How Psychology Can Help You Make Better Gear Purchases
With the right strategy, you can avoid buying gear for the wrong reasons.
Gear
Gear
What We’re Testing Now: Patagonia’s 2022 Trail Lineup Makes Our Runs Feel Comfier Than Ever
Upgrade your trail running wardrobe next spring.
What We’re Testing Now: A Hiking Boot Made for the Desert
The Erem Xerocole Expedition is dialed for sandy adventures.
Weekly Obsession: Mountain Hardwear’s Stretchy Puffy is Finally Packable
The Stretchdown Light Pullover is warm, flexible, and stowable.
My Favorite Tent Cost $30, and Yours Might Too
It’s light enough, durable enough, comfortable enough, and more than cheap enough.
Forget Solar Panels: These 3 New Power Sources Eliminate the Need for Sun
When you can’t count on the sunshine, these products come in handy.
What We’re Testing Now: Speed Through the Woods on This Supportive, Stable Trail Running Shoe
The Altra Superior 5 aids in a natural, comfortable stride.
This Hardshell Will Keep You Dry No Matter How Nasty the Weather
The Patagonia Triolet jacket is a water-shrugging beast.
Deal of the Week: MSR Hubba Tour 2
A quick, easy setup and generous interior and vestibule space make this a great tent.
The 4 Best Adventure-Ready Power Banks Will Keep Your Electronics Juiced for Days
Keep your phone, camera, and more humming along with these smart, trail-ready power sources.
Gear Gurus: Black Diamond’s Kolin Powick Talks Inflatable Helmets and Strong-as-Metal Fabrics
"That’s really what innovation is, looking outside of your bubble and seeing where you can pull ideas into your world."
What We’re Testing Now: This Massage Gun Hammers Backpacking Pain Away
Say goodbye to your massage therapist.
Would You Wear All-White Gear to Save the Environment?
The eco-friendly design trend is finally gaining momentum.
Fix Anything in the Backcountry with These 9 Weightless Tools
Piece of mind in just a few ounces.
Gaia GPS: One Backcountry Navigation App to Rule Them All
The outdoor mapping app, launched in 2009, is now as necessary as a pair of hiking boots.
Deal of the Week: Mystery Ranch Patrol 35
Get ready for the backcountry with a deal on this capable snow pack.
What We’re Testing Now: A Weight-Eating Pack That Doesn’t Skimp on Comfort
The Mountainsmith Cona 65 makes easy work out of heavy loads.
Finally, Backpacks Actually Designed for Plus-Sized Hikers
Gregory’s new line is a step in the right direction.
Keep Your Cool With These 7 Desert Hiking Essentials
Stay found, shaded, and hydrated with this hot-weather kit.
Deal of the Week: Kelty Cosmic 0°F
A 0°F down bag for under $200 has us resting warm into the fall.
Sleep Poorly In the Backcountry? These 5 Pieces of Gear Are the Answer
If you toss and turn in your tent all night, try these snooze-inducing tools.
This Humble Pair of Socks Saved My Triple Crown Hike
If you don't pay attention to your hiking socks, you could find your trip going sideways. Just ask thru-hiker Sammy Potter.
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11 Times Polartec Revolutionized How We Dress
The positive impact of Polartec’s textile and fabric innovations—from the invention of fleece to technologies for all conditions—cannot be overstated
What We’re Testing Now: These Chafe- and Wedgie-Proof Shorts Are a Hiker’s Dream
Finally, skin-tight shorts that are actually breathable, don't chafe, and have legit storage options.
Save Your Ankles With These Ultra-Supportive Boots
Bonus: the Scarpa Ribelle HD is crampon compatible.
Weekly Obsession: Stop Packing Out Period Waste With This Easy-Clean Gadget
The Lumma disc is the answer.
Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX
This supportive boot is primed for heavy packs and long miles.
Do You Squat When You Pee? These Hiker Hygiene Products Are For You
So fresh and so clean.
Fly Down the Path with These 5 Pieces of Trail Running Gear
Pick up the pace and cover more distance with this gear designed for speed.
Unleash Your Inner Neat Freak With This Ultralight, Ultra-Organizable Pack
A lot of ultralight packs skimp on organizing features to save weight. Not the Six Moon Designs Flight 30 Ultra.
Deal of the Week: Gregory Zulu 65 / Jade 63
Save a bunch on two standout all-around multiday packs.
What We’re Testing Now: Snooze Better in the Frontcountry With This Light-Blocking Tent
The Sierra Designs Alpenglow is made to help you get a good night’s sleep.
Wolf and Grizzly Campfire Trio
This portable fire box makes campfire cooking safe and easy.
To Save My Mental Health, I Stopped Buying Backpacking Gear
When upgrading your kit becomes a way to ignore your problems.
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5 Pieces of Gear For Fall Travels, and Where to Take Them
We're making it easy to plan and prepare for autumn trips with this list
Deal of the Week: NEMO Kayu 30°F Sleeping Bag
This durable sleeping bag will take you right into shoulder season.
Weekly Obsession: This Stove Accessory Changed The Way I Cook Over a Campfire
This simple, packable accessory expanded my culinary horizons.
Deal of the Week: Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
This tried-and-true filter is guaranteed to last.
Weekly Obsession: This Heat-Beating Hat is Ideal For Sun-Drenched Adventures
The Headsweats TruckAir offers breezy protection in a comfortable package.
What We’re Testing Now: One of The Best Water Filters We’ve Ever Used
Finally: A filter good enough to make you stop dreading water duty.
Big Agnes Made Almost Everything But Backpacks. That’s About to Change.
The company is set to release six all-new pack models in spring 2022.
Deal of the Week: Black Diamond Distance Tent
Save money, and weight, with this ultralight shelter.
Deal of the Week: Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Sleeping Pad
This pad provides a dream-worthy sleeping surface while resisting night-ruining punctures.
Gear Shows Are Back. Here are 9 Cool Products We Saw at the First One of the Year
From camp furniture to apparel to packable watercraft, the event was filled with exciting gear.
This $120 Backpacking Tent Is the Best-Value Shelter on the Market
If you’re looking for the most affordable tent that can still perform, the Kelty Wireless 2 is a steal.
These 6 Budget Tents Are Low-Cost, Not Low-Performance
The cost of your backpacking tent shouldn’t keep you awake at night. These double-wall, two-person shelters are all $300 or less, and will put your mind—and body—at ease with their dialed combinations of performance and price.
What We’re Testing Now: This Lightweight Wool Shirt is a Summer Superstar.
The Ibex Journey offers impressive thermoregulation, even on hot days.
Here’s What Backpacker Editors are Loving in August 2021
A breathable tech tee and a pair of stylish shades are among this month's favorites.
Start Bikepacking With This Mile-Eating Rig
There's more than one way to see the backcountry. Hit the dirt with our favorite bike for the bikepacking-curious.
Want to Start Bikepacking? Here’s the Gear You’ll Need.
These products will get you ready for a multiday trip in the saddle.
Deal of the Week: Outdoor Research Face Cover Kit
Check out Chris Meehan's author page.
No Rainshell Can Do Everything—But This One Comes Close
There are always tradeoffs when you're picking a hardshell—but the Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Jacket masters more conditions than most.
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Jacket
Get ready for cooler hikes with a deal on one of our favorite puffies.
Build the Ultimate Camp Kitchen With These 5 Essential Pieces of Gear
Unless you’re looking to set a speed record, enjoying a proper meal al fresco can be one of the greatest joys of backpacking. Up your backcountry chef game with these five pieces of camp kitchen gear.
Weekly Obsession: This Massage Ball Erases Aches—and Won’t Weigh You Down on Long Hikes
It’s better than a foam roller, and way easier to fit in your pack.
What We’re Testing Now: This Rooftop Tent Makes Car Camping Easier Than Ever
The Roofnest Falcon XL is simple to set up and offers plenty of livable space.
Deal of the Week: Therm-a-Rest Trail King SV
Easy inflation and deflation make this sleeping pad a camp favorite.
Spending Time Above Treeline? This is the Gear You’ll Need to Enjoy the Alpine.
These products will keep you protected and prepared on high-alpine treks.
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Solution Dye
One of our favorite shelters gets an eco-friendly upgrade.
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What to look for in a Backpacking Water Filtration System
The XStream Straw offers lightweight, packable filtration for backpacking, mountaineering, kayaking, and other outdoor endeavors.
The Best Backcountry Fly Fishing Gear for Catching Your Dinner
You could cast to lunkers from alongside the road—but hiking to wild streams and lakes pushes the bliss factor even higher. Outfit your next angling mission with these gear picks.
Explore the Shore With Our Favorite Gear for Beach Backpacking
Stay comfortable amid the sun and sand with these products.
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The New Knee Brace You Didn’t See Coming
Stoko’s K1 is a revolutionary way to support your knees without the bulk of a traditional knee brace
Deal of the Week: SPOT Gen4
Save even more on our favorite affordable satellite communicators.
Ecco Exohike Retro Hiker
Check out Jackie Bourgaize's author page.
What We’re Testing Now: This Ultralight Trail Running Shoe Doesn’t Skimp On Comfort
The adidas Terrex Speed Ultra provides plenty of cushion without the weight.
Deal of the Week: Gerber Devour Multi-Fork Three-Pack
Cover your camping utensil needs with this handy set.
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The Right Poles: A Game Changer
With more than 40 options available for trail lovers, LEKI has a trekking pole for every occasion
The 10 Best Gifts for Outdoor Dads This Father’s Day
Bring a smile to your favorite outdoorsman's face with a thoughtful gift this Father's Day.
Big Agnes Torchlight Camp 35°F
This roomy, versatile bag will benefit your sleep schedule and your bank account.
Deal of the Week: Sea to Summit X Pot
This flat-packing pot is a dream for the organization-obsessed.
First Look: This New Mountain Hardwear Pack Blends Support and Breathability
The PCT pack combines the best of both worlds.
Hiking in the Rain? This Gear will Help Salvage Your Trip.
Seven products that will help keep you and your gear dry
The 5 Things Backpacker’s Editor-in-Chief Takes on Every Trip
From indestructible socks to mood-boosting snacks, these are what made the cut.
Deal of the Week: Goal Zero Sherpa 15 Power Bank
This packable power bank packs a punch.
The 6 Best Backpacks for Hauling Heavy Loads
Got a gear-heavy trip coming up? These packs have got your back.
Kelty Coyote 65 / Coyote 60
Best value large backpack
Deuter Aircontact Pro 70+15 / Aircontact Pro 65+15 SL
Most durable large backpack
Helly Hansen Capacitor
Best organization of any large pack
REI Co-op Traverse 60
Most versatile large pack