| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
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?
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.
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?
2010 Be a Gear Tester ContestWe'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 ShoeThis light, breathable and water resistant trail runner is great for technical terrain and many miles. 
Gear Review: First Ascent Big Tahoma BackpackTrek for many days and miles with this lightweight, supportive, durable and highly waterproof pack. |
Gear School: RaingearUnderstand waterproofing, and you'll pick the right shell and keep it working like new. 
Outfit Your Kids: Fall '09 Kids' Gear ReviewsWant to enjoy more time on the trail? It's simple: Bring the whole family, but make sure the kids stay comfortable with gear built for them. 
Gear Review: Granite Gear AirVent DryBlocs Solid StuffsacksDon't let the these light weight stuffsakcs fool you, they keep your gear dry in the wettest conditions. |
Ripcord 2-liter Hydration PackWere it so that I could take on a 20-mile, three day weekend each week, I would be quite the happy camper. Unfortunately, this is not ... Read more |
1 L INFINITY DUKJUGI thought this product was going to be strong and durable but, after about three weeks of standard use the lid of the GSI 1 L INFINITY ... Read more |
Post Your Gear Review!
Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear that you can't live without?
Be one of the first to post your review to the new Backpacker.com by registering and becoming a member of our community. Your review will appear right here.
Share your comments & field notes on the latest gear with other users
Gear Photos + Videos
Gear Lab: Boots Torture TestCan 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 TestWho 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. |
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Ask the Expert
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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:
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