Gear

This all-around bag from Eastern Mountain Sports boasts an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio.

This synthetic bag from Big Agnes is as breathable and lofty as down.

The North Face Hightail 2S offers unparalleled loft in a roomy, waterproof bag.

This hybrid bag from REI provides the best in comfort and waterproofing.

Save money without sacrificing quality with the LaFuma Lightway 45.

Think outside the bag with this minimalist blanket from Brooks-Range.

Strengthen weak ankles with optimal support and comfort.

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Pack on the pounds and strap on the Lowa Camino GTX Flex model: These tanks can take it.

Podiatrist-designed Ecco BIOM Hike 1.1 saves the day for those with pronation tendencies.

Feather-like ankle support and heel stability come with these Crispi Ascent Plus GTX heavy duties.

From scrambling to hiking, this killer deal provides ample protection.

Bear those heavy-packed trips with stable strides by way of Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX support.

You'll never want to take off these comfortable Patagonias.

Ditch the insoles with the built-in support of the mid duty AKU Transalpina.

The support, flex, and grip of these Salewas will keep your stride solid.

Scramble narrow edges without killing your feet: flat-footed stability for a killer price.

This Asolo model wins best light duty for its impressive stability.

Breezy shoes perfect for a heated hike where sandals just wont cut it.

These light duty kicks will bust you up scrambles with its impressive grips.

Secure and light: This fantasy turns reality with the Salomon XT Wings 3 model.

Fang-ridden soles keep runners on their feet in the muddiest terrain with this Saucony model.

Gel patch-induced comfort make Asics' lightweight model a tester favorite.

A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.

Water-resistant and light, hit the trail with no rainy day excuses.

These slip-resisting kicks allow for a bold increase of your trail-run stride.

A sturdy shelter that's under five pounds.

Double up in these two-person tents.

It's not often that the lightest shelter in our test is also the cheapest and biggest.

Comfy for three (or spacious for two!), these three-person tents are backcountry ready.

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Bugout lets you congregate for blissfully insect-free meals and card games.

Few four-person tents best this blend of livability, low weight, and reasonable cost.

This versatile, two-person shelter handles high-altitude summers and winters with equal aplomb.

If low weight is your prime tent priority, put this shelter at the top of your shopping list.

A tent that is ideal for regions that see plenty of rain and wintry weather year-round.

The perennial BACKPACKER favorite gets an upgrade with better ventilation.

A long drip line and spacious headroom let's you enjoy the inside, and the outside, no matter the elements.

A low-weight, low-cost two-person, freestanding tent

An affordable two-person tent that can handle real weather.

A 96-inch-long, two-person tents suits every height.

Lightweight, but sturdy tents for the solo camper.

Deluxe features and headroom for a relatively low weight.

A lightweight tent that doesn't skimp on weather protection.

A freestanding tent that tarp lovers will love.

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For big, big loads (think parents or mountaineering) this pack is ideal.

The more you pack, the better it will carry.

412 trail-tested products

Clever features, plentiful pockets, and easy-access side zips have earned this pack "best organization."

Best all-around: this pack will melt into your body and accomodate any quick-access needs as it supports over 50 pounds.

Mountainsmith Lariat 65 is a big-load bargain pack that'll last.

Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.

Cure for back sweat takes the form of pack with the Kelty Fleet 55.

This pack's balance and close-fit is made complete with it's most exhaustive compression system.

This pack will fine-tune fit, carry 50-pound loads, and ease the burden with its ultralight weight.

With incredible load distribution, this pack's easy on the shoulders.

This "best travel pack" can check as luggage, keep your electronics dry, and accomodate your travel needs.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Tough fabric, compact, and room to spare. What more could you want?

Anywhere, any activity, this pack will carry your goods from bushwacking in Arizona to climbing Mt. Sneffels with an ice axe.

In constant downpour, the impermeable thermoplastic, PU-coated nylon material of this pack kept our tester's gear bone-dry.

Best-in-class air circulation keeps sweat off your back while maintaining stability, ideal for intense dayhikes.

This Mammut pack hugs your back for balance while maintaining freedom for movement, creating the ideal alpine pack.

Stability for heavy loads from a stiff nylon framesheet allow for minimal rubbing and improved balance with this "carry-anything workhorse" daypack.

Durable, efficient, comfortable, surprisingly roomy, this pack survived 200 trail miles and 200,000 air miles and landed its spot as "best all-around."

For 40 years, BACKPACKER readers have explored the wilderness and returned with photographic gold. But we were wowed by the entries for this contest—more than 650 of them. Check out these finalists (and this year's winner), then go to backpacker.com/photos to submit your own images. We’ll showcase the best entries in upcoming issues.

Hundreds of pieces of outdoor gear from all the major outdoor retailers - now in an easy-to-print digital format.

These six cameras can take it all and still bring home your hero shots.

Get year-round versatility for travel, trail, or town.

You'll never have to buy another knife after the 3.3-inch triple-laminated Helle Dokka.

A lightweight tent that can handle 30-mph windstorms...and kids.

A burly boot that doesn't beat up your feet.

A versatile fleece midlayer that performs like outerwear.

A 20-liter pack that offers all-day comfort.

A versatile jacket that's comfy in temps from 20 to 60.

An ultralight turtleneck that is 65 percent merino and 35 percent Cocona polyester.

A mideweight merino layer perfect for on or off the mountain.

A low-bulk merino sweater that can handle cardio workouts.

Improve and protect your photos with these three accessories.