa
Fourpoints Bars
Slow-burn energy
KIND Pressed
Best fruit and veggie bar
Omeals Southwest Style Chicken
Stoveless dinner
Brami Beans
Ancient snack
Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna
Packable protein
Kokatat Poseidon
Customizable PFD
Seal Line Bulkhead Compression Drybag
Best storage
Bending Branches Expedition Plus
Canoe paddle
AIRE BAKraft Hybrid
Self-bailing packraft
Old Town Predator PDL
Leg-powered paddlecraft
Red Paddle Co Explorer
Packable SUP
Dagger Stratos 14.5L
Touring kayak
GSI Outdoors Titanium Kung Foon
No noodle is left behind.
Outdoor Research Crocodiles
These gaiters check all the boxes.
SteriPEN Ultra
Purify water fast.
Petzl Tikka
You won’t find a more reliable headlamp.
Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack
Nobody likes a wet blanket.
Garcia Backpackers’ Cache
Bears get hiker hunger, too.
Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
Treating water doesn’t get much simpler than this.
Dirty Girl Gaiters
Check out Amanda "Zuul" Jameson's author page.
Swing Trek Liteflex Umbrella
Check out Clint "Lint" Bunting's author page.
SmartWater
Check out Laurel "Lollygag" Reisman's author page.
Katadyn BeFree
Mini filter
Tailwind Endurance Fuel
Liquid Food
Omeals
Camp food
Sol Altitude Sunguard
Sun protection
Sea Eagle TC16 Travel Canoe
Inflatable Canoe
Harmony Stowaway Beach Cart
Load-bearing Cart
Columbia Freezer Zero Fingerless Gloves
Summer gloves
Julbo Aerospace Goggles
You'll find the best airflow in these goggles—pop the lens away from the frame for instant ventilation.
Smith I/O Asian Fit Goggles
Now one of the best interchangeable goggle series on the market fits more face shapes.
K2 Source Goggles
Get two lenses for the price of one with these goggles—and the best case on the market.
UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit
Rain, sleet, snow? If you need a fire in the worst conditions, these are your matches.
Kammok Roo
There are plenty of two-person hammocks out there, but the Roo is the best we’ve found
Optic Nerve V12
Usually you have to choose between max coverage and visual clarity in shades. The V12 offers both.
Exped Ergo Hammock Combi
The king of comfort in all temps.
Sierra Madre Research Adventura Combo
A three-part system: the hammock, a pair of slings, and the versatile Nubé shelter.
Exped Scout Hammock Combi
A superior safe haven from bugs.
Grand Trunks Ultralight Travel Hammock
This 12-ounce polypropylene perch disappears into any pack and takes only two minutes to hang.
Black Diamond ATC-Guide Belay Device
We liked this standard tube-style belay device's auto-blocking mode.
Petzl Contact 9.8 Climbing Rope
This climbing rope offers top-notch durability, handling, and versatility.
La Sportiva Jeckyl VS Rock Shoe
This durable rock shoe is comfortable all day long.
CAMP Energy Harness
It’s the perfect entry-level climbing harness.
Black Diamond Vector Helmet
This helmet is so lightweight and sleek you’ll actually want to wear it.
Liberty Bottleworks Topo Water Bottle with Navi-Cap
This screw-top bottle will keep you hydrated and on-course.