BACKPACKER Paddles the Whanganui River, New Zealand

How far would BACKPACKER’s editors go to bring you the outdoors’ best gear? To the other side of the world—literally. We spent three days paddling New Zealand’s Whanganui River, visiting waterfalls and secret side canyons, to test out the year’s top picks. Find more information on Whanganui National Park’s website, or find a guide at Canoe Safaris.