BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors

Get the most out of your backpacking equipment with this sage advice.

Backpacker’s 50 year history is rich with riveting storytelling. We tasked our editors with picking their all-time favorite stories.

Through the past five decades, there have been a lot of trend-setters and trailblazers. These are the best of backpacking.

Find shelter from the storm with these excellent backpacking tents.

You don’t have to learn the hard way, because we already did.

We dive deep into this backpacking cultural phenomenon.

Keep your feet snug and comfortable with these step-by-step directions for common hiking boot lacing techniques.

Pare down your kit weight, but not your comfort, with these minimalist load-haulers.

These lights have your back when the sun goes down.

These models will have you jumping for joy as you hike.

These hardshells seal out weather so you can enjoy your hike in comfort.

Save packing space and weight—but still keep warm—with these minimalist sleeping bags.

Fire up a backcountry meal to remember with these camp-friendly cookers.

As they wrap up the PCT, Sammy shares how the trails changed him, and he reads his post-hike bucket list. Hint: Eating a lot of ice cream and donuts.

Sammy ponders his thru-hike motivations after he receives difficult family news. He is also nervous to tell Jackson he wants to redo some of the CDT.

Dehydration and questionable water sources get in the way of Sammy and Jackson's progress when one of them gets sick on trail.

Sammy and Jackson decide to split up embark on 200 miles of solo hiking. Then, Sammy finds himself in the most dangerous situation yet on the Triple Crown.

Sammy and Jackson complete their first trail, but not without solving logistical challenges, rehabbing injuries, and outrunning snowstorms.

Learn the easiest way to hang a bear bag and keep your camping snacks safe from rummaging paws.

Sammy and Jackson face their first medical problem on the trail after hiking in worn boots for too long, and they have to decide whether to push through or rest.

Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell have to hike through multiple feet of snow on the AT. Are conditions bad enough to bail and transition to the CDT early?

Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell explain their thru-hike motives, check their packing lists, and say goodbye to their families on the first episode of Impossible Odds.

Two friends, 8,000 trail miles, one year. This is Impossible Odds.

Ward off the chill of fall backpacking with a cup of steamy, savory soup.

These easy-to-prepare camping desserts are well worth the extra ounces in your pack.

Turn the relaxation up with these activities to help you make the most of downtime in camp.

Carboload for a full day of hiking with these delicious pasta recipes.

Think before you throw.

Nate Dodge, one of the members of BACKPACKER and Bight Gear's new test team, knows the best way to beat the crowds is to brave the snow.

Earmark a long weekend for this 31-miler linking tree-shaded lowlands, old mining homesteads, waterfalls, and a beautiful alpine lake.

Whether you're looking for Coastal, Canyon, Peak, Forest, or Urban hikes, we have those. Plus some paddling (Water) trips for good measure.

Yodeling lessons? Yes, sometimes a vista is worth a little lung power.

Upgrade any camp dinner with this medium-bodied wine.

A fork, knife, and spoon for the green and ultralight crowd.

This light survival kit has all the essentials.

Get all-day protection without the greasy white tint with this chemical-free sunscreen.

With a low center of gravity and a wide, stable burner, this stove is perfect for big groups or melting piles of snow.

With great fuel efficiency, quick boil times, and a small packed size, this stove is ideal for campers who need hot water fast, without the fuss.