| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
Recipe: Spicy Teriyaki Elk Jerky
Elk meat makes for a leaner, more tender–and always organic!–trail snack.
Master Alpine Starts
Boost your summit chances and beat lightning storms with a smooth early-morning start.
Trail Chef: How To Cook A Fish...On A Rock!
If you've caught a fish in the backcountry but forgot the pan, don't despair: Trail Chef shows you how to improvise a skillet with a rock. Also, learn Trail Chef's Spicy Southwest Marinade--perfect for any food with fins.
The Basics of Fly Fishing
Backcountry fishing is easier than ever thanks to new lightweight, compactable rods. Our contributor gets you started with a how-to on setting up your rod and reel, plus the basics of casting.
Backpacker Taste Test: We Eat Bugs!
Watch as BACKPACKER weighs in on the newest trend in protein rich and ultralight hiking snacks. You guessed it: Bugs. On the menu: Raw scorpions, tarantulas, and other crawly creatures.
When Will I Know if I Have Poison Oak?
How long does it take to start feeling the effects of poison oak exposure?
Can I Get Giardia Through a Cut?
Can you get some of the waterborne parasites, such as Giardia, through open wounds or cuts and scrapes?
Can Glue Seal Wounds?
I have heard that the bonding agents like Super Glue or Krazy Glue can be used to seal wounds in the backcountry. Is this true, and what's the risk vs. benefit?
THE ADVENTUROUS LIFE
Food & Nutrition
Recipe: Spicy Teriyaki Elk Jerky
Elk meat makes for a leaner, more tender–and always organic!–trail snack.
Recipe: Burger Jerky
Say goodbye to rock-hard, overpriced, gas-station jerky with this cheap and easy recipe.Health & First Aid
Survive This: Frostbitten Feet
Frostbite is bad news. Learn how to safely treat frozen feet.
How to Do Everything - First Aid & Health
Close a wound, remove a tick, prevent poison ivy rash, and more essential tips.Survival
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.
When Disaster Strikes! 5 True Survival Stories
Read these real-life tales from five survivors who made it out alive, and learn what they did wrong–and right.Fitness
Hike Forever: Ultimate Hiking Workouts
The secret to long-term health and fitness? Reap backpacking's many benefits–a strong heart, lean muscle, superior endurance–through every stage of your life. Here's how.
The Winter Workout
Follow this winter workout and conquer the steeps come spring.Navigation
How to Navigate in the Snow
Solve winter routefinding challenges with these expert tips.
How to Do Everything - Hiking
From navigation to staying dry to predicting the weather, our primer will have you dialed.General Skills
How to Read a River
When runoff turns a nice stream nasty, use these tips to cross safely.
Master Alpine Starts
Boost your summit chances and beat lightning storms with a smooth early-morning start.
Recipe: Spicy Teriyaki Elk Jerky
Elk meat makes for a leaner, more tender–and always organic!–trail snack.
Recipe: Burger Jerky
Say goodbye to rock-hard, overpriced, gas-station jerky with this cheap and easy recipe.
Health Nuts
These tasty nutritional all-stars offer a bounty of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and good-for-you fats. Here are a backpacker's four best bets.
Menu Maker
Not sure how to eat right on the trail? You're in luck. We've taken the liberty of coming up with the perfect plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—for just about every situation. So break out your inner chef and get cooking. You'll be eating like royalty in no time.
Recipes: 4 One-Pot Stews
Don't settle for a hunk of ice-hard jerky when the mercury plummets. A hard day of winter hiking or snowshoeing should be followed with a piping-hot stew.
Dinner Party: Cooking for a Group
Plan and cook for a group with these time-tested tips.
The Tortilla's Many Uses
More than just a hammock for your burrito ingredients, tortillas are very versatile.
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.
Survive This: Frostbitten Feet
Frostbite is bad news. Learn how to safely treat frozen feet.
How to Do Everything - First Aid & Health
Close a wound, remove a tick, prevent poison ivy rash, and more essential tips.
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.Health News: Breathe Easy
What to know about hiking with asthmaHiking with Chronic Conditions
Have one of these three common health problems? Stay safe on the trail by taking sensible precautions.How to Rescue an Injured Hiker
Your partner can't go on. Should you stay–or go for help?Pioneering Frostbite Treatment
One Minnesota doctor and his team have discovered a new treatment that reduces the need for amputations.Health News: Get Naked!
And other ways to prevent tick-borne infections
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.
When Disaster Strikes! 5 True Survival Stories
Read these real-life tales from five survivors who made it out alive, and learn what they did wrong–and right.
Man Versus Rock
A staged photo op in the Tetons results in a near-crushing.
Fighting Death on Mt. Foraker
Stunned by the loss of his friends, a stranded climber struggles down one of Alaska's toughest peaks.
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.
Hike Forever: Ultimate Hiking Workouts
The secret to long-term health and fitness? Reap backpacking's many benefits–a strong heart, lean muscle, superior endurance–through every stage of your life. Here's how.
The Winter Workout
Follow this winter workout and conquer the steeps come spring.
Custom Training: Exercises for Every Body Type
Get stronger and hike longer with a workout that matches your physique.
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.
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.
How to Navigate in the Snow
Solve winter routefinding challenges with these expert tips.
How to Do Everything - Hiking
From navigation to staying dry to predicting the weather, our primer will have you dialed.
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.Navigation 101: 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 Read a River
When runoff turns a nice stream nasty, use these tips to cross safely.
Master Alpine Starts
Boost your summit chances and beat lightning storms with a smooth early-morning start.
Gear School 2009
Tent leak like a sieve? Boots stink like a compost pile? Don't worry. Class is now in session. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this in your one-stop, do-it-all user's guide.
Gear School 2009: Essentials
From sleeping pads to trekking poles, we'll have you good to go in no time.
Gear School 2009: Packs
Learn how to fix snagging zippers, re-waterproof material, deal with frayed fabric, and more.
Gear School: Ultralight Packs
Shop smarter, hike farther with this guide to the guts of today's lightest load haulers.
Gear School 2009: Boots
Soaked, scuffed, and beat up? We'll show you how to get your trusty footwear back to trail-ready.
Travel Like a Pro: For the Extreme Traveler
Bound for one of the globe's most exotic locales? Thrive in any environment with these tips.
Travel Like a Pro: Etiquette On the Trail
Verse yourself in proper cultural etiquette to avoid being just another rude tourist (hint: keep your hands to yourself).
Travel Like a Pro
Master every detail of far-flung adventure–from visas to vaccinations–with these time-tested tips from guides and veteran globetrotters.
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
Survival 101
With 12 instructional videos, blogs, and an archive of essential knowledge, you'll get top-notch guidance from the pros who know.
Learn to Survive
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
Ultimate Fix-It Guide
Learn how to make your gear last forever with our guide to the 55 most common repairs and maintenance musts.
Do it Yourself
My Profile
Join Now
Most recent threads
Trailhead Register
Sarah Palin To Resign As Alaska Governor
Posted On: Jul 03, 2009
Submitted By: hikerjer
Submitted By: hikerjer
MASTER YOUR OUTDOOR EXPERTISE WITH OUR TIPS
Trail Chef: How To Cook A Fish...On A Rock!
If you've caught a fish in the backcountry but forgot the pan, don't despair: Trail Chef shows you how to improvise a skillet with a rock. Also, learn Trail Chef's Spicy Southwest Marinade--perfect for any food with fins.
The Basics of Fly Fishing
Backcountry fishing is easier than ever thanks to new lightweight, compactable rods. Our contributor gets you started with a how-to on setting up your rod and reel, plus the basics of casting.
Backpacker Taste Test: We Eat Bugs!
Watch as BACKPACKER weighs in on the newest trend in protein rich and ultralight hiking snacks. You guessed it: Bugs. On the menu: Raw scorpions, tarantulas, and other crawly creatures.
Find the Outdoor Equipment You Need
TIP 8: Prep Your GPS
Turn on your GPS 15 minutes before hiking to give it time to locate satellites.
GearFinder
equipment you need.
Fix-It Center
Make your gear last forever
with this ultimate DIY guide.
Backpacker's Gadget Guide 2009
The latest gadgets for technophobes, technogeeks,
and everyone in between.
YES! Please send me my 2 FREE trial issues of BACKPACKER
and my FREE digital Ultralight Handbook
