Epicenter: The Scene In Bishop, California
Hike and climb-and then kick back-in a High Sierra sweet spot.
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Sleeping Bag Review: The North Face Momentum 900
Way warm for the weight
Finding Hiking Partners
Looking for a suitable trailmate? It can be challenging, but try these tips to find your perfect outdoor buddy.
High Points: Mt. Rainier, Washington
Get to the top and you'll hear a joyous echo
High Points: Wheeler Peak, New Mexico
Bighorn sheep and golden eagles await you at this high point.
High Points: Mt. Hood, Oregon
Head through the Pearly Gates for a heavenly sunrise
High Points: Boundary Peak, Nevada
Expect unexpected challenges to reach the summit
High Points: Granite Peak, Montana
The toughest high point in the lower 48
High Points: Borah Peak, Idaho
Don't forget your sound judgment when summitting this high point.
High Points: Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Your car does all the climbing here.
High Points: Mt. Elbert, Colorado
Come enjoy this high peak's playground
High Points: Humphreys Peak, Arizona
An easy high point with an unpredictable personality
High Points: Gannett Peak, Wyoming
The longest and wildest approach in the bunch
High Points: Kings Peak, Utah
The mosquitoes make it challenging, but the towering sedimentary rock makes it worth it.
High Points: Mt. Whitney, California
You could do it in a day, but don't rush this one.
Survive This: Caught between a Mama Bear and Her Cub
Here's how to get out of the middle when motherly instincts kick in.
Happy Go Wet: Backpacker's Rain Quiz
Can you handle a rainy outing? Take our fun quiz to see how you'd fare under a sky of liquid sunshine.
Refurbishing Your Tent's Coatings
Give that old tent a new waterproof coating without shelling out big bucks.
Sleeping Bag Review: Lafuma Warm n' Lite One Kilo
You'll find this bag to be the most comfortable for mild weather.
Sleeping Bag Review: The North Face Squall 3D
Great fit, but lacking loft
Sleeping Bag Review: Moonstone 3D Minima
Call this sack a rebel--a synthetic bag that weighs less and stuffs small.
Sleeping Bag Review: GoLite Feather
Easy to pack and easy to vent
Sleeping Bag Review: Montbell Ultralight Super Stretch Alpine Downhugger #2
Don't tell us money can't buy happiness.
Q&A: How to Stay Dry
We went to outdoor educators and gear retailers to uncover the most common questions asked about staying dry in the backcountry. Here are the top 6.
High Points: Mt. Mitchell, North Carolina
A high point that provides an alluring combination of scenery, storms, and access.
High Points: Britton Hill, Florida
A humble high point in a low-lying state
High Points: Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina
It's all about the journey.
First Aid: How to Stop A Bleeder
Let our wilderness EMT teach you the best way to treat those gushing cuts and scrapes.
High Points: Black Mountain, Kentucky
Look closely for the path to this high point.
High Points: Brasstown Bald, Georgia
Come visit this Cherokee named place of fresh green.
High Points: Driskill Mountain, Louisiana
The mile-long walk invites contemplation like few other high point approaches.
High Points: Mt. Magazine, Arkansas
Hit the high point and move on to the other attractions this park offers.
High Points: Woodall Mountain, Mississippi
America's bloodiest high point
High Points: Guadalupe Peak, Texas
This peak lives up to its reputation.
High Points: Black Mesa, Oklahoma
Welcome to this delightfully weird world of extremes.
Backpack, Paddle, and Camp the Great Lakes
Backpack Lake Huron's shores, kayak the St. Lawrence Islands, and camp along Lake Superior
High Points: Clingmans Dome, Tennessee
A downright goofy dome marks this highpoint.
High Points: Cheaha Mountain, Alabama
Go from the path of racecars to the path of a high point.
Tips and Tricks for Staying Dry (Skills)
How to keep your gear--and yourself--dry on your next backpacking adventure.
Time To Treat: When to Repair Gear
How do you know that your gear is crying out for help? Consult our handy list of signs and solutions.
Waterproof Your Wilderness Gear
A complete guide to buying gear that will keep you dry--no matter what
Jacket Review: EMS Thunderhead
You don't have to be a direct Mayflower descendant to appreciate a little Yankee thrift with this rain shell
Apparel Review: Arc'Teryx Switchback Pants
Look chic when you head for the alpine life.
Jacket Review: GoLite Phantom
Racing a storm to a peak is no time to whip out an inferior rain shell.
Jacket Review: Sierra Designs Hurricane LT
This super-compact and affordable shell is perfect for the Southwest
Accessory Review: Sea to Summit Trekking Umbrella
You won't miss a thing with this piece of raingear.
Save Your Feet: How to Prevent Foot Problems
You think thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is a long walk?
Walk Faster: Interval Training
Pick up your hiking pace with these fitness tips
Death Valley Adventure Guide
Lose the sun-baked stereotype and bring thoughts of shady canyons and breezy passes.
The Best Recipes: REI/BACKPACKER Camp Cook-off
The best gorp, breakfast, entree, and dessert recipes from our cooking contest: 200 contestants, eight finalists, one culinary king
Want to Climb a Tree?
Here are tons of tree-climbing resources to get you started.
The Village: Tioga State Forest, Pennsylvania
Visit this scary state forest and let your imagination run wild.
High Points: Hawkeye Point, Iowa
The view is high on soy and corn and low on drama.
Salomon XA Pro 2
One of the lightest shoes in the test scores big with trail runners.
Boot Review: 6 Fast-Track Shoes
Ready, set, go. You'll literally run down the trail with these featherweight kicks.
Boot Review: Scarpa Alpha
No toes will be lost in these mountaineering boots.
Boot Review: Merrell Torque
Not a speed demon? These traditionalists are great for light hiking.
Boot Review: Tecnica Tricon
Ventilation and traction are a nice combo, but stability doesn't match the best.
Boot Review: Dunham Trail Mix
Even big guys with wide feet will feel agile with these supportive shoes.
Boot Review: Montrail Masai
Let others wilt in the heat; your feet are air-cooled by these ventilated runners.
Boot Review: Vasque Velocity
Pillows underfoot might be softer, but they won't last like these cushy shoes.
Backpack Review: Exped Adventure Dry Pack
Stop lugging extra water weight. This pack comes with downspouts.
Camping Toys: Summer Games
Hike, pitch your tent, then play like a pro with these new Frisbee and hacky sack diversions
Thirst
Is there a sense that's more powerful? We'll let you be the judge.
Apparel Review: Kokotat Swift-Entry Dry Suit
Get wet, get cold. Or stay warm with this leakproof suit.
High Points: Harney Peak, South Dakota
Traveling to this point will leave you at a loss for words.
High Points: Panorama Point, Nebraska
There's not a bad napping spot anywhere.
High Points: White Butte, North Dakota
If you loathe traffic, the commute to White Butte is pure ecstasy.
High Points: Mt. Sunflower, Kansas
Something's happening in this spot where nothing happened.
High Points: Mt. Arvon, Michigan
The view is nothing to write home about, but this newly crowned high point deserves a visit.
High Points: Eagle Mountain, Minnesota
Find this high point in the largest national forest outside of Alaska.
High Points: Timms Hill, Wisconsin
This old logging camp and woolly mammoth marching ground provides incredible views.
High Points: Campbell Hill, Ohio
Time it just right to get to the top of this one.
High Points: Charles Mound, Illinois
Access is limited, but well worth the view.
High Points: Hoosier Hill, Indiana
A fitting place to ponder the true meaning of the term Hoosier.
The Body Olympic: Fitness and Conditioning Tips
Meet these 6 Olympic hopefuls who will help you perform like a champion outdoors.
Shenandoah Adventure Guide
Here's your chance to uncover secret paths in this popular park.
High Points: Taum Sauk Mountain, Missouri
Lay low like Jesse James at this high point.
Family Camping Gear: 3 Ways to Carry Your Kid
Baby carriers, backpacks, and strollers for the backcountry
Up High Down Below: 3 Top Peaks in the Lower 48
Can't make it to Canada? Try Glacier Peak, Baker Peak, or Catamount Mountain