Gear Review: MSR SureLock TR-3
A trekking pole that's easy to adjust on the fly.
Gear
Gear
Gear Review: Gerber Dime
A 10-piece multitool that weighs only 2.3 oz.
Gear Review: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter Pack
A backpack made for ultralighters who travel in wet climates
Field Test: Do-it-All Boots
Upgrade your footwear: We found seven models that can take you from dayhikes to thru-hikes, and from desert to rainforest to peaks.
Gear Review: Improve Fit, Boost Comfort
These after-market insoles control motion, fill excess volume, and more.
Gear Review: Keen Alamosa Mid GTX
Comfortable, sneaker-like feel with a roomy toebox.
Gear Review: LOWA Scorpio GTX Mid
Flexible support and instant comfort; great for trips with lighter loads.
Gear Review: Chaco Tedinho Waterproof
This supple leather boot has top-notch shock absorption and nearly an inch of arch support.
Gear Review: Scarpa Moraine Mid GTX
Running-shoe-like comfort, fit, and breathability.
Gear Review: Merrell Chameleon4 Mid Ventilator GTX
For hikers in blazing climates who need well-ventilated, waterproof protection and all-terrain traction.
Gear Review: Vasque Talus UD
Testers prized these all-leather boots for their tenacious traction, superior comfort, and midsole support.
Gear Review: Salewa Mtn Trainer Mid GTX
Named the best all-around boot by testers because of its unusually strong combination of protection, support, and nimbleness.
Gear Review: 3 Sweet Deals
Get performance summer apparel for less.
Gear Review: Ultralight Layers
Stay comfortable in summer and beyond with these lightweight, high-performance pieces.
2012 Father's Day Gift Guide
Skip the new wrench sets and the flowery ties. Give the man on your list something that he’ll really be stoked about. We’ve got a slew of great dad-tested gift ideas starting at $20
Tugging at ticks
What’s the best way to remove and treat a tick bite? My recent attempt severed the head, which required a hospital visit to remove.
Gear: Otter Box iPad 2 Reflex Series Case
What’s better than having an iPad? Not having to worry about what’ll happen to it when it gets into little hands.
Gear Guide 2012: Waterproof iPhone Case
Protect your valuables on your next paddling trip with this iPhone case.
Gear Guide 2012: One-Person Tents
Find lightweight shelter for every budget and weather scenario.
Gear Guide 2012: Two-Person Tents
Find lightweight shelter for every budget and weather scenario.
Gear Guide 2012: Three-Person Tents
Find lightweight shelter for every budget and weather scenario.
Gear Guide 2012: Four-Peson Tents
These four-person tents offer outstanding space-to-weight ratios and high performances in foul-weather.
Gear Guide 2012: Sleeping Pads
Sleep comfortably on your next adventure with one of these great sleeping pads.
Gear Guide 2012: Summer Sleeping Bags
These bags are ideal for summer backpacking trips, each offering lightweight comfort for warmer temps.
Gear Guide 2012: Three-Season Sleeping Bags
7 new bags perfect for your spring-time adventures.
Gear Guide 2012: Winter Sleeping Bags
Ready to endure all the elements, these bags offering warmth and protection for winter camping.
Leaky Sleeping Pad
What is the best way to find a slow leak in a self-inflating sleeping pad?
Backpacking Gear Found on Kickstarter.com
Five new new products funded through Kickstarter.com...some great, some not so great.
Trail Running Apparel: Jacket, Shorts, Hydration Pack
These three key pieces will keep you comfortable on the trail.
Gear Review: Patagonia Fore Runner Trail Runners
A perfect balance between traditional and barefoot running shoes.
Gear Review: Vibram Five Fingers Spyridon LS Trail Runners
A barefoot runner made for trails.
Gear Review: Hoka One One Mafate Edition Trail Runners
Trail runners that are ultracushioned...and unique to look at.
Gear Review: Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity HPI Trail Runner
A trail runner that's light but stable
Buyer's Guide: Trail Runners
An in-depth guide to the technology, top products, and latest skills, plus how to get in shape faster to see more trail.
Gear Guide 2012: Rip & Equips
Don't go shopping until you've read these comprehensive guides to buying and fitting the right pack, boots, bag, and tent.
Rip & Equip: Boots
First: Buy the right boots. Second: Keep them in tip top shape with these tips.
Rip & Equip: Backpacks
Finding a great fitting backpack is the key to happy backpacking. Plus, learn how to keep your pack looking and feeling like new.
Rip & Equip: Tents
Tips on buying the right tent for your backpacking style. Plus, cleaning and repair advice.
Rip & Equip: Sleeping Bags
Mummy or semi-rectangular? Sleeves vs. clips? Choose the right sleeping bag and keep it in top shape with these tips.
Gear Review: Patagonia Air Flow Cap
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Review: FITS Light Hiker Quarter
The unusually deep heel pocket in these socks contours to feet perfectly, and doesn't bunch.
Gear Review: Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight
This tee is naturally breathable, resists odor, and feels as soft as cotton.
Gear Review: Stoic Thrive
Stretchy poly fabric and and a gusseted crotch provide killer freedom of movement in these comfortable shorts.
Gear Reviews: Versatile Layers
Stay comfortable in summer and beyond with these lightweight, high-performance pieces.
Gear Review: Keen Ambler Mesh Lightweight Hiking Boots
A perfect lightweight hiker for people with a wide forefoot
Gear Reviews: Ultralight Packs
Cut weight and boost comfort with the best new ounce-shaving load haulers—tested and rated by tough-on-gear Grand Canyon National Park rangers.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Alpha SL Hybrid
A do-it-all hardshell for wilderness warriors who want four-season versatility in a light, packable, and impeccably cut package.
Gear Review: The North Face Phoenix 3 Tent
A single-wall tent is roomy enough for three adults
Gear Review: Millet Touring WDS Glove
Thin softshell gloves with Gore Windstopper
Gear Review: First Ascent MicroTherm Down Hoodie
A featherweight, 800-fill puffy
Gear Review: Gossamer Gear Gorilla Backpack
A versatile pack that can be pared down or bulked up depending on your load and the terrain.
Gear Review: ZPacks Exo
The lightest ultralight pack we tested.
Gear Review: Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus FS Backpack
A roomy and comfortable ultralight bag.
Gear Review: Osprey Exos 46 Backpack
An "ultralight" pack that can handle up to 40 pounds.
Gear Review: GoLite Jam 50 Backpack
A top performing pack that's only $160.
Gear Pro's Guide to Spring Cleaning
Get your gear ready for hiking season with these tips from gear editor Kristin Hostetter.
Editors' Choice 2012: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
From a smart-and-light pack to a groundbreaking backcountry communicator, here are the 12 products that passed the ultimate gear challenge.
Gear Guide 2012: Climbing Equipment
A lightweight, crag-tested collection for new climbers
Gear Guide 2012: Paddling Equipment
Top picks and values for backcountry lake and rivers
Adult Campfire Drinks
Drinks and accessories for a relaxing backcountry happy hour.
Gear Guide 2012: The Ten Essentials
Get prepped with this core gear.
Lighten Your Tent by 22 Ounces
Six easy ways to lighten your tent load.
Spring Showers Rain Shell Giveaway April 16-20, 2012
Don't let the rainy season of spring keep you off the trail. Enter to win a rain shell a day and hit the trail in style.
Gear Guide 2012: Balega X Athlete Multisport Crew Socks
These socks use a fabric that promotes airflow without sacrificing comfort.
Gear Guide 2012: FITS Performance Trail Socks
Manage moisture with these lightweight, low-cuff socks.
Gear Guide 2012: Dynafit Broad Peak Trekking Poles
These adjustable poles use a glove-friendly locking mechanism that helps to create a responsive feel.
Gear Guide 2012: Leki Micro Stick Trekking Poles
The Micro Stick collapses easily for great packability.
Gear Guide 2012: Helinox Featherlite Trekking Poles
Durable and lightweight, these poles offer an impressive strength-to-weight ratio.
Gear Guide 2012: Cabelas E.C.W.C.S. Thermal Zone Polartec Power Dry Baselayers
These no-bulk baselayers provide warmth when you need it and breathability where you don't.
Gear Guide 2012: Duofold Champion Varitherm
These baselayers deliver great moisture management and a skin-tight fit.
Gear Guide 2012: Polarmax TransDRY Cotton Underwear
Water-repelling fabric allows for these cotton briefs to wick moisture and keep you dry.
Gear Guide 2012: Helly Hansen Odin Quick-Dry Pant
With custom sizing and smart features these quick-dry pants are a must-have.
Gear Guide 2012: Patagonia ULW Merino Crew Socks
Prevent blisters with these liner socks.
Gear Guide 2012: Mountain Hardwear Rifugio Trek Shorts
These shorts are made to handle heat with a barely-there feel.
Do Bears Like Energy Bars?
Can bears and other critters be a problem at night even if all our group has for food are, say Clif Bars - or any other similar kind of energy/protein bars?
Sleeping Bag Liners as Ultralight Sleeping Bags?
Can sleeping bag liners be used as ultralight sleeping bags?
Gear Guide 2012: Stoic Microlith Softshell Pant
Keep comfortable in warm or cold with these no zip pants.
Gear Guide 2012: The North Face Think About It Jacket
This full-zip jacket combines protection and warmth to create a great go-to jacket for staying warm.
Gear Guide 2012: Hardshell Jackets
Core protection for any weather and environment
Gear Guide 2012: Softshell Jackets
Stay dry and comfortable on the move with these breathable softshells.