Gear Review: Jacks 'R Better High Sierra Sniveller Sleeping Bag
An ultralight sleeping bag with 3.5 inches of loft and an extra-wide torso area
Gear
Gear
Gear Review: GoLite Poncho Tarp
An ultralight poncho/tent with durable 15-denier, siliconized fabric
Gear Review: Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus Backpack
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
Gear Review: Deuter Aircontact 75+10 Backpack
Stays comfortable and stable with loads up to 70 pounds
Gear Review: The North Face Double Toad 44 Tent
An all-mesh canopy and 54 square feet of living space
Gear Review: SCOTTEVEST Fleece 5.0 Jacket
Has 24 pockets to keep all your gadgets in place
Breathing at Altitude
Does going to higher altitude make it difficult for your lungs to clear moisture?
Gear Review: USBCell AAs Rechargable Batteries
Able to recharge off of any USB port
Gear Review: SanDisk Sansaclip+ 2GB
Smooth, clear sound and a voice recorder for 40 bucks
Gear Review: Garmin Dakota 20 GPS
Easy to read touch screen with a tough hard-shell
Gear Review: Powermonkey Explorer Solar Charger
Holds a lot of power, comes with 11 adapter tips, and charges quickly
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear BMG Backpack
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Virtuoso Puffy Jacket
This puffy has high-end weatherproofing and an insulated, versatile hood
Gear Review: High Gear ATF8 Watch
Clips to your pack for easy access to stats like temperature and altitude
Gear Review: LOWA Terek GTX Boots
Boots with solid support and stability without being too heavy or clunky
Gear Review: Black Diamond HiLight Tent
Fend off heavy precipitation and 30-mph wind in this cozy tent for two
Gear Review: EMS Velocity 2 Tent
Two person, double-wall shelter with ample room and easy setup
Gear Review: L.L. Bean Katahdin 35°F Sleeping Bag
Light, roomy, compressible, and perfect for weekends
Gear Review: Mountainsmith Falcon 55 Backpack
Great suspension and easily accommodates a 50-pound load
Gear Review: REI Endeavor Pants
These four-way stretch, double-weave polyester pants are comfortable and quick drying.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Alibi Jacket
A stretchy softshell jacket that is perfect for dayhikes
Gear Review: Scarpa Pursuit GTX Shoe
These trail runners have exceptional shock absorption and a Gore-Tex liner to keep feet dry
Gear Review: Gregory Serrac 45 Backpack
Perfect dayhike hauler that can handle gear-heavy multi-day trips
Cleaning a Sleeping Bag in the Field
I'm in the military and for deployments and long field ops, I am unable to wash my sleeping bag. I have adopted the practice of spraying the inside of my bag with Lysol and drying it in the sun. Do you see this ruining the bag in any way?
Boot Separation
The rubber from the sole of my boots is starting to separate from the leather. Is there something I can do to mend this or are my boots toast?
Trouble With GPS Signal
My GPS works great in the Walmart parking lot, but in a steep valley, next to a mountain, or in the woods it can't get an adequate signal. How can I solve this problem?
Campfire Smoke Vs. DWR
Does campfire smoke degrade the properties of DWR or breathable laminates?
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Fusion Pant
If your winter gear closet includes skis, snowshoes, snowboards, and sleds, you need only one pair of drawers: the men's Sierra Designs Fusion Pant.
Privy Problems
What should you do when the ground is frozen and you have to dig a cathole?
Outdoor Dog Gear
Starring the Dogs of BACKPACKER
As Seen on The Martha Stewart Show
Our own gear diva met with Martha on December 20th to talk about cold-weather layering. Here's the gear Kristin suggested:
The Shelf Life of Pain Meds
Should ibuprofen be thrown away after the expiration date, or is it really still OK to use?
Gear Review: Black Diamond Twilight Bivy Sack
A minimalist-style bivy that separates you from the nasty outside.
Gear Review: Oakley Radar Path Sunglasses
Sporting a pair of Oakley's Radars gives your eyes as much protection as they can get, this side of a welding helmet.
Backcountry Shaving
Do you need to worry about water purity when doing activities like shaving?
Ahnu Footwear Elkridge Mid
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Ahnu Footwear Elkridge
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Ahnu Footwear Montara
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Downsizing Water Purification Treatments
If I want to purify just 8 ounces of water instead of the recommended one liter or quart, can I just use a smaller amount of the recommended treatment dosage?
Eddie Bauer Holiday
At Eddie Bauer, we've been outfitting adventures since 1920 everything from family camping trips to historic mountaineering expeditions and epic first ascents. That tradition inspires everything we do, from our casual sportswear to our guide-built First Ascent mountaineering gear. Like the revolutionary BC-200 ultra light hard shell. A 3-layer, waterproof/breathable hard shell with 20K/25K performance that's under 11 oz AND under $200.
Eddie Bauer Holiday
At Eddie Bauer, we've been outfitting adventures since 1920 everything from family camping trips to historic mountaineering expeditions and epic first ascents. That tradition inspires everything we do, from our casual sportswear to our guide-built First Ascent mountaineering gear. Like the revolutionary BC-200 ultra light hard shell. A 3-layer, waterproof/breathable hard shell with 20K/25K performance that's under 11 oz AND under $200.
Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven 2 Burner Range and Stove
Sidewalk campouts will never be the same.
Our Backyard: Dolly Sods Wilderness
See the wild side of West Virginia's best backcountry.
Gear Review: Silva Guide Series 426 Compass
A basic sighting compass that is lightweight, durable, and unsinkable.
Altitude & Injuries
Will my ankle pain worsen at altitude and can I take anti-inflammatory drugs for it?
KEEN Inc Red Rock Mid
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
KEEN Inc Red Rock
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Over $150
If you're looking to splurge on your favorite outdoorsperson, here are the gifts to do it with.
Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Under $150
Stay connected, warm and well fed, with these staple gift ideas.
Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Under $75
Make camp a little more comfortable with these bonus items.
Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Under $25
Don't break the bank with these gift ideas for the adventurous types.
Gear Review: Salomon Nytro WP Cold-weather Hiking Boots
Just because they have fur doesn't mean they're not serious backcountry boots.
Gear Review: Kriana AA Krill Light
The Krill Light electronic electroluminescent (EL) light stick is a bright, long-lasting glow stick made for function not fashion.
Babes in the Woods
I'm bringing my one-year-old camping. What meds and ointments should I pack?
Gear Review: Victorinox Swiss Army Solider Knife
Snag an ideal stocking stuffer with this modernized classic.
New Balance New Balance NB Minimus Trail
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
New Balance New Balance 851
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
New Balance New Balance 900
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
New Balance New Balance 1000
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
New Balance New Balance 720
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
New Balance New Balance 101
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
New Balance New Balance 910
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
New Balance New Balance 876
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
New Balance New Balance 915
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Gear Review: Exped MultiMat
An ultralight, waterproof mat that is handy for wet hikes, snow, rocky areas, and picnics.
Best of BACKPACKER: Time-Tested Gear
Over the years we've tested a lot of gear, and learned a lot of lessons.
Leakproof Cooking Containers
Any suggestions for small, leakproof containers for carrying cooking supplies such as oil, syrup, sauces etc.?
Gear Pro Repairing a Tear in Fleece
What is the best way to repair a tear in my fleece?
Adding Down to Your Sleeping Bag
What is the best way to add down to areas of a sleeping bag?
Gear Review: Cocoon Travel Pillow – Aircore Ultralight
Just because you're sleeping on the dirt doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable.
Aku North America Rock Light GTX
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Aku North America La Stria Suede GTX
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Aku North America La Stria GTX
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Aku North America Cresta GTX
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Aku North America Arribba Mid GTX
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Aku North America Arribba GTX
A barefoot profile and barefoot weight, yet cushioned for rocky trails.
Aku North America SL Pro GTX
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.
Aku North America Tribute Leather
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.
Aku North America Tribute GTX
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.
Aku North America Suiterra Injected GTX
This off-trail champ is both built tough and lightweight.