| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
Technique
Adventure Travel Skills
See more wildlife, climb more peaks, and hike more miles with these tips that'll help every adventure traveling backpacker raise their game.Wildlive Lover Skills
See more wildlife--and capture it better on film.Backcountry Chocolate Recipes
Need to kill your chocolate craving? Use these recipes to get your chocolate fix in the backcountry.Master Class: Take Better Night-Sky Photos
You’ve found the ideal starry sky. Now, shoot the sparkling display—without investing in a new camera. Use these composition and setting tips from award-winning photographer Ben Canales.The Manual: Rough Road Driving
Don’t get stuck in the mud. Learn to evaluate road hazards, overcome obstacles, and navigate the unpaved passages between your front door and your next adventure.Blister Wars
Don't get sidelined by these common and painful foes. Fight back with these tips and tricks for preventing and treating any kind of hot spot problem.Ultimate Adventure Handbook: Catch a Golden Trout
Cast for beautiful fish that live in beautiful lakes.Ultimate Adventure Handbook: Climb to Heart-Pumping Heights
Scramble a class 3 route and claim your own private peak.Ultimate Adventure Handbook: Ride a Whitewater Roller Coaster
Inflatable kayaks make big-water action accessible to all.Ultimate Adventure Handbook: Make an Adventure Movie
Create a story-driven video that engages you on the trail and offers a fresh perspective on trip memories.Ultimate Adventure Handbook
Tired of the same old weekend loops? Looking to create memories your grandkids will talk about? In this how-and-where guide, we serve up 15 extraordinary escapes that will shatter your expectations of "normal." From adventure moviemaking to canyoneering, we'll take you places you've never been—but will long to visit again soon.Escape Plan: Use Bear Spray Safely
How to use bear spray.Escape Plan: Cross Summer Snow
How to safely traverse a small, seasonal snowfield.True Tales: Flipped, Soaked, and Freezing
Two readers shiver for their lives through a cold, Alaskan summer night.True Tales: Uncontrolled Slide Down an Icy Slope
A summer snow slope gives this reader the scare of his life.Maintain Ski Gear: Patch Ski Poles and Ski Boots
Don’t let a split ski pole shaft or broken boots ruin your balance.Maintain Ski Gear: Keep Climbing Skins Sticky
Good grip is the key to fast and easy climbing.Maintain Ski Gear: Back Up Your Bindings
Be proactive about preparing your ski-system’s hub.Ski Strong: Kick Turn Like a Pro
Perfect this move for on-a-dime turns in steep, rugged terrain.Ski Strong: Descend with Control
Stay safe with these six ski-down tips.Ski Strong: Adjust Your Ski Poles
Use telescoping shafts for stability on any angle.Ski Strong: Ski Any Snow Conditions
Change your technique and style to manage any snow conditions.Ski Strong: Going Up
Master the art of backcountry climbing and skinning.Select a Safe Route: Avalanche Terrain Travel
Recognize these avalanche-risk signs and learn how to choose routes that avoid them.Prep Your Gear: Fit Ski Boots Perfectly
Get more comfort going up and more power and control going down.Tips from Pro Skiers
Four ski pros share advice for looking good--and staying safe--in the backcountry.Maintain and Repair Your Ski Gear
A broken binding or a skin that won’t stick could mean a night spent out in a snow cave, or worse. Have your kit tuned up before you go, but make sure you know how to fix common problems in a pinch.Ski Strong and Smart
You don’t need pro-level skills to ski off-piste, but honing your kick-turn technique and avoiding rookie mistakes will ease your transition to backcountry terrain. Here’s how to master the ups and downs when lifts and groomers are miles away. Plus: Prevent blisters, stay energized, and negotiate steeps.Select a Safe Ski Route
Caused by variable weather, unstable snowpack, and steep terrain, backcountry avalanches claim an average of 25 lives a year in the United States. Your first safety step: Brush up on the basics below. Next, take a course accredited by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and EducationPrep Your Backcountry Ski Gear
On any wilderness trip, smart preparation is key. But it’s even more important when you’re backcountry skiing, due to the technical gear, low temperatures, potential for severe weather, avalanche risk, and tricky routefinding. Here’s how to start smart—before you leave home.Backcountry Skiing 101
Start earning your turns–safely–with this primer on equipment, route planning, reading conditions, and more.Survival: Choose Your Partner Wisely
Pick a good partner--or you may get burned.Survival: Find Water in the Desert
Dangerously thirsty in the desert?Survival: Find Water in the Desert
Dangerously thirsty in the desert?Survival: Sea Kayak Flip
Do a T-rescue for a flipped sea kayak.Survival: Unexpected Accidents
Hard-won-lessons and tips about unexpected dangers from the front lines of survival.Survival: Save Yourself in Whitewater
Hard-won-lessons and tips about whitewater kayaking from the front lines of survival.Survival: Save Yourself in Whitewater
Hard-won-lessons and tips about whitewater kayaking from the front lines of survival.Survival: If I Only Knew Then...
On the path to good judgment, you’ll find the wreckage from a whole lot of bad decisions. Your plan: Learn from others’ mistakes, and wise up to outdoor hazards without risking your life. Your guide: Veteran adventurer Mark Jenkins. Plus: Guides and rangers share hard-won lessons they wish someone would have told them.Skills: Mind Over Mountain
New research offers mental tricks for conquering steep slopes.Skills: Mind Over Mountain
New research offers mental tricks for conquering steep slopes.The Manual: Backcountry Fly-Fishing
Find fish-jumping action, spot streamside sanctuaries, and--if you're allowed to keep your catch--pull divine meals from pristine waters.Prof. Hike: Leave Blisters in the Dust
Blisters are the most common on-trail injury, but blisters are also easy to prevent.Prof. Hike: The First Five Minutes
When you're lost, your initial decisions will make the difference.Prof. Hike: Make Your Gear Last Longer
Transform your gear closet with 11 money-saving tips.How To Slideshow: Improvise An Ankle Brace
Sprained or broken ankles are the most common injury for hikers and backpackers. Here's how to deal.How To Slideshow: Build A Backcountry Knee Splint
Your hiking buddy torqued their knee? This simple splint can prevent further injury and let you both limp home.Summer Trail Smarts: Tie a Figure-8 Loop
Learn to tie a figure-8 loop–one of the most common and useful knots.Technique: How to Cross a Moraine
Learn how to find a safe route through glacial rubble, crossing a moraine with nothing more than boots and trekking poles.Rainier's Reigning Champ
George Dunn, co-owner of International Mountain Guides, recalls personal adventures and gives tips about climbing Mount Rainier.How-To Slideshow: Install Leave No Trace Trekking Pole Tips
In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you exactly how to put rubber tips on your trekking poles.How-To Slideshow: Adjust Your Trekking Pole Straps
In this step-by-step guide, we show you exactly how to use trekking pole straps effectively.How-To Slideshow: Adjust Your Trekking Poles For Varying Terrain
In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you the proper height of trekking poles for various types of terrain.How-To Slideshow: Rigging a Tent
This is your guide to creating convertible guy lines and rigging a tent securely on rocky surfaces.How-To Slideshow: Boot Lacing for Maximum Comfort
In this guide, we show you methods for lacing your boots to prevent blisters and maximize comfort.How-To Slideshow: Fitting a Backpack
In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you exactly how to fit a pack for optimum comfort and stability on the trail.The Basics of Backcountry Ski Touring
See more–and have more fun–this winter with these gear and technique trips.Gear Review: Fischer BCX 6 Rugged Nordic Touring Boot
NNN-compatible with exceptional side-to-side stability.Gear Review: Rottefella BC Magnum Rugged Nordic Touring Binding
These bindings are surprisingly sturdy, great for cruising on sturdy terrain.Gear Review: Fischer Snowbound Rugged Nordic Touring Ski
This all-around Nordic ski both glides and grips for awesome touring.Gear Review: Garmont Excursion Backcountry Touring Boot
This boot has the best of both worlds: The comfort of a Nordic boot, with the warmth of telemark boot.Gear Review: Voile HD Mountaineer 3-Pin Backcountry Touring Binding
Simple and user-friendly, these Voile skis are also built to weather the abuse of varied terrains.Gear Review: Karhu XCD Guide Backcountry Touring Ski
Ideal for turning and climbing on rugged backcountry day trips.Gear Review: Dynafit Zzeus TF-X/Gaia Alpine Touring Boot
Stiff on the downhill, flexible when skinning up, this boot has it all.Gear Review: G3 Onyx Alpine Touring Binding
Adjustable and easy to use, traveling through varied terrain is a breeze.Gear Review: Black Diamond Justice Alpine Touring Ski
Whether it's touring, powder or inbounds, this ski does it all.Gear Review: Black Diamond Push/Stiletto Telemark Ski Boot
The perfect blend of comfort and performance, this boot is great in all conditions.BACKPACKER First Aid Center
From splinting a broken leg to duct taping a bloody wound, the BACKPACKER First Aid Center is an invaluable resource for backcountry first aid.The Boy Scout Quiz
Could you earn a merit badge in wilderness travel? Better ace this test, taken straight from the Scouts' own backpacking manual.Are You Smarter Than a Boy Scout?
Scoutmasters wrote the book on camping, and built an army of pack-toting teens. But do the troops truly rule when it comes to outdoor skills? We pitted three Scouts against three average readers to find out.Editors' Choice 2009: Gibbon Slacklines
Here's a cheap, crazy-fun way to build mountain skills.Get An Edge on Knife Safety
A knife expert's guide to blade selection and safetyHow to Do Everything - Camping
Find water anywhere, make a fire in five minutes, learn secrets for battling mosquitoes, and more.How to Do Everything - Packing & Planning
We'll show you how to be ready to the the trail in 20 minutes, guaranteed. Now gear up!ESSENTIAL OUTDOOR SKILLS SPECIAL: How to Do Everything
Want to be a better hiker? Look no further. Our comprehensive guide is packed with the backcountry secrets that separate average campers from true wilderness experts.America's 10 Most Dangerous Hikes - Buckskin Gulch, UT
Gambling in the slotsAmerica's 10 Most Dangerous Hikes - Huckleberry Mtn., Apgar Range, MT
Fatten griz for winterAmerica's 10 Most Dangerous Hikes - Muir Snowfield, Mt. Rainier, WA
Where winter strikes year-roundWho's the Ultimate Survivor?
We settle the debate with winner-takes-all smackdown: Meet history's true hard man.Life-or-Death Decisions - Caught in a Storm
When a storm comes out of nowhere, learn how to handle the unexpected.Life-or-Death Decisions - Injury
Learn how to plan and react when and unexpected injury creeps up on you.Life-or-Death Decisions - Lost
How did you get here? How can you get out? Staying found starts at home.Life-or-Death Decisions
Survival depends on more than dumb luck–to live to see another day, you must correctly navigate a tricky series of choices. Here's how to do it when the consequences couldn't be higher.Custom Training: Exercises for Every Body Type
Get stronger and hike longer with a workout that matches your physique.Trail-Specific Stretches
Stay fit and healthy with these static and dynamic stretches, and secrets from Yosemite National Park wilderness ranger Mark Fincher.Danger Signs: Flash Flood
July to mid-September is prime time for heavy rains in the Southwest, where fast-rising water in narrow canyons can turn trickling streams into deadly torrents. Don't get swept away.
Start Smart: Take Action Photos
Capture fast-paced summer adventures with these image-improving tips.Reader Tip: Night Rounds
This reader recommends packing hospital scrubs when camping.Secure a Choice Campsite
You'll need strategy, luck, and a little guile to reserve a spot at the country's most popular parks this summer. Here's how to game the (permit) system.Film Your Own Hike, Then Go Behind-the-Scenes
Want to make adventure films? Emmy Award-winning director Michael Brown shows you how. Plus, go behind the scenes as BACKPACKER staffers learn from the masters at Adventure Film School.Next Level: Survive an Emergency Rappel
Learn the Dülfersitz rappel and safely lower yourself off of a steep pitch with only a rope.See More: Great Blue Herons
This dignified giant stands four feet tall, making it North America's largest heron.Share and Share Alike?: Top Five Photo Sharing Sites
Your adventure is ready for primetime. Here are 19 ways to reach the audience in your living room–or around the world. Web-based photo sites aren't all created equal. Here are our top 5.Photos 101: Save and Share Your Photos, Produce a Slideshow, and Print Your Images
Learn how to save your photos, print them, get published, and produce an audio visual slideshow.Post Your Video Online
Learn how to upload your video to YouTube and tap a social network like Facebook or MySpace to post links to your movie. Your adventure is ready for primetime. Here are 19 ways to reach the audience in your living room–or around the world.Share Your Trip; Make and Show Off Your Map
Your adventure is ready for primetime. Here are 19 ways to reach the audience in your living room–or around the world.Share It: All the World's a (Cyber) Stage
Your adventure is ready for primetime. Here are 19 ways to reach the audience in your living room--or around the world.Start Smart: Shoot Low-Light Photos
Master dawn and dusk photographs with these pro tips.Slice and Dice: Build Your Own Cutting Board
Follow this reader tip to custom-build your own backcountry cutting board.The Specialist: Heat Doctor
Stay cool with expert tips for boiler days.Survive This: Separated From Group
If you get lost from your hiking party, here's how to get found–fast.Organize Your Gear Essentials
Does your pack's lid pocket resemble a junk drawer? To help you eliminate the mess–and find stuff fast when you need it–we created lightweight, custom systems to store and organize two vital stockpiles: gear repair tools and emergency provisions.
A Glow in the Dark: Starting a Campfire
It's hard to beat a campfire after a long day on the trail. Here's how to enjoy the moment even when conditions are against you.Danger Signs: Painful Plants
Sure, you know the mantra "leaves of three, let it be." But that warning alone doesn't help you detect those irritating plants that change colors, grow as vines, or mimic harmless species. Heed these tips to keep your summer itch-free.The Cutting Room: Editing Programs and Storage
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.The Cutting Room: Video
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.The Cutting Room: Photos
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.The Cutting Room: GPS
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.Organize It: The Cutting Room
Here's how to turn raw data into finished files that will wow your friends and preserve trip memories better than any photo album.Field School: Trail-Tested Tech
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures. The best new digital tools for every budget and skill level.Field School: Essential Tips
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures.Field School: Make a Movie
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures.Field School: Capture Classic Images and Record Your Hike
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures.Document It: Field School
Take your new tools to the trail to master the skills you'll need to navigate, record, and share your best adventures.4 Trip-Planning Sites and Top Tech Tools
Every great trip boils down to this: Picking an ideal location, capturing memorable moments, and bragging about it.New Tools, New Rules: Get Maps and Go
Every great trip boils down to this: Picking an ideal location, capturing memorable moments, and bragging about it.New Tools, New Rules: Plan the Perfect Trip
Every great trip boils down to this: Picking an ideal location, capturing memorable moments, and bragging about it. Here's how to get started the high-tech way.Plan It: New Tools, New Rules
Every great trip boils down to this: Picking an ideal location, capturing memorable moments, and bragging about it.iHike: Hiking in the Digital Age
A Complete Guide to the Digital Revolution–and How to Join ItBetter to the Last Drop
A hiker cannot live on water alone. Next time out, try these coffee, tea, and wine updgrades.Next Level: Prep a Fish for Dinner
Add fresh-caught trout to the menu with these 6 easy steps.Start Smart: Team Paddling
Improve your speed and efficiency by synchronizing your strokes.Reader Tips: Big Burn
Need to start a fire fast? Try a flammable cupcake.Emergency Repair Knots
Duct tape isn't always the best fix for busted gear. When a torn strap or blown seam halts your hike, try these strong and simple ties.The Specialist: Plan Away Pounds
Shed useless pack weight, not luxuriesCasting Call
Fly-fishing is part meditation, part ultralight technique (catch, don't carry, your dinner), and all fun.See More: Deer
Learn the difference between elk, white-tails, and mule deer.Danger Signs: Burn Zones
Here are the top three wildfire dangers and how to avoid them.Trip Doctor: Best National Park Bus System
Tired of commuting in a car around our national parks? Catch the best backcountry bus.Start Smart: Stay Clean and Healthy
4 strategies to feel and smell betterSurvive This: A Plunge into Raging Whitewater
Learn how to battle your way out of a raging river with these tips.Spring Cleaning Your Gear
We know. You meant to scrub and scour your gear last fall. But...[insert excuse here]. Now, set aside one weekend afternoon to get your gear back into action and promise to be better next year.Trip Doctor: Theft-Proofing Your Car
Clear out your car before heading into the woods.Your Weeklong Dream Trip
Your Next Big Peak
Your Longest Dayhike Ever
Next Level: The Rest Step
Learn the mountaineer's secret for hiking up steep, high-altitude terrain.Secrets of the Guides
Camp like a pro with 83 field-tested tips and techniques from experts who earn their paychecks in the backcountry.Trip Doctor: Shopping For Guided Alaskan Treks
How can I comparison-shop for a guided trek in Alaska?March 2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Start Smart Sleeping Bag Tips
March 2008 Boots Review: Start Smart Boot Tips
33 Top Tips From Trail Pros
Here's how Aron Ralston, Ed Viesturs, Les Stroud, and others get out and back again–and how you can, too.Quiz: Would You Survive?
The wilderness can be deadly if you don't know what you're doing. Take our test to rate your survival IQ—and learn a few skills that might save your hide.Winter Camping: Building a Snow Shelter
Expert tips for a safe, sound night's sleepWinter Skills: Warm Toes Forever
Keep your feet toasty with these 6 tricksHealth Tips: Beat Winter Blues
Fend off a cold-weather slump with these expert strategies.Backcountry Skiing: Master The Telemark Turn
The tele turn requires careful technique and some practice. Work on these moves at your local slope before venturing onto untracked snow.Essential National Park Skills: The Ultimate Park Pass
Write your own ticket to new adventures with these 10 territory-expanding skills.Start Smart: Build The Perfect Campfire
Four steps to a lights-every-time blazeNext Level: Scrambling Steep Peaks
Don't let a steep hike keep you from the best views. Put these vital mountaineering tips to use this weekend.Post-Hike Massage: Here's The Rub
4 techniques to soothe trail-weary musclesTune Up: Your First Adventure Race
Get ready for your first race with a fitness plan from a world champStart Smart: Trip Planning
Forget that get-up-and-go spontaneity--great planning only enhances your experience.Leave No Trace: The Low-Impact Hiker
7 strategies for keeping the backcountry pristineSnowshoeing 201
3 tips for conquering snowy hills and steep climbsThe Savvy Shopper
5 questions before you buy new gear.Night Vision
Bats have nothing on this nocturnal hiker.Burn, Baby, Burn
3 surefire ways to light a reluctant fireGet A Spine
No frame, no pain--if you try these simple backpack solutions.Mars Vs. Venus
Who's better suited for backpacking--men or women?Go Light, Not Hungry
The One-Pan Gourmet shows how to eat like a king.Survival Starts With A Kiss
Learn the latest survival smarts with this military acronymHighlander Genes
Why are Sherpas so studly?Under Strain
Is there a maximum weight you can safely haul?Repack Your Bag
Sometimes gaining balance is as simple as adjusting the load in your pack.Trail Stale?
Freshen up stinky clothes with this homemade, portable washing machine.Balancing Act
Secrets for staying on your feet from dancers, tightrope walkers, running backs, and more.Body Essentials
10 Ways Backpacking Changes Your BodyThe Hiker's Diet
Do hikers have special nutritional needs?Bone Up With Backpacking
Does backpacking build up your bones?Fetch Me Water
No need to bring along a big, bulky container for your water in camp when you have this great compact suggestion.Stinky Bag No More
Make your sleeping bag smell laundry fresh.Sock Toss
Put some rocks in your socks.A Better Mouse Trap
Rodents can be real pests in campsites. Use this trick to stay rodent-free the whole trip long.Jiffypop Pan
This classic snack offers more then just a tasty treat for backpackers.Find Gear Fast At Night
This trick will help you find just what you're looking for in the dark.That Zesty Taste
Liven up your purified water.Eye Dropper Storage
Carrying around those little extras just got easier with this trick.Sticky Pads
How to avoid slipping and sliding in your sleeping bag.South Is Thata Way
Determine direction without your compass.Ultralight Warmth
Keep arms and legs warm with gear invented by cyclists.Cap Keeper
Keeping a close eye on those binocular caps.One Good Thing About Golfing
Who would have thought a piece of golf equipment could be really useful to backpackers?Winter Fuel Saver
Keep water flowing with this simple technique.A Speedy Recovery
Sidelined by injury? Get back on the trail fast with this easy treatment plan.My Crest Is SPF 30
Preventing sunburn is as simple as brushing your teeth.Supercharge Your Legs
7 ways to kick your stride into overdriveThink Outside The Bottle
10 surprising uses for your water bottle.Passport Protection
Always carry extra identification when traveling internationally.Mountain Miles
Calculate real mileage by accounting for slope in the mountains, and you'll avoid getting into camp after dark.The Sock Fits: Trail Sock Buyer's Guide
Socks are as important as the footwear we buy. Follow our two-step buyer's guide.Common Hiking Boot Lacing Techniques...
...From The Experts At MontrailHomemade, High-Tech Gear
A do-it-yourself guide for sewing space-age hats and other performance outdoor gear.Make your trekking poles last forever
Try these easy cleaning tricks to keep using your hiking poles out on the trail longer.Stop Your Sniffling: Allergy Advice
Don't let itchy eyes and a sneeze-machine nose ruin your hike. Here's our guide to keeping allergies at bay.How To Waterproof Your Boots
Waterproof boots can make the difference between a sick hike and a miserable slog.Dead Flashlight Battery Blues
Keep your flashlights and headlamps alive longer with these trail tips.Tips For Slow Hikers
Shortcuts that'll help you keep up with faster hikers.Stay Warm In Winter
Winter warmth is easy with these tips from arctic explorers, cold-weather experts, and army docs.Finding Food For The Long Trail
We tortured 51 trail snacks and staples to pick the longest lasting foods for backpacking.Broken Crackers? Keep The Crumbs
Three ways to salvage broken crackers and pulverized bread.Winterize Your Camp
Tips to take with you when the snow flies.Make Backpacking Meals Better
No refrigerator, no problem, says this cooking instructor. Here's her secret to making every meal better.The Hiking Gourmet
The hungry hiker's foolproof plan for eating like a king in the backcountry.Gear For A Dayhike
10 essentials for long day adventuresEmeril Spices Up Camp Food
Cuisine expert Emeril Lagasse shares eight tips on how to liven up your camp cooking.Hot, Light, And Cheap: Homemade Camp Stove Contest Winners
The best ultralight cookers built by BACKPACKER readers.Healthy Hiking For Men: Preventing Jock Itch And Other Problems 'Down There'
A wilderness guide to proper care and maintenance of the family jewels.Calling The Shots: Be A Better Backcountry Photographer
Camera hints for bringing home hard-to-get photos in the backcountryHow To See More Animals
To get closer to the critters, you need to look like a tree and smell like a raccoon.Itch-Free Summer
Ten ways to avoid bug bites and what to do if bitten.Tips For Safe Travel
Planning an overseas backpacking trip? Here's a few tips to prepare you before you go.Turn Small Sacks To Favorite Packs
Nine features that can turn a small sack into your favorite backpack.Your Backwoods Pharmacy
When illness or injury strikes, the medicine you need is in the plants alongside the trail and at your feet.Cheap Camping Tools For Eating
How to complete your backcountry kitchen for $5 or less.Ultralight Backpacking Do's and Don'ts
Jon provides first-hand advice for ultralight beginners.Challenge The Backpacker Editor: The Ultralight Report
Torrential rain and wind expose chinks in our author's ultralight armor, but don't dampen his enthusiasm for the pleasures of unencumbered trekking.Weak In The Knees
12 ways to get more miles out of your legs.The Science Behind Trekking Poles
Now here's scientific proof that trekking poles are a hiker's best friend.The Camper's Grocery Express Lane
These tips will have you in and out of the grocery faster than a runaway cart.Fast Food: A Backpacker's Guide To Grocery
A soup-to-nuts guide that'll get you through the supermarket and on the trail faster than you can say "express lane."On Thin Ice: Safe Hiking On Frozen Lakes
How to hike safely across frozen lakes and pondsQuick Tip: Tarp Tactics
Tarp tips for the tactical hiker.Understanding GPS
Using your GPS is easier than you think.Reader Tip: Bladder Bowl
Try this homemade, ultralight bowl for long distance treks.Stretching Your Hiking Boots' Life Span
Lengthen your boots' life span by following this simple maintenance plan.Frustrate Bears With A Rock Sack
This homemade rock sack will help you hang your food bag faster and better.Rainy Day Skills
To stay dry in a downpour, carry the right wet-weather gear and know how to use it.How To Speak GPS
Common GPS terms you should know.How To: Dehydrate Your Own Trail Food
Make your own dehydrated trail food with these simple techniques.Field Fix: Tent Poles Apart
Tackle your tent pole problems with this quick tip.Rash Decisions: Fighting Backcountry Itches
Here's what I keep in my first-aid kit to battle the itchiest rash known to medical science.Quick Tip: Rainfly Right
Quick tips to set your tent with the right rainfly.Packable Salads
These crunchy, easy-to-prepare side dishes will make your hiking buddies green with envy.Reader Tip: In The Wick Of Time
Follow this BACKPACKER reader's tip to get the most out of your candles on the trail.Eating On The Runs
To keep trekking when you have the trots, feed your body the right fuel.Tidy Seam-Sealing Tips
Applying seam sealer neatly is easy with the right applicator.10 Simple Ways To Get To Sleep In Camp
Getting a good night's sleep on the trail is easier said than done. Our experts show you how to get your 20 winks.Different Strokes: Paddling Techniques For Hikers
For a different wilderness experience, try floating down the river in a kayak or canoe.Jacket vs. Vests
Going sleeveless might save you weight, but will a vest keep you as warm as a jacket?Mind Over Mileage: Breathing Techniques For Hiking
Feeling pooped at the end of the day? Try these relaxation and breathing techniques to put more pep in your step.Sleep Comfort In Camp
Trouble sleeping in camp? Try our tips for a good night's rest.Guide To Sound Sleeping
On your next outing, be sure to heed these 10 tips for sleeping like a log.Tips For Camping With Kids
Nuggets of knowledge from those who have brought their youngsters into the backcountry.Drinking Risky Water
If disaster leaves you deep in the backcountry without any means to disinfect drinking water, what do you do? Follow these methods to stay hydrated without getting sick.Fighting Backcountry Asthma: Waiting To Inhale
If you have asthma but don't have an inhaler, follow these procedures to breathe easy in the backcountry.Paddling Skills
Take your hike into the river with these paddling, kayaking and boating tips.Leave No Trace: Water Disposal
Here's how to Leave No Trace when you dump water in camp.Bug Bite Evasion Therapy
What's the best way to treat bug bites? Don't get bit in the first place.Scrub Pans Without A Sponge
Forgot a sponge? No worries -- clean your camp with these everyday wilderness substitutes.Ultralight vs. Ultranormal
How light can you go? Six friends face off to determine whether carrying less gear makes you half as macho, or twice as smart.Rx Drugs On The Trail
Prescription drugs you should carry on the trail.Coping with Leeches
How to deal with and treat those bloodsucking leeches.Winter Camping Tips: The Perfect Tent Pitch
How and where you should set up your winter tent for maximum comfort and shelter longevity.Saddle Sore? Tips To Heal Your Rear
Experiencing a sore butt on the trail? Try these healing tips.Scouts' Honor: Teaching Leave No Trace Ethics
Boy Scouts are at the forefront of teaching Leave No Trace ethics.Spotting The Elusive Wolf
Our guide to spotting wolves on Michigan's Isle Royale.Skills For The Upwardly Mobile
Everything you need to know about hiking in the high country, from talus hopping to finding the right gear to dealing with wind and glaciers.Frisbee: The Perfect Camping Tool
How to make your Frisbee function as a camping tool.Leave No Trace: Mind Your Footprint
Take a look at what your sole is doing to the ground.Bushwacking: It's A Jungle Out There
From North Carolina to Alaska, bushwhacking is easier with the proper preparation and attitude.Lightning Survival Update
If you're caught in a lightning storm on the trail, head for the hills.Stride Right, Feel Better
Tips to improve your hiking stride.Chicken Soup For The Trail
Some trailworthy soups can even help you heal.Safe Trekking After Wildfires
Follow these tips when hiking in burned country.Bushwhacking: Go Up The Creek
Trouble crossing the trail? Try the creek.Bushwacking: Get High, Stay High
When bushwacking a trail, go high altitude and stay there.Planning Your Route
Use these navigational tricks, gleaned from champion orienteers and U.S. Army's Special Forces, to stay on track.Compass Tips: Bearing It All
Just to be safe, keep that compass handy.Route-Finding Tips: Stay On Course
Follow these six route-finding tips, and stay found.Navigating From Lost To Found
How one perpetually disoriented hiker found her bearings, thanks to some backwoods navigation pros.Bushwacking: Pole Position
Stow your trekking poles to get an advantage when bushwacking a trail.Stop Camp Snoring
If you have a problem with snoring (that is, if you have a tentmate who snores), try this remedy on your next night in camp.Walking On Water
Face it: you aren't Moses and the waters won't part, so here are ways to cross wild rivers safely.Leave No Trace Trash Tips
Help keep trails clean by picking up your own and other people's trash.Bug Bites: Close Your Clothes
Use these tips to bug-proof your clothes.Make The Big Jump
Are you a dayhiker who's ready for an all-nighter? A weekender longing to try a 5-day trek? Or are you ready for a thru-hike? Regardless of your skill level, here's the information you'll need to go that extra mile.Save Your Hiking Sole
You can experience heavenly hiking even if you lose your boot sole.Approach Shoes Instead Of Hiking Boots?
Consider these points when deciding if an approach shoe is right for you.Treating Backcountry Swimmer's Ear
How to identify and treat swimmer's ear in the wilderness.Be A Dried-Food Gourmet Chef
Create tasty trail meals like fish chowder, lasagna, and seafood with pasta.Stop Trail Chafing
Stop chafing with these tips.Teepee Tent Setup Secrets
Hard-won tips for pitching tepee tents on any terrainGuarding Your Grub
Above treeline, there's no easy way to hoist your vittles.Field Fix: Pole Patch
Tent pole problems? Here's an easy fix.Identifying Wildlife Holes
There's a fascinating world of fur and claws underfoot. Here's how to tell who's down there.Survival Of The Fittest
Wish you could leap tall mountains in a single bound? Here's an exercise program designed for backpackers.Tundra Trekking Tips
Just because it's flat and treeless doesn't mean it's easy hiking.Tundra Tip: Farther Than You Think
Distances can appear farther in the tundra.Blister Prevention: Hiker, Heel Thyself
Think blisters are a sure thing when you hike? Think again: Here's your ticket to preventing and treating the dreaded sores.Dehydrate Your Trail Food
Who says you need water in your food? Dehydrate your vittles and you'll carry less weight, save money, and eat better.How To Dry Your Sleeping Bag
Add some ribbons to your sleeper to speed drying.Buying A Better Pack
There's no single piece of equipment more crucial to your backwoods enjoyment. Here's how to make the right choice.European Pack Size Conversion
Buying a European backpack? Use our conversion chart before you buy.How Big Should My Pack Be?
Pick your backpack before your hike with our sizing guide.Boot Sizing Chart
Before you get a new boot, make sure the shoe fits with our sizing chart.Filtering Vs. Chemicals Vs. Boiling Water
Water treatments defined.Buying A Better Stove
After a long, hard day, nothing is more disappointing than a stove that refuses to fire. Follow these 10 essentials for foolproof stove features and techniques.Buying A Better Sleeping Pad
Half of your "good sleep" equation is a comfy pad (the other half is your bag). Look for these 10 essentials when you buy.Buying A Better Filter
It's simple: Unless you like getting sick, treat all of your water. Follow these 10 essentials to find and maintain the right filter.Hiking Dreams Really Do Come True
Easily said and done, when you have a constant reminder at bedtime.Winter Tips For Cold Hands And Feet
A little motion brings the heat back.Boosting Backcountry Meals
With simple planning, you can turn your bare-bones backcountry meals into satisfying, energy-boosting successes.Millet, Kasha, Quinoa: Against The Grain
Rice and pasta are nice, but if you want variety, add some millet, kasha, or quinoa to your trail menu.Sleeping Bag Care: A Lofty Goal
Keep your sleeping bag up to fluff with proper care and handling.Burn Treatment: A Heated Situation
To stem the pain, act fast when treating burns.Snow Smarts
How to travel safely across four seasons of white.Organize Your Backpacking Trip
Meet Jamie and Joe, who need help with everything from planning to packing to eating well. Enter our team of experts, with a few simple tricks designed to turn them-and you!-into well-oiled backpacking machines.Tent Stake Solution
QuickTip: How to stake tents on hard ground.Tent Pole Wisdom
Quick Tip: Preserving tent polesNatural Toothbrushes
Forgot your toothbrush? You can still practice good hygiene.Wired For Anything
Texas reader says plastic-coated wire ties are essential item for backcountry emergency kits.Compressing Your Pack: It's A Cinch
17 tips for better compressionCleaning Pads With Medicine
Keep scrapes clean with lightweight cleaning pads.Baking Soda Solutions
Eight reasons to pack baking soda on the trail.Preserving Your Poles
Trail-proven ways to keep your trekking sticks healthy and strong.Avoiding Caffeine Withdrawal
Your daily cups of java seem innocent-until you hit the trail and don't get your normal caffeine buzz for a couple of days.Planting Pole Pointers
How to make sure you stay upright on your poles.Desert Cool Customer
Keep fresh and cool with this clothing tip from one of our readers.Before You Snowshoe
Follow these tips when you embark on your next snowshoeing journey.Before You Go Snowshoeing
Follow these tips before you embark on your next winter snowshoeing journey.Reading Backcountry Animal Scat
A good pile of scat speaks volumes about your backwoods animal neighbors, if you know how to read the calling card.Too Cold For Comfort
How to improve your tolerance for cold and enhance your outdoor performance.Backcountry Body Odor: What's That Smell?
Body odor can get pretty bad on the trail. Here's how to make sure you never again hear the words, "What's That Smell?"Hiking While Pregnant
With a few precautions, expecting hikers can hit the trail.Smashed Finger Relief
Your finger got crushed between a rock and a hard place. Here's what to do.Wrinkled Hats Ward Off UV Rays
New trail-tested advice for shading your face from the sun.Horsepacking: A Leave-No-Trace Guide
Here's our guide to environmental etiquette while horsepacking.Before The Trail, Cut Your Toenails
We're not saying you need a pedicure, but a toenail trim doesn't hurt on the trail.Treating Achilles Tendinitis
Hikes with a lot of elevation gain and loss are prime for getting tendinitis in the Achilles tendon.Old-Time Camp Food
Tired of freeze-dried? Try hardtack and corn dodgers for a tasty change of pace.Sew A Key Pouch In Your Pack
Sewing a key pouch inside your pack is the best guarantee of a quick ride home.H2O-No: Water Bottle Tips
How to fill a water bottle without getting all wet.Gaiter Grooming Tips
Before you cinch up your gaiters, consider the best way to keep the wicked weather and bits of terrain at bay.Only You Can Avoid Forest Fires
Here's what to do if you're caught near a wilderness wildfire.'Biner Basics
If I had to pick, I'd take a carabiner instead of a pocketknife when I hike.Let Your Fingers Tell Time
Telling time without a watch is just a few digits away.Dessert Time: Use Nature's Fridge
Use streams, snow, rivers, and ponds as chilling grounds for enticing backcountry desserts.Sea Kayaking: Putting Paddle To Water
Sea kayaking might not be difficult, but follow these tips to make the most of your ocean voyages.How To Deal With River Crossings
Crossing rivers can be treacherous -- unless you know what you're doing.Mountain Safety
Make sure you know how to stay safe in the mountains.Make Your Own Walking Stick
Ease the load on your knees and shoulders by making a hiking stick.Homemade Tool Tube
A tool tube answers the age-old packing dilemma: Where do I put the long, skinny stuff?Bonus Backcountry Bug-Off Tips
Other tips to beat the most annoying backcountry biters.Bug Off: Tips To Keep Away Insects
Tips to beat the most annoying backwoods bitersAlternative To Bug Spray: Permethrin
Another bug-beating option.Sew Like A Surgeon
Five stitches every backpacker should know.Avoiding Mosquitoes
Ah, spring, the season of the blessed bloom-and maddening mosquitoes. If you don't like slathering yourself in DEET, then you'd better learn how to avoid the pests.Gear Rx: Boots
Know what can and can't be repaired on your boots, and who to call.Gear Rx: Sleeping Bags
Has your sleeping bag lost its loft? Zipper off its track? Check to see if your bag is worth repairing or if it's time to buy a new one.Wilderness Wind: Blown Away
The wind can save you from bugs or drive you mad. Here's how to enjoy the benefits and avoid the downside of a good stiff breeze.Gear Rx: Stoves And Water Filters
See if your stove or water filter is safe to repair.Gear Rx: Packs
Can you revive a sputtering pack? With this diagnostic checklist, you may be able to breathe new life into a tired old backpack.Gear Rx: Tents
Mildew. Torn mesh. Broken zippers and poles. Is it worth fixing your home away from home? Find out for yourself.Gear Rx: Clothing
Everyone knows good outdoor clothing is expensive. See if you can save your old hiking apparel.A Long Life For Your Boots
Insiders' tips to keep your hikers on the trail longer.A Long Life For Your Trekking Poles
Keep your trekking poles clean and maintained with these tips.Winter Calorie Count
Winter activities demand more of your body's energy.Improve Your Sense Of Direction
Scientists now believe that the navigationally challenged can retrain their brains.Backcountry Bathroom: How To Go In The Snow
When the ground is frozen or 3 feet under snow, use these backcountry bathroom techniques.Hunting For Meteors
Know what to look for and you can simply pick one up off the ground.Homemade Stove Platforms
Or anything else, for that matter, once you use this easy-to-make stove platform.Sun Solutions
Winter sun damage can be just as bad as in summer.How To: Boot Cleaning
Take care of your hiking boots and they'll take care of you.On-The-Trail Balance Drills
Shaky on logs or rocks? Try these exercises to steady your feet.Steady Rock Hopping
If rock hopping or log crossing triggers panic, maybe you need to fine-tune your balancing act.Signaling For Help
How to signal for help if you get lost.Building Shelter
How to build a shelter if you get stuck in the backcountry.Trailworthy Recipes
How to make dreamy drinks and crispy chicken in camp, and lots of other trail-tested cooking tips from readers.BACKPACKER Reader Cooking Tips
Cooking tips from readers.Your Homemade Survival Kit
Make your own backcountry insurance policy.Survival Skills: Finding Water
How to find emergency water in the backcountry.Foot Fitness
Stronger foot muscles can end ankle sprains and aching arches.Fixing A Blister
A simple blister remedy gets you back on the trail fast.Dry, Cool Feet = Happy Feet
For maximum comfort, keep your feet drier and cooler.Tarps: High And Tight
Setting up a tarp? Follow these techniques depending on the situation.Break In Your Boots
Log some easy "city" miles in your new hiking boots before that epic trip.Wash Your Feet
Clean and rub them, and feet will go the distance.Fixing Tents: Don't Despair...Repair
What can and can't be fixed on your tent.For Broken Gear, Don't Despair...Repair
What you can and can't fix: How to breathe new life into tired old faithfuls.Water Filter First-Aid
Make sure your water purifier doesn't leave you high and dry.How To Splint A Bum Knee
Pretend Your Leg Is A Jelly Roll.Protect Your Pack Food
The inside of a pack is a rough place for poorly packaged food. Protect your grub so it emerges intact.Load Lifters: Homemade Sherpa Straps
When pack weight drags you down, homemade Sherpa straps can help ease the burden.Trout Fishing: Reel Fine Dining
When the trout are thick and the ethics resolved, catch-and-eat is the tasty way to go.Winterize Your Camping Habits
Tips to take with you when the winter snow flies in camp.Snowshoes Terrain Techniques
Techniques for winter trekking. Find out the advantages snowshoes provide for getting over hill and dale.Make Your Own Shade
When it's hot outside, keep cool with this sunscreen for your head.The Backcountry Cupboard
Stock these 25 essentials for grab-it-and-go meals.Getting Your Gear Fixed
It's hard to give up your tried and true gear after so many miles together. So don't! These repair shops can keep your favorites in tip-top shape.Wildlife Watching: Spring Peeping
Look on the south sides of mountains to catch animals coming out in spring.Water Filter Maintenance
Tips to keep water filters filtering.Rainy-Day Camping Games
Beat the rainy-day blues by playing sleeping-pad chess or checkers.Fixing An Inflatable Sleeping Pad
A few simple precautions will prevent punctures and preserve the foam in your self-inflating pad.Sizing A Sleeping Pad
Thickness, length, width, and weight options make choosing the right pad more involved than you might think.You Can Leave Home Without It
Putting the Ray Jardine ultralight way to the test.Ultralight: The Ray Jardine Way
He rocked the world of climbing, challenged the accepted wisdom in sea kayaking, and now Ray Jardine turned his renegade way of thinking to backpacking.Homemade Bear Bag
A homemade bear bag will make sure your provisions stay safe from hungry critters.'Seams' Dry: Weatherproof Your Tent
Learn how to weatherproof your tent -- before it rains.Bear Bagging Your Food
Keep your food away from hungry bears.
