Charlotte

What earns its place in a pack: a 45-gram water filter, a two-pack headlamp, a fast-drying towel, and a tarp that doubles as a groundsheet.

We tested titanium pots, aluminum mess kits, and stainless sets to find the cookware worth carrying: light, nestable, and able to cook a real meal.

Find a backpacking chair under 3 lbs that won’t leave you aching after a day on the trail. Avoid the trade-offs between weight and support.

We tested camp shoes for backpacking and picked the pairs worth carrying: light, quick-drying, and comfortable after a long day in boots.

We tested men’s backpacking boots under load and picked seven: the Merrell Moab 3 Mid wins on support and comfort, with wet-weather and budget picks.

We tested backpacking boots on loaded multi-day trips. The Merrell Moab 3 Mid is our default; here’s the pick for wide feet, cold weather or light loads.

We tested framed 40-75L packs for loaded overnight trips. Our picks balance harness comfort, capacity, weight, and price.

We carried women’s backpacks through commutes, campuses and carry-on travel. These are the ones worth buying, and who each one actually suits.

We tested day packs from 10 to 40 liters to find the ones that carry comfortably, pack small for travel, and hold up to a full day on the trail.

We tested ski packs from 12 to 30 liters. Our top pick keeps shovel and probe organized; the rest cover budget, lift laps, and long tours.