Gear

The Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum has all the features of a much heavier backpacking tent tucked into a sub-two-pound package.

Only one of these sub-three ounce slip-ons is worth taking on your next hike.

Grippy shoes, quality sun layers, and an ultralight backpack that can handle a load: This key gear made our adventures better this month.

On trails today, low-cut shoes are king. But the hiking boot still has its place.

This Editors' Choice winner guarantees warm, comfortable nights for side sleepers. And it can be yours for a fraction of the price.

For now, the new rival to Ultra will be found only on Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs.

If you're a devotee of Altra's Lone Peaks, you can grab a fresh pair at a steep discount now.

Check out 14 hand-picked deals on hiking and backpacking gear from Amazon Prime Day.

A confluence of form factors, tech, and knock-offs have led to a muddled market for one of the most important pieces of gear a hiker will ever own.

The Vaucluse ventilation frame is an inexpensive add-on for airflow.

Summer's here, and from a pocket-size caffeine spray to trail-to-town footwear that's ready to travel, this is the gear that's getting us out there.

This Backpacker-tested tent, sleeping bag, pad, and backpack is everything a new hiker needs to hit the trail—and right now it's a steal.

The equipment I didn't know I needed saved my long hike.

The Orukayak Beach Explorer bundle comes with everything paddlers need for casual overnight adventures, and folds up small enough to check on a plane.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 55 is a trail-tested, reliable ultralight pack, and right now you can snatch it for under retail.

We tried every dehydrated dinner to find the ones you'll actually look forward to eating.

They’re multi-use—and lighter than even the latest high-tech seats.

A single-person, ultralight tent, a packable hammock, and a backpack ready for backpacking with the kids: These are the on-sale gifts that Backpacker's Dad-in-Chief is coveting this year.

The MSR Thru-Hiker Mesh House 1 is one of the lightest solutions for keeping out bugs, no-see-ums, and water seepage from the ground.

Thirteen testers hiked, scrambled, and power-napped to find the very best pants and shorts for hiking and backpacking.

It’s cheap, lightweight, and performs adequately in wind. Can it edge out the competition?

Never-blister socks, a perfect trail tee, and more: This is the gear that Backpacker's editors loved this month.

You’re on the priority list. You just might come after their tent.

Trail runners, a budget bag, and a high-end tent: These are the deals we’re excited about.

Memorial Day deals? More like Memorial Day steals. Stock up on tents, packs, and more with these Backpacker-approved discounts.

The Kammok Sunda 2.0 can pitch as a 2-person tent or a backpacking hammock, and REI members can grab it now for nearly 60% off.

Whether you're after a caffeinated alpine start or a lazy brunch, we’ve found the best cookware for your wild culinary adventures.

Maximize your dog’s active years with advice from veterinarians and high-quality nutrition

From all-in-one systems to pocket-sized powerhouses, these are the best burners for whipping up a meal in the wilderness

It might not be a “technical fabric,” but linen is the best choice for scorching, dry climates.

If you'd rather tote a little extra weight for a more livable sleeping experience, then the Marmot Limelight 3 may be for you.

The Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie finds a sweet spot between weather resistance, comfort, and light weight.

Smart updates to the Gregory Paragon/Maven make this previous Editors’ Choice Award Winner comfier than we thought possible.

Black Diamond's Distance series excel on fast-paced missions in tricky terrain—and right now, you can get them at a steep discount.

We put the latest, lightest pad pumps to the test.

Take-anywhere tamales, burly radios for the backcountry, and one great guidebook: Here's the gear we loved this month.

Extreme adjustability and a cushy ride made the Talon/Tempest 33 our favorite day hiking pack of 2025

Whether you're an absolute beginner or a trained artist, the Sketchbook app is a free and easy way to capture your favorite memories on the trail without carrying any extra weight.

It may be featherweight, but the Granite Gear Blaze 60L can handle up to 50 pounds of gear comfortably.

Is the versatility worth the weight?

Our all-time favorite UL tents can handle a border-to-border thru-hike and weigh less than most sleeping bags.

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Jacket is about a half-pound and packs to the size of a water bottle, but feels warmer than that.

We tested 31 filters in rushing mountain streams and scummy lakes to vet our top picks.

If you're thinking about experimenting with a floorless shelter, the Sierra Designs High Route packs down to the size of a Nalgene but punches above its weight in livability.

The tent that launched a whole new generation of backpackers is now more comfortable, convenient, and protective than ever

The NB Air is our new top pick for overnighters and other short trips.

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a fixture on trails short and long—and right now, you can save $100 off its full price.

From a trail runner made for the toughest terrain to an app that literally forces you to "touch grass," this is the gear that got the Backpacker editors outside this month.

We trekked deep into canyons, forests, and mountain valleys to test these life-saving devices.

With its 33-millimeter stack height, the Altra Olympus is a solid choice for rooty, rocky trails.

14 testers vetted dozens of blades and tools. These nine are a cut above the rest.

This basic piece of gear can make or break your hiking experience.

If you're an REI member who hasn't used your annual coupons yet, you can get the Therm-a-rest Vesper 20 quilt for nearly half off.

Yes, I know it's a controversial opinion. But even on my lightest and fastest trips, I've found that ditching bottles for a bladder is a better, smoother way to hike.

Jetboil’s best-selling Fast Boil System just got even better with a one-step ignition and smart enhancements

Get better Zs with this advice from two seasoned sleep experts

You're already stinky. Why does your gear have to smell bad too?

With a stable, body-hugging design and enough room for your water, snacks, and layers, the Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 5.0 is an ideal pack for trail runners and fast-moving hikers alike.

These tried-and-true picks can survive a thru-hike without breaking the bank.

When it comes to fast and light hiking, deuter’s Speed Lite Pro series leads the pack—again

The Jetboil Zip is a stripped-down cousin to the company's larger models.

An ultralight first-aid kit, a cheap pair of gloves, and a luxe sleeping pad: This is the gear that's getting our editors through the tail end of winter.

Big Agnes's Tiger Wall UL2's easy setup and spacious tent floor is perfect for hikers trying to lighten their load without sacrificing comfort. The best part? It's now 30 percent off.

The UK-based brand takes a novel approach to keeping dry.

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction can take anything the trail can dish out.

Woo your beloved by planning an outing for two, complete with gourmet treats and dreamy views.

The MSR Hubba Hubba is a lightweight 3-season backpacking tent that's suitable for beginners and seasoned hikers alike—and right now, it's downright cheap.

Top-shelf winter layers, perfect backcountry powder skis, and a FOMO-inducing, trip-generating collection of travel inspo: This is the gear that got our editors outside this month.

We put the Chinese brand’s $164 Zpacks lookalike to the test.

The Helio LX Pressure Shower is a smart approach to cleaning off people, pets, and dishes on basecamping trips—and right now, you can get it at a steep discount.

This do-anything mid may just rekindle your love for the category—and it's on sale now.

At less than 7 ounces per pair, they hardly register in your pack.

Backpacking in the snowy season doesn’t need to be an ordeal. We polled our colleagues to find out their best gear tips for packing for snowy adventures.

The MSR Access 2 is a light(ish) weight option for backpackers looking to make miles in full winter weather.

Its unique design creates a rare combination of stiffness and light weight.

Check out Adam Roy's author page.

From Alpha to Octa, we compare four of the best featherweight fleeces.

From a headlamp to a pint-size Nalgene to a combo bandana/pack towel, these affordable last-minute holiday gifts are here to save the day.

Oversized and decidedly uncool, the poncho is still one of my top choices for rainy hikes.