The Best Trail-Ready GPS Units
Make sure that you are prepared and have a solid GPS in hand before venturing into the backcountry.
Gear
Gear
6 Ways the Casio Pro Trek Smart WSD-F21HR Helps Guides Navigate the Backcountry
Guides Katie Burns and David Torres share about how the Pro Trek has made their jobs easier.
Salomon QST Lumen 99
Best women's ski
Black Diamond Helio Recon 95
Best stability
LINE Vision 108
Most fun
Blizzard Zero G 95
Lightest
G3 FINDr 102
Best feature
Editors' Picks: The 11 Best Gifts for Hikers of 2019
Want to shop like a BACKPACKER editor? Here's your list.
Gear of the Week: CTR Howler Markus Skully
This light cap is full of features.
Deal of the Month: Garmin Instinct GPS Watch
Snag a rugged GPS watch at a wallet-friendly price.
Gear of the Week: Hillsound FlexSteps
Keep your footing on snowy trails with these packable spikes.
The 5 Best Winter Sleeping Bags
Ward off the cold with these superwarm products.
CEP 3.0
Best for trail running
Heat Holders Original
Warmest sleep sock
Lasting Trekking WHI
Best value
Le Bent Le Send
Best for ski touring
The North Face Forecaster 35
Best for mountaineering
Mystery Ranch Gallatin Peak 40
Most durable
Eddie Bauer Alpine Sisu 50
Best access
BCA Stash 30
Best fit
Editors' Choice: The Best Gear of Winter 2019
We broke our own records this time. In the name of testing, there was no weather too cold, no snow too deep, no location too remote. For one final assessment, we took the standout products to Banff National Park in Alberta, where we found both wicked wind and perfect skiing. The 10 items that excelled in that ultimate trial earned the right to be called the year’s best cold-weather gear.
No Off-Season: These Columbia Jackets Will Keep You Warm and Dry During Your Winter Hikes
There’s no need to spend the colder months indoors, as long as you have the right outerwear for harsh conditions.
Gear of the Week: Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Baselayers
Unique design makes these layers extra-breathable.
Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Stimulus
Most breathable
Seirus Range LX
Warmest glove
Gordini Elias Gauntlet
Best protection
Outdoor Research Inception Aerogel X
Best dexterity
Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip
Warmest boot
Vasque Coldspark Ultradry
Best value boot
Hanwag Alverstone II GTX
Best traction
Jack Wolfskin Wilderness Lite Texapore Mid
Best support
Sierra Designs Cold Canyon Fleece
Best value insulated jacket
Ortovox Piz Palu
Most comfortable
Mountain Hardwear Phantom Hoody
Lightest jacket
Dynafit FT Insulation Jacket
Best warmth-to-weight
Black Diamond Vision Parka
Most durable puffy jacket
Rab Verglas
Best weatherproofing
Outdoor Research Refuge Air Hooded Jacket
Most versatile jacket
Marmot West Rib Parka
Warmest jacket
December Member Gear Discount
This month's exclusive discount is brought to you by BioLite Energy
The 11 Best Hiking Jackets of Winter 2019-2020
Wind, rain, snow: No matter the weather, these jackets are ready to help you get outside and hit the trail.
KEEN Terradora Winter Lace Boot WP
Women's boot pick
NEMO Cosmo 3D Insulated
Best shoulder-season pad
Black Diamond FirstLight 2P
Best tent for mountaineering
Tarptent Moment DW 1P
Strongest tent
Therm-a-Rest Oberon 0°F
Best all-around sleeping bag
Decathlon Forclaz Trek 900 Bag
Best value sleeping bag
Sea to Summit Alpine -40°F
Warmest sleeping bag
Gear of the Week: Sierra Designs Tuolumne Sweater
A versatile layering piece that's perfect for shoulder season.
Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Hybrid Softshell
Best protection
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Grid Hooded
Killer deal
Eddie Bauer BC Freshline 2.0/BC Fineline 2.0
Best protection
Amundsen Sports Peak Anorak
Best features
Direct Alpine Revolt
Most versatile
Adidas Outdoors Primeknit Climaproof Jacket
Best mobility
Montane Pac Plus
Best value
Dynafit Speed 3L Reflective Jacket
Best for fast-and-light touring
The North Face Summit L5 LT Jacket
Most breathable
GoLite Ready Set Go
Lightest
Gear of the Week: Oru Kayak Inlet
This boat packs up small but goes big on the water.
The 5 Best Recovery Shoes for Backpackers
Your feet deserve a little downtime. Pamper them with these 5 post-hike pairs.
Gear of the Week: Ortovox Fleece Light Grid Jacket
This top does it all thanks to smart design and premium materials.
Deal of the Month: Oboz Wind River III
This bomber boot offers tons of protection and comfort.
DPS Alchemist Wailer 100 RP / Alchemist Yvette 100 RP
You won't find a smoother ride in the backcountry.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Exped Downmat XP 9
Snow on the ground? Snow problem with this heavy-duty sleeping pad.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Osprey Kamber 42/Kresta 40
A full-featured ski pack that has the storage you need
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Fleece Hoodie
There's no such thing as a "perfect" insulating midlayer, but this is as close as we're going to get.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Montbell Ignis Down Parka
This weather-resistant puffy keeps the heat in and the precip out.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Smith 4D Mag
The increased field of vision in these goggles helped us get a whole new perspective.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Sweet Protection Ascender MIPS
Protect your head with this versatile, tough helmet.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: MSR Lightning Ascent
These mountain-ready snowshoes are easy to use in any temperature.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Flylow Siren Bib
Say goodbye to baggy touring pants once and for all.
Hit Backcountry Lakes and Rivers With This Perfect 6-Piece Paddling Kit
Gear up for trips on all types of water.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Mountain Hardwear Trango 2
No storm can flatten this bomber tent.
Gallery: Hiking Catalonia
The editors of BACKPACKER spent a week trekking from refuge to refuge in the mountains of Catalonia. It wasn't just a trip down the trail: It was a trip into ancient history.
3 Lightweight Backpacking and Hiking Shells to Stash in Your Daypack
Carry one of these barely-there jackets, and you'll be equipped for the next rainy day.
The Best Women's Hiking and Backpacking Apparel of 2019
Time to upgrade your trail outfit? Check out this season's best apparel to boost your backcountry comfort.
Marmot Women’s Trail Bender Tights
Best leggings