Gear Review: Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle
A double-wall insulated bottle that is amazingly effective for its weight.
Gear
Gear
Gear Review: Brunton Eterna Compact 10×25 Binoculars
Powerful optics that pack small.
Gear Review: Pentax Papilio 8.5×21 Binoculars
A bargain binocular that doubles as a backcountry microscope.
Gear Review: Mammut Smart Alpine Belay Device
A versatile belay device that works with single, double, and some twin ropes. It also offers active braking support.
Gear Review: Ibex Shak Lite Half Zip Baselayer
A heavyweight baselayer that's soft and fitted, and stretch and warm.
Gear Review: WinterSilks Long Sleeve Silk Wool Crewneck and Pant Baselayers
This 70/30 silk/wool baselayer keeps you warm while also wicking.
Gear Review: Patagonia L/S Polarized Tee Baselayer
A 100% polyester t-shirt that feels just like cotton.
Gear Review: Helly Hansen Pace SS Baselayer
A polypropylene/polyester blended baselayer that wicks away sweat.
How To Slideshow: FIx and Maintain Your Trekking Poles
Make those tried and true trekking poles last forever with these maintenance tips.
Gear Review: High Peak Chameleon 20/0
A budget-conscious convertible bag that changes to match its environment.
Spooning with a Snake
I like sleeping under the stars. Is the fabled "rattler joins camper in his sleeping bag" tale at all a meaningful risk?
Chlorine Dioxide Expiration
What is the shelf life of chlorine dioxide tablets?
Gear Review: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker Pad
The Trekker is a more affordable descendant of the NeoAir, which won our Editors' Choice Award in 2009.
Gear Review: MSR Evo Tour Snowshoes
They're nimble, versatile, and by far the easiest snowshoe binding I've ever used.
Decomposition of Human Waste
How long does it take for human feces in a cathole to break down into soil?
Almost Editors' Choice
5 near-perfect pieces of gear in our 2011 Editors' Choice testing
Editors' Choice 2011 Gold Award: Icebreaker Hopper T
Buy now, wear forever.
Editors' Choice 2011 Green Award: The North Face Venture Jacket
Get total weather protection for half the gas.
Crooked Toe
Because of a toe injury, my index toe now bends to the left. Should I do anything about it?
Editors' Choice 2011: TrekSta Evolution Mid GTX Hiking Boot
Get instant, all-day comfort and superb traction with this ultralight waterproof hiker.
Editors' Choice 2011: Rab Boreas/Aurora Pull-On Softshell Jacket
Get a softshell that's so light and versatile, you won't leave it behind on multiday treks.
Editors' Choice 2011: SteriPEN Adventurer Opti
This ultralight water purifier is fast, easy, and leaves zero aftertaste.
Editors' Choice 2011: Nemo Astro Insulated Sleeping Pad and Pillowtop
Upgrade your zzzzz's with this luxe and versatile system.
Editors' Choice 2011: Marmot Plasma 15 and 30 Sleeping Bags
In the quest for maximum warmth at minimum weight, we have a new standard setter.
Editors' Choice 2011: Kelty Salida 2 Tent
This sub-four-pound bargain brings ultralight shelter to the masses.
Editors' Choice 2011: Salewa Alp Trainer Mid
Tackle any terrain in these midweights, and don't worry about blisters. We–er, they–guarantee it.
Editors' Choice 2011: Granite Gear Blaze AC 60
Want a lightweight pack with the guts for big-load trips? This best-in-class suspension delivers.
Editors' Choice 2011: Black Diamond Ultra Distance Z-Poles
Get a grip on the best carbon poles we've ever tested.
Editors' Choice 2011: MontBell Alpine Light Down Parka
Low weight, high warmth, and modest price make this jacket a perfect fit.
Editors' Choice 2011: DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
Editors' Choice 2011: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL4 Tent
Where are the smoke and mirrors? This family-size tent weighs the same as some two-person shelters.
Why Internal Frame Backpacks?
I have been away from backpacking for a while, why the shift away from external frame backpacks?
How to Patch a Siliconized Pack Cover?
What's the best way to patch a tear in a siliconized Cordura pack cover?
Prescription Sunglasses Alternatives
I need prescription sunglasses, but can't afford them. Do you have any cheap sunglasses solutions that won't make me look like a geriatric?
Packable Rectangular Sleeping Bag
I'm looking for a super packable rectangular sleeping bag–do they exist?
Is Iodine Effective?
I have always used the "Potable Aqua" pills to treat water in the wilderness. Now I hear that they won't kill one or two specific water-borne diseases. Is this true, and if so, what can I do to kill the extra germs?
Gear Review: Feathered Friends Peregrine eVent Sleeping Bag
Packed with 850-plus-fill down, this bag lofts up a full nine inches, yet remains remarkably packable.
Gear Review: Mammut Altitude Winter Sleeping Bag
The Altitude's 800-fill down is protected from the elements by a waterproof/breathable ShelterTX shell and full-length, rubberized, splashproof zipper.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear ExtraLamina 0 Sleeping Bag
Three inches of extra space in the shoulder area make this a primo bag for the broad shouldered.
Gear Review: REI Radiant 0 Sleeping Bag
Winter camping becomes budget friendly with this 0° bag.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Pyro 15 Sleeping Bag
The Pyro is the economical solution if you need a 15°F bag in 30°F temps.
Gear Review: Sea To Summit Traverse Xt1 Sleeping Bag
The Traverse Xt1's secret weapon? Sea To Summit's 3D NanoShell which keeps down dry without inhibiting breathability.
Gear Review: L.L. Bean Katahdin 20 Sleeping Bag
Knock-around durability, easy-care synthetic insulation, and a no-brainer price.
Gear Review: Kelty Light Year Down 20 Sleeping Bag
The space-heater warmth and long-term durability of a down bag without the lofty price.
Gear Review: Stoic Somnus 30 Sleeping Bag
An ultralight summer sleeping bag that sleeps warm.
Gear Rview: Big Agnes Big Creek Sleeping Bag
No more zipping bags together, a two-person bag designed for couples.
Gear Review: Solar Powered Backpacking Gear
Five of our favorite solar items to make your next trip brighter, safer, and less stinky
Gear Review: Mountainsmith Poncha 35 Bag
Carry about a pound extra,and save more than $100.
Gear Review: Therm-a-Rest Alpine Down Blanket
A quilt-style bag that integrates perfectly with a sleeping pad.
Mysteriously Swollen Knee
Three days into a five-day hike, your knee blows up to the size of a softball, despite there being no fall and no trauma. Why, and what can you do to help the knee?
8 Ways to Treat Water
Stay hydrated–and healthy–with a filter or purifier that's right for you.
Gear Review: Exped Dreamwalker 250 Sleeping Bag
The 850-fill Dreamwalker converts to a full-length poncho–like a puffy jacket, only warmer.
Gear Review: Terra Nova Laser 300 Elite Sleeping Bag
The Laser weighs a scant 12 ounces and packs down to the size of a grapefruit, yet it's warm right down to its temp rating.
Gear Review: NEMO Pentalite Tent
A roomy pyramid shelter.
Gear Review: Hilleberg Saitaris Tent
A mountaineering tent that costs as much as a mortgage payment, but delivers homelike comforts.
Gear Review: Marmot Boreas 3P Tent
A freestanding, three-person tent that has super ventilation.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Corners 3 Tent
A roomy, affordable, and freestanding dome.
Gear Review: Cabela's XPG Ultralight 3 Tent
This three-star accommodation costs less than $60 per person.
Gear Review: MSR Fury Tent
Easy to pitch + easy to carry + easy to stay warm = Easy to love.
Gear Review: Easton Kilo Tent
This three-season tent saves weight with new pole technology.
Gear Review: Marmot Turret 2P Tent
A tent that can handle the rougher edges of spring and fall.
Gear Review: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Echo II Tent
If you count weight savings in grams, not ounces, you won't find a lighter option with this much protection.
Gear Review: MSR DragonTail Tent
True all-season performance–without a weight penalty.
Stopping Heavy Bleeding
Is QuikClot a friend or foe?
Gear Review: Camp Cookware
We scrambled eggs, flipped pancakes, and scrubbed burnt-on crud to find the best pots and pans for every backcountry chef.
Tannic Water
I want to do some backpacking in Florida, but I know that the water in the Everglades and most streams is high in tannins. Is it safe to drink after filtration or purification pills?
DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
Trimble Outdoors Geocache Navigator
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
Apisphere Geomate.jr
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
Trimble Outdoors AllSport GPS
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
Trimble Outdoors Timble Outdoors
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
TrailBehind, Inc. Offline Topo Maps
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
TrailBehind, Inc. Gaia GPS
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
TrailBehind, Inc. Topo Maps
Here's a high-tech trifecta: Navigate the backcountry and call for emergency help and stay connected with those at home.
Gear Guide 2011 Table of Contents
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
How-To Slideshow: Learn to Fix a Tent Pole
Resurrect any tent pole with this handy how-to guide.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Lightning HT 2 Tent
Two-person tent with more space than meets the eye.
Mountainsmith Morrison Tent
A double-wall tent that's simple on design but big on space.
Gear Review: Tarptent Moment Tent
An ultra-affordable ultralight solo tent.
Gear Review: NEMO Moto 1P
A solo tent with XXL dimensions.