50 Years Later, Backpacker’s Founder William Kemsley Still Dreams of the Trail
"Nature is not a hobby to me, or even something I really think about. It’s simply part of who I am."
"Nature is not a hobby to me, or even something I really think about. It’s simply part of who I am."
Venture deep into the heart of this paddler’s paradise for the best fish-and-foliage adventure in the Lower 48.
A mom's lesson to her 8-year-old son yields a lifetime of wisdom.
What's your limit for endurance hiking? You won't until you push far beyond what you thought was possible. That's when things get interesting.
Yes, you could hike the PCT twice for the cost of a two-week trip to the roof of Africa. But you won’t see any monkeys in the Sierra.
A movement-friendly puffy synthetic jacket from Arc'teryx.
Yes, all wilderness is sacred. But this mystically beautiful slot canyon is holier than most.
Bookmark this page for ongoing updates about our 2013 expedition benefiting at-risk urban teens.
Yes, all wilderness is sacred. But this mystically beautiful slot canyon is holier than most.
A rugged battery pack that will let him stay charged up and connected.
Thin softshell gloves with Gore Windstopper
Contributing editor Tracy Ross talks about the aftermath of publishing her abuse memoir, The Source of All Things, which originated as a BACKPACKER feature story and is now available in paperback.
Hiker heaven, redefined, is a month-long hike/paddle/camp in Adventureland.
Hiker heaven, redefined, is a month-long hike/paddle/camp in Adventureland.
This watch features an altimeter, barometer, compass, and logbook, and is dead-on accurate.
BACKPACKER's camping experts are coming soon to an outdoor shop near you. Learn what you can expect from this dynamic couple and their Get Out More clinics.
Word up to Eric Schlosser and all you other health-food ninnies out there: A bag of greasy chips could save your triglyceride-loathing, carb-counting, GMO-bashing arses.
Our editor-in-chief's picks for the finest writing in this magazine's history.
Flick-lock poles that really work as promised.
Featuring a merino lining and insulated with Primaloft these gloves were soft enough for nose-wiping yet tough enough for ice axes and high-friction rappelling.
A new fill technology that will keep you toasty warm.
This ultra-light waterproof baseball cap is great for the hood haters among us.
Take a historic train to the trailhead and climb this Colorado beauty, nestled deep in the Weminuche Wilderness.
Our editor in chief digs through his years of trips, trails, and tales to share some of his adventures in the wild, from the Grand Canyon to Mount Rainier.
Three generations of American mountaineering royalty discuss their sport, their fears, and their new mission: design great gear.
Going ultralight may be the ultimate get-out-quick scheme: It took me all of 60 minutes to shop and pack for a 5-day hike and all of 10 minutes to pitch or pack up my simple camp.
Pick the gear I can carry on a trip to determine how low one man can go.
Adventure racing isn't for those without high pain thresholds, but here's three ways to cut down on the inevitable hurt.
Cozy huts, five-course meals, and world-class foliage highlight one family's fall trek.
An aluminum cookset that's light in your pack and on your wallet.
A compact, superlight canister stove to call your own.
A revolutionary stove-and-pot set that'll cramp your prep time with super-fast boils.
Come to this tropical oasis for great weather, an array of fruit and some great swimming.
Jon provides first-hand advice for ultralight beginners.
Tackle your tent pole problems with this quick tip.
Tarp tips for the tactical hiker.
Take your hike into the river with these paddling, kayaking and boating tips.
Tent pole problems? Here's an easy fix.
Even when you're trapped in the nation's most crowded metropolis, backwoods relief is only a short hike down a Long Path.
Ease the load on your knees and shoulders by making a hiking stick.
The typical Delaware River float trip offers the opportunity to spy more bald eagles than people.
You can spend days exploring the Dry River Valley forest without seeing another soul, even if it sounds like you're being chased by a well-armed militia.
Have your camera ready near dusk, when sunlight warms the landscape with intense color.
Setting up a tarp? Follow these techniques depending on the situation.
A once-in-a-lifetime solo hike through Lake Clark National Park, where the midnight sun shines like candlelight on the mountains.
Why shoulder a heavy load when you can easily slide it along behind you?
When pack weight drags you down, homemade Sherpa straps can help ease the burden.
When the trout are thick and the ethics resolved, catch-and-eat is the tasty way to go.
It's hard to give up your tried and true gear after so many miles together. So don't! These repair shops can keep your favorites in tip-top shape.
A few simple precautions will prevent punctures and preserve the foam in your self-inflating pad.
Beat the rainy-day blues by playing sleeping-pad chess or checkers.
Learn how to weatherproof your tent -- before it rains.
Even though they eat boots and pack straps, there's newfound appreciation for porcupines.