Experts

Everest pioneer Reinhold Messner has a lifetime of intense gear stories and lessons. We asked him about his gear philosophy, worst gear fail, and more.

Gear editor Kristin Hostetter answers reader questions about backpacking gear.

For steamy hikes, I like ultrathin, stretchy fabrics that feel cool and breezy. Problem is, they often have durability issues...

If you love your current shoes and don’t want to shell out for winter-specific runners, add a strap-on cleat like the STABILicers Run ($40; 32north.com) and a pair of running gaiters, like the Outdoor Research Stamina ($35; outdoorresearch.com), which will keep snow and slush from penetrating the upper or sneaking in over the top.

Good timing, because I just came back from a week of desert hiking in Jordan, and I ran into the same problem. My prized Leatherman Juice S2 sounds like crinkling sandpaper whenever I touch it.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Sometimes they look the same, but there are several key differences.

To get the best answer for your question, I went to two BACKPACKER staffers who can relate: Jon Dorn and Ben Fullerton, both 6’6”. Here are a few of their three-season picks.

For long johns, there are plenty of polyester options. If it’s maximum warmth you’re after, look for higher lofted polyesters, with gridded channels that trap heat and accelerate wicking....

Keep up with your buddies on the trail, backpack on the cheap, keep pesky bugs out of your tent, and stay on track with your weight loss goals without bonking mid-trip.

I'm allergic to down, but I like its compressibility. But do you know anyone who makes a hypoallergenic down sleeping bag or am I stuck with synthetics? 

It is finally here, we are taking our Boy Scout troop in the AT thru the GSMNP. The only question now is how to keep teenage boys motivated to complete the 76 miles?

Do I really have to buy my girlfriend a women's-specific pack if it seems like a men's would fit?

I'm pretty skinny and when I tighten my hipbelt I end up with lots of extra strap flapping around. Can I just cut this extra stuff off?

If I alter a pair of waterproof pants, how can I make the new seams waterproof?

I'm on a budget. Why shouldn't I substitute a $10 pool float for a sleeping pad that costs $100 or more?

What is a good backpacking soap that's environmentally friendly?

What’s the best way to patch a burn hole in my hiking pants and make sure it will not expand any bigger?

What can my husband and I do to protect our wedding rings when we are backpacking?