Hiking & Backpacking Site
	Megan Kopp BellaOnline's Hiking & Backpacking Editor

5 Christmas Gifts Under $25
Christmas gift ideas for the hiker/backpacker on your list.

Are Plastic Water Bottles Safe?
The debate about potential health hazards associated with bisphenol-A (a chemical used in making polycarbonate plastic like that used in some water bottles) continues. Check out this article for updated facts.

Are Water Bottles Safe? - Take Two
News on the bisphenol-A / polycarbonate plastic front as a major Canadian retailer pulls Nalgene water bottles from its shelves.

Backpack Electricity
Harness the motion of your own swinging stride to power small electronics while backpacking. A great idea for starting your own wilderness survival/disaster preparedness backpacking kit - once the backpack's technology becomes more widely available.

Christmas Gifts for the Hiker and Backpacker
What do you get that hard-to-gift outdoor geek? Stop here for some easy online holiday shopping.

Hiking Gear for Women
These days companies entire product divisions are dedicated to cutting women’s stuff from a whole new cloth, not just downsized from gear designed for men. And it’s often the little, thoughtful details that equal big comfort for women in the great outdoors.

How to Buy a Backpack
It can make or break your trip – make sure you take the time to ask the right questions before you buy a backpack.

Lucky Island Thong Review - Ultra light camp sandals
I heartily recommend you try the Lucky Island Thong (it´s a flip flop sandal), made by Columbia Sportswear for your camping and ultralight backpacking trips. For lite hikers, these comfortable, sturdy and lightweight sandals are among the best gear options on the market.

Sleeping Pads for the Backpacker
Sleep is often elusive for backpackers -- what with pointy sticks and stones sucking the heat from the core of your body. Finding the right sleeping pad is critical.