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Backpacker Editor's Choice 2008
The year's best packs, boots, tents, jackets, and sleeping bags. Period. Plus, a never-die headlamp, a life-saving beacon, a back-saving ultralight chair, and more innovative, trail-tested gear.
Spring Cleaning Your Gear
We know. You meant to scrub and scour your gear last fall. But...[insert excuse here]. Now, set aside one weekend afternoon to get your gear back into action and promise to be better next year.
Bivy Sack Review
Associate editor Shannon Davis highlights the merits of the Integral Designs Penguin Reflexion and Rab Super Light Bivys
The Backpacker Smackdown: Testing the CamelBak
Backpacker associate editor Shannon Davis puts the Camelbak hydration system through the ringer...
Editors' Choice Award Winner: Mountainsmith Phoenix Backpack
Dennis Lewon shows you why the Mountainsmith Phoenix won this year's Green Award at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City.
Buckle Trouble
The plastic buckle on my pack's hip-belt slips. Is there a way to make it stay in place, or a better buckle?
Is Naked Warmer?
I've been told that when using a down sleeping bag, sleeping in the buff will keep you warmer than sleeping in clothing. Is this true?
Backpacker Editor's Choice 2008The year's best packs, boots, tents, jackets, and sleeping bags. Period. Plus, a never-die headlamp, a life-saving beacon, a back-saving ultralight chair, and more innovative, trail-tested gear. 
Spring Cleaning Your GearWe know. You meant to scrub and scour your gear last fall. But...[insert excuse here]. Now, set aside one weekend afternoon to get your gear back into action and promise to be better next year. |
March 2008 Essentials Review: SunglassesSave yourself from squinting, and get the most of the view you've worked for with these essential specs. 
March 2008 Essentials Review: Blades & ToolsFrom an ultralight knife to a full-service multitool, prepare for your Survivorman moment. Or lunch. 
Zero Impact ChallengeIs it possible to build a backpack that doesn't contribute to global warming? Not yet, but five pioneering companies gave it one helluva try. (Cue standing ovation.) |
Z55I'm pretty enamored with my Z55. Last summer, I took it on a handful of weeklong trips in the Sierras and it performed beautifully. ... Read more This is, hands down, the best piece of gear that I own. It's feather light and far warmer than the 25 degree rating suggests. I've ... Read more |
Crestone 75Very Spacious, well-organized pack. The canted water bottle pocket is very handy, and the suspension system provides comfort on long ... Read more Aleutian BxGood 20 degree bag for those mild spring and fall nights. Not extremely small or light, but it gets the job done for a budget and ... Read more Tundra 15 degreesI just finished a week long camping trip that ranged from the Anza-Borrego desert and Sierra foothills to Big Sur coastal California ... Read more |
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Gear Photos + Videos
Bivy Sack ReviewPhoto by: Shannon Davis & Katie Herrell Associate editor Shannon Davis highlights the merits of the Integral Designs Penguin Reflexion and Rab Super Light Bivys |
The Backpacker Smackdown: Testing the CamelBakBackpacker associate editor Shannon Davis puts the Camelbak hydration system through the ringer... |
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Ask the Expert
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Q.}
I bought a pair of Swiss Gear poles from Wal-Mart for $17.00 just to see if I liked using them and have been very satisfied. I learned I do like using the poles and I've seen much more expensive ones in my local outdoor shop. What's the difference? Should I step up and buy the pricier ones?
Thanks
Submitted by: Mike
A.}
Since you've already made the investment and the poles are working for you, why bother? Drive your Wal-Mart specials into the ground, then re-invest when they konk out. The price difference comes down to two things: materials and features. Chances are, your poles have plastic grips, which get sweaty and are less comfortable to grasp than the rubber or cork handles on pricier models. |
Find the Outdoor Equipment You Need
TIP 29: Waterproof Maps
Carry your folded map in a zipper-lock freezer bag or plastic map case. Or treat it with Map Life or Nikwax Map Proof to make the paper more durable.
Backpacking 101
Trip-planning tips, gear lists, safety advice, and other essential wisdom every hiker should know.Backpacker's Ultimate Fix-It Guide
Learn how to make your gear last forever with our guide to the 55 most
common repairs and maintenance musts.
Sleeping Bag Center
Our guide to sleeping bags fit for all occasions and sleep tips guaranteed
to give you a good night's rest. 
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