From the Field — West — March 2013
Our trail scouts' top local hikes: ancient Oregon volcanoes, a Nevada slot canyon, a hidden California oasis, and more.
All Content
Gear Review: Ibex Scout/Alana Full Zip
A low-bulk merino sweater that can handle cardio workouts.
Rip & Go: Jordan Hot Springs, Gila Wilderness, NM
Explore a slot canyon and soak in a warm backcountry pool in the country's first designated wilderness.
Life List: Northern Lights Ski Tour, Alaska
See the world's best sky show from your private backcountry cabin.
Upgrade Your Camera
Improve and protect your photos with these three accessories.
Gear Review: Nikon Coolpix AW100 and FujiFilm Fine Pix XP150
Two point-and-shoot cameras that maps & GPS lovers will appreciate.
Gear Review: iON Air Pro WiFi POV Videocam
The Air Pro is the quickest, most responsive point-of-view camera we've tested.
Gear Review: Pentax WG-2
A camera that withstood a 13-mile Tough Mudder race...clipped to the racer's waist.
Gear Review: Panasonic Lumix TS20
A compact (read: lightweight and highly packable) camera that's under $200.
Gear Review: Olympus Tough TG-1
A rugged waterproof camera with great image quality.
Got Problem Feet?
An expert bootfitter can help. Here's how Phil Burgess of Ski Stop in Westwood, MA, a certified fit expert, helped one editor overcome a chronic and debilitating fit problem.
Kelty Cloud Airshell
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Sierra Designs Hurricane Jacket
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ISIS Carlotta
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ISIS Alta 3L
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ISIS Aurora Jacket
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ISIS Acqua Rain Shell
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Instant Upgrades
Revive waterproof jackets, salvage a wet map, get better backcountry sleep, and organize your gear. By Sarah Maurer
Chocolate: A Guide for Backpackers
Cocoa packs high energy and healthy antioxidants, and our testing revealed the best-tasting, most-meltproof varieties for the trail.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Boots on the Ground
Katy Welter searches out her favorite new footwear among hundreds of pairs on the OR Show floor.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: The Ideal Backcountry Ski Setup
Gerben Scherpbier is on a quest for the ultimate backcountry ski gear, and versatility is key.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: A Tester's Wishlist
Becca Stubbs explores the floor in search of the gear she'd most love to run through the wringer.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Best in Snow…Gear
Snow is falling in the mountains around Salt Lake, so Dave Harding hits the floor with one thing in mind: ski accessories
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Foraging for Winter Cooking Gear
Katy Welter seeks out winter cooking gear and finds the latest innovations put to new use.
Outdoor Retailer 2013 for Under $35
Amid $900 jackets and $3,000 tents, Gerben Scherpbier finds new backpacking gear for under $35.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Packing Up New Options
Becca Stubbs searches for this year's best haulers for around town and on the trail.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Packs To Combat Zombies (And More)
Dave Harding tracked down more of the show's coolest new haulers, from ultralight ski packs to ones that'll help you prepare for the zombie apocalypse.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: The Hottest New Clothes
Gerben Scherpbier scours the show floor for the warmest winter layers from head to toe.... and then he throws axes.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Charge!
More people are bringing electronics into the backcountry, and those devices need POWER. Dave Harding checks out some fun new ways to recharge.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Things That Go Blink in the Night
Katy Welter covers electronics debuting at the OR Show.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Hard Goods on a Big Floor!
Becca Stubbs is on a quest for the warmest of next year's sleeping bags, pads, and tents.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Snow Running at the All Mountain Demo
Backpacker Reader Reporter Katy Welter gears up and tries out a new sport: snowshoe running.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Let the Madness Begin!
Becca Stubbs tries sweet skis and some high-tech new safety gear at the Outdoor Retailer 2013 All Mountain Demo Day.
How to Read EN Ratings
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Outdoor Retailer 2013: May I Have Seconds Please?
Backpacker Reader Reporter Gerben Scherpbier just couldn't get enough of the gear at the 2012 OR Summer Market, so he's back for another go.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Getting Ready with Ice Axes and Avocados
Backpacker Reader Reporter Becca Stubbs shares stories about her path into the outdoors and some unconventional gear use.
Pool Float for Sleeping Pad?
I'm on a budget. Why shouldn't I substitute a $10 pool float for a sleeping pad that costs $100 or more?
Biodegradable Camp Soap
What is a good backpacking soap that's environmentally friendly?
Patch a Burn Hole in Pants
WhatÂ’s the best way to patch a burn hole in my hiking pants and make sure it will not expand any bigger?
Wedding Rings & Backpacking
What can my husband and I do to protect our wedding rings when we are backpacking?
Troubleshoot This: Snowblind
Caught out on a bright day without your glasses? Things could turn ugly if you lose your vision. Learn to prevent and treat a sunburned eye.
Out Alive: Trapped in an Ice Tunnel
A solo hiker tries to claw her way out of a frozen cave after a winter pathway collapses.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: All Tuned Up!
Our newest gear tester, Dave Harding, is packing his bags and waxing his skis in preparation for this winter's Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City.
Master Class: The Gym Free Fitness Plan
Use this no-cost, do-anywhere training program to enhance hiking strength and speed this spring.
January 2013 Table of Contents
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Outdoor Retailer 2013: Appreciating Winter Gear Preshow
Backpacker Reader Reporter Katy Welter leaves oddly balmy Chicago for the Northeast's cold and snow, and gains a new appreciation for winter gear.
Heroes: Austin Taylor, 27
He's creating Haiti's first backpacking tours—and keeping the profits local.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Pro vs. Joe at the All Mountain Demo
Dave Harding reports on challenging big-mountain skier and professional guide Dean Cummings to a beacon search race.
Outdoor Retailer 2013: Hunting Grounds
At the All Mountain Demo, Gerben Scherpbier glimpses beacon search wonderland.
Hiking Wales: Fresh Tracks Through History
Beachside trek meets pub crawl meets castle tour on Europe's newest long trail, the 870-mile Wales Coast Path, officially opened in May 2011. We have the beta on its highlights.
Make Your Own Snow Goggles With Duct Tape
Learn how to craft a pair of emergency goggles to prevent snowblindness.
The Path to Shangri-La: Eastern Tibet's Unclimbed Peaks
Climb hiker-friendly 16,000-foot summits--and maybe nab a first ascent--on a shoestring budget, plus get an unchaperoned glimpse of Tibetan culture.
Survival Lab: Build an Emergency Bivy
Drop Dead Ted builds an emergency shelter using a blanket, some duff, and his bare hands.
What Kind of Hiker Are You?
Find your personality type and trips that match your adventure style.
Casio Features Keith Garvey
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Gear Review: Patagonia Alpine Guide Pants
Softshell pants built for years of abuse.
Gear Review: Oboz Arete Trail Shoes
High-performance trail shoes that look good on the street.
Gear Review: Rab Generator Alpine Jacket
A jacket revered by a search-and-rescue team.
Gear Review: Eddie Bauer Expedition Drop-Bottom Duffel
A slick drop-bottom feature sets this tough, smooth-rolling duffel apart.
Gear Review: Terramar TXO 1.0 Body-Sensors Crew
This baselayer has excellent wicking and quick-dry performance.
Field Test: Two-Person Tents
Whether you seek maximum storm protection, minimum weight, or highest value, we've found your perfect shelter.
Four Field-Tested Two-Person Tents
Check out these four two-person tents, all under $300 and 5 pounds.
Gear Review: Marmot Traillight 2 Tent
68-denier ripstop polyester on the canopy and fly make this tent a burly one.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Archer 2 Tent
A tent that can handle any and all weather conditions.
Gear Review: First Ascent Stargazer 2 Tent
The First Ascent Stargazer is a highly livable shelter for backpackers who spend tons of time in wet weather.
Western Mountaineering Versalite
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Western Mountaineering Ultralite
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Western Mountaineering Alpinlite
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Western Mountaineering Megalite
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Western Mountaineering Summerlite
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Western Mountaineering Highlite
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Western Mountaineering Mitylite
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Western Mountaineering Caribou MF
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Western Mountaineering Alder MF
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Western Mountaineering Sycamore MF
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Western Mountaineering Apache MF
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Western Mountaineering Badger MF
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Western Mountaineering Ponderosa MF
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Western Mountaineering Antelope MF
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Western Mountaineering Sequoia MF
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