Time 2 Go: Hike With Birds
Whether you've got hours or weeks, here's where to go for the birds.
All Content
PERFECT DAY: Olympic National Park
In the Elwha Valley, tidal rivers collide with towering old-growth forests, creating an outsized multisport playground. You'll need a bike, a kayak, and a boatload of stamina to join Sara Gagnon, an area native and co-owner of Adventures Through Kayaking, on this rollicking tour.
Top 3 Get-There-Fast Hikes
You can only get so far off the grid in a single day - that is, unless you take a shortcut into the mountains. Many ski resorts, including the three premier sites mentioned below, open a lift or two in summer and fall, offering an express route to places high and wild. There's no other way to get this deep into the woods this fast.
60 Minute Fixes: Detroit
Adventurous types can still find magic in the rivers, lakes, and paths of Detroit.
What Would Davy Crockett Do?
He'd toss the titanium stove and build a big fire. Our man enrolls in a traditional guide school and learns how to survive - and think - like an American original.
March 2008 Essentials Review: Camp Kitchen
Packs, tents, boots, and bags--that's easy. Now comes the hard part: Everything else. Below, you'll find our top picks for all the lust-worthy backcountry essentials you'll need to make your trip safe, fun, and simple.
March 2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Start Smart Sleeping Bag Tips
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Sleeping Pad Reviews
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
March 2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Winter Sleeping Bags
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
May Close-to-Home Hikes
Our map team has been hard at work plotting the coolest hikes. Check out May's selections here.
Preview: Alone Across Alaska
If there were an Oscar for indie adventure films, Bruce "Buck" Nelson would be a runaway winner
2008 Three-Season Sleeping Bag Reviews
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
Hilleberg Tents: The Benchmark in Backcountry Shelter Solutions
In the backcountry, having the right shelter is crucial. For over three decades, Hilleberg has specialized in making that "right shelter" by building the highest quality all season tents.
2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Summer Sleeping Bags
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
Backpacker Skills Videos
Not quite sure how to fit a pack, measure your torso, calculate your V02 max, patch a sleeping pad, or clean a funkified hydration unit? Watch and learn.
Twisting in the Wind
On windchill, temperature, and waiting for summer
The CDT Project: Wildlife
Big and small, the Backpacker teams spotted a variety of wildlife along the CDT
The CDT Project: Team 43
Team 43 treks through Montana and Idaho for Backpacker's CDT Project
The CDT Project: Amazing Views
Join the Backpacker CDT Project along this picturesque trail
Google Adds Contour Lines
Updated terrain maps are now more useful for hikers.
March 2008 Boots Review: Start Smart Boot Tips
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
March 2008 Boots Review: Heavy Duty Boots
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by Julia Vandenoever's author page.
The Bonking Reality of Endurance Training
To acquire stamina, you gotta sufer
March 2008 Boots Review: Mid-Duty Boots
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by Julia Vandenoever's author page.
Petrified Forest Expansion…Petrified
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
First Delisted Wolves Killed In Wyoming
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gore Launches Climate Action Ad Campaign
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Anasazi Hiking: Report from Cedar Mesa
On photography, sandstorms and power walking
March 2008 Boots Review: Light Duty Boots
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by Julia Vandenoever's author page.
Backpacker Nominated for National Magazine Award in General Excellence
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Everest Returns To Normal…And Sting Shows Up
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Bike Prices Going Uphill in '08
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
March 2008 Tents Review: Mountaineering Tents
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
March 2008 Tents Review: Three-Person Tents
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
March 2008 Tents Review: Two-Person Tents
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.
Backpacker Gear Guide: One-Person Tents
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Backpacker Gear Guide: Essentials
Packs, tents, boots, and bags–that's easy. Now comes the hard part: Everything else. Below, you'll find our top picks for all the lust-worthy backcountry essentials you'll need to make your trip safe, fun, and simple.
Backpacker Gear Guide: Boots
You won't go far with sore feet. So our testers went the distance–5,000 miles, to be exact–to bring you the best shoes for every foot and hike.
Backpacker Gear Guide: Sleeping Bags
The secret to a great day outdoors? Start with a great night. Sleep well in all conditions with one of these snooze-tested bags.
Backpacker Gear Guide: Tents
You can test-drive a car, but not a tent. So our crew did the shakedown for you, logging 600-plus nights under stars and storms. Here's what we liked.
Google Adds Yosemite To Street View
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Study Says Bear Spray Better Than Guns
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Climate Change Hits West Hardest
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Zero Impact Challenge
Is it possible to build a backpack that doesn't contribute to global warming? Not yet, but five pioneering companies gave it one helluva try. (Cue standing ovation.)
33 Top Tips From Trail Pros
Here's how Aron Ralston, Ed Viesturs, Les Stroud, and others get out and back again–and how you can, too.
Hauling 100-Pound Packs
GoLite founder's 40-day wonder workout
Gear and the Woods: Camera Survival 101
Sometimes it's not enough if you're the only survivor
Fortified Water
A friend told me vitamin C can eliminate the taste of iodine in water. How much is necessary and does it affect the purification process?
Double The Warmth
Is wearing two pairs of socks better for cold-weather backpacking?
Zinc Stink
Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to zinc oxide?
Feeling The Burn
I always get a rash on my shoulders where the pack harness rests. Is there anything to prevent that?
More California Wolverines Photographed
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes Attempts Everest, Again
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Buffalo Soldiers Arrested At Yellowstone
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Bush Endangers Endangered Species
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Global Warming Could Turn Lake Tahoe Green
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Greenopolis: Facebook For The Enviro Set
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Longevity through Teeth and Feet
Take care of these gatekeepers to your active future
How to See More Bats
Whether you fear, respect, or applaud these complex creatures of the night, the tips below will help you find and observe them.
March 2008 Backpacks Review: Start Smart
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Weeklong Packs: The Best
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Weeklong Packs: Other Top Packs
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Backpacker Gear Guide: Weeklong Packs
The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack.
Weekend Packs: Ladies' Luxe
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Weekend Packs: Bargain!
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Paying for Wilderness Search and Rescue: Private Cost, or Public Obligation?
With some pontificating, and a few thoughts about rescue insurance
Weekend Packs: The Best
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Backpacker Gear Guide: Weekend Packs
The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack.
Daypacks: Bargain!
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Daypacks: The Best
Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.
Backpacker Gear Guide: Daypacks
The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack.
Backpacker 2008 Gear Guide: Backpacks
The Goal: Hit the trail and forget you're even wearing a pack. The Solution: One of these 30 field-tested vanishing acts.
The Hiking Report from Moab:
Thoughts on Jeeps, Sandstone, and Hiking Hazards
Stay Calm and Heal Faster
The Emotional Side to Injury Recovery
Find Your Watershed
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
D'oh! Hawaii Volcano Explodes After All
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
High Times: Today's Everest Dirt
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Survive This: Caught in an Avalanche
When you're trekking into a backcountry bowl, avalanches are almost always a threat. Learn how to protect yourself when the worst happens.
Survive This: Trapped by a Rock
When a scramble turns to a nightmare learn how to help yourself.
Survive This: Lost in the Desert
When you're stuck in the desert unexpectedly conserve, conserve, conserve.