Gear

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

This versatile midsize pack is the sweetest deal of the year

Meet the new benchmark in lightweight, three-season shelter

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

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

Young hikers deserve performance shoes

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

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

These boats are so light they redefine where you can paddle

Satellite broadcasting gets light, cheap, and trailworthy

Be cool in fastpacking's finest footwear

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

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

This ultralight weekender stabilizes any load

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

This scrambler provides everything you need to go anywhere you want: support, grip, comfort, and waterproofing.

Mesh-covered vents take these strong midcuts into the future of fastpacking shoes.

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.

Your complete guide to the latest in outdoor electronics, including a smart watch, a weatherproof MP3 player, and the best in GPS.

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

Give this boot a little time to really feel broken-in, and it will reward you with years of comfortable hiking.

The Trek brings serious trail mileage capabilities to the original (and winning) Trango S.

When it was time for Ladies' Choice, they picked the boot that 'just plain fit.'

Check out the best lightweight boot for your heavyweight foot.

If there's a rough and tough masochist in the ultralight category, it's the Cyclone.

Just ask our Northwest editor how these boots hold up and he'll tell you a little bit about the 13-mile, 6,000-foot-elevation trail he covered. Easy as instant-pudding pie.

What kind of scrambler would pass up a shoe with soles described as Spider-Man-like? C'mon!

Don't underestimate the power of this model's plus sign -- the new and improved shoe almost offers too much to use the same name.

The Terrastryder-Mid triumphs in the "Best Fit" category for the hard-to-fit group -- just beware of its sogginess factor.

Two experts debate whether a (very) sophisticated Swiss Army is worth the weight.

A knife expert's guide to blade selection and safety.

Testers give the Jannu two thumbs up, despite wanting more space

Stay sweat-free in all conditions with this lightweight shell

Carry less, enjoy the cold months more with the latest four-season tents, gloves, hats, and gaiters.

Way warm for the weight

Give that old tent a new waterproof coating without shelling out big bucks.

You'll find this bag to be the most comfortable for mild weather.

Great fit, but lacking loft

Easy to pack and easy to vent

Don't tell us money can't buy happiness.

Call this sack a rebel--a synthetic bag that weighs less and stuffs small.

We went to outdoor educators and gear retailers to uncover the most common questions asked about staying dry in the backcountry. Here are the top 6.

How to keep your gear--and yourself--dry on your next backpacking adventure.

How do you know that your gear is crying out for help? Consult our handy list of signs and solutions.

A complete guide to buying gear that will keep you dry--no matter what