Almost every landscape hides water if you know how to read it. How to find water in forest, mountain, desert, coast, tropics, and snow country — the signs that point to it, the sources to trust, the myths to skip, and how to make what you find safe to drink.
Leatherman’s biggest tool: 21 functions, oversized pliers, full-size lockable blades, replaceable cutters, made in USA. Our field review of the heavy-duty Leatherman Surge.
18 tools with outside-accessible one-hand blades, replaceable wire cutters, and a 25-year warranty. Our field review of the Leatherman Wave+, the do-everything full-size multitool.
A pocketable 12-in-1 mini multitool with spring-loaded pliers, blade, and scissors for a few dollars. Our field review of the Gerber Dime, the budget grab-and-go and first-multitool pick.
Ultralight 100% carbon poles that fold into thirds for a pack or running vest, with FlickLock length adjustment. Our field review of the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ for fast-and-light miles.
The regular hiker’s buy-once pole: Black Diamond’s one-handed FlickLock adjustment, a dual-density foam grip, and aluminum durability that outlasts hard use. Our field review of the Black Diamond Trail.
The value benchmark in trekking poles: aircraft-grade aluminum, secure Quick-Lock levers, a cork grip, and a full carbide-tip and basket kit for well under half the price of a name-brand pole. Our field review and who they are for.
The thing most likely to cut a trip short isn’t a bear; it’s dirty hands or bad water. How to stay healthy in the field: hands, water, food, waste, feet, and rest.
Heat changes the math of a hike. How to travel safely in hot country through timing, water discipline, clothing, and pacing, and how to spot trouble before it becomes an emergency.
Most dangerous wildlife encounters are invited by the smell of food in camp. How to store food and manage odors with canisters, bear hangs, and clean-camp habits so nothing has a reason to visit.
