Gear Guide 2010: Tents
These tents offer more headroom, lighter weights, and lots of strength and durability.
Gear
Gear
Gear Review: ZRK Outdoor Zipper Rescue Kit
Fix a zipper on the fly with this repair kit.
Gear Review: Z-Medica QuikClot Sport
Stop big bleeds fast.
Gear Review: Cloudveil Run Don't Walk Boxers
Winter skivvies at their finest.
Gear Review: SteriPen FitsAll Filter
Strain and filter your water with this SteriPen product.
Gear Review: Katadyn Base Camp Gravity Filter
Filter water for a group with this big bladder.
Gear Review: NEMO Ditto Wallet
This ultralight wallet is made from recycled tent scraps.
Gear Review: Sony HDR-XR520V
Photos, videos–this Sony Handycam is an HD beast.
Gear Review: Exped Vista Organiser
Zip-top bags that are super waterproof.
Gear Review: SealLine Electronic Case
A clear, waterproof case for your iPhone.
Gear Review: Aquapac SLR Waterproof Camera Case
Protect your DSLR camera with this waterproof case.
ALITE Sexy Hotness Sleeping Bag
The Sexy Hotness has more than just a catchy name. This 20°F mate-able sleeper has features that leave other bags blushing.
Gear Guide 2010: Boots & Footwear
Whether you need a trail runner or a burly mountaineering boot, here's the best of the year.
Gear Review: ALITE Sexy Hotness Sleeping Bag
The Sexy Hotness has more than just a catchy name. This 20°F mate-able sleeper has features that leave other bags blushing.
Could I Get The Plague On My Hike?
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?
What's Your Favorite Trail Pant?
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?
Gear Guide 2010: Sleeping Bags & Pads
Sleep tight in any season with these summer, three-season, and winter sleeping bags.
Gear Review: Isis Henna Hipster Underwear & Day Bra
These chafe-free undergarments also wick away moisture.
Gear Review: Patagonia Active Boxer Briefs & Ibex Zepher Boxers
Underwear for the outdoorsy man.
Gear Review: Freestyle Shark
This waterproof watch is surfer approved.
Gear Review: Tech40 TraiLeader Jet
A wristtop altimeter, compass, and accelerometer.
Gear Review: Highgear Axio Mini
This easy-to-use watch is perfect for small wrists.
Gear Review: Yakima RackandRoll 78
A trailer-like rack that holds up to four kayaks.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Syncline
These trekking poles are cheap and light.
Gear Review: Discovery Trekking Extreme Ultralight Fast-Dry Towel
This towel packs small and absorbs a ton...except odors.
Gear Review: RADIUS Source Toothbrush
This portable toothbrush is made with recycled materials.
Gear Review: Charmin To Go Toliet Tissue
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
Gear Review: Coghlan's Tarp Clips
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
Gear Review: McNett Tenacious Tape
Repair any fabric with this super sticky tape.
Gear Review: Woolrich Topo/Sunrise Bluff Sun Shirt
This button-down sun shirt has a high collar and UPF 30 fabric.
Toughest Gear: Western Mountaineering Antelope Sleeping Bag
High-lofting warmth–without fail.
Toughest Gear: Patagonia Capilene Baselayer
25 years later, this Patagonia model is still the baselayer to beat.
How Can I Stop Sliding Off My Sleeping Pad?
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?
Gear Review: Sport Science Shortsleeve Rainbow Tee
This hiking shirt blends hippie style with technical attributes.
Toughest Gear: LOWA Trekker/Lady Sport Boot
Quite possibly, the last boots you'll buy.
BACKPACKER Editors' Toughest Gear
Thirty indestructible gear picks from two decades of hardcore field-testing.
Toughest Gear: CamelBak Omega Hydration Bladder
We ran this hydration bladder over with a truck...and nothing happened.
Toughest Gear: Trails Illustrated Maps
These waterproof maps are unruffled by rain, sleet, and snow.
Toughest Gear: Arc'teryx Bora Backpack
Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.
Toughest Gear: Smith Slider Sunglasses
These sunglasses come with four lens for lasting protection.
Toughest Gear: Outdoor Research Crocodiles Gaiters
These gaiters are waterproof armor for your legs.
Toughest Gear: Beyond Clothing Steel Shock
Proof that clothes that fit better last longer.
Toughest Gear: Patagonia Regulator Series
Fleece sturdy enough to satisfy an Argonaut.
Toughest Gear: Ibex Icefall Jacket
This stretch-nylon softshell jacket is one of the most-worn garments in our gear closet.
Toughest Gear: ThorLo Classic Hiking Socks
These socks have padding that won't quit.
Toughest Gear: Feathered Friends Helios Jacket
This Feathered Friends puffy jacket stays fatter than a StayPuff marshmallow.
Toughest Gear: Nikon D70 Camera
Can't-miss camera for all conditions.
Toughest Gear: Crazy Creek Original Camp Chair
A decade-plus of camp chair relaxation.
Toughest Gear: MSR XGK-EX Stove
A masterpiece of no-compromise indestructibility.
Toughest Gear: Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket
This Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket is overkill when you need it.
Toughest Gear: Fox River X-Static Liner, Chaco Sandals, and MSR Dromedary
No stink sock liners, rough & tough sandals, and a puncture-proof water bag.
Toughest Gear: Therm-a-Rest Z-Rest Sleeping Pad
The perfect balance for a sleeping pad: warm, light, soft, and puncture-proof.
Toughest Gear: Magellan Meridian
A groundbreaking GPS that just won't break.
Toughest Gear: Mountain Hardwear Transition Jacket
The toughest, most versatile windshirt around.
Toughest Gear: Sierra Designs Tiros Tent & MSR Tough Gear
In high camps, the Sierra Designs Tiros is often the last tent standing.
Zero Impact Challenge: La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 GTX
The test's best trail performer nets savings by cutting weight and waste.
Zero Impact Challenge: Wolverine Zeke
As we saw with packs and bags, weight savings equal carbon savings.
Zero Impact Challenge: Hi-Tec Altitude IV Enviro
Eco-friendly leather and recycled fabrics turn this bestseller green.
Zero Impact Challenge: Oboz Beartooth Boots
An upstart blows the doors off with recycled and natural materials.
Boots: Zero Impact Challenge
Five manufacturers answer our call to design greener trail shoes.
How Long Is Water Potable in My Hydration Bladder?
How long will water stay potable in my hydration bladder? Can I add anything to make it last longer?
Zero Impact Challenge: Patagonia P26
Solid on the trail, this entry sparks a philosophical debate.
Backpacker GPS Trails App for iPhone
Want to map and share your own adventures with the click of a button? Looking for instant access to thousands of GPS-enabled hikes? Look no further than GPS Trails. Just download the app and turn your phone into the ultimate navigation device and portable trip database.
Backpacker GPS Trails for Android
Want to map and share your own adventures with the click of a button? Looking for instant access to thousands of GPS-enabled hikes? Look no further than GPS Trails. Just download the app and turn your phone into the ultimate navigation device and portable trip database.
Are Hammocks Safe in Lightning?
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?
Editors' Choice Green Award 2010: La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 Boot
These midweight boots tread lightly on the planet.
Gear Review: Granite Gear Uberlight CTF3 Drysacks (Ultralight)
Quite possibly the world's lightest waterproof stuffsacks
Gear Review: Elemental Herbs All Good Goop
This healing balm soothes cracked skin, dry lips, and minor cuts and burns.
Gear Review: Primus Express Spider
With a low center of gravity and a wide, stable burner, this stove is perfect for big groups or melting piles of snow.
Gear Review: JetBoil Flash
With great fuel efficiency, quick boil times, and a small packed size, this stove is ideal for campers who need hot water fast, without the fuss.
Gear Review: Lorpen TCXS
Long-lasting socks that will keep your feet warm and dry.
My Island, My Map: Downloadle Bainbridge Island Map
If you think you missed the age of exploration and discovery, you haven't tried the latest mapping tools.
Gear Review: Merino Icebreaker Hiker Light Crewe
These midweight hiking socks can stand up to serious miles.
Gear Review: Point6 Outdoor Tech Medium Cushion Mini
Stretchy socks that never sag and always feel plush, even after big miles.
Gear Review: Injinji Performance Crew
These five-toes socks squelch blisters.
Almost Editors' Choice 2010
These five finalists were close to the tops for our editors–for you they may be perfect.
Gear Review: Marmot Big Wall Short
Light, tough shorts ideal for hiking and hanging.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Tactician Short
Super-comfy quick drying shorts for hiking, riding, or climbing.
Editors' Choice Green Award 2010: GoLite Tier 1 Recycled Fabric
An entire line of packs and bags goes eco-friendly.
Gear Review: Stuffits Shoe Savers
Squash stinky feet.