Gear Guide 2012: Alpacka Denali Llama
A one-person pack raft
All Content
Gear Guide 2012: Nova Craft Prospector 17 Expedition Canoe
A 17-foot boat for paddlers who rank long-haul performance over short-course speed.
Gear Guide 2012: Electronics
Cameras, gadgets, and cases for the trail.
Gear Guide 2012: Sunglasses
Four pairs of shades that perform in the wild
Gear Guide 2012: Bargain Gear
$50 or less can buy you some nice gear. Here are our favorite finds.
Gear Guide 2012: Boots & Trail Runners
Go fast or go far–it all starts with your footwear.
Gear Guide 2012: Adventure Travel Gear
A duffel, shirt, and water purification system that make the life of an adventure traveler that much safer and easier.
Gear Guide 2012: Bargain Accessories
A colorful headlamp, hands-free camera harness, and a flask–all for under $50.
Gear Guide 2012: Bargain Stove
The Olicamp Xcelerator Titanium was a favorite for our ultralight AT thru-hiker.
Gear Guide 2012: Bargain Gloves
A lightweight glove and a mitten made for big peaks.
Gear Guide 2012: Bargain Gaiters
Two gaiter styles–one full-coverage and one ultralight–that cost $50 or less.
The Gear Pro's Repair Kit
Our resident expert, gear editor Kristin Hostetter, assembles the tools to save any trip.
Gear Guide 2012: Kids' Gear
Our littlest testers give a thumbs-up to these field-proven products.
Gear Review: Stoic Arx XL 2 Tent
If spring finds you in the market for a tent that's lightweight and bombproof, check out this two-person, two-door, three-season shelter.
Gear Guide 2012: Sleeping Bags and Sleeping Pads
Find the perfect sack for any budget or adventure.
Gear Guide 2012: Kelty Lowdown Camp Chair
A camp throne built for long-term schlepping and chilling.
Gear Guide 2012: Primus Profile Duo Camp Stove
This two-burner camp stove is half grill, half cooktop.
Gear Guide 2012: Car Camping Essentials
Games, a cooler, even a pressure shower–these items will make your basecamp super comfy.
Gear Guide 2012: Osprey Poco Plus Kid Carrier
Haul your little one in this lightweight and customizable backpack kid carrier.
Editors' Choice 2012: MSR WhisperLite Universal Stove
A multifuel stove that burns liquid gas and canister fuel with ease.
Gear Guide 2012: Icebreaker Sprite Racerback Bra and Moving Comfort Serena
Whether you're looking for all-day comfort or maximum support, we found two backpacking-friendly sports bras
Gear Guide 2012: Terramar HotTotties Thermolator Pro Crew and Tight Baselayers
HotTotties is Terramar's women's-only line, and it emphasizes femme-specific fit details–this top and bottom set is no exception.
Gear Guide 2012: Arc'teryx Palisade Capri
Short pants that offer a blend of performance and style.
Gear Guide 2012: Oboz Mystic Low B-Dry Hiking Boot
The shoe has less width in the heel and ball and more curve in the arch compared to men’s hikers.
Gear Guide 2012: Therm-a-Rest Women's NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
If you're 5'5" and under (or sleep curled up) this sleeping pad is a welcome, warm addition to the Therm-a-Rest line
Gear Guide 2012: Feathered Friends Egret Sleeping Bag
Even cold female testers found this bag a warm 20°s
Gear Guide 2012: Kelty Rally 45 Backpack
A pack made for curves that can easily haul 40-pound loads.
Gear Guide 2012: Marmot Athena Jacket
The Athena's attractively trim fit flatters ladies' curves better than any other rain jacket we tested this year.
Gear Guide 2012: Tents
Find lightweight shelter for every budget and weather scenario.
Gear Guide 2012: Backpacks
Find the perfect load hauler for any type of trip.
Gear Guide 2012: Heavy Duty Boots/Shoes
These heavy duty boots provide great stability, support and solid weather protection, allowing you to tackle any terrain in any condition.
Gear Guide 2012: Mid Duty Boots/Shoes
These mid duty boots offer a great fit with comfort and stability to help you conquer any terrain.
Gear Guide 2012: Light Duty Boots/Shoes
These light duty shoes and boots offer support and protection in one lightweight package.
Gear Guide 2012: Trail Running Boots/Shoes
Comfort, support and durability is something all of these trail running favorites offer.
Gear Guide 2012: Mammut Teton GTX Boot
This affordable, all-purpose boot provides a great fit and can handle all seasons and conditions.
Gear Guide 2012: Crispi Nevada Legend HTG GTX Boot
Great support and stability for any cross-country exploration.
Gear Guide 2012: LOWA Khumbu II GTX Boot
A supportive and protective heavy-duty boot that keeps your feet cool with excellent breathability.
Gear Guide 2012: Danner Mt. Defiance GTX Boot
This boot offers serious protection and stability for a trustworthy support.
Gear Guide 2012: AKU SL Trek GTX Boot
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.
Gear Guide 2012: Ahnu Mendocino Boot
Waterproof, breathable, and protective, this boot has it all.
Gear Guide 2012: Patagonia P26 High Boot
A thick spongy sole gives the cushion and arch support you need on long hikes or climbs.
Gear Guide 2012: Scarpa Kinesis/Mythos Pro GTX Boot
With a tough exterior and gentle inside, these boots protect feet from rough terrain while offering comfort and support.
Gear Guide 2012: Asolo Khumbu GV Boot
The Khumbu is an all-terrain mountain boot with a design that promotes comfortable walking for any kind of adventure.
Gear Guide 2012: Timberland Radler Trail Camp Moc Shoe
Fold these fleece-lined sneakers in half and store easily.
Best Day: Mt. Rainier, Camp Muir (Summer Route)
Trek to a lofty, iconic basecamp on Rainier's snowy slopes.
Best Weekend: Northern Loop Trail
See scores of wildflowers, waterfalls, and peaks.
Best Week: Wonderland Trail
Explore Mt. Rainier from nearly every angle on this hike from Fryingpan Creek to Mowich Lake. The classic route tags the subalpine meadows of Summerland, crests 5,000-foot Cowlitz Divide, and links dozens of crystalline lakes and waterfalls.
Mt. Rainier Adventure Guide (2012 National Parks Series: Part 1 of 6)
We mapped nearly 300 miles of trail to bring you the only resource you'll need to jump-start your adventures in this premier park.
Rip & Go: West Rim Trail – Tioga State Forest, PA
Chase canyon vistas through stands of old-growth hemlock.
Gear Guide 2012: Ryders Clamor Sunglasses
Bargain sunglasses that perform
Gear Guide 2012: Julbo Dust Sunglasses
Sunglasses made for hiking, climbing, and mountain biking
Gear Guide 2012: adidas Terrex Fast sunglasses
No-fog sunglasses that are built for the active user
Gear Guide 2012: Switch Tioga Sunglasses
Interchangeable lens glasses that both sturdy and easy-to-use
Gear Guide 2012: Backcountry Solutions Geek Pocket
A backpacker-friendly smartphone or GPS case that doesn't block signals
Gear Guide 2012: Mophie Juice Pack Plus Outdoor Edition
A bomber iPhone case that also recharges the battery.
Gear Guide 2012: Garmin GPSMAP 62stc
A top-performing GPS unit with photo-location capabilities.
Rip & Go: Bartram Trail – Nantahala National Forest, NC
Climb past a glimmering highland lake to a lofty southern bald.
Gear Guide 2012: Eton Raptor Solar Charger
An all-purpose survival tool or a bomber solar charger.
Gear Guide 2012: Highgear Axio HR Altimeter Watch
Track elevation, weather, and workout intensity with this powerful watch
Gear Guide 2012: Kodak Playfull Video Camera
A palm-sized video camera that still performs.
Rip & Go: Crane Creek Island – Chippewa Flowage, WI
Paddle a novice-friendly route on the state's third largest lake.
Gear Guide 2012: Nikon D5100 DSLR Camera
A DSLR camera that can handle a multitude of light and weather conditions.
Rip & Go: Horseshoe Lake – Pecos Wilderness, NM
Navigate a long-lost trail to a remote alpine lake.
Rip & Go: Oregon Coast Trail – Ecola State Park to Arch Cape, OR
Slip past tides along cliffy coasts on an easy-to-plan long weekend.
Gear Guide 2012: Five Ten Pursuit Boot
This mid duty boot provides maximum stability to prevent ankle rolling on the most dicey terrain.
Gear Guide 2012: The North Face Havoc Mid GTX XCR Boot
With great lateral stability and all around protection, this boot can handle the rockiest terrain.
Gear Guide 2012: New Balance 110 Trail Shoe
This minimalist shoe offers great protection and stability.
America's Best Campsites
Park your tent in one of these 10 spots, and you'll be happy in the morning. Guaranteed.
May 2012 Table of Contents
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Guide 2012: adidas Outdoor Terrex Fast R Shoe
The Terrex Fast R offers exceptional traction on all surfaces including ice, slush, mud, and scree.
Gear Guide 2012: Chaco Ponsul Bulloo Shoe
This shoe is ideal for river rats, but can handle any adventure with its gripping capabilities and overall protection.
Gear Guide 2012: Keen Alamosa Mid Shoe
This shoe offers a great fit and highly breathable mesh great for hot-weather hiking.
Gear Guide 2012: Teva Forge Pro Mid eVent Leather Shoe
All-leather, waterproof, and comfortable, these shoes offer a roomy fit that enhances its overall comfort.
Gear Guide 2012: Salewa Firetail Shoe
Take on any kind of terrain with this versatile shoe that offers comfort, traction and durability.
Gear Guide 2012: Saucony ProGrid Outlaw Shoe
This shoe is built tough for the roughest paths, but offers a barefoot feel giving you comfort and breathability.
Gear Guide 2012: Vasque Velocity 2.0 Shoe
With cushion and rough-trail protection, these shoes can take on any terrain.
Gear Guide 2012: Montrail Rogue Fly Shoe
This shock absorbing shoe offers cushion and support.
Gear Guide 2012: La Sportiva Vertical K Shoe
Handle slick surfaces with these featherweight shoes.
Editors' Choice Gold 2012: Kahtoola MICROspikes
The ultimate in lightweight traction The ultimate in lightweight traction.
Editors' Choice 2012: Kühl Liberator Zip-off Pants
Our zip-off pant hater has become a believer with these stylish convertibles.