Deal of the Week: FITS Light Ski Socks
Need another pair of ski socks heading into spring? Score this deal, quick.
Gear
Gear
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.
Sponsored Content
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
Montbell Super Merino Wool Light Weight Round Neck
Best value baselayer
The 10 Best Gifts for Adventurers of 2020
Get ready for your next big journey with these 10 smart presents.
The 3 Best Snowshoes of 2021
The trail's still there, even when you can't see it. Beat the posthole with these floaty, powder-ready snowshoes.
MSR Evo Ascent Snowshoe Kit
Best for beginners
Atlas Helium-MTN
Best stride
Garneau Premiere
Best float
Leatherman FREE P4
This do-it-all multitool offers convenience in a compact design.
Deal of the Week: Garmin inReach Mini
Grab a rare deal on this two-way satellite messenger.
The 5 Best Gifts for Dog Owners of 2020
Help your friends prepare their pooches for the trail with these standout products.
The Best Gifts for Ultralighters of 2020
Help the gram-counter on your list go lighter and faster.
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear AP Pant
An awesome deal on some of our favorite trail-to-town trousers
Arva EVO 5
Intuitive beacon
Rocky Talkie
Durable radio
Mammut Carbon Probe 280 Speed Lock
Fast-action probe
Scott Patrol E1 30 Backpack
Full-featured airbag pack
Arc’teryx Trino SL Hoody/Anorak
Most breathable softshell jacket
Maloja WangM / PunaM
Most versatile
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell
Most protective
Deep Dive: Waterproof/Breathable Membranes
Everything you need to know about keeping dry.
Deal of the Week: Kelty Cosmic 0°F
This sleeping bag will keep you toasty on cold winter nights.
Marmot Keele Peak
Year-round pick
Rab Khroma Kinetic
Best mobility
Ortovox 3L Ortler Jacket
Most breathable
Outdoor Research Archangel
Best protection
Working Remote With Chris Burkard
See the world through the viewfinder of one of the world’s foremost adventure photographers.
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Paclite Plus
This rain shell set has you covered from top to bottom.
Farm to Feet White Mountain Lounger
Best camp sock
Decathlon Forclaz MH520 High Sock
Best value sock
Rockay Razer
Best sock for trail running
Darn Tough Edge With Cushion
Most comfortable sock
Smartwool PhD Pro Ski Race
Best sock for big days