9 Signs You're an Old School Backpacker
Fads come and go, but you've been a backpacker through it all. Here are a few signs you're a diehard dirtbag.
Gear
Gear
Ask a Bear: Bivys in Bear Country?
When I sleep in my beloved bivy, am I just wrapping myself up like a six-foot bear burrito?
2014 Reader Photo Contest Winners
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Gear Pro: Quick Zipper Fix
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gone Girl: Photographs from the Search for Aubrey Sacco
Author Tracy Ross shares her personal photos and reflections from her trip to Nepal with Aubrey Sacco's family after the trekker's disappearance.
Backcountry Power
Juice your tablet anywhere with these three devices.
Field Test: Trail-worthy Tablets
Supercharge your backcountry experience with these tablets, apps, and accessories.
Tablet Review: SAMSUNG Galaxy Note 8
Best tablet for map junkies
Tablet Review: ASUS MeMO Pad HD
A perfect tablet for content creators
Essential Backcountry Apps for Android Devices
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Essential Backcountry Apps for iOS Devices
Stay connected with your favorite Apple device in the backcountry
Rugged Tablet Accessories
Upgrade any tablet with these smart gadgets.
Backcountry Power: Bushnell POWERSYNC SolarBook 850
A five-solar-panel power pack for the long-haul hiker.
Backcountry Power: Solio Xcellerator + Hub
A highly packable solar panel
Backcountry Power: Mophie Powerstation Pro
For its pocket-friendly size, this rugged, impact- and splash-resistant battery packs a punch
Tablet Review: Apple iPad Mini
A tester favorite thanks to the easy-to-use interface, long battery life, and large selection of quality apps.
Readers' Choice 2014: Vaude Cheyenne 500 Sleeping Bag
A supremely comfortable bag for mild-weather backpacking trips and car camps.
Readers' Choice 2014: Vasque St. Elias GTX Boots
Boots built for Alaska.
Readers' Choice 2014: Merrell Belay Hiking Pants
Technical hiking pants that fit a woman's curvy figure.
Readers' Choice 2014: Leatherman Wave Multitool
A 17-tool powerhouse.
Readers' Choice 2014: Big Agnes King Solomon Sleeping Bag
A luxurious two-person sleeping bag.
Readers' Choice 2014: Gregory Maya 18 Backpack
This frameless little pack is a great all-arounder for bike commuting and dayhikes.
Readers' Choice 2014: Asolo Vertex GV Hiking Boots
Quintessential backpacking boots - high-cut, durable, and can handle rugged terrain.
Readers' Choice 2014: Mountainsmith Haze 50 Backpack
A durable, ultralight pack that's affordable.
Readers' Choice 2014: Eastern Mountain Sports Traverse
A dependable, year-round shelter from Eastern Mountain Sports.
Gear Review: Columbia BugaTrek Omni-Heat
For casual winter adventures, a warm-and-cozy boot.
10 Trails to Cure the Winter Blues
Cabin fever got you down? These trails are even better in the cold weather months.
7 Ridiculously Expensive Pieces of Gear
You'll need a whole lot of disposable income to nab any of these big ticket items.
Even More Great Books for the Trail
Readers weigh in with their picks for the best outdoor books of all time.
Great Outdoor Books for the Trail
Whether read before the trek, during the adventure, or after it's over, these books remind us why we love the wild.
Editors' Choice Awards 2013
From a bomber ultralight tent to the best GPS watch we've seen, here are the 15 products that passed the ultimate field test.
Gear Review: Komperdell Alpinist
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Northern Lites Quicksilver
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Gear Review: Faber Sommet
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Gear Review: Tubbs Xpedition
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Gear Review: Atlas Fitness
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Gear Review: MSR Evo Ascent
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Mountain Hardwear UltraLamina 0
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Radiant 20F PLUS
Think outside the bag with this minimalist blanket from Brooks-Range.
Exped DownMat XP 9 M
Stay warm with this down-lined inflatable sleeping pad from Exped.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Dream
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
NEMO Canon -40 Sleeping Bag
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Editors' Choice Snow Award 2013: The North Face Thermoball Hoodie
A synthetic puffy that rivals the weight and warmth of down.
Mountain Equipment Snowline SL Sleeping Bag
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
The North Face Aleutian 3S Down
A packable synthetic sleeping bag with an extremely durable DWR shell
Ask Kristin: $300 tent or a $100 tent?
Sometimes they look the same, but there are several key differences.
Ask Kristin: Need a Sleeping Bag that will fit 6'7"
To get the best answer for your question, I went to two BACKPACKER staffers who can relate: Jon Dorn and Ben Fullerton, both 6’6”. Here are a few of their three-season picks.
Ask Kristin: Allergic to Wool
For long johns, there are plenty of polyester options. If it’s maximum warmth you’re after, look for higher lofted polyesters, with gridded channels that trap heat and accelerate wicking....
Gear Review: Brooks-Range Elephant’s Foot
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Sea to Summit Micro MC III
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Gear Review: L.L.Bean Down Mummy with DownTek
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Norrøna Roldal Warm1 Shirt
A versatile and breathable shirt from Norrøna.
Gear Review: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Bacon Pack
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Salomon Conquest GTX
A midweight boot with surprising protection and support.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Supercharger Pants
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Outdoor Edge Fish & Bone
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Patagonia Sweet Pack Vest
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Gear Review: Redington Sonic-Pro Ultra Packable Waders
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Orvis Clearwater Fishing Rod & Encounter II Reel
Check out Glenna Xie's author page.
Gear Review: Fenix HL30
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Gear Review: LED Lenser SEO 5
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Gear Review: UCO ARKA Lantern
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Gear Review: Snow Peak Lapel Torch
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Gear Review: Light & Motion Solite 250
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Gear Review: Princeton Tec Vizz
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Gear Review: Black Diamond Spot
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Editors' Choice 2013: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
From a bomber ultralight tent to the best GPS watch we've seen, here are the 15 products that passed the ultimate field test.
Trekking Poles: Helinox Passport Tension Lock Adjustable
Improve your balance and save your knees.
Trekking Poles: Easton Hike Carbon 3
Improve your balance and save your knees.
Trekking Poles: Mountainsmith Glissade
Improve your balance and save your knees with this bargain set of trekking poles from Mountainsmith.
Trekking Poles: MSR Deploy TR3
Trekking poles from MSR you can adjust one-handed.
Trekking Poles: Leki Cristallo
If you can use a lighter you can adjust these trekking poles from Leki.
Gear Review: Boreas Bootlegger
The versatile gear-hauling system by Boreas Gear.
Gear Review: Kelty Ignite 20
The affordable three-season down bag from Kelty.
Gear Review: Stanley Adventure Nesting Mug
The space-saving and inexpensive mug by Stanley.
Gear Review: Millet Trilogy GTX Pro
The protective and durable hardshell jacket from Millet.
Gear Review: KEEN Marshall WP
The supportive hiking shoes by Marshall WP.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs DriDown Cal 30
The best all-around water-resistant down bag by Sierra Designs.
Gear Review: Big Agnes Bellyache Mountain SL 17/Lithia Spring SL 15
The lofty and roomy 700-fill DownTek Bag from Big Agnes.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Cerium LT
A movement-friendly puffy synthetic jacket from Arc'teryx.