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.
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?
What are some important tools to take along for good food prep on the trail?
Our reviewer found the Leki Carbonlite poles "tough, compact, and eerily light...."
This hearty camera bag has plenty of room, and padding, to haul picture-taking paraphernalia plus hiking gear.
4 sole-saving tips from a veteran boot doctor
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.
Mountain weather in September is typically dry and warm–the perfect time to lighten your load with a versatile tarp.
For all-purpose performance year-round, this layering system works overtime through any weather.
Don't let a crappy forecast keep you home for the weekend. Just pack this deluge-tested system.
From the Grand Canyon to sunshine-pounded Colorado peaks, stay cool and comfortable with this ultralight system.
Our testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes.
Wild weather coming? We've devised a perfect system for every condition.
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.
Should I be worried about hiking in bear country when menstruating?
How do I prevent chafing? Nothing I've tried seems to work.
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?
We couldn't fit all of our reviews in one spot. Here, read the outtakes.
You won't roll off of this foam, self-inflating pad.
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?
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?
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?
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?
From head to, well, ankle, our testers give Outdoor Research and L.L. Bean a whirl.
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.
Stay warm with the Arc'teryx Kappa SV Hoody, Marmot Torrid, REI Ladro Hoodie, and Solstice Cool Ruler.
Check out the Cloudveil Hobak, EMS Aurora Shell Pant, L.L. Bean Ascent GTX, Mountain Hardwear Dragon, and Sierra Designs Cyclone Eco
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?
4 backcountry brew gadgets even the snobbiest baristas will love.
Does soaking your feet in black tea before a hike reduce sweat and prevent blisters?
The latest word from our testers
Capture fast-paced summer adventures with these image-improving tips.
Save weight, your feet, and money with these three pieces of ultralight gear
Got a family to shelter or just want castle-like living space? Go light or go big with these two standouts.
Does your pack smell like last summer's cheddar? Here's how to clean up.
High performance and low cost? These 6 weekend packs deliver.
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).
How can you take along trekking poles when flying a commercial airline?
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?
You can safely bring 100 packs in the tent with you, but what I think you're really asking about is food...
Do you know of a boot maker who makes really wide boots that are true to size?
I hear about people eating rattlesnake all the time: Are all snakes edible? And what about eels?
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?
Does the human body absorb cold water or body-temperature water faster?
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?
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?
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?
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?
What's the best spray to keep mosquitoes off of me?
My son came back from an outdoor camp and proclaimed that rubbing the liquid from the broken stalk of a fern on a sting from nettles, poison ivy, or poison oak will stop the stinging. Is it true?
I live at sea level, and am backpacking in Yosemite for 10 days. I've heard there are supplements that boost your oxygen intake, if you take them a week or so in advance. Is the hype true, and is it worth the money?
What do you think about giving Benadryl as a sedative for a snakebite victim? Or just having it handy for panic situations?
Want to make adventure films? Emmy Award-winning director Michael Brown shows you how. Plus, go behind the scenes as BACKPACKER staffers learn from the masters at Adventure Film School.
Check out Lesley Suppes's author page.
I recently went hiking in the Phoenix area. I feel like I ate about a ton of dust–a fine particle, like talc. (Silly me, I didn't think to pack a mask.) Is that "trail dust" bad for my lungs?
Is it true that mummy bags should not be stored in a stuff sack, but rather hung in closet between trips? Seems like a waste of space.
Is it safe to hike if you have high blood pressure?
When camping in frigid temperatures, what's the best way to keep my food warm long enough to eat it? And how can I clean my pot once the food has frozen itself to the sides?
I've tried different boots, inserts, socks, and lightening my load, but I still seem to get overuse pain in my knees very early in my hikes. What else can I do to minimize knee pain?
My middle two and sometimes three toes go numb when I hike. I have very good boots that fit well. Any ideas?
I plan on backpacking Europe for about a month. What is the most suitable backpack for me to use?
I know you need more sodium when you're sweaty and backpacking, but how much is safe?
Now that summer is here, what are the best methods for preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
One small step for our stair-obsessed man, one giant leap for fitness freaks everywhere.
Lighten your planetary load, water bottle style, with these BPA-free water bottle alternatives.
These versatile sanctuaries do more than just keep you dry. ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: See our video review of the latest bivys and hammocks.
With a light climbing rope, shoes, and harness, you'll be packed and ready to hit the rock in no time.
True-blue reviews on the latest items we've taken out on trail.
Get maximum support, traction, and protection without wafflestomper weight or break-in. Welcome to the new breed of all-terrain, any-load boots.
Learn the Dülfersitz rappel and safely lower yourself off of a steep pitch with only a rope.
Finding total Southwest solitude
Exploring a high, wild corner of the North Cascades
Floating a liquid maze in the Northeast's lake-riddled forests
Rambling a granite redoubt
Ready to dial up the adventure meter? Try out your digital skills–and go places most people can't–on these life-list journeys.
Your adventure is ready for primetime. Here are 19 ways to reach the audience in your living room–or around the world. Web-based photo sites aren't all created equal. Here are our top 5.
Learn how to save your photos, print them, get published, and produce an audio visual slideshow.
Learn how to upload your video to YouTube and tap a social network like Facebook or MySpace to post links to your movie. Your adventure is ready for primetime. Here are 19 ways to reach the audience in your living room–or around the world.
Your adventure is ready for primetime. Here are 19 ways to reach the audience in your living room–or around the world.
Your adventure is ready for primetime. Here are 19 ways to reach the audience in your living room--or around the world.