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An Oregon solo climber crawls for days to survive, and you could too.

Is he a pilgrim, a victim, or a thief? The Appalachian Trail provides a path and refuge to all sorts of seekers. Few are as baffling as the man they called Saved.

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Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Walks in the park improve attention more than walks in the city, residential neighborhood

Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter shows you where and how to camp for fall

Climbing mag folds after six years and 25 issues

How toxic is methanol? Is it safe to get on my body?

During my hikes in the fall, between the summer and winter layers, moisture builds up and my chest tends to rub raw. What is the best way to stop this, besides changing shirts more often? Could I use something like Vaseline?

When carrying a pack of pretty much any size and weight and using the hip belt, my left leg will go numb sometimes. The problem goes away if I loosen the belt, but this defeats carrying the weight on my waist. (I've been fitted by knowledgeable people.)

I'm going fishing in the Trinity Forest rivers, and there are a lot of bears there at this time of year. I can't afford an expensive bear deterrent: What can I use to assist me? I was told to use regular pepper spray or bleach.

We're rafters. In a thunderstorm, should we stay in the boat (the absolute lowest point around) or pull ashore and get out of the water?

Doomed southwestern fish makes a comeback

Bush pushes to open more bike trails as his term sunsets

Two men set out to find wilderness amidst metropolis

What are some important tools to take along for good food prep on the trail?

Candidates weigh in on parks, the environment, and their favorite hike

Because selfish climbing is lame

State's icefields grow for the first time in 200 years

Addicts loot artifacts from public lands for meth money

Italian "Tom Perry" tops Kilimanjaro, big peaks sans shoes

Or, why putting down the work/family/chores for a run may be the smartest thing you do all day.

Climate change's latest victim

Mexican cartel grow operations polluting forests, endangering visitors

Georgia girl hopes to visit all 391 National Parks before age 14

And apparently a lot of hikers aren't setting out prepared for weather

Dean Kamen's Slingshot could solve the world's water woes

Bad weather can't stop Backpacker.com from crossing Peru's high Andean passes

Officials investigate possible PA mountain lion encounter

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

'Get ready for the panda jams,' says Yellowstone

Park Service implants saguaros with microchips to prevent theft

Curry Village smashed by 1,800 cubic yards of mountainside

Also causes shortened ice-cream life span

$700 billion bailout includes tax credit for cycle commuters

U.S. plans to protect key habitat from oil drilling

Backcountry enthusiasts deserve a president who cares about trails. So we asked John McCain and Barack Obama ten tough questions–then polled 989 BACKPACKER readers to find out what matters to you in this election.

The water, however, tastes the same

What would you ask at tonight's town-hall debate?

Illinois sightings, Michigan mysteries, and a Cali woman who isn't afraid to slap a puma

Bus hiking, outdoor phobias, and the most remote spot in the Lower 48

The trek to Machu Pichu begins

Use this step-by-step guide to beat 7 common backcountry fears. Plus, ideal hikes for overcoming–or avoiding–the source of your scare.

Don't let groundless phobias ruin–or even prevent–your backcountry adventures. Here's a foolproof plan for overcoming your terrors.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Upgrade your trail menu–and lower your carbon footprint–with farmers' market fare.

Conquer any fear with this DIY guide to applying a proven treatment plan called cognitive- behavioral therapy. Think of it as training for the mind.

Check out Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Park hopes to, erm, 'enhance' reputation

Get stronger and hike longer with a workout that matches your physique.

What to know about hiking with asthma

Stay fit and healthy with these static and dynamic stretches, and secrets from Yosemite National Park wilderness ranger Mark Fincher.

These 4 red-hot recipes will warm you faster than any campfire.

Follow these guidelines to keep your gear dry, secure, and well balanced in a canoe or kayak.

Your partner can't go on. Should you stay–or go for help?

Here's how to avoid hypothermia.

The most remote spot in the Lower 48 is inside Yellowstone National Park. It's also the goal of our correspondent. What he encounters–and what it says about the solitude backpackers treasure–will surprise you. PLUS: See more of his photos and read a Q&A.

Make a fire fast with this pocket-sized tip

Grand Canyon raft guide and Havasupai tribal member Shana Watahomigie becomes a paddling–and Hollywood–pioneer.

Gas prices are soaring. Glaciers are melting. What's a conscientious hiker to do? Take the bus, says Dan Koeppel, who did just that to escape downtown L.A.

Should outdoor education be a top priority in public schools?

Learn how carnivores and their quarry interact—and what happens when humans upset the natural balance.

America's largest rodent may be clumsy on land, but in water, it's a marvel of design.

July to mid-September is prime time for heavy rains in the Southwest, where fast-rising water in narrow canyons can turn trickling streams into deadly torrents. Don't get swept away.

Wind power offers clean energy–but how much will hikers compromise to get it?

Some human remains found at crash site

As conservationists and energy developers fight over Wyoming's Red Desert, one thing is certain: There's no time like the present to hike through its unreal geography.

Where's the best western foliage?

Sample the best section of the country's first thru-hike.