Katie Herrel

How to choose and build the optimal fire pit; how to light a fire in windy conditions.

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From fun to deadly serious this list just might save your life (or at least make camping even more fun)

Follow these tips for a crackling, low-impact fire.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Down to your last match? This fast-to-make kindling “bouquet” will light the first time, every time.

Place your fuel wood in the right places to create a fire that behaves exactly how you want.

Cool, clean, and treat with advice from Buck Tilton, Backpacker’s Medicine Man.

Find the right logs, sticks, kindling, and fuel to make a campfire.

Campfires-gone-amok are the most common source of human-caused wildfires. Make sure yours is out cold.

No oven? No problem. Make cookies, muffins, bread, and more with these backcountry techniques.

From trail mix to trout, upgrade every meal with this guide to recipes, cooking skills, and nutrition.

How many day's before you food becomes a bio hazard while hiking?

For steamy hikes, I like ultrathin, stretchy fabrics that feel cool and breezy. Problem is, they often have durability issues...

If you love your current shoes and don’t want to shell out for winter-specific runners, add a strap-on cleat like the STABILicers Run ($40; 32north.com) and a pair of running gaiters, like the Outdoor Research Stamina ($35; outdoorresearch.com), which will keep snow and slush from penetrating the upper or sneaking in over the top.

Quick Weekend Getaways; No-Mess Meals