Gear

Our tester praises the 'rip-proof, poke-proof, and amazingly waterproof' fabric of the Traverse

You'll never miss a shot with this camera's lightning-fast lens.

Film your first wildlife documentary with this svelte digital video recorder.

Proven extra-tough after 30 straight days of hiking

How to make your cold months warmer: boots, bags, jackets, backpacks, and booties for frosty weather

This low-cut's shallow tread grips well through it all

Holds a week's worth of three-season supplies--or just enough for a light summit day

Capture every backcountry moment with this wafer-slim digital camera

Keep from tripping over your partner with this tent made for two

Pinch me: Our favorite bag is also the least expensive.

Slash weight, not weather protection, with this year's top new ultralight tents.

This furnace comes in a small package, but substitute your own stuff sack.

Sleep warm, carry less with these 20-degree sacks.

How to get the most out of your trekking poles

Socks so darn perfect they can make a thief out of your dearest friend

A light pack cover that kept contents dry in rain from New Zealand to the Pacific Northwest

A bargain pack with enough room for winter gear, a week's worth of food, camera supplies, and more--as long as it's all under 45 pounds

A daypack and waterproof stuff sack in one

A bargain base layer designed to maximize wicking and enhance layering

A little extra money buys a lot of extra wear with Arc'Teryx's latest T

Catch the hot spot before it's too late

Our field testers praise PreCip for its strength and breathability

Don't let your kid board the bus underdressed this winter

A hiking boot that provides outstanding protection against rocks, cactus, snow, and rain

An affordable two-person tent that holds up in any weather, spring through fall

Enough support and comfort to carry a big load for 56 miles in four days--that is, if you're up to it

Comfortable, water-resistant fabric earns points lost from this jacket's boxy fit

What to do when your soles come undone.

Budget shopper or big spender? We have the perfect three-season layering system for you.

Three tents that'll save you money, weight, your friendship, and your head

Want to impress friends and family? Strap this baby to your pack.

An ultralight backpack that does it all

Sunglasses built so strong they'd knock out ZZ Top--despite the price.

Prevent blisters, hike grit-free, and find arch support in a lightweight boot

Introducing a new breed of synthetic boots: fast, nimble, and surprisingly supportive.

A special pocket makes hydration easier for backpackers carrying this midsize.

Repair a busted backpack with this simple sewing technique

If solitude is your thing, dish out the extra green for this spacious, sturdy solo tent.

Channel your nimble-footed inner child with these grippy, hikeable shoes.

On hot summer days, these breathable shoes beat the heat.

Excellent fit, support, and waterproofing set a high bar for low-priced boots.

A cushy sole makes these a good choice for long trail days.

Prevent embarassing, water-wasting splashes by replacing your water bottle's lid with the Gription.

This sack earns high marks as an affordable, versatile summer bag.

This upgrade suits the fastpacker's need for a roomy, bugproof tent during hot and humid nights.

Don't throw big-ticket boots in the bin when a quick makeover will do the trick.

The Harry Potter hat for AT hikers: a bandanna that doubles as the key to the trail.

These nimble shoes are a steal for hikers with narrow feet.

Keep your wallet and load a little lighter with Outdoor Research, Marmot, and Integral Designs

Not sure if you need a digital camera you can put in your pocket or one with all the lenses and accessories? No problem. Here's a guide to help you make the right choice.

Troubleshooting tips for 9 common problems

6 tricks for successful backcountry shooting

Add valuable intermediate techniques to your shooting repertoire.

Learn your camera's capabilities by doing, not reading.

Before you buy a camera, you have to get some details straight. Here's a list of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.

At first glance, digital cameras can be intimidating. Use this guide to take the guesswork out of the features on your camera.

Cram all of your stuff and your hiking partner's five extra bags of gorp into this light daypack.

Stop dreaming, start planning with our top tips and picks for boots and gaiters

Three field-tested bags and how they'll save money, space, and your feet

New Zealand is pretty to look at, but harsh on gear--making it just what we needed for our Kiwi challenge.

Young hikers deserve performance shoes

Two tried-and-true favorites--the Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero and the Smith Sliders sunglasses--join our gear hall of fame

Slip into the most comfortable all-leather backpacking boot you've worn in years

Pamper your feet with the most supportive footbeds we've tested

Satellite broadcasting gets light, cheap, and trailworthy

Be cool in fastpacking's finest footwear

Winners of the 2005 Editors' Choice Gold Award, these innovative shades continue to lead eyewear evolution.

These boats are so light they redefine where you can paddle

Use a map, compass, and GPS unit to plot an ambitious route with this beginner's guide to bushwhacking

This ultralight weekender stabilizes any load

Meet the new benchmark in lightweight, three-season shelter

Not going light? Experience a revolution in big-load backpack comfort

Get started--or get simple--with the best GPS deal

This versatile midsize pack is the sweetest deal of the year

These Editors' Choice Green Award-winning socks are soft on the planet-and your feet

Stay dry in the wettest weather with this lid, winner of a 2005 Editors' Choice Gold Award

If you wake up wanting to walk 1,000 miles, go out and purchase a pair of these first.

Despite its name, Garmont's lighter boot provides excellent support, but a bit too much for fastpackers and trail runners.

This shoe fits the fastpacker interested in traveling long distances on hot days.