Hiking is a simple pastime. Buying hiking gear, less so: Getting a whole new setup can mean dropping thousands of dollars. But with a little savvy, you can save a thru-hike's worth of money. Our contributors test four different strategies for thrifty shoppers.
Don’t dismiss the mass-market chains: Careful shoppers can find great deals on basic items.
We've been giving out Editors' Choice Awards for 25 years—and these 11 products have stood the test of time.
Headed out on the Pacific Crest Trail? Expert thru-hiker Liz “Snorkel” Thomas breaks down the gear you’ll need, with help from BACKPACKER Gear Editor Eli Bernstein.
Our contributor compiles gear for a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.
We get it: backpacking can be expensive. But you don’t have to shell out a lot of cash to get outside this weekend. Follow these tips to hit the trail for less.
Get trail-ready for Spring, Summer, and Fall with our comprehensive three-season gear checklist.
Get a trekking pole, a versatile backpack, a high-end ski boot, and more at a steep discount.
Strip off the pounds with our ultralight checklist and hit the trail light as a feather.
Just how much pack weight can one hiker cut? Our editor performs a far-out experiment in minimalism.
