The Backcountry Bathroom
Nature calls, even in the wilderness. We've found 5 products that will make your outdoor bathroom runs easy, hygienic, and safe.
All Content
Scary Stuff Changes Lives—For the Better
Set Goals Just Beyond Your Comfort Level
Danger Signs: Trail Confusion
Don't want to get lost? Heed this advice on four trail situations that routinely cause problems.
Where Have the Animals Gone?
Scientists hike deep into California's wild high country to probe for answers.
Trip Doctor: Theft-Proofing Your Car
Clear out your car before heading into the woods.
Highpoint Texas
Traverse Guadalupe Mountains National Park to the state's airiest perch.
Backpack West Virginia's Cranberry Wilderness
Discover a slice of rare Eastern wild country in West Virginia, where Canadian taiga meets Southern forests.
China Running Late On Everest
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Best Damn Weekend Ever: Acadia National Park
Avoid the crowds in Maine's Acadia National Park by skipping getting a jump on the season and hiking the park in the Spring. Stephen King country never looked so good.
Where Am I Lowest On The Food Chain?
Want to hike where the most predators exist? Pack your courage and follow these directions.
Top 3 Trail-Building Trips
Want to boost your backcountry karma? Here are three places to hike–and give back.
Isabella Rosselini Makes 'Green Porno'
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
3 Ways to See: The Dakotas
Think the Dakotas are just endless prairie? Get ready for climbing, backpacking, and biking of the highest order.
Time 2 Go: See Newborn Animals
Looking to catch baby animals taking their first step? You can't go wrong with these picks.
Labor of Love: Meet the Backcountry Sanitation King
Meet Michael Rash, sanitation king of the backcountry. Be glad he uses Purell.
PERFECT DAY: Redwood National and State Parks, CA
Here's longtime ranger Jim Wheeler's plan for an eye-popping adventure among the ancients.
Top 3 Waterfall Hikes
There's a science to why we love waterfalls: When water crashes earthward, it releases negatively charged ions that--you can't make this stuff up--some researchers think can reduce anxiety. Spring is when cascades' spigots open full bore, so head off on these three beguiling treks for a dose of nature's backcountry Rx.
60 Minute Fixes: Minneapolis
Three ways to hike, bike, and paddle your way to freedom in the Twin Cities.
Make Your Own Hikes
Invent your own hike, and go where no one (well, almost no one) has gone before.
Quick Fix: Death Valley National Park
Badlands, peaks, wildflowers: Catch the best of the California desert with this trio of hikes.
U.S. Jaguars Threatened By Border Fence
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Sustainable retailer Nau closes
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Afghanistan Opens First National Park
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
North America's Highest Sandbox: Great Sand Dunes National Park
The most exotic hike in the United States is smack in the middle of the country: Welcome to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Backpacker Wins General Excellence National Magazine Award
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
The Rescue Season Cranks Up
A Friday roundup of the week's SAR News
No Excuses. Everyone Has Time to Get Fit
You can do a lot in 50 seconds
Santa Cruz Island Adventure
Associate editor Shannon Davis's photo diary of his hiking and paddling trip to Santa Cruz Island.
Nepal Slashes Himalayan Prices!
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
National Bike Month: Totally Rad
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Speak Up: Guns in National Parks
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Gear Chick: Pole Position
What's the difference between cheaper and more expensive trekking poles?
Buckle Trouble
The plastic buckle on my pack's hip-belt slips. Is there a way to make it stay in place, or a better buckle?
Food Bag Beta
If there are no trees to hang a bear bag, what is alternative food storage option?
How Bike-Friendly Is Your Hometown?
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Guns in National Parks: Gov't Issues New Rules
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Extreme Hiker Video: El Caminito Del Rey
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Nepal deports climber, draws attention to Tibet
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Iceland Opens Europe's Biggest NP
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Half Of Yellowstone's Bison Dead
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Judge To Feds: Make Polar Bear Decision
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Hauling 100-Pound Packs, Pt. 2
GoLite founder finds out that it's really hard.
National Parks Inc.
Like it or not, national parks are officially in the business of business. Will this focus destroy the soul of a national institution - or save it in these lean times?
I Did a Stupid Thing Last Weekend
The most common mistake in the book
Backpacker Magazine Launches Fully Redesigned Website with New Multimedia and GPS-Supported Content
New features and web-based tools enable Backpacker's passionate online community to share trips, post pictures, and get the latest in gear reviews and adventure news and content.
Conservation Groups Sue Over Wolf Delisting
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Hiker attracts science with global warming data
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Chinese Torch Team Delayed At Base Camp
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
National Parks Get $51 Million Birthday Present
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Google Earth 'Hima-layer' Rules
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Ed Viesturs Launches Baffin Expedition Today
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Life is a Cardio Workout
Why spend time on a treadmill. Live instead.
Pine Beetles Add To Global Warming
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Foreigners Invade Grand Canyon
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Fitness Advice from Top Outdoor Experts
For these three fitness gurus staying fit is a job requirement.
Walk Hard, Add Minutes To Your Life
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Climber Launches Successful First Ascent Of Jail Wall (5.10c)
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Hollywood Stunt Bear Kills Trainer
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Bivy Sacks 101
Associate editor Shannon Davis highlights the merits of the Integral Designs Penguin Reflexion and Rab Super Light Bivys.
Learn How to Hang a Bear Bag
...by watching our many mistakes. Assistant editor Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan plays guinea pig.
Google Transit's Earth Day Driving Alternatives
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Eating Greens
A salad a day is one man's dietary salvation
Seven of Twelve Canyoneers Die in New Zealand Outdoor Centre Flash Flood
Stories emerge. Investigations begin. And the answers will undoubtedly mimic lessons already learned.
Get Green: Backpacker Celebrates Earth Day
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Green Guide
In honor of Earth Day, we bring you the first industry-wide survey on which gear manufacturers are positively impacting the environment, plus much more.
Happy National Park Week!
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Biking To Colorado's 14ers For A Cause
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
On Everest, Pro-Tibet Protesters Could Be Shot
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Saved by satellite: Part Three of Three
SPOT satellite messenger beacons
Get Fit for Any Hike
No gyms, no weights–and, with our easy-to-follow plan–no bonking on the trail.
Your Weeklong Dream Trip
Check out Dimity McDowell, Illustrations by Supercorn's author page.
Your Next Big Peak
Check out Dimity McDowell, Illustrations by Supercorn's author page.
Your Longest Dayhike Ever
Check out Dimity McDowell, Illustrations by Supercorn's author page.
Changing Your Life By Bike
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Get Older, Grow Happier
Research shows that the Golden Years are Truly Gold
Pricey Gas Fuels New York Camping
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Google Upgrades Earth
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Backpacker's March Issue Now Online
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Homegrown Fit
The perfect workout maybe your backyard
6th Graders Tackle Everest's Northeast Ridge
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.