Patagonia Borderless Messenger Shorts (a.k.a Capris)
Are you man enough to wear man-pris? Our skeptical tester discovers that he is.
Learn more about the best backpacking, hiking and camping gear of the year with expert gear reviews from Backpacker Magazine’s annual Editors’ Choice gear awards.
Learn more about the best backpacking, hiking and camping gear of the year with expert gear reviews from Backpacker Magazine’s annual Editors’ Choice gear awards.
Are you man enough to wear man-pris? Our skeptical tester discovers that he is.
Make your tent a little sturdier, a little handier, and a little more visible with these five accessories.
This smartly designed daypack carries well, protects itself from rainstorms, and makes sure you stay properly hydrated.
Can I still go camping if I sleep with a CPAP machine?
When Mother Nature threatens to thwart your outing, foil her plans with the Kuhl Skuhl eVent rain shell. This heavy duty shell will keep you cozy for three seasons, and may last four if you insulate it well.
What are some packing options for checking a loaded duffle on an airplane?
Is it safe to drink your own sweat?
Do you need extra-strength sunscreen at high altitude?
Soda can stoves can handle heat...but they aren't right for all cooking scenarios.
Is altitude sickness causing my headaches or something else?
Can you predict the weather by looking at campfire smoke?
My wife and I are going to take our baby hiking and camping with us. Do you have gear recommendations for the main gear: baby carrier, baby sleeping gear, dirty diaper containment, etc?
Does activated charcoal help remove venom from a snakebite? If so, should you put it directly on the wound or swallow it?
The Alpamayo 55 is a solid performer at a competitive price.
After 15-hour trail days with 50 pound packs on 100-miles of Switzerland's Via Alpina, we're proud to present the best gear of the year.
The Sexy Hotness has more than just a catchy name. This 20°F mate-able sleeper has features that leave other bags blushing.
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?
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?
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?
How long will water stay potable in my hydration bladder? Can I add anything to make it last longer?
Is it safe to remain in the hammock during a thunderstorm? Should I leave the shelter of the rain fly between the trees, or set it up on the ground with trekking poles?
I recently came off trail in the night and nearly stepped on a rattlesnake in the Smokies. If bitten and you are an hour or two out, would you recommend to keep moving to get out?
I am confused about the capacity figures that backpack manufacturers claim. With particular regards to daypacks it seems that the figures advertised are always about 20% higher than what the pack actually holds. What gives?
While trying to sleep in the backcountry my mind wants to stay in alert mode at night causing considerable sleep loss. I've tried OTC sleep aids and melatonin (3 mg) to only modest success. Any additional suggestions would bevery appreciated.
My friends are getting married in a and I want to give them a piece of gear specifically for couples. I looked into couples sleeping bags, my first choice, but I can't spend more than $200. Can you suggest something thoughtful and high quality?
Check out The Backpacker Editors & Contributors's author page.
Is there something that works better than water and if so, what? Also, does warm liquid hydrate better than cold, or vice versa?
I need a new winter sleeping bag. Should I choose a sleeping bag with or without a waterproof laminate? Can you explain the difference?
My tent has zip in/out panels and I'm not sure what the right balance is between keeping the heat in and getting the condensation out.
When walking around the neighborhood or out walking the dogs usually duringwinter the streets are most times icy. Are there any shoes or hiking boots that are studded or ones that would be best for ice?
I love being outside when it's cold, especially hiking, and I wear glasses. I have a hard time wearing face masks or balaclavas because my warm breath fogs up my glasses as I breath out into whatever is covering my face. Any suggestions on being fog free?
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
Got a big load to carry? Put it in this ultra-comfortable pack and forget about it.
I am going on a week-long trip at around 10,500 feet elevation and we'll be using mules to carry our gear. Any suggestions on how to keep our food cold so we can carry perishables such as steak/chicken etc?
How do I get rid of cold feet while in my sleeping bag in the middle of the night? The rest of my body is fine but my feet are freezing.
Hats: Is there a secret to finding/wearing a great one as it gets colder out there? Synthetic? Wool? Is there one that's better than the other?
I went to Nepal this year and trekked thru the foothills of the Annapurna. After hitting one of the highest points of the trek, I started swelling in my hands, feet, and face. What exactly can I do to prevent this in the future?
I'm a sweaty sleeper. Any tips?
I hike in the Midwest and I was told that in a lightning storm that it's best to stay away from hardwoods like hickory trees and oak trees. Is this true?
It's getting colder but there's no way I'm not camping. Any tricks for staying warm?
After long, multiday trips, I get calluses on the bottoms of my feet. Lately they have been very painful. I've had this problem before and the pain went away after a two-day rest--but it's not going away now. Can you help?
I've heard that bleach and iodine tablets are only good for water purification for six months. What about white vinegar? Will it purify water?
What's your method for storing and hauling your trash on a multi-day trip? I usually just use plastic bags but there's got to be a more packable way.
This all-around Nordic ski both glides and grips for awesome touring.
This boot has the best of both worlds: The comfort of a Nordic boot, with the warmth of telemark boot.
Simple and user-friendly, these Voile skis are also built to weather the abuse of varied terrains.
Ideal for turning and climbing on rugged backcountry day trips.
Stiff on the downhill, flexible when skinning up, this boot has it all.
Adjustable and easy to use, traveling through varied terrain is a breeze.
Whether it's touring, powder or inbounds, this ski does it all.
The perfect blend of comfort and performance, this boot is great in all conditions.
Versatile and ready for anything, these bindings are super durable and won't ice up.
Great for powder, but still handles the bumps like a pro, these skis are super smooth.
Can you recommend a good glove system for colder hikes? Should I bring one pair or two? What should they be made of? Oh, and with longer gloves that bungee up my wrist, should that portion go over or under my jacket sleeve?
I have a burning sensation in the soles of my feet when I am long-distance hiking, but no blisters. Do you have a solution?
I've just returned from some bad weather in the mountains. The top half of my big toes have been numb during the trip till now. Should I be concerned? Will they regain feeling again in time to come?
Is there one? Should I brush my teeth differently on the trail?
Q: Can snoring deter bears and other animals from your campsite? I know that my friends like to not tent next to me.
It's getting cold out there--when do I need a hardshell and when do I need a softshell? I've never really understood the difference and when to use which jacket. Help!
What's a good set of on trail eating utensils--fork, spoon, etc?
Will white vinegar (used to clean camping kitchen gear) attract bears?
Hey Kristi, this doesn't seem to come up very often but should I be wearing a different kind of underwear in the backcountry than I do every day?
Q: What would you recommend for chafing, the nasty red rash that can develop on the inner thighs on a long hike? Is there an over-the-counter treatment?
Once a heel blister starts to get better/heal, does keeping it exposed to air each night (so the area dries after the day of hiking) improve healing, or is keeping the area moist and soft with a dressing better?
I'm having trouble deciding upon an insulating layer. I can't decide to go with fleece or PrimaLoft. What are the downs and ups of the two?
How should my daypack fit? Should it fit differently from my weekend or week-long pack?
If cups and cook pots are exposed to untreated water, are they safe to use after they air dry?
Can you get rabies or other diseases by using a bite valve that some animal has been nibbling on? Will alcohol sanitizer "sterilize" it?
I've got a great sleeping bag but I can't sleep without a pillow. Do you have a recommendation for a lightweight pillow or some kind of trick for making one with my gear?
Can an electric jolt from a DC source (i.e., spark plug wire, hand-held stunner) neutralize snake venom? I recall a series of articles on this published in the late '60s by an outdoor magazine.
I've read many outdoor books to get up to speed on camping, cooking, hiking, etc. I would like to hear what your choices of books might be in the outdoor education area.
Going to the bathroom in the wild. What do I need? Do I need to pack out my waste? How? I'm going on a multi-day trip and am not sure what I need.
I once heard that pouring granulated sugar into a deep, bloody wound would aid in clotting–but I've always heard that putting anything into an open would is bad.
How do I remove pine sap from my down sleeping bag (and other gear for that matter)?
Camping in bear country with children and diapers: Do diapers inside the tent, wet or dry, attract bears?
I saw an episode of Survivorman where he drank water knowing it was contaminated and would cause him to have diarrhea. He said that having diarrhea would be better than being dehydrated. Would you agree?
love hiking and camping, but not alone. I'm one of those people who think about running away when I hear one stick break in the woods. Is there any way I could mentally prepare myself for sleeping alone in the wilderness?
I heard somewhere that it isn't necessary to bring water to a boil in order to purify it, as long as you get the temperature up to 140 degrees or more. Is this true?
After I return, I'm somewhat tired, short of breath and sickly feeling for days after. I'm in great shape. Any ideas?
I'm a navigation newbie. Basically, I just head to the trailhead, look at the map there, and go. Is there essential, basic navigation equipment that I should have at all times, even on a dayhike?