16 Great Songs for Backpacking
From folk songs to oldies to rock 'n roll, this eclectic list will inspire your next trip.
Gear
Gear
Climbing Mount Shasta
BACKPACKER readers are climbing 14,180-ft Mt. Shasta in support of Big City Mountaineers! Check out the photos from their summit bid.
VuVantage VuPackPole Camera Accessory Review
The perfect accessory for your POV camera.
Text Anywhere Off-Grid Messenger Review
This satellite-powered hotspot allows texting in the most remote locations.
Bushnell SolarWrap 250 Battery
This solar-powered lithium battery recharges efficiently.
Sony NEX-5T Camera Review
This easy-to-use camera takes quick and clear shots.
Nikon 1 AW1 Camera Review
A waterproof camera that's ready for any adventure.
Olympus TG-2 iHS Camera Review
An updated Editors' Choice camera with an improved focus range.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Smartphone Review
Phone is able to handle the most vigorous explorations.
Dell Venue 7 Tablet Review
A durable tablet with plenty of storage.
Power Practical Lithium 4400 Battery Bank Review
This battery pack has enough power to charge multiple devices.
Boom Movement Swimmer Speaker Review
High quality sounding bluetooth speaker is multi-sport ready.
Hall of Fame: Camp Food
An indisputable fact of hiking life: Food tastes better outdoors. A simple cheese sandwich can be heaven. A chunk of dark chocolate feels like a winning lottery ticket. And a savory, hot meal can turn a tired, wet hiker into an entirely new person.
The Best Portable Power Sources for Backpacking
Find the Charge That's Right For You
Reader Photo Contest
Enter your best shot in our monthly photo contest.
adidas Terrex Swift Mountain Summer Jacket Review
A combination of double- and single- weave nylon makes this jacket extra breathable.
Editors' Choice 2014: Marmot Essence Shell
There's always room to pack this featherweight, bombproof shell.
Rab Ventus Pull-On/Lunar Pull-On Jacket Review
Rab Ventus Pull-On/Lunar Pull-On Jacket Review
Black Diamond Equipment B.D.V. Jacket Review
A tester favorite for those all-day excursions.
Mountain Hardwear Super Chockstone Jacket Review
If you're hard on jackets, this Mountain Hardwear is for you.
Beautiful Fall Foliage Photos
Check out these amazing photos of fall colors across the country and beyond, from Yosemite to Banff to Acadia.
Eddie Bauer First Ascent BC Ultralight Hardshell Review
A versatile hard shell that's light too.
Sierra Designs Stow Windshirt Softshell Review
The lightest shell in our test.
Arc'teryx Alpha SL Shell Review
A shell that is light, sleek, and minimalist.
Columbia Rainstormer Shell Review
A bargain jacket with full amenities.
Mountain Hardwear Super Light Plasmic Shell Review
A light and comfortable shell.
The North Face Verto Storm Shell Review
Put it in your pack and you can forget it's there...until you really need it.
Salomon GTX Active Shell Review
This minimalist shell kept testers dry during heart-pumping activities in the wettest weather.
L.L.Bean NeoShell Bounder Shell Review
A versatile, three-layer shield
2014 Reader Adventure Travel Photos
Our readers travel to some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the world. Need proof? Just get an eyeful of these winning entries.
6 Trail-Ready Summer Cocktails
Hand-picked summer refreshments from our Backcountry Bartenders.
Gear Hall of Fame: Socks
The BACKPACKER editors pick the pairs that have stood the test of time.
LOWA Cevedale Pro GTX Hiking Boot Review
The most supportive boot we tested
Asolo Shiraz GV Hiking Boot Review
These finely crafted Italian boots deliver big-load support with reliable waterproofing and maximum breathability.
Hi-Tec V-Lite SpHike Mid WP Hiking Boot Review
These midcut boots pack enough support for most backpacking trips, yet cost no more than most trail runners.
Oboz Bridger BDry Hiking Boot Review
With a sturdy leather upper and above-average support, the Bridger BDry delivers more than ample protection for on- and off-trail adventures and long days with a heavy pack.
Five Ten Guide Tennie Mid Hiking Boot Review
Combining the stickiness of a scrambling shoe and the ankle and underfoot support of a boot, this hybrid crushes hilly, rocky terrain.
Mammut T Aenergy GTX Hiking Boot Review
Hike all day with a monster load and your feet will still feel fresh in camp with these boots.
KEEN Madison Low CNX Trail Runner Review
Top-notch ventilation, stability, and traction in a low-profile, super-light shoe.
Salewa Firetail EVO GTX Trail Runner Review
A nimble shoe that excels at climbing.
Vasque Grand Traverse Trail Runner Review
This low-cut light hiker delivers the support and stability of a medium-duty mid-cut combined with the grip and control of an approach shoe.
Lems Boulder Hiking Boot Review
These featherlight, zero-drop, mid-height boots are protective enough for mellow dayhiking.
Ecco BIOM Ultra Quest Trail Runner Review
Great for fastpacking and light hiking.
Merrell Grasshopper Air Trail Runner Review
Light, breathable, and springy enough for daily trail running but supportive enough for big dayhikes.
adidas Terrex Swift R GTX Trail Runner Review
A trail runner and a waterproof light hiker in one.
Brooks Cascadia 9 Trail Runner Review
A trail runner and a waterproof light hiker in one.
GoLite Mountain Gecko Trail Runner Review
Trail runner provides stability and barefoot feeling.
Patagonia Tsali 3.0 Trail Runner Review
Versatile trail runner is perfect for the pavement and trails.
Editors' Choice Gold 2014: Leatherman Juice S2
Pack this do-it-all tool on every trip.
Editors' Choice 2014: Big Agnes Double Z
Snooze soundly on the most plush backcountry sleeping pad we’ve ever seen.
Editors' Choice 2014: GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition
Shoot with the most versatile POV camera on the market.
Editors' Choice 2014: ExOfficio Sol Cool Ultimate Hoody
Stay cool with the perfect top for heat and sun.
Editors' Choice 2014: Marmot Essence Shell Review
There’s always room to pack this featherweight, bombproof shell.
Editors' Choice Gold 2014: Western Mountaineering Alpinlite
Impeccable craftsmanship and top-shelf materials make this bag a perennial favorite.
Editors' Choice: MontBell Down Hugger 900 #2
Innovative sewing techniques deliver a whole new level of ultralight comfort.
Montrail FluidFlex 2 Trail Runner Review
The airy construction makes these a good choice for sweaty feet, hot weather, and watery adventures.
Editors' Choice 2014: Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed
Forget what you know about sleeping bags. This revolutionary sack throws out the zipper, adds a blanket-like quilt, and increases the comfort exponentially.
Editors' Choice: L.L.Bean Day Trekker 25 Backpack Review
This versatile pack works equally well for big dayhikes and whirlwind travel.
The Backpacker Gear Hall Of Fame: Hardshells
A look back at the hardshells we've loved for years that are still at the top of their class.
The Backpacker Gear Hall Of Fame: Sleeping Bags and Pads
Check out acerretani's author page.
The Backpacker Hall of Fame: Softshells
A look back at the softshells we've loved for years that are still at the top of their class.
The Backpacker Gear Hall Of Fame: Footwear
A look back at the boots we've loved for years that are still at the top of their class.
The Backpacker Gear Hall Of Fame: Tents
A look back at the tents we've loved for years are still at the top of their class.
The Backpacker Gear Hall Of Fame: Packs
A look back at the packs we've loved for years that are still at the top of their class.
Kelty SB 20 Sleeping Bag Review
The SB offers the top-shelf performance of 800-fill DriDown at second-shelf price.
Mountain Equipment Matrix III Sleeping Bag Review
A down and synthetic bag that's the best of both worlds.
Crux Torpedo 500 Sleeping Bag Review
This bag-bivy combo can handle most any forecast in its temp range.
6 Must-See Waterfall Hikes
With summer (finally) approaching, these gushers guarantee refreshment with a big side of splendor.
Help! Sand in My Multitool
Good timing, because I just came back from a week of desert hiking in Jordan, and I ran into the same problem. My prized Leatherman Juice S2 sounds like crinkling sandpaper whenever I touch it.
Eureka! Silver City 30 Sleeping Bag
A $90 bag that is worth so much more.
Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy 2-season
A liveable mummy.
NEMO Tango Duo Slim 30 Sleeping Bag Review
This cuddly, 700-fill DownTek sack for two actually packs to a reasonable size.
Mountain Hardwear Ratio 32 Sleeping Bag Review
This down bag deftly handled both near-freezing and humid, sweltering nights, making it the pick of campers seeking affordable versatility.
Therm-a-Rest Auriga Blanket Sleeping Bag Review
An ultralight bag for mummy-haters.
Rab Neutrino Endurance 200 Sleeping Bag Review
A light, compressible, warm, and water-resistant summer sleeping bag.
Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp Review
Reinforced guyout points deliver above-average durability, and an optional mesh net enhances protection in buggy areas.
MSR Hubba NX Tent Review
Solo hikers get a near-perfect balance between livability and weight savings.
Easton Mountain Products Kilo Carbon 2P Tent Review
This freestanding, double-walled featherweight pitches fast, packs tiny, and withstands the worst three-season storms.
Editors' Choice 2014: Kelty TN 2
Starlight meets lightweight in this view-friendly tent.
REI Dash 2 Tent Review
It’s the perfect shelter for couples who want a superlight tent with traditional freestanding, two-door performance.