| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
Never Fear: How to Beat Backcountry Phobias
Don't let groundless phobias ruin–or even prevent–your backcountry adventures. Here's a foolproof plan for overcoming your terrors.
Packing Heat: Fiery Southwestern Recipes
These 4 red-hot recipes will warm you faster than any campfire.
Start Smart: Properly Pack a Canoe or Kayak
Follow these guidelines to keep your gear dry, secure, and well balanced in a canoe or kayak.
How to Align Your Compass with Your Map
It's OK to admit it: you've logged hundreds of miles in the backcountry without really knowing how to use your compass and topo map together. Watch our video tutorial to catch up on this essential backpacking skill.
Survival Skills: Get Un-Lost with GPS
Map Editor Kris Wagner finds his way through a nasty thunderstorm using only a topo map and a GPS. Learn how you can, too.
Pack Like a Pro: Pt. I Dayhike
Get the basics dialed. Our Editor in Chief shows you how to put together the perfect homemade survival kit.
Can I Eat a Scorpion?
On an episode of Survivorman, Les Stroud cooked grasshoppers, stating if you didn't, you might get a tapeworm. But he ate a raw scorpion–couldn't one just as easily get a tapeworm from a scorpion?
Big or Little Pre-Hike Breakfast?
I am trying to lose weight and boost my stamina for a hike to Colorado next year. Should I eat a big breakfast for a three-day hike to the Porcupine Mountains, or a smaller breakfast and rely on my fat reserves to help burn off the weight?
Drive to Get Ready for Altitude?
Is it better to drive a long distance to a much higher elevation (like from the Northeast to the Rockies) to get used to the elevation gradually?
THE ADVENTUROUS LIFE
Food & Nutrition
Packing Heat: Fiery Southwestern Recipes
These 4 red-hot recipes will warm you faster than any campfire.
Taste Test: Camp Coffee
Whether you're going ultralight or ultra gourmet, it's crucial to pour the right cuppa joe.Health & First Aid
The Cure: First Aid For Fido
Dogs can get hurt on the trail just like you. Here's how to treat 5 common problems.
Keep Your Feet Happy
Long-distance runner Russell Secker feels your foot pain–and he knows how to get rid of it.Survival
Never Fear: How to Beat Backcountry Phobias
Don't let groundless phobias ruin–or even prevent–your backcountry adventures. Here's a foolproof plan for overcoming your terrors.
Survive This: You're Wet & Cold
Here's how to avoid hypothermia.Fitness
Flex Time: Trail-Specific Stretches
Yosemite National Park wilderness ranger Mark Fincher shares his secrets for staying fit and healthy
Tune Up: Improve Your Balance
Gymnasts can land backflips on balance beams four inches wide. Their secret: training barefoot.Navigation
Next Level: Navigate Cross Country
3 key skills for getting off the trail without getting off course
How to Choose a Campsite
A NOLS veteran offers tips on balancing comfort, safety, and Leave No Trace principles.General Skills
Start Smart: Properly Pack a Canoe or Kayak
Follow these guidelines to keep your gear dry, secure, and well balanced in a canoe or kayak.
Reader Tip: Create a Fast Flame
Make a fire fast with this pocket-sized tip
Packing Heat: Fiery Southwestern Recipes
These 4 red-hot recipes will warm you faster than any campfire.
Taste Test: Camp Coffee
Whether you're going ultralight or ultra gourmet, it's crucial to pour the right cuppa joe.
Trail Recipes: Portable Pub Grub
We'll show you how to adapt you favorite bar food for the trail: Mushroom-Asiago Veggie Burgers, Spicy Sweet Potato Fries, Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip, and Toasted Tortilla Chips.
Slice and Dice: Build Your Own Cutting Board
Follow this reader tip to custom-build your own backcountry cutting board.
Next Level: Prep a Fish for Dinner
Add fresh-caught trout to the menu with these 6 easy steps.
Better to the Last Drop
A hiker cannot live on water alone. Next time out, try these coffee, tea, and wine updgrades.
Trail Recipes: Rising Sun Cuisine; Sushi on the Go
4 Japanese meals adapted–and enhanced–for the trail
Eat Better
Want to hike farther, explore tougher terrain, and carry big loads without bonking? To achieve your biggest backcountry goals, you have to change how you eat.
Taste Test: Best of the Bars
What to grab when you need a boost
Free Food! Trailside Edible Plants
Wild parsnip, burdock, and wild carrot grow throughout North America. Learn when and where they're prime for picking.
The Cure: First Aid For Fido
Dogs can get hurt on the trail just like you. Here's how to treat 5 common problems.
Keep Your Feet Happy
Long-distance runner Russell Secker feels your foot pain–and he knows how to get rid of it.
How to Prevent Blisters
Sweaty feet, thick socks, and sturdy boots are a blister cauldron. Learn four easy ways to keep your feel clean, dry, and blister free.How to Rescue an Injured Hiker
Your partner can't go on. Should you stay–or go for help?Health News: Breathe Easy
What to know about hiking with asthmaHealth News: Get Naked!
And other ways to prevent tick-borne infectionsThe Cure: Head Injuries
To tell the difference between a bad bump and a life-threatening blow, follow these crucial steps.Prime Your Pump
You can't hike with a bum ticker–follow these heart-healthy strategies to stay on the trail longer.Start Smart: Stay Clean and Healthy
4 strategies to feel and smell betterSurvive This: Sudden Illness on the Trail
Beware of dehydration when a sudden illness strikes.
Never Fear: How to Beat Backcountry Phobias
Don't let groundless phobias ruin–or even prevent–your backcountry adventures. Here's a foolproof plan for overcoming your terrors.
Survive This: You're Wet & Cold
Here's how to avoid hypothermia.
Survive This: Bitten by a (Rabid?) Animal
Chomped by a critter? Here's what to do.
The Ultimate "Survive This!" Archive
If you can imagine it, we've seen it-and offered expert analysis. From avalanches to volcanoes, this archive contains step-by-step plans for escaping a slew of mishaps that can befall weary travelers.
Survive This: Separated From Group
If you get lost from your hiking party, here's how to get found–fast.
Backpacker Survival Poll
What do you pack? What's the most important skill? Let us know in this online poll, and we'll publish your answers in the October issue of Backpacker magazine.
Next Level: Survive an Emergency Rappel
Learn the Dülfersitz rappel and safely lower yourself off of a steep pitch with only a rope.
Survive This: Swarming Wasps
Forget all the rules about freezing or making yourself big. When faced with these angry beasts run for cover.
Survive This: A Plunge into Raging Whitewater
Learn how to battle your way out of a raging river with these tips.
Return of the Survivor: Q&A with Steve Friedman
In this exclusive Q&A, Steve Friedman talks about trying out the techniques of TV's survival show hosts Bear Grylls and Les Stroud in the (real) wild.
Flex Time: Trail-Specific Stretches
Yosemite National Park wilderness ranger Mark Fincher shares his secrets for staying fit and healthy
Tune Up: Improve Your Balance
Gymnasts can land backflips on balance beams four inches wide. Their secret: training barefoot.
No-Excuses Fitness Training Tips
Having trouble getting motivated? These soldiers toughen you up with their custom can't-quit tips.
Custom Training: Exercises for Every Body Type
Get stronger and hike longer with a workout that matches your physique.
Climb Higher
With the right preparation–and a little help from a half-dozen friends, two exotic techno-gadgets, and one very sweaty hypoxic chamber–can a sea-level-dwelling rookie climb the highest peak in Colorado?
Train Smarter
Get trail-fit in six weeks with this simple exercise plan.
The Specialist: Plan Away Pounds
Shed useless pack weight, not luxuries
Tune Up: Protect Your Joints and Build Pivot Power
Get ready for spring with 3 joint-specific routines.
Skills Health: Make Time For Exercise
Full schedule? Here's how to work in working out.
Stretches for Hikers
Recover from high-mileage days with these before-and-after stretches.
Next Level: Navigate Cross Country
3 key skills for getting off the trail without getting off course
How to Choose a Campsite
A NOLS veteran offers tips on balancing comfort, safety, and Leave No Trace principles.
GPS 201: Using Advanced Navigational Tools
Don't be daunted by a thick owner's manual. Unlocking your unit's advanced navigational tools is easier than you think.Reading Topo Maps: Understanding Map Symbols and Colors
Dotted, dashed, and curvy. Red, blue, and brown. All these colors and styles criss-cross a topo map. Learn what they mean.Learn How to Stay On Course
By understanding your terrain, knowing your pace, and reading the map regularly you can stay on course wherever you are.Understanding Your Compass
If you don't know what triangulation is, read this article.Reading Topo Maps: Understanding Contour Lines
Topo maps just look like a children's drawing if you don't know what contour lines are.How to Protect Your Map From the Elements
While you're cozy in your waterproof jacket, your map has to face the rain, or snow, or mud, alone. Learn how to protect this precious piece of paper.How to Align Your Compass
Learn how to orient your map with a few basic compass skillsGPS Basics
What's GPS, how does it work, and will it help you?
Start Smart: Properly Pack a Canoe or Kayak
Follow these guidelines to keep your gear dry, secure, and well balanced in a canoe or kayak.
Reader Tip: Create a Fast Flame
Make a fire fast with this pocket-sized tip
The Specialist: How to Make Your Boots Last
4 sole-saving tips from a veteran boot doctor
25 Habits of Highly Effective Hikers
Guarantee yourself a great adventure– every time–by adopting these proven routines for planning and pulling off the perfect trip.
Reader Tip: Night Rounds
This reader recommends packing hospital scrubs when camping.
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.
iHike: Hiking in the Digital Age
A Complete Guide to the Digital Revolution–and How to Join It
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.
The Specialist: Heat Doctor
Stay cool with expert tips for boiler days.
Trip Doctor: Making Junior's First Backpacking Trip a Success
Any suggestions for making my 5-year-old's first backpacking trip a success?
Tools & Experts
Gear Chick
Pose your burning gear question to Kristin Hostetter and she'll drop some knowledge on how to fix, mend, improve, and more.
Read the Latest
Backpacking 101
Trip-planning tips, gear lists, safety advice, and other essential wisdom every hiker ought to know.
Get Started
Peak Fitness Blog
Our fitness pro riffs on the latest trends and challenges of staying fit everyday.
Read the Latest
Medicine Man
Our wilderness medicine guru talks first-aid, health, and emergency management.
Get Schooled
Survival Blog
Go deep into the backcountry with Rocky Mountain Editor Steve Howe and get an unfiltered dose of all things survival.
Are you tough enough?
Gear Checklists
Make sure you remember everything for your next outdoor adventure by use the same checklists that Backpacker editors have used for years.
Get Packing
MASTER YOUR OUTDOOR EXPERTISE WITH OUR TIPS
How to Align Your Compass with Your Map
It's OK to admit it: you've logged hundreds of miles in the backcountry without really knowing how to use your compass and topo map together. Watch our video tutorial to catch up on this essential backpacking skill.
Survival Skills: Get Un-Lost with GPS
Map Editor Kris Wagner finds his way through a nasty thunderstorm using only a topo map and a GPS. Learn how you can, too.
Pack Like a Pro: Pt. I Dayhike
Get the basics dialed. Our Editor in Chief shows you how to put together the perfect homemade survival kit.
Find the Outdoor Equipment You Need
TIP 6: Train for the Trail
The best way to train for any sport is to do it. Carry a full pack on your routine dayhikes–it's also a great way to test your gear.
Get Fit for Any Hike
No gyms, no weights–and, with our
easy-to-follow plan–no bonking on the trail.
Backpacker's Ultimate Fix-It Guide
Learn how to make your gear last forever with our guide to the 55 most
common repairs and maintenance musts.
Sleeping Bag Center
Our guide to sleeping bags fit for all occasions and sleep tips guaranteed
to give you a good night's rest. 
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