Best Backcountry Gear of the Year - Field & Stream
June 24, 2024
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.
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