Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan

Hot weather + cool water = late-summer heaven. Add a dose of backcountry solitude and scenic camping, and you might never leave.

You're in mid-season shape—reap the rewards on some of the country's steepest hikes.

Use these tips to advance your cooking skills and improve your camp grub's taste and nutritional value.

What off season? Bundle up and reap the benefits of colder weather in these snowy playgrounds.

Climb to bluff-top views of hardwood forest and rolling farmland.

Yes, the views and fresh air and exercise make every backpacking trip worthwhile. But now, new research shows, staying home is just plain dumb. Learn why backpacking boosts brainpower in this exclusive report from the frontiers of environmental neuroscience.

Cross deep, vine-laced forests to bluff-top views over rivers and prairie.

Bake without an oven! Build your own spice kit! A DIY guide to dining while summer camping.

From picking the right campsite to stargazing like a pro, these summer camping tips will ensure a restful overnight.

Once you've left camp, these tips and techniques will make your on-trail miles more enjoyable.

With a little pre-planning you can hit the trail and beat the crowds all summer long.

Your favorite parks, weekend getaways, peak ascents, campsites, and more in the Rockies.

Your favorite Rockies hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.

Like peaks, lakes, and wildflowers? You'll love this Rockies classic in White River National Forest.

Trek through grizzly terrain in Glacier National Park.

Hike in the spray of waterfalls deep in the heart of black bear country.

Turn fall's harvest into healthy, energy-packed treats.

From beer pancakes to on-the-go tiramisu, our resident Trail Chef will have your mouth watering in no time.

Taste-test one of our Readers' Choice Recipe finalists

It's not the smallest peak in the Smokies, but spend a night on its summit (no tent required), and you'll agree it's the finest.

Try these 10 tips for cross-country travel.

Connect alpine lakes and tag three summits on this wildflower- and wildlife-packed loop.

From the deep wooded hollows to the lofty Appalachian summits prepare for rain (Clingmans Dome, the park's high point, averages 85 inches each year), humidity, rapidly varying weather conditions, and lots of creek crossings. Here's what you'll need.

Packing smart is the easiest way to go ultralight. Use these tips and you'll be set.

Be ready for humidity; hot temps; storms; bugs galore Look for waterproof/breathable shells; synthetic, quick-drying fabrics; well-ventilated shelters

Expect hot, sunny days; chilly nights; dry conditions; sharp and abrasive terrain Get warm, wicking fabrics; breathable footwear; durable gear; minimalist shelter

Expect intense cold and wind; sudden storm bursts; steep and rocky scrambling. Get down insulation; sturdy shelter; supportive footwear.

If you're planning to try ultralight in the summer, in a rainforest, in the desert, or in an alpine environment check out these must-take lists.

Expect torrential rains; wet snow; big temp swings Get synthetic insulation (it's warmer when wet); breathable shells; quick-drying fabrics; waterproof footwear; well- ventilated shelters with big vestibules for gear and cooking

Easy, lightweight recipes. Plus quick ways to stay full and happy without hauling extra weight.

Ultralight defined. Plus, the most popular pieces of gear people either love or hate.

Your pack's excess straps weighing you down? Cut 'em off. Plus how to maximize the gear you do bring.

Leave this gear on the bedroom floor.

Learn what gear to ditch and what to keep so you don't sacrifice comfort. Plus, a little lightweight reading material.

Get started with these three simple tips.

Want to hike farther with less effort this summer? It's easy–just cut your pack weight in half with our foolproof 33-tip plan.

Ten perfect summits for your next group hike

Treat dental problems–from minor to major–with these tips.

Make planning easy by using the same basic ingredients for two tasty meals

When a storm comes out of nowhere, learn how to handle the unexpected.

Learn how to plan and react when and unexpected injury creeps up on you.

How did you get here? How can you get out? Staying found starts at home.

Survival depends on more than dumb luck–to live to see another day, you must correctly navigate a tricky series of choices. Here's how to do it when the consequences couldn't be higher.

Use this step-by-step guide to beat 7 common backcountry fears. Plus, ideal hikes for overcoming–or avoiding–the source of your scare.

Don't let groundless phobias ruin–or even prevent–your backcountry adventures. Here's a foolproof plan for overcoming your terrors.

Upgrade your trail menu–and lower your carbon footprint–with farmers' market fare.

Conquer any fear with this DIY guide to applying a proven treatment plan called cognitive- behavioral therapy. Think of it as training for the mind.

Check out Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan's author page.

July to mid-September is prime time for heavy rains in the Southwest, where fast-rising water in narrow canyons can turn trickling streams into deadly torrents. Don't get swept away.

Graze blueberry patches, explore swimming holes, and tag the South's high points on this sultry hike.

Forget all the rules about freezing or making yourself big. When faced with these angry beasts run for cover.

6 trail-tested tips to guarantee your friend's first trip isn't his last

Warming temps can wreak havoc on snow-packed adventures. Learn the conditions and warning signs that can cause a dangerous, sudden thaw.