The North Face Recon

Our experts recommend these nine sleeping bags for backpacking, including top picks from REI Co-op, Mountain Hardwear, Big Agnes, Therm-a-Rest and NEMO.

When your sleeping bag won’t zip properly, the slider is often to blame. We explain how to repair or replace a worn-out zipper slider.

With proper cleaning and care, your hiking boots will last you for many years and many miles along the trail.

A dirty sleeping bag is also a less-warm sleeping bag. Learn how to properly wash it to get peak performance from the insulation again.

Learn how to break in a new pair of hiking boots so you can maximize your comfort along the trail.

Learn what clothing and gear you’ll need to wear skiing or snowboarding. We cover the basics: from underwear to jacket and from head to toe.