The North Face Recon

Our testers sampled the best sleeping bags for backpacking. These are their four favorites.

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.