Trail Chef: Trailside Dining Manners
One of the greatest things about eating in the wilderness is that a lot of the traditional dining rules are abandoned. But it's still nice to wash your hands...
One of the greatest things about eating in the wilderness is that a lot of the traditional dining rules are abandoned. But it's still nice to wash your hands...
Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.
The fine print for our weekly gear sweepstakes.
Every week we go into our gear closet and pull out a sweet prize.
Backcountry's house brand delivers an epic winter softshell
I love being outside when it's cold, especially hiking, and I wear glasses. I have a hard time wearing face masks or balaclavas because my warm breath fogs up my glasses as I breath out into whatever is covering my face. Any suggestions on being fog free?
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter demonstrates the basic clothing to wear on top to stay comfortable in any conditions.
Wildflower meadows, oak forests, snorting boars, and curious bruins (the Smokies have the highest concentration of black bears in the Lower 48): This 18.6-mile out-and-back claims them all.
Our bear expert (a bear) weighs in on taking your furry friends to his home turf.
Australian hurricane surpasses windspeed record long held by New Hampshire mountain
Starting this summer, hikers bound for Yosemite's Half Dome must purchase a permit first
This Shawnee National Forest hike loops 2.8 miles and drops 350 feet through a water-carved slot into IllinoisÂ’ Little Grand Canyon. Sure footing and a sense of adventure required.
In which we take a short break for some archeology
old bike tubes and climbing ropes go to the dogs
It's a big step. Here's how to do it right.
Rocky Mountain editor Steve Howe helps you pick the right jacket for any weather condition or exertion level.
Scientists on alert after they record second-largest earthquake swarm
This challenging, 12.2-mile trek ascends the spiny, volcanic ridge of Three Fingered Jack for dizzying views across the Cascade Mountains.
The beloved star of our in-book feature "The Predicament," Lunchbox the Cadaver Sniffing Dog, brings you a round-up of this week's outdoor predicaments, disasters, and near-misses
Explore the unique glacial geology of Block Island and wander past Atlantic Ocean overlooks on this 3.5-mile amble through an idyllic nature preserve.
A stiff 2,300-foot climb rewards you with monster views and a waterfall swim on this 8.8-mile out-and-back in the Santa Monica Mountains.
They bruise, they split, they ooze...and they keep hopping in my pack!
Everest historian thinks he's found Mallory companion Andrew Irvine
A popular dayhike or trail-run near Burlington, the 2.9-mile out-and-back to Stowe Pinnacle treks through hardwood forest to an overlook of neighboring Green Mountain peaks.
Big Head Todd & The Monsters play a sold-out concert to raise money for cancer-fighting Love Hope Strength Foundation in Salt Lake City
Plan right and you're bound for the best winter camping experience possible.
Our resident bruin expert answers all in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
Explore Kauai's lush jungle, cool off in waterfalls, and pick wild mangoes on the Kalalau Trail.
The parallel story of three lost hikers in the same spot, one year apart, is the plot line for an Animal Planet/Discovery Channel television episode.
my new favorite winter layer
This all-purpose midweight hits the hiking boot trifecta–great fit, support, and price.
Here's high-performance proof that a big pack can have a small footprint.
Sleep-anywhere evidence that luxury and lightweight can go hand in hand.
This classic windshirt–a favorite of BACKPACKER testers for 15 years–goes green.
Don't ask yourself if you need this useful little widget. The question is: How many?
Get clean drinking water in mere seconds with this ultralight, ultra-quick filter.
Be the brightest hiker on the block with this laser-like headlamp.
Our spies return with stories and a celebrity encounter or two at Outdoor Retailer
Unparalleled breathability and clean, lightweight designs distinguish the year's top shells.
Party of two? Your cookware is ready.
Charge your light (and cell phone, too!) with this bright lamp and its companion solar panel.
Got a big load to carry? Put it in this ultra-comfortable pack and forget about it.
Now you can call in a rescue–or simply send the OK signal–from anywhere.
These sacks are warm like the Grand Canyon is big: You gotta experience it to understand it.
Our spies return with a look at some of the hottest gear at Outdoor Retailer
Our spies return with a look at some of the hottest gear at Outdoor Retailer
Our spies return with a look at some of the hottest gear at Outdoor Retailer
This 6.3-mile out-and-back climbs 2,000 feet to the top of Gass Peak--the highest point in the Sheep Mountains just north of Las Vegas.
Picking the right equipment is key to having fun in the snow.
Agion offers up 5,000 free shirts for active people to test their anti-stink technology.
BACKPACKER's January issue features trips, skills, photos, and more from our best source—you!
Count five waterfalls--including one of Georgia's most scenic--on this 10.8-miler in Chattahoochee National Forest. Go midweek for more solitude.
Take Mediterranean taste on the trail with this reader recipe
'Sweetgrass' chronicles 'last ride of the American cowboy' in Montana's Absaroka-Beartooth Range
The Khumbu is an all-terrain mountain boot with a design that promotes comfortable walking for any kind of adventure.
The Khumbu is an all-terrain mountain boot with a design that promotes comfortable walking for any kind of adventure.
Carl Mandrioli can teach (almost) anyone to pack the right stuff.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Paula Patterson learns how to share the trail–but not her tent–with the wildlife.
Finding it hard to get the whole family out for a hike? Let Danny Griffs show you the way.
Utahn Johnny Collinson becomes the youngest person atop all Seven Summits
We drop some wisdom and gets you inspired in this beginner's guide.
Febook users can vote for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to win a charitable contest from Chase Bank
It packs down as small as a summer bag and weighs just two pounds
It packs down as small as a summer bag and weighs just two pounds
New Jersey lawyer develops iPhone substitution for bear bells and air horns
The beloved star of our in-book feature "The Predicament," Lunchbox the Cadaver Sniffing Dog, brings you a round-up of this week's outdoor predicaments, disasters, and near-misses
A video exploration of the link between skill and survival value
Ready to upgrade your tripod? Figure out which one you want because now is the time to buy.
Bear Grylls shows you the ropes of urban survival in Discovery's 'Worst Case Scenario'
11 Greenpeace activists who climbed Mt. Rushmore to hang a 'stop global warming' banner face $400 fines, community service
scientists link BPA to heart disease
an ultralight billfold made from tent scraps
Too many cameras and not enough food: Change that.
Try this scrumptious, hot bread as a dipping side or all by itself
Monsanto GMO corn linked to organ failure
Your best shots: BACKPACKER readers have been to some spectacular places and here's the proof from more than 700 submissions.
Tag the highest peak in Minnesota on this 6.6-mile hike, which courses under a coniferous forest and past a glacial lake with nice backcountry campsites.
'I love my hiking boots with wheels!'