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Backpacker Magazine – April 2009
Get This Gear: Essentials From A to Z
We tested more than 500 products–stoves, clothes, cameras, filters, tech tools, knives, and meals–to find these proven performers.
M
Map tool
Meet the most useful 4-by-7-inch piece of plastic we've seen. The Brooks Range Map Tool is gridded with all of the UTMs, mileage scales, and slope indices found on maps published in North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Japan–great for geek-precise plotting. $18; 2 oz.; brooks-range.com
Mapping software 
Web-based Topo! Explorer Deluxe gives you surfing access to USGS maps, aerial photos, and map tools for all 50 states. Add trail overlays and info boxes by accessing National Geographic's National Recreation Database. Start with 25 free topo downloads; additional quads and hybrid aerial photos are $1 apiece. $50; shop.nationalgeographic.com
MP3 player
Waterproof, shockproof, and featherweight, Freestyle's Audio Soundwave 2GB has a built-in FM radio tuner, waterproof ear buds, and holds 320 songs. It rocks for 18 hours on a single USB charge. $90; 1.25 oz.; freestyleaudio.com
Mug
For hikers who want the perfect cup, damn the price, get Snow Peak's Double Wall Titanium Mug. It weighs only 4.2 ounces, but it's big enough for a Ramen dinner, and it keeps your coffee hot without scorching your lips. $50; snowpeak.com
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READERS COMMENTS
Are you kidding me with the $30 chopsticks?? I thought this magazine was about appreciating outdoors, not marketing a bunch of needless crap.
Posted: Nov 13, 2009 Shane
I use the nite ize s biner as a key chaine. I hook it to my belt loop. Numeros times my keys have fallen off. I usually can hear the sound of keys hitting the ground. On a recent end of Fly fishing adventure. I turned the car around to do a final check for any forgoten equipment. The metalic reflection came from the ground. I got out and there was the nite Ize S-biner. BackPacker Editors award and all. Spring not strong enough!
Posted: May 27, 2009 Lost Keys
How many backpackers do you know that carry $600 binoculars? Get real.
Posted: May 16, 2009 dropkick
I'm really surprised to see MSR's quick 2 system at the same time that GSI's dualist system is not mentioned yet it has the 2008 editor's choice and lighter than MSR's. This really makes me question the credibility of the whole backpacker's site that I have always had it as a flagship.
Posted: May 14, 2009 AN
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