Gear

Outsmart mother nature with Pieps iProbe, an avalanche probe with potential for faster rescue times.

The Petzl Ultra uses LED's for brightest, and most costly, headlamp.

AirDrives Interactive Earphones stay put on bumpiest trails and helps you rock out safely.

Lightweight and durable, the low cost Oregon Scientific ATC3K camcorder is practically outdoor-proof.

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.

A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort

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

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

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.

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

This pack moves with you.

A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.

This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.

You won't find a better pack at a cheaper price than Vaude's Astra 55+10.

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

Run, climb or ski with the low profile Black Diamond RPM pack.

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

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends

The ultralight Osprey Exos 58 backpack is high in stability and smart features.

Vaude created a simple, no-frills pack high on stability with the Versametric Ultralight 60+10.

Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.

Find out why this "near-perfect" daypack won Best All Around in our <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/april_2009_table_of_contents_gear_guide_issue/articles/12859">2009 Gear Guide</a>. Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.

Strap on the comfortable Osprey Argon 85 pack for those long treks with heavy loads.

The ultralight Osprey Exos 58 backpack is high in stability and smart features.

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

The Millet Elevation 30 has everything you want in a pack&mdash;stabilty, support, and even wrist loops.

Carry up to 100 ounces of hydration power with this comfortable daypack.

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>.