Gear Review: Adventure Medical Kits' S.O.L. 3 Survival, Medical & Gear Repair Pak
A first aid kit that can handle way more than blisters.
All Content
Gear Review: Handpresso Wild
Caffeine in the palm of your hand–no plumbing or plugs required.
Gear Review: Nuun U Natural Hydration Tablets
A subtle way to mask chemically treated water.
Gear Review: Planet Dog Natural Hemp Adjustable Collar and Leash
Check out Kelly Bastone's author page.
Gear Review: Ruff Wear Cloud Chaser
A primo softshell jacket...for your dog.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Contact Crampons
Stainless steel crampons that bite into ice and repel slushy buildup.
Editors' Choice 2011: TrekSta Evolution Mid GTX
Ultralight, waterproof hikers that have all-day comfort and superb traction.
Gear Guide 2011: Daypacks
For a day outside, grab one of these trail-tested packs.
Gear Review: Osprey Sirrus 24 Women's Daypack
The fit and comfort of this pack scored high with all our female testers.
Gear Review: Deuter Speed Lite 15
A 15 liter daypack that's small, light, and tough.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Axis 33 Daypack
A tough pack made for climbing rock.
Gear Review: Mammut Creon Light 32 Daypack
If you only want one daypack, ever, this is your pack.
Gear Review: ContourHD Camera
A tiny helmet cam with above average sound quality.
Gear Review: CamelBak Highwire 25 Daypack
A 100-ounce reservoir makes this hydration pack the best of the bunch.
Gear Review: Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA102YL Camera
A waterproof video camera that's reasonably priced.
Gear Review: Pentax K-5 Camera
A tough DSLR that's perfect for shooting wildlife thanks to its quiet shutter.
Gear Review: Pentax Optio W90 Camera
An all-conditions, high-value performance point-and-shoot camera.
Gear Review: Brunton Pioneer 26DNL Compass
A compass that floats.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Shoe
550-fill down booties that are perfect winter camp shoes.
Gear Review: Patagonia Advocate Shoes
A leather slipper with a rubber sole–the perfect camp shoe.
Gear Review: Therm-a-Rest Trekker Lounge Chair
Turn any standard-size sleeping pad into a decadent recliner.
Gear Review: Clik Elite Access Pack
A light and streamlined chest camera pack.
Gear Review: Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle
A double-wall insulated bottle that is amazingly effective for its weight.
Gear Review: Brunton Eterna Compact 10×25 Binoculars
Powerful optics that pack small.
Gear Review: Pentax Papilio 8.5×21 Binoculars
A bargain binocular that doubles as a backcountry microscope.
Gear Review: Mammut Smart Alpine Belay Device
A versatile belay device that works with single, double, and some twin ropes. It also offers active braking support.
Gear Review: Ibex Shak Lite Half Zip Baselayer
A heavyweight baselayer that's soft and fitted, and stretch and warm.
Gear Review: WinterSilks Long Sleeve Silk Wool Crewneck and Pant Baselayers
This 70/30 silk/wool baselayer keeps you warm while also wicking.
Gear Review: Patagonia L/S Polarized Tee Baselayer
A 100% polyester t-shirt that feels just like cotton.
Gear Review: Helly Hansen Pace SS Baselayer
A polypropylene/polyester blended baselayer that wicks away sweat.
How To Slideshow: FIx and Maintain Your Trekking Poles
Make those tried and true trekking poles last forever with these maintenance tips.
Trail Chef: Chefs Mike Faverman and Pat Mac's Mouthwatering Dill Salmon
We review their new recipe book Ultimate Camp Cooking. Plus: their easy-cook Dill Salmon recipe.
How to Fix Trekking Poles
Use these simple DIY tips to keep your trekking poles secure and easy to adjust.
Gear Review: High Peak Chameleon 20/0
A budget-conscious convertible bag that changes to match its environment.
Spooning with a Snake
I like sleeping under the stars. Is the fabled "rattler joins camper in his sleeping bag" tale at all a meaningful risk?
Chlorine Dioxide Expiration
What is the shelf life of chlorine dioxide tablets?
The Birth of the Rockies
A new theory might solve the mystery of how these mountains formed.
Gear Review: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker Pad
The Trekker is a more affordable descendant of the NeoAir, which won our Editors' Choice Award in 2009.
Gear Review: MSR Evo Tour Snowshoes
They're nimble, versatile, and by far the easiest snowshoe binding I've ever used.
Trail Chef: Irish Potato Candy
Lads and lasses, stuff your gobs with these tasty treats.
Decomposition of Human Waste
How long does it take for human feces in a cathole to break down into soil?
How-To Slideshow: Learn to Hang a Bear Bag
Learn to use this lightweight method of getting your food out of a bear's reach.
Almost Editors' Choice
5 near-perfect pieces of gear in our 2011 Editors' Choice testing
Editors' Choice 2011 Gold Award: Icebreaker Hopper T
Buy now, wear forever.
Editors' Choice 2011 Green Award: The North Face Venture Jacket
Get total weather protection for half the gas.
How to Hang a Bear Bag–PCT Style
This method is popular with ultralight thru-hikers and requires two materials that you don't normally carry (cord and carabiner). Like all bag hangs, it can be foiled by smart, food-conditioned bruins. Check regulations to make sure bag hangs are legal.
Get Higher: Best Firetower Hikes
For sheltered scenery high above the trees, there's no better place than a fire tower. Try one of these editor-approved hikes to backcountry rooms with a view.
Everest Contaminated by Toxic Metals
New research reveals high levels of arsenic and cadmium in the mountain's snow and soil. Plus: Should you worry about similar pollution in North America's high country?
Ask A Bear: Stay Away From My Honey!
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Crooked Toe
Because of a toe injury, my index toe now bends to the left. Should I do anything about it?
Editors' Choice 2011: TrekSta Evolution Mid GTX Hiking Boot
Get instant, all-day comfort and superb traction with this ultralight waterproof hiker.
Editors' Choice 2011: Rab Boreas/Aurora Pull-On Softshell Jacket
Get a softshell that's so light and versatile, you won't leave it behind on multiday treks.
Editors' Choice 2011: SteriPEN Adventurer Opti
This ultralight water purifier is fast, easy, and leaves zero aftertaste.
Editors' Choice 2011: Nemo Astro Insulated Sleeping Pad and Pillowtop
Upgrade your zzzzz's with this luxe and versatile system.
Editors' Choice 2011: Marmot Plasma 15 and 30 Sleeping Bags
In the quest for maximum warmth at minimum weight, we have a new standard setter.
Editors' Choice 2011: Kelty Salida 2 Tent
This sub-four-pound bargain brings ultralight shelter to the masses.
Editors' Choice 2011: Salewa Alp Trainer Mid
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Editors' Choice 2011: Granite Gear Blaze AC 60
Want a lightweight pack with the guts for big-load trips? This best-in-class suspension delivers.
Editors' Choice 2011: Black Diamond Ultra Distance Z-Poles
Get a grip on the best carbon poles we've ever tested.
Editors' Choice 2011: MontBell Alpine Light Down Parka
Low weight, high warmth, and modest price make this jacket a perfect fit.
Editors' Choice 2011: DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
Editors' Choice 2011: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL4 Tent
Where are the smoke and mirrors? This family-size tent weighs the same as some two-person shelters.
Why Internal Frame Backpacks?
I have been away from backpacking for a while, why the shift away from external frame backpacks?
How to Patch a Siliconized Pack Cover?
What's the best way to patch a tear in a siliconized Cordura pack cover?
Prescription Sunglasses Alternatives
I need prescription sunglasses, but can't afford them. Do you have any cheap sunglasses solutions that won't make me look like a geriatric?
Packable Rectangular Sleeping Bag
I'm looking for a super packable rectangular sleeping bag–do they exist?
Got Busted Gear?
Gear editor Kristin Hostetter is working on a new book and she wants your dirty, broken gear to fix up.
Dan's Wild Berry Trout Recipe
Dress up your fresh caught trout with this delicious wild berry compote.
How To: Execute a Downhill Kick Turn
This basic survival skiing turn is a backcountry staple for experts and novices alike.
Trail Chef: Tomato Pasta with Spinach-Cheese Sauce
New research shows spinach makes your muscles work more efficiently, so power up with this savory dish.
Is Iodine Effective?
I have always used the "Potable Aqua" pills to treat water in the wilderness. Now I hear that they won't kill one or two specific water-borne diseases. Is this true, and if so, what can I do to kill the extra germs?
Local Hikes: Mountain West
Hike Denver's lost wilderness, a twofer of peaks in Idaho, lava tubes in New Mexico, Zion's sneak route, and Bozeman's trout-filled lake.
Learn to Do a Downhill Kick Turn
This basic survival skiing turn is a backcountry staple for experts and novices alike.
Prof. Hike: Catching Hiking's Most Wanted
The most dangerous mistakes are the ones you don't recognize.
Gear Review: Feathered Friends Peregrine eVent Sleeping Bag
Packed with 850-plus-fill down, this bag lofts up a full nine inches, yet remains remarkably packable.
Gear Review: Mammut Altitude Winter Sleeping Bag
The Altitude's 800-fill down is protected from the elements by a waterproof/breathable ShelterTX shell and full-length, rubberized, splashproof zipper.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear ExtraLamina 0 Sleeping Bag
Three inches of extra space in the shoulder area make this a primo bag for the broad shouldered.
Editors' Choice 2011: DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator
Call for emergeny help and stay connected back home with these two high-tech gadgets.
Gear Review: REI Radiant 0 Sleeping Bag
Winter camping becomes budget friendly with this 0° bag.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Pyro 15 Sleeping Bag
The Pyro is the economical solution if you need a 15°F bag in 30°F temps.