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Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

In September 2005, BACKPACKER editor Jonathan Dorn joined the magazine's Northwest sales rep Nick Freedman and his friend, Susan, for a weekend hike in the little-known Tatoosh Range before a summit attempt on Mt. Rainier. (Photos by Jonathan Dorn)

In May 2006, BACKPACKER editors Jon Dorn and Kris Wagner made an early-season summit attempt on the highest peak (14,255 feet) in Rocky Mountain National Park. (Photos by Jonathan Dorn)

Packing smart is the easiest way to go ultralight. Use these tips and you'll be set.

BACKPACKER editor Jon Dorn and his wife have a tradition: They've been celebrating New Year's Eve in the backcountry for almost a decade. In 2009 they did a 40-mile, 5-day hike beneath the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. (Photos by Jonathan Dorn)

Be ready for humidity; hot temps; storms; bugs galore Look for waterproof/breathable shells; synthetic, quick-drying fabrics; well-ventilated shelters

Expect hot, sunny days; chilly nights; dry conditions; sharp and abrasive terrain Get warm, wicking fabrics; breathable footwear; durable gear; minimalist shelter

Expect intense cold and wind; sudden storm bursts; steep and rocky scrambling. Get down insulation; sturdy shelter; supportive footwear.

In spring 2006, BACKPACKER editors Jon Dorn, Peter Flax, and Kris Wagner joined a group of readers for a weekend of hiking and mapping in a remote slot canyon. (Photos by Jonathan Dorn)

Considered by many the toughest dayhike in the Northeast–and possibly the Lower 48–this 24-mile classic features 18,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. (Photos by Jonathan Dorn)

Yosemite is on the lookout for its 13th magistrate judge. The chambers sit right below Yosemite Falls.

Backpacker Magazine asks outdoor companies to make a carbon-neutral shoe

If you're planning to try ultralight in the summer, in a rainforest, in the desert, or in an alpine environment check out these must-take lists.

Despite repeated warnings, Donna Munson spent 10 years feeding bears from her porch. Until Friday.

When you're the President of the United States, where do you spend your summer vacation? You guessed it. National Parks.

A new hiking flick tests the theory that all publicity is good publicity

Sharing is for kindergarten. Try one of these hikes to have the wilderness all to yourself.

These readers had their cameras out and ready to capture the perfect moment.

In the first edition of our new photo skills blog, BP's senior asst. photo editor shares rule #1 for taking the perfect photo: Always have your camera out. That's not as easy as it sounds.

Light that fire and kick back with a signature camping drink.

Fuel the morning's hike with this superhearty meal.

Two sisters tackle the AT, bootless

BACKPACKER's Jon Dorn visits the CBS Early Show to talk about the best outdoor cities to raise your kid.

Photographic evidence of our intrepid blogger getting out from under his desk to hike, bike, and flyfish in Grand Targhee on the west side of the Tetons.

Could the legendary mountaineers finally get their big screen moment?

Ed Viesturs makes an expedition to the 'Colbert Report,' ice axe and all.

love hiking and camping, but not alone. I'm one of those people who think about running away when I hear one stick break in the woods. Is there any way I could mentally prepare myself for sleeping alone in the wilderness?

I heard somewhere that it isn't necessary to bring water to a boil in order to purify it, as long as you get the temperature up to 140 degrees or more. Is this true?

7-year-old Boulder boy races in mini-triathlons and 157-mile bike tours. What've you done?

A peek behind the curtains at the glamorous life of an outdoor journalist

Forget sprays and candles: Several hand-held devices promise to repel mosquitoes and black flies with the flip of a switch. Plus, two other bug spray alternatives.

Some people (like this blogger) just aren't meant to fish.

Classic firefighting bruin celebrates 65 years of preventing forest fires.

Alternative routes, where to find solitude in the Lower 48, and avoiding the crowds in America's most crowded park

You won't find bottlenecks on these untrammeled peaks.

Find real solitude amid the crowds at these secret stashes.

Lose yourself in a private paradise the crowds have overlooked.

Times columnist Nicholas Kristof urges us to get kids outdoors, and gives BACKPACKER.com a shout-out.

Iranian authorities detain three American hikers for crossing into their borders.

Trek to the trail-free summits of Macomb, Hough, and The Dixes

Climb through bear country to a campsite with views of The Grand.

Stroll through wildflower-filled meadows to a frozen slice of the Cascade Range.

your burger may come with a side of salmonella and flame retardant

Castor oil replaces petroleum in plastics, from ski boots to shades.

Three treks to life-list phenomena

Get national park-caliber scenery without crowds (or entry fees!) in these dead ringers for Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, and Yosemite.

From the best guiding service to ultimate summit routes, Washington's highest peak is still the greatest.

From the top day hike to the key skills you'll need, we'll have you ready for the Rockies in no time.

Follow a long-forgotten loop in Rocky Mountain National Park across the Continental Divide, through moose-infested meados, and up Longs Peak via a rarely climbed route.

Three pack-friendly snacks that soothe tired, overworked muscles.

Fast, hassle-free, ultralight,–we explore five different water treatment scenarios and the right system to use.

P&J is for amateurs. This spiced up sandwich is just what your taste buds need on the trail.

Take your ol' ham and cheese up a notch with this concoction.

1 in 3 adults confess to a midday snooze

Take your tuna to the next level with this gourmet sandwich.

All you need is toilet paper and a little olive oil.

Take that grizzly print hope with you with this fool-proof technique.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Ideal appetizers, perfect wine pairings, desserts, and advanced techniques.

A downhill biking crash can't keep our blogger out of the Jedediah Smith Wilderness

Three do-it-yourself energy bar recipes for discriminating tastes

Our intrepid blogger...leaves his desk!

Who you hike with is just as important as where, says one columnist

Expect torrential rains; wet snow; big temp swings Get synthetic insulation (it's warmer when wet); breathable shells; quick-drying fabrics; waterproof footwear; well- ventilated shelters with big vestibules for gear and cooking

Easy, lightweight recipes. Plus quick ways to stay full and happy without hauling extra weight.

Ultralight defined. Plus, the most popular pieces of gear people either love or hate.

Your pack's excess straps weighing you down? Cut 'em off. Plus how to maximize the gear you do bring.

Leave this gear on the bedroom floor.

Learn what gear to ditch and what to keep so you don't sacrifice comfort. Plus, a little lightweight reading material.

Get started with these three simple tips.

Want to hike farther with less effort this summer? It's easy–just cut your pack weight in half with our foolproof 33-tip plan.

A waterproof firestarter that requires only one hand.