gear
Gifts Every Hiker REALLY Wants
Leatherman makes the perfect multi-tool for each type of outdoor enthusiast.
6 Modern Tools to Upgrade Dad’s Backpacking Kit
It’s time to hang up the old external frame pack and leather boots and step into the modern age.
2019 Holiday Gift Guide
No matter who you're shopping for, we've got you covered with 2019's best holiday gifts for hikers, in every price range.
How to Pack Your Backpack
BACKPACKER's Deputy Editor Casey Lyons explains best practices for packing your backpack.
So You Want to Be a Gear Tester?
Backpacker just got back from a week-long gear testing trip in Colombia. Get a glimpse at what we did while we were there.
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: 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 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 Snow 2015: High Sierra Symmetry 18 Pack
Save big on a full-featured ski pack.
Editors' Choice Snow 2015: Dynafit Mezzalama Alpha Pant
Breathable insulation makes these the most versatile winter pants we've tested.
Editors' Choice Snow 2015: Arc'teryx Zeta LT Shell
The Zeta LT sets a new bar for shells.
Sponsored: Granite Gear Crown VC60
When you hear the call to get out and go, the Granite Gear Crown VC60 is the ultralight performance pack for you.
Sponsored: LEKI Micro Vario Carbon
LEKI Micro Vario Carbon poles feature a push-button release mechanism for quick assembly and disassembly.
2015 Editors' Choice Awards: JetBoil MiniMo
This stove system packs tiny and does it all: lightning-fast boils, quiet simmers, and everything in between.
2015 Editors' Choice Awards: JetBoil MiniMo
This stove system packs tiny and does it all: lightning-fast boils, quiet simmers, and everything in between.
2015 Editors' Choice Awards: Outdoor Research Deviator Hoody
Better pick a color you like, because you’ll never want to take this jacket off.
2015 Editors' Choice Awards: Sea to Summit X-Pot
Behold the world’s most packable cook pot.
2015 Editors' Choice Awards: Sea to Summit X-Pot
Behold the world’s most packable cook pot.
Fix It: Repair a Hiking Boot
Don't go boot shopping just because of a worn-out heel. Repair a hiking boot fast with this at-home fix.
Get Out More: How to Keep Your Gear Dry
Learn how to keep your pack and gear dry.
Gear Review: Scarpa Zen Pro
This versatile hybrid features to-the-toe lacing, a softshell tongue, and thick suede leather.
Gear Review: Patagonia Rock Craft Pants
"The best pants I've worn in two decades," says our tester. Here's why.
Editors' Choice 2014: Halfpops
Sorry trail mix, our snack bag is full.
Editors' Choice 2014: Montbell Down Hugger 900 #2
Innovative sewing techniques deliver a whole new level of ultralight comfort.
Gear Review: Westcomb Switch LT and Fuse LT Hoody
See why we love this do-anything shell.
Gear Review: The North Face Conness Backpack
"This is the best-fitting pack I’ve ever used," said our tester after hauling it on a bevy of summer trips.
Gear Review: Polarmax AYG
A highly wicking baselayer from Polarmax.
Gear Review: Patagonia Troposphere Jacket
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter with Patagonia's breathable and packable Troposphere hard shell jacket
Gear Review: The North Face Enzo Shell Pants
Executive Editor Dennis Lewon reviews The North Face's Enzo Shell Pants