If you're a hiker or camper, you need this book. Why? Because you love your gear and depend on it to make your trips comfortable and safe. In the field stuff happens, and knowing how to cope can be the difference between a great trip and a miserable one. Plus, your gear should last many years, but only if you know how to keep it working properly. This book covers all manner of outdoor gear-from boots and packs to tents, jackets, and kitchenware. Learn how to keep your gear finely tuned, properly stored, and operating at its best, and how to fix problems yourself-saving you serious money and time. Step-by-step instructions and real-world color photos walk you through all the repairs. And let's face it, some things are beyond fixing, even for the most skilled DIY-ers, so this book includes lots of advice on what features to look for when shopping for new gear.

Kristin Hostetter has been Backpacker magazine's gear editor for over 15 years, during which time she has put thousands of camping and hiking products through Backpacker's rigorous gear testing program. Kristin has appeared as a gear expert on NBC's Today, CBS's The Early Show, and The Martha Stewart Show, among others.