After Brain Surgery, Nature Gave Her Peace. Now, Crystal Gail Welcome Gets Others Outside.
After finding her love for the trail, Welcome used hiking to process some of the most challenging moments of her life.
Author
Shannon Davis
My Stories
Water Bottle vs. Bladder: Which Is Better?
If you had to choose only a bottle or reservoir, which would it be?
A Family of Three and Their Dog Die Mysteriously on a Dayhike Near Yosemite
Authorities theorize that toxic algae might be behind incident.
How to Safely Summit Rainier Without a Guide
Taking your first unguided step onto a big mountain is a leap of faith. Backpacker editor (and retired guide) Shannon Davis tells you how to do it right.
After 92 Years, Grand Teton National Park Has its First Female Chief Ranger
Erika Jostad will take up the post immediately.
The Cirque of the Towers Is an Unforgettable Granite Playground
This descent into this Wind River Range highlight is one no hiker will ever forget.
What We’re Testing Now: This Rooftop Tent Makes Car Camping Easier Than Ever
The Roofnest Falcon XL is simple to set up and offers plenty of livable space.
The 5 Things Backpacker’s Editor-in-Chief Takes on Every Trip
From indestructible socks to mood-boosting snacks, these are what made the cut.
See Backpacker’s 9 Favorite Products of 2021 in Action
Check out Shannon Davis's author page.
Liz “Snorkel” Thomas Is Our Hiking Icon
Thomas has thru-hiked more than 20 long trails, including the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide and Appalachian Trails (the Triple Crown). On top of that, she set a fastest known time on the AT for an unsupported woman and has completed dozens of urban thru-hikes as well. Now, she's joining Backpacker as a contributing editor. Here’s some of Thomas’s best advice and insight fed by more than 20,000 trail miles.
Meeting the Moment
BACKPACKER is committing to making a better world for all hikers.
Can a Warm-Weather Backpacker Learn to Love Winter?
Two fair-weather enthusiasts tear down their fear of the fourth season.
Editor’s Note: Take a Hike to the Polls
The results of this fall’s election could change the outdoors for a long time. Make a plan and make your voice heard.
Our Favorite Places on Earth: South Patagonia, Chile
A globetrotter reflects on a place that stopped him in his tracks.
A Hiker’s Guide to Not Hiking
With even local trails getting clogged, our editor has some advice for you that he hoped he’d never have to give.
BACKPACKER is Going Climate Neutral
We're not just going to talk the green talk, but walk it as well.
Editor's Note: Slow Trails
The most memorable trails can be the hardest to find. New Editorial Director Shannon Davis reflects on a trip through canyon country.
Chile: Private Patagonia – Puerto Toro
Take your pick of adventures from this major ferry stop about three hours from Natales: Beach camp next to a private glacier or paddle to a gem lake.
Chile: Private Patagonia – Cordillera Baguales
Escape to trekking and horseback riding nirvana on Patagonia's high plains.
Chile: Private Patagonia – Fjord De Las Montanas
Explore peak-lined Chilean waters by boat or by foot—in solitude.
Chile: Private Patagonia
Explore Chile's mind-bending terrain without joining the throngs on the popular trekker circuit. On this paddle/hike/horse adventure, you'll have glacier-chiseled fjords, sky-piercing mountains, and best-ever camping all to yourself.
Gear Review: Hestra Spring Ergo Grip Glove
The perfect spring skiing glove.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Boldog Glove
The perfect glove for those who demand everything.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Luminary Glove
Enemies: Wind, sweat, water. This gloves fights them all.
Gear Review: The North Face Work Glove
There is little these hearty gloves can't handle.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Superlight Mitt
Warm doesn't have to mean weight.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2012: Gloves
Need your hands? You need these.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2012: Headwear
Keep your noggin' warm or protected with these three hats and two helmets.
Gear Review: Bollè Synergy Helmet
An all-weather helmet with a unique double venting system.
Gear Review: Bern Macon Carbon Fiber Helmet
A helmet that's tough, but that you can forget you're wearing.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Dome Beanie
A slim, 100-percent polyester skull cap.
Gear Review: Dale of Norway Weatherproof Hat
A classic Norwegian wool hat with Teflon-treated yarn for enhanced water resistance and the windproof Gore liner.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Aria/ Transcendent Beanie
"It's a parka for your melon!"
Gear Review: Scarpa Tech Ascent
The ultimate boot for the long approaches and class 3+ scrambles.
Heroes: Rue Mapp, 40
This culture activist is bringing diversity to the outdoors.
Gear Review: Dynafit Feline Superlight
A lightweight trail runner that hits a sweet spot of precision, comfort, and protection.
Gear Review: Gerber Dime
A 10-piece multitool that weighs only 2.3 oz.
Gear: Eton Rukus Solar Sound System
Turn an iPod into a campground sound system.
Heros: Becca Stubbs, 21
Student and president of the Hiking Club at the University of Colorado, Boulder
Gear Guide 2012: Climbing Equipment
A lightweight, crag-tested collection for new climbers
Gear Guide 2012: Fly-fishing Gear
An affordable starter kit for backcountry anglers
Gear Guide 2012: Scarpa Reflex Climbing Shoes
A shoe that easily transitions from gym to sport climbing to bouldering to multipitch routes.
Gear Guide 2012: Mammut El Cap Helmet
A super safe helmet that you forget you're wearing
Gear Guide 2012: Trango Smooth Quickdraws Carabiner
Big and beefy carabiners
Gear Guide 2012: Metolius Climbing Safe Tech Comp Harness
A harness that's great for both beginners and experts
Gear Guide 2012: Petzl Xion 10.1 Climbing Rope
Deemed a 'go-to workhorse rope' by the editors of Climbing Magazine
Gear Guide 2012: Adventure Travel Gear
A duffel, shirt, and water purification system that make the life of an adventure traveler that much safer and easier.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Backcountry Snowboarding
The ultimate splitboard set-up
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Gloves & Mittens
Keep your digits warm through any cold-weather outing.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Touchtec Sensor Glove
Thanks to specially treated leather on the palms and fingertips, these gloves are gadget friendly...but still warm.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Mt. Baker Modular Mitt
Two-layer insulated mitts lined with both synthetic fill and fleece.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Enforcer Waterproof Gloves
Great winter climbing gloves thanks to a Gore-Tex lining and EVA padding across the knuckles.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Venta LT Gloves
Leather/softshell gloves that weigh less than a Clif bar.
Gear Review: Stoic Forge Gloves
These all-purpose gloves cost less than $90.
Readers' Choice 2012: Your Neck of the Woods – Midwest Hikes
Climb dunes, find instant solitude, camp atop riverside bluffs, ascend to surprising above-treeline views, and hike along the St. Croix River.
Readers' Choice 2012: Top 3 – Midwest Hikes
This region's top mapper has notched 20 bag nights and 200 trail miles in 9 states this year scouting trails for BACKPACKER. Here are three of his favorite routes.
Survival: Carbon-Dioxide Poisoning
Ventilate your tent to avoid this danger.
Gear Review: Patagonia Lightweight Sun Hoody
This polyester jersey is loose and meshy while still being a great sun barrier.
So You Wanna Be a Mountain Guide
Tryout tips from a Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. Veteran
Are You Tough Enough?
Every backpacker dreams of a glory job in the outdoors. Senior Editor Shannon Davis heads to Mt. Rainier--and a grueling tryout with premier guide operation RMI--to find out what it takes to make the grade.
Local Hikes: Midwest
Hike these long trails in Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and head south to Texas to see Horned Lizards.
Local Hikes: Midwest
Discover east Texas's longleaf pine forest; see the Boundary Waters on foot.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2010: Bargains
Sometimes, it's the little things that count.
Gear Review: High Sierra Wheeled Double Decker Ski and Snowboard Combo Bag
Keep all your equipment in one place with this durable ski and snowboard bag.
Gear Review: SOLE Exhale Slippers
Ditch your hiking boots for these fleece-lined slippers and relax.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2010: Gloves & Mitten
Keep your fingers warm and functional this winter with these five digit warmers.
Gear Review: Flylow Tough Guy Gloves
Gloves that are rugged and cheap.
Gear Review: Columbia Carabineer Gloves
Gloves made with thermal-reflective Omni-Heat lining.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Virago Mitt
Tuck chemical handwarmers in these mitts for long-lasting heat.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardware Pistolero Gloves
Tough gloves that still let you use your fingers for delicate tasks.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Alpha SV Gloves
The best gloves for wet and cold we tested.
Gear Review: Brooks-Range Backcountry Multi-Tool
Cut your tool bag in half with this compact multi-tool.
Gear Review: Freedom of the Hills Playing Cards
Cut camp boredom with these playing cards.
Gear Review: Joshua Tree Climbing Salve
Fight rough effects on your skin with this moisturizing climbing salve.
Local Hikes: Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
The best hikes near Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Local Hikes: Columbus, OH
The best hikes near Columbus, OH.
Local Hikes: Austin, TX
The best hikes near Austin, TX.
Local Hikes: Milwaukee, WI
The best hikes near Milwaukee.
Local Hikes: Chicago, IL
The best hikes near Chicago.
Local Hikes: St. Louis, MO
The best local hikes near St. Louis.