Dennis Lewon

With a bit of luck, you can see nature’s most electric light show.

When we ran a story about the beauty of trail-less hiking, some of our readers objected. BACKPACKER Editor-in-Chief Dennis Lewon responds.

More than 600 million acres. Mountains, forests, and plains. Canyons, coasts, and deserts. It’s the American birthright. And it’s at risk.

On a trip to Kenya, Dennis Lewon sees how LifeStraw is using its tech to clean up students' drinking water—and finds that it isn't the only brand trying to use outdoor gear for good.

When a group of hikers disturb a beehive, things can’t get worse. Until they do.

No oven? No problem.

Your baselayer is your wicking layer. Combine natural and high-tech materials—plus common sense—to find the right layer.

Got a camp full of hangry hikers? Whip up one of these simple starters.

Want to check an epic hike off your life list? Start ticking off these boxes and make it happen.

Have an adventure with a Backpacker editor, and make the world a better place.

Five easy lessons for getting the most out of your time on the trail

Don’t let gusty weather ruin your trip—or your tent.

We’re throwing a backpacking bash in the Rockies and you’re invited.

Join our staff for a Colorado adventure.

Let a 10-year-old be your guide and discover a new kind of fun.

Free-the-heel fans call it the most elegant way to get down a mountain. Can our man learn to turn?

There’s no surer way to ensure a successful trip than hitting the mountains for charity.

If you want a predictable family trip, go to Disneyland. Who knows what'll happen on a National Park adventure?

Just how much pack weight can one hiker cut? Our editor performs a far-out experiment in minimalism.

Tear down the walls: Cowboy camping gives a true backcountry experience.

Explore national parks. Travel the country. Share exciting stories. Wish it would never end.

Learn to identify the terrain hazards of glaciers to stay safe in ice country.

Float through winter with tips from Heather Balogh, BACKPACKER’s lead snowshoe tester.

Runoff-swollen rivers pose one of the backcountry’s biggest threats. Do you know how to cross safely—and when it’s best not to cross at all?

The only thing you'll regret about taking the brood backpacking is not doing it sooner - and more often.

BACKPACKER readers are climbing 14,180-ft Mt. Shasta in support of Big City Mountaineers! Check out the photos from their summit bid.

Join editor-in-chief Dennis Lewon for a hike--and cancer-fighting concert--in the Rockies.

A hair-raising tale of wilderness terror that will haunt your backcountry dreams

Multitasking dads will love this easy-sipping cup.

Get a Denali-size adventure with Lower 48 effort.

Sherpa's big year also includes an limited edition Suunto watch to benefit his foundation.