Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro ND33+10
The durable Lowe Alpine Airzone Centro 45+10 backpack is full of handy pockets and bungees for the organized trekker.
Gear
Gear
Eagle Creek Truist 45L
Light weight and load-bearing: Try this clean-design, ultralight pack.
Deuter USA Futura Zero 40
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>.
ARC'TERYX Silo 18
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Osprey Aura 50
This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.
Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian
Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.
Jandd Mountaineering Har Lit Packer
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>.
Kelty Span 60
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
Vaude Crystal Rock
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Deuter USA ACT Trail 32
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.
ARC'TERYX Khamsin 70
Scramble around the trail with Granite Gear's ultralight and stable Vapor Flash backpack.
Lowe Alpine ACE II 25
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
GoLite Pursuit
This all-purpose weekend pack is comfortable and light. A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
Black Diamond Black Diamond Bullet
Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.
Osprey Kestrel 48
This best all-around pack offers plenty of easy to access pockets and compartments, making organization a cinch.
Millet Prolight 35
This pack moves with you.
The Coleman Company, Inc. Chinkapin(TM) X65 WMS
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Mountainsmith Eclipse 55
The Tahoma wins out as a high country favorite.
Vaude Tacora 20 + 4
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Gossamer Gear G4 Ultralight Backpack
For the price, the Lafuma Manang 65+20 packs a hard punch with superb padding and durability.
Lowe Alpine TT TRAVELLER 60
With removable support, the Arc'teryx Khazri 55 backpack lets you choose between stability or a lighter load.
Lowe Alpine TFX Ridge 65+15
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
The Coleman Company, Inc. Chinkapin(TM) X65
Wenger's Zernez 50L pack has mountains of features including a built-in raincover and clear map flap.
Kelty Radii 27
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
Osprey Exos 34
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.
DEUTER USA Cruise 30
Don't judge a pack by its price: this pack's a loaded bargain.
Field Notes: Boots, Jackets, Tents, And More
The latest word from our testers. This month, we test the Marmot Cauldro jacket, Gregory Z65 pack, Exped Andromeda, tents, Danner Formation boots, and more.
Green Scene: Eco-Friendly Wool
Learn how you can shop for ethical, eco-friendly wool to lighten your planetary load.
Fabric Softener on Down?
Is it safe or advisable to use Febreeze or other "fabric refreshers" on my down sleeping bag?
Is Stove Fuel Dangerous on My Skin?
How toxic is methanol? Is it safe to get on my body?
Fighting Fall Moisture
During my hikes in the fall, between the summer and winter layers, moisture builds up and my chest tends to rub raw. What is the best way to stop this, besides changing shirts more often? Could I use something like Vaseline?
Hip Belt Causing Numbness
When carrying a pack of pretty much any size and weight and using the hip belt, my left leg will go numb sometimes. The problem goes away if I loosen the belt, but this defeats carrying the weight on my waist. (I've been fitted by knowledgeable people.)
Does Bleach Repel Bears?
I'm going fishing in the Trinity Forest rivers, and there are a lot of bears there at this time of year. I can't afford an expensive bear deterrent: What can I use to assist me? I was told to use regular pepper spray or bleach.
Thunderstorm on the Water
We're rafters. In a thunderstorm, should we stay in the boat (the absolute lowest point around) or pull ashore and get out of the water?
Essential Cooking Gear
What are some important tools to take along for good food prep on the trail?
Trekking Poles Review: Leki Carbonlite
Our reviewer found the Leki Carbonlite poles "tough, compact, and eerily light...."
Camera Pack Review: Crumpler Karachi Outpost
This hearty camera bag has plenty of room, and padding, to haul picture-taking paraphernalia plus hiking gear.
The Specialist: How to Make Your Boots Last
4 sole-saving tips from a veteran boot doctor
Make a Tarp Tent
This ultralight mainstay transforms from an A-frame sleeping shelter to a lean-to kitchen in seconds. Tip: Practice on a paper model if you're new to sewing.
Ditch the Tent: How to Set Up a Tarp
Mountain weather in September is typically dry and warm–the perfect time to lighten your load with a versatile tarp.
Extreme Layering: All-Purpose Clothing
For all-purpose performance year-round, this layering system works overtime through any weather.
Extreme Layering: Rainy-Weather Clothing
Don't let a crappy forecast keep you home for the weekend. Just pack this deluge-tested system.
Extreme Layering: Hot-Weather Clothing
From the Grand Canyon to sunshine-pounded Colorado peaks, stay cool and comfortable with this ultralight system.
Extreme Layering: Cold-Weather Clothing
Our testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes.
Extreme Layering: Clothing for all Weather Conditions
Wild weather coming? We've devised a perfect system for every condition.
The BACKPACKER Sleeping Bag Water Torture Test
We go above and beyond the regular gear testing rigamarole. We'll simulate a thunderstorm, go for full submersion, and then, a cold–weather test...in a beer fridge.
Hiking While Menstruating?
Should I be worried about hiking in bear country when menstruating?
A Kilt Prevents Chafing?
How do I prevent chafing? Nothing I've tried seems to work.
How Do I Layer for Cold Weather?
I've never really understood the principles of layering. For cold weather treks, should my baselayer be cotton or wool? What about my midlayer? Wool? Fleece? What are the basics of layering for any occasion?
2008 Apparel Guide: The Outtakes
We couldn't fit all of our reviews in one spot. Here, read the outtakes.
NO TITLE – ci0202d6b790062641
You won't roll off of this foam, self-inflating pad.
Can I Eat a Scorpion?
On an episode of Survivorman, Les Stroud cooked grasshoppers, stating if you didn't, you might get a tapeworm. But he ate a raw scorpion–couldn't one just as easily get a tapeworm from a scorpion?
Big or Little Pre-Hike Breakfast?
I am trying to lose weight and boost my stamina for a hike to Colorado next year. Should I eat a big breakfast for a three-day hike to the Porcupine Mountains, or a smaller breakfast and rely on my fat reserves to help burn off the weight?
Drive to Get Ready for Altitude?
Is it better to drive a long distance to a much higher elevation (like from the Northeast to the Rockies) to get used to the elevation gradually?
Plants for Bug Repellent?
On a recent backpacking trip, I underestimated the amount of mosquito repellent we'd need. Is there a North American plant that can be used, or something one can do to avoid being eaten alive?
Apparel Guide: L.L. Bean Timberledge Winter Sport Pant and OR Prismatic Cap
From head to, well, ankle, our testers give Outdoor Research and L.L. Bean a whirl.
Apparel Guide: Baselayers
Contain your body heat with with these skin-hugging baselayers: the 180s Quantum Dry Base Layer crew and pant, Icebreaker 180 GT Chase 1/4 Zip, Patagonia Wool 2 long sleeve crew and bottoms, and White Sierra Bamboo Crew.
Apparel Guide: Jackets and Insulation Essentials
Stay warm with the Arc'teryx Kappa SV Hoody, Marmot Torrid, REI Ladro Hoodie, and Solstice Cool Ruler.
Apparel Guide: All-Purpose Shells
Check out the Cloudveil Hobak, EMS Aurora Shell Pant, L.L. Bean Ascent GTX, Mountain Hardwear Dragon, and Sierra Designs Cyclone Eco
Lightning Storm Duck and Cover
I've been told for years that the proper way to wait out a lightning storm is to crouch down. Why is this better than lying down on the ground?
Camp Coffee Gear: Make the Perfect Cup
4 backcountry brew gadgets even the snobbiest baristas will love.
Herbal Rub
Does soaking your feet in black tea before a hike reduce sweat and prevent blisters?
Field Notes: North Face Propel Sleeping Bag, Asolo Power Matic Boot, Lanterns, and Vargo Titanium Sierra Pot
The latest word from our testers
Start Smart: Take Action Photos
Capture fast-paced summer adventures with these image-improving tips.
3 Ways To Save: Ultralight Dayhiking
Save weight, your feet, and money with these three pieces of ultralight gear
Head to Head: Basecamp Tents
Got a family to shelter or just want castle-like living space? Go light or go big with these two standouts.
The Fix: Deodorize Your Gear
Does your pack smell like last summer's cheddar? Here's how to clean up.
Bargain Load Haulers: Weekend Pack Review
High performance and low cost? These 6 weekend packs deliver.
Quick Fix: Apostle Islands
You don't need a boat to see this spectacular national lakeshore. Here's how to explore the best of its bluffs and beaches by foot (and paddle).
Poles on a Plane?
How can you take along trekking poles when flying a commercial airline?
Favorite Emergency Shelter?
I take long dayhikes (20-30 miles) and am looking for an emergency shelter to use in case I don't make it out before nightfall. Will a waterproof bivy sack on its own be sufficient in case of rain?
Can I Keep My Backpack in My Tent?
You can safely bring 100 packs in the tent with you, but what I think you're really asking about is food...
Wide-Footer Hiking Boots
Do you know of a boot maker who makes really wide boots that are true to size?
Can I Eat Snakes or Eels?
I hear about people eating rattlesnake all the time: Are all snakes edible? And what about eels?
Keep Your Feet Dry
On a consistently wet, rainy 3-day trip, I experienced softened skin that cracked. I never was able to get dry shoes or socks. Each day my feet would be soaked within minutes. What can I do in the future to help stop this?
Human Body Water Absorption
Does the human body absorb cold water or body-temperature water faster?
How to Recycle Your Fuel Canisters
Are the fuel canisters for backpacking stoves refillable or recyclable? Or are we just creating more waste when we purchase these stoves in the quest of lightness?
A Helmet for All Occasions?
Is there a multipurpose helmet out there I can use for skiing, climbing etc. or should I just plan on getting one for each season/sport?
Bag Capacity Confusion
I'm confused about the capacity figures that backpack manufacturers claim. With daypacks it seems that the figures advertised are always about 20 percent higher than what the pack actually holds. What gives?
Trouble Sleeping in Camp
I'm a side sleeper who can't get through a night on a sleeping pad without pain in my hips and knees that causes me to toss and turn. Any suggestions for remedying that?