Osprey Aura 65
This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.
This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.
Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Reach for snacks and extra layers with ease while wearing Mountain Hardware's Koa 55 backpack.
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.
Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.
For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.
Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.
Want a one-pack quiver? Get this versatile lightweight.
The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack—stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
Ski mountaineers will love both climbing and cruising in this pack from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
You won't find a better pack at a cheaper price than Vaude's Astra 55+10.
This pack moves with you.
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack—stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.
Find out why this "near-perfect" daypack won Best All Around in our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.
This pack moves with you.
This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
Reach for snacks and extra layers with ease while wearing Mountain Hardware's Koa 55 backpack.
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
You won't find a better pack at a cheaper price than Vaude's Astra 55+10.
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
The ultralight Osprey Exos 58 backpack is high in stability and smart features.
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
With incredible load distribution, this pack's easy on the shoulders.
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.
The latest word from our testers. This month, we test the Marmot Cauldro jacket, Gregory Z65 pack, Exped Andromeda, tents, Danner Formation boots, and more.
Learn how you can shop for ethical, eco-friendly wool to lighten your planetary load.
Is it safe or advisable to use Febreeze or other "fabric refreshers" on my down sleeping bag?
How toxic is methanol? Is it safe to get on my body?
During my hikes in the fall, between the summer and winter layers, moisture builds up and my chest tends to rub raw. What is the best way to stop this, besides changing shirts more often? Could I use something like Vaseline?
When carrying a pack of pretty much any size and weight and using the hip belt, my left leg will go numb sometimes. The problem goes away if I loosen the belt, but this defeats carrying the weight on my waist. (I've been fitted by knowledgeable people.)
I'm going fishing in the Trinity Forest rivers, and there are a lot of bears there at this time of year. I can't afford an expensive bear deterrent: What can I use to assist me? I was told to use regular pepper spray or bleach.
We're rafters. In a thunderstorm, should we stay in the boat (the absolute lowest point around) or pull ashore and get out of the water?
What are some important tools to take along for good food prep on the trail?
Our reviewer found the Leki Carbonlite poles "tough, compact, and eerily light...."
This hearty camera bag has plenty of room, and padding, to haul picture-taking paraphernalia plus hiking gear.
4 sole-saving tips from a veteran boot doctor
This ultralight mainstay transforms from an A-frame sleeping shelter to a lean-to kitchen in seconds. Tip: Practice on a paper model if you're new to sewing.
Mountain weather in September is typically dry and warm–the perfect time to lighten your load with a versatile tarp.
For all-purpose performance year-round, this layering system works overtime through any weather.
Don't let a crappy forecast keep you home for the weekend. Just pack this deluge-tested system.
From the Grand Canyon to sunshine-pounded Colorado peaks, stay cool and comfortable with this ultralight system.
Our testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes.
Wild weather coming? We've devised a perfect system for every condition.
We go above and beyond the regular gear testing rigamarole. We'll simulate a thunderstorm, go for full submersion, and then, a cold–weather test...in a beer fridge.
Should I be worried about hiking in bear country when menstruating?
How do I prevent chafing? Nothing I've tried seems to work.
I've never really understood the principles of layering. For cold weather treks, should my baselayer be cotton or wool? What about my midlayer? Wool? Fleece? What are the basics of layering for any occasion?
We couldn't fit all of our reviews in one spot. Here, read the outtakes.
You won't roll off of this foam, self-inflating pad.
On an episode of Survivorman, Les Stroud cooked grasshoppers, stating if you didn't, you might get a tapeworm. But he ate a raw scorpion–couldn't one just as easily get a tapeworm from a scorpion?
I am trying to lose weight and boost my stamina for a hike to Colorado next year. Should I eat a big breakfast for a three-day hike to the Porcupine Mountains, or a smaller breakfast and rely on my fat reserves to help burn off the weight?
Is it better to drive a long distance to a much higher elevation (like from the Northeast to the Rockies) to get used to the elevation gradually?
On a recent backpacking trip, I underestimated the amount of mosquito repellent we'd need. Is there a North American plant that can be used, or something one can do to avoid being eaten alive?
From head to, well, ankle, our testers give Outdoor Research and L.L. Bean a whirl.
Contain your body heat with with these skin-hugging baselayers: the 180s Quantum Dry Base Layer crew and pant, Icebreaker 180 GT Chase 1/4 Zip, Patagonia Wool 2 long sleeve crew and bottoms, and White Sierra Bamboo Crew.
Stay warm with the Arc'teryx Kappa SV Hoody, Marmot Torrid, REI Ladro Hoodie, and Solstice Cool Ruler.
Check out the Cloudveil Hobak, EMS Aurora Shell Pant, L.L. Bean Ascent GTX, Mountain Hardwear Dragon, and Sierra Designs Cyclone Eco
I've been told for years that the proper way to wait out a lightning storm is to crouch down. Why is this better than lying down on the ground?
4 backcountry brew gadgets even the snobbiest baristas will love.
Does soaking your feet in black tea before a hike reduce sweat and prevent blisters?
The latest word from our testers