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Trekking poles reduce impact on joints and help prevent falls on tricky terrain—but only if you use them right. Jayah Faye Paley, creator of training seminars and materials on the topic, offers these tips for getting the most out of your sticks.

Now in Washington, our hiker tries to make miles while the sun shines.

Because you need to catch it at least once before you die.

Pups love sleeping under the stars, too. Here are six doggie upgrades to improve Fido’s next camp-out.

From skis to jackets to boots, these 12 products are the cream of the crop.

In a bind? Turn to humankind’s oldest tool.

Don Buchanan (trail name: Don Viejo), then 85, spent a night on a ledge in California’s San Gabriel Mountains on January 25, 2014.

Our PCT correspondent crosses into her last state, and the home stretch begins.

Upgrade your photos with tips from professional outdoor photographer Adam Barker.

Venture deep into the heart of this paddler’s paradise for the best fish-and-foliage adventure in the Lower 48.

With mountains, being the highest doesn’t always mean being the best. This fall, raise a trekking pole to America’s best dayhikeable penultimate peaks.

Upgrade your next trek with these homegrown recipes from Backpacker readers and fans.

Education and recreation meet on these campuses, with thriving outdoor programs and nearby trails and mountains.

Find some feathered friends on these three hikes.

Go ahead and complain about admission in national forests—just remember what they do for the wilderness you love.

Betters Scott Jurek's supported mark by 10 hours

Waterfalls, grey days, and big peaks are the name of the game for our hiker's last few miles in Oregon.

New research—and an ancient Buddhist ritual—suggest that we could be making better use of our trail time.

An ancient path to Nirvana leads a Buddhist monk up a mountain—again and again and again. Can backpackers learn anything from his example?

Paddle through a blackwater swamp and see A-list wildlife in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. BY KATHY KYLE

See Missouri's tallest waterfall and stand on its tallest peak on this overnight on the Taum Sauk section of the Ozark Trail. BY MARK HINCH

Hike to backcountry Rainbow Hot Springs in the Weminuche. BY KIRSTEN DOBROTH

Sample the recently restored Wild Rogue Loop on this circuit through canyons and woods in Oregon. BY LAURA LANCASTER

Walk along Paint Creek in Yellow River State Forest on this overnight backpacking trip and you'll know it's true: Iowa is rugged. BY KOREY PETERSON

Kayak where land, sea, and river converge, then camp on a beach and take to a wildlife refuge on foot on this multiway paddling trip to Capers and Bulls Islands. BY DAVID KUCZKIR

Our PCT correspondent faces a new set of challenges in Oregon.

Take in great views and backpack lighter than ever in our September 2016 issue.

We delight in revealing your favorite trail, lake, or campsite—and your hidden place is better off for it.

You already know our magazine's pages are full of survival tips. But you probably didn’t know the pages themselves can help in survival. Put your mag to use in an emergency with these 9 hacks.

Whether it’s a steep descent or dead faint, Den Mother knows vertical drops.

Our trail correspondent dreams of seeing the sun again.

Yes, there's a better way to put one foot in front of the other. Improve your stride, trek farther, and end leg and back pain with our guide to the new science of healthy hiking.

Humans did it for thousands of years. But is barefoot walking right for you? The experts sound off.

Are you dealing with aches and pains? The problem could be right on your feet.

Our correspondent breaks off from the official Pacific Crest Trail route.

What do you do when you find yourself committed to a non-hiker? Sweeten the deal for them with these strategies.

With resupply options few and far between, our correspondent has plan ahead.

Ted Knetchel, 62, was attacked by a grizzly in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness in southwestern Montana on September 14, 2012.

Five easy lessons for getting the most out of your time on the trail

Sure, you'd like to take half a year off to hike a long trail. But how do you pay for it? Our resident thru-hiker answers.

Controversial new unit established on eve of NPS's 100th birthday.

Put your coals to use—and skip the dirty dishes—with these creations from Marilyn Haugen, author of 150 Best Recipes for Cooking in Foil.

Cold and wet conditions make starting a fire— just when you really need one—frustratingly difficult. Stay warm with these tips from Mountain Scout Survival School founder Shane Hobel.

The difference between a dull through-the-door shot and one that gets shared and liked is all about what’s included—and what’s not. Here’s how to elevate your technique.

Our PCT correspondent finally crosses the border.

Check out Morgan Tilton's author page.

Check out Morgan Tilton's author page.

Check out Morgan Tilton's author page.

Check out Morgan Tilton's author page.

Keeping weight on is a tough game when you're walking 30 miles a day—and when you don't bring a stove, it only gets worse.

Now on the second half of her hike, our PCT correspondent braves blazing temperatures in NorCal.

With 1,300 miles behind her, our PCT correspondent is halfway done with the biggest hike of her life.

You don't need snow (or a trust fund) to enjoy this legendary ski town.

Sample a smorgasbord of mountains from this chill California outpost.

Bald eagles, skiing, and mountain biking galore: It doesn't get much better than this outdoor paradise.

In Homer, playing outside is a way of life.

With two national parks and endless wilderness nearby, this may be America's best-situated adventure town.

Explore Arizona's red rock country.

Hike to a giant stone wall, and take a dip afterward.

Why Crested Butte? Because it's crowded with wildflowers, not people.

Get a tour of the best that the Adirondacks have to offer in this upstate destination.

Sneak in the side door to Great Smoky Mountains.

West Virginia's coolest trail town is a great place to refuel on pancakes—and a great place to earn them.

This gateway to the Apostle Islands is a haven for paddlers.

The World Bank has invested $2 million in creating a long path in the West Bank. Can hiking help where politics have failed?

Check out Morgan Tilton's author page.

Check out Morgan Tilton's author page.

Check out Morgan Tilton's author page.

Check out Morgan Tilton's author page.

Start planning your West Virginia adventure.