Outdoor Research Skyward II: Still the Greatest Waterproof Shell
It’s true: BACKPACKER hasn’t given an Editor’s Choice Award to a waterproof shell since 2016. But hear us out.
Editors' Choice
Editors' Choice
Editors' Choice Awards 2019: Rab Kinetic Alpine Pant
All-day rainpants
Editors' Choice Awards 2019: Ombraz Sunglasses
New-school shades
Editors' Choice Gold Awards 2019: Granite Gear Blaze 60
Load-hauling lightweight
Editors' Choice Green Awards 2019: GoLite ReGreen Windshell
Keep the breeze out with this recycled windshell.
Editors' Choice Awards 2019: Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum
This sub-two-pound tent is both feature-rich and light.
Editors' Choice Awards 2019: Gerber Devour
This isn't just a fork—it's a can opener, a screwdriver, and more.
Merrell Thermo Rogue Tall Gore-Tex
Editors' choice for insulated agility from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Thule Roundtrip Snowsport Duffel 90L
Editors' choice for a sanity-saving duffel from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
DPS Phantom Permanent Base Glide Treatment
Editors' choice for infinite smoothness while skiing from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Decathlon Trek 100
Editors' choice for a bargain puffy from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Outdoor Research Crocodile
Editors' choice for toughest gaiter from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Gear Aid Seam Grip WP
Editors' choice for the backcountry cure-all from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Kahtoola Microspikes
Editors' choice for lightweight traction from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Snickers
Editors' choice for snacking from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Black Diamond Whippet Ski Pole
Editors' choice for a whippet ski pole from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Ortovox Swisswool Tec Stretch Zebru Jacket
Editors' choice for wooly comfort from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Sierra Designs Nitro 800 0°F
Editors' choice for best value winter sleeping bag from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Storm
Editors' choice for sun coverage from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Therm-A-Rest Polar Ranger -20°F
Editors' choice for best expedition sleeping bag from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Dynafit Hoji Pro Tour
Editors' choice for a fast-transition boot from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
G3 Zed
Editors' choice for a featherweight ski binding from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Outdoor Research Bitterblaze Gloves / Ouray Ice Gloves
Editors' choice for space-age gloves from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Editors' Choice 2017: Mountainsmith Slingback Chair
If you don't want to carry a full-size chair, this roll-up solution is for you.
Editors' Choice 2017: Mountainsmith Slingback Chair
If you don't want to carry a full-size chair, this roll-up solution is for you.
Editors' Choice 2017: Mountainsmith Slingback Chair
If you don't want to carry a full-size chair, this roll-up solution is for you.
Editors' Choice 2017: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack
These flyweight daypacks helped us keep essentials at hand on jaunts from basecamp.
Editors' Choice 2017: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack
These flyweight daypacks helped us keep essentials at hand on jaunts from basecamp.
Editors' Choice 2017: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack
These flyweight daypacks helped us keep essentials at hand on jaunts from basecamp.
Editors' Choice 2017: Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket
From high exertion to rainstorms, this shell took whatever we could throw at it.
Editors' Choice 2017: Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket
From high exertion to rainstorms, this shell took whatever we could throw at it.
Editors' Choice 2017: Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket
From high exertion to rainstorms, this shell took whatever we could throw at it.
Editors' Choice 2017: Arc'teryx Bora AR
Arc'teryx's Bora AR was so great that our testers fought over who got to carry it. Find out why in our Editors' Choice video.
Editors' Choice 2017: Arc'teryx Bora AR
Arc'teryx's Bora AR was so great that our testers fought over who got to carry it. Find out why in our Editors' Choice video.
Editors' Choice 2017: Arc'teryx Bora AR
Arc'teryx's Bora AR was so great that our testers fought over who got to carry it. Find out why in our Editors' Choice video.
Editors' Choice 2017: Katadyn BeFree
Katadyn's BeFree water filter took everything we liked about squeeze filters and made them even better.
Editors' Choice 2017: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 4Capture
The combination of reliability, space, and value makes this one of our favorite four-person tents of all time.
Editors' Choice 2017: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 4Capture
The combination of reliability, space, and value makes this one of our favorite four-person tents of all time.
Editors' Choice 2017: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 4Capture
The combination of reliability, space, and value makes this one of our favorite four-person tents of all time.
Editors' Choice 2017: Columbia Outdry Extreme Eco Jacket
The Columbia Outdry Extreme mixes great performance with a low environmental impact.
Editors' Choice 2017: Columbia Outdry Extreme Eco Jacket
The Columbia Outdry Extreme mixes great performance with a low environmental impact.
Editors' Choice 2017: Columbia Outdry Extreme Eco Jacket
The Columbia Outdry Extreme mixes great performance with a low environmental impact.
Editors' Choice 2017: Columbia Outdry Extreme Eco Jacket
The Columbia Outdry Extreme mixes great performance with a low environmental impact.
Editors' Choice 2017: Good To-Go Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal doesn't have to be gummy and unappetizing. The proof: this chunky, flavor-packed breakfast meal.
Editors' Choice 2017: Good To-Go Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal doesn't have to be gummy and unappetizing. The proof: this chunky, flavor-packed breakfast meal.
Editors' Choice 2017: Good To-Go Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal doesn't have to be gummy and unappetizing. The proof: this chunky, flavor-packed breakfast meal.
Editors' Choice 2017: Good To-Go Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal doesn't have to be gummy and unappetizing. The proof: this chunky, flavor-packed breakfast meal.
Editors' Choice 2017: Voormi River Run Hoodie
We wore it by itself and as a light midlayer, and the Voormi River Run Hoodie never disappointed.
Editors' Choice 2017: Voormi River Run Hoodie
We wore it by itself and as a light midlayer, and the Voormi River Run Hoodie never disappointed.
Editors' Choice 2017: Voormi River Run Hoodie
We wore it by itself and as a light midlayer, and the Voormi River Run Hoodie never disappointed.
Editors' Choice 2017: Voormi River Run Hoodie
We wore it by itself and as a light midlayer, and the Voormi River Run Hoodie never disappointed.
Editors' Choice 2017: Voormi River Run Hoodie
We wore it by itself and as a light midlayer, and the Voormi River Run Hoodie never disappointed.
Editors' Choice 2017: REI Co-op Magma 10
There aren't many bags that keep us this warm, at this weight, at this price.
Editors' Choice 2017: REI Co-op Magma 10
There aren't many bags that keep us this warm, at this weight, at this price.
Editors' Choice 2017: REI Co-op Magma 10
There aren't many bags that keep us this warm, at this weight, at this price.
Editors' Choice 2017: REI Co-op Magma 10
There aren't many bags that keep us this warm, at this weight, at this price.
Backpacker Editors' Choice Snow 2016
From skis to jackets to boots, these 12 products are the cream of the crop.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: Columbia OutDry Ex Diamond
This jacket never wets out. Period.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: Exped Synmat Hyperlite Duo
Say goodbye to the gap with the best couples' sleeping pad for backpackers.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: Exped Synmat Hyperlite Duo
Say goodbye to the gap with the best couples' sleeping pad for backpackers.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: Mystery Ranch Sphinx and Mystic
This pack tames the biggest loads.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: Stanley Adventure SS Shot Glass Set
Class up your camp toasts.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: Mountain Hardwear AP Pants
These tough trousers go everywhere.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: Columbia Featherweight Hike Long Sleeve Shirt
Wearing is believing: This is the lightest sunshirt we've ever tested.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: Patagonia Merino Air
It's a technical layer disguised as a stylish sweater.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: Backpacker's Pantry Chana Masala
Foodies will dig this flavorful dish.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: F-Stop Tilopa and Sukha
Serious about backpacking and photography? You'll love this camera-ready pack.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: MSR Guardian Purifier
This could be the last water filter you'll ever buy.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: Vasque Skywalk GTX
One of our all-time favorite boots is back.
Editors' Choice Snow 2015: Giro Range Helmet
It's the best-fitting helmet ever.
Editors' Choice Snow 2015: Marker KINGPIN
Resort or backcountry gear? With the KINGPIN ski binding, you don't have to choose.
Editors' Choice 2015: UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit
Rain, sleet, snow? If you need a fire in the worst conditions, these are your matches.
Editors' Choice 2015: SCOTT Air Free Alpride Packs
A light, low-bulk airbag system means less weight on your back and more space for your gear.
Editors' Choice Snow 2015: Patagonia Dual Aspect Hoodie
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.
Editors' Choice Snow 2015: Mountain Hardwear Ozonic 65 OutDry Pack
No need for fussy rain covers or liners with this waterproof pack
Editors' Choice Snow 2015: High Sierra Symmetry 18 Pack
Save big on a full-featured ski pack.