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:
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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.
Trail Chef: Savory One-Pot Meals–Chili Crunch and Tortellini Stew
Check out these delicious one-pot dishes.
Trip Finder: Southeast
Your favorite Southeast trips—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.
Rip & Go: Approach Trail Loop, Chattahoochee National Forest, GA
Relax in a hiker-friendly lodge at the Appalachian Trail's southern tip.
Our Backyard: Everglades National Park
Paddle to a beach-camping paradise in the Everglades.
Readers' Choice: Southeast
Your favorite parks, weekend getaways, peak ascents, campsites, and more in the southeast.
Backcountry Shaving
Do you need to worry about water purity when doing activities like shaving?
Ask A Bear: What Color Are Your Eyes At Night?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Readers' Choice: Southwest
Your favorite parks, weekend getaways, peak ascents, campsites, and more in the Southwest.
Ahnu Footwear Elkridge Mid
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Ahnu Footwear Elkridge
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Ahnu Footwear Montara
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Trip Finder: Southwest
Your favorite Southwest hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.
Downsizing Water Purification Treatments
If I want to purify just 8 ounces of water instead of the recommended one liter or quart, can I just use a smaller amount of the recommended treatment dosage?
Eddie Bauer Holiday
At Eddie Bauer, we've been outfitting adventures since 1920 everything from family camping trips to historic mountaineering expeditions and epic first ascents. That tradition inspires everything we do, from our casual sportswear to our guide-built First Ascent mountaineering gear. Like the revolutionary BC-200 ultra light hard shell. A 3-layer, waterproof/breathable hard shell with 20K/25K performance that's under 11 oz AND under $200.
Eddie Bauer Holiday
At Eddie Bauer, we've been outfitting adventures since 1920 everything from family camping trips to historic mountaineering expeditions and epic first ascents. That tradition inspires everything we do, from our casual sportswear to our guide-built First Ascent mountaineering gear. Like the revolutionary BC-200 ultra light hard shell. A 3-layer, waterproof/breathable hard shell with 20K/25K performance that's under 11 oz AND under $200.
Rip & Go: McKittrick Canyon
Soak up high-desert views amid the Lone Star State's tallest peaks.
Reader Recipe: Blueberry Crisp Bars
Take a break from gels with these fruity and peanut-buttery pick-me-ups.
January 2011 Table of Contents
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven 2 Burner Range and Stove
Sidewalk campouts will never be the same.
Trip Finder: Great Plains
Your favorite Great Plains hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.
Reader Recipe: Creamy Clam Chowder
A hearty, creamy soup that will fill you up in the backcountry.
Reader Recipe: Indonesian Pilaf
Red quinoa adds a nutty kick to savory herbs and veggies
Reader Recipe: Pecan Pancakes with Fruit Compote
These filling flapjacks have a pleasant crunch and natural sweetness.
Rip & Go: Big Piney Trail
Roll from dark hollows to dolomite ridges in the Ozark highlands of Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest.
Reader Recipe: Warm Apple Crescents
A yummy desert or breakfast cooked over the campfire.
Backpack Buying Guide
When shopping for a pack, there are four major things to consider: type, fit, capacity, and features. In this guide, gear editor Kristin Hostetter shows you how to pick the right one for you.
Our Backyard: Black Hills National Forest
Explore the wildest corner of the Great Plains.
Readers' Choice: Great Plains
Your favorite parks, weekend getaways, peak ascents, campsites, and more in the Great Plains states.
Our Backyard: Glen National Recreation Area
Explore slots and marvel at arches in Glen Canyon.
And They're Off – Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge
Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Dorn & team is competing in a five-day adventure race in Abu Dhabi. Just for fun.
Rip & Go: Big Creek Loop
Hike from a wildlife-choked river valley to soaring mountain views.
Our Backyard: Dolly Sods Wilderness
See the wild side of West Virginia's best backcountry.
Trip Finder: Great Lakes
Your favorite Great Lakes hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.
Rip & Go: McCargoe Cove to Rock Harbor
Hike among moose and wolves on this two-day escape to Isle Royale National Park.
Tent Buying Guide
Shopping for a tent is like shopping for a home: there are dozens of styles, designs, sizes, and features to consider. In this guide, gear editor Kristin Hostetter shows you how to pick the right one for any outing.
Trip Finder: Alaska
Your favorite Alaska hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.
Trip Finder: Appalachians
Your favorite Appalachians hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.
Trip Finder: Northwest
Your favorite Northwest hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.
Readers' Choice: Appalachians
Your favorite parks, weekend getaways, peak ascents, campsites, and more in the Appalachians.
Rip & Go: Devil's Path
Conquer the rocks, ridges, and ravines on the East's toughest trail.
Trip Finder: Northeast
Your favorite Northeast hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.
Our Backyard: Denali National Park
Explore Denali's top dayhikes, photo ops, and epic wildlife treks.
Our Backyard: Trinity Alps Wilderness, CA
Follow trail-savvy locals to nine sweet spot in the Trinity Alps Wilderness.
Readers' Choice: Great Lakes
Your favorite parks, weekend getaways, peak ascents, campsites, and more in the Great Lakes.
Readers' Choice: Northeast
Your favorite parks, weekend getaways, peak ascents, campsites, and more in the Northeast.
Our Backyard: Chequamegon National Forest, WI
READERS' CHOICE GREAT LAKES HOME
Our Backyard: Green Mountains
Nine ways to see Vermont's Green Mountains
The BACKPACKER iPad App
Our new iPad app brings the skills you need right to the palm of your hand with monthly digital issues. Subscribe now!
Gear Review: Silva Guide Series 426 Compass
A basic sighting compass that is lightweight, durable, and unsinkable.
Ask A Bear: Are You A Picky Eater? (VIDEO)
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Altitude & Injuries
Will my ankle pain worsen at altitude and can I take anti-inflammatory drugs for it?
Readers' Choice: Rockies
Your favorite parks, weekend getaways, peak ascents, campsites, and more in the Rockies.
Trip Finder: Rockies
Your favorite Rockies hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.
Rip & Go: Four Pass Loop
Like peaks, lakes, and wildflowers? You'll love this Rockies classic in White River National Forest.
Our Backyard: Glacier National Park
Trek through grizzly terrain in Glacier National Park.
KEEN Inc Red Rock Mid
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
KEEN Inc Red Rock
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Over $150
If you're looking to splurge on your favorite outdoorsperson, here are the gifts to do it with.
Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Under $150
Stay connected, warm and well fed, with these staple gift ideas.
Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Under $75
Make camp a little more comfortable with these bonus items.
Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Under $25
Don't break the bank with these gift ideas for the adventurous types.
Gear Review: Salomon Nytro WP Cold-weather Hiking Boots
Just because they have fur doesn't mean they're not serious backcountry boots.
Backcountry Bartender: Single Malt Scotch Review
If you prefer a flask to a cocktail in the backcountry, give these fine Scotches a chance to warm you from the inside out this winter.
Is Skiing Like French Fries?
Northwest editor Michael Lanza wonders: Is a skiing addiction unhealthy?
Trail Chef: Russian Tea & Apricot Oatmeal
Fuel up with these belly-warming meals.