Gear

A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.

A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.

An ultralight, waterproof mat that is handy for wet hikes, snow, rocky areas, and picnics.

Over the years we've tested a lot of gear, and learned a lot of lessons.

Just because you're sleeping on the dirt doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable.

A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.

A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.

A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.

A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.

A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.

A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.

This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.

This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.

This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.

This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.

This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.

This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.

This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.

This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.

One of the most versatile boots around.

Take on any kind of terrain with this versatile shoe that offers comfort, traction and durability.

Take on any kind of terrain with this versatile shoe that offers comfort, traction and durability.

Take on any kind of terrain with this versatile shoe that offers comfort, traction and durability.

From scrambling to hiking, this killer deal provides ample protection.

From scrambling to hiking, this killer deal provides ample protection.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

You can't be a backpacker...without a backpack.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Apparel, cookware, stoves...swimsuits?

BACKPACKER testers have endured numerous blisters over the years finding the best boots on the shelves.

Many starry nights–and a handful of miserable ones–revealed the best bags and pads over the years.

A-frames, domes, party tents–we've tested them all.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Extra gear reviews from our January 2011 Reader Test Team reports.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Air chambers embedded in the heel and arch and polymer gel in the forefoot put extra cushioning exactly where you need it most.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.

A 32-ounce dip-and-sip filter that lets you refill in about 10 seconds.

Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.