About the Author

Kristin has been BACKPACKER magazine’s gear editor since 1994. She has put thousands of camping and hiking products through BACKPACKER’s rigorous gear-testing program. Her travels have taken her all over the world—from Alaska to Iceland, from Wales to Wyoming—in search of the best testing conditions, which often means the worst weather! She has appeared as a gear expert on NBC’s Today, CBS’s The Early Show, and The Martha Stewart Show, among others. Kristin is the author of three other books: Don’t Forget the Duct Tape, Adventure Journal, and Tent and Car Camper’s Handbook. Kristin is also known as the “Gear pro” on backpacker.com, where she answers questions from readers about all sorts of outdoor skills and gear. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons, all of whom love to join Kristin on her adventures whenever possible.