The Mystery Ranch Scree is a 3.1 pound daypack with an adjustable length torso that’s designed for carrying heavy loads in rugged terrain. It’s made with burly fabrics to withstand serious abuse, with a unique frame system that won’t buckle if you …

Rock Spikes are Kahtoola Microspikes, Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultras, and any other lightweight (chain-based) winter traction aids with dull spikes that have been worn down from heavy use. Rather than throw them away, hikers and peakbaggers use them during the early winter …

The Fjallraven Bergtagen 38 is a waterproof mountaineering backpack that’s designed for winter hiking and climbing with modular components that added or removed depending on your needs. It has wooden frame stays, a lid, and hip belt that can all be removed …

The Sierra Designs Meteor Lite 3 is a freestanding double-wall three-person tent that’s a palace for two. It’s very easy to set up and comes with two doors and two vestibules that provide good gear coverage and access. Internal pockets provide good …

The NEMO Disco 15 is a spoon-shaped three-season down sleeping bag for camping and backpacking that has more elbow and knee room than a traditional mummy bag.  Its thermal retention and draft management features add to its versatility, and several well-designed small features …

The Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Backpack is a 27-liter daypack that’s great for day hikes, travel, school, and more urban endeavors. While it has a potentially off-putting militaristic name, it’s quickly become my go-to pack for overnight trips and plane travel, but …

Merrell’s Moab Speed Thermo Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are 200g insulated waterproof winter boots with aggressively lugged Vibram soles that are perfect for cold weather and winter hiking. They have wide toe boxes so your toes can splay out naturally and rock …

The Warbonnet Diamondback Quilt is a well-designed, high-quality backpacking quilt for use either in hammocks or on the ground. It has a 15D shell and liner, comes in a number of sizes, and has several color configurations. With 19.5 oz of 900-fill …

Backpacking rain pants are designed to keep you warm when you’re hiking in rain, snow, or a cold breeze. They do this by trapping your body heat and preventing cold precipitation, rain, or wind from stripping it away. While it’d be great …

Yes, but the do’s and don’ts of waterproofing breathable Gore-Tex boots and footwear might surprise you. I learned a thing or two I didn’t know while researching this article. Gore-Tex boots and shoes have a waterproof/breathable liner that vents water vapor into …

Ultralight and lightweight backpackers get all giddy when the talk turns to the Dyneema Backpacking Gear they want for the holidays. Super-strong, super-light, waterproof, Dyneema has revolutionized backpacking gear in the past decade and has spurred widespread innovation in its application as …

The Outdoor Research Dryline Rain Jacket is a 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable rain jacket with pit zips, an adjustable hood, wrist cuffs, and a hem adjustment. The seams are seam taped to prevent leaking and the jacket has a waterproof main Aquaguard zipper. …

Do you have a lot of hiking, climbing, or backpacking gear that looks identical to your friends’ gear? Does it get all mixed up in the car or in camp so you can’t tell what gear is yours? Here’s an easy way …

Many three-season tents can be used for winter camping or backpacking if you set them up below treeline, they have strong aluminum or carbon fiber tent poles, and you bring sufficient sleeping insulation and warm clothing to remain comfortable in cold weather. …