Gear Guide 2010: Boots & Footwear
Whether you need a trail runner or a burly mountaineering boot, here's the best of the year.
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Gear Review: ALITE Sexy Hotness Sleeping Bag
The Sexy Hotness has more than just a catchy name. This 20°F mate-able sleeper has features that leave other bags blushing.
Could I Get The Plague On My Hike?
I am concerned about fleas and the plague. How is is transmitted? Should I not take my dog hiking with me? Can I get it if he doesn't come?
What's Your Favorite Trail Pant?
I am having a very hard time finding the right pair of trail pants. I've searched online and found what seems to be a thousand pairs and none are the right pair. Do you have a favorite?
Gear Guide 2010: Sleeping Bags & Pads
Sleep tight in any season with these summer, three-season, and winter sleeping bags.
Ask a Bear: Does Being Disabled Make Me Tastier?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Help A Hiker Win A Trip with Our Gear Chick
Become a fan of this BACKPACKER reader's page, and we'll send him on a hike with Kristin Hostetter
Gear Review: Isis Henna Hipster Underwear & Day Bra
These chafe-free undergarments also wick away moisture.
Gear Review: Patagonia Active Boxer Briefs & Ibex Zepher Boxers
Underwear for the outdoorsy man.
Gear Review: Freestyle Shark
This waterproof watch is surfer approved.
Gear Review: Tech40 TraiLeader Jet
A wristtop altimeter, compass, and accelerometer.
Gear Review: Highgear Axio Mini
This easy-to-use watch is perfect for small wrists.
Gear Review: Yakima RackandRoll 78
A trailer-like rack that holds up to four kayaks.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Syncline
These trekking poles are cheap and light.
Gear Review: Discovery Trekking Extreme Ultralight Fast-Dry Towel
This towel packs small and absorbs a ton...except odors.
Gear Review: RADIUS Source Toothbrush
This portable toothbrush is made with recycled materials.
Gear Review: Charmin To Go Toliet Tissue
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
Gear Review: Coghlan's Tarp Clips
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
Gear Review: McNett Tenacious Tape
Repair any fabric with this super sticky tape.
Gear Review: Ultimate Survival Technology BASE Kit
This light survival kit has all the essentials.
Gear Review: Woolrich Topo/Sunrise Bluff Sun Shirt
This button-down sun shirt has a high collar and UPF 30 fabric.
Toughest Gear: Western Mountaineering Antelope Sleeping Bag
High-lofting warmth–without fail.
Toughest Gear: Patagonia Capilene Baselayer
25 years later, this Patagonia model is still the baselayer to beat.
Gear Review: Herbal Oats Granola Bars
The four Herbal Oats granola bar varieties are all-natural, preservative-free, and delicious.
Eagle Scout Off The Hook
New Hampshire decides to drop $25,000 bill for rescuing a scout on Mt. Washington
Lost: A Survival Video Diary, Pt. 1
On his first day lost in Idaho's Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness, BACKPACKER contributor Jim Thornton confronts dwindling water supplies and the daunting task of getting un-lost.
Lost in The Frank Church Wilderness! A Video Diary
What does it mean to be utterly, hopelessly, truly lost? In this video series, author Jim Thornton takes you step by step through his bid to find his way out of the Frank Church Wilderness.
Green Scene Gear: Novara Carema Pro
a fast, stable commuter perfect for bike to work month
Trail Chef: Post-Peak Pig-Outs
What's your favorite celebratory feast?
Amazing Friday Video: America's Endangered Species
Photographer Joel Sartore shoots amazing photos of America's endangered species in 'Rare'
A Quiet Morning on the Roaring Fork River
Photos by Mike J. Donley
Video: Wisconsin's White Deer
Brilliant albino deer haunt the woods near Boulder Junction, Wis.
Free Entry to Any National Park April 17-25
who says nothing is free?
How Can I Stop Sliding Off My Sleeping Pad?
I love my sleeping bag/pad combo, except for one thing. I can't stop sliding off the pad! Is there anything that I can do to my pad to cut down on the sliding?
Gear Review: Sport Science Rainbow Tee
Technical tie-dye hiking shirt kicks off weekly Gear Reviews
BACKPACKER's National Parks Hall of Fame
Plan your summer adventures with our new National Parks Center
Gear Review: Sport Science Shortsleeve Rainbow Tee
This hiking shirt blends hippie style with technical attributes.
13-Year-Old Climber Bound for Everest
Jordan Romero leaves for Kathmandu in hopes of becoming the youngest person atop the Seven Summits
Outdoor Writer Busted for Weed…in Weed, Calif.
Well-known San Francisco Chronicle outdoors writer Tom Stienstra busted in hometown of Weed, Calif. for growing marijuana
Backpacker Photo School: Best Lens
Which lens is best for the backcountry? HereÂ’s what our staff thinks. Also, mini reviews of Canon lenses.
Trail Chef: Easter Eggs Benedict
Who says you can't enjoy fresh poached eggs in the backcountry?
National Parks Free April 17-25
Salazar waives entrance fees for all national parks during National Parks Week
April Fools: The Outdoor Roundup
GU introduces savory flavors, Dairy Queen renames Boundary Waters, and a pregnant woman hopes to climb Everest
Toughest Gear: LOWA Trekker/Lady Sport Boot
Quite possibly, the last boots you'll buy.
BACKPACKER Editors' Toughest Gear
Thirty indestructible gear picks from two decades of hardcore field-testing.
Toughest Gear: CamelBak Omega Hydration Bladder
We ran this hydration bladder over with a truck...and nothing happened.
Toughest Gear: Garcia Machine Backpackers' Cache and MontBell Handy Scoop
These bear canisters have been making bears sad since 1982.
Toughest Gear: Trails Illustrated Maps
These waterproof maps are unruffled by rain, sleet, and snow.
Toughest Gear: Arc'teryx Bora Backpack
Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.
Toughest Gear: Smith Slider Sunglasses
These sunglasses come with four lens for lasting protection.
Toughest Gear: Outdoor Research Crocodiles Gaiters
These gaiters are waterproof armor for your legs.
Toughest Gear: Beyond Clothing Steel Shock
Proof that clothes that fit better last longer.
Toughest Gear: Patagonia Regulator Series
Fleece sturdy enough to satisfy an Argonaut.
Toughest Gear: Ibex Icefall Jacket
This stretch-nylon softshell jacket is one of the most-worn garments in our gear closet.
Toughest Gear: ThorLo Classic Hiking Socks
These socks have padding that won't quit.
Toughest Gear: Feathered Friends Helios Jacket
This Feathered Friends puffy jacket stays fatter than a StayPuff marshmallow.
Toughest Gear: Nikon D70 Camera
Can't-miss camera for all conditions.
Toughest Gear: Crazy Creek Original Camp Chair
A decade-plus of camp chair relaxation.
Toughest Gear: MSR XGK-EX Stove
A masterpiece of no-compromise indestructibility.
Toughest Gear: MSR Alpine Cookware and GSI Cascadian Bowls
Pots for the masses–and the ages.
Toughest Gear: Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket
This Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket is overkill when you need it.
Toughest Gear: Fox River X-Static Liner, Chaco Sandals, and MSR Dromedary
No stink sock liners, rough & tough sandals, and a puncture-proof water bag.
Toughest Gear: Therm-a-Rest Z-Rest Sleeping Pad
The perfect balance for a sleeping pad: warm, light, soft, and puncture-proof.
Toughest Gear: Magellan Meridian
A groundbreaking GPS that just won't break.
Toughest Gear: Leatherman Juice C2 Multitool
This multitool is tougher than any task it might face.
Toughest Gear: Mountain Hardwear Transition Jacket
The toughest, most versatile windshirt around.
Toughest Gear: Sierra Designs Tiros Tent & MSR Tough Gear
In high camps, the Sierra Designs Tiros is often the last tent standing.
Zero Impact Challenge: La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 GTX
The test's best trail performer nets savings by cutting weight and waste.
Zero Impact Challenge: Wolverine Zeke
As we saw with packs and bags, weight savings equal carbon savings.
Zero Impact Challenge: Hi-Tec Altitude IV Enviro
Eco-friendly leather and recycled fabrics turn this bestseller green.
Zero Impact Challenge: Oboz Beartooth Boots
An upstart blows the doors off with recycled and natural materials.
Boots: Zero Impact Challenge
Five manufacturers answer our call to design greener trail shoes.
How Long Is Water Potable in My Hydration Bladder?
How long will water stay potable in my hydration bladder? Can I add anything to make it last longer?
Zero Impact Challenge: Patagonia P26
Solid on the trail, this entry sparks a philosophical debate.
Spring Hikes: Trip Planner
From Georgia to Oregon, spring blossoms are finally pushing through the winter frost. That means it's time to clear the cobwebs out of the boot soles and bag your first hike of the spring. Here's our exclusive guide to the best spring dayhikes around the country from east, middle, and west.
Weekly Wolf: Sightings in Michigan, NYC Coyotes, Montana Ranch Battles, and Idaho Elk Scares
Wily wolves keep their canines on this week's wildlife news cycle
Most States Could Generate All Their Electricity With Renewables
new study shows potential of wind power and other renewables is huge
Mountain Golf Fail: Hiker Launches Pack Off Cliff
A hiker's golf-swing prank atop Canada's Mt. Rundle goes hilariously awry when his stroke connects with his pack
Quick Video: Finding a Southern Utah ruin
For something different, sharing a little weekend discovery
Bear of a Monday
Minnesota bear researcher brings black bears to Today Show; den cams draw 90K+ Facebook fans