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Outdoor Retailer Roundup: Homemade Chalk Bags, A Beast of a Generator

Plus, another indestructible iPhone case and theft-resistant bags.

Outdoor Retailer Roundup: Goggles, Headphones, Bags, and Boots Made for Pow

As the snow falls in Salt Lake City, finally, BRR Steph makes the final rounds of the ski gear.

Outdoor Retailer Roundup: An iPhone case that's photo-taking friendly

Sea to Summit makes a fingers-friendly, waterproof iPhone case, and Arc'teryx unveils a new hoody to covet.

Packing for a Backcountry Ski Day

Kristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing.

Adjust Your Pack Straps on the Trail

Maximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments.

Editors' Choice 2011 Gold Award: Icebreaker Hopper T

The only backpacking t-shirt you'll ever need.

Thin Pack Hipbelts

If a backpack fits you really well, does thin hipbelt padding make a big difference? If so, is there a way to improve it?

Help with Hanging a Bear Bag

The issue is not knowledge of how to bear bag - it's the throwing! I have no arm and no aim. Tricks? Suggestions?

Fitting Long and Narrow Feet

I have a long (13 1/2) and narrow foot and cannot find any boots to fit. Help!

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Gear Photos + Videos

Packing for a Backcountry Ski Day

Kristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing.

Adjust Your Pack Straps on the Trail

Maximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments.
View all videos

Ask the Expert

Ask Kristin
Kristin Hostetter
Q.} After testing out backpacks I found the Osprey Ariel to fit really well, but am concerned about the thin hipbelt padding. My ultimate question: If a bag fits you really well, does thin padding make a big difference? If so, is there a way to improve it?
Submitted by: Laura - Tucson, AZ
A.} The padding on this particular pack is meant to be thermo-molded to your hips (it’s a process that gets done in the store by a clerk). While the padding may be thin, it’s very effective, and the thinness—along with the customized molding—allows the hipbelt to give your body a really precise wrap.

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TIP 80: Pack More Layers

Throw extra layers in a duffel, take it to the trailhead, and let the local conditions determine your apparel choices.

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International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad.

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Learn how to orient a map, navigate any terrain, and the ins-and-outs of GPS devices.

BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.

Green Guide
A backpacker's guide to environmental issues and "green" gear.

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