Recycle Sleeping Bags?
How can I recycle old polyester fiberfill sleeping bags to keep them out of the landfill?
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Help! I have 9 tick bites.
What's the best way to remove a tick, and should I see a doctor?
Boots With Arch Support?
Is there any one brand of hiking boots that you recommend that has excellent arch support? Currently I use an insole in my hiking boot which helps but I still have issues.
Gear Review: The StickPic
Turn your trekking pole into a tripod with this inexpensive, lightweight accessory.
Hiking Wales: Plan Your Trip
Use our guide to make your Wales hiking adventure a reality.
Hiking Wales: Brecon Beacons National Park
Cross a sprawling preserve of broad mountains, lonely ridgelines, and lush river valleys.
Hiking Wild Wales: Offa's Dyke Path
Follow a long-distance trail along the once-violent, now-bucolic border between England and Wales.
Hiking Wild Wales: Snowdonia National Park
The highest peak. The wildest ridges. The largest lake. Find them all in Wales's alpine heart.
Hiking Wild Wales: Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Tiptoe along oceanside bluffs with views across the Irish Sea.
High Note: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Join The Alarm, Squeeze, Gin Blossoms, The Fix, and Stay Cats at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in the name of the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation. Photos by Owen Fegan.
Swollen Digits
Why do my fingers swell when I hike?
Shot in the Dark: Q&A with Erik Weihenmayer
Blind climber Erik Weihenmayer has a new hobby: photography.
Backpacker Photo School: How to not let your photos get stolen
Posting your photos online is dangerous. You never know who's going to come along and claim it as their own. Here's how to keep your photo connected with you as the creator.
Secret Hikes: Yellowstone National Park
What crowds? Lose yourself in the Lamar Valley on this weeklong hike.
Secret Hikes: Appalachian Trail
The last lonely stretch of the AT beckons from the mountains of western Maine.
Secret Hikes: Glacier National Park
Score wildlife sightings daily, choice views hourly--and at least one juicy burger--on this weeklong circuit.
Secret Hikes: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Explore a granite wonderland, cross two little-used passes, and score High Sierra solitude on this point-to-point hike.
Secret Hikes: Zion National Park
Pack an extra memory card for what is, mile-for-mile, the most photogenic hike in the Southwest.
Secret Hikes: North Cascades National Park
Dive into the heart of the Lower 48's wildest park.
Secret Hikes: Badlands
Ever dreamed of exploring another planet? Hike here.
Secret Hikes: Isle Royale National Park
Trek to shoreline campsites through woodlands rife with moose and birds.
Secret Hikes: Olympic National Park
Walk from lush rainforest to wide-open glacier views on this 43-mile sneak route.
Secret Hikes: Grand Canyon National Park
Surprise: This park's busy corridor trails offer a fast track to a private slice of heaven.
Fast Responders:The Medical Wilderness Adventure Race
In a Utah mash-up of adventure racing and wilderness medicine, everyone wins.
Secret Hikes: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Climb from sublime desert to pine forests and peaks with 100-mile views.
Secret Hikes: Grand Teton National Park
Rise above the crowds and earn solo views of elk, wildflowers, and summit sunsets.
High Note: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Rock Stars for a Cause
The only problem with cancer survivors and rockers joining forces for a fund-raising concert on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro? It's hard to cheer when you can't breathe.
Trail Chef: Easy, Cheesy Fondue
Dip into a tasty, "no utensils to clean" meal.
Hiking Wild Wales
Don't be fooled by the cozy pubs and low elevations. The birthplace of mountaineering overflows with challenges, from rugged peaks to history-laden coastal treks.
The Peak: Humphreys Peak, Arizona
Discover aspens and alpine hiking, plus views of the Grand Canyon, on this trek up Arizona's 12,633-foot highpoint.
Natural Wonders: World's Tallest Geyser, North America's Smallest Bird and Best Shade Tree
Discover the world's tallest geyser, North America's smallest bird, and the country's best shade tree on these three treks.
Wildlife: Where to See Wolves
Find these nocturnal animals at dawn.
Wildlife: Where to See Bald Eagles
Look high for huge nests when trying to spot these beauties.
Top 3: Ghost Town Hikes
Walk 100 or more years back into history--and deep into wilderness outposts now reclaimed by nature--with these routes to three abandoned frontier communities.
Top 3 Ghost Town Hikes: Dogtown, MA
walk 10 miles of demise carved in stone.
Top 3 Ghost Town Hikes: Glorietta Ghost Town, NM
Hike to a hotel with no visitors.
Ask A Bear: Charging Bear Caught on Film
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Woman Survives 8 Days in Colorado Wilderness
Rescuers find Denver woman barefoot, hypothermic, and possibly stalked by a bear
California's Toxic Trails
California's mining legacy leaves arsenic, lead, and asbestos in thousands of trails
Meet our Reader Gear Testers!
BACKPACKER recently selected a group of readers to help with our dirty work. Meet them, then suggest some gear they should test.
TRIP DOCTOR: Is There Such a Thing as Adventure Insurance for Outdoor Pursuits?
Let's face it. Some sports are dangerous. Our Trip Doctor lays out some options for getting insured on the trail.
Water Filter Working?
How can you tell if your water filter is still working properly?
Video: Great Grizzly Bears At Play
German-Canadian filmmaker captures amazing bear footage—and adds 60s-style Disney narration
Ask A Bear: Will My Farts Attract A Bear?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Gear Review: Brooks Cascadia 5 Trail Runners
Good trail feel, and protection, in these trail runners.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research DryComp Ridge Pack
A 34-liter rucksack made of waterproof 70-denier nylon fabric with a roll top closure and welded seams.
Gear Review: Sweeney's Snake Repellent
Does it work? Depends on which snake you ask.
Wild Things: Where to Spot Wildlife
If seeing bears or bighorn sheep, moose or mountain lions is on your life list check out our tips for where, when, & how to catch an eye full.
Gear Review: Do-It-All Backpacks
Whether you're going overnight or tackling a weeklong adventure, these versatile load haulers are high on comfort and convenience.
Small and Sharp: Knife Reviews
Pocket-size tools for every type of camper.
Knife Blades 101
Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.
Gear Review: Spyderco Ladybug 3 Salt Spyderedge Knife
This little knife will never rust and is key chain small.
Gear Review: Leatherman Expanse E33T Knife
A minimalist multitool–one blade and two screwdrivers.
Gear Review: ESEE Izula Knife
Wear this knife and sheath as a necklace for quick grabbing.
Gear Review: CRKT Guppie Knife
This tiny toolbox fits perfectly in the hand.
Gear Review: Baladeo 34 Gram Knife
This long blade is great in the backcountry kitchen.
Gear Review: Leki Corklite AERGON SpeedLock Trekking Poles
Flick-lock poles that really work as promised.
Gear Review: Eastern Mountain Sports Mountain Light 20 Sleeping Bag
A three-season sleeping bag that's warm, efficient, and tough.
Grizzly Kills Hiker Near Yellowstone
U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers shoot and positively identify the responsible bear
Gear Review: Spyderco BaliYo Camp Toy & Pen
This entertaining pen is fit for a Ninja.
Bemco Backpacker 7" Deluxe Oven Kit
This lightweight camping oven can cook like a normal oven, above 14,000 feet!
Trail Chef: Baking in the Backcountry
Sometimes only a freshly baked cookie or pizza pie will do.
Gear Review: First Ascent Mountain Guide Lite Pants
The fit, the fabric, and the details make these pants shine.
Gear Review: The North Face Backpack Bivy
This "Bivy" is actually a bomber two-pole solo tent.
Gear Review: The North Face El Lobo 65
This stable pack has tons of padding and support.
Gear Review: Gregory Makalu Pro 70 Backpack
A single compartment backpack that hauls big loads.
Gear Review: Millet Odyssee 60+10 Backpack
This pack moves with you.
Gear Review: Lowe Alpine Nanon 50:60 Backpack
This lightweight pack doesn't skimp on support or organizational features.
Backpacker Photo School: Grand Canyon Slideshow
Check out these pictures of the Grand Canyon!
Gear Review: GoLite Quest Backpack
Light, comfortable, and endlessly packable–this pack really does it all.
Teen Dies On Little Bear
National guard helicopter crash lands en route to rescue teen climber after fall
Sweeney's Snake Repellent
Hate snakes? This product promises to send them running.
Osprey Meridian 22" Wheeled Convertible Carry-On
The Osprey Meridian is built for active travelers who hit the trails instead of the hotel treadmill.
Where to See River Otters, Javelinas, & Manatees
Check out the top spots to find these three quirky creatures
10 Top Animal Viewing Tips
There are some fundamental rules to follow when seeking out wildlife.
Wildlife: Where to See Elk
Elk mostly travel in herds making them easier to spot.
Wildlife: Where to See Alligators
Head to the Southeast to spot alligators.
Wildlife: Where to See Mountain Lions
Mountain lions can be found from Central America to the Pacific.
Wildlife: Where to See Moose
Moose love water and hate black flies–two good tips for spotting them.