backpacker magazine

A small but fierce skunk stands its ground against a hungry cougar

This jacket never wets out. Period.

Say goodbye to the gap with the best couples' sleeping pad for backpackers.

Say goodbye to the gap with the best couples' sleeping pad for backpackers.

This pack tames the biggest loads.

Class up your camp toasts.

These tough trousers go everywhere.

Wearing is believing: This is the lightest sunshirt we've ever tested.

It's a technical layer disguised as a stylish sweater.

Foodies will dig this flavorful dish.

Serious about backpacking and photography? You'll love this camera-ready pack.

This could be the last water filter you'll ever buy.

One of our all-time favorite boots is back.

A gang of cyclists tries for an unusual first: an epic winter journey through the Minnesota backcountry.

It's the best-fitting helmet ever.

Resort or backcountry gear? With the KINGPIN ski binding, you don't have to choose.

Rain, sleet, snow? If you need a fire in the worst conditions, these are your matches.

A light, low-bulk airbag system means less weight on your back and more space for your gear.

It's a fleece, but warmer. It's a softshell, but more breathable. It's one of the most versatile midlayers we've ever tested.

No need for fussy rain covers or liners with this waterproof pack

Save big on a full-featured ski pack.

Breathable insulation makes these the most versatile winter pants we've tested.

Safety or weight savings? With the Dynafit Radical ST 2.0 touring binding, you don't have to choose.

The Zeta LT sets a new bar for shells.

Whether you take your kids out with you or adventure on your own, being an outdoor mom is full of rewards. Our panel of experts shares their best tips.

A new mom finds an innovative way to keep her adventurous side alive while still breast-feeding.

For women, peeing outdoors is a fine art. We asked a dozen female outdoor experts for their best tips on keeping their shoes splatter-free.

That time of the month is never fun, but it can feel extra annoying to deal with your period in the backcountry. Nine expert ladies share their best tips.

Professional adventurer Kalen Thorien explains how solo backpacking changed her life, and how it could change yours too.

Professional adventurer Kalen Thorien explains how solo backpacking changed her life, and how it could change yours too.

When you hear the call to get out and go, the Granite Gear Crown VC60 is the ultralight performance pack for you.

LEKI Micro Vario Carbon poles feature a push-button release mechanism for quick assembly and disassembly.

The ENO DoubleNest Hammock is built for two and packs down easily to go anywhere.

The ultimate integrated cooking + eating solution.

The ultimate integrated cooking + eating solution.

Petzl's Justin Roth talks with BACKPACKER about the design of the Tikka XP headlamp.

Buff® ambassador Joe Grant talks with BACKPACKER about UV Insect Shield technology.

Christian Thomas, a.k.a. "Buddy Backpacker" thru-hiked the AT with his family at the tender age of five, then conquered the PCT. And he's not finished yet.

Christian Thomas, a.k.a. "Buddy Backpacker" thru-hiked the AT with his family at the tender age of five, then conquered the PCT. And he's not finished yet.

Learn how to tie a girth hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a girth hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie an overhand knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie an overhand knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a square knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a square knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a backpacker hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a backpacker hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a backpacker hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a backpacker hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a taut line hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a taut line hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a taut line hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a bowline knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a bowline knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a bowline knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a bowline knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a sheet bend knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a sheet bend knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a clove hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a clove hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

This camp stove is nearly as fast and fuel-efficient as the 2007 Editors’ Choice Award-winning Reactor—but 70 percent cheaper.

This camp stove is nearly as fast and fuel-efficient as the 2007 Editors’ Choice Award-winning Reactor—but 70 percent cheaper.

The McManus family built British Columbia's Mallard Mountain Lodge from the ground up, and our editors were among the first to visit.

This stove system packs tiny and does it all: lightning-fast boils, quiet simmers, and everything in between.

This stove system packs tiny and does it all: lightning-fast boils, quiet simmers, and everything in between.

Never guess at the temperature again.

This super-plush sleeping pad comes with an insurance policy.

This super-plush sleeping pad comes with an insurance policy.

Get a feature-packed headlamp for a song.

One of the best packs gets better.

One of the best packs gets better.

Innovative construction brings down-like weight and packability to a synthetic bag.

Better pick a color you like, because you’ll never want to take this jacket off.

Ounce- and penny-counters will love this reliable cooker.

This new integrated lighting system is the best thing to happen to tents since aluminum poles.

This new integrated lighting system is the best thing to happen to tents since aluminum poles.

Ounce- and penny-counters will love this reliable cooker.

Waterproof/breathable gets a lot more breathable.