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2010 Be a Gear Tester Contest

We're looking for a few good testers. Do you think you have what it takes to be an Official Backpacker Gear Tester? We're filling our 2010 reader test panel with passionate, frequent hikers who understand equipment and aren't afraid to tell it like it is.

Gear Review: Montrail Mountain Masochist Trail Shoe

This light, breathable and water resistant trail runner is great for technical terrain and many miles.

Gear Review: First Ascent Big Tahoma Backpack

Trek for many days and miles with this lightweight, supportive, durable and highly waterproof pack.

Gear Lab: Boots Torture Test

Can any hiking boot survive 15 minutes in a cement mixer filled with rocks, sticks, dirt, and bricks? Gear Lab aims to find out.

Gear Lab: Tents Torture Test

Who wants a mountain tent that buckles under pressure? Not us--so we blasted four top tents with a carwash pressure washer to see which one comes out on top.

Gear Lab: Sleeping Bag Torture Test

Can any sleeping bag survive getting squished by a 4,000-pound car? Find out in this video.

How Do I Sleep Warmer?

It's getting colder but there's no way I'm not camping. Any tricks for staying warm?

kristin hostetter gear chick

Towing Out Trash

What's your method for storing and hauling your trash on a multi-day trip? I usually just use plastic bags but there's got to be a more packable way.

kristin hostetter gear chick

What's the Ideal Glove System?

Can you recommend a good glove system for colder hikes? Should I bring one pair or two? What should they be made of? Oh, and with longer gloves that bungee up my wrist, should that portion go over or under my jacket sleeve?

Share your comments & field notes on the latest gear with other users Start Now

Gear Photos + Videos

Gear Lab: Boots Torture Test

Can any hiking boot survive 15 minutes in a cement mixer filled with rocks, sticks, dirt, and bricks? Gear Lab aims to find out.

Gear Lab: Tents Torture Test

Who wants a mountain tent that buckles under pressure? Not us--so we blasted four top tents with a carwash pressure washer to see which one comes out on top.
View all videos

Ask the Expert

Ask Kristin
Kristin Hostetter
Q.} I'm a cold sleeper. How do I sleep warmer?
Submitted by: Bruce, Denver CO
A.} I, too, am a cold sleeper. I'm always envious of people who can climb into a flimsy looking bag and snooze blissfully, while I lay awake shivering. But I've learned to adapt. Or maybe a better term: to cope. Here are some tips:

Read more...

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TIP 13: Train Heavy

Wearing a weighted pack on your training hikes burns more fat and builds stamina.

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BACKPACKER Food & Recipe Center
The ultimate trail-ready archive for all your recipe needs. Click Here

GearFinder
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Fix-It Center
Make your gear last forever with this ultimate DIY guide.

Backpacker's Gadget Guide 2009
Pathfinder logo The latest gadgets for technophobes, technogeeks, and everyone in between.

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