Gear Review: SOG PowerAssist Multitool
Do it all with this easy-access, customizable multitool from SOG.
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Gear Review: Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife
Feel confident in the outdoors with this all-purpose knife from Gerber.
Gear Review: MSR Aquatabs Water Treatment
Go ultralight while staying healthy with the MSR Aquatabs.
Gear Review: Platypus GravityWorks 4.0L Water Treatment
Spread the joy of clean water with this group-friendly filtration system from Platypus.
Gear Review: SteriPen Ultra Water Treatment
Get clean water fast with this easy-to-use SteriPen Ultra.
Gear Review: Trimble Outdoors Elite Mapping Software
Get a trip planner, online, and print maps in one bundle from Trimble Outdoors.
Gear Review: Adventure Medical Kits SOL Fire Lite with Tinder-Quik Fire Starter
Keep warm in a storm with this light-anywhere fire starter from Adventure Medical Kits.
Gear Review: REI Backpacker Plus Extended First Aid Kit
Be prepared for trips of all lengths with this first aid kit from REI.
2013 Adventures NYC
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
BACKPACKER Year of the Reader Photo Contest
Here's our favorite pictures from this month's photo contest. Vote for your favorite to help us choose the winner. The winning photo will be published in Backpacker's June issue and the winner will receive a Tamron zoom lens*.
Gear Review: More Tester Picks Shoes
Perfect your stride with this myriad selection.
Gear Review: Mammut Mercury Advanced GTX Heavy Duty Boots
You'd never expect this model's protection by looking at it's ultralight weight.
Gear Review: More Tester Picks Shells
Find your ideal shell with these myriad reviews.
Gear Review: Wild Things Custom Wind Pro Hoody Softshell
Make a statement with this custom softshell from Wild Things.
Gear Review: Marmot Nabu Softshell
The waterproof Marmot Nabu bridges the gap between softshell and hardshell.
Gear Review: Rab Zephyr/Solar Softshell
The Rab Zephys/Solar pairs a multitude of features with one low price.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Gamma LT Hoody Softshell
Explore off the beaten path with this durable softshell from Arc'teryx.
Gear Review: Mammut Ultimate Light Softshell
Be ready for all weather conditions with the Mammut Ultimate Light.
Gear Review: adidas Outdoor Terrex Zupalite Softshell
This ultralight adidas softshell excels in everything from daily life to daring ascents.
Gear Review: Westcomb Crest Hoody Softshell
For cold weather activities, check out this softshell from Westcomb, a minimalist in price and weight.
Gear Guide 2013: Sleeping Pads
A good sleeping pad completes your sleeping bag - here are five great ones.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Enchainment Softshell
The sky is the limit for this weather-resistant softshell from Outdoor Research.
Gear Review: Patagonia Encapsil Down Belay Parka Hardshell
What do you get when you make a down jacket water resistant and increase its loft? The Patagonia Encapsil Down Belay Parka Hardshell.
Gear Review: Millet Alpine Xcelerator Hardshell
This well-rounded hardshell from Millet suits the most varied of lifestyles.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Transonic Hardshell
Choose the Outdoor Research Transonic for breathability in the worst of conditions.
Gear Review: Salomon Veyrier Stretch Jacket Hardshell
Freedom of movement defines this hardshell from Salomon.
Gear Review: Patagonia Torrentshell Hardshell
Spend less with this all-around performer from Patagonia.
Gear Review: Montane Minimus Smock Hardshell
Go minimalist with the Montane Minimus Smock.
Gear Review: Marmot Micro G Hardshell
Stay snug in a storm with the Marmot Micro G.
Gear Review: Westcomb Focus LT Hoody Hardshell
Breathability and ultralight combine in this hardshell from Westcomb.
Gear Review: Bergans Helium Hardshell
The breathability of this hardshell from Bergans provides comfort in all conditions.
Gear Review: Rab Myriad Hardshell
For comfort in Myriad conditions, look no further than this hardshell from Rab.
Gear Review: REI Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad
Features abound in this three-season sleeping pad from REI.
Gear Review: Exped DownMat Lite 5 Sleeping Pad
Stay warm with this down-lined inflatable sleeping pad from Exped.
Gear Review: Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad
Save money and reduce bulk with this summer sleeping pad from Klymit.
Gear Guide 2013: Sleeping Bags
Our team spent 516 field nights picking the best bags for all seasons -- so you'll never risk a sleepless night.
Gear Review: Mammut Alpine Mat UL Sleeping Pad
Get more for less with this durable foam pad from Mammut.
Gear Guide 2013: Winter Bags
Stay warm in sub-freezing temps with these sleeping bags option.
Gear Review: Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SL Sleeping Pad
Take the comfort of your bed outdoors with the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SL.
Gear Guide 2013: Three-Season Sleeping Bags
Year-round, well almost, sleeping bag comfort.
Gear Guide 2013: Summer Sleeping Bags
Find your perfect backcountry bed for when the temps are balmy.
Gear Review: More Tester Picks Sleeping Bags
Find the bag that fits you best with this plethora of reviews.
Editors' Choice 2013: Marmot Plasma 0 Sleeping Bag
Go light without sacrificing warmth with the Marmot Plasma 0.
Gear Review: Kelty Ignite Down DriDown 0 Sleeping Bag
Keep warm and dry at a bargain with the Kelty Ignite DriDown 0.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Cal 13 Sleeping Bag
Water-repellent down keeps this ultralight Sierra Designs bag drier and loftier than the competition.
Gear Review: Marmot Xenon 15 Sleeping Bag
Sorry men, this lofty and warm Marmot Xenon 15 is only available for women.
Gear Review: NEMO Strato Loft 25 Sleeping Bag
Perfect for car camping and shorter hikes, the NEMO Strato Loft 25 provides the best in roomy backcountry comfort.
Gear Review: Therm-a-Rest Antares Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag and pad are combined in this ultralight model from Therm-a-Rest.
Gear Review: Exped UltraLite 500 Sleeping Bag
Whatever tough adventures you dream up, the Exped UltaLite 500 is up to the challenge.
Gear Review: GoLite Z10 Sleeping Bag
Pack small without sacrificing warmth with the GoLite Z10.
Gear Review: Millet Dreamer Composite Sleeping Bag
Waterproof and warm, this hybrid Millet is an excellent bargain.
Gear Review: Eastern Mountain Sports Mountain Light 15 Sleeping Bag
This all-around bag from Eastern Mountain Sports boasts an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio.
Gear Review: Big Agnes Shoestring SL 22 Sleeping Bag
This synthetic bag from Big Agnes is as breathable and lofty as down.
Gear Review: The North Face Hightail 2S Sleeping Bag
The North Face Hightail 2S offers unparalleled loft in a roomy, waterproof bag.
Gear Review: REI Flash Sleeping Bag
This hybrid bag from REI provides the best in comfort and waterproofing.
Gear Review: LaFuma Lightway 45 Sleeping Bag
Save money without sacrificing quality with the LaFuma Lightway 45.
Gear Review: Brooks-Range Cloak 30 Sleeping Bag
Think outside the bag with this minimalist blanket from Brooks-Range.
Gear Review: Oboz Wind River II Heavy Duty Boots
Strengthen weak ankles with optimal support and comfort.
Wilderness First Aid Training Master List
Check out these companies to find training near you.
Gear Guide 2013
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Review: Lowa Camino GTX Flex Heavy Duty Boots
Pack on the pounds and strap on the Lowa Camino GTX Flex model: These tanks can take it.
Gear Review: Ecco BIOM Hike 1.1 Heavy Duty Boots
Podiatrist-designed Ecco BIOM Hike 1.1 saves the day for those with pronation tendencies.
Gear Review: Crispi Ascent Plus GTX Heavy Duty Boots
Feather-like ankle support and heel stability come with these Crispi Ascent Plus GTX heavy duties.
Gear Review: Salewa Hike Trainer GTX Mid Duty Boots
From scrambling to hiking, this killer deal provides ample protection.
Gear Review: Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX Mid Duty Boots
Bear those heavy-packed trips with stable strides by way of Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX support.
Gear Review: Patagonia Drifter A/C Mid Waterproof Mid Duty Boots
You'll never want to take off these comfortable Patagonias.
Gear Review: AKU Transalpina GTX Mid Duty Boots
Ditch the insoles with the built-in support of the mid duty AKU Transalpina.
Gear Review: Salewa Wildfire GTX Light Duty Boots
The support, flex, and grip of these Salewas will keep your stride solid.
Gear Review: Millet Rock Hopper Light Duty Boots
Scramble narrow edges without killing your feet: flat-footed stability for a killer price.
Gear Review: Asolo Reston/Athena Light Duty Boots
This Asolo model wins best light duty for its impressive stability.
Gear Review: Merrell Proterra/Vim Sport Light Duty Boots
Breezy shoes perfect for a heated hike where sandals just wont cut it.
Gear Review: Five Ten Aescent Light Duty Boots
These light duty kicks will bust you up scrambles with its impressive grips.
Gear Review: Salomon XT Wings 3 Trail Runners
Secure and light: This fantasy turns reality with the Salomon XT Wings 3 model.
Gear Review: Saucony Xodus 3.0 GTX Trail Runners
Fang-ridden soles keep runners on their feet in the muddiest terrain with this Saucony model.
Gear Review: Asics Gel-FujiTrainer 2 Trail Runners
Gel patch-induced comfort make Asics' lightweight model a tester favorite.
Gear Review: New Balance Minimus 1010 Trail Trail Runners
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Gear Review: Scarpa Spark GTX Trail Runners
Water-resistant and light, hit the trail with no rainy day excuses.
Gear Review: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Trail Runners
These slip-resisting kicks allow for a bold increase of your trail-run stride.
Gear Review: Hilleberg Anjan 3GT Tent
A sturdy shelter that's under five pounds.
Gear Guide 2013: Two-Person Tents
Double up in these two-person tents.