Readers' Choice Issue 2011: Reader Recipes
BACKPACKER readers submitted scores of simple, delicious recipes. Here are 21 taste-tested favorites.
All Content
Readers' Choice Issue: Reader-Rated Gear
Our official test team logged more than 2,337 miles and 263 nights in the backcountry to find the best gear for every type of hiker.
Reader Rated: The Ultralighter
Cut weight, not comfort, in three core categories.
Gear Review: Energizer's Solar Folding Lantern & Hard Case Professional Area Light
Two Energizer products that light up camp (and your social habits) in unique ways.
Casio Pathfinder
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Trail Chef: Nutty Rice
Switch things up with this easy twist on a classic staple.
Mileage Master Skills
Going the distance? Use these tips to ease big-mile trips.
Bad Kitty!
Will bear spray work on a mountian lion?
Gear Review: Optimus Terra HE Cook Set
A versatile three-pot combo for the gourmet backcountry chef.
Gear Review: GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist Cookset
A two-person cookset that comes with a stuffsack for washing dishes.
Gear Review: Platypus Insulator Hydration System
An all-in-one lightweight hydration system for snow lovers.
Prof. Hike: 5 Gear Tune-Ups for the New Year
Hit the ground hiking with this off-season checklist.
Reader Rated: Family Camping Gear
Get great gear without breaking into the college fund.
Reader Rated: Tech Gear
Attention e-hikers: Upgrade–and power–your gadgets with these five finds.
Reader Rated: Alpine Gear
For weeklong trips that range above treeline, you want gear that's light, protective, and built for abuse.
Reader Rated: Weekend Warrior Gear
Get comfort and convenience with these four well-priced picks.
Reader Rated: Dayhiking Gear
Dawn-to-dusk adventure ahead? Prepare for anything with this versatile system.
How-To Slideshow: Adjust Your Trekking Poles For Varying Terrain
In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you the proper height of trekking poles for various types of terrain.
How-To Slideshow: Boot Lacing for Maximum Comfort
In this guide, we show you methods for lacing your boots to prevent blisters and maximize comfort.
How To: Adjust Trekking Pole Straps Effectively
It may seem obvious but there's a right way and a wrong way to strap on those trekking poles. Get it right with this simple tutorial for maximum comfort and utility.
How To: Adjust Trekking Poles for Efficiency on Varying Terrain
Trekking poles are a boon for security on sketchy terrain, and they'll keep your knees alive over hard-charging decades of hiking. To get the most benefit on flats, uphills and downhills, use adjustable-length poles and adjust them correctly. Here's how.
The Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge: Trekking the Empty Quarter
BACKPACKER editor Jonathan Dorn's photos and memories of a six-day desert adventure race in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge
This renowned desert race attracts 50 of the world's elite adventure-racing teams for six days of intense competition. Jonathan Dorn offers an inside look.
How-To Slideshow: Fitting a Backpack
In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you exactly how to fit a pack for optimum comfort and stability on the trail.
Backpacking at 62
Am I too old to take up hiking?
Beginner Basics: Corrective Boot Tying
Having boot trouble on the trail? You might be able to save your day, and your feet, just by using these simple lacing solutions. Combine them as necessary to get the comfort you want.
5 Rules of Trail Etiquette Every Hiker Should Know
If Miss Manners backpacked, she'd agree with us.
Gear Review: Stoic Welder Hi Softshell Jacket
It's a stretchy winter softshell completely coated in high loft, fuzzy lining. Need we say more?
Beginner Basics: Fitting A Backpack
Even the best backpack isn't comfortable if you don't fit and adjust it correctly. To start: Pick a pack that's the proper gender and general size for you. For example: women's small or men's medium.
How To: Rig Your Trekking Poles for Leave No Trace
Poles can prevent falls and stress injuries, particularly on rough terrain with big loads. But, the constant 'click click' can drive you nuts. They leave poked holes in soft trails, and on rock slabs trek pole tips skate dangerously. Here, a simple fix.
Gear Review: Jacks 'R Better High Sierra Sniveller Sleeping Bag
An ultralight sleeping bag with 3.5 inches of loft and an extra-wide torso area
Gear Review: GoLite Poncho Tarp
An ultralight poncho/tent with durable 15-denier, siliconized fabric
How To: Pitch a Tent Anywhere, Anyhow
Pitching a tent is almost always about versatility. Instead of tying guys and auxiliary stake-out loops permanently to your tent, using convertible guylines and rock out loops. Here's how:
Gear Review: Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus Backpack
A 60-liter ultralight frameless rucksack perfect for long weekends
Gear Review: Deuter Aircontact 75+10 Backpack
Stays comfortable and stable with loads up to 70 pounds
Gear Review: GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Basecamper Medium Cookset
Ideal for family outings plus has everything but the kitchen sink
Gear Review: The North Face Double Toad 44 Tent
An all-mesh canopy and 54 square feet of living space
Gear Review: SCOTTEVEST Fleece 5.0 Jacket
Has 24 pockets to keep all your gadgets in place
Breathing at Altitude
Does going to higher altitude make it difficult for your lungs to clear moisture?
Gear Review: USBCell AAs Rechargable Batteries
Able to recharge off of any USB port
Gear Review: SanDisk Sansaclip+ 2GB
Smooth, clear sound and a voice recorder for 40 bucks
Gear Review: Garmin Dakota 20 GPS
Easy to read touch screen with a tough hard-shell
Gear Review: Powermonkey Explorer Solar Charger
Holds a lot of power, comes with 11 adapter tips, and charges quickly
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear BMG Backpack
A 100-liter pack that provides excellent load transfer and customlike comfort
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Virtuoso Puffy Jacket
This puffy has high-end weatherproofing and an insulated, versatile hood
Gear Review: High Gear ATF8 Watch
Clips to your pack for easy access to stats like temperature and altitude
Gear Review: LOWA Terek GTX Boots
Boots with solid support and stability without being too heavy or clunky
Gear Review: Black Diamond HiLight Tent
Fend off heavy precipitation and 30-mph wind in this cozy tent for two
Gear Review: EMS Velocity 2 Tent
Two person, double-wall shelter with ample room and easy setup
Gear Review: L.L. Bean Katahdin 35°F Sleeping Bag
Light, roomy, compressible, and perfect for weekends
Gear Review: Primus Eta Solo Stove
Complete kitchen in an easy to pack compact package
Gear Review: Mountainsmith Falcon 55 Backpack
Great suspension and easily accommodates a 50-pound load
Gear Review: REI Endeavor Pants
These four-way stretch, double-weave polyester pants are comfortable and quick drying.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Alibi Jacket
A stretchy softshell jacket that is perfect for dayhikes
Gear Review: Scarpa Pursuit GTX Shoe
These trail runners have exceptional shock absorption and a Gore-Tex liner to keep feet dry
Gear Review: Gregory Serrac 45 Backpack
Perfect dayhike hauler that can handle gear-heavy multi-day trips
Cleaning a Sleeping Bag in the Field
I'm in the military and for deployments and long field ops, I am unable to wash my sleeping bag. I have adopted the practice of spraying the inside of my bag with Lysol and drying it in the sun. Do you see this ruining the bag in any way?
Boot Separation
The rubber from the sole of my boots is starting to separate from the leather. Is there something I can do to mend this or are my boots toast?
Trouble With GPS Signal
My GPS works great in the Walmart parking lot, but in a steep valley, next to a mountain, or in the woods it can't get an adequate signal. How can I solve this problem?
Campfire Smoke Vs. DWR
Does campfire smoke degrade the properties of DWR or breathable laminates?
Jon Dorn's Suffer-fest: Vo2 Testing
Editor-in-Chief Jon Dorn pushes himself to the max in the name of sports science.
Trail Chef: Backcountry Eggnog
Just because you're 10 miles into the wilderness doesn't mean you should miss out on holiday drinks.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Fusion Pant
If your winter gear closet includes skis, snowshoes, snowboards, and sleds, you need only one pair of drawers: the men's Sierra Designs Fusion Pant.
Privy Problems
What should you do when the ground is frozen and you have to dig a cathole?
Outdoor Dog Gear
Starring the Dogs of BACKPACKER
As Seen on The Martha Stewart Show
Our own gear diva met with Martha on December 20th to talk about cold-weather layering. Here's the gear Kristin suggested:
Backcountry Bartender: New Year's Sparkling Cocktail
Ring in the New Year with this twist on the classic champagne cocktail featuring pomegranate and brown sugar.
Print & Go Weekend Trip Planners
Free Print & Go PDFs give you turn-by-turn trail instructions and photos embedded on a usable topo map. Also: gear checklists, driving directions, and geo-references for finding the nearest campground, restaurant, gas station, and grocery store.
The Shelf Life of Pain Meds
Should ibuprofen be thrown away after the expiration date, or is it really still OK to use?
Gear Review: Black Diamond Twilight Bivy Sack
A minimalist-style bivy that separates you from the nasty outside.
Gear Review: Oakley Radar Path Sunglasses
Sporting a pair of Oakley's Radars gives your eyes as much protection as they can get, this side of a welding helmet.
The 10 Essentials for Hiking
The 10 essentials packing list was designed to ensure that hikers could a) respond positively to an accident or emergency, and b) remain safe if forced to spend one or more nights out. Here they are, along with some specific suggestions.
Viewfinder: Our Best Photos Ever
If the average picture is worth 1,000 words, the best wilderness images from BACKPACKER's top photographers are worth millions. Get inspired--and find the beta you need to hike to our favorite scenes--in this collection of classics.
How to Do Everything – Become a Mileage Monster
Hike farther, faster, and pain-free with these training tips and exercise.
Hiking Exercises: Beef Up Your Lower Back with the Superman Exercise
Try this exercise to give your lower back the strength you need.
Hiking Exercises: Cure Outer-Knee Pain
Nothing's worse on the trail than knee pain. Prevent and cure it with this exercise.
Hiking Exercises: Get Explosive Strength with Squats
Tackle big miles with this essential exercise.
Hiking Exercises: Sculpt 3D Legs
Want legs that handle any terrain. This is the exercise.
Hiking Exercises: Iron Out Your Core
Get core strength with this key exercise.
Trail Chef: Wheat Pilaf with Bacon
Fill up with this savory and surprising dish.