Gear Guide 2012: Four-Peson Tents
These four-person tents offer outstanding space-to-weight ratios and high performances in foul-weather.
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Gear Guide 2012: Sleeping Pads
Sleep comfortably on your next adventure with one of these great sleeping pads.
Gear Guide 2012: Summer Sleeping Bags
These bags are ideal for summer backpacking trips, each offering lightweight comfort for warmer temps.
Gear Guide 2012: Three-Season Sleeping Bags
7 new bags perfect for your spring-time adventures.
Gear Guide 2012: Winter Sleeping Bags
Ready to endure all the elements, these bags offering warmth and protection for winter camping.
Gear Review: 10 under $10
Ten dirt-cheap items to make your next hike more enjoyable.
Leaky Sleeping Pad
What is the best way to find a slow leak in a self-inflating sleeping pad?
Backpacking Gear Found on Kickstarter.com
Five new new products funded through Kickstarter.com...some great, some not so great.
Trail Running Apparel: Jacket, Shorts, Hydration Pack
These three key pieces will keep you comfortable on the trail.
Gear Review: Patagonia Fore Runner Trail Runners
A perfect balance between traditional and barefoot running shoes.
Gear Review: Vibram Five Fingers Spyridon LS Trail Runners
A barefoot runner made for trails.
Gear Review: Hoka One One Mafate Edition Trail Runners
Trail runners that are ultracushioned...and unique to look at.
Gear Review: Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity HPI Trail Runner
A trail runner that's light but stable
Buyer's Guide: Trail Runners
An in-depth guide to the technology, top products, and latest skills, plus how to get in shape faster to see more trail.
Gear Guide 2012: Rip & Equips
Don't go shopping until you've read these comprehensive guides to buying and fitting the right pack, boots, bag, and tent.
Rip & Equip: Boots
First: Buy the right boots. Second: Keep them in tip top shape with these tips.
Rip & Equip: Backpacks
Finding a great fitting backpack is the key to happy backpacking. Plus, learn how to keep your pack looking and feeling like new.
Rip & Equip: Tents
Tips on buying the right tent for your backpacking style. Plus, cleaning and repair advice.
Rip & Equip: Sleeping Bags
Mummy or semi-rectangular? Sleeves vs. clips? Choose the right sleeping bag and keep it in top shape with these tips.
The Changing Mountain
The following is adapted from Northwest editor Michael Lanzas new book, Before Theyre Gone: A Familys Year-Long Quest to Explore Americas Most Endangered National Parks ($24.95, beacon.org, TheBigOutside.com).
Gear Review: Patagonia Air Flow Cap
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Review: FITS Light Hiker Quarter
The unusually deep heel pocket in these socks contours to feet perfectly, and doesn't bunch.
Gear Review: Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight
This tee is naturally breathable, resists odor, and feels as soft as cotton.
Gear Review: Stoic Thrive
Stretchy poly fabric and and a gusseted crotch provide killer freedom of movement in these comfortable shorts.
Gear Review: First Ascent High Route
Get the sun-protection of a collared, long-sleeve shirt with the versatility of a button-down and the comfort of a tee.
Gear Review: Helly Hansen Odin Isolator
This versatile shell offers puffy-jacket warmth and wind protection in a light and compressible package.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Gamma SL Hybrid
These multi-season pants will keep you dry while providing outstanding freedom of movement.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Axiom
This versatile, all-weather shell is comfortable in mild temps and on high-effort outings.
Gear Reviews: Versatile Layers
Stay comfortable in summer and beyond with these lightweight, high-performance pieces.
Gear Review: Keen Ambler Mesh Lightweight Hiking Boots
A perfect lightweight hiker for people with a wide forefoot
Mountain Map: Adirondacks – The High Peaks
Get a field-scouted tour of the High Peaks.
Gear Reviews: Ultralight Packs
Cut weight and boost comfort with the best new ounce-shaving load haulers—tested and rated by tough-on-gear Grand Canyon National Park rangers.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Alpha SL Hybrid
A do-it-all hardshell for wilderness warriors who want four-season versatility in a light, packable, and impeccably cut package.
Gear Review: The North Face Phoenix 3 Tent
A single-wall tent is roomy enough for three adults
Gear Review: Millet Touring WDS Glove
Thin softshell gloves with Gore Windstopper
Gear Review: First Ascent MicroTherm Down Hoodie
A featherweight, 800-fill puffy
Over The Edge
Nearly 150 years after John Wesley Powell's pioneering trip through the Grand Canyon, the park still conceals remarkable places no humans have ever seen. Contributing editor John Harlin joins a crew of explorers on a journey of discovery.
Gear Review: Gossamer Gear Gorilla Backpack
A versatile pack that can be pared down or bulked up depending on your load and the terrain.
Burn After Reading
Empty White Mountain summits. Tourist-free Yellowstone geysers. Rarely hiked Yosemite ridges. Rangers, guidebook writers, outfitters, and ultra-hikers dish their favorite routes for the first time.
Gear Review: ZPacks Exo
The lightest ultralight pack we tested.
Gear Review: Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus FS Backpack
A roomy and comfortable ultralight bag.
Top 3: Heavenly Hikes
No early bedtimes on these overnights; you'll want to stay up and enjoy unusually dark skies with clear views of summer's showiest celestial fireworks.
Gear Review: Osprey Exos 46 Backpack
An "ultralight" pack that can handle up to 40 pounds.
Life List: Kesugi Ridge Trail, AK
Get a Denali-size adventure with Lower 48 effort.
Gear Review: GoLite Jam 50 Backpack
A top performing pack that's only $160.
Rip & Go: Zaleski Backpack Trail, Zaleski State Forest, OH
Escape into tranquil, rolling woods in the foothills of the Appalachians.
Rip & Go: Batona Trail, Wharton State Forest, NJ
Follow a river through the surprisingly wild Pine Barrens.
Rip & Go: Divide Creek Lake, Targhee National Forest, ID
Explore a seldom-visited stretch of the Continental Divide with hidden lakes, world-class trout fishing, and abundant wildlife.
Best Week: Continental Divide Loop
Tour glacial valleys and navigate to off-trail lakes and waterfalls on this six-day circuit.
Best Weekend: Gorge Lakes
Hike cross-country to explore this secluded chain of hanging lakes.
June 2012 Table of Contents
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Best Day: Longs Peak via Clarks Arrow and the Keyhole
Scramble up a 12.7-mile sneak route to Rocky Mountain National Park's highest peak.
Rocky Mountain Adventure Guide (2012 National Parks Series: Part 2 of 6)
Our map team scouted more than 500 miles of trails and cross-country routes to bring you a summer's worth of escapes in the Rockies.
CORRECTION: Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, OR: Unnamed Sea Cliff Campsite
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Road Trip Gear
Ten hot items to make your next road trip the coolest trip ever.
Editors' Choice 2012: Hungry Hikers Murray's Hurried Curry
Beat the backcountry blahs with this aromatic curry dish Beat the backcountry blahs with this aromatic curry dish.
Gear Pro's Guide to Spring Cleaning
Get your gear ready for hiking season with these tips from gear editor Kristin Hostetter.
Editors' Choice 2012: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
From a smart-and-light pack to a groundbreaking backcountry communicator, here are the 12 products that passed the ultimate gear challenge.
National Park Adventure Guides
We mapped thousands of miles of trail to bring you the only resource you'll need to jump-start your adventures in these six national parks.
Gear Guide 2012 Table of Contents
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Guide 2012: Climbing Equipment
A lightweight, crag-tested collection for new climbers
Gear Guide 2012: Paddling Equipment
Top picks and values for backcountry lake and rivers
Adult Campfire Drinks
Drinks and accessories for a relaxing backcountry happy hour.
Gear Guide 2012: The Ten Essentials
Get prepped with this core gear.
Lighten Your Tent by 22 Ounces
Six easy ways to lighten your tent load.
How to Tie a Prusik Knot
This loop attachment slides easily when itÂ’s unweighted, but holds tight when you pull it. ItÂ’s a standard climbersÂ’ knot thatÂ’s perfect for ascending out of a jam (or up a tree).
Spring Showers Rain Shell Giveaway April 16-20, 2012
Don't let the rainy season of spring keep you off the trail. Enter to win a rain shell a day and hit the trail in style.
Gear Guide 2012: Balega X Athlete Multisport Crew Socks
These socks use a fabric that promotes airflow without sacrificing comfort.
Gear Guide 2012: FITS Performance Trail Socks
Manage moisture with these lightweight, low-cuff socks.
Gear Guide 2012: Dynafit Broad Peak Trekking Poles
These adjustable poles use a glove-friendly locking mechanism that helps to create a responsive feel.
Gear Guide 2012: Leki Micro Stick Trekking Poles
The Micro Stick collapses easily for great packability.
Gear Guide 2012: Helinox Featherlite Trekking Poles
Durable and lightweight, these poles offer an impressive strength-to-weight ratio.
Gear Guide 2012: Cabelas E.C.W.C.S. Thermal Zone Polartec Power Dry Baselayers
These no-bulk baselayers provide warmth when you need it and breathability where you don't.
Gear Guide 2012: Duofold Champion Varitherm
These baselayers deliver great moisture management and a skin-tight fit.
Gear Guide 2012: Polarmax TransDRY Cotton Underwear
Water-repelling fabric allows for these cotton briefs to wick moisture and keep you dry.
Gear Guide 2012: Helly Hansen Odin Quick-Dry Pant
With custom sizing and smart features these quick-dry pants are a must-have.
Gear Guide 2012: Patagonia ULW Merino Crew Socks
Prevent blisters with these liner socks.
Gear Guide 2012: Mountain Hardwear Rifugio Trek Shorts
These shorts are made to handle heat with a barely-there feel.
Do Bears Like Energy Bars?
Can bears and other critters be a problem at night even if all our group has for food are, say Clif Bars - or any other similar kind of energy/protein bars?