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.
Gear
Gear
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
Fjällräven Kajka 65
Most eco-friendly large pack
Mystery Ranch Terraframe 65
Best suspension of any large pack
Memorial Day Backpacking Sales: Snag These 4 Editors’ Choice Picks at a Discount Now
A comfy sleeping bag, a top-of-class jacket, and more are among our favorite deals today.
Deal of the Week: MSR Hubba NX One-Person Tent
Save money, and weight, with this solo shelter.
Deal of the Week: NEMO Aurora 2P Tent
This double-wall tent feels downright palatial—and right now, it's available at a cut-rate price.
Deal of the Week: ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
Save even more on this already affordable—and praiseworthy—device.
Get Creative With Our Favorite Ultralight Hacks and Mods
From growing your own food on the trail (really) to cutting down your headlamp’s weight, these are some of our favorite ultralight hacks.
These Durable, Stretchy, and Breathable Trail Tights Do it All
This pair from Fjällräven won't fall apart even under harsh trail conditions.
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How a Multi-tool Can Make The Day
You won’t want to forget your Leatherman on your next trip to the backcountry
The 5 Things Our Skills Editor Takes on Every Backpacking Trip
Here are the products that help Zoe Gates mow down the miles.
Deal of the Week: REI Co-op Multi Towel Deluxe
Go big with this packable, multifunctional towel.
How Four Hiking Sock Manufacturers Are Putting Your Feet First
These four offer different takes on a humble, yet essential, piece of gear.
No More Yard Sales: Our Favorite Products for Backcountry Gear Organization
Keep your pack—and your sanity—in order with these gear organizers.
Best Hiking Boots of 2021
Nobody knows hiking boots like Backpacker. We sent testers around the world with the latest boots and shoes to see how they perform in varied conditions. These 10 rose to the top.
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Lamina Eco AF 15°F
Go green—and save some green—on this eco-friendly sleeping bag.
Fuel Up With an Energy Drink Mix That Actually Tastes Good
Get the electrolytes you need without overpowering your tastebuds.
The 10 Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Backpackers of 2021
What do outdoorsy moms want? The same thing all hikers want: Quality gear that will make their next hike more comfortable and fun. From neat camp lighting to an ultra-flexible boot, here are our favorite gifts of the year.
The Best Women’s Hiking Apparel of 2021
Stay comfier and feel better with these trail-ready pieces.
Here’s What Backpacker’s Editors Loved in April 2021
Treat your feet or dip them into a new hobby with this month's editors' picks.
Deal of the Week: Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
Get an insider price on this classic light.
These 6 Waterproof Packs Will Keep Your Gear Dry on The Trail
Don’t let a little rain ruin your hike. These waterproof packs will keep your gear safe and dry, mile after mile.
Why This Active Pass Member Packs a Sponge on Every Hike
These products help keep him safe and comfortable in the white mountains.
Deal of the Week: Smartwool IntraKnit Merino 200 Crew Top
This breathable baselayer is designed for performance in every season.
This Camp Coffee Gear Will Make You a Backcountry Barista
Check out Corey Buhay's author page.
Chaco Z/Cloud
This hiking sandal delivers plush comfort even when the terrain gets rough.
These 5 Multisport Shoes Are Ready for Any Adventure
Double your fun with a pair of shoes that's ready to pull double duty.
Deal of the Week: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock
This long-lasting sock will carry you down the trail in comfort for years.
The 5 Things Our Gear Editor Brings on Every Backpacking Trip
Gear comes and goes, but these constants are always in his pack.
This Load-Eating Pack Helped Me Thru-Hike in Comfort
It may not be the lightest pack on the market, but the Gregory Baltoro 65 kept me pain-free and making miles even on the longest hikes of my life.
Mountain Hardwear Shade Lite Hoody
The best UV-busting hoody of 2021.
Orvis PRO Stretch Long-Sleeved Shirt
The best town-to-trail shirt of 2021.
Rhone Mako Short
Check out Amelia Arvesen's author page.
Fjällräven Abisko Midsummer Zip Off Trousers
The most versatile pants of 2021.
prAna Alameda Pants
The best heat-busting trouser of 2021.
The North Face Summit L2 VRT FUTUREFLEECE Crew
The best ultralight long sleeve of 2021.
Mountain Equipment Lumiko Hooded Jacket
The most versatile fleece of 2021.
Mons Royale Yotei Powder Hood LS
The best toasty midlayer of 2021.
Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants
The best alpine-ready pants of 2021.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt
The best quick-dry top of 2021.
Matek Serval Squared Sports Bra 2.0
The best fiddle-free bra of 2021.
Smartwool Merino Sport 8-Inch Shorts
The best mile-crushing shorts of 2021.
Blyss Trail Skirt
The best natural-striding skort of 2021.
Helly Hansen W LIFA Merino Lightweight Crew
The best sweat-moving shirt of 2021.
Mammut Aconcagua Light ML Hooded Jacket
The best heat-trapping midlayer of 2021.
Unightie
The best unconventional sleepwear of 2021.
Rab Ascendor Light Pants
The best do-it-all bottoms of 2021.
Outdoor Research Equinox Cape Cap
The best ray-beating hat of 2021.
Beyond Clothing Women’s Veil Midweight K2 Pullover
The best budget-friendly hoody of 2021.