Better backpacking gear is the key to going farther and faster, and to feeling more comfortable while pushing those boundaries. The very best gear is worthy of obsession, with the chops to completely change the way you play in the wild, and, in some cases, even save your life. That’s why, for nearly all of the five decades that Backpacker has been on newsstands, our editors and testers have put the toolkit of a trail-warrior through the most grueling trials. That kind of rigorous, down-to-the-ounce reporting has left an incredible archaeological record for us hardcore gear nerds.
We look back to the ’70s, when big honkin’ boots, oodles of hypothermia-inducing cotton, and clunky external frame packs reigned. We travel through the stage-setting inventions of the ’80s, the flashy style of the ’90s, all the way to the present day, with our uber-strong, ultralight fabrics and down-to-the-foot GPS tracking on devices as small as a watchface.
Our testing methods are sometimes unconventional. In 1985, winter sleeping bag testers dangled in a meat locker between whole sides of beef and pork butts to gauge temperature rating accuracy. In 2009, we dragged backpacks behind a Jeep going 60 mph and tumbled hiking boots in a cement mixer with a bucket of rocks and sticks to test durability. That level of extreme— whether it happens in a modern test lab or Mad Max-style through Death Valley—is important to separate the hard-wearing equipment from the carnival tricks. (We’ll never forget the mid’80s “Trailbreaker”—a trekking pole that could contain several shots of liquor, had a hardened steel tip for “self-defense,” and was “blow dart compatible.”)
Denne historien er fra Fall 2022-utgaven av Backpacker.
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Denne historien er fra Fall 2022-utgaven av Backpacker.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HORROR
CANADA’S MOST REVERED BACKPACKING TRAIL WAS BORN OUT OF A GHASTLY MISFORTUNE
TRUE NORTH
In pictures, Greenland's backcountry ski terrain looks spectacular. In person? It's even better.
WHEN THE FOREST IS AN ESCAPE
The Outdoors Is Powerful Medicine And The Refugee Women's Network Is Helping Displaced Hikers Get Back To It
The Gear that Changed Backpacking Forever
Trend-setters and trailblazers from the last 50 years
Timeless Adventures
In celebration of 50 years of trail beta and inspiration, we look back on our favorite spots through the moments we chose to capture.
Let The Rivers Run Free
A set of 10 bills currently in Congress will protect 7,000 miles of American waterways— if they pass.
Thru-Hiking, Canadian Style
When the pandemic shut down my plans to hike Europe, I found a world-class trail right on my doorstep.
Training Station
There's a great new wearable for every kind of athletic goal
CBD for Your Pain
Everyone feels the hurt as we age, but CBD can help you deal with it.
Home Base
These shelters score major comfort points