Columbia OutDry Ex Nanolite
The most breathable shell of 2021.
Gear
Gear
Norrøna Falketind
The shell with best features of 2021.
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The New Science of Hiking
The North Face VECTIV™ line of footwear helps you move with confidence and power further no matter the trail.
Editors’ Choice: This is Our Favorite Backpacking Gear of 2021
A comfy camp chair, a tricked-out tent, one of the best free apps we've ever used, and more: this is the best gear of the season.
Editors’ Choice 2021: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Hooded Down Jacket
Barely any weight, but plenty of warmth: The Ghost Whisperer UL is in a class by itself.
Editors’ Choice 2021: Sierra Designs Get Down 20°F
Sleep well for less with this affordable system.
Editors’ Choice 2021: MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier
Set it and forget it with this gravity-powered water purifier.
Editors’ Choice 2021: Outly
Find paradise with this guide to campsites around the U.S.A.
Editors’ Choice 2021: Sea to Summit Telos TR2
This detail-heavy, spacious, and light tent has earned its place as our home on the trail.
Editors’ Choice 2021: Osprey Aether 55 / Ariel 55
Get all the bells and whistles with this luxury pack
Editors’ Choice 2021: Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20°F
Stop tossing and turning and get the backcountry beauty sleep you deserve.
Editors’ Choice 2021: Good To-Go Chicken Pho
Fuel up better with this savory soup.
Editors’ Choice 2021: NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair
You're at camp, sore and tired. You deserve to kick back—and this chair can help.
Deal of the Week: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Insulated Jacket
Save your money—and the earth—with this markdown.
More Miles, Less Weight: We Found the Ultimate Minimalist Running Belt
Store everything you need for a fast-and-light run in this waist-hugging pack.
The Key to Hiking Comfort Isn’t What You Think
Go beyond the jargon to find the perfect midsole for your hiking style.
Chaco Z/Chromatic
A brightly colored alternative to the Z/1 Classic
My Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody Survived 5 Years in the Mountains But You Can’t Tell by Looking At It
You'll never want to take this breathable puffy off.
Empty Your Pack: Uberlight Thru-Hiker
The lightest of the ultralight trim their packs lists to help them become stripped-down mile-making machines.
Deal of the Week: Rab Kinetic Plus Softshell Jacket
This Editors' Choice-winning jacket is ready for all of your spring adventures. Grab it now for as much as 35% off.
Deal of the Week: Yaktrax Hand Warmers
Cold digits? These hand warmers can help—at 40% off.
The Essential Gear for Bikepacking
The best bikepacking gear starts with the backpacking gear you already have, then add these six essentials.
Customize Your Footwear With This Versatile Insole Kit
The Tread Labs Pace Insole Kit let us dial in our fit no matter what pair we were wearing.
Here’s What Backpacker’s Editors Loved in February
A custom bike pack, a light-as-air ski boot, and some very handy velcro straps: Here are our editors' favorite things of the month.
Here’s What it Takes to Test Cold-Weather Gear
Gear testing isn’t all beautiful vistas and sunny days. Sometimes it means sleeping outside when it’s below zero.
Deal of the Week: CamelBak Cleaning Brush Kit
These handy brushes will make your reservoir sparkle like new.
Empty Your Pack: A Weekend Warrior in PNW Bear Country
When you have to carry a bear canister, it pays to pare down the rest of your gear. Active Pass member Matt Wise shows us how he does it.
Keep Your Phone Warm with the Phoozy XP3
This handy phone case will keep your phone warm and safe on your winter adventures.
Ledlenser’s H7R Signature Is a Superpowered Headlamp for Moving Fast
Night bikers and skiers will have a hard time outrunning this light's powerful beam.
Through Deserts and Mountains, the Tarptent Cloudburst 3 Was My Reliable Friend
It's light and roomy, but is this tent durable enough to survive the Pacific Crest Trail? Let's find out.
The Best Helmets for Ski Touring
These brain buckets provide lightweight protection on backcountry adventures.
Deal of the Week: FITS Light Ski Socks
Need another pair of ski socks heading into spring? Score this deal, quick.
Empty Your Pack: 55+ Ultralight Thru-Hiker
Barney "Scout" Mann hiked the Triple Crown after turning 55. Here's his ultralight pack list for trips of any distance.
The 5 Best Deals for Hikers from Backcountry’s Winter Yard Sale
Grab these backpacks, footwear, tents, and more for up to 45% off.
What We’re Testing Now: Thule Stir Alpine 40L
A first-look review of the Thule Stir Alpine 40L
The Best 2021 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Backpackers
Check out Patrice and Justin La Vigne's author page.
The 5 Best Gear Deals from REI’s Winter Clearance Sale
Shoulder season is around the corner and the days are getting longer—which means it's high time to start thinking about what you need to replace or upgrade to be ready to hit the trail when the snow melts and the mud dries. Save big—up to 30% off—on past-season styles with these smart picks from Backpacker.
Chaco Chillos Slide
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
Deal of the Week: Altra Lone Peak 4.5
Stay light on your feet with these cushiony, comfy trail runners.
How Companies are Making Ultralight Gear Lighter Than Ever
Ultralight backpackers have more options than ever now—and gear seems to be getting lighter every year. Two ultralight specialty manufacturers explain how they make packs and shelters that cut weight without falling apart on the trail.
How Backpacker Tests Cold-Weather Gear
Gear Editor Eli Bernstein details what goes in to choosing our favorite winter products.
6 Ways a Ski Strap Can Save You in Winter
Six reasons why you should always pack a ski strap on winter trips.
Deal of the Week: Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Sleeping Pad
Check out Chris Meehan's author page.
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Snowshoeing Gear List: 7 Must-Have Winter Essentials
Stay warm and dry this season with these top snowshoeing gear picks.
Yes, You Can Go Ultralight on a Winter Hike
Nasty weather and cold temperatures make cutting your base weight in winter a challenge. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done—just ask winter Pacific Crest Trail hikers Justin “Trauma” Lichter and Shawn “Pepper” Forry.
Readers Review: Camp Rocking Chairs
Bringing a rocker on a car-camping trip is ultimate comfort. We asked readers for their thoughts on three new chairs from GCI.
Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights
Leggings have become a stay-at-home staple—but these can handle the trail too.
Deal of the Week: Gregory Paragon 48/Maven 45
Score the best deal we’ve seen yet on one of our favorite packs of 2020.
The Best Three-Season Sleeping Bags of 2021
Choosing a go-to sleeping bag can be a daunting task, but we’re about to make your life easier. After testing the field’s top 38 models, we’ve determined that these six cocoons are the tops for three-season warmth and comfort.
Backpacker’s Complete Guide to the Best Three-Season Sleeping Bags
Dial in perfect backcountry sleep for the majority of the hiking season with the best three-season sleeping bag for you.
Big Agnes Star Fire UL 20°F
Most weatherproof 3-season sleeping bag
NEMO Forte
Roomiest 3-season sleeping bag
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20°F
Lightest 3-season sleeping bag
Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20°F
Best value 3-season sleeping bag
Feathered Friends Egret YF 20°F
Best Fit for Women
Sierra Designs Nitro 800
Best all-around sleeping bag
Deal of the Week: Osprey Talon 22/Tempest 20
These light, comfortable daypacks will feel even better at this price.
GCI Outdoor MaxRelax Pod Rocker
This chair is a cradle of comfort for car-camping outings.
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.
GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker
This chair brings the comfort of your living room to the campsite.
The Best Plus-Sized Women’s Hiking Apparel for Winter
The trail is for all shapes and sizes, and these designers know it.
Deal of the Week: REI Co-op Kids' Traildreamer Insulated Jacket
This puffy will keep your little one toasty on the trail this winter.
TrainingMask 3.0
This workout accessory will change the way you train.
Atomic Hawx Prime XTD 115W
Best-fitting ski boot for women
SCARPA F1 LT
Lightest ski boot
Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95
Best for ski mountaineering
Dynafit Blacklight 88
Lightest ski
G3 SLAYr 114
Best powder ski
Völkl Rise Beyond 98
Best all-around skis
The 10 Best Car Camping Gifts of 2020
These products will help you live it up on your next basecamping adventure.
Deal of the Week: BioLite HeadLamp 330
This light prioritizes both power and comfort.
The 12 Best Hiking Gifts Under $25
For many of us, 2020 has been the year of shrinking budgets. From environmentally-friendly ski wax to an ultralight musical instrument, these outdoor gifts will still bring a smize to anyone’s masked face.
Deep Dive: Hiking Footwear Outsoles
Get a grip on choosing the right outsole for your adventures.
Leatherman FREE K2
This knife has a few handy tricks hidden away.
Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Colorblock Tight
Best leggings
Beyond Clothing K2 Celeris Pullover and Long John
Most versatile baselayer
First Lite Men’s Wick Longsleeve Crew
Best wicking
Woolx Merino Blizzard ¼ Zip
Warmest baselayer