Backpacker Magazine – March 2008

March 2008 Table of Contents

by: The Backpacker Editors

Packs
Hitting the trail for the day, the weekend, the week, or even longer? We have you covered with a perfect pack–actually, 30 of them–for every pursuit.

Daypacks
Weekend Packs
Weeklong Packs
Start Smart Pack Tips

Tents
We spent 600 nights in the wilderness testing more than 70 different shelters. From light-and-fast to large-and-luxe, here are the 35 tents that made the final cut.

One-Person Tents
Two-Person Tents
Three-Person Tents
Mountaineering Tents

Boots
These shoes are made for walking. And scrambling. And trail running. And mountaineering. Our testers hiked nearly 5,000 miles to bring you the year's top footwear.

Light Duty Boots
Mid-Duty Boots
Heavy Duty Boots
Start Smart Boot Tips

Bags
With the right bag and pad, sleeping out can be a dream–no matter what the mercury says. We snooze-approved 32 sacks and 5 mats for every season and budget.

Summer Sleeping Bags
Three-Season Sleeping Bags
Winter Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Start Smart Sleeping Pads

Essentials

Kitchen
Electrolyte-infused hot cocoa, a hyper-efficient stove, the ultimate cook kit, and other marvels for the discriminating backcountry chef.

High Tech
Need a camera that shoots video blogs? Check. A point-and-shoot that can zoom in on distant wildlife? We have that, too–and more.

Shells
Stay dry, stay warm, stay outside with the best new lightweight and weatherproof jackets.

Navigation
With the latest GPS units, you can email, get weather, hear satellite radio, even share trips.

Binoculars
Search for rare birds or glass a new route with optics field-tested for sharpness and durability.

Sunglasses
Get shady with cool new styles, unbreakable lenses, quick-change tints, and more.

First Aid Kits
Going solo? Taking a group? One of our kits is right for you. Plus, five easy survival upgrades.

Headlamps
Six new ways to see in the dark, from a solar-powered light to one that shines 170 feet.

Blades & Tools
From an ultralight knife to a full-service multitool, prepare for your Survivorman moment. Or lunch.

Trekking Poles
Cross tough terrain safely with ultralight and ultra-strong sticks for every budget.

Hydration
Solve almost any drinking problem with these super-fast filters and no-funk reservoirs.

Perfect Systems
Our regional testers pick the best gear for where you live and hike.

Northwest
Southwest
Rockies
East

Top Tips from Trail Pros
Hard-earned advice from Ed Viesturs, Andy Skurka, and 27 other trail experts and authors.

Zero-impact Challenge
We asked manufacturers to design the greenest packs possible. And the winners are . . .

Green Gear Report Card
From recyclable packs to cow-powered offices, here's our guide to 58 eco-forward companies.

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