Backpacking

We put the top brands to the test: Salomon, Garmin, Scarpa, Merrell, Keen, The North Face and Patagonia.

Backpacking in your future? Our team of backcountry experts has been taking notes on the best backpacking gear for over 14 years. Our process: we purchase the top 10-20 products in each category (like our top backpacking tents and sleeping pad reviews) and then we send them into the field. After months of use and abuse, in a wide range of conditions, we rate and score how each product performed. Next, we make recommendations and give awards. If you are looking for the lightest load possible, check our our ultralight backpacking section. Whether you dream of hitting the trail with one of our favorite backpacking packs, a pair of hiking boots, or anything in between, let us help.

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Backpacking Learning Center

How To Choose a Backpacking Stove

Buying the right backpacking stove can make your life in the backcountry more enjoyable. But not all stoves were made...

How to Choose the Right Base Layer Top

Are you ready to trade in the dimpled cotton long johns of your youth for a base layer that works? We're here to help...

How to Choose the Right Backpacking Backpack

We want to make it easy for you to find the right pack for your next adventure. If you need help sorting through your...

How to Choose a Spork

Wondering why there are titanium sporks for outdoor dining? This article helps you understand what to look for in your...

How to Select a Backpacking Water Filter and Treatment System

Selecting a water treatment system is even more overwhelming than selecting proper footwear to hike in, which is a...

How to Choose Base Layers for Women

A long underwear top, also known as a base layer, is a versatile piece of clothing that will keep you comfortable...

Best Picks in Backpacking

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Checklist

If you are gearing up for backpacking, our comprehensive backpacking list will keep you on track.

Pocket Knives

We are knife experts, and we know you don't need to be one; you just want a pocket knife that gets the job done. Our...

Portable Solar Charger

Are you in the market for a solar power bank? We've tested over 100 different portable solar chargers and panels...

Down Jackets for Women

From icy trailheads to stormy ski days, a well-designed down jacket can mean the difference between shivering on the...

Down Jackets for Men

Our experts tested 25 of the most promising down jackets available to find the best fitting, the warmest, and the most...

Backpacking Tents

We'll help you find the most comfortable, weather-resistant, and lightweight option for your next backpacking trip.

10 Top Hiking Boots

If you've been itching to hit the trails, get your paws on one of the top-rated hiking boots from our selection of the...

Backpacking Sleeping Bags

A sleeping bag is a cornerstone of your overnight kit. Picking the best one isn't easy. To ease the confusion we...

Backpacking Sleeping Bags for Women

With so many great products to choose from it's hard to decide what to buy. We help you choose by testing and...

Backpacking Packs for Women

Ready to go backpacking? We tested the top women's-specific backpacks on the market to help you find the best one for...

Backpacking Packs

Over the past decade, we've spent hundreds of days testing the market's top backpacks. Our team offers expert...

Backpacking Sleeping Pads

No matter your budget, we can help you find a pad that delivers the best sleep in the backcountry. From ultralight to...

Satellite Communicators

We have the experience and expertise to get you solid, reliable advice on the best satellite communications solutions...

Backpacking Stoves

We've been testing the best backpacking stoves for over a decade, and this current review has our favorites. We...

Trekking Poles

Looking for the best trekking poles for your next hike or backpacking trip? Whether you're concerned with comfort...

10 Top Hiking Shoes

We've got you if you're hunting for the best hiking shoe. The 10 best models have been rounded up after testing over...

10 Top Rain Jackets

If wet weather is keeping you cooped up inside, get your hands on a top-ranked wet weather winner from our lineup of...

Base Layers for Men

A solid base layer is at the core of keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable as you set out on your next great...

Base Layers for Women

Searching for a new base layer top? Our latest review of women's base layers features 22 of the best models available...

Backpacking Water Treatment

What's the best backpacking water filter? For over a decade, we have tested up to 50 unique models to find out. Our...

Multi-tool Knives

We directly compare different multitools and draw on decades of experience with many more. Our findings are...

Backpacking Chairs

Have you been stumped by the quest for a comfortable backcountry seat for your rump? We gathered data on countless of...

First Aid Kits

Nobody wants to need a first aid kit, but if you do, you will be very glad to have the right one. We thoroughly tested...

Handheld GPS

Looking to improve your backcountry navigation? We bought and tested 4 of the best GPS units on the market to help you...

Sporks

Sporks are the perfect utilitarian utensils for eating away from the comfort of home. From workday lunch breaks to...

Backpacking

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Backpacking Learning Center

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