Gear Review: Brooks-Range Elephant’s Foot
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Gear
Gear
Gear Review: Sea to Summit Micro MC III
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Gear Review: L.L.Bean Down Mummy with DownTek
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Gear Review: Norrøna Roldal Warm1 Shirt
A versatile and breathable shirt from Norrøna.
Gear Review: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Bacon Pack
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Gear Review: Salomon Conquest GTX
A midweight boot with surprising protection and support.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Supercharger Pants
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Gear Review: Outdoor Edge Fish & Bone
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Gear Review: Patagonia Sweet Pack Vest
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Gear Review: Redington Sonic-Pro Ultra Packable Waders
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Gear Review: Orvis Clearwater Fishing Rod & Encounter II Reel
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Gear Review: Fenix HL30
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Gear Review: LED Lenser SEO 5
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Gear Review: UCO ARKA Lantern
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Gear Review: Snow Peak Lapel Torch
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Gear Review: Light & Motion Solite 250
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Gear Review: Princeton Tec Vizz
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Gear Review: Black Diamond Spot
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Editors' Choice 2013: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
From a bomber ultralight tent to the best GPS watch we've seen, here are the 15 products that passed the ultimate field test.
Trekking Poles: Helinox Passport Tension Lock Adjustable
Improve your balance and save your knees.
Trekking Poles: Easton Hike Carbon 3
Improve your balance and save your knees.
Trekking Poles: Mountainsmith Glissade
Improve your balance and save your knees with this bargain set of trekking poles from Mountainsmith.
Trekking Poles: MSR Deploy TR3
Trekking poles from MSR you can adjust one-handed.
Trekking Poles: Leki Cristallo
If you can use a lighter you can adjust these trekking poles from Leki.
Gear Review: Boreas Bootlegger
The versatile gear-hauling system by Boreas Gear.
Gear Review: Kelty Ignite 20
The affordable three-season down bag from Kelty.
Gear Review: Stanley Adventure Nesting Mug
The space-saving and inexpensive mug by Stanley.
Gear Review: Millet Trilogy GTX Pro
The protective and durable hardshell jacket from Millet.
Gear Review: KEEN Marshall WP
The supportive hiking shoes by Marshall WP.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs DriDown Cal 30
The best all-around water-resistant down bag by Sierra Designs.
Gear Review: Big Agnes Bellyache Mountain SL 17/Lithia Spring SL 15
The lofty and roomy 700-fill DownTek Bag from Big Agnes.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Cerium LT
A movement-friendly puffy synthetic jacket from Arc'teryx.
Gear Review: Platypus Sprinter X.T. 35.0
A hearty hydration pack that's also water resistant.
Gear Review: Oboz Traverse Low Hiking Shoes
Low-cut hiking boots that are grippy in all conditions.
Drink Up: Hydration and Purifying Gear for the Trail
Stay hydrated on the trail with these innovative filters and containers.
Gear Review: Alite Mayfly Chair
A packable, comfortable camp chair that's not tippy.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Plasmic Jacket
A bargain rain jacket that's actually breathable.
Pamper Your Feet
Boost comfort with these three sock, shoe, and insert options.
Gear Review: The North Face Verbera Hiker GTX Boot
Excellent cushioning in a long-trail hiker.
Gear Review: Mammut T Advanced GTX Boot
Boots that can handle the up-and-down with ease.
Gear Review: LOWA Focus GTX Mid/Focus GTX QC Boot
An ideal boot for technical terrain that requires precise footing.
Field Test: Big-Trip Boots
Tackle rugged peaks, haul mighty loads, and thrash through the backcountry. These seven boots will support and protect you through it all.
Gear Review: Garmont Croda GTX/Syncro GTX Boot
An all-terrain boot that's supportive enough for big-load backpacking.
Gear Review: La Sportiva Garnet GTX Boot
The lightest boot in our August 2013 test.
Gear Review: Zamberlan 298 Tundra GT Boot
Perfect boots for people who tackle big miles with substantial packs.
Bugs getting into your tent? And other common questions.
Keep up with your buddies on the trail, backpack on the cheap, keep pesky bugs out of your tent, and stay on track with your weight loss goals without bonking mid-trip.
Wired and Unplugged
With the latest tech tools, you can plan trips better and more easily, stay safer on the trail, and instantly put your summit hero shot in front of the whole world.
Record Better Media: Picture and Video Masterpieces
You can't beat a dedicated camera for clarity, control, and quality, but smartphones come close enough for most of us-this magazine has even published iPhone photos. Use these tools and techniques to amp up your device's multimedia power:
Tech Talk: The Science Behind Synthetics
The differences between nylon and polyester workout gear.
Field Test: All-Purpose Trail Clothes
Our crew of Grand Canyon rangers spent 520 days in the backcountry to find the best three-season wardrobe.
Smartphone Photo Accessories
Outfit your phone for better backcountry pictures.
Gear Review: Costa Del Mar Cat Cay Sunglasses
Full-coverage lenses that let zero light seep, but shades that don't overwhelm a small face.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear ThruWay 50 Backpack
A light 50-liter pack with minimalist suspension.
Gear Review: Soto WindMaster
A versatile stove that works great in windy conditions.
Gear Review: Trail Shorts & Hiking Tops
Two his-and-her options for trail shorts and tops.
Gear Review: Merrell Ngeo Crew
This super soft synthetic crew shirt has excellent wicking and quick-drying properties.
Gear Review: GoLite Koli Wool Baselayer Shortsleeve
A stink-free wool baselayer that's perfect for multiday backpacking trips.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Voodoo Pants
The Voodoos cast a three-part spell of comfort, durability, and function.
Gear Review: Marmot Stride Jacket
This souped-up windshirt is the latest iteration of the DriClime.
Allergic to Sleeping Bags
I'm allergic to down, but I like its compressibility. But do you know anyone who makes a hypoallergenic down sleeping bag or am I stuck with synthetics?
Keeping Teenage Boys Happy in the Wilderness
It is finally here, we are taking our Boy Scout troop in the AT thru the GSMNP. The only question now is how to keep teenage boys motivated to complete the 76 miles?
Field Test: Big-trip Packs
We tested a slew of load monsters to find the best in comfort, support, and organization.
Gear Review: La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX Boots
Hike confidently with these sticky-soled boots from La Sportiva.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Equipment Cosmo Headlamp
Bright and light describe this rugged headlamp from Black Diamond Equipment.
Gear Review: Big Agnes Bellyache Mountain SL 17 Sleeping Bag
Lightweight and affordable, this bag will keep you warm and dry in a variety of weather.
Gear Review: Salomon Mont Baron WS Hoodie
This breathable hoodie is ideal for high-elevation or high-intensity trips.
Gear Review: MSR Reactor 1.0 Stove
An integrated burner, pot, and heat exchanger sized for solo hikers.
Pack Upgrades
3 great ways to store accessories, water, and food.
Gear Review: Field Test More Packs
Find the best pack for your needs with these four field-tested models.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Shaka 70/Lani 60
Hike hard in hot weather with this well-ventilated pack from Mountain Hardwear.
Gear Review: Osprey Volt 75/Viva 65
Enjoy big pack performance with this light-weight bargain pack from Osprey.
Gear Review: The North Face Conness 70/65
This adjustable pack from The North Face provides all-day comfort, even with a heavy load.
Gender-Specific Packs
Do I really have to buy my girlfriend a women's-specific pack if it seems like a men's would fit?
Backpacking Gear Maintenance Tips
Extend the life of your pack, sleeping bag, and tent with these tips.
Gear Guide 2013: Heavy Duty Boots
The toughest, burliest of boots.
Gear Guide 2013: Mid Duty Boots
Tough, ankle-protecting boots that can carry a load.
Gear Guide 2013: Light Duty Boots
Low profile shoes that can take a beating.
Gear Guide 2013: Trail Runners
Go light and fast with these trail running models.
Gear Guide 2013: Boots & Trail Runners
Find the perfect kicks for going fast and far.
Gear Guide 2013: Tents
Find the right shelter for every budget and trip.