High Sierra Sport Company 59501 Appalachian 75
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear
Gear
High Sierra Sport Company Sentinel 65
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company Explorer 55
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company Summit 45
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company 59101 Col35
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company Cirque 30
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company Bobcat 65
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company Foxhound 50
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company Badger 40
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company Titan 65
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company Titan 55
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company Hawk 45
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company Hawk 40
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company Lightning 35
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Sierra Sport Company Lightning 30
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Helly Hansen Rapide Mid HTXP Leather
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Crazy Creek Products Air Chair Plus
Features abound in this three-season sleeping pad from REI.
Crazy Creek Products HEX 2.0 PowerLounger
Features abound in this three-season sleeping pad from REI.
Crazy Creek Products Crazy B.A. Tarp Lite
The perennial BACKPACKER favorite gets an upgrade with better ventilation.
Crazy Creek Products Crazy Crib LEX w/ Tarp
The perennial BACKPACKER favorite gets an upgrade with better ventilation.
Crazy Creek Products Crazy Standard Tarp
The perennial BACKPACKER favorite gets an upgrade with better ventilation.
Helly Hansen Odin Foil Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Helly Hansen Odin Light Softshell
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Helly Hansen Odin Superstretch Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Helly Hansen Odin Guiding Light Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Helly Hansen Odin Traverse Jacket
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Helly Hansen Odin Fastpack
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Lawson Hammock Company Blue Ridge Camping Hammock
The perennial BACKPACKER favorite gets an upgrade with better ventilation.
Which Fuel Bottles Go with Which Camp Stoves?
I am getting ready to buy a lightweight canister stove. Is there a guide for which stoves use which fuel bottles?
How-to: Fix a Cut in Leather Hiking Boots
One of my leather hiking boots has a cut across the toe box. It is not deep, but it is enough to cause tearing in the leather. Is there a way to close this cut?
How Do I Carry a Bear Vault on My Pack
I have an Osprey Ariel 55 backpack and am going on a trip that requires hard side bear vaults. Will I be able to get everything including the BV in my pack, and if so, how do I carry the BV?
OK to Ignore "Dry Clean Only"?
I have a down parka that says "dry clean only". Do you think it would be fine to wash it as I do my down sleeping bag?
Outdoor Retailer Summer 2012 Recap Day 3
On the third day of the 2012 Summer Outdoor Retailer show, our reader reporter team found some great boots and essentials for under $20.
Outdoor Retailer Summer 2012 Recap Day 2
On day two of the Summer 2012 Outdoor Retailer show, our reader test team tackled ultralight, three-season hiking, and breathability.
Gear: Car Camping
Ultra Luxe Load the trunk this Labor Day with weight-is-no-object comfort gear.
Gear Review: Kelty LumaSpot Lantern
Check out Tracy Ross and Rachel Zurer's author page.
Gear Review: Eureka Curvy Low Rider Chair
Check out Tracy Ross and Rachel Zurer's author page.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Yahi 4
A car camping tent that's spacious, but easy to set up and carry.
Gear Review: Primus FireHole 300
A souped up camp kitchen
Gear Review: Brunton Resync
A wallet-size battery pack
Gear Review: MontBell Highland
A warm, packable down sweater at an affordable price.
Gear Review: Boreas Lagunitas
A dayhike/bike/travel/commute pack
Gear Review: Scarpa Tech Ascent
The ultimate boot for the long approaches and class 3+ scrambles.
Gear Review: Hilleberg Anjan 3
An alpine tent that's light, compact, and brawny enough for storms.
Gear Review: Sweet Dreams
Boost comfort and convenience–and your zzzz’s–with these three sleeping accessories.
Gear Review: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm
A sleeping pad that's light enough for summer yet warm enough for winter.
Gear Review: Slumberjack Lone Pine 20
A $90 starter sleeping bag.
Gear Review: Western Mountaineering Alder 25
A lofty, hoodless, semi-rectangular down bag.
Gear Review: L.L.Bean Katahdin PrimaLoft Synergy 20
A synthetic sleeping bag with warm, generous cut.
Gear Review: Columbia Reactor 25
A synthetic bag with a Omni-Heat liner.
Gear Review: Feathered Friends Osprey 30
A pricey, but super light, sleeping bag
Gear Review: First Ascent Karakoram 20
Check out Will Rochfort's author page.
Field Test: Three-Season Sleeping Bags
Upgrade your bed: No matter what your budget or performance preferences, our testers found the perfect bag for all your spring-through-fall trips
Help with Hotspots!
Is there anything I can do to ease the pain of a hot spot?
Packing Prudently
That’s a tough, but not impossible, task, Theo. Generally speaking, I’d consider 35 liters to be more of a day- or day-and-a-half pack at most, not a multiday pack.
Campground Grillin'
When you're camping close to the car, there's no need for freeze-dried. Feast like royalty at your next frontcountry campout with these nine field-tested grilling products designed for the outdoor gourmand.
Ultimate Mess Kit
A half-dozen items made to enhance your backcountry dining experience.
Apps and Maps
From GPS data to navigation apps and printed maps, we have you covered and can get you ready for your next adventure.
Gear: Eyewear
High summer is no time to go without shades. These models will protect your eyes no matter where your adventures take you.
Gear Review: Smith Gibson
Frontcountry looks meet backcountry performance with these shades.
Gear Review: Julbo Tensing
With vented wrap-around sidewalls, dark lenses (5 percent VLT), and a face-hugging frame, the Tensing provided high-altitude sun protection rivaling heavier, spendier mountaineering models.
Gear Review: Zeal Zeta
Full-coverage lenses without the huge frames.
Gear Review: Spy Quanta
These sunglasses will stay in place and won't mist up, even during your most difficult hikes and climbs.
Gear Review: Dynafit Feline Superlight
A lightweight trail runner that hits a sweet spot of precision, comfort, and protection.
Gear Review: Coleman Sportster II
This tank-tough stove is easy to use and boils water fast, even in below-freezing temps.
Gear Review: MSR SureLock TR-3
A trekking pole that's easy to adjust on the fly.
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