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Field Notes: The Latest Word from Our Testers
True-blue reviews on the latest items we've taken out on trail.
Shelters Plus: Hammocks, Bivys, and Tarps
These versatile sanctuaries do more than just keep you dry.
Big-Trip Boots: Trail Blazers
Get maximum support, traction, and protection without wafflestomper weight or break-in. Welcome to the new breed of all-terrain, any-load boots.
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.
Size and Buy the Perfect Backpack
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter drops some knowledge on how to find, fit, and buy your perfect backpack.
Storing Mummy Bags
Is it true that mummy bags should not be stored in a stuff sack, but rather hung in closet between trips? Seems like a waste of space.
Hot Food
When camping in subzero temperatures, what's the best way to keep my food warm long enough to eat it? And how can I clean my pot once the food has frozen itself to the sides?
Field Notes: The Latest Word from Our TestersTrue-blue reviews on the latest items we've taken out on trail. 
Shelters Plus: Hammocks, Bivys, and TarpsThese versatile sanctuaries do more than just keep you dry. 
Big-Trip Boots: Trail BlazersGet maximum support, traction, and protection without wafflestomper weight or break-in. Welcome to the new breed of all-terrain, any-load boots. |
Lightweight Climbing GearWith a light climbing rope, shoes, and harness, you'll be packed and ready to hit the rock in no time. 
Green Scene: BPA-Free Water BottlesLighten your planetary load, water bottle style, with these BPA-free water bottle alternatives. 
Field Notes: The Latest Word from Our TestersThe green truth behind bamboo, a hyper-efficient cookpot, and a bargain three-person tent. |
Encampment 15I bought this bag last year thinking it would solve my mummy bag phobia, but didn't know how what I wanted from my bag would create a ... Read more Helium 15I know 5 stars sounds excessive, but this is an amazing bag. I have used it right down to its limit and been just fine in base layers. ... Read more Vasque WasatchPurchased the Vasque Wasatch boots and used for light wear (walk to work, no backpacking trips). After 5 months, part of the heel ... Read more |
white mountain4500-5700 cu wt.6.6 rugged and affordable with a life time you cant beat ... Read more |
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Gear Photos + Videos
Editors' Choice Award Winner: Mountainsmith Phoenix BackpackDennis Lewon shows you why the Mountainsmith Phoenix won this year's Green Award at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City. |
Editors' Choice Award Winner: Mountainsmith Phoenix BackpackDennis Lewon shows you why the Mountainsmith Phoenix won this year's Green Award at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City. |
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Ask the Expert
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Q.}
Is it true that mummy bags should not be stored in a stuff sack, but rather hung in closet between trips? Seems like a waste of space.
Submitted by: Robert from Budd Lake, NJ
A.}
It may be a waste of space–and completely undoable if you're short on closet acreage–but it's the lesser of two evils. Keeping your bag stored in its tiny sack for long periods of time is a waste of money. Insulation, whether it's down or synthetic (but especially synthetic) will lose loft and the ability to puff up if it's kept mashed up in a stuff sack interminably. While it's fine to compress it on the trail, at home you gotta give it some love.
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Place fresh produce in your pack in air–permeable brown paper bags–never plastic.
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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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