Backpacker

Extend the life of this crucial piece of gear with these tips for care and cleaning.

Here's a beginner guide to the Pacific Crest Trail

Thru-hiker Carl "Professor" Stanfield had a big goal: Break the record for most miles ever walked in a single year. Here's what he packed.

Think you can’t get bitten by a tick in the winter? As one surprise discovery this month shows, they’re waking up—and biting—earlier and earlier.

Pieces of Essential New England Hiking Gear for Fall

Barney "Scout" Mann hiked the Triple Crown after turning 55. Here's his ultralight pack list for trips of any distance.

A rare tick-borne virus killed a Maine resident, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced.

How to build an ultralight kit for under $500 and not dropping a load of cash

The 7 best backpacking water filters and what to look for

What to expect when thru-hiking the PCT

Useful gifts for hikers for 2022

The deal of the week a Sawyer squeeze water filter

Cheap gear alternatives thru-hikers love

Learn which gear essentials to never leave at home with expert advice from Backpacker Magazine.

Backpacker: The Best Insect Repellents

The Best Gear to Crush Long Hikes

How Joe 'String Bean' McConaughy set the new overall Appalachian trail record

Headed out on the Pacific Crest Trail? Expert thru-hiker Liz “Snorkel” Thomas breaks down the gear you’ll need.

Gear up for the United States' toughest long path with these expert picks.

Liz Thomas Ultimate Packing List

These products will keep you protected and prepared on high-alpine treks.

The best filter for car camping of 2021.

Treating water doesn’t get much simpler than this.

Spend less, hike more with a system that prioritizes affordability and durability.

"Least-loved chore upon reaching camp: Squatting on sore knees over a stream to pump water."

Review by Mike Smoke from Backpacker.com

The Sawyer Squeeze Filter was awarded the coveted Editor's Choice ? Award by Backpacker Magazine in the April 2012 Gear Guide. Thanks, Backpacker!

Ultralight, ultrafast, and ultraeffective—the best new water treatment devices do the job better than ever.

Here is what they had to say about the Sawyer Mini Water Filter:

Expert thru-hiker Liz “Snorkel” Thomas breaks down the gear you’ll need, with help from BACKPACKER Gear Editor Eli Bernstein.

Gear up for the United States' toughest long path with these expert picks.

Get ready for your AT thru-hike with this gear checklist from expert thru-hiker Liz "Snorkel" Thomas and BACKPACKER Gear Editor Eli Bernstein.

What’s In My Pack: Speed Hiker Joe McConaughy

The 7 Best Gear Deals for Hikers at REI's Labor Day Sale

How to Purify Water on the Trail

Empty Your Pack: A Weekend Warrior in PNW Bear Country

Build an Ultralight Backpacking Setup for Under $550