Gear

Ski touring and high-output activities in the backcountry require a different kind of armor. Suit up with our favorite picks of the season.

In a category that’s innovation-averse, Cumulus Outdoor Equipment has the competitive edge.

Every hiker needs a reliable, trail-ready button-up. From cozy fleeces to high-tech sun shirts, these are five of our reviewer's favorites.

Our testers put 15 cold-weather rucksacks through the wringer—and crowned six champions

Meet the pack sleek enough to turn our backpacking princess into an ultralight convert.

Six testers tried 75 bomber products, and these were the ones that rose above the rest

Stay safe in the backcountry with these six items

A long spoon, two ultralight staples, and a pair of gloves from Home Depot: Here's the gear we used to inaugurate autumn.

The Whisper splits the difference between tarp and tent.

It’s back to the basics with these tried-and-true brews

The budget ultralight brand's shelters beat their competitors on price—but what about performance? We tested the Lanshan 2 Pro to see how it stacks up.

From a bulletproof pair of rain pants to a sunscreen stick that helped us stay scorch-free, this was the gear we depended on in summer's final stretch.

Alpacka’s newest lightweight boat is the best choice for most backpackers.

What word better describes the perfect camping meal than "instant?"

These smokeless fire pits let you light a blaze without wallowing in smoke—and right now, they're on sale for 33% off or more.

A lighter pack is a worthy goal—just don’t take it too far.

We tested gear made with the hottest new ultralight fabrics, Ultraweave and UltraTNT

Veja’s first trail shoe steps up to the challenge.

A $3 secret weapon from the grocery store, a tasty drink mix, and a free app are all on our list this month.

Matteo Volpi hopes his packs will bring thru-hiking culture south of the border.

Lifestraw’s new Peak Solo punches above its weight class.

Testing a tent, chair, table, and more from Moosejaw’s new beginner friendly collection

Schwalbe’s latest sustainability initiatives set a low-impact example for riders everywhere

Get an RV and enjoy savings, flexibility, and the best kind of indoor/outdoor living

Changing environmental standards have upended the industry.

Our favorite products of June included a versatile sun hoody, a long-handled spork, and a summer-ready hydration mix.

Hiking, like most things, is just better in Sweden. And now with the annual Fjällräven Classics, hikers all over the world can join the fun.

We put thousands of miles on 85 different shoes over six months to find the best new models for every type of terrain

Check out Jeff Garmire's author page.

Charm him with these delightful gear upgrades

Plus: near-perfect hiking underwear.

UltraTNT can help manufacturers create lightweight tents that don't deform under tension. The downside? It’s still heavier than Dyneema.

While REI and some other retailers have rolled out non-gendered products and apparel lines, LGBTQ+ advocates and allies say they have a lot more to do.

Get the most out of your backpacking equipment with this sage advice.

A pocket-size Nalgene, a perfect pair of pants, and a minuscule multitool were among our favorite pieces of gear last month.

From picaridin to herbal solutions, there's a wide variety of non-DEET repellents on the market. But which work, and which are just snake oil?

This wood-heated mid could change the game for cold-weather overnights.

Our hiking columnist went to the AT’s legendary Trail Days this year with one mission—to figure out what hikers were and weren’t putting on their feet

Twelve testers donned 36 tops to find this summer’s best new shirts, midlayers, and baselayers.

These three deluxe mattresses cured our testers’ campground insomnia.

Twelve testers ran, trekked, and squatted in 45 products to find this summer’s best new hiking pants and shorts.

Six testers tried six different sleeping bags. These ones came out on top.

Several well-known ultralight brands are slashing prices for the Small Business Sales Week event—but it ends tomorrow, so you’ll have to hurry.

Grab some of our favorite shoes, packs, and tents for up to 40% off right now

3F UL’s equipment costs a fraction of its American cottage counterparts. Is it any good?

In an industry dominated by a single body-type, the Virga 3 is making waves.

Developed and tested on the Pacific Crest Trail—the new adidas TERREX Free Hiker 2.0 is your next long-distance shoe

Used correctly, frameless packs can be a great tool for ultralighters. Used incorrectly? Welcome to Shoulder Pain City, baby.

Swapping out your tent for a shelter that sets up with trekking poles is a quick way to cut weight. But is it the right choice for you?

A reliable lightweight sleeping bag and a jacket ready for spring windstorms are among our favorite gear of the month.

Comparing two titans of featherweight design

Thru-hiker Carl "Professor" Stanfield had a big goal: Break the record for most miles ever walked in a single year. Here's what he packed.

For outdoor excursions big and small, here’s everything you need to be more than ready

With ZOLEO, you can be off-grid without being out of touch

There’s no faster way to ruin your first big trip than by wearing shoes or boot that aren't up to the task. We break down what beginners need to know about buying their first pair of trail shoes.

How to use this stretchy, therapeutic tape to effectively reduce pain and support muscles, tendons, and ligaments (almost) anywhere on your body

How to best care for your body to keep doing the outdoor activities you love

It weighs nothing, saves you time and fuel, and lets you enjoy a piping hot meal instead of a lukewarm one.

Ultra-super-megalight gear and universal sat phones might be standard in 50 years—if the backpackers of the future even want them, that is.

An ultralight kettle, backcountry ski tech, and one very versatile pair of trail runners: This is the gear that Backpacker's editors used to ring in the spring season.

Versatility meets inclusive sizing meets next-level support in this new pack series

Our sunburn-prone editor stays protected in the Outdoor Research Echo sunhoody.

Libby DeLana never misses a day outdoors. Here’s what she’s learned—and here are the shoes that keep her going.

Make great boots. Inspire people to use them. Here’s how.

A new crop of brands are creating specialized ultralight gear for hunters—and they’re making inroads with backpackers too.

Why is our editor so in love with the Guyot Designs Squishy Bowls? They're easy to pack, insulating, and—best of all—indestructible.

Vest-style straps can make frameless packs carry better than ever.

Our hiking columnist has spent more than a quarter of the past four years on trail. Every morning out there, without fail, he eats another perfect packet of Pop-Tarts.

In defense of the hiking world’s black sheep.

An extremely fancy jacket, a free app, and a rock-solid waterproof box make the list of our editors' favorite gear this month.

Silnylon has been the affordable waterproof tent fabric of choice for decades, but a new competitor is shaking things up.

Competitor Ashly Winchester packed an ultralight sleeping bag, multiple lights, and KT tape to keep herself going.

The frameless Mustang Survival Highwater 22L is the best of frameless backpacks and drybags in one slick package.

From a gadget that’s a fork on one end and a spoon on the other to a titanium utensil that will survive the apocalypse, there are dozens of different sporks on the market. But which is the best?

Getting lost on the trail after dark is a nuisance. As two dayhikers in Big Sur discovered this month, doing it without a headlamp can become an emergency.

Just as cozy with remarkable technology? Consider me a convert.

For years, our editor thought toe socks looked dumb and were useless on the trail. After spending a winter testing them out, he's ready to admit that he was wrong about at least one of those things.

Down booties, gossamer-thin wind jackets, and struggle-free snowshoes: Here’s what our editors brought with them on their winter adventures.