Gear

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

31 boots and shoes hit the trail. These 9 stayed in regular rotation.

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

Our testers put everything from budget aluminum poles to the fanciest carbon we could find through the wringer. These are our favorites.

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.

Our team of testers waded through feet of snow and battled sub-freezing temps to find the best snowshoes for every terrain, skill level, and price.

Take your holiday celebrations outside this year with this gear, from a set of solar-powered string lights to a fire pit that fits on your pack.

From shelters to packs to gadgets, these 50 pieces of gear helped us go further, see more, and have more fun last year.

It’s featherweight, but is it durable? We tested all summer to find out.

These duds have the insulation, waterproofing, and support to keep you on-trail through the cold season.

We tested dozens of pads in an effort to find the very best on the market, ideal for everything from mild winters to the world’s most extreme climates.

With a touchscreen, built-in flashlight, breadcrumb feature, and unbelievable battery life, the Garmin fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar Edition has the chops to handle the roughest backcountry navigation.

From our favorite meals to essential kitchen tools, these are the presents your culinary-minded giftee wants most.

Some newfangled hiking pants feature an extended zipper that allows users to squat and pee without undressing. While some hikers love them, others are set in their urination ways.

Gore-Tex is going PFAS-free. Does its waterproof tech still perform?

From an all-time favorite tent to a lightweight backpack that can handle a serious load, this editor-approved gear is on sale for at least 50%—and up to 70%—off today.

A super-light sleeping pad, a weight-saving gadget, and an editor-approved quilt are all on sale at a discount right now.

An ultra-warm winter boot, a "heavenly" deck of cards, and a running vest that's up for anything: This is the gear that kept us moving this month.

Check out Adam Roy's author page.

The featherweight Gossamer Gear LT5s are on sale right now.

From a $30 titanium pot to a $1,300, sub-6-pound raft, this is what’s on our editors’ wishlists this holiday season.

Our top picks will help you sleep soundly, whether you're in the Southwest, or on an Alaskan expedition.

The X-Mid trekking pole tent and other groundbreaking ultralight designs have earned Durston an unmatched fanbase, with a 14,000-person Facebook group and in-jokes about stickers and sage at the center of it. M. John Fayhee dives into lightweight backpacking's most devoted "cult."

Stock up on your next tent, sleeping bag, and more this holiday season—without breaking the bank.

From Dyneema doggy bowls to fuel-saving gadgets, these are the ideal presents for friends and family with baseweight in mind.

From an insulated bootie that can handle the rigors of the outdoors to a super-light, super-plush mummy bag, these are the deals we're most excited about from REI's big sale.

You haven't known happiness until you’ve worn alpaca hiking underwear. Find that and 11 more perfect small gifts ranging from $20 to $125 on our expert-curated list.

There's a perfect piece of gear out there for every backpacker. From socks to gadgets to a stellar sleeping bag, these are the gifts that will help the hikers on your list take their trips to the next level.

When you pay attention, you'll be amazed by how much our canine companions can teach us

Our all-time favorite four-season tents can handle anything you throw at 'em.

At just over 2 pounds all in, the Moment is a sturdy, feature-rich solo tent that won't break the bank or your back.

Consider your holiday shopping complete with a new Osprey pack to fit any skier, snowboarder, hiker, backpacker, jetsetter, or day-tripper on your list

Meet two artists who want you to be a maker, too

The Big Agnes's Copper Spur line's mix of livability and low weight set a high water mark for our tent testers.

Wind screens and a slow burn are your best friends.

Days are getting shorter. That doesn’t mean hiking season is over.

The Nemo Disco 15 Endless Promise is a comfortable, sustainable bestseller—and right now, it's on sale for 40% off.

Atypical design, material-choice, and geometry make this tent appealing to ultralighters and weekend warriors alike.

A pair of customized socks, a smartly-designed water bottle, and a cozy camp blanket: this is the gear that helped our editors get outside this month.

The Outdoor Research Foray II / Aspire II has long been one of our favorite shells for backpacking thanks to its generous venting and light weight. Snag it right now for up to half off.

The REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ is a light-enough, comfortable-enough workhorse that's good for beginners and experienced backpackers alike—and it's on sale right now.

At under two pounds, the brand’s latest mattress offers car camping comfort at backpacking weight.

Apple’s new satellite communication feature is a handy addition to an already-common device. But it has at least one flaw that's too big to overlook.

Today, parent company Red Wing Shoe Company announced that the 60-year-old stalwart would halt production.