How to Pack a Backpack Efficiently
Is your pack a mess? Read these tips on how to fit a week's worth of gear into your regular weekend bag.
Videos & Photos
Videos & Photos
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.
2015 Editors' Choice Awards: NEMO Sonic
This versatile value lets you sleep comfortably from 0°F up to 40°F.
2015 Editors' Choice Awards: NEMO Sonic
This versatile value lets you sleep comfortably from 0°F up to 40°F.
2015 Editors' Choice Awards: Osprey Atmos AG / Aura AG
This pack raises the bar for big-load ventilation.
2015 Editors' Choice Awards: Osprey Atmos AG / Aura AG
This pack raises the bar for big-load ventilation.
Exploring California's Palisades
Watch our dispatch from the 2015 Editors' Choice Awards gear testing trip.
6 Vegan Hiking Boots to Feel Good About
Rather have the critters in the woods than on your feet? Here are some 100% animal-free vegan hiking boot options for backpackers of every type.
Video: Trekking Jordan
Discover the secret side of this Middle Eastern paradise on a trek to Petra and journey through Wadi Rum.
8 Hot Springs Hikes To Melt Your Muscles And Soothe Your Soul
Reward your tired hiking muscles with a soak in these hidden hot springs.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015: Day 3 Recap
Gear editor Kristin Hostetter recaps the newest baselayer trends from the show floor.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015: Day 3 Recap
Gear editor Kristin Hostetter recaps the newest baselayer trends from the show floor.
Fall 2015 Preview: Electronics & Accessories
From powerful lanterns to wilderness texting, these innovations caught our eye at the Outdoor Retailer show.
Fall 2015 Preview: Camping Accessories
The coolest camping gadgets and accessories hitting the market later this year.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market: Day 2 Recap
Gear editor Kristin Hostetter hits the show floor to find the latest in avalanche safety technology.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market: Day 2 Recap
Gear editor Kristin Hostetter hits the show floor to find the latest in avalanche safety technology.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015: Day 1 Recap
Gear editor Kristin Hostetter recaps a busy first day at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015: Day 1 Recap
Gear editor Kristin Hostetter recaps a busy first day at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City.
Fall 2015 Preview: Next Year's Most Innovative Outerwear
Our scout hits the show floor and rounds up the coolest new outerwear hitting the market next year.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015: Day 0 Recap
Assistant editor Maren Horjus rounds up the latest and greatest snow sports gear from the All-Mountain Demo Day at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015: Day 0 Recap
Assistant editor Maren Horjus rounds up the latest and greatest snow sports gear from the All-Mountain Demo Day at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015.
Fall 2015 Preview: The Best New Ski Boots of the Year
Our scout rounds up next year's best new ski boots at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. Hint: they're lighter and stronger than ever.
Editors' Choice 2015: California Dreaming
Our editors head to California to test out the coolest new gear. Look for their findings in the 2015 Spring Gear Guide, coming this spring.
8 Challenges Worth Training For
From an Antarctic marathon to the roof of Africa, here are 8 challenging hikes we can all aspire to.
Photo Essay: Life as a Wilderness Ranger
An Oregon wilderness ranger reflects on America's wild spaces and shares his best backcountry photos of 2014.
Fix It: Repair a Canister Stove Ignitor
Repair your busted canister stove ignitor with these helpful DIY tips.
Fix It: Repair a Canister Stove Ignitor
Repair your busted canister stove ignitor with these helpful DIY tips.
How to Build a Backcountry Gear Repair K
Save money and be prepared for anything with a DIY repair kit.
How to Build a Backcountry Gear Repair K
Save money and be prepared for anything with a DIY repair kit.
Fix It: Repair a Liquid Fuel Camp Stove
Keep your liquid fuel camp stove running smoothly with this step-by-step troubleshooting guide.
Fix It: Repair a Liquid Fuel Camp Stove
Keep your liquid fuel camp stove running smoothly with this step-by-step troubleshooting guide.
Fix It: Repair a Broken Pack Buckle
Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.
Fix It: Repair a Broken Pack Buckle
Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.
Fix It: Condition Boot Leather
Keep your leather boots in top shape with an easy DIY treatment.
Fix It: Condition Boot Leather
Keep your leather boots in top shape with an easy DIY treatment.
Fix It: Tent Pole Repair
Busted tent pole? Here's how to fix it fast.
Fix It: Tent Pole Repair
Busted tent pole? Here's how to fix it fast.
Fix It: Tent Pole Repair
Busted tent pole? Here's how to fix it fast.
The 2015 Life List
Every hiker's life list should include these 9 epic adventures.
10 Things You Should NEVER DO
Avoid these 10 embarrassing gaffes at all costs.
Fix It: Make a Protective Boot Toe Cap
Bolster your boot with this DIY protective toe cap.
Fix It: Make a Protective Boot Toe Cap
Bolster your boot with this DIY protective toe cap.
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.
Fix It: Repair Tent Mesh
Repair tent mesh in the field or at home with this handy DIY method.
Fix It: Repair Tent Mesh
Repair tent mesh in the field or at home with this handy DIY method.
Fix It: Repair a Zipper Slider
It only takes 2 seconds to repair a zipper slider yourself. Here's how to do it.
Fix It: Repair a Zipper Slider
It only takes 2 seconds to repair a zipper slider yourself. Here's how to do it.
Fix It: Repair Your Apparel
Patch holes in your clothing fast with this easy DIY fix.
Fix It: Repair Your Apparel
Patch holes in your clothing fast with this easy DIY fix.
Fix It: Waterproof a Jacket
Give your jacket extra waterproof protection with this easy DIY method.
Fix It: Waterproof a Jacket
Give your jacket extra waterproof protection with this easy DIY method.
Fix It: Patch a Sleeping Pad
A punctured sleeping pad doesn't have to end your trip. Here's how to patch it.
Fix It: Patch a Sleeping Pad
A punctured sleeping pad doesn't have to end your trip. Here's how to patch it.
Fix It: How To Seal a Seam
Seal up a busted seam with a quick DIY fix.
Fix It: How To Seal a Seam
Seal up a busted seam with a quick DIY fix.
Fix It: How to Repair a Broken Zipper
Get your zipper back on track with an easy fix from BACKPACKER's gear editor.
Fix It: How to Repair a Broken Zipper
Get your zipper back on track with an easy fix from BACKPACKER's gear editor.
Fix It: Repair a Sleeping Bag Hole
Repair a sleeping bag hole with this 5-minute fix from BACKPACKER's gear editor.
Fix It: Repair a Sleeping Bag Hole
Repair a sleeping bag hole with this 5-minute fix from BACKPACKER's gear editor.
Sponsored: Fjallraven– Man Was Made to Roam
Life moves fast. So pack. Pack for the highs. Dress for the detours. And always make sure that you’re outfitted…for adventure. Video by Chris Burkard.
Sponsored: Fjallraven– Embark on New Adventures
We believe that life should be demanding, but never dull. When the daily grind sets in, trade in your suit and your briefcase for gear that answers to a higher call. Video by Chris Burkard.
Sponsored: Fjallraven– Live Beyond the Breakers
Life is a journey. What you pack can take you to the outskirts. What you wear can take you to the edge. In fact, truly great gear can take you to places you’ll never forget. Video by Chris Burkard.
Survival School: How To Eat Your Hiking Partner
Would you resort to cannibalism if your life depended on it? A shocking number of our readers said "yes." Our expert shows you how to do the unthinkable.
Editors' Choice Snow: Nalgene 32 Ounce Ultralite Wide Mouth Bottle
For years, our staff has been kicking this bottle around because of its top-notch durability, safety, cost, and weight.
Editors' Choice Snow: Delorme inReach Explorer
Upload routes, plot waypoints, and communicate with friends in the field, at home, and on Facebook and Twitter with this next-gen, do-it-all device.
Editors' Choice Snow: JanSport Klamath 55, 65, 75 Backpack
No-compromise features with bargain price make this pack shine.
Editors' Choice Snow: Scarpa F1 Evo
An insta-change alpine touring boot that almost has a mind of its own.
Editors' Choice Snow: Dynafit Radical Speed Turn
A bargain all-terrain binding that doesn't skimp on quality.
Editors' Choice Snow: Wool Buff
The must-have accessory that does everything; it works as a neck gaiter, facemask, ponytail holder, balaclava, and more.
Editors' Choice Snow: Black Diamond JetForce Technology Airbag
This battery-operated, fan-powered airbag system takes the hassle and uncertainty out of a piece of critical safety gear.
Editors' Choice Snow: Montbell Frost Line Parka
A bargain puffy with 800-fill goose down. Enough said.
Editors' Choice Snow: Jetboil Joule
The cold-weather canister stove that changes the game in backcountry cooking.
Editors' Choice Snow: Pat's Backcountry Beer
An apres-ski beer has always been just out of reach in the backcountry--until now, thanks to this packable, ultralight brew.
Editors' Choice Snow: TSL Symbioz Elite Snowshoes
A radical innovation in snowshoe design results in one of the best models we've ever seen.
Editors' Choice Snow: Hanwag Omega GTX Mountaineering Boot
A blister-free mountaineering boot for the masses.
Editors' Choice Snow: K2 Route Ultralight Helmet
The lightest, most inconspicuous snow sports helmet ever made.
This Insanely Inspirational Time-Lapse Video Will Blow Your Mind
From Half Dome to Crater Lake, Shane Black's time-lapse video portraits will have you ready to hit the trail and camp under the stars.
Make a Salve With a Garden Weed
Weeds usually end up in the compost bin, but this one can be used a salve for bug bites and blisters.
Make Snow Traction With Bungee Cord
With just some bungee cord, some small steel chain, and a pair of needlenose pliers, you can build your own custom-fit traction devices for under $10.