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
Gear
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.
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.