| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
Case Study: Surge Survivor
Name: Neil Perterson, 63
Predicament: Swept into a surge channel; stuck in a cave
Bear Attack: Q&A with Bear Grylls
The star of "Man vs. Wild" talks gear, luxury items, and survival advice.
Rip & Live: Lost
More than 1,000 hikers go missing every year in our national parks alone. Most are found within hours, but basic skills can help you get home without making a serious—or even fatal—mistake. Follow this advice for staying on course.
Survival Skills: Start a Fire with Your Cellphone
Editor in Chief Jon Dorn shows you how to get a fire going with nothing but your cellphone, a piece of steel wool, and some tinder.
Survival Skills: Start a Fire with One Match
Follow these steps and you're guaranteed the perfect campfire in no time.
Lost: A Survival Video Diary, Pt. 3
On his third day lost in Idaho's Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness, BACKPACKER contributor Jim Thornton finally finds a potential way home. But fear, exhaustion, and an incoming winter snowstorm threaten to derail his progress.
How To: Build an Emergency Fire
You've done it now. Gone on a simple walk and gotten lost, or broken your ankle. It's cold. You didn't bring gear. Don't just curl up and wait. Get a fire going.
How to Make a Survival Bracelet
In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, snares, tying splints, or, if you tease out the threads, even fishing lines and sewing threads. This bracelet lets you carry a useful amount at all times.
How to Hang a Bear Bag--PCT Style
This method is popular with ultralight thru-hikers and requires two materials that you don't normally carry (cord and carabiner). Like all bag hangs, it can be foiled by smart, food-conditioned bruins. Check regulations to make sure bag hangs are legal.
WITH OUR HOW-TO ADVICE
Natural Hazards
True Tales: Struck by Lightning
Bad decisions and running scared got this reader struck by lightning--but he survived.
True Tales: Flipped, Soaked, and Freezing
Two readers shiver for their lives through a cold, Alaskan summer night.First Aid
Escape Plan: Warm a Hypothermia Victim
Treat severe hypothermia with this life saving technique.
Survival: Prevent Blisters and Frostbite
Prevent these two painful toe problems.Bears
Survival: Recognize Grizzly Behavior
Hard-won-lessons and tips about grizzly bears from the front lines of survival.
Rip and Live: Learn to Survive a Bear Attack
With 1 million bears roaming North America, chances are pretty good that you'll cross paths with one of them at some point. To make every encounter safe, from grizzly bears to black bears, bone up on bruin identification and etiquette.Animal Attacks
Escape Plan: Use Bear Spray Safely
How to use bear spray.
Rip & Live: Spiders
Itsy bitsy? Sure, but spiders loom large in hiker phobias. They shouldn't: Only a few subspecies of the black widow and brown recluse can inflict enough damage to cut short a hike. Here's what you need to know about North America's most venomous spiders, from how to avoid them to treating their bites.Finding Food and Water
Rip & Live: Lost
More than 1,000 hikers go missing every year in our national parks alone. Most are found within hours, but basic skills can help you get home without making a serious—or even fatal—mistake. Follow this advice for staying on course.
Survival: In The Wild with...Only a Knife
Long before satellite beacons, humans thrived in the wild with the best technology available: a knife. And with that one tool and some basic knowledge, they fulfilled all life-sustaining needs.Survival Stories
Case Study: Surge Survivor
Name: Neil Perterson, 63Predicament: Swept into a surge channel; stuck in a cave
Survival: True Reader Escapes
Seven lucky-to-be-alive subscribers share their real-life backcountry disasters. Here’s how they survived, and what you can learn from their mistakes.Starting Fire
How-To Slideshow: Learn to Build an Emergency Fire
Lost and alone without your gear? Don't just sit there. Get a fire going.
Survival: In The Wild with...Only a Knife
Long before satellite beacons, humans thrived in the wild with the best technology available: a knife. And with that one tool and some basic knowledge, they fulfilled all life-sustaining needs.Survival Gear
Survival: Bring Your Own Gear
Don't scrimp on survival equpiment.
How To: Make a Survival Bracelet
Learn to make a handy survival bracelet with this step-by-step slideshow.Survival Skills
Bear Attack: Q&A with Bear Grylls
The star of "Man vs. Wild" talks gear, luxury items, and survival advice.
Escape Plan: Warm a Hypothermia Victim
Treat severe hypothermia with this life saving technique.Emergency Shelters
Rip & Live: Lost
More than 1,000 hikers go missing every year in our national parks alone. Most are found within hours, but basic skills can help you get home without making a serious—or even fatal—mistake. Follow this advice for staying on course.
Survival: In The Wild with...Only a Knife
Long before satellite beacons, humans thrived in the wild with the best technology available: a knife. And with that one tool and some basic knowledge, they fulfilled all life-sustaining needs.Avalanches
Select a Safe Route: Avalanche Terrain Travel
Recognize these avalanche-risk signs and learn how to choose routes that avoid them.
Prep Your Gear: Outfit for Avalanche Safety
Equip yourself with safety gear and practice proper techniques.
True Tales: Struck by Lightning
Bad decisions and running scared got this reader struck by lightning--but he survived.
True Tales: Flipped, Soaked, and Freezing
Two readers shiver for their lives through a cold, Alaskan summer night.
Survival: Cross a River
Don't get swept away, use this technique.
Survival: Predict a Flash Flood
Stay alert in canyon country.
Survival: Lightning Attire
What not to wear in a lightning storm.
Rip & Live: Survive Desert Extremes
Triple-digit temps by noon. Freezing at night. Scarce water. The desert is as dangerous for unprepared hikers. Give yourself an edge and learn to survive this hostile territory while backpacking.
America's 10 Most Dangerous Hikes
Like your life and limbs intact? Then you'd better get skilled before visiting these trails.
Natural Born Killers: Top Backcountry Dangers
Which is the bigger backcountry threat, grizzlies or flash floods? Find out what should scare you–and how to survive it–with BACKPACKER's Terror Index.
Fighting Death on Mt. Foraker
Stunned by the loss of his friends, a stranded climber struggles down one of Alaska's toughest peaks.
Life-or-Death Decisions - Caught in a Storm
When a storm comes out of nowhere, learn how to handle the unexpected.
Escape Plan: Warm a Hypothermia Victim
Treat severe hypothermia with this life saving technique.
Survival: Prevent Blisters and Frostbite
Prevent these two painful toe problems.
Survival: Improvise a Splint and Treat Burns
Two skills to take with you to the backcountry
Survival: Carbon-Dioxide Poisoning
Ventilate your tent to avoid this danger.
Survival: First Aid Emergencies
Hard-won-lessons and tips about medical emergencies from the front lines of survival.
Rip & Live: Spiders
Itsy bitsy? Sure, but spiders loom large in hiker phobias. They shouldn't: Only a few subspecies of the black widow and brown recluse can inflict enough damage to cut short a hike. Here's what you need to know about North America's most venomous spiders, from how to avoid them to treating their bites.
5 Steps to Saving Lives
How the pros treat an injured hiker
Prof. Hike: Leave Blisters in the Dust
Blisters are the most common on-trail injury, but blisters are also easy to prevent.
Saving Lives: Medical MacGyvers
Use what you have at any given moment to alleviate a medical emergency in the backcountry.
Saving Lives: Perform a Focused Assessment
Use these three assessment tools to examine every patient thoroughly after you've stopped any immediate threats to life. Trauma victims are more common in the backcountry; start your inspection with a head-to-toe exam. For ill patients, begin by asking about medical history and taking vitals.
Survival: Recognize Grizzly Behavior
Hard-won-lessons and tips about grizzly bears from the front lines of survival.
Rip and Live: Learn to Survive a Bear Attack
With 1 million bears roaming North America, chances are pretty good that you'll cross paths with one of them at some point. To make every encounter safe, from grizzly bears to black bears, bone up on bruin identification and etiquette.
Ask A Bear: Electric Fence As Deterrent?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Ask A Bear: Skunk Spray As Deterrent?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Ask A Bear: Old Vomit in a Tent?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Ask A Bear: Why Did You Steal My Empty Pack?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Ask A Bear: Will Music Attract A Bear?
Got a burning ursine question? Ask our resident bruin expert in our new weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Ask A Bear: Scare a Marauding Bear
Got a burning ursine question? Ask our resident bruin expert in our new weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Ask A Bear: Do Bears Really Like Toothpaste
Got a burning ursine question? Ask our resident bruin expert in our new weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Ask A Bear: Is Submerged Food Safe?
Got a burning ursine question? Ask our resident bruin expert in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Escape Plan: Use Bear Spray Safely
How to use bear spray.
Rip & Live: Spiders
Itsy bitsy? Sure, but spiders loom large in hiker phobias. They shouldn't: Only a few subspecies of the black widow and brown recluse can inflict enough damage to cut short a hike. Here's what you need to know about North America's most venomous spiders, from how to avoid them to treating their bites.
Rip and Live: Learn to Survive a Bear Attack
With 1 million bears roaming North America, chances are pretty good that you'll cross paths with one of them at some point. To make every encounter safe, from grizzly bears to black bears, bone up on bruin identification and etiquette.
Survive This: Bitten by a (Rabid?) Animal
Chomped by a critter? Here's what to do.
Survive This: Swarming Wasps
Forget all the rules about freezing or making yourself big. When faced with these angry beasts run for cover.True Tales: Charged by a 500-Pound Grizzly
A charging grizzly comes too close for this reader's comfort.
Rip & Live: Lost
More than 1,000 hikers go missing every year in our national parks alone. Most are found within hours, but basic skills can help you get home without making a serious—or even fatal—mistake. Follow this advice for staying on course.
Survival: In The Wild with...Only a Knife
Long before satellite beacons, humans thrived in the wild with the best technology available: a knife. And with that one tool and some basic knowledge, they fulfilled all life-sustaining needs.
Survival: Lost with...Only a Bottle of Whiskey
Put that hooch to good use with these tips for starting a fire, treating water, and even signaling for help.
Which Water Treatment is for You?
Fast, hassle-free, ultralight,–we explore five different water treatment scenarios and the right system to use.
How to Do Everything - Camping
Find water anywhere, make a fire in five minutes, learn secrets for battling mosquitoes, and more.Survival: Find Water in the Desert
Dangerously thirsty in the desert?Survival: Must Cross a Raging River With No Personal Flotation Device
Drowning is the #2 cause of outdoor deaths (falls are #1), so avoid wading waist-deep or too-fast rivers (a tossed, fist-size rock shouldn't move downstream before sinking), but if no choice exists:Survival Skills: Finding Water
How to find emergency water in the backcountry.
Case Study: Surge Survivor
Name: Neil Perterson, 63Predicament: Swept into a surge channel; stuck in a cave
Survival: True Reader Escapes
Seven lucky-to-be-alive subscribers share their real-life backcountry disasters. Here’s how they survived, and what you can learn from their mistakes.
True Tales: Struck by Lightning
Bad decisions and running scared got this reader struck by lightning--but he survived.
True Tales: Flipped, Soaked, and Freezing
Two readers shiver for their lives through a cold, Alaskan summer night.
True Tales: Caught in a Flash Flood
Rising water sends this reader running--and hiding--in Utah.
Survival: Save Yourself in Whitewater
Hard-won-lessons and tips about whitewater kayaking from the front lines of survival.
Survival: Learn Patience in Alaska
Don't let low points get you down.
Survival: Make Good Judgement Calls
Hard-won-lessons and tips about good decision making from the front lines of survival.
Survival: Unexpected Accidents
Hard-won-lessons and tips about unexpected dangers from the front lines of survival.
Survival: Unsafe Snow Conditions
Hard-won-lessons and tips about unsafe snow from the front lines of survival.
How-To Slideshow: Learn to Build an Emergency Fire
Lost and alone without your gear? Don't just sit there. Get a fire going.
Survival: In The Wild with...Only a Knife
Long before satellite beacons, humans thrived in the wild with the best technology available: a knife. And with that one tool and some basic knowledge, they fulfilled all life-sustaining needs.
Survival: Lost with...Only a Bottle of Whiskey
Put that hooch to good use with these tips for starting a fire, treating water, and even signaling for help.
How to Start a Fire With Fungus
Chaga, or "tinder fungus" and other natural firestarters abound in the backcountry–you just have to know where to look for them.
Survival: Bring Your Own Gear
Don't scrimp on survival equpiment.
How To: Make a Survival Bracelet
Learn to make a handy survival bracelet with this step-by-step slideshow.
Survival: In The Wild with...Only a Knife
Long before satellite beacons, humans thrived in the wild with the best technology available: a knife. And with that one tool and some basic knowledge, they fulfilled all life-sustaining needs.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Revelation Avalung Pack
A backpack with built in Avalung technology for use in avalanche-prone areas.
Survival: Deal with a Snagged Rope
Rope caught up in a bad way. Here's what to do.
Gear Review: Fox 40 Sonik Blast CMG Whistle
Get found with this super loud whistle.
Gear Review: Brunton Helios Stormproof Lighter
Light a fire fast, even in wet, cold, and windy conditions, with this waterproof lighter.
Gear Review: Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pak PLUS
Everything you need in an emergency in one tiny little pack.
Gear Review: Tops Knives Shango Survival Knife Kit
A tough knife and a fire starter all in one.
Gear Review: MontBell Breeze Dry-Tec U.L. Sleeping Bag Cover (Bivy)
This bivy stuffs smaller than a soda can.
Bear Attack: Q&A with Bear Grylls
The star of "Man vs. Wild" talks gear, luxury items, and survival advice.
Escape Plan: Warm a Hypothermia Victim
Treat severe hypothermia with this life saving technique.
Escape Plan: Use Bear Spray Safely
How to use bear spray.
Survival: True Reader Escapes
Seven lucky-to-be-alive subscribers share their real-life backcountry disasters. Here’s how they survived, and what you can learn from their mistakes.
True Tales: Caught in a Flash Flood
Rising water sends this reader running--and hiding--in Utah.
Survival: Save Yourself in Whitewater
Hard-won-lessons and tips about whitewater kayaking from the front lines of survival.
Survival: Cross a River
Don't get swept away, use this technique.
Survival: Learn Patience in Alaska
Don't let low points get you down.
Survival: Carbon-Dioxide Poisoning
Ventilate your tent to avoid this danger.
Survival: Predict a Flash Flood
Stay alert in canyon country.
Rip & Live: Lost
More than 1,000 hikers go missing every year in our national parks alone. Most are found within hours, but basic skills can help you get home without making a serious—or even fatal—mistake. Follow this advice for staying on course.
Survival: In The Wild with...Only a Knife
Long before satellite beacons, humans thrived in the wild with the best technology available: a knife. And with that one tool and some basic knowledge, they fulfilled all life-sustaining needs.
Survival: Lost with Only a Trash Bag
Ounce for ounce, few items can improve your survival chances more than a humble trash bag.
Select a Safe Route: Avalanche Terrain Travel
Recognize these avalanche-risk signs and learn how to choose routes that avoid them.
Prep Your Gear: Outfit for Avalanche Safety
Equip yourself with safety gear and practice proper techniques.
Gear School: Avalanche Beacons
Travel safely through snowscapes with this lifesaving locator.
How to Cross a Spring Snowfield
Cross the steeps safely and avoid avalanches with these guide-approved tips.How to Avoid Avalanches
Hike safely in avalanche terrainSurvive 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.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.
Tools & Experts
iPad App: Survival School
Caught in an avalanche. Attacked by a bear. Dehydrated and hypothermic. The wilderness can be a dangerous place but with BACKPACKER's new iPad app, you'll be prepared for anything.
Make a Survival Bracelet
In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, an even fishing line. This bracelet lets you carry a useful amount at all times.
Survive With Only a Knife
Long before satellite beacons, humans thrived in the wild with the best technology available: a knife.
The Ten Essentials
Know them, love them. Here's your guide to putting a kit together.
Ask a Bear
Just try and stump our resident bruin expert. Heąll answer your burning ursine questions in this weekly feature.
Video: Start a Fire with Your Phone
Editor in Chief Jon Dorn shows you how to get a fire going with nothing but your cellphone, a piece of steel wool, and some tinder.
Video: Survive a Bear Attack
Learn how to deal with a black bear or grizzly encounter with Shannon Davis and Ted the Bear.
Survival Skills: Start a Fire with One Match
Follow these steps and you're guaranteed the perfect campfire in no time.
Medicine Man
Our wilderness medicine guru talks first-aid, health, and emergency management.
MASTER YOUR SURVIVAL SKILLS WITH THESE HOW-TO TIPS
Survival Skills: Start a Fire with Your Cellphone
Editor in Chief Jon Dorn shows you how to get a fire going with nothing but your cellphone, a piece of steel wool, and some tinder.
Survival Skills: Start a Fire with One Match
Follow these steps and you're guaranteed the perfect campfire in no time.
Lost: A Survival Video Diary, Pt. 3
On his third day lost in Idaho's Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness, BACKPACKER contributor Jim Thornton finally finds a potential way home. But fear, exhaustion, and an incoming winter snowstorm threaten to derail his progress.
TIP 32: Follow the Ranger
Ask park rangers which tent sites are best for privacy, views, and water. Then steer the conversation to where they like to camp.
International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad.
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Navigation Center
Learn how to orient a map, navigate any terrain, and the ins-and-outs of GPS devices.
BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.
Backpacker Expeditions
Backpacker Expeditions will challenge your outdoor fortitude and indulge your passion for discovery. Powered by:
