2019 BACKCOUNTRY GEAR GUIDE

THERE’S NOTHING like walking far enough into the backcountry to leave every-thing 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.

LOWA INNOX PRO GTX MID

$235 • lowaboots.com

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

BIG AGNES TIGER WALL TENT 2 PLATINUM

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