Backpacker Magazine – November 2008

November 2008 TOC

by: The Backpacker Editors

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FEATURES

Best of the Appalachian Trail
It's an American classic: 2,175 miles of mountain walking from Georgia to Maine. Whether you dream of hiking it all–or simply all of the best parts–start planning with our ultimate guide to the AT.

The Thru-Hiker's Guide
Expert advice on planning, packing, training, cooking, and negotiating the AT's social intricacies. By Michael Lanza

The Ultralight Guide
At his store just 30 miles into the trail, Winton Porter teaches thru-hikers how to shed baggage–in more ways than one. By Jim Gorman

Backpacker Interview: If Wilderness Could Vote
John McCain and Barack Obama talk trails–plus wolves, wilderness drilling, and guns in national parks–in this exclusive Q&A. And in our presidential poll, we ask with which candidate BACKPACKER readers would rather share a tent. By Dave Pidgeon

I'm Hiking With Stupid
Backpackers know there's nothing like a big adventure to build–or break–a friendship. The last time our author took his buddy camping, they stopped speaking for a year. A decade later, they still haven't hit the trail together. Which means there's only one thing to do: Try again. By Steve Friedman

ADVENTURES

Canoe with Thoreau's Ghost
Explore wild and historic Maine on a four-day paddle down the new Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail.

Dayhikes: Big Bend
Scout for gold–and desert views–amid this Texas park's spray of late-fall foliage.

Top 3 Night Hikes
These dark-sky treks serve up perfect viewing spots for autumn's intergalactic bling.

Indian Summer Treks
Fall camping season seems to go on forever with these fair-weather weekend trips.

Do the Nebraska Buffalo Float
No, it's not a new D.Q. treat. It's a two-day paddle through high plains prairie amid buffalo, whooping cranes, and elk.

Vacations: Grand Canyon
Explore hidden gorges and spy rarely seen wonders on this three-week raft trip designed specifically for hikers.

Trip Doctor: Rent Gear for Newbies?

Where is the Spookiest Place to Hike?

SKILLS SPECIAL

How To Do Everything! By Annette McGivney
Become a true wilderness expert with our guide to 121 essential skills for:
Hiking
Packing & Planning
Camping
Gear
First Aid & Health
Cooking

GEAR

Ultralight Tents
These rule- breakers weigh as little as some solo shelters–but house two hikers in comfort.

The Denali Test
Cold-weather gear tested on Denali

Women's Fall Gear 2008
Our female testers review the top new women's pack, bag, and apparel.

Green Scene: Eco-friendly Tent Poles

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