Backpacker Gear Guide: One-Person Tents
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Gear
Gear
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
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Backpacker Gear Guide: Weekend Packs
The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack.
Daypacks: Bargain!
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Daypacks: The Best
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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
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Backpack Shopping Guide
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Sleeping Bag Shopping Guide
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Tent Shopping Guide
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Editor's Choice Green Award April 2006
Patagonia implements the Common Threads Recycling Program to reuse your old Capilene long underwear tops and bottoms
How to Buy PVC-Free Gear
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is waterproof and durable, but the manufacturing process creates carcinogens
How to Waterproof Everything
From your tent, to your bivy sack, to yourself, learn how to stay dry and comfortable.
Packing List: Repair Kit
Don't let a busted strap or a deflating tent ruin your trip. Pack these essentials and at all times and you'll be covered.
How to Organize a Backpack
By loading your backpack properly you protect your gear and prevent back issues--plus it's easy to find the gear you need.
Learn How to Stay On Course
By understanding your terrain, knowing your pace, and reading the map regularly you can stay on course wherever you are.
How to Protect Your Map From the Elements
While you're cozy in your waterproof jacket, your map has to face the rain, or snow, or mud, alone. Learn how to protect this precious piece of paper.
How to Align Your Compass
Learn how to orient your map with a few basic compass skills
Gear-Buying Tips
Before shopping for gear it's important to plan a budget, do your research, and prioritize.
Gear: Clothing
Clothing is gear that's just as important as a tent or sleeping bag. We'll help you choose wisely.
Gear: Tents 101
There's a bewildering array of tent options available, including hundreds of three-season tents and specialized models built for hot deserts, Arctic summits, and steamy rain forests.
Gear: Accessories
From water purifiers to first-aid kits, these accessories are also essentials.
Gear: Packs
It's important to consider loading, capacity, and pockets when choosing which pack to buy.
Make Your Sleeping Bag Warmer
8 easy ways to fortify your sleeping bag
Waterborne Parasites
How long can waterborne parasites survive on the outside of a Lexan bottle?
Mosquito Prevention
Will eating match heads containing sulfur keep mosquitoes away?
Sleeping Bag Repair Tips
Learn what you can and can't fix yourself on a sleeping bag.
180s Expands Presence in Global Marketplace
A leading US manufacturer of apparel and accessories announced a number of new distribution partnerships in Canada, Western Europe and Japan.
High Sierra Donates To Breast Cancer Research
High Sierra Sport Company Donates to A Silver Lining Foundation and Susan G. Komen For the Cure Chicagoland Affilitiate: The Company to Support The Third Annual "Dancing With Chicago Celebrities" Benefit.
Vibram Expands Group of Trail Running Partners
Vibram continues to expand on its successful mission of reaching a younger, broader audience with work for innovators in the trail running field.
How to Sleep Soundly In a Sleeping Bag
On your next camping trip, be sure to heed these 10 tips for sleeping like a log
Sleeping Bag Terminology
Impress your friends–and understand any salesperson–by learning all sorts of sleeping bag lingo.
Become a Savvy Sleeping Bag Shopper
Five questions to ask yourself before you buy a sleeping bag
Swelling Hands
My wife's hands swell when she hikes. Is she in danger?
Smash Your Fitness Barriers With Heart-Rate Training
Become a better hiker. Build speed, endurance, and strength all through heart-rate training.
Does Altitude Impact Alcohol Stoves?
How good are the alcohol stoves at high elevations and/or any elevation?
Seam Seal
What's the best way to re-attach seam seal tape that is pulling away from waterproof fabric items such as a waterproof stuff sack or tent fly?
Down vs. Synthetic
Down versus synthetic sleeping bags: What's the deal?
Purify Water
Can I safely purify water inside my CamelBak hydration reservoir?
Hypothermia Risks
Do high-blood pressure medications increase my risk of hypothermia while hiking in negative-40°F weather?