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Winter camping

Gear School: Crampons

Traverse snow and ice safely with the right set of points.

The Manual: Deluxe Winter Camping

Don't let frigid temps keep you inside. Here are five tips for deluxe winter camping.

Gear Review: Eagle Creek Abominable Snowbag

This convenient travel snowbag pays for itself quickly.

Fall Gear Guide 09: Snowshoes

Hit the trail in the winter with one of these nine snowshoes.

Gear Review: Tubbs Couloirs Snowshoes

These wide-decked Tubbs snowshoes are perfect for long hauls and large loads.

Gear Review: TSL Over the Top Snowshoe

These TSL snowshoes are best for day-long adventures over varied terrain.

Gear Review: TSL Escape Snowshoe

New to snowshoeing? Check out this stable snowshoe for beginners.

Gear Review: Redfeather LaCrosse with Pilot II Bindings Snowshoe

Great shoe for deep powder and big mountains

Gear Review: MSR Denali Tyker Snowshoe

Best shoe for the mini mountaineer

Gear Review: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe

Check out this staff favorite voted best-all-around snowshoe.

Gear Review: GV Snowshoes Cat Trail Ultralight Snowshoe

This ultralight aluminum-based snowshoe will keep you moving fast.

Fall Gear Guide: Winter Essentials

From a Quickie sled to sunscreen used by the U.S. ski team, these five winter essentials are must haves.

Fall Gear Guide 09: Socks, Gaiters, & Booties

Keep your feet warm and happy with these socks, gaiters, & booties.

Fall Gear Guide 09: Ski Gear

This guide covers ski gear for telemark, alpine touring, backcountry touring, and rugged Nordic touring.

Cold Comfort: Winter Camping Guide

No crowds, no bugs: Winter camping holds rewards aplenty– once you master the gear and skills required to thrive in frigid climates.

Gear Review: Zamberlan 1009 Vioz Top GT RR Mountaineering Boot

Insulated backpacking boots with enough support to carry a 50-pound pack.

Gear Review: Columbia Winter Trek XMT Omni-Tech Hiking Boot

Ideal for treks on packed snow, this boot is great for wintry day hikes.

Gear Review: Kamik Snowpass Snowshoe Boot

Ideal for snowshoeing, or wintry day hikes, this boot keeps your feet dry and warm.

Gear Review: Helly Hansen Lynx Snowshoe Boot

Whether it's snowshoeing, light day hiking, or sloshing through town, this boot does it all.

Gear Review: Zamberlan 4041 Expert Pro GT RR

Sturdy yet light, this boot is great for the most extreme day hikes.

Gear Review: La Sportiva Baruntse Mountaineering Boot

Made for big peaks, this boot is warm, and great for ice and snow

Winter Camping: Recipes & Menu Planner

These recipes are fortified with extra warmth and calories for winter camping.

Winter Camping: Winter Checklist

Get the gear you'll need to stay warm and happy on a winter backpacking trip.

Winter Camping: Safety & Survival

Assess your winter climbing risks with this handy chart.

Winter Camping: Navigation

Learn to figure out where you are (even in a whiteout) and prevent, or stop, a snowy fall.

Winter Camping: Winter Essentials How To...

Learn how to cook, make water, and...go to the bathroom when the backcountry is a winter wonderland.

Winter Camping: Camp & Trail

Learn how to choose between a tent and a snow cave. Plus the best ways to travel in the snow.

Winter Camping: Gear & Clothing

Your complete guide to choosing, fitting, and using essential winter gear.

Winter Camping: Intro

Winter camping requires extra planning and gear. But it's well worth the effort.

Gear Review: Pacific Outdoor Pneumo Zips Storage Bags

You'll never use zip-top plastic bags again after trying these Pacific Outdoor PU-coated nylon storage bags.

Gear Review: Dermatone Lips 'n Face with Z-Cote Sunscreen

This sunscreen goes on clear and blocks sun and wind. Bonus, it also moisturizes.

Gear Review: Talus Outdoors ColdAvenger Classic Face Mask

This Talus face mask mixes your hot breath with the cold outside air to keep your face warm and snot free.

Gear Review: TSL Quickie Sled

For sledding or glissading, the TSL Quickie is a speedy descent.

Gear Review: Crescent Moon Gold Series Snowshoe

Comfortable and stable straps win this snowshoe the best binding award.

Gear Review: Polar Buff Headwear

This versatile headpiece is half fleece, half microfiber–it can even double as a pillow.

Gear Guide 2009: REI Cirque ASL 2 Tent Review

Want to get a winter tent without breaking the bank? The Cirque is the tent for you.

Gear Guide 2009: MSR Dragontail Tent Review

This winter tent is long, lean, and livable.

Gear Guide 2009: LOWA Khumbu Ice GTX Boot Review

Brave cold, wet weather with LOWA's sturdy, Gore-Tex winter boot.

Gear Guide 2009: Kamik Northfield Boot Review

For extreme waterproofing at a good price, you can't beat these insulated, high cut boots.

Gear Guide 2009: L.L. Bean Mountain Guide Review

Bring along your winter toys— L.L. Bean's Mountain Guide pack can carry anything from ice climbing gear to skis.

Gear Guide 2009: Black Diamond Predator 50 Review

Take Black Diamond's practical Predator 50 with you on any trail, anytime.

Gear Guide 2009: Marmot Alpha 25 Review

Pack up the weekend toys for your outdoor activity of choice in Marmot's ultralight–and ultra cheap–Alpha 25 backpack.

Editors' Choice 2009: MontBell UL Spiral Down Hugger #1 Sleeping Bag

Ultralight meets ultra-comfortable in this roomy sleeping bag.

How To: Build a Snow Shelter

Tents are better, but if the time comes, building a snow shelter isn't that hard.

Survive This: Caught in a Blizzard

Use these simple tips to survive the storm.

The Cure: Treating Frostbite

Frostnip and frostbite are poetic names for a serious health issue: frozen skin. Frostnip occurs when the first layer of skin freezes, creating pale blotches on the affected area (usually the fingers and toes). If unchecked, the condition deepens into frostbite, in which multiple layers of skin freeze. Frostbite turns the flesh white and makes it feel solid to the touch. It often causes permanent tissue damage, and in rare cases requires amputation.



Review: Icebreaker Superfine 140 Henley Lite

Perfect baselayer: the Icebreaker Superfine 140 Henley Lite stays odor-free with style.

Wilderness Wonders: Biggest Bear

The white, fluffy, subzero-temperature-loving polar bear takes this title.

How to Avoid Avalanches

Hike safely in avalanche terrain

How to Pitch a Tent in Foul Weather

There's nothing cozier than a warm, dry tent on a cold night. But strong winds and rain can turn setup into a sopping, frustrating fiasco.

Survive This: Frostbitten Feet

Frostbite is bad news. Learn how to safely treat frozen feet.

Weatherproof Your Electronics

Rain, snow, cold, hard knocks–the backcountry can be tough on trail gadgets. You can either upgrade your devices, or learn how to protect them.

How to Navigate in the Snow

Solve winter routefinding challenges with these expert tips.

Phenomenon: Crevasses

These gaping glacier cracks are dramatic–and deadly. Here's how they form, plus three safe places to see a crevasse up close.

Danger Signs - Winter Sun

UV rays are still harmful even when the temperature drops. We'll show you how to protect yourself against the sun, even when it's cold.

The Works: Snowshoe the Sierra

Pick your own path to an empty 14er.

6 Sweet Sleeping Bags

From ultra-warm to ultralight, here are the year's best-performing bags in every category.

Cold War: A Winter Traverse of New Hampshire's Presidential Range

Got guts? Good. Now learn what skills you'll need to bag America's Little Everest—a traverse of New Hampshire's Presidential Range in Winter.

3 Ways To See Yellowstone

Want to hike visit Yellowstone in winter? Follow our guide to get all the winter highlights.

Time 2 Go: National Parks In Winter

With the cold driving away crowds, National Parks are a delight to visit in winter. Here's our top picks.

March 2008 Essentials Review: Navigation



March 2008 Essentials Review: Shell Jackets



March 2008 Essentials Review: High Tech



March 2008 Essentials Review: Camp Kitchen

Packs, tents, boots, and bags--that's easy. Now comes the hard part: Everything else. Below, you'll find our top picks for all the lust-worthy backcountry essentials you'll need to make your trip safe, fun, and simple.

March 2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Winter Sleeping Bags



March 2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Three-Season Sleeping Bags



2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Summer Sleeping Bags



Backpacker Gear Guide: Essentials

Packs, tents, boots, and bags–that's easy. Now comes the hard part: Everything else. Below, you'll find our top picks for all the lust-worthy backcountry essentials you'll need to make your trip safe, fun, and simple.

Backpacker Gear Guide: Sleeping Bags

The secret to a great day outdoors? Start with a great night. Sleep well in all conditions with one of these snooze-tested bags.

Survive This: Caught in an Avalanche

When you're trekking into a backcountry bowl, avalanches are almost always a threat. Learn how to protect yourself when the worst happens.

Puffy Jackets

Made with down or synthetic fibers and paper-thin shells, these puffy jackets weigh less, loft higher, and pack much smaller than fleece.

Stay Warm On the Trail and In Camp

On the trail and in camp, beat the cold with these tips.

Hypothermia 101

Don't be fooled: Hypothermia can happen in the summer or the winter. Learn how to prevent and treat a dropping core body temp.

Calculate Trouble

Time is of the essence in the backcountry. Learn how long it will take an impending thunderstorm or avalanche to find you.

Make Your Sleeping Bag Warmer

8 easy ways to fortify your sleeping bag

Best Damn Weekend Ever: Oregon's Crater Lake

Circumnavigate Oregon's Crater Lake on snowshoes

Cut Winter Weight: 4 Ways to Pack Light and Stay Warm

Don't overload your pack. Learn how to leave the non-essentials behind and still stay warm.

How to Clean and Store Your Gear

By keeping your gear (relatively) free of dirt and grime and storing it properly you can make your gear last forever.

How to Choose a Campsite

A NOLS veteran offers tips on balancing comfort, safety, and Leave No Trace principles.

How to See More Snowshoe Hares

These hares love the snow and cold and they're designed to use the elements to their advantage

Where Can I Find the Warmest Winter Campsite?

Florida's Everglades National Park has a December high of almost 78°.

Make Your Sleeping Bag Warmer

8 easy ways to fortify your sleeping bag

How to Survive Winter Storms

New Hampshire's Mt. Washington is know for its evil weather. Learn how to survive a winter storm from one of the peak's experts.

Learn How to Use an Ice Axe

Master these skills to make your axe a tool—not a toy.

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.

How to See In the Dark

Expert tips for improving your night vision

Winter Camping: Building a Snow Shelter

Expert tips for a safe, sound night's sleep

Cold-Weather Gear Review: 5 Winter Fixes

How to make your cold months warmer: boots, bags, jackets, backpacks, and booties for frosty weather

Winter Boots Review: Snowshoeing and Camping

Keep your feet warm and dry while snowshoeing, camping, and shoveling the driveway with the Columbia Ice Dragon, North Face Ice Storm GTX, and Kamik Patriot.

Winter Skills: Warm Toes Forever

Keep your feet toasty with these 6 tricks

Dogsledding in Minnesota: Born to Run

Head out with six hard-charging huskies, and winter will never feel more alive.

The Works: Trans-Yosemite Ski Tour

Start packing now for a once-in-a-lifetime ski tour through silent, snow-draped Yosemite.

Winter Gear Lightens Up: Tent and Clothing Review

Carry less, enjoy the cold months more with the latest four-season tents, gloves, hats, and gaiters.

Tent Review: Hilleberg Jannu

Testers give the Jannu two thumbs up, despite wanting more space

The Works: Mt. Washington In Winter

Hurricane-force winds and a snowfall average of 246 inches per year? Cake, compared to the challenge the mountain poses in summer.

Snowshoeing 201

3 tips for conquering snowy hills and steep climbs

Winter Camping at Mount Rainier National Park

Snowshoe to a scenic high balcony

Winter Camping in Michigan's Porcupine Mountains

Lake effect snow and a vast virgin forest make this a spectacular winter getaway for skiing and snowshoeing

Winter Camping in the Grand Canyon

Spend New Year's in the Big Ditch, where fishing, camping, and hiking await

Being Caribou Returns Home

We follow a giant, endangered caribou herd from the Yukon to Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Part 6.

Being Caribou: Arctic Summer

We follow a giant, endangered caribou herd from the Yukon to Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Part 5.

Cold Sleepers vs. Hot Sleepers

One camper sweats and another shivers. What's the deal?

Being Caribou: A Mountain Of A Shortcut

We follow a giant, endangered caribou herd from the Yukon to Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Part 4.

Getting Navy SEAL Gear

How to acquire your very own Navy SEAL Protective Combat Uniform.

Being Caribou: Calving Grounds

We follow a giant, endangered caribou herd from the Yukon to Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Part 3.

Being Caribou: 350 Miles On Skis

We follow a giant, endangered caribou herd from the Yukon to Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Part 2.

Winter Fuel Saver

Keep water flowing with this simple technique.

Being Caribou: Spring Migration

We follow a giant, endangered caribou herd from the Yukon to Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Part 1.

Being Caribou: The Route

How do you plan a route following 123,000 migrating caribou across Canada and Alaska? Try to keep up.

Being Caribou: Protecting the Porcupine Caribou Herd

Protection one of Alaska and Canada's largest caribou herds is so close, yet so far away.

Being Caribou: ANWR Or Bust

Will he keep up? Karsten Heuer embarks on an audacious 1,200-mile expedition-cum-caribou chase.

Being Caribou: Caribou I Am

How do you plan an expedition to follow 123,000 migrating caribou across Canada and Alaska? Very carefully.

Being Caribou: Caribou Facts

18 facts you didn't know about Alaska and Canada's Porcupine Caribou herd.

This Winter, Book A Yurt

Stay cozy this winter by bedding down in a heated cabin or yurt.

Powder Hungry? Hike These Snowshoe Trails

Bust out of winter doldrums on one of these stellar snowshoe routes.

Stay Warm In Winter

Winter warmth is easy with these tips from arctic explorers, cold-weather experts, and army docs.

Winterize Your Camp

Tips to take with you when the snow flies.

Climbing Alaska's 'Great One': Denali National Park

Do you have what it takes to climb Alaska's Denali? Find out with our mountaineer's guide.

Avalanches: The Big Slide

Watching snow fall is a backcountry joy--unless it's barreling 80 mph down a mountain and you're in its path.

On Thin Ice: Safe Hiking On Frozen Lakes

How to hike safely across frozen lakes and ponds

Winter Camping Tips: The Perfect Tent Pitch

How and where you should set up your winter tent for maximum comfort and shelter longevity.

Sleeping Bag Care: A Lofty Goal

Keep your sleeping bag up to fluff with proper care and handling.

Snow Smarts

How to travel safely across four seasons of white.

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.

Anatomy Of A Snowshoe

Get up close and personal with all those snowshoe parts.

Skis or Snowshoes?

Take BACKPACKER's quiz to quickly determine where your natural ability directs you.

Snowy Destinations

Need someplace to go shoe with your snowshoes? Whet your whistle with one of these great places.

Hypothermia: Just The Facts

Quick Tips to Prevent, Recognize, and Treat Hypothermia.

A Hiker In Mt. Rainier's Wonderland

Sure, you can summit Mt. Rainier, but the real treasure isn't on top. It's the Wonderland Trail down below.

Skiing Utah's Tushar Mountains

Strap on the skis and glide across wind-sculpted snow into alpine solitude.

Tennessee: Ice As Art

In winter, the glasslike menagerie of icicles in the Cumberland Plateau will send a chill down your spine.

Winter Calorie Count

Winter activities demand more of your body's energy.

Camping With A Fridge

That's essentially what the outdoors is, so use those cold temps to carry tasty foods that wouldn't stand a chance in summer.

Tools For Snowhounds

Use these tools if you're hankering to learn the secret of snow.

Backcountry Bathroom: How To Go In The Snow

When the ground is frozen or 3 feet under snow, use these backcountry bathroom techniques.

Breaking Trail: Snow Going

When the white stuff piles up, work together to break a trail.

Winter Harm: Cold Dangers

Cold can harm in subtle and quick ways, so it pays to be prepared.

Snowshoeing New York's Five Ponds

When the rest of the East is bare, snowshoers can find plenty of powder in New York's Five Ponds Wilderness.

Washington's North Cascade's Copper Ridge Loop

Hike this crown of North Cascades National Park, Washington.

Pennsylvania's Hickory Creek Wilderness

Hickory Creek Wilderness in the Allegheny National Forest remains a great hiking destination all year -- even in winter.

Minnesota's Wild River State Park

Stomp and glide at Wild River State Park, where no snow monsters are allowed.

Winter Hiking For Beginners

Extend the hiking season at these three destinations, all perfect for winter newbies.

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.

Michigan's Manistee River Trail

Two trails, same river, two different worlds.

Snowshoe Camping, Northwest-Style

When temps warm but the going's still snowy, strap on snowshoes to reach Washington's hidden camping gems.

No Excuse For Winter Hiking

It may be winter, but that's no reason to stop hiking.

Layering For Winter

How to dress smart and stay warm when Old Man Winter blows in.