Dennis Lewon

From a gem of the national park system to a do-everything backpack, these are some of the best values the outdoors has to offer.

In Mexico’s Copper Canyon, LifeStraw’s give-back program delivers water purifiers to schools in need.

Trek through villages that still have one foot in the past

Float back in time on the Klarälven River.

The 3,000-mile long trail has plenty of alpine highlights, and this one in northern Colorado is my new favorite.

Everyone has their own special slice of the backcountry. For BACKPACKER Editor-in-Chief Dennis Lewon, it's a slice of beach in Northern California.

Last spring, BACKPACKER readers went to Nepal on a unique mission: volunteer on a post-earthquake recovery effort, then go on a life-list trek. Turns out, hiking and helping go together perfectly.

The outdoors is always open, and kids don’t have to go out on their own to enjoy it.

Last spring, BACKPACKER readers went to Nepal on a unique mission: work on a school-building project, then go on a life-list trek. Turns out, hiking and helping go perfectly together.

You have a whole summer of hiking ahead of you, and we're ready to help you make the most of it.

Spend less, hike more with a system that prioritizes affordability and durability.

See bears or hike the world's longest slot canyon with these group trips.

Nearly four decades after wowing a generation of hikers with his original boot, Randy Merrell went back to the workshop to release a modern version.

The biggest name in outdoor retail turned its employees into testers to improve its house brand—and some of its best pieces are on sale this weekend.

Join me on a trek in Nepal, and let’s show how hiking and helping go hand in hand.

Editor-in-Chief Dennis Lewon reflects on an alpine education.

Venture into the bush to see Africa’s wildlife the wild way.

Once is not enough for some national park experiences. Some places touch something deep inside, and you want to see them again, feel them again, share them with others.

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.