News and Events

Snow is falling in the mountains around Salt Lake, so Dave Harding hits the floor with one thing in mind: ski accessories

Katy Welter seeks out winter cooking gear and finds the latest innovations put to new use.

Amid $900 jackets and $3,000 tents, Gerben Scherpbier finds new backpacking gear for under $35.

Becca Stubbs searches for this year's best haulers for around town and on the trail.

Dave Harding tracked down more of the show's coolest new haulers, from ultralight ski packs to ones that'll help you prepare for the zombie apocalypse.

Gerben Scherpbier scours the show floor for the warmest winter layers from head to toe.... and then he throws axes.

More people are bringing electronics into the backcountry, and those devices need POWER. Dave Harding checks out some fun new ways to recharge.

Katy Welter covers electronics debuting at the OR Show.

Becca Stubbs is on a quest for the warmest of next year's sleeping bags, pads, and tents.

Backpacker Reader Reporter Katy Welter gears up and tries out a new sport: snowshoe running.

Becca Stubbs tries sweet skis and some high-tech new safety gear at the Outdoor Retailer 2013 All Mountain Demo Day.

Backpacker Reader Reporter Gerben Scherpbier just couldn't get enough of the gear at the 2012 OR Summer Market, so he's back for another go.

Backpacker Reader Reporter Becca Stubbs shares stories about her path into the outdoors and some unconventional gear use.

Our newest gear tester, Dave Harding, is packing his bags and waxing his skis in preparation for this winter's Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Backpacker Reader Reporter Katy Welter leaves oddly balmy Chicago for the Northeast's cold and snow, and gains a new appreciation for winter gear.

He's creating Haiti's first backpacking tours—and keeping the profits local.

Dave Harding reports on challenging big-mountain skier and professional guide Dean Cummings to a beacon search race.

At the All Mountain Demo, Gerben Scherpbier glimpses beacon search wonderland.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Meet the four lucky readers -- two guys and two gals -- who will scouring the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market for the greatest (and weirdest) new gear!

Backpacker Editor Dennis Lewon prefers solid design over shaving weight.

Elisabeth has been testing gear since she was a BACKPACKER intern.

BACKPACKER's former Editor-in-Chief says that his best tester quality is his clumsiness.

Nancy believes you get what you pay for.

When it comes to gear, tester Allison believes in open-mindedness and innovation - just don't forget about designing gear for the ladies.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Use nature's signs to orient yourself, pick your path through varied terrain, and predict the weather.

This former executive helps the homeless by distributing used camping gear.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

A savior to injured hikers, he's training the next wave of backcountry medics.

 

If you're looking for experience in the outdoors, Steve Howe is your man.

Tester Kelly has tough standards, and it takes a lot to convince her that something new can replace what she already has.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Our 4-person team of Reader Reporters brought in a fresh perspective this year at the Summer 2012 Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City. See their reviews on the latest and greatest gear.

Our Reader Reporter gravitated to the products she most looks forward to coveting in the coming year and selling in her job as an REI employee. See her picks for food, drinks, kids' packs, zipperless tents, and more.

On his final day at the show, our Reader Reporter Gerben got introduced to some new brands, and put together his money-is-no-object hit list of favorite gear.

Our Reader Reporter Erica takes one last tour to gather a wish list of her favorite items at the 2012 Summer Market.

Our Reader Reporter scouted the floor for the lightest tents, packs, sleeping bags, and accessories.

This trailblazing granny wrote the book on Idaho trails–and still hikes daily.

BACKPACKER's fearless gear editor since 1994, few (if any) know outdoor gear like Kristin Hostetter.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

The gear issue everyone's been waiting for is now online!

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Interactive tablet editions reach younger, more affluent demographic

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Four lucky Backpacker readers scored a trip to the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, January 18-22, 2012. Meet the lucky reader/reporters!

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

From the shoes on his feet to the watch on his wrist, professional climber Jonathan Siegrist demands the very best gear to help him achieve his goals. The Casio ProTrek is no exception. Jonathan relies on the advanced functionality of his ProTrek 2500 to stay on top of the weather, measure altitude gain and withstand water when out climbing sea cliffs.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Hidden layers are the key to stable—or slide-ready—slopes.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Only time will tell where ALEX SHOCKLEY'S next outdoor adventure will take him. From Mt. Elbrus to Mt. Kilimanjaro to Denali, Alex has traveled the world summiting some of the most challenging peaks and all before the age of 24.

295 Reviews & Comfort Tips

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

If you purchased the DeLorme Earthmate PN60w and Spot Satellite Communicator combo (reviewed in April 2011), read this release to see if you need a replacement.

JanSport announces $10,000 prize for easy outdoor video

Dorn wakes up from GU-induced psychedelic coma