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Gear Guy's Bio

Douglas Gantenbein, better known to many as the Gear Guy, has been hiking, biking, skiing, and climbing in Washington State and the West Coast for 25 years. During that time he's endured leaking tents, back-breaking packs, balky stoves, and freeze-dried food so bad that even his always-hungry beagles would likely turn their nose up at it. That experience, combined with his work as an equipment reviewer for Outside Magazine and the Outside Buyer's Guides, now benefits Outside Online readers who want the low-down on outdoor gear. When Doug isn't sorting through the newest parkas and tents, he's a freelance journalist who works for publications ranging from The Economist to Popular Science to Audubon.

Doug's latest book, A Season of Fire: Four Months on the Firelines of America's Forests (J.P. Tarcher, 2003), investigates the death of four firefighters during the 2001 wildfire season and ponders whether this tragedy could have been avoided. It is available from Amazon.com and other good bookstores.