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Our PCT field scout meets his trail family.

Our scout heads out on the PCT.

Our field scout is about to embark on a yearlong journey of a lifetime.

Trek 1.4 miles to the summit of Cathedral Rock. BY CHELISE SIMMONS

Climb to the top of the Sierra Buttes for sweeping views from an old fire lookout. BY CHELISE SIMMONS

Your complete winter skills guide; Editors' Choice Snow Awards; cold-season trips, and more from the November 2015 issue of Backpacker Magazine.

Ascend through aspen groves and pine forests and below limestone cliffs on this high-altitude adventure to killer views on the hike from Trail Canyon to North Loop. BY CHELISE SIMMONS

At 11,918 feet, Mt. Charleston is a peakbagger's dream. This strenuous, high-altitude (nontechnical) climb brings you to the top of the most prominent peak in Nevada—and it's only a short drive from Las Vegas. BY CHELISE SIMMONS

Survives with stitches, staples.

Previous record was 3.6 million in 2010

Plans to make 20,000-mile trip in five years

Check out jsrashkin's author page.

Twenty-pound Jules chased two bears from a California home.

Trapped by flooding

Jodi Hilty was on board for five years

Around 100 areas bump the price of entry

New Mexican preserve will be dedicated on October 10

Flash floods claimed seven hikers' lives on September 14.

For backpackers, there’s nothing better in the entire park system. How much of it can one hiker see in a week?

Our correspondent takes a break on the shores of America's largest alpine lake.

Finishes hike in less than 55 days

John Sain was rescued by two motorcyclists on Sunday.

The underappreciated Bighorn Mountains hide some of the Lower 48’s best alpine scenery.

With towering sandstone bluffs, herds of Rocky Mountain elk, and hundreds of waterfalls, it’s easy to see why this 135-mile stretch of free-flowing, crystal-clear water was the country’s first National River.

Savor the last warm days of the year by exploring these watery wilds by boat.

Three couples who survived thru-hikes – and one who didn’t – share their tips for remaining united on the trail.

Faces six months imprisonment, public lands ban.

Kentucky man evades recognition for six years

Officials searching for wounded animal

Five months after an earthquake rocked Nepal, outfitters say that most of the country's trails are ready for trekkers. Here's what to know before you go.

Cross log bridges and other tricky terrain with the grace of a ballerina.

There’s no surer way to ensure a successful trip than hitting the mountains for charity.

These six long-distance trekkers have no problem hitting the trail alone—and often prefer it. We rounded up their best tips for female solo hikers.

New research shows that women are less likely to see themselves as leaders in the outdoors. That's everyone's loss.

Let’s set the record straight on some of the hiking world’s worst myths about women. First one: It’s not just men who believe these things.

More than half of women say they use toilet paper after peeing outdoors. We say it's an unnecessary hassle. Try one of these alternatives.

Follow these women's backcountry hygiene rules from a wilderness doctor to stay clean and healthy on your next backpacking trip.

Introducing your honey to backpacking? Follow these tips. Getting introduced? Hand this advice over.

Roxanne Fleming took her first hike at age 57, then went to Everest Basecamp and summited the Grand Teton. Here’s her best advice for late bloomers.

Guys, we're sure your intentions are good. But the women you run into on the trail need to know that. Here's how to help solo female hikers feel safer.

Score local color without the crowds.

It’s not easy making fire like a caveman. Give yourself a chance with these tips.

Many people fear that women hiking alone are particularly vulnerable to getting lost, hurt, assaulted, or raped in the wilderness. They're wrong.

Despite huge advances in women’s gear, women are about twice as likely to have trouble getting a good fit. Here are our contributors' best solutions.

California’s rolling hills and desert heat will eagerly invite you to cool off in isolated swimming holes.

If you're already a backpacker or hiker, you should be able to continue backpacking while pregnant. Here's some advice to get you going.

A mom's lesson to her 8-year-old son yields a lifetime of wisdom.

We talked to CamelBak CEO Sally McCoy, who’s been backpacking since she was 5, about how her wilderness experiences have shaped her leadership and career.

Love to catch, afraid to cook? This foolproof method is for you. Bring some bread to mop up what’s left of the juices.

This grown-up treat makes an awesome dessert, but also goes well with pancakes or oatmeal.

Elsewhere in the country, hikers are putting away their boots and packs for the winter, but here in Lost Maples, I’m about to set up a picture-perfect campsite on an outcrop 400 feet above the fall scenery. BY JUDY PAUL

Yes, it’s heavy, but if your fire is hot enough to fully burn the husks and cobs, this crowd-pleaser is totally worth packing in.

Get the best of summer (waterfalls, swimming, beaching) with the best of fall (mild temps and colorful foliage) on this overnight through DeSoto State Park. BY VICTORIA STOPP

Explore the Superstition Mountains on this overnight across Red Tanks Divide. BY QUINN HARPER

Prep these at home for a delicious first-night treat.

Wind past a half-dozen jade pools on this loop in fall-perfect Huron-Manistee National Forest in Central Michigan. BY STUART PECK

When we awoke in the blizzard of ash, we were ready to run for our lives. Was the ash toxic? Would slag soon fall from the sky like meteorites?

Get the Wallowas to yourself on this loop through prime bear habitat in the rugged Joseph Canyon. BY PATRICE LA VIGNE

The reward for portaging so many times? The best fall foliage show the Northeast has to offer. Get it all on the Seven Carries route in the St. Regis Canoe Area. BY RYAN WICHELNS

Master exposing these high-constrast scenes to capture the outdoors at its best.

I tried outdoor experiences in Girl Scouts—and learned they were no fun. But thanks to new efforts, there’s still hope for the Brownies of the future.