March 2008 Essentials Review: Hydration
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
Gear
Gear
March 2008 Essentials Review: Trekking Poles
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March 2008 Essentials Review: Blades & Tools
From an ultralight knife to a full-service multitool, prepare for your Survivorman moment. Or lunch.
Headlamp Reviews
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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
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High-Altitude Remedies
Only one herb has successfully passed the thin-air test: ginkgo biloba.
March 2008 Essentials Review: Shell Jackets
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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
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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
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Sleeping Pad Reviews
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March 2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Winter Sleeping Bags
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2008 Three-Season Sleeping Bag Reviews
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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
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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
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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
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March 2008 Tents Review: Three-Person Tents
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March 2008 Tents Review: Two-Person Tents
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Backpacker Gear Guide: One-Person Tents
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Backpacker Gear Guide: Essentials
Packs, tents, boots, and bags–that's easy. Now comes the hard part: Everything else. Below, you'll find our top picks for all the lust-worthy backcountry essentials you'll need to make your trip safe, fun, and simple.
Backpacker Gear Guide: Boots
You won't go far with sore feet. So our testers went the distance–5,000 miles, to be exact–to bring you the best shoes for every foot and hike.
Backpacker Gear Guide: Sleeping Bags
The secret to a great day outdoors? Start with a great night. Sleep well in all conditions with one of these snooze-tested bags.
Backpacker Gear Guide: Tents
You can test-drive a car, but not a tent. So our crew did the shakedown for you, logging 600-plus nights under stars and storms. Here's what we liked.
Fortified Water
A friend told me vitamin C can eliminate the taste of iodine in water. How much is necessary and does it affect the purification process?
Double The Warmth
Is wearing two pairs of socks better for cold-weather backpacking?
Zinc Stink
Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to zinc oxide?
Feeling The Burn
I always get a rash on my shoulders where the pack harness rests. Is there anything to prevent that?
March 2008 Backpacks Review: Start Smart
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Weeklong Packs: The Best
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Weeklong Packs: Other Top Packs
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Backpacker Gear Guide: Weeklong Packs
The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack.
Weekend Packs: Ladies' Luxe
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Weekend Packs: Bargain!
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Weekend Packs: The Best
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Backpacker Gear Guide: Weekend Packs
The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack.
Daypacks: Bargain!
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Daypacks: The Best
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Backpacker Gear Guide: Daypacks
The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack.
Backpacker 2008 Gear Guide: Backpacks
The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack. The Solution: One of these 30 field-tested vanishing acts.
Point of Boil
How long should you boil water before drinking it?
Higher Than Everest
If you were to wear an altimeter watch on an airplane, what would the elevation reading be?
Drinking with Cattle
I will be backpacking in southern Arizona's deserts and drinking from cattle tanks. How should I treat or filter the water inside these tanks?
Mace vs. Bears
Is a can of personal defense pepper spray an effective bear deterrent?
Curing Leg Cramps
After a day of hiking, I get severe leg cramps in my calves. Can you explain why these are happening and what I can do to prevent them?
Pests and Pets
Do chiggers bite dogs, and if so, how do you combat that on the trail?
Spring Break AT
What is your mileage recommendation for novice hikers spending their spring break on the AT?
Ultralight Hammocks
They look nice, but do hammocks really work?
Avoiding Anaphylaxis
What do I need to bring and do in case one of my children has an anaphylactic reaction to something like a bee sting on the trail?
How to Lighten Your (Planetary) Load
We found 17 pioneering products that will cut your carbon cost without sacrificing performance.
Leftover Gas
What is the best way to get rid of leftover white gas, before I get on the plane to fly home?
Winter Camping
What is your advice regarding proper winter bag sizing?
Bear & Vinegar
Will vinegar repel bears or harm the environment?
Emergency Medical Coverage
Where can I get emergency medical coverage for international travel?
Freezing Point
Is there anything that can be added to water (that is safe) that will lower its freezing temperature?
Camp Shoes
Do you have any suggestions on camp shoes?
Compass Bubbles
What causes–and how do you prevent–air bubbles from showing up in liquid filled compasses?
Fossilized Food
Over the years I've hoarded a lot of dehydrated food. Does this stuff ever go bad?
Down Fill
What does the 650-fill or 700-fill label on a down jacket mean?
Bears & Tents
Does what color your tent is effect whether bears are attracted to it or not?
Kids' Stuff
Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.
Rain Shells
From $500 to under $150, Backpacker has found the best rain shells for blowing snow or driving rain.
Puffy Jackets
Made with down or synthetic fibers and paper-thin shells, these puffy jackets weigh less, loft higher, and pack much smaller than fleece.
Trail Tops
These eight trail tops wick sweat, look great, and fit great. Wear them for a run or a week-long trek.
Boot Shopping Guide
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Backpack Shopping Guide
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.