Mt. Whitney or Bust
An upcoming adventure illustrates the common denominators between John Muir, group-think and sushi.
All Content
Plants Unlikely To Curb CO2 Woes
Thanks a lot, plants
Late September Digestation
Chaotic insights on gear testing, Colorado growth, senior hiking mayhem and Germanic adventure.
Looking For 'Ghost' Cougars
U.S. Fish and Wildlife tries to prove mountain lions haunt Virginia town
Apparel Guide: L.L. Bean Timberledge Winter Sport Pant and OR Prismatic Cap
From head to, well, ankle, our testers give Outdoor Research and L.L. Bean a whirl.
Apparel Guide: Baselayers
Contain your body heat with with these skin-hugging baselayers: the 180s Quantum Dry Base Layer crew and pant, Icebreaker 180 GT Chase 1/4 Zip, Patagonia Wool 2 long sleeve crew and bottoms, and White Sierra Bamboo Crew.
Apparel Guide: Jackets and Insulation Essentials
Stay warm with the Arc'teryx Kappa SV Hoody, Marmot Torrid, REI Ladro Hoodie, and Solstice Cool Ruler.
Apparel Guide: All-Purpose Shells
Check out the Cloudveil Hobak, EMS Aurora Shell Pant, L.L. Bean Ascent GTX, Mountain Hardwear Dragon, and Sierra Designs Cyclone Eco
Why We Hate Gyms
Research uncovers a big difference between outdoor fans and gym rats
Moosepacking
Palin's favorite food becomes nation's favorite mystery meat
Census Says: 765 Grizzlies Live in NW Montana
Favorite pastimes include eating berries, watching 'Desperate Housewives'
L.L. Bean Goes to China
First of five Chinese stores opens this month
Hiking With Oprah, Bill, and George
Winfrey tops survey of dayhike companions
Lightning Storm Duck and Cover
I've been told for years that the proper way to wait out a lightning storm is to crouch down. Why is this better than lying down on the ground?
Would You Wear the Grand Canyon?
Don't even think about popping the collar
Yellowstone Issues WiFi/Cell Plans
"Can you hear me now? I'm getting gored by a bison."
Wolves Stay Endangered
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Man On Bike Hits Bear…Again
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Guns in Nat'l Parks: One Step Closer
Senate panel moves to introduce bill
Judge Blocks Snowmobiles in Yellowstone
Park service cited for ignoring conservation laws
Karl Meltzer Won't Stop Running the AT
A successful failure often trumps simple success
Bike to Run
Running again after a year feels great
Two California seniors killed in Escalante flash flood
And the tragedy hits close to home
Civilization's Edge
The death of an Ultimate Fighting Champion illustrates the firm line between society and wildland
Hiking And Biking the Campaign Trail
Utah pol to hike and ride 170 miles, host outdoor debates
The 'Virtuous Cycle'
More bikes equals safer roads
Polar Bears Going Green
"We're making a statement about this global warming thing"
Brave Cougar Survives Hiker Attack
Poor cat had nothing but instincts to rely on
Reel Rock Coming To Your Town
Touring festival takes climbing films nationwide this fall
Meet Your Bobcat Neighbors
Housing crisis good news for LA-area felids
Tents on Overlooks: A Gear Testing Tale
How to turn recreation into an epic and gain new respect for your own backyard
Mapping Classic Adventures, Real and Imagined
Wanderlust lets you trace famous treks from history and fiction
Beacon Week
In separate incidents, three emergency beacons are triggered, saving two lives
Manhattan-sized Ice Shelf Breaks Off Of Canada
The polar bears aren't going to like this...
Endangered Frogs For Sale!
Oregon wildlife officials shut down 6-year-old's biz
Big Bear Busts Up Pot Farm
Sheriff offers to deputize vigilante bruin
Are All Snails Edible?
I know that all snakes are edible...what about snails? Is all escargot created equal?
August 2008 Table of Contents
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Speedgoat On CNN
AT ultrarunner Karl Meltzer gets a little face time
Naked Toes On The Trail
Barefoot running gains traction — is hiking next?
Palin/McCain To Bring 'First Dude' to White House?
Does the husband of GOP VP candidate represent outdoorsmen?
Camp Coffee Gear: Make the Perfect Cup
4 backcountry brew gadgets even the snobbiest baristas will love.
24 Hours of L.L. Bean
It's the gear world's ultimate endurance event: a full day and night roaming the aisles at Bean's flagship store in Freeport, Maine. Will our man survive?
How to Sleep Safely in Bear Country
Seeing a bruin up close is a Yosemite highlight. Unless it's too close.
How to Score Denali's Choicest Permits
The system was rigged, says a former ranger. Here's how to beat it.
Backpack Denali National Park
Hike with grizzlies in this remote northern corner of Alaska's greatest park.
Backpack Yellowstone National Park
America's first national park is a playground for grizzlies, wolves, moose, and hikers (not in that order).
Hike Olympic National Park
Explore two ecosystems in this hinterland of moss-draped forests, ancient trees, and snowcapped peaks.
How to Light a Campfire in the Smokies
Trees, trees are everywhere, but sometimes there isn't a dry twig in sight.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Graze blueberry patches, explore swimming holes, and tag the South's high points on this sultry hike.
How Your Kid Can Save a Park
Send him out on a work trip. Let wilderness do the rest.
Backpack Grand Canyon National Park
Drop into America's belly on a little-known hike that dips in and out of four different canyons, each blessed with gurgling spring water.
Walking the Talk
First John Francis stopped riding in cars. Then he stopped talking. More than three decades, two continent-spanning hikes, and countless trail miles later, he's still following his remarkable path of protest–only now he's not alone.
Herbal Rub
Does soaking your feet in black tea before a hike reduce sweat and prevent blisters?
Wet Clothes Improve Lightning Survival
Minnesota survives a jolt while trying to save patio furniture
Yosemite National Park
Climb classic Sierra passes, ogle granite monoliths, and camp above treeline in John Muir's second home.
Glacier National Park
Scramble up class III peaks and cross late summer snowfields on this strenuous but straightforward trip through Montana's big-mountain country.
National Parks Lifelist: Intro
Check out Marc Peruzzi's author page.
National Parks Lifelist
The ultimate vacation in one of America's iconic parks requires the ultimate hiking plan: classic scenery, no crowds, and secret campsites. Here's how to spend a perfect week in Glacier, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Olympic, Denali, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Field Notes: North Face Propel Sleeping Bag, Asolo Power Matic Boot, Lanterns, and Vargo Titanium Sierra Pot
The latest word from our testers
August 2008 Table of Contents
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Health News: Get Naked!
And other ways to prevent tick-borne infections
No-Excuses Fitness Training Tips
Having trouble getting motivated? These soldiers toughen you up with their custom can't-quit tips.
Taste Test: Camp Coffee
Whether you're going ultralight or ultra gourmet, it's crucial to pour the right cuppa joe.
Trail Recipes: Portable Pub Grub
We'll show you how to adapt you favorite bar food for the trail: Mushroom-Asiago Veggie Burgers, Spicy Sweet Potato Fries, Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip, and Toasted Tortilla Chips.
Next Level: Navigate Cross Country
3 key skills for getting off the trail without getting off course
Start Smart: Take Action Photos
Capture fast-paced summer adventures with these image-improving tips.
Survive This: Bitten by a (Rabid?) Animal
Chomped by a critter? Here's what to do.
3 Ways To Save: Ultralight Dayhiking
Save weight, your feet, and money with these three pieces of ultralight gear
Reader Tip: Night Rounds
This reader recommends packing hospital scrubs when camping.
Head to Head: Basecamp Tents
Got a family to shelter or just want castle-like living space? Go light or go big with these two standouts.
The Fix: Deodorize Your Gear
Does your pack smell like last summer's cheddar? Here's how to clean up.
Green Scene: Biodegradable Sneakers?
Lightening your planetary load - sneaker style
Bargain Load Haulers: Weekend Pack Review
High performance and low cost? These 6 weekend packs deliver.
Canyon Confidential: Utah's Grand Gulch
To discover the best-kept secrets in Utah's Grand Gulch, you need to start at the bottom.
Secure a Choice Campsite
You'll need strategy, luck, and a little guile to reserve a spot at the country's most popular parks this summer. Here's how to game the (permit) system.
Trip Doctor: Helping National Parks
Will my vacation to a national park help them?
Go Long In Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands
On this 70-miler, see rhododendrons by day and hike light by staying in shelters at night.
Backpack Wyoming's Medicine Bow Mountains
Explore big skies and pristine lakes in the Medicine Bows.
Friday Eagle Blogging
Two golden eagles get a second chance at wildness and a matchless release site.