| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
Start Smart: Properly Pack a Canoe or Kayak
Follow these guidelines to keep your gear dry, secure, and well balanced in a canoe or kayak.
Extreme Layering: All-Purpose Clothing
For all-purpose performance year-round, this layering system works overtime through any weather.
Extreme Layering: Rainy-Weather Clothing
Don't let a crappy forecast keep you home for the weekend. Just pack this deluge-tested system.
Sleeping Bag Water Test Pt. I:
Simulated Rain Smackdown
In this gear test, Shannon Davis jumps in three sleeping bags and we hose them down to see how each one handles high-force rain.
Sleeping Bag Water Test Part II:
Full Submersion
Yeah, we know you probably won't ever get fully submerged in a raging river while in your sleeping bag, but that's not good enough for us.
Sleeping Bag Water Test Part III:
The Beer Fridge
Frigid temperatures are hard to find in the middle of the summer (when we shot this video) so after soaking three sleeping bags, we chilled out at a local liquor store.
How Do I Layer for Cold Weather?
I've never really understood the principles of layering. For cold weather treks, should my baselayer be cotton or wool? What about my midlayer? Wool? Fleece? What are the basics of layering for any occasion?
Start Smart: Properly Pack a Canoe or KayakFollow these guidelines to keep your gear dry, secure, and well balanced in a canoe or kayak. 
Extreme Layering: All-Purpose ClothingFor all-purpose performance year-round, this layering system works overtime through any weather. 
Extreme Layering: Rainy-Weather ClothingDon't let a crappy forecast keep you home for the weekend. Just pack this deluge-tested system. |
Extreme Layering: Hot-Weather ClothingFrom the Grand Canyon to sunshine-pounded Colorado peaks, stay cool and comfortable with this ultralight system. 
Extreme Layering: Cold-Weather ClothingOur testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes. 
2008 Apparel Guide: The OuttakesWe couldn't fit all of our reviews in one spot. Here, read the outtakes. |
Z55Another Great bag from Gregory. This is now my third bag made by them and like the other this one is well made with great materials, ... Read more CloudBurst 2great tent. Fast to setup and holds well in all weather. Light whole setup with stuff bag weighs less than 3LB (2.6lb by my scale) and ... Read more |
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Gear Photos + Videos
Sleeping Bag Water Test Pt. I:
In this gear test, Shannon Davis jumps in three sleeping bags and we hose them down to see how each one handles high-force rain.
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Sleeping Bag Water Test Part II:
Yeah, we know you probably won't ever get fully submerged in a raging river while in your sleeping bag, but that's not good enough for us.
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Ask the Expert
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Q.}
Dear Kristin,
How do I prevent chafing? I have been on many long distance hikes in the last year and seem plagued by raw spots. I have tried talc, shaving and even gone commando to the summit of the South Sister. What's the deal and what really works? Submitted by: Nate Alexander, Damascus, OR
A.}
Dear Nate,
Not to get too personal or anything, but are we talking about groin/between-the-legs chafing? Though I can't give you advice from personal experience, here are some ideas I've come across that others swear by. Body Glide: It's a lubricating stick that looks like a deodorant. Creates a slippery environment that supposedly wards off hot spots. Can be used on feet, too. |
Find the Outdoor Equipment You Need
TIP 6: Train for the Trail
The best way to train for any sport is to do it. Carry a full pack on your routine dayhikes–it's also a great way to test your gear.
Get Fit for Any Hike
No gyms, no weights–and, with our
easy-to-follow plan–no bonking on the trail.
Backpacker's Ultimate Fix-It Guide
Learn how to make your gear last forever with our guide to the 55 most
common repairs and maintenance musts.
Sleeping Bag Center
Our guide to sleeping bags fit for all occasions and sleep tips guaranteed
to give you a good night's rest. 
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