Buyers' Guides
Gift ideas from the Trailspace Gear Guide
A few choice selections from the Trailspace Gear Guide might help simplify your shopping list.
New winter packs for 2009/10
Do you really need a winter pack? New models for 2009/10 answer with a likely "yes" for year-round backcountry travelers.
Snowshoe Highlights: Winter of 2009-10
Trailspace highlights notable new snowshoes for winter 2009/10 and innovative upgrades to existing models.
If the Shoe Fits: A Buyers' Guide to Trail Running Shoes
To choose the right trail running shoes, or trail runners, consider the features of the various shoes on the market, as well as the unique nature and biomechanics of your feet. Know your feet, know the terrain, and know if the shoe fits.
The Wet Foot Test: Find Your Foot Type
Your foot’s arch — high, neutral, or flat — helps determine the amount of stability you need in your footwear. Try the wet foot test to find your arch and foot type.
Building a Better Water Bottle: Aluminum, Steel, and No BPA
Whether it’s for a trek into the backcountry or a trip to the store, there are a growing number of aluminum, stainless steel, and BPA-free plastic water bottles.
Soft Shells 101
Soft shells have become extremely popular backcountry (and around-town) clothing in recent years, but this rapidly growing category of stretchy, breathable outerwear can also be confusing to navigate. Here’s a basic introduction to this newest and continually expanding category of outerwear.
Guide to Tents
Like campers and backpackers, tents come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Since you’ll depend on your tent for shelter, be sure to choose a good quality one that fits your outdoor needs.
How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
Down or synthetic? What temperature rating? Mummy or rectangular? Extra-long or women-specific? With the range of sleeping bag types and options on the market there’s sure to be a bag (or bags) ideal for your personal thermostat, shape, and overnight destination.
Guide to Backpacks
Like most outdoor gear, choosing a backpack depends on what you plan on doing with it primarily. Consider how long you will be gone on trips (a day, overnight, a week?), how much gear you’ll need, or want, to bring along, and when you’ll be out.
How to Fit Boots
Ultimately the most important aspect of choosing a hiking boot — or trail runner or climbing shoe — is a good fit. Here are some tips to help you properly fit hiking and backpacking boots.
Guide to Outdoor Footwear
With thousands of outdoor footwear reviews by hikers, mountaineers, climbers, and trail runners who've tested their boots and shoes in the field, Trailspace's Guide to Outdoor Footwear has you, and your feet, covered.
How to Choose Snowshoes
Snowshoes, one of the oldest forms of transportation around, are also one of the easiest to use. Deciding which snowshoes to buy may not appear simple though due to the wide variety of models available. Read our tips and you can cut through the confusion and choose the right pair for you.
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