BACKPACKER First Aid Center
From splinting a broken leg to duct taping a bloody wound, the BACKPACKER First Aid Center is an invaluable resource for backcountry first aid.
All Content
Does Vinegar Attract Bears?
Will white vinegar (used to clean camping kitchen gear) attract bears?
Underwear Conundrum
Hey Kristi, this doesn't seem to come up very often but should I be wearing a different kind of underwear in the backcountry than I do every day?
First-Aid Manual: Fractured Leg
Stabilize an injured leg with a sleeping pad and a few T-shirts.
First-Aid Manual: Treat a Blister
Learn how to fix this common hiking ailment correctly and you'll be back on the trail in no time.
First-Aid Manual: Treat a Gaping Wound
Here's how to stop the bleeding, close the wound, and prevent infection.
Tsunami Hits National Park Of The American Samoa
Tsunami waves triggered by an 8.3 magnitude earthquake devastate the park
Mountain Hardwear Fluid 26
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Mountain Hardwear Fluid 32
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Mountain Hardwear Koa 35
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Mountain Hardwear Trad
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Mountain Hardwear Napali 50
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Mountain Hardwear Koa 55
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Mountain Hardwear Nalu 60
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Mountain Hardwear Wiki 65
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The Guiding Life: Part III
Thoughts on leading a dozen guests through big, bad wilderness
Google Climate Future
Google climate change layers give you the chance to look into how ecosystems--and hiking zones--could change in the future
Chafing Advice?
Q: What would you recommend for chafing, the nasty red rash that can develop on the inner thighs on a long hike? Is there an over-the-counter treatment?
Mountain Hardwear Intention 65
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Mountain Hardwear Intention 75
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Mountain Hardwear Splitter
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Mountain Hardwear Scrambler
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Live From Kili: Basecamp Jam
Before heading out for the true climb, musicians and porters alike rock out in Kilimanjaro's basecamp
Mountain Hardwear SuperScrambler
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Mountain Hardwear Dihedral
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Mountain Hardwear Direttissima
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Bushwhackers Wanted: Portland's Forest Park to the Pacific Ocean
Be the first to thru-hike an exploratory route from Portland to the Pacific.
A 2,175-Mile Dayhike: Trekking the Appalachian Trail in One Day
The Dartmouth Outing Club targets an Appalachian Trail hiking record.
Salomon Techamphibian 2
A versatile boot with impressive support for its weight
The North Face Backpack Bivy
This "Bivy" is actually a bomber two-pole solo tent.
Terrorists in National Parks?
Congressional investigative report tells the Parks Service to step up efforts to keep wilderness areas free of national security threats
MSR E-Bivy
This "Bivy" is actually a bomber two-pole solo tent.
Gear Reviews: Tents for Every Trip
From ultralight solo shelters to all-conditions mountain tents, here are 10 models that will survive the worst weather so you can enjoy the best night out.
MSR DragonFly
The ultimate stove: anywhere, anytime, any gas
MSR SuperFly w/ AutoStart
The ultimate stove: anywhere, anytime, any gas
MSR PocketRocket
The ultimate stove: anywhere, anytime, any gas
MSR Universal
The ultimate stove: anywhere, anytime, any gas
Outfit Your Kids: Fall '09 Kids' Gear Reviews
Want to enjoy more time on the trail? It's simple: Bring the whole family, but make sure the kids stay comfortable with gear built for them.
MSR WindPro
The ultimate stove: anywhere, anytime, any gas
MSR SuperFly
The ultimate stove: anywhere, anytime, any gas
MSR WhisperLite Internationale
The ultimate stove: anywhere, anytime, any gas
MSR SimmerLite
The ultimate stove: anywhere, anytime, any gas
MSR Reactor
The ultimate stove: anywhere, anytime, any gas
MSR WhisperLite
The ultimate stove: anywhere, anytime, any gas
Gear Lab: Packs
What happens when you drag five top packs on a gravel road? See the ugly results in our new Gear Lab video series
Live From Kilimanjaro
BACKPACKER writer Nick Heil reports live from Kilimanjaro on a climb with the Love Hope Strength Foundation
Your Daily Tread: Local Hikes Across the U.S.
What's better than hiking every weekend? Hiking every day. Here are the best big-city escapes from New York to Los Angeles. Plus: Bill Donahue explores the remote reaches of Portland's Forest Park and discovers secrets even locals don't know.
Free Maps! Our Contributors Favorite Local Hikes
Online or via your cellphone these trips are ready to be downloaded and explored.
The Wild Edge: Exploring Portland's Forest Park
When urban trails blend with raw wilderness, the sum is much greater than the parts.
Quick Escapes: 10 Trails Near Major Cities
The perfect metro-area trail: close, wild, uncrowded. Here are 10 major city options.
Snow Peak GigaPower LI Crab
The ultimate stove: anywhere, anytime, any gas
Salomon Exit Mid Aero W
A versatile boot with impressive support for its weight
Salomon Exit Mid Aero
A versatile boot with impressive support for its weight
Salomon Tracks
A versatile boot with impressive support for its weight
Salomon Tiana
A versatile boot with impressive support for its weight
Salomon Tracks GTX
A versatile boot with impressive support for its weight
Salomon 3D Fastpacker Mid GTX
A versatile boot with impressive support for its weight
Salomon 3D Fastpacker Mid GTX W
A versatile boot with impressive support for its weight
Salomon Wings Sky GTX
Hike far, fast.
Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX
Hike far, fast.
Salomon XT Wings S-Lab 2
Hike far, fast.
Salomon Speedcross 2
Hike far, fast.
Salomon XA Comp 4 W
Hike far, fast.
Salomon XA Comp 4
Hike far, fast.
Salomon XA Comp 4 GTX W
Hike far, fast.
Salomon XA Comp 4 GTX
Hike far, fast.
Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra W
Hike far, fast.
Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra
Hike far, fast.
Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX
Hike far, fast.
Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX W
Hike far, fast.
Get Your Hands Dirty for a Cause
volunteer time is like gold when it comes to conservation
Obama To Parks: Yes You Can (Have More Money)
An independent parks service's panel appeals to Obama's administration for more money, and it looks like they'll pony up
Gear Lab: Backpack Torture Test
Yes, we know that dragging a pack down dirt road at 60 mph is excessive. No, that won't stop us from doing it anyway to find out which top packs can survive a serious case of road rash.
Lost In The Woods
BACKPACKER correspondent and 'expert woodsman' Jim Thornton details necessary equipment for survival in the Idaho wilderness
Aspen Bears In For A Shock
Aspen business owners use electrified mat to fend off bears
Rip & Go: Wood Lake – Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, MT
Cross the Stillwater Plateau to trout-rich ponds at the foot of Montana's second highest peak.
Rip & Go: Loowit Trail – Mt. St. Helens National Monument, WA
Tackle a challenging, rocky route in the shadow of America's most famous volcano.
Mountain Hardwear South Col
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The Peak: Mt. Le Conte, TN
It's not the smallest peak in the Smokies, but spend a night on its summit (no tent required), and you'll agree it's the finest.
Natural Wonders: Freaky Bats, Dry Falls, Winter Witch Hazel
Washington, Arkansas, and Georgia are host to these three life-list phenomena treks.