Gear Reviews

The Harry Potter hat for AT hikers: a bandanna that doubles as the key to the trail.

Don't throw big-ticket boots in the bin when a quick makeover will do the trick.

This sack earns high marks as an affordable, versatile summer bag.

This upgrade suits the fastpacker's need for a roomy, bugproof tent during hot and humid nights.

Keep your wallet and load a little lighter with Outdoor Research, Marmot, and Integral Designs

Prevent embarassing, water-wasting splashes by replacing your water bottle's lid with the Gription.

Excellent fit, support, and waterproofing set a high bar for low-priced boots.

On hot summer days, these breathable shoes beat the heat.

A cushy sole makes these a good choice for long trail days.

These nimble shoes are a steal for hikers with narrow feet.

Add valuable intermediate techniques to your shooting repertoire.

Learn your camera's capabilities by doing, not reading.

Before you buy a camera, you have to get some details straight. Here's a list of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.

At first glance, digital cameras can be intimidating. Use this guide to take the guesswork out of the features on your camera.

Not sure if you need a digital camera you can put in your pocket or one with all the lenses and accessories? No problem. Here's a guide to help you make the right choice.

Troubleshooting tips for 9 common problems

6 tricks for successful backcountry shooting

Cram all of your stuff and your hiking partner's five extra bags of gorp into this light daypack.

Three field-tested bags and how they'll save money, space, and your feet

Stop dreaming, start planning with our top tips and picks for boots and gaiters

New Zealand is pretty to look at, but harsh on gear--making it just what we needed for our Kiwi challenge.

Young hikers deserve performance shoes

These boats are so light they redefine where you can paddle

Not going light? Experience a revolution in big-load backpack comfort

Slip into the most comfortable all-leather backpacking boot you've worn in years

This ultralight weekender stabilizes any load

This versatile midsize pack is the sweetest deal of the year

Two tried-and-true favorites--the Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero and the Smith Sliders sunglasses--join our gear hall of fame

Meet the new benchmark in lightweight, three-season shelter

Use a map, compass, and GPS unit to plot an ambitious route with this beginner's guide to bushwhacking

These Editors' Choice Green Award-winning socks are soft on the planet-and your feet

Be cool in fastpacking's finest footwear

Satellite broadcasting gets light, cheap, and trailworthy

Stay dry in the wettest weather with this lid, winner of a 2005 Editors' Choice Gold Award

Pamper your feet with the most supportive footbeds we've tested

Winners of the 2005 Editors' Choice Gold Award, these innovative shades continue to lead eyewear evolution.

Get started--or get simple--with the best GPS deal

If you wake up wanting to walk 1,000 miles, go out and purchase a pair of these first.

If there's a rough and tough masochist in the ultralight category, it's the Cyclone.

This shoe fits the fastpacker interested in traveling long distances on hot days.

Despite its name, Garmont's lighter boot provides excellent support, but a bit too much for fastpackers and trail runners.

Just ask our Northwest editor how these boots hold up and he'll tell you a little bit about the 13-mile, 6,000-foot-elevation trail he covered. Easy as instant-pudding pie.

Don't underestimate the power of this model's plus sign -- the new and improved shoe almost offers too much to use the same name.

Your complete guide to the latest in outdoor electronics, including a smart watch, a weatherproof MP3 player, and the best in GPS.

The Terrastryder-Mid triumphs in the "Best Fit" category for the hard-to-fit group -- just beware of its sogginess factor.

This scrambler provides everything you need to go anywhere you want: support, grip, comfort, and waterproofing.

Give this boot a little time to really feel broken-in, and it will reward you with years of comfortable hiking.

Mesh-covered vents take these strong midcuts into the future of fastpacking shoes.

The Trek brings serious trail mileage capabilities to the original (and winning) Trango S.

What kind of scrambler would pass up a shoe with soles described as Spider-Man-like? C'mon!

When it was time for Ladies' Choice, they picked the boot that 'just plain fit.'

Check out the best lightweight boot for your heavyweight foot.

A knife expert's guide to blade selection and safety.

Carry less, enjoy the cold months more with the latest four-season tents, gloves, hats, and gaiters.

Testers give the Jannu two thumbs up, despite wanting more space

Stay sweat-free in all conditions with this lightweight shell

Two experts debate whether a (very) sophisticated Swiss Army is worth the weight.

Way warm for the weight

Give that old tent a new waterproof coating without shelling out big bucks.

You'll find this bag to be the most comfortable for mild weather.

Great fit, but lacking loft

Call this sack a rebel--a synthetic bag that weighs less and stuffs small.

Easy to pack and easy to vent

Don't tell us money can't buy happiness.

We went to outdoor educators and gear retailers to uncover the most common questions asked about staying dry in the backcountry. Here are the top 6.

How to keep your gear--and yourself--dry on your next backpacking adventure.

A complete guide to buying gear that will keep you dry--no matter what

How do you know that your gear is crying out for help? Consult our handy list of signs and solutions.

You don't have to be a direct Mayflower descendant to appreciate a little Yankee thrift with this rain shell

Look chic when you head for the alpine life.

This super-compact and affordable shell is perfect for the Southwest

Racing a storm to a peak is no time to whip out an inferior rain shell.

You won't miss a thing with this piece of raingear.

You think thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is a long walk?

One of the lightest shoes in the test scores big with trail runners.

Ready, set, go. You'll literally run down the trail with these featherweight kicks.

No toes will be lost in these mountaineering boots.

Not a speed demon? These traditionalists are great for light hiking.

Ventilation and traction are a nice combo, but stability doesn't match the best.