Gear Review: The North Face Backpack Bivy
This "Bivy" is actually a bomber two-pole solo tent.
Author
Steve Howe
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Gear Review: The North Face El Lobo 65
This stable pack has tons of padding and support.
Gear Review: Gregory Makalu Pro 70 Backpack
A single compartment backpack that hauls big loads.
Gear Review: Millet Odyssee 60+10 Backpack
This pack moves with you.
Gear Review: Lowe Alpine Nanon 50:60 Backpack
This lightweight pack doesn't skimp on support or organizational features.
Gear Review: GoLite Quest Backpack
Light, comfortable, and endlessly packable–this pack really does it all.
Gear Guide 2010: Backpacks
These packs allow hikers to travel fast and comfortably thanks to dynamic suspensions and weight-saving materials.
Measure Your Torso for a Perfect Backpack Fit
Measure your torso to guarantee a perfect fit. Then hit the gear shop with our proven buying tips to find the best pack for your body type.
The 10 Survival Essentials
Update your survival kit for 2010.
Gear Review: Osprey Aether 70/Ariel 65 Weeklong Pack
Don't worry, the updates to these tried-and-true packs are worthy.
Gear Review: REI XT 85/XT 75 Weeklong Pack
These packs have everything but added weight.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Wiki 65/Nalu 60 Weeklong Pack
This pack is always comfortable regardless of weight.
Gear Review: Deuter ACT Lite 65 + 10/60 + 10 SL Weeklong Pack
This pared-down pack hauls big loads.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Infinity 60/Innova 60 Weeklong Pack
A dynamic suspension gives this pack all-day comfort.
Gear Review: Mammut Trion Guide 45+ Weekend Pack
Soft shoulder blade and lumbar pads ensure comfort no matter the payload.
Gear Review: Mountainsmith Lariat 65+/Juniper 50+ Weekend Pack
These Transformers-worthy packs sport convertible fanny packs and summit packs.
Gear Review: Deuter Spectro AC 32/28SL
This stable pack is made for rough terrain.
Gear Review: Granite Gear Escape AC 60/Escape AC 60 K Ultralight Weekend Pack
A great choice for mileage-oriented trekkers who want an ultralight pack that can handle any load.
Gear Review: Gregory Z55/Jade 50
This pack has total load transfer, comfort, and a conveniently laid-out packbag.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Fluid 32 Daypack
This daypack wears skis and ice axes as accessories.
Gear Review: CamelBak Vantage 35/Vista 32 Hydration Pack
Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.
Gear Review: Kelty Lakota 4000 Weekend Pack
This pack hits a sweet spot for affordability and performance.
Gear Review: ClikElite Nature 35 Camera Pack
This is a true hiker's camera pack.
Gear Review: Marmot Eiger 40 XT Daypack
This workhorse pack has been redesigned with an easy-access opening.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Nitro/Pulse Daypack
This daypack is made for scrambling and holds up to 25 pounds.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro: Photo Survival Guide
The outdoors can be tough on a camera, so be prepared with this survival guide.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro
Our top photographers share their secrets. Plus: 6 trail-friendly cameras.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro: Cameras
You can't shoot like a pro, if you don't have the right camera. Here, six models for every type of shooter.
Shoot Like a Pro: Cameras – Panasonic DMC LX3K
This point-and-shoot works great in low light and has manual controls.
Shoot Like a Pro: Cameras – Pentax Optio W80
This waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof camera produces vivid photos and video.
Shoot Like a Pro: Cameras – Olympus Stylus Tough-8000
This slim, waterproof point-and-shoot has great image stabilization.
Shoot Like a Pro: Cameras – Olympus E-P1
This Olympus has interchangeable lenses that take magazine-worthy shots.
Shoot Like a Pro: Cameras – Pentax K-x
This DSLR is under $700 and works great for landscape and wildlife shots.
How to Shoot Like a Pro: Cameras – Nikon D300s
This still and video camera comes complete with 10 in-camera editing features.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro: Photo Editing Software
Refine your work with these top programs.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro: Exposure
Learn the basics of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro: Wildlife
Capture great wildlife photos with patience and know-how regarding their movements and your camera.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro: Night Photography
Avoid grainy nighttime shots by shooting at a low ISO.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro: Action Shots
Learn when to stop the action or pan along for the best shot.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro: Summits
Emphasize the steepness, and the accomplishment, with these techniques.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro: Portraits
Get a classic shot of friends or family.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro: When to Shoot What
High noon. Check. Dawn and dusk. Check. Overcast days. Check.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro: Landscapes – Water & Snow
Water and snow shots can be a lighting nightmare--but not with these tips.
Shoot Like a Pro: Landscapes – Wide Angle, Zoom, & Macro
Whether you're shooting wide angle or on zoom, learn how to best capture the beautiful scenery around you.
Shoot Photos Like a Pro: Composition
Just getting started? Master these basic rules to improve all of your pictures.
Ultimate Rocky Mountain Destinations
Disappear into Yellowstone's forgotten peaks. Bag Colorado's most exciting Fourteener. Hike Utah's unknown long trail Our field editors pick 24 epics for your Rockies life list.
The Big Easy: Backpack Alaska
Plan your perfect Alaskan trip–from a budget-friendly weekend to an entry-level expedition–with field reports from Steve Howe.
Destination Alaska: Castner Glacier
Witness the effects of climate change on a challenging trek in the Delta Mountains.
Destination Alaska: Devil's Pass
Easy routefinding and life-list sights make this thru-hike a must for Alaska novices.
Destination Alaska: Grizzly Pass
Hike to a private paradise deep in the Talkeetna Mountains.
Destination Alaska: Dayhike Harding Icefield
Hike a classic in Kenai Fjords–and escape the crowds by making it an overnight.
Destination Alaska: The Goat Trail
Tackle an epic route through Chitistone Canyon in Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve.
Destinatons Alaska: Johnson Pass
Hike a historic, kid-friendly trail to wildflower meadows and fish-filled lakes.
Destination Alaska: Flute Glacier
Just minutes from town, score big scenery fast on the South Fork of Eagle River.
Destination Alaska: Lost Lake, Chugach Mountains
Bring plenty of supplies to this alpine plateau in the Chugach Mountains–you'll want to extend your stay.
Destination Alaska: Thompson Pass
See the awesome Valdez Mountains on this off-trail adventure to Point Odyssey and beyond.
Southern Rockies: Truchas Traverse, NM
Hit three 13,000-foot peaks in the wildest wilderness south of Glacier.
Southern Rockies: Wheeler Peak, NM
Climb to the crown of the Sangre de Cristo Range.
Southern Rockies: Twilight Peaks, CO
Explore a secret wonderland in the West Needle Mountains.
Southern Rockies: Continental Divide Trail, CO
Hike high on this above-treeline route through the Weminuche Wilderness.
Central Rockies: Green River Lakes, WY
Hike to the heart of the Winds.
Central Rockies: Mount of the Holy Cross Loop, CO
Scramble to a remote refuge on this peak's secret side.
Central Rockies: Highline Trail, UT
Discover Utah's best-kept secret.
Northern Rockies: Gallatin Skyline, Yellowstone National Park
Go high for the see-it-all hike in this iconic park.
Northern Rockies: Dawson Pass Loop, Glacier National Park
See the best of Montana without the crowds.
Northern Rockies: Moose Creek, Grand Teton National Park
Find solitude with this surf-and-turf trip.
Northern Rockies: Thompson Peak, ID
Climb the high point of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Northern Rockies: Imogene Pass Loop, ID
Swim, climb, nap–repeat. This Sawtooths trek has it all.
Beginner's Guide to Winter Camping, Part V: Winter Luxury
Final words on the luxury side of winter
Beginner's Guide to Winter Camping: A Seven Part Series
Rocky Mountain Editor and survival blogger Steve Howe gets you out of the house on your first winter camping trip with this seven-part how-to guide.
Beginner's Guide to Winter Camping Part IV: Your First Winter Overnight
It's a big step. Here's how to do it right.
Beginner's Guide to Winter Camping, Part III: Planning Your First Winter Campout
Plan right and you're bound for the best winter camping experience possible.
Beginner's Guide to Winter Camping, Part II: Gear Up
Picking the right equipment is key to having fun in the snow.
Beginner's Guide to Winter Camping; Part I: Get Outside!
We drop some wisdom and gets you inspired in this beginner's guide.
How to Start a Fire With Fungus
Chaga, or "tinder fungus" and other natural firestarters abound in the backcountry–you just have to know where to look for them.
How to Lead a Summit Hike
Keep a group of peakbaggers safe with these field-proven tips.
Gear Review: Gregory Palisade 80 Pack
This big-load pack carries heavy weight with ease.
Rip & Go: Under-the-Rim Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Dupe the daytrippers on this rugged trail to brilliantly colored backcountry cliffs and hoodoos.
Ridge Runner: An Interview with Glenn Dunmire
Undeterred by injuries that would cripple most men, a Colorado hiker nears the halfway point in a pioneering attempt to thru-hike the true crest of the Continental Divide.
Gear Guide 2009: Weeklong Packs
Heading out for a long haul? With these backpacks, you'll have the room you need for long trail comfort.