Editors' Choice 2009 Gold Award: The North Face Base Camp Duffel
There might be a journey too daunting for this load hauler. But it's not on this planet.
There might be a journey too daunting for this load hauler. But it's not on this planet.
The ultimate solution for backcountry coffee–fast, ultralight, and fuss-free.
"Habitat for humanity" gets a new meaning with this eco-friendly tent.
Put this meal on the menu for any trip: It's easy-prep trail food that will wow every palate.
Tell the kids–finally, real packs for them, too
Bright, light, and rechargeable–the perfect camp lantern is here.
Backpackers get a made-to-order digital camera with the first affordable GPS-enabled shooter.
Carry less, sleep more with this light-and-luxe mattress.
Four is not a crowd in this family-size featherweight.
This light and totally waterproof camcorder changes the game for backcountry moviemaking.
Here's a cheap, crazy-fun way to build mountain skills.
Our favorite new fast snack proves that healthy can be tasty, too. Oh, and it's not a bar.
Forget brightest or lightest–get the most versatile headlamp. Ever.
Meet the ultimate GPS: simple enough for beginners, wonky enough for experts, powerful enough for all.
Ultralight meets ultra-comfortable in this roomy sleeping bag.
It's a down day for Viesturs, Hahn, and team—which means a visit to an ancient Nepalese monastery.
Huge, already-endangered migratory sea turtles may become extinct in a few decades, scientists say
Ski mountaineers will love both climbing and cruising in this pack from our 2009 Gear Guide.
Looking for a pack that's both wallet- and eco-friendly? You can't go wrong with the Traverse, from our 2009 Gear Guide.
This pack from our 2009 Gear Guide won't buckle under even the heaviest loads.
This top ultralight from our 2009 Gear Guide is perfect for hikers who need to travel light, fast, and far.
Find out why this "near-perfect" daypack won Best All Around in our 2009 Gear Guide.
We tested more than 500 products–stoves, clothes, cameras, filters, tech tools, knives, and meals–to find these proven performers.
The Omnibus Public Lands Bill (HR 146) put the importance of wilderness conservation to the forefront of political chatter. Despite the positive provisions, the inclusion of Izembek land transfer proves that no victory comes without a price.
The Bureau of Land Management prepares to jail college protester while shooting themselves in the foot.
BACKPACKER mappers log the Walls of Jericho in Tennessee, Three Fingered Jack in Oregon and the Ano Nuevo State Natural Reserve in California. Download and go now!
BACKPACKER Twitter followers chime in with their goofy tales of hiking misfortune—what's yours?
Park Service intends to eliminate massive carbon footprint affecting their own lands
With superior stability, breathability, and versatility, the all-purpose, midweight Kayland Zephyr hiking boot became an editor favorite after standing up to the worst weather Wales could throw at it. See it in action here.
Viesturs, Hahn, Whittaker, and the First Ascent teams down meal after meal while on the way to Everest Base Camp
Backpacker's sister publication will have you dialed-in on all the industry news you're interested in.
Learn to whip up these chewy, chocolatey--and cheap!--homemade Milk Duds
What would you suggest for a windproof lighter that is simple and dependable?
To help bolster falling revenue and a stalled economy, National Park Service plans to sell portions of America's first national park
Government loophole leads to organic certification for vinyl and some PVC
The natural foods grocery store adds new products, foods, and stores in today's April 1 rollout.
Suing over a flying squirrel? No April fools jokes here--the Bush decision to remove flying squirrel from endangered list causes controversy
From the Grand Canyon to Hawaii, it's never been cheaper to hit that trail you've been lusting over
The team gets their first glimpse of Everest as they march to their next staging area, Syangboche
Brief thoughts on seesaw meteorology and two instructive accidents
A bumpy plane ride takes our climbers to Lukla Airport—stage two for any Everest climb
Paperwork, daunting logistics, and jet lag confront our adventurers as they begin their journey to the top of the world
After years of inaction, the Interior Department revisits plans to designate more World Heritage sites at home
Northwestern loggers look for work in forest conservation and alternative energy
Dive off the Grand Canyon's South Rim and explore a waterfall-rich grotto and the canyon's largest natural rock bridge on this classic, 34-mile trek captured in vivid 3-D detail.
British North Pole expedition finds their way using sexy underwear instead of GPS or compasses
Here's a hint–the biggest tree in the world wins
Recycle your old cell phones; consider Motorola's carbon neutral Renew
Omnibus Pulic Lands Management Act passed by congress
New Zealand's North Island is home to evil black swans, hot springs, and plenty of surf and scenic views.
Farmers are tracking their Holsteins, parents are Lojacking their kids, and geocaching escapes the basement. Let us count the ways GPS has infiltrated the world.
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter shares her favorite freezer bag meal
Editor-in-Chief Jon Dorn discusses the past, present, and future of mountaineering with Everest's All-Star Team.
In our current economic crisis, more families are ditching the hotel room and learning how to pitch a tent—so make your outdoor reservations now
New York deploys environmental police—what you gonna do when they come for you?
What is the best lightning safety strategy when camping above treeline, and the storm strikes in the middle of the night when you are all asleep in tents?
I am going to summit Kilimanjaro, but I only have summer weight sleeping bags good to 40 degrees. Would it be effective to double bag a couple of my summer bags?
After the president's expected signature, over 2 million acres will get the highest federal protection possible
The Smokies get a little less wild, and we pass along astro-geek goodness
In a survival situation, what comes out on top—Apple's must-have gadget or a caveman's tried-and-true tool?
Uphill and downhill hiking provides different benefits for the body and the mind
Join photographer Elias Butler on this trek to one of the Grand Canyon's hidden gems.
Veteran Grand Canyon photographer and explorer Elias Butler did double duty on his visit to Royal Arch by capturing the beauty on video and in photographs.
Mount Redoubt erupts five times, rains ash, cancels Anchorage flights
Same individual appears in Sierra Forest one year after discovery
Mountain Hardwear sponsors program to get underprivileged kids outside—here's how you can help
Writer Steve Howe and two international guests haunt the park for big bears--and they aren't disappointed.
Undeterred by injuries that would cripple most men, a Colorado hiker nears the halfway point in a pioneering attempt to thru-hike the true crest of the Continental Divide. In this extended online interview, Dunmire talks about his gear essentials, near misses, and the challenges that lay ahead as he continues to trace North America's spine.
After tackling Mt. McKinley, Sibusiso Vilane & writer Steve Howe foraged in Talkeetna, hitchhiked the Alaskan highways, and met a grizzly in Denali.
Thanks to these cutting-edge wilderness techniques, our jobs are in serious danger
In which our three international amigos go for the classic Alaska experience. The final installment of a three-part E-Novella.
House votes later this week to officially declare the Pacific Northwest Trail a National Scenic Trail
Colorado cops arrest crooks who target hikers' empty cars
Felines from kitties to cougars keep appearing in my life. Something's up.
With under five minutes of prep time needed, these apples will please anyone.
According to folklore, the soft light emitted by bioluminescent organisms is magical. In reality, the eerie glow results from a chemical reaction–but it still looks enchanting on a moonless or cloudy night. Here's where to glimpse these living light bulbs.
This durable shell is hefty enough for four-season wear.
This climbing-oriented bag has a huge capacity with few add-ons.
Climbing author totals the bill for your average quest to conquer the highest points on all continents
The first lady starts work on White House organic garden today