News and Events

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

Suffers glycemic shock from new GU product

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Stop-motion film "Green Tunnel" takes you through the length of the Appalachian Trail

After 38 years as "endangered", the U.S. Fish and Wildlife department finally pulled the plug on the Eastern cougar.

Henry Cowell State Park holds an intriguing botanical oddity: albino redwood trees

American Hiking Society announces annual day of celebration for trails and trail volunteers

Skier Stefan Ager takes a mighty whipper off a steep slope--and captures it all on video

American Masters takes a look at the icon in "John Muir in The New World

Public comment period opens for BLM proposals to allow mining near the Grand Canyon

Scientists monitor hibernating black bears to look for solutions that could benefit humans

Five friends with minimal kayaking experience take five weeks to kayak from Vancouver, B.C., to Alaska, stoking wanderlust dreams for everyday Adventure Joes and Janes everywhere

The President talks about preserving wild lands, getting kids outside, and Teddy Roosevelt

SI takes athlete models to Canada's marquee national park

Northwest Editor Mike Lanza explores the country's cross-country skiing capitol

Gear editor Kristin Hostetter is working on a new book and she wants your dirty, broken gear to fix up.

Jackson Hole judge sentences guide to two days in jail, a fine, and community service for pepper-spraying a captive black bear

Amateur filmmakers capture raw power of January flood on Oregon's Sandy River

Sam Gardner plans to hike the North Country Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail back-to-back-to-back-to-back.

A dam release meant to protect the Grand Canyon's endangered humpback chub has an unintended consequence: releasing more chub-eating rainbow trout

NPS continues popular program of waiving entrance fees for certain days

Rock n' roll peakbaggers make good on fighting cancer, as Tanzania opens its first children's cancer ward