Editors Picks' with Senior Editor Shannon Davis
This hard-charging editor needs gear that can stand up to long, hard days.
Gear
Gear
Editors' Picks with Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Dorn
BACKPACKER's Editor-in-Chief weighs in on his favorite products of 2011.
Editors' Picks with Climbing Editor-in-Chief Dougald MacDonald
Climbing's Editor-in-Chief weighs in on his favorite cam.
Editors' Picks with Senior Online Producer Katie Herrell
A cozy hat and a cozy jacket for our always-cold staffer.
Editors' Picks with Associate Editor Kristy Holland
This editor like her campsite to be well lit.
Editors' Picks with Executive Editor Dennis Lewon
This no-nonsense editor needs gear that can go the distance.
Editors' Picks with Associate Editor Kim Phillips
This associate map editor likes to stay well connected.
Editors' Picks with Deputy Editor Anthony Cerretani
Gadgets to help you lop off the miles.
Editors' Picks with Map Editor Andrew Matranga
Gadgets and gear from our resident map editor.
Editors' Picks with Climbing Gear Editor Julie Ellison
Climbing's gear editor weighs in on her favorite harness and ice axe.
Editors' Picks with Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter with her favorite gear picks for 2011.
Gear School: Four-Season Tents
Camp comfortably this winter with a shelter built for foul, windy weather.
Outdoor Products Firefly Pack
The Firefly is a multipurpose entry-level performer, at a low price.
The North Face Diez Pullover
Get serious warmth for the weight
Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Day Pack
Ultralight stuff sack and daypack
Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Pedco CellPod
Versatile tripod for ultralight photography
Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Patagonia Fezzman Short Sleeved Shirt
A shirt that does dayhike and "meet the parents" equally well.
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) Camper 4
The perennial BACKPACKER favorite gets an upgrade with better ventilation.
Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Camp-Tek Microburst Mini Air Pump
What you didn't know you needed: A tiny fan for inflating your sleeping pad, freeing your mind to contemplate the alpenglow.
Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Opena iPhone Case with Beer Opener
A gift for the iPhone user who has everything
Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Leatherman Style PS
A mini-multitool for working a little MacGyver magic in the mountains
Prep Your Gear: Pack to Backcountry Ski
Use this advice to hone your backcountry layers for any trip length or conditions.
Maintain and Repair Your Ski Gear
A broken binding or a skin that wonÂ’t stick could mean a night spent out in a snow cave, or worse. Have your kit tuned up before you go, but make sure you know how to fix common problems in a pinch.
Ski Strong and Smart
You donÂ’t need pro-level skills to ski off-piste, but honing your kick-turn technique and avoiding rookie mistakes will ease your transition to backcountry terrain. HereÂ’s how to master the ups and downs when lifts and groomers are miles away. Plus: Prevent blisters, stay energized, and negotiate steeps.
Select a Safe Ski Route
Caused by variable weather, unstable snowpack, and steep terrain, backcountry avalanches claim an average of 25 lives a year in the United States. Your first safety step: Brush up on the basics below. Next, take a course accredited by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education
Prep Your Backcountry Ski Gear
On any wilderness trip, smart preparation is key. But it’s even more important when you’re backcountry skiing, due to the technical gear, low temperatures, potential for severe weather, avalanche risk, and tricky routefinding. Here’s how to start smart—before you leave home.
Backcountry Skiing 101
Start earning your turns–safely–with this primer on equipment, route planning, reading conditions, and more.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Backcountry Snowboarding
The ultimate splitboard set-up
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) Volt 2
Stay comfortable in both summer and winter conditions with this tent's floor-to-ceiling doors and fly vents.
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) Volt 3
Stay comfortable in both summer and winter conditions with this tent's floor-to-ceiling doors and fly vents.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Hats
Cover your head...and ears...even your face, with these cold-weather coverups.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Gloves & Mittens
Keep your digits warm through any cold-weather outing.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Footwear
From snowshoeing boots to winter trail runners and electric boots - we found the best cold-weather footwear for every activity.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Backpacks
Eight packs that haul cameras, ski gear, and everything else you'll need for a cold-weather outing.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Tents
From solo tents to big basecamp, eight bomber tents for cold-weather camping.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide: Sleeping Bags & Sleeping Pads
Sleep comfortably from -20° to 15°
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Cameras
Capture all your outdoor moments with these cameras and camcorders.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Eyewear
Protect your eyes from sun, snow, and debris with these goggles and sunglasses.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Socks & Gaiters
From short to tall to toe socks - we have a performance sock for every foot.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Pants
Tough winter pants (plus one really cushy pair) for all your cold-weather activities.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Hardshells
Protect yourself from the worst of nature in these hardshell jackets.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Softshells
Eight softshell jackets from super breathable to warm and cozy.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Insulation
Stay warm with these puffys, fleece, and wool layers.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Top 3 Hiking Apps
Three hiking-focused apps - for iPhone, iPad, or Android.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Navigation – GPS Units & Apps
Never get lost again, with these four GPS units and three hiking apps.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Touchtec Sensor Glove
Thanks to specially treated leather on the palms and fingertips, these gloves are gadget friendly...but still warm.
Gear Review: SCOTT Roam
A versatile helmet that can cover deep freeze to shoulder season.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Mt. Baker Modular Mitt
Two-layer insulated mitts lined with both synthetic fill and fleece.
Gear Review: Shredalert Smith Rock Micro Beanie
A great lightweight lid for any cool weather outing or high-rpm activity in deep cold.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Enforcer Waterproof Gloves
Great winter climbing gloves thanks to a Gore-Tex lining and EVA padding across the knuckles.
Gear Review: Chaos Spruce Recycled Cashemere Hat
An 80-percent recycled cashmere hat delivers a bit of backcountry luxury.
Gear Review: Helly Hansen HH Dry Balaclava
Made with Helly Hansen's Lifa material, this balaclava wicks and dries super quickly.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Venta LT Gloves
Leather/softshell gloves that weigh less than a Clif bar.
Gear Review: SmartWool Reversible Training Beanie
This 100-percent merino cap will be your go-to three-season and winter-workout hat.
Gear Review: Stoic Forge Gloves
These all-purpose gloves cost less than $90.
Gear Review: Fjällräven Skare Softshell
A 93-percent nylon, double-woven cap that is extremely lightweight and low profile.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Roj Headband
A super wide ear band with a brim that blocks sun while encouraging air flow.
Gossamer Gear Mumur DX Ultralight backpack
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Black Diamond Orbit Lantern
A lightweight lantern that illuminates any tent perfectly.
Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Smartwool Mountaineering Extra Heavy Crew Socks
The perfect Merino sock for mountaineering or winter expeditions
Holiday Gift Guide 2011: M-EDGE Recon iPad Jacket
A military-grade iPad case, built for the backcountry.
Tecnica Spider X-Lite
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Tecnica Inferno X-Lite
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Tecnica Diablo Sprint
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Tecnica Inferno Sprint
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Tecnica Diablo Max
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Tecnica Inferno Max
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Tecnica Dragon Max GTX
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Tecnica Dragon X-Lite
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Tecnica Brezza II
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Tecnica Cyclone Sport Mid
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Tecnica Cyclone III Low GTX
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Tecnica Cyclone III Mid GTX
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gossamer Gear ThinLight 3/8
Features abound in this three-season sleeping pad from REI.
Gossamer Gear NightLight Torso
Features abound in this three-season sleeping pad from REI.
Gossamer Gear NightLight 3/4
Features abound in this three-season sleeping pad from REI.
Gossamer Gear ThinLight 1/8
Features abound in this three-season sleeping pad from REI.
Gossamer Gear ThinLight 1/4 Wide
Features abound in this three-season sleeping pad from REI.
Gossamer Gear Lightrek 4 Adjustable Length Trekking Poles
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.
Gossamer Gear Lightrek 3 Fixed Length Trekking Poles
Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.