Gear

The next level in lightweight backpacking requires making some tough choices. Here’s how to navigate them.

Don’t go peeping without it.

Dial in your setup for cold-weather adventures with advice from polar explorers

The Sierra Designs Crescent 2 is beginner-friendly two-person shelter, and right now it's more than 50% off.

Featuring dual-compatibility for power and 50:50 burn time, these two headlamps are ready for any adventure

Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.

We combed through vintage magazines and catalogs to find out how low you could go back in the day.

After 2,194.3 miles, this is the equipment that they loved the most.

This portable solar panel offers an endless supply of renewable energy so you can unplug without powering down on your next adventure

Because nothing is worse than finding out you’ve got a dud after a hard-charging day in the backcountry.

Our testers weathered alpine gusts, freak downpours, and rough granite slabs to find the very best softshells. Eight jackets rose to the top.

Are women's sleeping bags really warmer than men's? How long can I keep a down sleeping bag stuffed before it's ruined?

Backcountry tech is more abundant than ever, but it can add up quickly in an ultralight kit.

The next time you find yourself camping by a wild body of water, catch your own dinner with this packable fly fishing kit

Heading into the wilderness with your hiker-in-training? This gear will make the trip as fun for you as it is for your little one.

The Ultra gets a titanium case, sapphire face, significantly better battery life, and better GPS and off-grid route-tracking features, making it a much more robust backcountry tool

Alcohol-free doesn't have to mean tasteless. These drinks satisfy your beer craving without the buzz.

For carrying weight while moving quickly in the mountains, the Slope Runner Exploration 18L is our new favorite vest-pack hybrid

Who knew the famous comfort, durability, and versatility of the Merrell Moab could be improved?

Lightweight gear has a reputation for fragility, but there are exceptions to the rule.

Fanny packs, bear spray, and camp stoves: These are the products that helped us adventure over the past month.

I came for their looks. I stayed for their all-day comfort and all-terrain performance.

By some measures, Jenny Bruso’s advocacy for body inclusivity in the outdoors has been a wild success. But she says the fight has barely begun.

A disco ball, frozen lobster tails, a cat: We polled editors about the strangest gear they had ever packed for a trip.

Yes, Starbucks Via will do the trick. But is it the best way for gram-counters to get caffeinated?

They’re 1,706 miles in and this is what they like most

Dan Durston dreamed up his innovative tent design while thru-hiking in Canada.

Both of these shoes are beloved by long-distance hikers. Which is right for you?

Is the PürTrek pole-filter mashup a brilliant idea or a Frankensteinian mess?

Smart watches, bucket hats, and car camping showers: These are the products that helped us adventure over the past month.

Strong opinions abound in the ultralight community. That doesn’t mean they’re always right.

Sure, these drink mixes are going to keep you hydrated. But which ones actually taste good?

A double-wall tent, camp sandals, and cushier trail runners were among the changes Patricia “Blackpacker” Cameron made once she hit the PCT.

Dyneema couture anyone?

In the backcountry, a lightweight, durable, weatherproof kit lets you focus on what really matters

Put these world-class treks on your bucket list, and get the right footwear for success

Wildfire? Hurricane? Apocalypse? In this uncertain age, everyone should be prepared to escape in a hurry.

These four load-haulers are bringing the retro design into the modern era.

Think all cheese delivery services taste the same? Not a chance.

Perfect for the on-the-go adventurer, these portable products make sunscreen application—and reapplication—easy

Waterproof bags, lightweight tees, and spring shells: These are the products that helped us adventure over the past month.

For years, trail runners have been the footwear of choice for gram-counters. New boot designs aim to change that.

Finally, a hiking boot that can truly do it all

Kick off hiking season with the most revolutionary water filters yet

Upgrade to these versatile trip staples

There’s a great new wearable for every kind of athletic goal

Fend off water and wind with these breathable, packable jackets

Scarpa is pushing approach shoes to new heights—and distances

These bags redefine carrying comfort

This portable, packable device will repel mosquitoes no matter where you take it

Winning shades for every kind of adventure

These shelters score major comfort points

This featherlight racerback doesn’t sacrifice support

There’s a lot more to these bottoms than meets the eye

Keep your pup safe and stylish on the trail with these seven accessories

Masterful sleds for a variety of conditions

Don’t be afraid to sweat it out in these running pieces

Quality rubber is the most important part of your crag bag

Leave the heavy lifting to these pieces

Rigorous testing was no match for these pieces

A new wave of inflatables is approaching shore

Rigorous testing was no match for these pieces

These top-notch lids won us over

Purpose-built platforms for a variety of experiences

For comfort and storage space, this shelter is hard to beat

Give the pack the slip

We adore these easy breezy on-the-road pieces

The comfiest base-camp bedding

Clothing and accessories for urban riding

A portable three-person tent for deep backcountry adventures

These lids tick all our boxes

On-bike essentials for a better ride

A cycling outfit that everyone will love

A cycling outfit that everyone will love

Kicks for logging tarmac miles

A lightning-fast water filter makes staying hydrated on the trail easier than ever

A beginner friendly backpacking pack with everything you need—and nothing you don’t

The best gear for capturing your adventures

From the backcountry to the airport, this pack has you covered

Step up your cycling game with these road, gravel, and spin shoes