Natural Wonders: Pando Aspen Colony, UT
Meander through a sprawling forest of clones.
All Content
Natural Wonders: Giant Aspens, Devil's Tower, and Hawk Heaven
Visit the world's largest aspen colony, the Plains' highest skyscraper, and a raptor super-flyaway.
Rip & Go: Stuart Fork to Alpine Lake -Trinity Alps, CA
Discover the inner sanctum of California's second largest wilderness.
Top 3 Waterslide Hikes: Meadow Run, PA
Pass between waterfalls and mossy boulders for this long, gentle slide.
Top 3 Waterslide Hikes: West Clear Creek, AZ
Hike through a winding canyon, then cool off in a whitewater spa.
Top 3 Waterslide Hikes: Eaton Canyon, CA
Climb high and then plunge deep on this hike in Southern California.
Hikes to Natural Waterslides
Slip and slide into refreshing pools at these backcountry swimming holes.
Backpacker Photo School: September Contest Finalists
Why does a certain photo win Backpacker's Photo Contest? Check out the winner and the almost-winners to find out why we liked them. Bonus: Watch a slideshow of the competition.
September 2010
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Review: Petzl Meteor III Helmet
Helmets are like any good protection; you'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Trail Chef: Send Us Your Backcountry Cooking Secrets
Plus: 10 time-saving tips from the pros
Backcountry Ski Setups
Skiing in the backcountry generally requires different skis, boots, and bindings than skiing at a resort. Tracy Ross walks you through the basics.
Layering Sunscreen and Bug Spray
What goes on first, sunscreen or bug repellent?
Great Easy-to-Difficult Boundary Waters Paddling Trips
Want to test the waters before attempting a Primitive Management Area? Get some experience on these traditional Boundary Waters trips first.
Disappearing Act: Paddling the Boundary Waters
Want to vanish into the quietest, wildest corners of the Boundary Waters? Say these magic words: Primitive Management Area.
Skeeter-Evasion Tactics
Will eating sulfur keep mosquitoes away?
The Shocking Truth
Are titanium trekking poles dangerous in a lightning storm?
The Big Parade: Hiking Los Angeles
My hike, like a million other trips each day in Los Angeles, starts with a ride on a rumbling bus.In the heart of Los Angeles, a band of hikers starts a local-trails revolution--one step at a time.
Double Up on Socks to Prevent Blisters?
I was wondering if wearing two pairs of socks really helps prevent blisters/toe damage? If so, what do you recommend for the second sock?
Ask A Bear: Never Look A Bear In the Eyes?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Pandra LS Henley
Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.
Gear Review: Craft Big Logo Cap
For those times when a little skull cap just want do, but you still want a hat that wicks and breathes.
Gear Review: Pistil Clover
A stylish hat that packs small and combats camp hair.
Gear Review: Patagonia Das Boot
Shockingly light, impressively warm, fabulously supportive...need we say more?
Gear Review: Polarmax Acclimate Merino Wool Pants
Three-season wool and polyester pants.
Gear Review: Obermeyer UG Pro-75 Tight
Warm, light fleece pants.
Way to Go!
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 13
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 16
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 15
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 11
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 10
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 8
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 7
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 6
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 5
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 4
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 3
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Survival Quiz: Hazards
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
The Benefits of Venting
Don't waste time peeling layers on and off. Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter shows you how to maximize the venting power of what you're already wearing.
Trail Chef: America's Next Titanium Chef
Last call for submissions for the 2011 Readers' Choice Contest! Plus: Three easy recipes for flat trail bread, tortilla sunrise, and a fruit smoothie
Wrong Answer!
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 20
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 19
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 18
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 17
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 14
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 12
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 9
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Question 2
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Choosing the Right Puffy Jacket
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter walks you through the array of puffy jacket options on the shelves.
Starry Sky Hikes
Take advantage of dark skies by hiking away from city lights to starry skyscapes that'd make van Gogh weep. Here's links to six of our favorites.
Gear Review: Asolo Moran GTX Hiking Boots
Lightweight boots that are comfortable enough to wear on dayhikes, yet burly enough to mount on to a pair of crampons for three-season summit efforts.
Is it Unsafe to Hike in Sandals?
I have found hiking in the sandals works for me because I can also use them as camp shoes, they dry fast, and they're so much lighter than my boots. Do you see any safety issues with do this?
Budget Apparel Guide: $100 Rainshells
Our testers endured a year's worth of wet, cold conditions to find six lightweight jackets that will keep your body dry and your wallet plump.
Budget Apparel Guide: Apparel – Insulation
From mild autumn evenings to winter's deep freeze, here's how to stay warm for less.
Budget Apparel Guide: Bargain Baselayers
For $35 or less, keep your core warm and toasty.
VIDEOS: Winter Test Fest
Video footage & backcountry skills tips from Backpacker's winter ski testing in Norway & Colorado.
Backpacker Photo School: Continuous Shooting
Sometimes it's hard to capture a photo of exactly the right moment in time. Get the best shot, by shooting on continuous mode. Keep reading to learn how.
Gear Review: Women's Active Bottoms
For those times on the trail when serious hiking pants are overkill.
Gear Review: Casio Pathfinder Solar-Powered Watch
With solar power and atomic timekeeping, you'll never be late for a summit bid again.
Recipe: Tuna Salad with Sprouts
A simple tuna salad gets a nutritional punch with the addition of bean sprouts.
Camp Chef Makeover: Scurvy Guy
If your backpacking menu excludes anything fresh, read on for a few helpful tips.
Recipe: Easy Coconut Curry
Bring some spice to backcountry cooking with this easy, flavorful curry recipe.
Camp Chef Makeover: Mr. Lite, Fast, & Drab
Backcountry cooking doesn't have to mean bland.
Camp Chef Makeover: 7-Eleven Shopper
Fast food leads to fast crashes trailside.
Recipe: Smoked Salmon Pasta
A decadent pasta dish built for the backcountry.
Camp Chef Makeover: Mess Sergeant
Cook for a group...with style.
Recipe: Pepper and Pesto Omelet
Breakfast for two, any time of the day.
Camp Chef Makeover: The Foiled Foodie
Prevent fresh food spoilage on the trail with these tips.
Ask A Bear: Can Wasp Spray Repel You?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Gear Review: REI MTS Polartec Power Dry Midweight Base Layer
Check out Katie Herrell's author page.
Recipe: Apple-Raisin 'No Freeze' Oatmeal Bars
An easy, year-round homemade snack.
Camp Chef Makeover: The Winter Hiker
Staying warm does require extra calories when hiking in the winter.
Camp Chef Makeover: The Sweets Lover
If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love this on-trail Cherry Cobbler.
Recipe: Smoked Trout with White Wine Sauce
A gourmet meal designed for the backcountry.
Camp Chef Makeover: Mr. Heavyweight
Packing the kitchen for a weekend away? We'll help you pare down.
NY Times: Wilderness Isn't Safe
Northwest Editor Michael Lanza refutes a recent NYT opinion column decrying safety hazards of federal wilderness areas
Recipe: Ginger Garlic Soba
Punch up boring noodles with ginger and garlic.