First Look: A Trekking Pole that Doubles as a Water Filter
Is the PürTrek pole-filter mashup a brilliant idea or a Frankensteinian mess?
Gear
Gear
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in July 2022
Smart watches, bucket hats, and car camping showers: These are the products that helped us adventure over the past month.
Five Common Ultralight Maxims and When to Ignore Them
Strong opinions abound in the ultralight community. That doesn’t mean they’re always right.
We Put 23 Electrolyte Drinks to a Taste Test. Here Are the Best Ones.
Sure, electrolyte drink mixes are going to keep you hydrated. But which ones actually taste good?
I Thought I Had My Thru-Hiking Setup Dialed—and Then I Started the Pacific Crest Trail
A double-wall tent, camp sandals, and cushier trail runners were among the changes Patricia “Blackpacker” Cameron made once she hit the PCT.
In Japan, Ultralight Gear Is High-Fashion On and Off the Trail
Dyneema couture anyone?
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When You Only Carry the Essentials, There’s Always Space for Joy
In the backcountry, a lightweight, durable, weatherproof kit lets you focus on what really matters
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3 Life-List Hikes and the Shoes to Match
Put these world-class treks on your bucket list, and get the right footwear for success
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How to Build the Ultimate Bug-Out Bag
Wildfire? Hurricane? Apocalypse? In this uncertain age, everyone should be prepared to escape in a hurry.
Yes, Ultralight External Frame Packs Are a Thing
These four load-haulers are bringing the retro design into the modern era.
The Best Dehydrated Macaroni and Cheese
Think all cheese delivery services taste the same? Not a chance.
The Best Sunscreen Sticks for Any Outdoor Activity
Perfect for the on-the-go adventurer, these portable sticks make sunscreen application—and reapplication—easy
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in May 2022
Waterproof bags, lightweight tees, and spring shells: These are the products that helped us adventure over the past month.
Your Next Ultralight Trail Shoe Might Just Be a Boot
For years, trail runners have been the footwear of choice for gram-counters. New boot designs aim to change that.
Editor’s Choice: Hoka Anacapa Mid Boots
Finally, a hiking boot that can truly do it all
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Water Treatment, Reinvented: Introducing the LifeStraw Peak Series
Kick off hiking season with the most revolutionary water filters yet
The Best Men’s Travel Apparel of 2022
Upgrade to these versatile trip staples
The Best Fitness Trackers of 2022
There’s a great new wearable for every kind of athletic goal
The Best Shells of 2022
Fend off water and wind with these breathable, packable jackets
Editor’s Choice: Scarpa Rapid Approach Shoes
Scarpa is pushing approach shoes to new heights—and distances
The Best Day Packs of 2022
These bags redefine carrying comfort
Editor’s Choice: Thermacell EX90 Mosquito Repeller
This portable, packable device will repel mosquitoes no matter where you take it
The Best Sunglasses of 2022
Winning shades for every kind of adventure
The Best Car Camping Tents of 2022
These shelters score major comfort points
Editor’s Choice: Lume Six Alta Bra
This featherlight racerback doesn’t sacrifice support
Editor’s Choice: Indura Athletic Stay-Put Shorts
There’s a lot more to these bottoms than meets the eye
The Best Dog Gear of 2022
Keep your pup safe and stylish on the trail with these seven accessories
The Best Surfboards of 2022
Masterful sleds for a variety of conditions
The Best Women’s Running Apparel of 2022
Don’t be afraid to sweat it out in these running pieces
The Best Climbing Shoes of 2022
Quality rubber is the most important part of your crag bag
The Best Fishing Accessories of 2022
Leave the heavy lifting to these pieces
The Best Inflatable Boats of 2022
A new wave of inflatables is approaching shore
The Best Men’s Mountain Bike Apparel of 2022
Rigorous testing was no match for these pieces
The Best Women’s Mountain Bike Apparel of 2022
Rigorous testing was no match for these pieces
The Best Stand-Up Paddleboards of 2022
Purpose-built platforms for a variety of experiences
The Best Mountain Bike Helmets of 2022
These top-notch lids won us over
Editor’s Choice: Infinity Whiplash SUP
Give the pack the slip
Deep-Dive Review: Marmot Limelight 3 Tent
For comfort and storage space, this shelter is hard to beat
Deep-Dive Review: MSR Freelite 3 Tent
A portable three-person tent for deep backcountry adventures
The Best Women’s Travel Apparel of 2022
We adore these easy breezy on-the-road pieces
The Best Car Camping Bags and Pads of 2022
The comfiest base-camp bedding
The Best Bike Commuting Gear of 2022
Clothing and accessories for urban riding
The Best Road and Gravel Helmets of 2022
These lids tick all our boxes
The Best Road Running Shoes of 2022
Kicks for logging tarmac miles
The Best Road and Gravel Accessories of 2022
On-bike essentials for a better ride
The Best Men’s Road and Gravel Apparel of 2022
A cycling outfit that everyone will love
The Best Women’s Road and Gravel Apparel of 2022
A cycling outfit that everyone will love
Editor’s Choice: Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System
A lightning-fast water filter makes staying hydrated on the trail easier than ever
Deep Dive Review: Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55
A beginner friendly backpacking pack with everything you need—and nothing you don’t
The Best Cameras and Drones of 2022
The best gear for capturing your adventures
The Best Sports Bras of 2022
The best comfort and performance for all levels of activity
The Best Road and Gravel Shoes of 2022
Step up your cycling game with these road, gravel, and spin shoes
Deep Dive Review: Mountainsmith Apex 60
From the backcountry to the airport, this pack has you covered
Editor’s Choice: Privateer 141 Mountain Bike
From the park to the podium, the Privateer 141 does it all
The Best Men’s Workout Apparel of 2022
Focus on your session—not your clothes
Deep Dive Review: Mystery Ranch Bridger 65
A reliable workhorse that will last for years
The Best Road Bikes of 2022
These rigs impressed us with fresh design
The Best Mountain Bikes of 2022
Rigs to put a smile on anyone’s face
The Best Backpacking Tents of 2022
With the right tent you can protect yourself from the weather, spread out in luxury, and settle into a home away from home
The Best Men’s Hiking Apparel of 2022
Technical layers for any occasion
The Best Mountain Bike Accessories of 2022
Round out your trail kit and get riding
The Best Backpacking Accessories of 2022
These accessories might not make or break your trip, but you’ll sure be glad you packed them
The Best Mountain Bike Shoes of 2022
A secure connection to your bike starts with your feet
The Best Sleeping Bags and Pads of 2022
These bags and pads will keep you warm and promote healthy sleep without weighing down your pack
Editor’s Choice: Hillsound PackStack
This nifty container makes gear organization a cinch
The 2022 Summer Gear Guide
341 field-tested favorites for summer adventure
Editor’s Choice: Swiftwick Flite XT Trail Socks
Blisters are history with this snug, no-slip pair
The Best Car Camping Kitchen Gear of 2022
A five-star kit for base-camp meals
The Best Bike Tech and Components of 2022
Devices bringing innovation to the trails and beyond
The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2022
These rugged runners love to rally
The Best Kids’ Gear of 2022
A cool kit for eager little adventurers
The 13 Products That Won Awards in the 2022 Summer Gear Guide
We reviewed 341 pieces of gear. But these ones stood above.
The Best Campers and Trailers of 2022
These rigs make car camping easy
The Best E-Bikes of 2022
These motor-equipped rides are both fun and functional
Editor’s Choice: Hoka Tecton X Trail Running Shoes
This shoe brings carbon-plated speed to the masses
The Best Hydration Vests of 2022
Carryall solutions for every kind of run
Editor’s Choice: Box Synergy Solar 7 Solar Panel
This compact solar panel will juice up your next long-distance trek
The Best Men’s Running Apparel of 2022
Don’t be afraid to sweat it out in these running pieces
The Best Yoga Gear of 2022
Embrace the heat and take your practice deeper
The Best Women’s Workout Apparel of 2022
Focus on your session—not your clothes