If you're training for a hiking or backpacking trip this summer, Backpacker Magazine suggests you wear your hiking boots to the gym for added realism, and try these three exercises to strengthen stability, agility and power relevant to the hiking motion:

Stability: Side-to-side leaps equalize musculature around the knee joint to lessen impact on the ligaments supporting your knee (e.g., over-developed quads can cause injury).

Agility: Hiking trails are littered with rocks, tree roots, holes, mud and the occasional slithering snake. Reduce your risk of an awkward-fall-with-backpack-on by rebuilding your reflexive reactions to trail obstacles. This proprioception drill will improve the sense of space and movement in your feet. I'm a big fan proprioception exercises -- from my ski-training experience, they work!

Power: A treadmill's maximum 15 degree angle will not get you prepared for a short, steep scramble or that grueling mountain pass where you're gaining 3,000 feet in elevation before lunch. This jump combo will power-up your torso and legs.

I'm currently training for a July backpacking trip (no kids!) in the Wind River Range. I will add these exercises to my gym routine -- just not sure if I'll wear those clunky hiking boots.

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Just the word 'daypack' starts my heart racing. Aaaah --sweet day hikes over mountains, meadows and streams with 15 pounds of rain gear, first aid, lunch, snacks and hydration nestled comfortably on my back. My hubby swiped my daypack shortly after we entered parenthood a few years ago, so I didn't have the energy to complain. Well, he can keep his stinking stolen daypack. Now that the kids are out of diapers, it's time to reclaim my outdoor gearhead mentality ... with a brand new daypack.

If it's time for you to buy a new daypack (or a first one), save your pennies and splurge on the best. Backpacker Magazine recently tested and reported on these Top 4 Daypacks:

• Camelbak M.U.L.E. ranked top for all-around performance, includes 100-ounce hydration reservoir, a water-resistant zipper pack for your tunes and can hold 10-15 pounds. L.U.X.E. is the women's version. Both will cost you $85.
• GoLite Rush (pictured) can handle 15-20 pounds easily for its lightweight design. Stable waist and shoulder belts produce a firm fit and pockets galore keep gear handy. Sternum strap even has a whistle. Available in men's and women's sizes for $70.
• Mountain Hardwear Riff offers compression straps for a close fit, staying on comfortably with 10 pounds. Side pockets designed to fit a Nalgene. Most stable pack tested. $65.
• The North Face Gulper's magnetized sternum strap keeps the hydration hose from slapping around. With the 70-ounce reservoir's quick connect hose, refills are easy. This small pack is better-sized for adventures requiring only snacks, water and rain gear. Dusky is the women's version. $75.

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