Gear
Backpacker Editors Pick Fall Gear for Adventure Travelers
Backpacker magazine's editors highlight three pieces of gear they used in September 2026, including a multi-tool survival knife, alpaca wool socks, and a
#pack
Every Adventure Travel story tagged pack.
Gear
Ultralight Hikers Add Weight Back for Comfort and Safety
Thru-hiker Ayesha Cording explains why experienced ultralight backpackers often add weight back to their packs, detailing specific gear swaps made after
Gear
Backpacker Editor's Guide to Jungle Camping
A Backpacker editor shares essential gear and planning tips for camping in remote tropical rainforests, based on her recent expedition to Papua New Guinea.
Skills
Andrew Skurka's Five Rules for Leading Backpacking Trips
Expert guide Andrew Skurka outlines five essential rules for leading successful backpacking trips, emphasizing that trip leading is a distinct skill from
Gear
Ultralight Expert's Final Gear Picks and Passes
In his final column for Backpacker, ultralight gear expert Nate Pipenberg details specific equipment he would buy with his own money and what he advises
Gear
Adventure Cat Simon Prepares for Seven Summits Expedition
JJ Yosh and his cat Simon, known as Backpacking Kitty, plan a multi-year quest to climb the Seven Summits, with Simon's participation carefully managed for
Gear
Ultralight Columnist's Final Gear Picks
A former gear columnist shares his personal picks for ultralight packs and jackets after 5 years of reviews, advising against pricey high-tech materials.
Gear
REI Labor Day Sale: 25% Off Backpacking Gear
REI's Labor Day sale offers 25% off backpacking gear from brands like Therm-a-Rest, Gregory, and Jetboil, including tents, packs, and stoves.
Trails & routes
Editors' Top Picks for Late Summer Hikes
Backpacker magazine's editors highlight four new pieces of gear for hikers, including a trail trash system, a modular bear canister, a water filter flask
Gear
1963 Backpack Found on Melting Austrian
A German climber's backpack lost in 1963 was found on a melting Austrian glacier, showing how retreating ice reveals old mountaineering artifacts.
Gear
REI Labor Day Sale: 8 Hiking Gear Deals
Backpacker editors picked eight discounted REI Labor Day sale items like tents, a water purifier, and hiking shoes, based on field testing.
News
Designer Crafts Plastic-Free Backpacking Kit
A designer created a 10-pound backpacking kit using only natural materials like wool, silk, and bamboo to test the compromises of avoiding synthetics.