Backyards Gone Wild
You don’t have to go far to enjoy camping season: If you have a yard or even a balcony, you have a campsite. Here are 8 ways to make the most of very close-to-home camping.
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Basecamp Recipe Project
Submit your best recipe to share with the Basecamp community.
The Best Gear for Bug-Free Summer Hiking
The worst part of summer hiking: mosquitos, black flies, ticks, and other pests. Shield yourself from head to toe with these swarm-tested picks, the best of 14 bug-baffling products we tried.
Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
DEET alternative
Ben’s 100% DEET
Super spray
Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent Gen 2.0
Bug-free basecamp
ExOfficio BugsAway Sol Cool Ampario Convertible Pants
Protective pants
Craghoppers Insect Shield Adventure II Long-Sleeved Shirt
Impenetrable shirt
Basecamp Backyard Skills Challenge: Dinner al Fresco
Show us your best backcountry recipe.
Free Full-Length BACKPACKER AIM Adventure U Courses
Every year BACKPACKER Basecamp gives you access to select full-length AIM Adventure U courses for FREE! Basecamp members also get 30% off any non-featured BACKPACKER course on the AIM Adventure U site. We know you have a busy schedule, so each course is designed to be taken at your own pace. You’ll learn through a variety of interactive formats, including video instruction, photo descriptions, and more. Each session builds on the last, and each course is split-up into several parts, so you can take it as quickly or slowly as you want. Plus, once you purchase the course, the lessons are yours forever.
BACKPACKER Safety Giveaway!
Be Safe, Go Wild. Venture confidently in the wild with gear you trust. Safer for you, the environment, and the bear, FRONTIERSMAN bear safety products will keep you safer and more confident in the great outdoors.
3 Delicious Cold-Soaked Recipes You Can Make Without a Stove
Cold soaking is a popular no-cook method among weight-conscious hikers. But ditching your stove doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor.
Out Alive: Fall From a Cliff
When Shaina Maytum was 21, a slip in the desert left her broken, alone, and unable to move.
Find Your Way Through Canyon Country
Routefinding in Canyonlands National Park can be a challenge, but the rewards are always worth it.
6 Outdoor Deals to Help You Get Ready for Summer
Grab apparel, tents, and one famous firepit on sale right now for up to 55% off.
Deal of the Week: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Katabatic 3
Get a bomber winter expedition tent at a great price.
Walmart Launches its Own Line of Technical Backpacking Gear
Since its acquisition of Moosejaw in 2018, the retail giant has been working on a performance-oriented yet wallet-friendly collection for new hikers just getting into the game. But will backpackers bite?
Save your Back: Supermans
Eliminate back pain with this exercise.
Save Your Back: One-Legged Romanian Deadlift
Eliminate back pain with this exercise.
Save your Back: Bird Dogs
Eliminate back pain with this simple exercise.
The Backpacking Scientists Who Are Watching a Glacier Die
Three scientists chronicle life, death, and the last stand of the Grizzly Glacier.
11 Classic Outdoor Memoirs to Inspire Your Next Adventure
Travel postponed? Live vicariously through these adventurous sagas instead.
Backyard Skills Challenge: Shelter in Place
Check out Adam Roy's author page.
Our 10 Most Coveted Pieces of Dream Gear
If money were no issue, this is what we'd buy.
4 Delicious Dandelion Recipes for Aspiring Foragers
Experiment with three wild recipes.
How a New Website is Making Hiring a Guide Easier Than Ever
57Hours is a one-stop-shop for booking adventures with experts.
Deal of the Week – Mother's Day Edition: La Sportiva Spire GTX
Get a crazy-good hiking shoe for a crazy-low price.
How to Turn your Living Room into the Coolest Campsite Ever
Anyone can pitch a tent inside. But hardcore stay-at-home campers know it’s all about ambience.
Enter BACKPACKER’s Camp-In Photo Contest!
Check out Backpacker Magazine's author page.
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist HS
Efficient kitchen set
Columbia Irico Freezer Pant
Heat-beating bottoms
Montane Element Stretch Jacket
Cozy shell
HydraPak Flux 1L Bottle
Best bottle
RapidPure Pioneer Straw
Lightest purifier
MSR Thru-Link InLine Microfilter
Best in-line filter
Mother’s Day Contest
Share your Mothers Day message with us, and be entered to win this lovely print.
What to Bring for Ultralight Backpacking
Lighten your load and pick up the pace with these 10 ultralight pieces of gear.
Backyard Skills Challenge: Tie the Knot
How fast can you tie a bowline with frozen fingers?
Leap Into Spring On These 10 Hikes
Where to get out now
Behind the Scenes: The May/June Covers
Photographer Chris Burkard talks about his process and how the May/June cover shot came together.
How to Start a Home Gym
Here's everything you need to get trail fit at home.
The BACKPACKER Camp-in
Join our virtual outdoor festival of art, fitness, film, and music with headliner G. Love on May 16.
Basecamp: Behind the May/June 2020 Cover with Chris Burkard
Photographer Chris Burkard talks about how he got the May/June 2020 cover shot.
Basecamp: Behind the May/June 2020 Cover with Chris Burkard
Photographer Chris Burkard talks about how he got the May/June 2020 cover shot.
May Member Gear Discount
This month's exclusive discount is brought to you by BioLite.
The 10 Best Outdoor Mothers' Day Gifts of 2020
Whether mom's nearby or far away, help her enjoy the outdoors with these 10 great picks.
Here's What it's Really Like to Work in Polar Bear Country
Polar Bears International's Geoff York has been studying Arctic wildlife for more than 20 years. In that time he's had some magical moments—and a few close shaves.
Deal of the Week: Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals
Celebrate summer with an updated outdoor classic.
PODCAST: How to Stay Safe Around Bears
Are bears dangerous? Not if you plan ahead. Learn to stay safe in bear country with these tips from researcher Tom Smith.
Deal of the Week: Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters
Jump on a good price for these durable gaiters.
PODCAST: Staying Safe in Bear Country
Check out Louisa Albanese's author page.
The 5 Best Bear Buffets You Can Hike
Spot some bruins and sample the goods at these Bearpacker Magazine-approved destinations.
Backyard Skills Challenge: Show Us Your Skills
Anyone else feeling a little rusty? Brush up and win big with these virtual outdoor challenges. Fire up your camp stoves, we’re bringing backcountry skills right to your home.
Member Deal of the Week: Hydro Flask Journey Series 20 Hydration Pack
Score big savings on great pack for hot-weather hikes.
Behind the Gear: Big Agnes Salt Creek 2 & Scout 1 Platinum
Backpacking tents keep getting stronger and lighter. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how Big Agnes designers pulled it off.
Behind the Gear: Mountainsmith Zerk 40
Check out Wild Acorns Media's author page.
PODCAST: Tragedy on the Appalachian Trail, Part 2
The thru-hiking community knew that "Sovereign" was bad news. Why wasn't anyone able to stop him?
Spirit Bears Capture Hikers’ Imagination—But They May Be Getting Rarer
Kermode bears, British Columbia's famous white bears, may be in decline as salmon populations drop. What do we lose if one of the world’s most striking animals disappears?
How Much Do You Know About Bear Safety?
Make sure you’re prepared for your next trip into bear country.
Introducing BEARPACKER Magazine
This week, we're paying homage to our favorite backcountry fauna with bear science, safety, and advice. Dive in and get to know the original masters of staying at home.
Ask a Bear: What if You Have a Cub Due During Hibernation?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Ask A Bear: How Do You Avoid Freezing To Death In Hibernation?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Ask a Bear: Do Bears Eat Maple Syrup?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Ask a Bear: Why Are Bears So Lazy?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
The Best Gear for Hikers Who Love Bears
The best way to show your respect for bears is from a safe distance. Or by wearing them on your socks.
How Do You Know Bear-Resistant Gear Works? Give it to a Grizzly.
It’s the job of some captive bruins in Montana to destroy coolers and garbage cans—all in the name of keeping people safe in bear country.
Hillsound BTR Stool
Featherweight furniture
Casio Pro Trek WSD-F30
Colorful GPS watch
Deal of the Week: Stanley Adventure Shot Glass Set
Quaff your favorite camp beverage with these stainless steel cups.