New Life List: Climb a Via Ferrata
Get a taste of the vertical alpine world--no experience required.
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New Life List: Thru-Hike the JMT
A lifetime of weekend trips is like trying to live on appetizers. Get real sustenance with a two-week trek through the best of the Sierras on California's John Muir Trail.
Grizzly Bear Mauls Three, Kills One Near Yellowstone
Ontario woman survives by playing dead during rampage by grizzly sow and three cubs
VIDEO: Jack Hanna Stops Bear With Pepper Spray
Wildlife educator/celebrity practices what he preaches in a close encounter Saturday at Glacier National Park
Long-lost Ansel Adams Photos Found At Garage Sale
California man kept slides from Adams' early career worth $200 million under his pool table
Gear Review: Tough Boots
Heading into rough terrain? Our crew of Grand Canyon rangers and guides abused nine pairs of boots for four months. Only five survived.
Get-Back-Alive Gear: Ultralight Survival Gear
Our survival expert reviews five of his favorite ultralight lifesavers.
Gear Review: GSI Collapsible Fairshare Mug
A shape-shifting camp mug that does double-duty.
Ask A Bear: Bear Steals, Destroys Car for PB&J Sandwich
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Ocelot Spotted in Arizona
Camera traps capture an ocelot in Arizona for the first time, 200 miles north of their present range
SLIDESHOW SERIES: Learn How to Tie Knots
Learn how to tie the potentially life-saving bowline knot and more with these step-by-step photo tutorials.
Why am I so tired?
After long hikes or backpacking trips, why do I always feel exhausted two days later?
Meet Our Reader Gear Testers! Part III
This week we introduce you to Mike Smoke.
Gear Sweeps Happy Winner
Luke Hopkin was one of the first Gear Sweeps winners, scoring a Kelty Lakota pack. He liked it so much he sent us pictures of his pack out on the trail.
Gear Review: Salomon Quest 4D GTX Boot
For lightweight stability these boots can't be beat.
Gear Review: LOWA Baffin Pro/Baffin Pro Lady Boot
Rocks, cacti, and clay were no match for these boots.
Gear Review: KEEN Pyrenees Boot
For less than $150 bucks you get a whole lot of boot.
Gear Review: Asolo TPS 520 GV Boot
Super tough boots that are also super comfortable.
Gear Review: Fox 40 Sonik Blast CMG Whistle
Get found with this super loud whistle.
Gear Review: Brunton Helios Stormproof Lighter
Light a fire fast, even in wet, cold, and windy conditions, with this waterproof lighter.
Gear Review: Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pak PLUS
Everything you need in an emergency in one tiny little pack.
Gear Review: Tops Knives Shango Survival Knife Kit
A tough knife and a fire starter all in one.
Gear Review: MontBell Breeze Dry-Tec U.L. Sleeping Bag Cover
This bivy stuffs smaller than a soda can.
Gear Review: Mammut TR1 Headlamp/Ambient Light Set
A headlamp and mini lantern in one.
Gear Review: Wild Ideas Bearikade Weekender Bear Canister
Keep bears away from your grub with this light and tough bear canister.
Gear Review: Craft proCOOL Tee with Mesh
A t-shirt with air conditioning.
Gear Review: Big Agnes Lynx Pass 4 Tent
A sturdy, lightweight tent built for a family.
Gear Review: Lowe Alpine Travel Trekker Pro ND 60 Backpack
A convertible travel pack that can carry big loads.
Half Hitch as a Bowline Backtie
A half hitch is an overhand knot tied around departing cord. It's the simplest way to secure a bowline waist loop for critical uses like climbing.
Introduction to Knot Tying: Terminology
Knot tying is an essential skills for the backcountry, and knowing the lingo is essential to learning how to tie knots. Here's a vocab lesson to get you started.
16 People Air-Rescued Off Grand Teton
Rangers stage a daring helicopter rescue off the Grand after lightning strikes 17 climbers, killing one
Sarah Palin Attempts to Summit Non-existent Alaskan Peak
Alaska's former governor and VP candidate sparks Twitter flame war over trumped-up adventure on Denali
20 Full Moon Hikes
Get out this weekend to explore open meadows and ridgelines at night.
Ask A Bear: Will Cider Vinegar Attract A Bear?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Dirtbag/Gourmet Recipes: Tacos
Fill up on these protein-rich meals.
Summit For Someone: Dorn On California's Langley
Follow Jonathan Dorn as he Summits For Someone on Sierra Fourteener Mt. Langley
The Manual: Finding Lost Hikers
Turned around in the backcountry? Here are 33 essential tips to remember if you or your partner goes missing.
Gear School: Trekking Poles
Pick the perfect telescoping sticks. Your legs will thank us in the morning.
Gear Review: Handful Bra
Found: A flattering, supportive, non-chafing sports bra.
My Toughest Gear: MSR PocketRocket
Online gear tester Will Rochfort weighs in on his toughest piece of backpacking gear to date–and how it has impressed the ladies.
Teen Hiker Falls Off Muir Beach Cliff
UPDATE: Authorities confirm the teen took a social trail to position himself for a better view near the cliff
August 2010 Table of Contents
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Grand Canyon Challenge: Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim
Don't try this at home: See BACKPACKER's editor-in-chief's gonzo 21-hour hike with a friend into the Grand Canyon, rim-to-rim-to-rim.
Recipe: Colombian Arepas
This gourmet dish combines dehydrated ground beef, fresh cherry tomatoes, and arepa flour for a protein-filled meal.
Recipe: Chicken Guaco-Tacos
Chicken, cheese, and avocado–what more do you need?
Save Your Skin: Choosing Sunblock
How to choose an effective, safe sunblock.
Blister Woes
Why do I get blisters on the insides of my heels?
How to Avoid Trail Running Injuries
Get in your best hiking shape with trail running. It strengthens the right muscles, builds cardio fitness, and can be done all year–better yet, it hardly costs a dime.
Backpacker Photo School: Light Painting in Camp
Memories and laughter await after sunset when you and your campmates try out these lightpainting techniques. Grab your headlamp, set the shutter speed to ultra-slow, and get started!
Toddlers, Tent Camping, and Thru-Hiking the AT
We were hoping to start thru-hiking the AT when our child reaches age two and half, but is that too young?
Yosemite's Rock Fall
Engrossing video profiles the potentially deadly crumbling of Yosemite's infamous granitic cliffs
Gear Pro: Waterproofing or Bug Spray?
Which should be applied to clothing and gear first? Waterproofing or Permethrin bug spray?
Underwear Rub
How can I stop the elastic on my underwear from chafing me under my hipbelt?
Man Punches Bear in the Face To Rescue Goat
A 66-year-old New Mexico man scares off a bear at the Philmont Scout Ranch
Return of Smokey the Bear…Again
Forest Service urges us to "Get Our Smokey On" to prevent wildfires
Ask A Bear: Why Is Black Bear And Grizzy Behavior So Different?
Our resident bruin expert answers all in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Momentum Running Glove
Top-shelf summer weight gloves with the added bonus of a touchscreen trapdoor for your index fingers.
Korkers Guide Wading Boots
Internchangeable soles allow this wading boot to double as a hiking boot.
Download BACKPACKER Photo Wallpaper for Your Computer, iPhone, iPad, or Blackberry
Need instant inspiration? Download these BACKPACKER destination photos–Switzerland, Grand Canyon, & John Muir Wilderness–and get lost.
Backpacker Photo School: Free wallpapers for your screens
How much time do you spend looking at your iPhone, Blackberry, computer screen or iPad? Set it up with a beautiful photo as your wallpaper and you'll be inspired to get out on the trail more every time you glance at the screen.
TRAIL CHEF: Backpacker's Top Chef Wins with Pizza
Gear editor Kristin Hostetter scores big against reality TV contestant Carla Hall
Get Bargains on Gear
Forget full price. Here's how to score deals on outdoor duds.
Get To Know Our Reader Gear Testers!
BACKPACKER is sending our readers out and into the field. Meet our newest gear testers, and find out if this year's gear was made to last, or whether it ought to hit the high trails home.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Quinoa Brownie Bars
Who said gluten-free can't be delicious?
Gear Review: Flip-Flops
These four flip flops are made with the outdoor enthusiast in mind–massaging footbeds, illuminating LED lights, sturdy straps, and rock-solid arch support are just some of their sporty features.
Ask A Bear: Storing Food Above Treeline?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
To stitch or not to stitch?
What's the best way to close an open wound?
Hot Summer Camping Gear: As Seen on the Today Show
See what summer essentials Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter recently recommended on the Today Show.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Men's Power Stretch Tights
Toasty, stretchy tights you don't have to hide.
Gear Review: ARC'TERYX Rampart Pants
Need pants you can wear for two weeks straight and still be presentable? Slip into the Rampart from ARC'TERYX.
Gear Review: Microcrampons
When the conditions call for grip but not burly crampons, strap on one of these three microcrampon options and feel secure on ice and snow.
Backpacker Photo School: 2 quick tips to help you win the Photo Contest
Focus carefully and simplify your photos. Here's why and how.
UPDATE: VIDEO of Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter on the Today Show
On Saturday July 3, BACKPACKER's gear editor will show of some great summer camping gear on the Today Show.
Hike the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim!
Don't try this at home: Our editor-in-chief tackles a gonzo 21-hour rim-to- rim-to-rim hike in the Grand Canyon with friend Shelli Johnson.
Blueberry Cheesecake Baked in a Stream
Kick off the 4th with this easy, delicious dessert.
June 2010 Table of Contents
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Rip & Go: Snowy Range Loop, Medicine Bow National Forest, WY
See snaggly summits and hook trout galore on a high-alpine trek.
John Muir Trail, Cherokee National Forest, TN
Contemplate the south's wild side on the trail that launched America's greatest wilderness champion.
Rip & Go: Hoh River to Third Beach Olympic National Park, WA
Cross a rugged coastline on the edge of Washington's Hoh Rainforest.
TRIP DOCTOR: How do I know if I'm ready for my first big park trip?
Make sure you've got the skills for your first national park trip. Here's what you need to know.