Sarah L. Stewart and Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan

How to choose a campsite, set up camp. and sleep comfortably.

Tips on packing and planning for your first night under the stars.

We've gathered top skills for new backpackers and a dozen unforgettable—yet beginner-friendly—trails. What they say is true: You'll never forget your first time.

Three readers who hit the trail for the first time (newbies!) in 2013 as part of our Year of the Reader celebration.

Dodge these common errors with our prevention primer.

Learn how to treat water in the backcountry.

Three trails teeming with wildlife

Outdoor experts have refined the list of key safety and survival tools into these 10 categories. Don't leave home without them.

Three beautiful water-side hikes

Three hikes with spectacular views