Gear

Sony HandyCam HDR-TG1 packs face detection, a touch screen and HD quality into lightweight camcorder.

Small and compact, Canon's Vixia HF10 produces great HD-quality video and easy-to-use interfaces for any budding outdoors filmmaker.

If you want to save time, weight, or money when buying a video camera, we found the best options.

Sony's H50 camera is packed with features like a infrared night mode, movable screen and easy-to-use slide shows.

The sturdy Olympus Stylus could be a backpacker's best point-and-shoot yet, with it's smash-proof LCD and a high 10-megapixel image sensor.

Canon's PowerShot A590 delivers some adjustable manual-like features in a bulky device too big for most front pockets.

Sony's W300 packs a massive 13.2 megapixel sensor and trail-friendly scratch-resistant body.

Simple and thin, Sony's W130 features crisp pictures and web-ready video.

Protected against small amounts of water, this sturdy camera is for the klutz in all of us.

Nixon's budget-priced point and shoot camera runs on AAs

A perfect, pocket-sized digital camera for any weekend warrior.

Whatever your budget or photo ambitions, we've found the perfect shooter for every type of backpacker.

The Garmin Oregon 400t GPS is a fast, simple and full-featured GPS device well worth the extra bucks

The Magellan Triton 2000 GPS is packed full of outdoor-worthy features.

Capture your trail memories with the 5-megapixel camera and light-duty GPS of the Nokia N95 cell phone.

Experience fewer lost signals with the Magellan Triton 200, a basic GPS for a bargain price.

Apple iPhone 3G brings maps and downloadable GPS software to your fingertips.

With a quad-helix antenna and preloaded topo maps, the Garmin Colorado 400t is the fastest of GPS units.

There's nothing cozier than a warm, dry tent on a cold night. But strong winds and rain can turn setup into a sopping, frustrating fiasco.

Rain, snow, cold, hard knocks–the backcountry can be tough on trail gadgets. You can either upgrade your devices, or learn how to protect them.

Beat wind, rain, and snow with 5 tips from an expert outdoor cameraman.

I'm organizing my first group trip. Can I rent gear for newbies who may not be ready to buy?

How do manufacturers make your trusty tent poles better for the environment? We discovered the magic formula right here.

Our female testers pick their favorite gear for fall hikes.

Our tester spent 18 days climbing, camping, and evaluating gear on America's highest, coldest peak. If his picks made it there, they can make it anywhere.

At right around two pounds per person, these three-season, double-occupancy shelters do everything but weigh you down.

Patch a tent hole, layer for extreme conditions, clean your stove, make an old bag warmer, and more.

Before you shop–and buy–your dream camera, familiarize yourself with these commonly used terms

Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.

Solar panels and hand crank keep Eton Microlink FR150 weather radio going and going.

A sudden swim in a glacier-fed river nearly finishes a ranger.

Stunned by the loss of his friends, a stranded climber struggles down one of Alaska's toughest peaks.

Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

This pack moves with you.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.

For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Just $149 can buy you a great pack.

The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Got a big load to carry? Put it in this ultra-comfortable pack and forget about it.

Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.

A single compartment backpack that hauls big loads.

Ski mountaineers will love both climbing and cruising in this pack from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

This top ultralight from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a> is perfect for hikers who need to travel light, fast, and far.

Just $149 can buy you a great pack.

Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Great for family camping trips, this pack has plenty of useful features that everyone in the family can enjoy.

Looking for a pack that's both wallet- and eco-friendly? You can't go wrong with the Traverse, from our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>.

Bring along your winter toys&mdash; L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.

This pack moves with you.

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight&ndash;and ultra cheap&ndash;Alpha 25 backpack.