Trip Doctor: Best Western Foliage
Where's the best western foliage?
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The Works: Hike Vermont's Long Trail
Sample the best section of the country's first thru-hike.
Trek Newfoundland's Long Range Traverse
Coastal views, mountains, and fjords await on the Long Range Traverse in Newfoundland's Gros Morne National Park.
Secrets Of Saguaro National Park
The name doesn't say it all: Arizona's premier cactus preserve conceals a cool mountain escape.
Adventure Weekends: Luxury Hiking and Camping
We've got a selection of cozy shelters and trail-side restaurants from Washington to Maine. Check out these hikes in the Rockies, the Northeast, and the Northwest.
Where Can I Find: Fall's Best Birdwatching?
Looking to catch some migrating birds? Find out where to look.
The Un-Bearable City
Urban living bad for bears
Hikers Find Potential Fossett Evidence
Cash, I.D. with Steve Fossett's name found in Calif.
Sleeping Bag Water Test Part III: The Beer Fridge
Frigid temperatures are hard to find in the middle of the summer (when we shot this video) so after soaking three sleeping bags, we chilled out at a local liquor store.
Helena's Deer Domination
700 habituated deer own the state capital
Sleeping Bag Water Test Part II: Full Submersion
Yeah, we know you probably won't ever get fully submerged in a raging river while in your sleeping bag, but that's not good enough for us.
Sleeping Bag Water Test Pt. I: Simulated Rain Smackdown
In this gear test, Shannon Davis jumps in three sleeping bags and we hose them down to see how each one handles high-force rain.
September 2008 Table of Contents
Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.
Sorry, No Bailout for Michael Raster
River ford proves costly for a remote wilderness soloist
Top 3 CCC Trails
The Civilian Conservation Corps is turning 75—so celebrate right by hiking its classics.
The Fix: Shenandoah National Park
Catch this national park's brightest fall foliage on a short stroll or an all-day epic.
Bite this, West Nile
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Spruce Juice
MIT scientists, Forest Service power wireless networks with just trees
Florida Keys National Park?
Local pols seek Park Service help to preserve land
Speedgoat Finishes
Ultrarunner completes the AT with the fourth-fastest time
The BACKPACKER Sleeping Bag Water Torture Test
We go above and beyond the regular gear testing rigamarole. We'll simulate a thunderstorm, go for full submersion, and then, a cold–weather test...in a beer fridge.
Glucosamine/Chondroitin DoesnÂ’t Stop Cartilage Loss
Drat, I was wrong on this one
Hiking While Menstruating?
Should I be worried about hiking in bear country when menstruating?
A Kilt Prevents Chafing?
How do I prevent chafing? Nothing I've tried seems to work.
Bear Market
The Economist speculates on North American bear attacks
Climbers Still Lichen Yosemite
NPS Scientists enlist climbers to find new lichen species
Bear-port Security
Accidental bear spray discharge closes Juneau airport
Soccer: Best Exercise on Earth?
Billions of players worldwide can't be wrong
Personal Airbag = Outdoor Safety?
Now, you can always take the dangerous shortcut
Baked Alaska
Time-lapse video shows climate change eroding coastline
Appalachian Trail Nature Photo Gallery
Wildflowers, bugs, and other nature photographs shot by our map correspondent on the AT © Jeff Chow
AT Shelter Photo Gallery
A few of the shelters and lean-tos found along the length of the Appalachian Trail © Jeff Chow
Panoramas of the Appalachian Trail
A collection of five-star overlooks along the Appalachian Trail © Jeff Chow
AT Culture Photo Gallery
Some of the faces and places our map contributor saw on the AT © Jeff Chow
A Kid's Guide To Mountaineering
Because it's never too early to start a Seven Summits bid
Beetle-Killed Trees Affect Local Weather
Dead forests create higher temps, less rain, worse air quality
Skydiving Over Everest
Mallory: "Why didn't I think of that?"
AT Interview: Correspondent Jeff Chow
Jeff Chow spent 10 months mapping every mile of the AT for BACKPACKER. Learn about his favorite spots and hard-earned tips here.
How Do I Layer for Cold Weather?
I've never really understood the principles of layering. For cold weather treks, should my baselayer be cotton or wool? What about my midlayer? Wool? Fleece? What are the basics of layering for any occasion?
Water Wars: Great Lakes
House-backed compact would protect water for future generations
Suicidal Animals Make Me Sad
Global-warming PSA can cause tears, guilt, and unexpected phone calls to Mommy
National Parks Free This Weekend
NPS waives entrance fees to celebrate National Public Lands Day
2008 Apparel Guide: The Outtakes
We couldn't fit all of our reviews in one spot. Here, read the outtakes.
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You won't roll off of this foam, self-inflating pad.
Can I Eat a Scorpion?
On an episode of Survivorman, Les Stroud cooked grasshoppers, stating if you didn't, you might get a tapeworm. But he ate a raw scorpion–couldn't one just as easily get a tapeworm from a scorpion?
Big or Little Pre-Hike Breakfast?
I am trying to lose weight and boost my stamina for a hike to Colorado next year. Should I eat a big breakfast for a three-day hike to the Porcupine Mountains, or a smaller breakfast and rely on my fat reserves to help burn off the weight?
Drive to Get Ready for Altitude?
Is it better to drive a long distance to a much higher elevation (like from the Northeast to the Rockies) to get used to the elevation gradually?
Bears Break Wind Power
Wind farm on Vermont National Forest threatens black bears
Models On Belay
VOGUE tries a first ascent in fur and high heels
NASA's Rubber Duckies
They make climate-change research so much fun
Plants for Bug Repellent?
On a recent backpacking trip, I underestimated the amount of mosquito repellent we'd need. Is there a North American plant that can be used, or something one can do to avoid being eaten alive?
"Hello, Greenland!"
Musicians join artists on climate-change visit to Arctic
Ground Zero Glacial Awesomeness
World Trade Center dig reveals buried Ice-Age wonderland
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Gear List
We've got your Appalachian Trail packing list dialed. Here, take stock of what you'll need to thru-hike the trail. Just print it out and get packing.
Petzl MYO Headlamps Could Set Your Head On Fire
"What's that burning smell?"
Mt. Whitney or Bust
An upcoming adventure illustrates the common denominators between John Muir, group-think and sushi.
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