Backpacker April 2011 Gear Guide Issue

[couscous]

446 Trail-Tested Products & Camping Skills

[ShakeyLeggs]

Got mine today!

Time to start droolin hehe

[bulldog49]

I'm old enough to remember when this was actually a great magazine.

[JaxHiker]

Just got my first issue from my $6 subscription. Unfortunately it was the March issue which I already had.

I know there's a lot of hate for the mag around here but I don't get it. I enjoy looking at the pics from other parts of the country and have gotten more than a couple of meal ideas from the recipes they include. I guess to each their own.

[GoonerYank]

I've got mine and since I will be riding shotgun on a two hour trip to my in-laws this evening I will have plenty of time to read it.

The magazine does what I want it to. Show me some pretty pictures, give me a few tips here and there, and expose me to the newest gear. I can do my own research after that instead of relying entirely on their reviews. Plus, it's nice to read about gear and such without sitting in front of the computer like I usually am.

[Ewker]

I'm old enough to remember when this was actually a great magazine.

me too !!!!!

[skinewmexico]

I'm old enough to remember when this was actually a great magazine.

+1. I was a charter subscriber. Still remember the photo with the famous mountain climber (can't for the life of me remember his name) with the skin peeling off all his fingers, when he lost his gloves on a descent and got severe frostbite.

Anyway........I read the gear issue for laughs now. Mostly rewarding advertisers for updating their 80s gear. I should be nicer, they occasionally recognize that technology allows some weight savings. And that their are domestic manufacturers.

[JaxHiker]

Got this issue in the mail today.

[swantekkie]

I do enjoy getting the occasional tip while reading, as well as the newest gear i probly wont buy for another two years. I do notice the issues dont vary much, more like a constant rotation of info with a few new ideas once in a while. I think its best purpose is to get me to go out hiking, because every time i read it i want to go outside.

[RedneckRye]

I do enjoy getting the occasional tip while reading, as well as the newest gear i probly wont buy for another two years. I do notice the issues dont vary much, more like a constant rotation of info with a few new ideas once in a while. I think its best purpose is to get me to go out hiking, because every time i read it i want to go outside.

Exactly.
Stop...
buying gear, talking about gear, thinking about gear, weighing gear, asking questions about gear, etc, etc, etc.
AND GO OUTSIDE.
Maybe even go "Backpacking", like the name of the magazine says.
Gear is overrated.
Folks have been walking thru the mountains for thousands of years without this years newest stove that...
weighs 1.4 grams less, boils 10.3 oz of water 11 seconds quicker, and uses 1/4 teaspoon less of fuel per boil...
than last years old, lame, heavy stove.
Carry an extra pound of cheese and nibble on it while reading a book or having a conversation or staring at the clouds while waiting for the water to boil.
As far as tents, packs, bags, same thing goes.
Use what you got, save the upgrade money for food or gas money and go outside more often and for longer.
Just my $.02, from a 13 year gear shop employee.