| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
Fix It: Easy Backpacking Gear Repairs
Master these easy repairs to save on shop costs and replacement gear.
Backpacking Gear Maintenance Tips
Extend the life of your pack, sleeping bag, and tent with these tips.
Create Tyvek Treasures
Stay warm and fight the rain with three simple projects using this waterproof/breathable material.
Gear Review: The North Face Summit Series Anti-Matter Softshell
This softshell packs a double punch with waterproofing and breathability.
Gender-Specific Packs
Do I really have to buy my girlfriend a women's-specific pack if it seems like a men's would fit?
Shorten Hip Belt Straps
I'm pretty skinny and when I tighten my hipbelt I end up with lots of extra strap flapping around. Can I just cut this extra stuff off?
Fix It: Easy Backpacking Gear RepairsMaster these easy repairs to save on shop costs and replacement gear. 
Backpacking Gear Maintenance TipsExtend the life of your pack, sleeping bag, and tent with these tips. 
Create Tyvek TreasuresStay warm and fight the rain with three simple projects using this waterproof/breathable material. |
Build It: Make an Efficient Alcohol StoveUse extreme-distance hiker Andrew Skurka's plan to construct an ultralight, ultracheap cooking system. 
Easy Money: Where to Find Gear SavingsWhether you're buying maps or park passes, there are easy ways to save a few bucks. How to Buy (and Sell) Used GearSave and make money with these tips from experts at the country's best secondhand gear shops. |
Mt. Rainier -20 (Sleeping Bag)I love this bag. Used it for many Winter trips and has kept me warm every time. I even slept in a snow cave with it. Works great! ... Read more guide pants (first ascent)These pants are so comfortable when I tried them on they seemed to be made for me. I got them at my Eddie Bauer store for 69.95 a ... Read more |
sweeperthe north face sweeper is a sturdy and reliable day pack. i know how people say they wont buy north face because its just the brand ... Read more Pentax wg-3 gps cameraThis camera is a backpackers dream, combining state of art camera with gps and ... Read more 
sCharger-5 Solar ChargerAfter hiking the appalachian trail for a month I have decided that the sCharger-5 is the best portable solar charger out there, I have ... 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 Review: The North Face Summit Series Anti-Matter SoftshellThis softshell packs a double punch with waterproofing and breathability. |
Gear Review: Big Sky Soul TentGo lightweight with this freestanding solo tent. |
|
Ask the Expert
|
Q.}
Do I have to get my girlfriend a women's-specific backpack if her torso size fits a men's one? Do the shoulder strap position and waist belt flare really matter and do you wear a women’s-specific backpack?
Submitted by: Miguel - Detroit, MI
A.}
No, Miguel, you don’t necessarily have to get your girlfriend a women’s specific pack. I often wear men’s or unisex packs with great success. And I know small men who have had luck with women’s packs. Forget about the gender labels and look at the pack itself, and the way it works with your girlfriend’s body shape.
|
TIP 31: Stay Energized
Grab a handful of gorp every 1 to 1.5 hours to keep your energy high.
Editors' Choice 2013
412 trail-tested products
Boost Your Apps
Add powerful tools and exclusive maps to your BACKPACKER apps through our partnership with Trimble Outdoors.
Carry the Best Maps
With BACKPACKER PRO Maps, get life-list destinations and local trips on adventure-ready waterproof myTopo paper.
FREE Rocky Mountain Trip Planner
Sign up for a free Rocky Mountain National Park trip planning kit from our sister site MyRockyMountainPark.com.
Get 2 FREE Trial Issues and 3 FREE GIFTS
Survival Skills 101 • Eat BetterThe Best Trails in America
YES! Please send me my FREE trial issues of Backpacker
and my 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Free trial offer valid for US subscribers only.
Canadian subscriptions |
International subscriptions
and my 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
