Gear School 2009: Essentials
From sleeping pads to trekking poles, we'll have you good to go in no time.
All Content
Gear School 2009: Sleeping Bags
Save your down, seal up tears, and get ready for wet weather with the all-inclusive guide.
Gear School 2009: Tents
Mend a broken pole, fix leaky seams, and get rid of that musty smell.
Gear School 2009: Packs
Learn how to fix snagging zippers, re-waterproof material, deal with frayed fabric, and more.
The Portable Toilet: Refined, Sexy and Biodegradable
A Chinese student invents new way to pop a squat. Could this be the end of blue bags and cat holes?
World's Highest Cricket Game
State official nearly ruins cricket game scheduled for Everest
EPA's Most Wanted
Be a cop for the EPA by keeping an eye out for environmental fugitives
Your Grass Can Be Greener
How to minimize the environmental impact of your (great looking) lawn
$40,500 Reward for Condor Shooters
Feds & P.I. on case, as cash reward amount grows
Eagle Cam: the modern day birdÂ’s-eye view
Want to experience the avian wonders of the wild but it's too cold to leave your couch? Satisfy your inner voyeur with Xcel Energy's Bird Cams.
Climate Friendly Parks
NPS teams with EPA to reduce carbon at National Parks
Tired of Survivorman? Try Survivordog
Australian cattle dog survives on remote island for four months
New Trips This Week: Arizona, New Hampshire, Kansas
Grand Canyon 3D-Flyover headlines three new BACKPACKER classics. Download and go now!
Colorado Introduces Carbon Offset License Plate
Feeling guilty about pollution but can't part with your SUV? Now you can proudly display your autophobia over your exhaust pipe.
Trail Chef: Quinoa—A Grain with a Twist
Try this nutty, protein-packed meal: Reader submitted, editor approved!
Everest/First Ascents: Arrival at Base Camp!
The team finally stops trekking and prepares to make an assault on the world's highest mountain.
Cougars: Run or Stand Your Ground?
New evidence contradicts classic advice to stand still and not run away during a mountain-lion encounter.
24 Hours on Everest Summit
Three Sherpa brothers plan to hang out, pray, and break record on world's highest peak
Kayak King: Q&A with Brad Ludden
It's not just waves, eddies, and rodeo rolls for pro kayaker Brad Ludden. The 27-year-old has parlayed his success into helping others with his cancer foundation, First Descents. We caught up with Ludden for the lowdown on the foundation and what's next on his extreme life list.
Easter Vanishings and Resurrections
A quick survey of the missing, the found, and the lucky
iPhone Apps Hit the Trail
On your next trek, forget the compass—there's an app for that
Adventure Film 101: Adventure Sports for Film People?
As a filmmaker, the best rock climbers, kayakers, mountaineers and cavers can be your mentors. Pay attention. You'll make better movies.
American Croc Numbers Rise
No, were not talking about those colorful rubber shoes—we’re talking 11-foot reptiles
Everest/First Ascents: Night in Gorak Shep
The team fights off altitude sickness and infection on their last day before arriving at Everest Base Camp
Smarter Than the Average Bear
Six-mile stretch of Appalachian Trail closed due to clever and hungry bear
Survivorman Returns—This Time, For the Kids
Les Stroud's 'Survive This' takes kids into the wilderness and tasks them with finding their inner 'Survivorman'
Does DEET Attract Bears?
Is it safe to wear DEET in summer when bears are around? I've heard the bear will come after you because it smells.
Bio Electrification
Viruses may be the next source of juice in your AA, AAA and laptop batteries
Everest/First Ascents: Yak Transit and Missing Luggage
Under fresh snow at 16,200 feet, Peter Whittaker and the First Ascents team scramble to arrange for their gear arrival
BACKPACKER, Back in the Day
A look at backpacking history through the archived issues of our magazine
Gear Guide 2009: Brooks Range Ultralight Guide Tarp Review
Our top ultralight tarp ensures versatility with no weight.
Gear Guide 2009: MSR Zing Tent Review
This tarp is best for groups of campers.
Gear Guide 2009: Nemo Losi 3P Tent Review
Our best all-around 3-person tent combines the best of space, weight, and weatherproofing.
Gear Guide 2009: Sierra Designs Vapor Light 2 Tent Review
This top ultralight stood up to fierce winds in Alaska, and is a snap to set up.
Gear Guide 2009: Kelty Gunnison 2.1 Tent Review
This light, large, and affordable tent will appeal to almost any three-season camper.
Gear Guide 2009: Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 1 Tent Review
Roomy, rugged, and light-as-a-feather--that's why the Fly Creek is this year's pick for best all-around solo tent.
Gear Guide 2009: Sierra Designs Convert 2 Tent Review
This is one of the lightest, toughest four-season tent on the market.
Gear Guide 2009: REI Cirque ASL 2 Tent Review
Want to get a winter tent without breaking the bank? The Cirque is the tent for you.
Gear Guide 2009: MSR Dragontail Tent Review
This winter tent is long, lean, and livable.
Gear Guide 2009: Black Diamond Stormtrack Tent Review
Black Diamond's Stormtrack will keep even giants warm in the mountains.
Gear Guide 2009: Big Agnes String Ridge 2 Tent Review
Adequate space, bomber construction, and light weight make the String Ridge our pick for this year's best mountaineering tent.
Gear Guide 2009: The North Face Minibus 33 Tent Review
The Minibus is just like its namesake: Roomy, big, and heavy.
Gear Guide 2009: Sierra Designs Zeta 3 Tent Review
Space and price align in the Zeta 3.
Gear Guide 2009: Marmot Crib 3P Tent Review
If you're taller than tall, the Marmot Crib could be for you.
Gear Guide 2009: Ground Ajanta 3 Tent Review
The Ajanta feels bigger than you'd ever expect, and comes at a sweet price
Gear Guide 2009: Black Diamond Oasis Tent Review
Not even the strongest winds can faze the roomy Black Diamond Oasis.
Gear Guide 2009: Big Agnes Slide Mountain SL 3 Tent Review
Rain making your fly droop? Adjust your tent from the inside with this pricey tent.
Gear Guide 2009: The North Face Madraque 23 Tent Review
This extra-large tent dwarfs all other "big-guy" tents.
Gear Guide 2009: Tarptent Double Rainbow Tent Review
Tarptent's innovative tent creates an ultralight solution for big campers.
Gear Guide 2009: REI Hoodoo 2 Tent Review
The Hoodoo isn't exactly ultralight, but it provides plush quarters for a great price.
Gear Guide 2009: Nemo Nano OZ Tent Review
This eco-friendly single-wall tent doesn't skimp on quality features.
Gear Guide 2009: MSR Carbon Reflex 2 Tent Review
Want double walls but low weight? Try the Carbon Reflex 2.
Gear Guide 2009: Mountain Hardwear Taurine 2 Tent Review
The Taurine tackles both light-and-fast summer jaunts and heavy winter expeditions.
Gear Guide 2009: GoLite Valhalla 2+ Tent Review
This all-conditions champ can handle any weather in any season.
Gear Guide 2009: Exped Aries Mesh Tent Review
This tent matches ultralight values with tough design.
Gear Guide 2009: Eureka Zeus 2 Classic Tent Review
Check out Kelly Bastone's author page.
Gear Guide 2009: Tarptent Contrail Tent Review
The lightest solo tent tested is also--surprise--the biggest.
Gear Guide 2009: Nemo Gogo EX Tent Review
The Nemo Gogo works great for tall hikers--provided you don't mind not sitting up.
Gear Guide 2009: MSR Skinny One Tent Review
This huge, livable solo tent is also a killer deal.
Gear Guide 2009: MontBell Crescent 1 Tent Review
Perfect for stargazers, the MontBell Crescent offers 180-degree views of the night sky.
Gear Guide 2009: Kelty Corrie 1 Tent Review
This high-and-wide tent is meant for one, but can fit two, provided they're under six feet tall.
Gear Guide 2009: Scarpa Kailash GTX Boot Review
This Gore-Tex hiking boot has only improved since we named it Editors' Choice last year.
Gear Guide 2009: La Sportiva FC 3.0 Boot Review
Expect heavy-duty performance in this lightweight hiking boot by La Sportiva.
Gear Guide 2009: Lafuma X Light Mid OT Boot Review
The Outdry treatment and ultralight weight mean this hiking shoe will go wherever you do.
Gear Guide 2009: Five Ten Exum Guide Boot Review
Get a grip—the soles of these boots stick to any surface.
Gear Guide 2009: Zamberlan Lhasa GT RR Boot Review
These boots are tough on terrain but nice and comfortable on feet.
Gear Guide 2009: Vasque Radiator Boot Review
Heavy loads and dangerous terrain are no obstacle for these waterproof mountaineering boots.
Gear Guide 2009: The North Face Jannu GTX Boot Review
The North Face packs extreme waterproofing and long distance comfort into this bargain boot.
Gear Guide 2009: Scarpa Barun GTX Boot Review
This boot is the perfect fit from the first lace-up to the top of the tallest, wettest mountain.
Gear Guide 2009: LOWA Tibet Pro GTX Boot Review
For tough hikes with heavy loads and varying terrain, choose this waterproof and super supportive boot.
Gear Guide 2009: LOWA Khumbu Ice GTX Boot Review
Brave cold, wet weather with LOWA's sturdy, Gore-Tex winter boot.
Gear Guide 2009: Kayland Contact Boot Review
Don't let the tough and sturdy exterior fool you—inside this boot is pure, luxurious comfort.
Gear Guide 2009: Hi-Tec Cascadia XCm eVent Boot Review
Tackle the soggiest, wettest, and coldest terrain with this solid traction boot.
Gear Guide 2009: Asolo Lothar Gv Boot Review
For all-around performance, check out this ultralight and super comfortable boot.
Gear Guide 2009: Merrell Chameleon Leather Mid WP Boot Review
Submerge these comfortable waterproof boots in snow and your toes will never know the difference.
Gear Guide 2009: Kamik Northfield Boot Review
For extreme waterproofing at a good price, you can't beat these insulated, high cut boots.
Gear Guide 2009: KEEN Oregon PCT Boot Review
Scramble, bushwhack, and ascend with this all-around solid boot.
Gear Guide 2009: Kayland Vertigo Light Boot Review
This updated Editors' Choice winner stays true to its roots—but now it's a lighter and more breathable boot.
Gear Guide 2009: Hi-Tec V-Lite Mach 2.0 eVent Boot Review
You won't find a boot more supportive or breathable with this low of a price tag.
Gear Guide 2009: Vasque Velocity VST GTX Boot Review
For lightweight versatility, lace up this low-cut and supportive shoe.