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
All Content
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 officeâbut 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
Gear School 2009: Essentials
From sleeping pads to trekking poles, we'll have you good to go in no time.
Gear School 2009: Sleeping Bags
Save your down, seal up tears, and get ready for wet weather with the all-inclusive guide.
Gear School 2009: Tents
Mend a broken pole, fix leaky seams, and get rid of that musty smell.
Gear School 2009: Packs
Learn how to fix snagging zippers, re-waterproof material, deal with frayed fabric, and more.
The Portable Toilet: Refined, Sexy and Biodegradable
A Chinese student invents new way to pop a squat. Could this be the end of blue bags and cat holes?
World's Highest Cricket Game
State official nearly ruins cricket game scheduled for Everest
EPA's Most Wanted
Be a cop for the EPA by keeping an eye out for environmental fugitives
Your Grass Can Be Greener
How to minimize the environmental impact of your (great looking) lawn
$40,500 Reward for Condor Shooters
Feds & P.I. on case, as cash reward amount grows
Eagle Cam: the modern day birds-eye view
Want to experience the avian wonders of the wild but it's too cold to leave your couch? Satisfy your inner voyeur with Xcel Energy's Bird Cams.
Climate Friendly Parks
NPS teams with EPA to reduce carbon at National Parks
Tired of Survivorman? Try Survivordog
Australian cattle dog survives on remote island for four months
New Trips This Week: Arizona, New Hampshire, Kansas
Grand Canyon 3D-Flyover headlines three new BACKPACKER classics. Download and go now!
Colorado Introduces Carbon Offset License Plate
Feeling guilty about pollution but can't part with your SUV? Now you can proudly display your autophobia over your exhaust pipe.
Trail Chef: QuinoaA Grain with a Twist
Try this nutty, protein-packed meal: Reader submitted, editor approved!
Everest/First Ascents: Arrival at Base Camp!
The team finally stops trekking and prepares to make an assault on the world's highest mountain.
Cougars: Run or Stand Your Ground?
New evidence contradicts classic advice to stand still and not run away during a mountain-lion encounter.
24 Hours on Everest Summit
Three Sherpa brothers plan to hang out, pray, and break record on world's highest peak
Kayak King: Q&A with Brad Ludden
It's not just waves, eddies, and rodeo rolls for pro kayaker Brad Ludden. The 27-year-old has parlayed his success into helping others with his cancer foundation, First Descents. We caught up with Ludden for the lowdown on the foundation and what's next on his extreme life list.
Easter Vanishings and Resurrections
A quick survey of the missing, the found, and the lucky
iPhone Apps Hit the Trail
On your next trek, forget the compass—there's an app for that
Adventure Film 101: Adventure Sports for Film People?
As a filmmaker, the best rock climbers, kayakers, mountaineers and cavers can be your mentors. Pay attention. You'll make better movies.