Omnibusted
Congress votes down massive Omnibus Public Land Management Act, which would've preserved 2 million acres as wilderness
All Content
Thursday Mayhem Round-Up
A crevasse fall, multi-victim avalanches, and crazy waterfall one-upsmanship
Oven-Baked Tarantulas?
New trailside snacks: Eating bugs isn't just for Bear Grylls
The Ultimate 3-in-1
All-in-one Vessel combines jacket, backpack, and tent into one package
Trail Chef: Easy, Cheesy Southwest Jambalaya
Elevate standard grocery-store fare to the next level with this recipe
Grand Concern for Grand Canyon
Environmentalists and scientists say a proposed cement plant may add a milky haze to the Grand Canyon's priceless views
Watch Exercise, Gain Weight
'Get Fit' Ad Campaigns Makes People Eat More
UV Water Treatment Tips
I've used a UV light pen for water treatment, and typically scoop water into the bottle. But will the pen kill any parasites, bacteria, and viruses that are in the droplets around the rim of the bottle, or does it just kill those in the water being stirred?
Sweaty Feet Cures
Does Talc powder block the GoreTex membrane of my boots? And what are the best odor killers for GoreTex Boots?
Multi-Use, Schmalti-Use
In one New Zealand forest horses, bikers, and hikers all have separate trails.
Morning Wake-Up: BASE Jumping
The best part of waking up is hurling yourself off a cliff
Field Test: Global Apparel for Men
Get technical layers that work everywhere from hotel bars to high-mountain trails. Our testers vetted more than 50 products from the Alps to the Andes to bring you these top systems.
Review: Patagonia Drifter GTX Boots
A great pair of versatile leather boots that handle most conditions well.
February/March 2009
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Adventure Film 101: Getting Started and Paying Dues
Adventure filmmaker Michael Brown drops us a line from Iceland to talk avalanches, glaciers, and paying dues in the film business (which share quite a few similarities).
International Multi-Sport Meccas: Hike, Bike, Climb, Paddle, Repeat
From kayaking with whales in Vancouver to climbing cliffs in France and canyoning in New Zealand, these adventure hot-spots have it all.
Ethiopia Backpacking Trips
Explore secret Africa on an alpine wildlife safari.
Polar Route, Greenland
See sheer-sided fjords, calving glaciers, and the northern hemisphere's largest ice sheet.
Rolwaling And Khumbu Valleys, Nepal
Experience the magic of the remote Himalaya.
Sarek National Park, Sweden
Lose yourself in Europe's last great wilderness.
Overland Track, Australia
Explore a hiker's fantasy island on Tasmania's rough-and-wild long trail.
Cordillera Apolobamba, Bolivia
See the Andes the way Cortez did–totally wild.
Tongariro Northern Circuit and Heaphy Track, New Zealand
Discover the best of Kiwi wilderness–north and south–with these two hikes.
Austria Backpacking Trips
Score classic Alps scenery, adventure, and hut culture without the classic crowds.
Grow Your Own
a bad economy sprouts new gardners
La Sportiva Gives Back
Buy new shoes, and La Sportiva will donate $1 per pair
Field Test: Global Apparel for Women
The BACKPACKER ladies tested made-for-trail clothes that can double as street wear–wherever the streets may be.
Load Lifters: Adventure-Worthy Luggage
Traveling heavy? Transport–and protect–your cargo in these globe-tested bags.
Utah Beer Fans, Rejoice!
Adventurers salivate as state moves closer to allowing full-strength beer in restaurants and bars
Higher Calling: Adventure in Valencia, Spain
Spain's little-known Valencia region beckons the mountain-minded adventurer with dramatic topography, sun-drenched hiking and biking, and sumptuous end-of-day feasts.
Review: Mountain Hardwear Canmore Pants
These lightweight and tough nylon pants will do the trick
Review: The North Face Harvey Pass Shirt
A functional shirt that will keep you dry and comfortable while looking stylish all the while
Review: prAna Supplex Hat
A quick-drying, simple cap for any global traveler
Review: ARC'TERYX Tactician Shorts
Try these breathable nylon shorts for steamy hikes.
Review: EMS All Mountain Sweater
Add this comfy fleece hybrid when those temps start to drop
Review: Lafuma Track Jacket
Plenty of cargo space, an adjustable hood and great air flow, you may never have to take this coat off
Review: Costa Del Mar Man-o'-War Sunglasses
Block out the rays with these stylish shades.
Review: Isis Madiera Skort
When temperatures rise, trade your pants for the comfortable Isis Madiera Skort.
Review: Ibex Hooded Shaq Sweater
The Ibex Hooded Shaq is high in packability and warmth.
Review: Royal Robbins Cardiff Stretch Traveler
Hit the trail and the town with the functional Royal Robbins Cardiff Stretch Traveler pants.
Review: Icebreaker Superfine 140 Henley Lite
Perfect baselayer: the Icebreaker Superfine 140 Henley Lite stays odor-free with style.
Review: Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap
For searing sun or relentless rain, pack the Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap.
Review: Ahnu Mirage
The stylish Ahnu Mirage is tough enough for the backcountry or streets.
Review: Core Concepts Monsoon to Market
Core Concepts Monsoon to Market effortlessly transforms from satchel to shell.
Kaenon Bolsa
Take in those sweeping mountain vistas with the polarized Kaenon Bolsa sunglasses.
Hike the Classics
It takes a certain kind of trail to earn such a lofty title. But our top 10 deliver unrivaled scenery, challenge, local culture, and most of all–fun.
Hiking Tour du Mont Blanc
Circumnavigate Europe's most iconic peak.
Hike to Tibet's Everest Base Camp
Walk the World's Highest Trail.
Stateside Adventures: Closer Than You Think
A veteran traveler discovers a world of adventure in his backyard.
Globetrotter: Leo Le Bon, the Godfather of Trekking
In this interview the founder of adventure travel dishes on his favorite wild places, oddest encounters, and the world's next great trekking destinations.
China: The People's Hiking Revolution
As prosperity spreads across China, so does a passion for the outdoors. But can millions of new trekkers save Asia's vast wilderness from the march of development? Welcome to the world's next hiking frontier. PLUS, check out China's Top Treks.
Hiking Tanzania's Mt. Kilimanjaro
Stand on the roof of Africa.
Show Me the S'mores
Cruise and Homes to take daughter on "normal" family camping vacation
Travel Like a Pro
Master every detail of far-flung adventure–from visas to vaccinations–with these time-tested tips from guides and veteran globetrotters.
State Parks Feel the Pinch
Recession forces states to cut park funding, but stimulus bill could keep some openfor now
Wolves Delisted, (Sigh) Again
Obama's Interior Department backs up controversial Bush administration-era decision
Hiking England's Pennine Way
Explore Great Britain's answer to the Appalachian Trail.
Disabled Athletes Scale Ice Falls
Group of athletes lacking limbs gather to climb for Gimps on Ice
Hiking New Zealand's Milford Track
Marvel at Middle Earth on this 33-mile, four-day Milford Track.
When Owls Attack!
Heading out to Maine for that mid-winter cross country ski trip? Might want to pack a hard hat.
Scotland Backpacking Trips
Brave the Old World's newest and wildest long-distance route.
Travel Like a Pro: For the Extreme Traveler
Bound for one of the globe's most exotic locales? Thrive in any environment with these tips.
Travel Like a Pro: Etiquette On the Trail
Verse yourself in proper cultural etiquette to avoid being just another rude tourist (hint: keep your hands to yourself).
Forest Fights
The Supreme Court rules against environmental groups seeking to stop deforestation projects
Travel Like a Pro: How to Stay Healthy
Tackle everything from jet lag to malaria (and those pesky mosquitoes) with our guide to staying healthy abroad.
Travel Like a Pro: What to Do When You Get There
Start your adventure right with these tips on getting to the trailhead and keeping in contact once you get there.
Travel Like a Pro: Packing for International Travel
Leave that fuel canister at home, and other tips to consider when you're packing for your international adventure.
Travel Like a Pro: What to Do Before You Leave
Don't suffer through a poorly planned trip: Use our tips to choose a destination and create a to-do list to begin your adventure.
France Backpacking Trips
Hike locals-only trails in Europe's other Alps. This 500-mile track combines rugged hiking by day with luxe living by night
The World's Best Unknown Treks
We've traveled to 10 countries and uncovered the best adventures you never knew existed.
Americas role in COP15 undetermined
Delegates from around the world will meet in Copenhagen this December, but will America be heading the charge or hiding out in the back of the class?
Glow-in-the-Dark Tea
South Korean designer comes up with a light-up beverage, but should you ditch the headlamp?
Eco-Friendly Gear Packaging
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and contributing writers's author page.
Review: Sony Reader
No need for a pile of paperback in your pack, this e-reader stores over 100 novels
Looking for Adrenalin in the Muslim World
For those who think our Middle Eastern bruddahs can't rock out X Games style
Review: Montrail S'presso Running Shoe
Climbing, hiking or trail-running, this shoes' sticky soles won't let you down.
Review: Adventure Medical Kits SmartTRAVEL First Aid Kit
From stings to dehydration, this fully-stocked kit has everything you'd need to handle a medical issue, even when overseas
Passport Protection: Aloksac ShieldSak Review
This tech-saavy passport sleeve protects your documents from radio wave scanners
Utensils: Primus Meal Set
Freshly grated Parmesan with your fire-side spaghetti dinner? That's not a problem with this easy to clean, full-featured mess kit
Review: Therm-a-Rest Comfort System
Tired of that foamy sleeping pad? Upgrade to this customized comfort system