Gear

The comfortable Arc'teryx Arrakis 65 is the perfect waterproof pack for heavier loads.

Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.

You won't find a better pack at a cheaper price than Vaude's Astra 55+10.

The ultralight Osprey Exos 58 backpack is high in stability and smart features.

Reach for snacks and extra layers with ease while wearing Mountain Hardware's Koa 55 backpack.

Tackle trails, boulder fields, and steep peaks with the climber-geared Marmot Eiger 48 backpack.

The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.

Bring along your winter toys— L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.

Kelty's practical Pawnee backpack offers heavy load comfort for a good price.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

Take Black Diamond's practical Predator 50 with you on any trail, anytime.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

The Vaude Cross Ultralight Comfort 35 is the ideal lightweight bargain pack for dayhikes or weeklong treks.

Scramble up anything with the North Face's climber-oriented Spire 40 backpack.

The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack—stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

For dayhikes and light overnights, strap on the simple and smartly configured Deuter Speed Lite 30 pack.

Want rugged? Go for the Crumpler Bumper Issue, a rough and tough pack that takes on narrow slot canyons and unforgiving brush fields.

Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.

Bring us your narrow feet, your wide feet, or the freakishly long–these boots are the answer.

Can't decide which boots are right for the trip? Stop wondering and start hiking with this all-purpose midweight.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

There might be a journey too daunting for this load hauler. But it's not on this planet.

"Habitat for humanity" gets a new meaning with this eco-friendly tent.

Tell the kids–finally, real packs for them, too

Bright, light, and rechargeable–the perfect camp lantern is here.

Backpackers get a made-to-order digital camera with the first affordable GPS-enabled shooter.

Carry less, sleep more with this light-and-luxe mattress.

Four is not a crowd in this family-size featherweight.

This light and totally waterproof camcorder changes the game for backcountry moviemaking.

Here's a cheap, crazy-fun way to build mountain skills.

Our favorite new fast snack proves that healthy can be tasty, too. Oh, and it's not a bar.

Forget brightest or lightest–get the most versatile headlamp. Ever.

Meet the ultimate GPS: simple enough for beginners, wonky enough for experts, powerful enough for all.

Ultralight meets ultra-comfortable in this roomy sleeping bag.

Ski mountaineers will love both climbing and cruising in this pack from our 2009 Gear Guide.

Looking for a pack that's both wallet- and eco-friendly? You can't go wrong with the Traverse, from our 2009 Gear Guide.

This pack from our 2009 Gear Guide won't buckle under even the heaviest loads.

This top ultralight from our 2009 Gear Guide is perfect for hikers who need to travel light, fast, and far.

Find out why this "near-perfect" daypack won Best All Around in our 2009 Gear Guide.

We tested more than 500 products–stoves, clothes, cameras, filters, tech tools, knives, and meals–to find these proven performers.

This durable shell is hefty enough for four-season wear.

This climbing-oriented bag has a huge capacity with few add-ons.

Get technical layers that work everywhere from hotel bars to high-mountain trails. Our testers vetted more than 50 products from the Alps to the Andes to bring you these top systems.

A great pair of versatile leather boots that handle most conditions well.

The BACKPACKER ladies tested made-for-trail clothes that can double as street wear–wherever the streets may be.

Traveling heavy? Transport–and protect–your cargo in these globe-tested bags.

These lightweight and tough nylon pants will do the trick

A functional shirt that will keep you dry and comfortable while looking stylish all the while

A quick-drying, simple cap for any global traveler

Try these breathable nylon shorts for steamy hikes.

Add this comfy fleece hybrid when those temps start to drop

Plenty of cargo space, an adjustable hood and great air flow, you may never have to take this coat off

Block out the rays with these stylish shades.

When temperatures rise, trade your pants for the comfortable Isis Madiera Skort.

The Ibex Hooded Shaq is high in packability and warmth.

Hit the trail and the town with the functional Royal Robbins Cardiff Stretch Traveler pants.

Perfect baselayer: the Icebreaker Superfine 140 Henley Lite stays odor-free with style.

For searing sun or relentless rain, pack the Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap.

The stylish Ahnu Mirage is tough enough for the backcountry or streets.

Core Concepts Monsoon to Market effortlessly transforms from satchel to shell.

Take in those sweeping mountain vistas with the polarized Kaenon Bolsa sunglasses.

No need for a pile of paperback in your pack, this e-reader stores over 100 novels

Climbing, hiking or trail-running, this shoes' sticky soles won't let you down.

Freshly grated Parmesan with your fire-side spaghetti dinner? That's not a problem with this easy to clean, full-featured mess kit

Tired of that foamy sleeping pad? Upgrade to this customized comfort system

LowePro CompuRover is the outdoor photographer's best friend.

For a rough day on the trail, wear Patagonia's stable Scramble 35 daypack.

The North Face Base Camp Series duffel is reliable through the worst dragging, zipper-yanking and rain.

Durable and lightweight, the Granite Gear Ultraflight 115 will keep you rolling.

Use and abuse the tough Mountain Hardware Juggernaut Series luggage.

Test your scrambling skills–plus sea kayak, rock climb, and scuba dive the Gulf of Orosei Coast.