Why Should You Choose Garmin's inReach Messenger Over the Mini 2?
Garmin's new small satellite communication tool is simpler, but it's their new app that makes the real difference
Outdoor Electronics
From outdoor cameras and GPS units to headlamps and more, the gear experts at Backpacker Magazine test the latest electronics in real backcountry conditions to bring you comprehensive gear reviews.
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First Look: CASIO PRO TREK PRG340
Adventure-ready features and planet-friendly materials make this watch a win-win
Latest in Outdoor Electronics
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First Look: Skydio 2+
Document your adventures in a whole new way with the 4K Skydio 2+ drone
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First Look: Knog PWR Solar Panel 10W
This portable solar panel offers an endless supply of renewable energy so you can unplug without powering down on your next adventure
The New Apple Watch Ultra Might Replace Your Garmin, Sleep-Tracker, and Dive Computer All at Once
The Ultra gets a titanium case, sapphire face, significantly better battery life, and better GPS and off-grid route-tracking features, making it a much more robust backcountry tool
The Best Fitness Trackers of 2022
There’s a great new wearable for every kind of athletic goal
The 5 Best Backpacking Headlamps For Illuminating the Trail
These lights have your back when the sun goes down.
Deal of the Week: Garmin inReach Mini
It's small enough to fit inside a stocking, but this satellite communicator and GPS tracker is no stuffer.
Deal of the Week: GoPro Hero10 Black
Get a scorching deal on a the latest adventure camera.
Forget Solar Panels: These 3 New Power Sources Eliminate the Need for Sun
When you can’t count on the sunshine, these products come in handy.
The 4 Best Adventure-Ready Power Banks Will Keep Your Electronics Juiced for Days
Keep your phone, camera, and more humming along with these smart, trail-ready power sources.
What We’re Testing Now: This Massage Gun Hammers Backpacking Pain Away
Say goodbye to your massage therapist.
Gaia GPS: One Backcountry Navigation App to Rule Them All
The outdoor mapping app, launched in 2009, is now as necessary as a pair of hiking boots.
Deal of the Week: SPOT Gen4
Save even more on our favorite affordable satellite communicators.
Deal of the Week: Goal Zero Sherpa 15 Power Bank
This packable power bank packs a punch.
Deal of the Week: ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
Save even more on this already affordable—and praiseworthy—device.
Goal Zero Nomad 20 Solar Panel
The best sleek solar panel of 2021.
Nitecore NB10000
The best ultralight powerbank of 2021.
SPOT GEN4
The most affordable PLB of 2021.
Silva Trail Runner Free
The best overall lighting of 2021.
Editors’ Choice 2021: Outly
Find paradise with this guide to campsites around the U.S.A.
Deal of the Week: Jaybird Tarah Pro Wireless Sport Headphones
Keep the tunes rolling on long trail days with one of our favorite sets of earbuds.
Deal of the Week: Garmin inReach Mini
Grab a rare deal on this two-way satellite messenger.
Arva EVO 5
Intuitive beacon
Rocky Talkie
Durable radio
Deal of the Week: SPOT Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger
Just enough device to keep you safe.
How to Power Your Electronic Devices in the Backcountry
From cell phones to GPS devices to headlamps, rechargeable electronics are becoming increasingly common on the trail. Stay powered with this strategy guide.
What Our Members Are Testing Now: Zoleo Satellite Communicator
This simple backcountry messaging device was a hit with our tester.
Deal of the Week: Garmin Fenix 6
Save on this feature-packed watch.
The 4 Best Satellite Communicators for Backpackers
The latest generation of satellite communicators is better than ever, ensuring that you can stay informed, connected, and safe wherever you go. Here are our favorites.
Somewear Global Hotspot
Easiest to use
Bivystick
Biggest battery
SPOT X
Most affordable
The Best Trail-Ready GPS Units
Make sure that you are prepared and have a solid GPS in hand before venturing into the backcountry.
Deal of the Month: Garmin Instinct GPS Watch
Snag a rugged GPS watch at a wallet-friendly price.
Get the Shot With This Hike-Ready Photography Kit
Channeling your inner Jimmy Chin is easier than ever thanks to light, affordable camera gear. Here's what you need to get started in adventure photography.
myCharge Portable Power Outlet
Juice box
The 8 Best Hiking Gadgets of Fall 2018
Stay safe and connected on the trail with these lightweight, durable electronics.
The Best Solar Chargers for Backpacking
Here are the best solar chargers for your next trip.
The Best Cameras for Hiking
Capture that special moment on the trail with the best cameras on the market.
The Best Outdoor Watches for Backpackers
They'll help you navigate, measure your hikes, and sometimes even hold your texts for you.
The Best Headlamps for Backpackers
Let these versatile lights illuminate your path.
Slopes
Make your Apple Watch into a ski day-tracking command center with this free app.
The Best Backpacking Electronics of 2018
These smart gadgets help you make the most of your hike without keeping you too connected.
Mammut Barryvox S
This full-featured beacon is easy to use.
Pieps Micro
This light avalanche beacon is easy to carry.
Garmin inReach Explorer+
Satellite communicator
ECOXGEAR EcoSlate
Bluetooth speaker
Casio Pro Trek WSD-F20
GPS smartwatch
INO Weather Pro
Weather detector
360Fly HD
360-degree camera
ToughTested 16,000mAh Solar Power Bank With Flashlight
Weatherproof battery pack
Black Diamond ReVolt
Rechargeable headlamp
The 10 Best Apps For the Outdoors
Turn your phone into a star chart, a 360-degree camera, a botany expert, and more with these handy programs.
Apple Watch Series 2
Active smartwatch
Garmin Rino 755t
Do-it-all GPS
GoPro HERO5 Session
Ultralight POV camera
ViewRanger Skyline
Hiking app
AMPware Crank Case
Power-generating phone case
Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus
Slim solar charger
Biolite BaseLantern XL
Feature-rich lantern
Princeton Tec
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Sony RX10 ii
Everyman camera
Lowepro Whistler 350 AW
All-weather Camera Pack
Ricoh WG-M2
Adventure-Proof Action Cam
LifeProof LifeActiv armband
Quickdraw smartphone holster
Petzl MYO Headlamp
This powerful headlamp is the brightest option in its weight class.
myCharge All Terrain Charger
This is the most durable (and waterproof) portable battery we’ve seen.
Catalyst Waterproof iPhone Case
Get total protection for your iPhone without compromising sound quality.
GoPro HERO Video Camera
This lightweight helmet cam brings quality POV filming to the masses.
Garmin Epix GPS Watch
This is the first GPS watch to show actual relief maps.
Black Diamond Ember Power Light
We used this new take on the old school light as a backup for headlamps and also to revive dead smartphones on multiday trips.
Anker 2nd Gen Astro 6400
For the size and weight of an energy bar (and the cost of a box of them), you get 6,400 mAh (enough for four iPhone 4 charges).
iBattz Mojo BattStation Optimus 20400
This 20,400 mAh brick is ideal for people going out for more than a weekend but who don’t want to fuss with solar.
Goal Zero Venture 30 Solar Kit
This rugged, waterproof 7,800mAH portable power pack survived all the abuse we could throw at it in the backcountry.
Garmin fēnix 2
This watch's long-lasting battery makes it easy to collect a wealth of data.
Garmin GPSMAP 64st
This GPS unit is rugged, reliable, and comes with preloaded maps.
Tamron 16mm-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro Lens
This all-in-one lens is lighter—and has a larger zoom range—than its predecessor (which we’ve long loved).
Nikon D750
You don’t have to be a pro to covet this camera's impressive features.