Backpacker Magazine – Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011

Editors' Picks with Deputy Editor Anthony Cerretani

Gadgets to help you lop off the miles.

Tags:
• Gear
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• GPS
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[training watch]
Garmin Forerunner 610
With distance-measuring to 100th of a mile, a calorie counter, and a “Where To?” function that quickly navigates me to a pre-plotted location, the touchscreen 610 has been my go-to tool for six months of trail running. Fave feature: A vibrating alarm alerts me at each mile and flashes my pace. Bonus: Included software crunches and displays my stats. $350; 2.6 oz.; garmin.com

[telescoping monopod]
XShot 2.0
Stick your camera over cliffs for safe vertigo shots, or just use this 37-inch extender for self-portraits and hard-to-reach angles. It’s light (5 oz.), screws to most cameras, and will add unique perspectives to your post-trip slideshows. $30; xshotpix.com

[smartphone protection]
Belkin Pro Fit iPhone Arm Strap
Love your iPhone, hate burying it in your pack? This armband case fends off all but the most brutal downpours. The clear face affords great touchscreen response, and the snap-shut strap keeps it tight to my arm for less bouncing than other models. $40; 2 oz.; belkin.com

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