Start Smart: Shoot Low-Light Photos
Master dawn and dusk photographs with these pro tips.
Gear
Gear
The Cutting Room: Editing Programs and Storage
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.
The Cutting Room: Video
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.
The Cutting Room: Photos
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.
The Cutting Room: GPS
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.
Organize It: The Cutting Room
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.
Field School: Trail-Tested Tech
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures. The best new digital tools for every budget and skill level.
Field School: Essential Tips
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures.
Field School: Make a Movie
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures.
Field School: Capture Classic Images and Record Your Hike
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures.
Document It: Field School
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures.
4 Trip-Planning Sites and Top Tech Tools
Every great trip boils down to this: Picking an ideal location, capturing memorable moments, and bragging about it.
New Tools, New Rules: Plan the Perfect Trip
Every great trip boils down to this: Picking an ideal location, capturing memorable moments, and bragging about it. Here's how to get started the high-tech way.
iHike: Hiking in the Digital Age
A Complete Guide to the Digital Revolution–and How to Join It
Fixing a Tent Tear
I just returned from a trip to the High Sierra and found a 1/2 inch tear in the bottom of my Big Agnes tent. The fabric is silicone treated nylon. How do I fix it?
Gear Chick: Washing Your Fleece
What is the best way to wash my fleece so that I get longer use out of it?
Great Beach-Camping Tents
I do a bit of camping on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I am looking for a 3-person tent that can withstand the howls and gusts of the winds without collapsing or flapping so loud it keeps me awake. No $3,000 tents please.
Packs for Big Guys
Are there any companies that make packs for bigger guys, and a 54" waist?
Camp Stove Performance Enhancement
In your video on <a href="http://backpacker.com/videos_2007_editors_choice_award_winners_msr_reactor_and_primus_etapower_camp_stoves/gear/gvideos/3">Camp Stoves</a>, why do you keep one of the gas canisters in a pan of water?
Water Purification Mist
On a recent backpacking trip, I mixed Aquamira water purification drops in my Nalgene before we reached a water source. I noticed a mist coming out of the empty bottle just prior to filling with water. What was that, and is it safe to drink?
Predators and Soloing
I have heard reports of bears and panthers in areas around where I want to solo hike this summer. Is it okay to go alone?
Icky Ticks
What is the approved procedure for removing a tick?
Danger at 10,000 Feet?
Anyone coming from lower altitudes to 8,000 feet or more may experience headaches, unusual fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and lassitude. Expect, also, that you'll do some heavy breathing, even after you acclimatize. These physiological responses are discomforting, but not serious.
Filtering Out Viruses
I was thinking about getting a water filter, but I understand that it will not filter out viruses. Is this something I should worry about if I'm backpacking in the U.S.?
Altitude Memory
Do you think our bodies "remember" acclimating?
Editors' Choice 2008: REI Quarter Dome T3 Tent
Easy to pitch and easy on the wallet, this tent is rock-solid when it comes to weather protection.
Editors' Choice 2008: Big Agnes Cyclone SL Chair Kit
Rest easy: Here are 6 ounces of pure lounge-lizard comfort
Field Notes: The Latest Word from Our Testers
The green truth behind bamboo, a hyper-efficient cookpot, and a bargain three-person tent.
Canoes: All Aboard!
Some of the country's best wilderness is accessible only by boat. To help you get there, our testers picked the top canoes in six key categories.
Start Smart: Team Paddling
Improve your speed and efficiency by synchronizing your strokes.
The Specialist: Plan Away Pounds
Shed useless pack weight, not luxuries
GSI Outdoors
Solo. Stag. Unattached. Everything's more macho when you do it alone, but you still deserve a little comfort. An even-heating pot, insulated mug, a strainer lid, room for stove/fuel and a welded sink. We promise we won’t tell.
Dynafit Feline EVO Ghost Trail Runner Review
Mountain runner has superior grip.
March 2008 Table of Contents
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Backpacker Editors' Choice 2008
The year's best packs, boots, tents, jackets, and sleeping bags. Period. Plus, a never-die headlamp, a life-saving beacon, a back-saving ultralight chair, and more innovative, trail-tested gear.
Spring Cleaning Your Gear
We know. You meant to scrub and scour your gear last fall. But...[insert excuse here]. Now, set aside one weekend afternoon to get your gear back into action and promise to be better next year.
Gear Chick: Pole Position
What's the difference between cheaper and more expensive trekking poles?
Buckle Trouble
The plastic buckle on my pack's hip-belt slips. Is there a way to make it stay in place, or a better buckle?
Food Bag Beta
If there are no trees to hang a bear bag, what is alternative food storage option?
Weekend Packs: Other Top Packs
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
Gear Review: Macpac Traverse 35 Daypack
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
March 2008 Perfect System: East
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
March 2008 Perfect System: Southwest
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
March 2008 Perfect System: Rocky Mountains
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
March 2008 Perfect System: Northwest (Beginner Skills) (Climbing/Mountaineering) (Destinations Stories) (Gear Checklists) (Ultralight)
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
Backpacker 2008 Gear Guide: Perfect System
The best gear in the world can be worthless in the wrong conditions. That's where Backpacker's Perfect System comes in.
March 2008 Essentials Review: Hydration
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
March 2008 Essentials Review: Trekking Poles
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
March 2008 Essentials Review: Blades & Tools
From an ultralight knife to a full-service multitool, prepare for your Survivorman moment. Or lunch.
Headlamp Reviews
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
March 2008 Essentials Review: First-Aid Kits
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by Julia Vandenoever's author page.
March 2008 Essentials Review: Sunglasses
Save yourself from squinting, and get the most of the view you've worked for with these essential specs.
March 2008 Essentials Review: Binoculars
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by Julia Vandenoever's author page.
March 2008 Essentials Review: Navigation
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by Julia Vandenoever's author page.
High-Altitude Remedies
Only one herb has successfully passed the thin-air test: ginkgo biloba.
March 2008 Essentials Review: Shell Jackets
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
High-Altitude Kids
As high as they can climb. Kids are sturdier than we think and scientific data supports this. Studies suggest that young hikers are not more susceptible to altitude sickness than the rest of us; indeed, many children travel to resorts at high elevations without complications.
30% Chance of Grizzlies
Will opening and closing an umbrella scare a bear away?
Shut Your Trap
Why don't people get sick from swimming in lakes and rivers when they probably ingest plenty of contaminated water?
Diabetic Cold Pack
I'm looking for a lightweight cold pack to carry on backpacking trips that will keep my insulin cold. What do you recommend?
Cures on High
What multivitamin/herbal remedy you suggest for overcoming altitude sickness?
March 2008 Essentials Review: High Tech
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Time 2 Go: Hike With Birds
Whether you've got hours or weeks, here's where to go for the birds.
PERFECT DAY: Olympic National Park
In the Elwha Valley, tidal rivers collide with towering old-growth forests, creating an outsized multisport playground. You'll need a bike, a kayak, and a boatload of stamina to join Sara Gagnon, an area native and co-owner of Adventures Through Kayaking, on this rollicking tour.
March 2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Start Smart Sleeping Bag Tips
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Sleeping Pad Reviews
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
March 2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Winter Sleeping Bags
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
2008 Three-Season Sleeping Bag Reviews
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
Hilleberg Tents: The Benchmark in Backcountry Shelter Solutions
In the backcountry, having the right shelter is crucial. For over three decades, Hilleberg has specialized in making that "right shelter" by building the highest quality all season tents.
2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Summer Sleeping Bags
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
Backpacker Skills Videos
Not quite sure how to fit a pack, measure your torso, calculate your V02 max, patch a sleeping pad, or clean a funkified hydration unit? Watch and learn.
March 2008 Boots Review: Start Smart Boot Tips
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
March 2008 Boots Review: Heavy Duty Boots
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by Julia Vandenoever's author page.
March 2008 Boots Review: Mid-Duty Boots
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by Julia Vandenoever's author page.
March 2008 Boots Review: Light Duty Boots
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by Julia Vandenoever's author page.
March 2008 Tents Review: Mountaineering Tents
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
March 2008 Tents Review: Three-Person Tents
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
March 2008 Tents Review: Two-Person Tents
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.