Dynafit Performance Dry Headband
There’s no reason not to pack this tiny ear-warmer.
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Sleeping in an Igloo is the Winter Camping Dream. The Only Problem? Building It.
Can our guy construct a winter shelter that’s strong, roomy, and warm? (Hint: No.)
Hike Nepal's Perfect Circuit
Someday the Manaslu Loop will be just as famous as the Annapurna Circuit. Hike it now.
Jordan Adventure: Trek to Petra
Take a hikers-only route to one of the world's best archeological sites.
UPDATE: Hiker's Body Recovered in Rocky Mountain National Park
The 25-year-old was reportedly attempting to climb Longs Peak.
Out Alive: Alone with a Compound Fracture
Gregg Hein, 33, of Fresno, California, survived six days on remote Mt. Goddard in Kings Canyon National Park in July 2014.
Survive With A Multitool
A multitool is more than just a blade. Survival secrets hide in the other functions, too.
currexSole EDGEPRO Insole
Thinner and lighter than most insoles, the EDGEPRO provides support without hogging volume in a ski or hiking boot.
Snowshoe Like a Pro
Float through winter with tips from Heather Balogh, BACKPACKER’s lead snowshoe tester.
4 Decadent Backcountry Dessert Recipes
Don’t settle for chocolate. With a little work and planning, your backcountry dessert can be as grand as the scenery.
Alaskan Polar Bear Population Drops 40 Percent in 10 Years
A study links the decline to a loss of sea ice in the Beaufort Sea.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2014: Electronics
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Samsung Galaxy S5
It has a long battery life, a huge display, and built-in map apps.
Nokia Lumia Icon
A tough phone with a great camera.
Reel Camera HD Slayer
This tiny, waterproof camera boasts high-end features for a refreshingly low price.
Garmin vivofit
A wrist fitness tracker with a ridiculously long batter life - and a motivation setting.
iFrogz Tadpole Speaker
It's a speaker. It's a key chain. It's immensely packable.
Otterbox Preserver
A perpetual favorite of those who regularly abuse their phones.
Goal Zero Torch 250
It charges your electronics and keeps the campsite bright.
American Wild: Celebrating 50 Years of the Wilderness Act
In this special section we look at one man's quest to hike all 439 wilderness areas, some great hikes, and the future of American wilderness.
American Wild: The Hikes
A handful of our favorite hikes brought to you by the Wilderness Act.
The Quest: 1 Man, 439 Wilderness Areas
The only way to truly appreciate America's vast, diverse wilderness? Hike it all.
What Will The Wilderness Look Like In The Future?
Your imagination is required to think about the future of our wilderness.
5 "Easy" Steps On How To Create New Wilderness
Patience, persistence, and a smart plan of attack can make a difference.
America's Top 5-Star Rated Hikes
Steve Brumbach's top 5-star rated hikes in America
The Future of Americas Wilderness
Experts are hopeful for wilderness expansion in the future, but there are some concerns.
What Would You Do If You Were In Charge of America's Wilderness?
If you were made steward of a popular wilderness, how would you handle things?
The 7 Best Backpacks for Winter
From skiing to mountaineering to snowshoeing, these backpacks can handle the extra gear and rugged conditions winter sports require.
Osprey Variant 52
Capable of carrying heavy loads on a weeklong trip, it also strips cleanly down for light-and-fast summit bids.
Lowe Alpine Peak Attack 42
This no-frills top-loader has everything you need for skiing and mountaineering, plus a bargain-basement price.
Dakine Blade 38L
It’s loaded with all the winter-specific features we love for big backcountry days.
Mammut Spindrift Light 30
It’s light, yet full-featured, with excellent freedom of motion for climbing and skiing.
Bergans of Norway Istinden 26L
The unique hipbelt closure on this ski-touring pack provides a custom fit.
Arc’teryx Chilcotin 20
Its triangular shape creates a snug, lumbar-hugging fit that eliminates all jostling—even while trail-running or mountain biking.
Gregory Denali 100
This cavernous top-loader can comfortably handle cold-weather supplies (up to 80 pounds worth!) for a week or two on the trail.
Canoeing Your Way Through Cajun Country
Pack your paddle for a watery tour through the wild heart of cajun country
Pharaoh Lake Loop Hike in New York
This two day hiking adventure around Pharaoh Lake will awaken your senses and revive your spirit.
Hiking in Glacier National Park, Montana
Lose yourself in the Lower 48's wildest park.
Hiking in Tiltill Valley, California
This hiking and camping trip is filled with water falls that gush over into a valley 200 feet below and a 2,000 foot sentinal panoramic view.
Hike the Four C Trail in Texas
Hiking in Texas? It's true! Go see for yourself as the sun dances through the 100-foot-tall pines in the woods of the Davy Crockett National Forest.
Six Two-Person, Three-Season Tents Under $250
Check out gwens1975's author page.
Big Agnes Lone Spring 2 Tent
This durable tent delivers a near-perfect balance between weight savings and space.
The North Face Talus 2 Tent
At $50 less than the nearest competitor, this tent has a killer value with smart storage solutions.
MSR Elixir 2
A large vestibule gets you above-average livability with the MSR Elixir 2.
ALPS Mountaineering Aries 2 Tent
This tent offers great storm protection, maximum ventilation, and packs small.
Easton Rimrock 2 Tent
This two-person palace offers the best livability of the bunch with the most floor space and headroom.
L.L. Bean Microlight FS 2 Tent
With lightweight materials and short, 15.5 inch pole sections, the Microlight is the ounce-counters choice.
Love on the Rocks: Hiking Italy's Alta Via 2
A trek through the Dolomites just might be the most romantic hike in the world. If you're lucky.
How To See More Wildlife
Animals are on the move in fall. Here's how to spot them on our next outing.
Wildlife Hot Spots in America
It’s a zoo out there. Snag close-ups of bears, birds, and elk on these late-summer dayhikes.
Forage Your Dinner
Could you survive without food in the wilderness? Our hungry hiker went searching for sustenance in one of the nation’s harshest environments to find out.
Out Alive: Lost and Blind
David Snider, 57, fell, lost his glasses, and spent five days wandering lost in Washington’s Olympic Range in May 2012.
Saved by 10 Feet of Paracord
See how paracord can save your life in 7 different ways.
Take A Warm Camp Candid Like A Pro
Let the sunlight stream in so your campmates look the way they feel: alive, refreshed, and free.
November 2014 – Table of Contents
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Experience Dogsledding: Mush!
You don’t need to tackle the Iditarod to enjoy this fast and fun winter adventure.
Crux X1 Assault
Innovative fabric eliminates drippy condensation, the bane of singlewall mountain tents.
17 Things Every Hiker Should Know about Death Valley National Park
Our expert reveals his top dayhikes, overnights, and tricks for your best trip ever.
First Tracks in Chile's New Patagonia Park
It’s prime time to visit Patagonia’s brand new park—before anyone else even knows it’s there.
Kaenon Burnett Black Label Polarized G12 Sunglasses
These sunglasses give such clarity and ultra crisp viewing, you can hardly believe you're looking through lenses.
Eagles' Nest Outfitters Lounger
Like a hammock, this chair suspends from a branch giving you a luxe factor experience.
Sweet Dreams: Camping Sleeping Accessories
Two lightweight accessories guaranteed to help you sleep better
Sigg Viva BPA-Free Water Bottle
Time to retire the old, banged up water bottle, here's your replacement.
Winter Sunglasses & Goggles
Winter conditions require equal, but different protection from your eyewear. These five models cover all the bases.
Bliz Tracker
Can’t decide between a half or full frame? Get both.
Zeal Optics Range
Green-tech comes to eyewear.
Optic Nerve Amino
Be prepared for any light with four interchangeable lenses— for the price of one.
uvex snowstrike VT
Changing light? This innovative lens adapts.
Anon M2/WM1
Trade lenses fast—without removing your gloves.
Missing Hikers Found Safe Near Eaton Canyon
The group spent an unexpected night out after failing to return from a day hike.
MSR Revo Explore
They’re tough and versatile enough to handle abuse in any terrain.
Duckworth Hummingbird Rib LS Crew
Get the benefits of wool—odor resistance and insulation—in a shirt that dries fast and manages a wide range of temps.
7 Sturdy Snowshoe Reviews
Whether you want to go fast or deep this season, these snowshoes are tops in their class.
Yaktrax Run
These spikes bite into hard-packed snow and ice and are tiny enough for trail running.
Tubbs FLEX VRT
Grip on all surfaces is tops, and the hybrid binding allows for a precise and easy fit.
Faber Aerobic
The unusual split-tail design allows each side to grip independently and helps runners move quickly while sidehilling.
Atlas Endeavor
These snowshoes stow easily thanks to bindings that lay flat.Why we like them These snowshoes stow easily thanks to bindings that lay flat. Walkability Testers raved about the comfort of these snowshoes. “Because of their slightly narrow frame, the Endea
Louis Garneau Yeti
The binding is secure and quick, and downhill traction is tops.
Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Sleeping Pad
This closed-cell pad adds instant warmth to your winter sleeping system—and it’s a steal.
Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad
It’s warm enough for mid-winter, light enough for extended treks, and packs up small.