For all-around durability, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L offers the best balance of toughness and waterproofing. For ultralight backpacking, the Montbell Versalite delivers essential protection ...

Waterproofing yourself and your gear is a huge part of perfecting your packing list, and ponchos can be a good solution for both. The best rain ponchos for backpacking can keep you dry in inclement ...

Before you head out car camping or backpacking, use this guide to make sure you have everything you need.

The best backpacking gear list is not all-inclusive. While it may not cover everything you need on a backpacking trip, it includes 20 of the most important items on your packing list—at least in our ...

You’d be forgiven for not knowing who, or what, Outdoor Vitals is. Heck, I didn’t — but a wintry overnight hike into and out of Zion National Park earned the burgeoning brand a spot on my roster (and ...

When it comes to adventuring in the great outdoors, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. Luckily, there’s plenty of waterproof hiking gear for all sizes, styles and budgets. So, ...

Backpacking forces you to think carefully. Every ounce matters. The wrong gear slows you down, wears you out, and kills your trip. So what gear is actually worth packing? What helps on the trail, and ...

Our flight into Kalispell, Mont., broke through the clouds and light rain started streaking across the window. The town itself became visible as we approached, but the mountains, which I knew ...

It’s almost summer, and in my house, that means one thing: it’s time to go backpacking. Because gear is such a major factor for comfort, I set out to find the highest-performing clothing possible. For ...