Treating injuries miles from the ER is an essential skill. But don't pack a medical text: Instead, learn what really matters. Wilderness Medicine Institute cofounder Buck Tilton boils down a lifetime's worth of experience into 62 tips every hiker should k
It's a bird...it's a plane...it's a tourist?
This family-friendly hike climbs to Hadley Mountain Fire Tower and showcases expansive views of the Adirondack High Peaks and Great Sacandaga Lake.
Did you get it?
Got a burning ursine question? Ask our resident bruin expert in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'
A classic waterfall hike in Silver Falls State Park, the Trail of Ten Falls visits 11 cascades and tours lush forests sprinkled with vibrant wildflowers.
This week's weird outdoor news—plus one faker.
This year's Backpacker Photo Contest was a tight race. Here, see outstandings photos that just missed the cut. See the January 2010 issue for the winners.
The all-time best. That's what every hiker wants on a national park trek, and that's what you'll get if you tackle one of these 25 trips.
Upgrade your zzzzz's with this luxe and versatile system.
Upgrade your zzzzz's with this luxe and versatile system.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Hawaii's Nakalele blowhole rivals Old Faithful. Plus: Trek to Oregon's salmon run and California's wine country.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
If less people, more elk has become your mountain mantra, check the Guadalupe Mountains backcountry camping sites and trails and get that so sought after alone time.
Don't go up, go around. Rainier's Wonderland Trail loop offers the marathon hiker two weeks of backpacking bliss.
Zero in on your perfect hike, from thrilling slots to soak-awhile hot springs.
Live longer, take the North Circle Route. Glacier's highcountry views and crisp alpine air are rumored to add years to a backpacker's being.
Beat the crowds by tackling this classic dayhike by moonlight.
The Tanner Trail in the grandest of U.S. canyons is a camping classic.
Who ever said out of sight, out of mind was certainly not referring to the wealth of wildlife that are making some big noise in Thorofare Valley.
Traverse alongside delicate ecosystem, open tundra and hit nine summits on this "grand slam" of cross-country treks.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Smelling the flowers doesn't require slowing down your trek (though you might want to) through the explosion of wildflowers that cover the Great Smoky Mountains each year.
Swap summits for sand scrambling along nearly 18 miles of quiet coastal terrain.
No crowds. No frills. No cakewalk. This hang-on-for-your-life climb is not for the meager-hearted.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
No one knows the national parks better than the rangers who patrol them. We polled a bunch of insiders on their favorite national park sights, sounds, and tastes.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Wine making and hiking come together perfectly in the Sonoma Valley, where California meets the Mediterranean.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Here's your chance to test gear for us in 2014!
Every year the salmon of the Pacific Northwest return to their birth place to spawn. See this natural phenomenon and a river of fish on an easy hike through tall pines.
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
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
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
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
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
Get sprayed by an oceanic geyser. Erupting every few minutes under perfect conditions, this is a natural wonder you can't miss.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
The legendary shooter once said that photographs were "usually looked at, seldom looked into." Take a look into three hikes that inspired some of Ansel Adams greatest photos, and take a few pictures yourself.
Is protecting the environment your top priority?
Need gaiters but left yours at home? Here's a simple trick for putting together a makeshift replacement in no time.
The way light illuminates a subject can make or break a photo. Learn to use the direction of light to your advantage.
A coalition of environmental and American Indian groups are suing two federal agencies to stop the killing of Yellowstone bison.
What to scarf when the weather turns nasty
This compact piece packs all the technology and none of the size.
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
This one-glance watch was built with the input of renowned alpinist Conrad Anker.
If wrist gear isn't for you, check out these versatile trekking poles
This durable and accurate timepiece is also a bargain.
This touch-screen timepiece combines durability, accuracy, and elegance.
This watch boasts all the bells and whistles of a great training watch and GPS device.
Map your route and much more with this high-tech wrist watch.
Kick back, throw your feet up and enjoy this super comfy camp lounger.
Cook almost anything in this burly outdoor oven.
Keep your weekend fixings cool with this soft, spacious cooler.
This sturdy four-person mess kit boasts more than pretty colors.
On dish duty? This portable basin makes scrubbing easy.
Interchangeable cooking surfaces make this compact stove a cook's backcountry dream
The editors are back from their annual Editors' Choice trip. Get a preview of the testing ground in this tour of Switzerland. All photos by Steve Howe.
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