Backpacker Magazine - Your Backpacking, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Gear, Adventure Travel, and Skills Magazine

Tap the Pins to Find a Hike

Portland, ME: Pleasant Mountain Loop

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Cascading brooks, seasonal wildflowers, and picturesque ponds highlight this 5.1-mile loop through the thick forests of Maine to two summits.

Chicago, IL: Pilcher Park

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Look for the hidden surprises--wildflowers, turtles, a mineral-rich well, and even a historic greenhouse--on this family-friendly, 3.3-mile loop around Pilcher Park.

Salt Lake City, UT: Twin Peaks via White Pine Canyon

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
This 14.6-mile dayhike serves up two Wasatch summits, some off-trail scrambles above an emerald-colored lake, and top-notch views.

Meindl Perfect Hiker

Submitted By: LHHT653
I started the season with the Merrell MOAB Gortex and destroyed them quite easily. The weekend before I was leaving for the Grand ... Read more

Latest Forum Topics

The Political Arena

Getting Rid of the Death Penalty

Posted On: Mar 22, 2013
Submitted By: hbfa

Gear

One Person Tent suggestions?

Posted On: Mar 22, 2013
Submitted By: TigerFan

The Political Arena

A few recent examples of why the GOP might

Posted On: Mar 22, 2013
Submitted By: Montecresto

Trailhead Register

The "Good Morning" thread: part 2

Posted On: Mar 22, 2013
Submitted By: TigerFan

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Hiking Wales: Fresh Tracks Through History

Beachside trek meets pub crawl meets castle tour on Europe's newest long trail, the 870-mile Wales Coast Path, officially opened in May 2011. We have the beta on its highlights.

Explore Chile's mind-bending terrain without joining the throngs on the popular trekker circuit. On this paddle/hike/horse adventure, you'll have glacier-chiseled fjords, sky-piercing mountains, and best-ever camping all to yourself.

Gear Review: Patagonia Alpine Guide Pants

Softshell pants built for years of abuse.

BACKPACKER Reader Reporter Team Outdoor Retailer Winter Show 2013

From January 22-26, the BP staff and a team of Reader Reporters will be scouting the newest gear for 2013 and beyond in Salt Lake City. Follow along.

What Kind of Hiker Are You?

Find your personality type and trips that match your adventure style.

Expert Panel: Instant Upgrades

We asked a few of our favorite pros how to fix some common backcountry annoyances

Survival: Animal Attacks

Don’t be prey. Learn where you’re likely to encounter North America’s deadliest predators.

Master Class: Lighten Your Pack

Drop 5, 10, or 15 pounds (or more!) by packing smart, planning ahead, and fine-tuning essentials.

Reader Wildlife Photos

A call for reader wildlife photos returned outstanding shots of true wild life.

Chile: Private Patagonia

Hiking Wales: Fresh Tracks Through History

Beachside trek meets pub crawl meets castle tour on Europe's newest long trail, the 870-mile Wales Coast Path, officially opened in May 2011. We have the beta on its highlights.

BACKPACKER Reader Reporter Team Outdoor Retailer Winter Show 2013

From January 22-26, the BP staff and a team of Reader Reporters will be scouting the newest gear for 2013 and beyond in Salt Lake City. Follow along.

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Make an Alcohol Stove

Learn how to create a lightweight, functional backcountry stove for less than a few dollars.

Ghost Bears

Tracking Grizzies in the North Cascades

Foraging 101

How to Find Food in the Wild

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Vote For Your Favorite Reader Photo

Here's our top ten favorite pictures from this month's photo contest. Vote for your favorite to help us choose the winner. The winning photo will be published in Backpacker's May issue.