Best Backcountry Gear of the Year - Field & Stream

Image
The Best Backcountry Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Gear of the Year
Whether you're packing in for elk or trekking for trout, here's the gear you need.

 

There’s nothing like walking far enough into the backcountry to leave everything else behind. But if you want to walk out, ­especially with a load of mountain meat, you need the right gear. Not much on this list is cheap, but there’s a ­reason for that:

The hinter­lands can switch from serene to downright dangerous in a matter of hours. By all means go, but go prepared.

Image
LOWA Innox Pro GTX Mid

 

It's tempting to bargain-shop for boots, but a quality pair that fits well is always worth the investment. That's how I justified my new Innox Pros from Lowa, a lightweight (1.5 to 2 pounds per pair) version of the company's existing GTX Mid boots.

They're nimble and comfortable enough to remind me of my running shoes while still providing the ankle support I need. The Pro isn't a burly boot for packing out huge loads. It's built for covering lots of rugged terrain quickly. — Natalie Krebs