Gear

For all-day epics, fast-and-light summit bids, and even minimalist overnights, reach for one of these versatile load haulers.

These versatile jackets weigh less than a pound and pack smaller than a grapefruit.

Shop smarter, hike farther with this guide to the guts of today's lightest load haulers.

This dual-purpose runner works well on everything from roads to rough trail.

thanks to a durable, polyurethane-coated nylon ground layer and more, this balanced bivy has all the right elements.

Get off the ground with this packable camp chair.

A stretchy top that works well on summer trails, rock climbs, and in yoga studios.

This puffy layer saves weight without excess cold spots.

Trim fitting, highly durable, and easily packable, this is one shell you'll never question packing.

Check out Berne Broudy's author page.

With a fleece lining, and Gore Windstopper fabric, chills are blocked and breathability is excellent.

While editors were wringing out their socks, nothing penetrated the Mica's waterproofing.

With a puffy insulated layer and the clean anorak design, this ultralight did the trick in wet Welsh weather.

Kelly Bastone hiked a long-forgotten trail through Yosemite's North Rim and documented the trek on video, in photographs, and using GPS.

We want your stories! Your photos! Your best trips and tips and all-time favorite gear! For this special edition of our Readers' Choice Awards, we're using your best stuff to create our January 2010 issue.

BACKPACKER contributing editor John Harlin III first summited Mt. Hood at age 11 and has climbed the peak in every season. Here, he gives you his gear checklist for hitting the mountain right.

We tested 150 boots this year, tallying enough trail miles to hike from Acadia to Denali–and back. Why? To help you find the perfect outdoor footwear.

We tested 150 boots this year, tallying enough trail miles to hike from Acadia to Denali–and back. Why? To help you find the perfect outdoor footwear.

Heading out for a long haul? With these backpacks, you'll have the room you need for long trail comfort.

From this year's Editors' Choice winner to the ultimate organizational wonder, these weekend packs are perfect for heading to the hills Friday to Sunday.

Heading out for the day? We have your can-do ultimate daypack. From the best bargain to the lightest on the market, these packs have everything you need.

From the most headroom to the best deal, three isn't a crowd with these tents.

All you need is a roof over your head you say? A tarp might be just what you're after.

Head to the high-country with these altitude-ready tents.

Going solo? Options abound with these 1-person tent choices.

From the most innovative to the most eco-friendly, pitch one of these 2-person tents for your home away from home.

We tested 150 boots this year, tallying enough trail miles to hike from Acadia to Denali–and back. Why? To help you find the perfect outdoor footwear.

Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.

Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.

Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.

Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.

Want a one-pack quiver? Get this versatile lightweight.

This all-purpose weekend pack is comfortable and light.

How do you replace a legend? Cut its footprint without cutting warmth.

No bag in this challenge incorporated more recycled components.

Recycled materials and fewer trucking miles trim carbon weight.

A winning combo: Make it light and local.

Less bag where many hikers don't need it makes a big difference.

5 manufacturers answer our call for eco-friendly sacks.

Tent leak like a sieve? Boots stink like a compost pile? Don't worry. Class is now in session. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this in your one-stop, do-it-all user's guide.

We tested 150 boots this year, tallying enough trail miles to hike from Acadia to Denali–and back. Why? To help you find the perfect outdoor footwear.

The best new gear. That's what earns our seal of approval, and only after months of hardcore testing. This year, we subjected dozens of products to heinous trail conditions from Alaska to Wales. In the end, 18 survived to take our top honor.

Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.

Home improvement: The best new shelters are roomy and light, thanks to innovative pole structures that expand space and reduce weight and bulk.

How do we know this year's packs are lighter and more comfortable than ever? We spent the last 12 months lugging loads from Denali to the 'Daks to bring you the 32 best.

Conquer all the fourteeners and beyond with this stable and well-ventilated pack.

Climb, scramble, and mountaineer with the stable Variant pack.

No rips, tears, or fraying here: The Peuterey is one rugged pack.

Make the Eclipse your go-to pack for long treks and backcountry bushwhacks.

Soaked, scuffed, and beat up? We'll show you how to get your trusty footwear back to trail-ready.

From sleeping pads to trekking poles, we'll have you good to go in no time.

Save your down, seal up tears, and get ready for wet weather with the all-inclusive guide.

Mend a broken pole, fix leaky seams, and get rid of that musty smell.

Learn how to fix snagging zippers, re-waterproof material, deal with frayed fabric, and more.

Our top ultralight tarp ensures versatility with no weight.

This tarp is best for groups of campers.

Our best all-around 3-person tent combines the best of space, weight, and weatherproofing.

This top ultralight stood up to fierce winds in Alaska, and is a snap to set up.

This light, large, and affordable tent will appeal to almost any three-season camper.