Backcountry Photography, Part 1 of a Series
How to haul your camera so you'll actually come back with pictures
All Content
Eddie Bauer First Ascent Gear Preview
Climbing guru Peter Whittaker gives Backpacker a preview of a new line of gear from Eddie Bauer.
How California Rolls: Auto Greenhouse Gas Emissions Capped
World's first low carbon car regulation is a boon for some environmental groups but may upset ethanol producers
Flooding to force 340 from their homes
Climate change has come to Alaska, forcing an entire population of indigenous peoples to abandon the town they call home.
New Trips This Week: New Mexico, Georgia, California
BACKPACKER map contributors log Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico, the first section of the Benton MacKaye in Georgia, and Fall Creek to Lime Kilns in California
Video/Blog: Kings of the Mountain–Ed Viesturs, the Whittakers and more
Ed Viesturs, Peter Whittaker, Dave Hahn, and young guns Seth Waterfall and Melissa Arnot are joining forces to create a new line of gear and attack Mount Everest.
Trail Chef: Thai Sesame Noodles
Asian flair on the trail, comin' right up
Master the Steeps: High-Angle Hiking Trails
First, check out our tips for healthy hiking on steep terrain in the May 2009 issue then, put them to the test on one of our favorite high-angle trails from California to North Carolina.
Active Volcano Diving
Sound extreme? It is. Just watch this modern-day, Russian Superman
Everest/First Ascents: Viesturs & Whittaker Climb to Lhotse Face
Extreme temperatures and altitude work our climbers at Camp 2, but creature comforts (a Coke!) await at basecamp.
Yellowstone Holds The Phone
Yellowstone National Park's new cell and wifi plan blocks coverage in sensitive areas
The Trail as Marketplace
Why I'm paying $25 to go to a crowded Fruita, CO mountain biking festival, when I could save the cash and play on the same trails for free.
Happy Earth Day
Keep up the good work, and the world will be a better place.
Obama Digs Earth Day
For Earth Day, Obama, Biden, and former President Clinton join Student Conservation Association tree-planting project
Afghanistan's First National Park
Band-e-Amir and its crystal blue lakes given national park title today
Earth Day Hero: Energy Secretary Steven Chu
ObamaÂ’s Secretary of Energy is just a regular guy who rides his bike to work like us. Oh, and he might change the world.
Twittering For Earth Day
A Maine family chronicles their daily energy use on Twitter
Survive a Cougar Encounter
Can you advise on how to deal with a cougar encounter?
Embrace Your Inner Treehugger
We sure hope you care about the environment but even if you don't, Earth Day is the day to fake it
Can I Hike in Trail Runners?
Is it really necessary to have big hiking boots with really sturdy ankle support? I've always used trail runners on multi-day trips without a problem.
Gear Test: Nuu-Muu Hiking Dress
Female BACKPACKER editors discover fashion trumps function in hiking dresses
Gear Guide 2009 Now Online!
Look out, gearheads—your source for this year's best packs, tents, boots, bags, and more is here
Four Corners Off By 2.5 Miles!
The national marker identifying the the intersection of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona is in the wrong place
Everest/First Ascents: Icefall Collapse!
Real climbing gets delayed by a ice crashing in the Khumbu icefall.
It's National Park Week
Tell your boss it's a national holiday and you're free to hit the trail
A Big Turn Off
The carbon cost of spam may be suspect, but power down your PC and you'll save money and reduce CO2
Spring Accident Season Cranks Up
It's all about falls from snow and rock
Everest/First Ascents: Dave Hahn Preps For Climb To Camp I
Dave HAhn and the First Ascents crew plan for an assault on Camp I
The (Greater) Great Wall
180 miles of new sections discovered—new hiking opportunity?
Yellowstone Bear Deaths on the Rise
Hunters, climate change blamed for an uptick in bear fatalities in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem
Gear Guide 2009: Heavy-Duty Boots
We tested 150 boots this year, tallying enough trail miles to hike from Acadia to Denali–and back. Why? To help you find the perfect outdoor footwear.
Gear Guide 2009: Mid-Duty Boots
We tested 150 boots this year, tallying enough trail miles to hike from Acadia to Denali–and back. Why? To help you find the perfect outdoor footwear.
Gear Guide 2009: Weeklong Packs
Heading out for a long haul? With these backpacks, you'll have the room you need for long trail comfort.
Gear Guide 2009: Weekend Packs
From this year's Editors' Choice winner to the ultimate organizational wonder, these weekend packs are perfect for heading to the hills Friday to Sunday.
Gear Guide 2009: Daypacks
Heading out for the day? We have your can-do ultimate daypack. From the best bargain to the lightest on the market, these packs have everything you need.
Gear Guide 2009: 3-Person Tents
From the most headroom to the best deal, three isn't a crowd with these tents.
Gear Guide 2009: Tarps
All you need is a roof over your head you say? A tarp might be just what you're after.
Gear Guide 2009: Mountaineering Tents
Head to the high-country with these altitude-ready tents.
Gear Guide 2009: 1-Person Tents
Going solo? Options abound with these 1-person tent choices.
Gear Guide 2009: 2-Person Tents
From the most innovative to the most eco-friendly, pitch one of these 2-person tents for your home away from home.
Gear Guide 2009: Light-Duty Boots
We tested 150 boots this year, tallying enough trail miles to hike from Acadia to Denali–and back. Why? To help you find the perfect outdoor footwear.
Gear Guide 2009: Sleeping Pads
Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.
Gear Guide 2009: Winter Sleeping Bags
Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.
Gear Guide 2009: Three-Season Sleeping Bags
Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.
Gear Guide 2009: Summer Sleeping Bags
Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.
Editors' Choice 2009: REI Flash
Want a one-pack quiver? Get this versatile lightweight.
Ferrell Goes 'Wild'
Will Ferrell joins Bear Grylls on 'Man vs. Wild'—and lives to tell about it
Gear Guide 2009: GoLite Pursuit
This all-purpose weekend pack is comfortable and light.
Gear Guide 2009: Sierra Designs Big Dog
This legit 20° kids' bag will keep your little ones toasty in the backcountry.
Zero Impact Challenge: The North Face Green Kazoo 15
How do you replace a legend? Cut its footprint without cutting warmth.
Zero Impact Challenge: Sierra Designs Verde 20
No bag in this challenge incorporated more recycled components.
Zero Impact Challenge: GoLite Starlite 20
Recycled materials and fewer trucking miles trim carbon weight.
Zero Impact Challenge: Feathered Friends Blue Heron 20
A winning combo: Make it light and local.
Zero Impact Challenge: Big Agnes Tumble Down 20
Less bag where many hikers don't need it makes a big difference.
Sleeping Bags: Zero Impact Challenge
5 manufacturers answer our call for eco-friendly sacks.
Gear School 2009
Tent leak like a sieve? Boots stink like a compost pile? Don't worry. Class is now in session. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this in your one-stop, do-it-all user's guide.
Gear Guide 2009: Boots
We tested 150 boots this year, tallying enough trail miles to hike from Acadia to Denali–and back. Why? To help you find the perfect outdoor footwear.
April 2009
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Editors' Choice Awards 2009
The best new gear. That's what earns our seal of approval, and only after months of hardcore testing. This year, we subjected dozens of products to heinous trail conditions from Alaska to Wales. In the end, 18 survived to take our top honor.
Gear Test: Nike ACG Royal Isle
One editor wears this softshell like a second skin in the office—but how does it perform in the wild?
Reader Question: How Do I Share Trips?
Map Editor Kris Wagner shows you how to share your epic journey with friends, family, and the world
Gear Guide 2009: Sleeping Bags
Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.
Q&A: Operation Denali
This May, Army Lt. Colonel Marc Hoffmeister and three other soldiers wounded in Iraq won't let their injuries stop them from tackling Mt. McKinley. We caught up with Hoffmeister just before the big climb to get the lowdown on Operation Denali.
Trail Chef: Five Excellent Egg Dishes
Pack 'em fresh or pack 'em powdered, then pick one of our favorite egg recipes for this weekend
New Trips This Week: New York, Washington, New Mexico
BACKPACKER mappers log New York's Big Slide Mountain, Washington's Klickitat Trail and New Mexico's Spence Hot Springs
Gear Guide 2009: Tents
Home improvement: The best new shelters are roomy and light, thanks to innovative pole structures that expand space and reduce weight and bulk.
Gear Guide 2009: Backpacks
How do we know this year's packs are lighter and more comfortable than ever? We spent the last 12 months lugging loads from Denali to the 'Daks to bring you the 32 best.
I Totally Need Stride Management Assist
Post-Easter reflections on age and technology
Bear Spray on Snakes?
Is bear spray effective against snakes?
Recession-Proof Gear Advice
Times are rough, and I don't have the spare cash to blow on top-dollar gearfor every essential. If I have to skimp on one, which one should I cut corners: tent, sleeping bag, pack, or boots?
Gear Guide 2009: CamelBak Fourteener Review
Conquer all the fourteeners and beyond with this stable and well-ventilated pack.
Gear Guide 2009: Osprey Variant 52 Review
Climb, scramble, and mountaineer with the stable Variant pack.
Gear Guide 2009: Millet Peuterey 50 Review
No rips, tears, or fraying here: The Peuterey is one rugged pack.
Southern Utah: The New Outback?
You won't find shrimp on the barbie in Capitol Reef or Dixie National Forest
Gear Guide 2009: Mountainsmith Eclipse 55 Review
Make the Eclipse your go-to pack for long treks and backcountry bushwhacks.
Everest/First Ascents: Avalanche Close Call!
Large avalanche breaks off Nuptse in between Camp 1 and Camp 2
Editors' Choice Awards: REI Flash 65
Want a one-pack quiver? Our editors loved this versatile, lightweight pack on everything from fast-and-light weekends to overloaded weeks. Find out why in this exclusive video, shot on location in Wales.
Polar Bear Attacks Cage Trespasser
A woman entered the polar bear enclosure in the Berlin Zoo during feeding time. Guess what happened next?
Gear School 2009: Boots
Soaked, scuffed, and beat up? We'll show you how to get your trusty footwear back to trail-ready.
First Ascents: The Usual Suspects, Only Cleaner
Dave Hahn and the First Ascents team greet the onslaught of climbing-season regulars, and indulge in a brand-new basecamp extravagance--a shower