Compass: Understanding Compasses
While, for many, the compass rarely makes it out of the pack, it becomes indispensable in foul weather, complex routes, or when you lose your way.

Compass: Which Compass to Buy?
It is easy to get overwhelmed with the many compass types. The right one for you depends on your navigation skills and your activity.

Do Soft Shells Come in Cornflower Blue?
What's all the "buzz" about soft shells? Peter Shin's has all the answers in this gear review.

Gear Intro: Gear Intro
In packing for a wilderness trip, it's a simple matter of take it or leave it. The idea is to take what you need and to leave the rest at home.

Harnesses: Understanding Harnesses
Harnesses distribute the force of a fall over a larger percentage of the body. Choose from seat harness, body harness, chest harness.

Ice Ax: Caring for Your Ice Ax
Modern ice axes require little special care, beyond keeping them clean and sharp.

Ice Ax: Understanding Ice Axes
The ice ax is one of the most versatile and important pieces of mountaineering equipment, allowing you to venture onto all forms of snow and ice.

Parabolic Skis
Like the rest of America, skis have gotten fat. Find out why in Peter Shin's latest missive about parabolics.

Single vs. Double Wall Tents!
Are single wall tents worth the price? Check out what Peter Shin has to say about it.

Sleeping Bag: Understanding Sleeping Bags
No one wants to be uncomfortably hot or cold when trying to sleep, especially after a long day of hiking on the trail.