Gear Review: Outdoor Research Echo Cap
A stretchy, superbreathable sun hat.
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Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Downpour Wide Brim Rain Hat
A storm shell and umbrella for your head
Gear Review: Chaos Dri-Release Multi-Tasker Pro Balaclava
A versatile balaclava made of a blend of fabrics.
Gear Review: ENO ProNest Hammock
Set up camp anywhere with this easy-to-use hammock.
Gear Review: Apples to Apples
While away tent hours with this fun card game.
Gear Review: Black Diamond GTX FrontPoint Gaiters
Bomber gaiters that block out slime.
Gear Review: Stoic Welder Gauntlet Mitt
A 100-percent wool-lined glove that heats hands instantly.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Arc Gloves
A great all-purpose glove for high-output activities.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Backstop Gloves
Gore Windstopper covers the back of the hand from cuff to fingertips.
Gear Review: Pre-packaged Desserts
Follow a day of hiking with one of these yummy desserts.
Gear Review: Zeal Tenacity Sunglasses
High performance shades scaled down to fit small and medium faces.
Gear Review: Julbo MonteBianco Sunglasses
High-elevation glasses that have city street style.
Gear Review: Ryders Eyewear Vela Interchangeable Sunglasses
High quality interchangeable optics for one low price.
Gear Review: Smith Pivlock V90 Sunglasses
Rimless and interchangeable
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.
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?