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Across Iceland by Packraft
Encountering waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, rivers, volcanoes, and boiling hot springs during a difficult but delightful Icelandic summer.
The Global Test III: Trekking in Russia
From the Gulag Archipelago to the Pearl of Siberia: between gear choice mistakes, gear failure, corrupt officials, and aggressive cows, at what point does backpacking cease to be fun?
Big Sky International Evolution 2P Tent Review
Creation vs Evolution: one of the thorniest questions ever and one I prefer to stay away from most of the time. But Bob Molen’s latest creation is the ever-evolving Evolution 2P, and one I feel comfortable tackling. It is almost divine...
Global Test Main Page
Danny Milks and Kristin Tennessen left California in September 2009 to embark upon a two-year international backpacking adventure. Follow their travels, break down their gear lists, and step into their photos for a global adventure like nothing you've ever seen!
The Global Test Part II: Evaluating System Efficiency for a Round-the-World Journey
In Part 1, we answered the question "What should you pack?" Mid-way through our global trek, we now visit the question "How's that working out for you?"
MSR Carbon Reflex 3 Tent Review
Dropping two full pounds from my current tent weight to use a sub-five-pound three-person double-wall tent all summer sounded too good to be true. How did MSR's lightest 3P shelter work for the Estrella family?
24-Hour Gear Lists
See the winners of our recent contest and download a zip file of all the submissions. Use your favorite to plan YOUR next trip!
Keeping it Real in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real: Global Test Photo Essay
Lightweight backpacking in Bolivia's northern Andes.
Tall Tales from Colca Canyon, Peru: Global Test Photo Essay
Trekking in one of the world's deepest canyons.
MYOG: eVent Rain/Wind Jacket
Turning 2.5 yards of high performance fabric into a lightweight, breathable rain jacket.
Hiking the Santa Cruz Loop in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca: Global Test Photo Essay
Escaping the "boxes" of modern society in the heart of the breathtaking Peruvian Andes.
Minimalist Footwear for Summer Backpacking
Unlike more traditional running shoes, there is no set pattern established and accepted as to what characteristics make a good minimalist shoe. We scan the currently available products and test some out to see how applicable these designs are for ultralight backpacking.
Home Away From Home In Argentina’s Lake District: Global Test Photo Essay
Months of travel can wear on people, even as they enjoy the "other" of another country. We found the perfect combination of comforts from home and the diversity of a foreign culture in Bariloche, Argentina.
Brutality, Beauty, and the Day I Could Have Died on the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is off-the-charts gorgeous, a great challenge, and it is my favorite of the big three long-distance trails. However, as with the Pacific Crest and Appalachian Trails, the CDT is not without its tricky areas.
Ten Days in Torres del Paine: Global Test Photo Essay
We discovered why Torres del Paine, Chile is the poster child for Patagonia's wilderness playground.
Nine Days in Parque National Los Glaciares, Argentina: Global Test Photo Essay
In this Global Test Photo Essay, we arrived ill-equipped for a trek over an ice field. Setting up a base camp and sticking with day trips ensured that we didn't miss out on one of the most beautiful parks in the world.
Food Planning Using Pounds Per Person Per Day
Calculating how much food to take on a trip? My goal is to be perfectly satisfied during my time in the backcountry, but to walk out of the mountains with absolutely ZERO food. It is so gratifying to eat that last raisin on the last mile of the last day. If I can do that, the math worked out perfectly.
Trip Report: 2010 Teton Crest Expedition
Our seasoned crew decided early on a mostly off-trail trip on a high route through the Teton Range. With no navigational resources but map and compass, we planned to formulate our route day by day as we progressed north to south through mountains.
Small Wonders of Latin America – Global Test Photo Essay
In nine months backpacking around Latin America, there was much grandeur to be seen, but there were also tiny treasures that required a closer look. Examine their petite beauty.
Winter ISPO 2011: Day 3 – A Smorgasbord of Worldly Flavors
From practical (bras) to indulgent (a back-country electronics charger) to "they can do new things with zippers?", the ispo show floor has it all.
