Gear Guide 2012: Climbing Equipment
A lightweight, crag-tested collection for new climbers
Gear
Gear
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.
Gear Guide 2012: Trail Runners
Hit the trail running with these lightweight, all-terrain shoes.
Gear Guide 2012: Adventure Medical Kits Escape Bivvy Blanket
Using a waterproof and breathable fabric, the Escape Bivvy provides comfort and insulation.
Gear Guide 2012: Elemental Herbs Zinc Sunscreen
Using pure zinc oxide, Elemental Herbs sunscreen protects you from the solar radiation and the sun's harshest rays.
Gear Guide 2012: Bridgford Ready To Eat Sandwiches
For emergency calories or just an easy-to-pack meal, Bridgford sandwiches are easy to carry and can keep for up to three years.
Gear Guide 2012: Outdoor Research Revel Convertible Cap
The Revel offers two domes for maximum versatility.
Gear Guide 2012: Columbia Solar Polar 1/2 Zip
Stay comfortable in hot temperatures with the Solar Polar.
Gear Guide 2012: Gerber Steady Multitool
The Steady is lightweight considering its dozen tools, including flexible tripod legs.
Gear Guide 2012: Black Diamond Icon Headlamp
The Icon uses a four-AA power source allowing for long lasting light and no drops in power.
Gear Guide 2012: SteriPen Freedom Water Treatment
Light, compact, and easy to use, the Freedom treats water in seconds with just a push of a button.
Gear Guide 2012: More Tester Picks – Softshells
Lightweight and durable, these softshells provide solid weather resistance.
Gear Guide 2012: More Tester Picks – Hardshells
Extreme weather protection and breathability make these hardshells great performers when it comes to rough conditions.
Gear Guide 2012: Food – Trail Bars
Snack smarter and pack a variety of energy bars to get the right boost at the right moment for optimal on-trail performance.
Gear Guide 2012: Food – Dinner
Hunger-sating (and quick to prepare) meals to cap off a long day on the trail.
Gear Guide 2012: Food – Lunch & Snacks
Grab these quick-fix and fast-fueling trail meals on the go.
Gear Guide 2012: Food – Breakfast
Start your day with these tester-favorite and camp-ready breakfasts.
Gear Roundup: Tiny Gear
Good things DO come in small packages, and these little widgets are too useful to leave at home in the gear closet.
Gear Guide 2012: The North Face Alpine Project Shell
This shell's design enhances moisture transfer and provides both wind-proofing and water resistance, making it the most versatile.
Gear Guide 2012: Marmot Vapor Trail Hoody Shell
A stretch material allows for excellent range of motion while its overall cut leaves room for layering.
Gear Guide 2012: Fly-fishing Gear
An affordable starter kit for backcountry anglers
Garafa, LLC Squawk! GPS Friend Tracker
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Garafa, LLC GIS Kit for iPhone & iPad
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Garafa, LLC GPS Kit for iPhone & iPad
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
tech4o Discover
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Timex Ironman® Run Trainer GPS
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Backpacker magazine BACKPACKER GPS Trails
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Brunton Brunton Get Back GPS
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Trimble Outdoors AllSport GPS
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Trimble Outdoors Timble Outdoors Navigator
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Trimble Outdoors Trimble Outdoors MyTopo Maps
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Backpacker magazine BACKPACKER Map Maker
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Trimble Outdoors Geocache Navigator
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Guide 2012: Arcteryx Gamma SL Hybrid Hoody Shell
The Gamma SL's design achieves optimum flexibility while creating a great fit.
Gear Guide 2012: Outdoor Research Mithrilite Jacket Shell
This multi-use shell demonstrates high performance weather protection with a breathable design.
Gear Guide 2012: Helly Hansen Odin Light Softshell
The Odin Light offers a unique design that focuses on versatility as well as comfort.
Gear Guide 2012: Rab Scimitar Shell
This is the go-to shell for alpine activity providing great breathability and impressive weather protection.
Gear Guide 2012: Helly Hansen Odin FastPack Shell
With smart details and great versatility this shell delivers protection and breathability all in one lightweight package.
Gear Guide 2012: Stoic Stash Shell
This shell handles wind, rain and snow like a pro offering versatility and a great fit.
Gear Review: Westcomb Switch LT Hoody Shell
This shell was built to take on the toughest conditions with ease providing heavy-duty protection with superior breathability.
Gear Guide 2012: MontBell Versalite Shell
This featherweight shell is full-featured with ultralight wind protection and a relaxed cut.
Gear Guide 2012: REI Kimtah Shell
The Kimtah offers excellent weather protection and breathability at a bargain price.
Gear Guide 2012: Columbia Compounder Shell
The Compounder's design helps you stay completely dry and comfortable in the most wet conditions.
Gear Guide 2012: Millet LTK Active Shell
This shell is great for the fast-and-light climbing crowd offering excellent breathability and low weight.
Gear Guide 2012: Montane Trojan/Athena Shell
If it's breathability you want, it's the Trojan/Athena that you need.
Gear Guide 2012: Mountain Hardwear Quasar Shell
Maximum protection and great breathability help make this shell a force against the toughest conditions.
Gear Guide 2012: Outdoor Research Helium II Shell
Reliable weather protection in a light-weight package.
Gear Guide 2012: Patagonia Super Cell Shell
This shell can handle any kind of weather and is both protective and comfortable.
Gear Guide 2012: Scarpa Reflex Climbing Shoes
A shoe that easily transitions from gym to sport climbing to bouldering to multipitch routes.
Gear Guide 2012: Mammut El Cap Helmet
A super safe helmet that you forget you're wearing
Gear Guide 2012: Trango Smooth Quickdraws Carabiner
Big and beefy carabiners
Gear Guide 2012: Metolius Climbing Safe Tech Comp Harness
A harness that's great for both beginners and experts
Gear Guide 2012: Petzl Xion 10.1 Climbing Rope
Deemed a 'go-to workhorse rope' by the editors of Climbing Magazine
Gear Guide 2012: Old Town Saranac 160 XT Canoe
This budget-friendly boat made from durable thermoformed polyethylene offers a plush ride for everyday paddling.
Gear Guide 2012: Kokatat Aries Life Vest
The low-profile, adjustable PFD features soft, PVC-free foam, which molds around your body for custom-fit-like comfort.
Gear Guide 2012: Wenonah Super Seat Canoe Chair
Keep your butt happy on long canoeing trips with this add-on seat.
Gear Guide 2012: NRS HydroLock Dry Bag
A giant roll-top and zip-top dry bag in one
Gear Guide 2012: Necky Looksha 17 Polymer Sea Kayak
A versatile 17x4 cruiser with plenty of storage space.
Gear Guide 2012: Waterproof iPad & iPhone Cases
Protect your valuables on your next paddling trip with these iPhone and iPad cases.