This epic trip is hard, dry, steep--and gorgeous. The Cranberry Route--the final leg of this challenging loop--is the boldest, hardest scramble our scouts have done in the Grand Canyon. Study the key steps of this eight-mile section and see more details a
If you think you missed the age of exploration and discovery, you haven't tried the latest mapping tools. Join our tech scout as he learns how to hike like a cartographer--and sees the wilderness in an entirely new way.
Hit the trail, and the streams, with these backpacker-friendly, 3-weight fly rods.
These American-made socks have super support and wicking capabilities at a reasonable price.
Find solitude and Adventure in the Big Ditch.
Find solitude and adventure in the big ditch.
Find the best trail for your backcountry skills.
Score your own private paradise with this insider's guide to uncrowded areas in Grand Canyon National Park.
See giant sequoias, including General Sherman, on this great family hike.
This Olympic National Park trail features serious elevation gain and switchbacks galore.
This 15-mile section of the Long Trail traces the spine of Vermont's Green Mountains.
This 5.3 mile sunset tour of Vegas takes in all the sights and sounds.
If you don't mind the crowds, hiking Manhattan is urban hiking at its finest.
Hike Disney's Magic Kingdom with the family.
Make your tent a little sturdier, a little handier, and a little more visible with these five accessories.
We air-dropped a blindfolded Jim Thornton into the middle of a 2-million-acre wilderness to find out.
Turn a spring hike into a hunt for this gourmet, honeycombed 'shroom.
See it on Google Earth
Iranian government allows 'humanitarian' visit from mothers of three imprisoned American hikers
Tips from the expert: We interviewed Tim Romano to get some tips and tricks for improving flyfishing photos.
This smartly designed daypack carries well, protects itself from rainstorms, and makes sure you stay properly hydrated.
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.
Need a well-designed daypack that doubles as a hydration pack? This Osprey fits the bill.
Test your knowledge of cloud types, and how you can use them to predict the weather.
Michael Lanza shows you how to plan your perfect mind-blowing hike in Lord of the Rings land.
In November 2009, blind climber Erik Weihenmayer traveled to Mexico and climbed the volcano Iztaccihuatl with a group of blind children.
Can I still go camping if I sleep with a CPAP machine?
Just because you can't see in front of you doesn't mean you can't navigate.
Skirt forests and mountains with ease with these tips and gear.
Learn how to stay on track and find water safely in the desert and canyons.
Triangulate, forge through wind, and learn the tides with these water-bound navigation tips.
When your route takes you off-trail you can still be on course with these navigation tips.
Field-proven skills for wild weather and terrain.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
30 years ago, Mount St. Helens erupted, creating one of the largest domestic natural disasters and remaking an ecosystem
Women's equality takes on a whole new meaning with these seven contraptions.
Maximize your thermos's heat retention capacity with these easy preheating steps.
Amazing video shows Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Creek filled with bizarre ice floes
No one takes a to-go cup on the trail. Unless it's one of these hardy thermoses or hot/cold bottles.
These are some of our favorite wildlife photos you've submitted to the Reader Photo Contest.
Everyone gets it. But the BACKPACKER editors aren't afraid to take their hats off and flaunt it. Check out this slideshow complete with details on how to submit your own (or an unsuspecting friend's) horrible camp hair pics.
When Mother Nature threatens to thwart your outing, foil her plans with the Kuhl Skuhl eVent rain shell. This heavy duty shell will keep you cozy for three seasons, and may last four if you insulate it well.
Score wildlife sightings daily, choice views hourly--and at least one juicy burger--on this weeklong circuit. Northwest editor Michael Lanza shows you how with a GPS tracklog and Google flyover video..
What are some packing options for checking a loaded duffle on an airplane?
Opinion time! Photography is an art. Different people like different things. Here are some examples of similar photos. You get to choose which ones are the best. Narrow down your pictures regularly, showing only the best, and your friends will stay more interested in looking at your photos.
Julia Roberts produces movie about English explorer George Mallory
Go from trail to tapas with this magic, dry shampoo.
Yvon Chouinard helps the retail behemoth reinvent itself as a green brand--for free
This innovative device is a light-and-loud way to bring tunes out on the trail.
Is it safe to drink your own sweat?
These tough, ultra-lightweight sunglasses are Special Forces worthy–literally.
100 miles of scenery, cheese, and chocolate: A Swiss path beats five other classics.
Check out The Backpacker Editors & Contributors's author page.
Always wanted to go to Glacier? Our resident trip planning expert shows you how.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Starting May 17, we'll give one away every weekday for a month on our Facebook page--if you can be the first to post the correct answer to our daily map trivia question.
America's favorite long trail gets its very own museum
BP tribe member goes for the Big E, and a shout-out for Montana shuttle drivers
Whether it's a torn pack, cracked buckle, ripped tent mesh, or leaky sleeping pad, these kits can pretty much restore anything that breaks.
Become an official BACKPACKER Map Correspondent and get free gear and an epic trip
World's largest beaver dam stretches 2,790 feet in remote Canadian park
The Brunton Flip N' Drip is a fast-paced coffee maker for packers who want a cup of joe on the go.
Park turns 100 this Friday
Our resident trip planning expert drops some beta on planning the perfect Big Ditch vacation for you and your family.
Become an official BACKPACKER Map Correspondent and get FREE GEAR!
An excellent avalanche resource in the field and on the couch.
This upgrade to The North Face's tried and true convertible pant makes the grade.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Do you need extra-strength sunscreen at high altitude?
Going against the wisdom of most wildlife experts, one biologist recommends feeding to control nuisance black bears
Video from my recent Wilderness First Responder course
A Selection of Backpacker Reader Photos
From digging to climbing to grappling to...digging, this Chinese military does it all
Here are 5 Tips for taking better mountain photos this summer. Also: Enter your best shots in our photo contest.
Kashi commercials, whitewater & wine, and real-life trail chefs--just a few of the ways foodie and outdoorsy mesh.
Arizona closes one-third of its 30 parks to cover budget shortfalls
New research shows mosquitoes prefer victims who've been drinking
With her successful ascent of Annapurna, Oh Eun-sun becomes the first woman to successfully summit all 8,000-meter mountains
Soda can stoves can handle heat...but they aren't right for all cooking scenarios.
Study the night sky with this multi-media teaching tool.