How to Purify Water on the Trail
No one likes getting belly troubles from drinking dirty water. Ward them off with these simple strategies.
Author
Zoe Gates
Zoe Gates is a senior editor at Backpacker where she specializes in skills and survival stories. An avid hiker, skier, and mountain biker, Zoe has recreated across the U.S. and beyond. Her favorite trail snack is gummy worms.
My Stories
14 Amazing Tree Facts to Impress Your Hiking Partners
Trees are remarkable. Wow your hiking partners with these fun facts.
Why Lightning is More Dangerous Than You Thought
You might not know this about lightning—don't put yourself at risk.
My Friend Max Died Trying to Cross a River. Now, His Parents Want to Build a Bridge.
A footbridge on this San Diego Trail would prevent more hikers from befalling a similar fate, and honor their son.
26 Amazing Nature Facts to Impress Your Hiking Partners
Nature is wild. Wow your hiking partners with these fun facts.
SAR’s Secret Weapon: An Ultra-Running Volunteer
Ultrarunner Jeremy Humphrey could move effortlessly through the mountains. But when a hiker went missing in his home range, he decided to put his skills to a higher use.
We Successfully Summited—But the Descent Almost Killed Us
Check out Louisa Albanese's author page.
Say Bye to Stains With These Tips for Cleaning Insulated Bottles
Say goodbye to mildew when you give your water bottle proper care.
Glade Prospect
The best overall eyewear of 2021.
Zeal Optics Avon
The most versatile eyewear of 2021.
Rheos Coopers
The best value eyewear of 2021.
Smith Lowdown 2 Core
The most eco-friendly eyewear of 2021.
The 4 Best Sunglasses of 2021
Enjoy the sunshine with these shades.
Women in the Backcountry Don’t Need Your Help
Every woman who hikes has been the target of mansplaining—and Backpacker editors are no exception.
Roll Out for Faster Recovery
Recover better with these tips to use a foam roller and give your muscles some TLC.
Hiking in the Desert? Don’t Bust the Crust!
Cryptobiotic soil is essential to arid ecosystems. Here’s how to protect it.
No, the Hiker Hobble is not a New Dance Craze
Optimize your diet and nutrition and you'll feel fresh, hike strong—and leave the Hiker Hobble behind for good.
Recipe: Everything Spiced Nuts
One of our favorite backpacking snacks gets a bagel-themed makeover.
How to Keep Your Feet Warm in Winter
Take back winter fun—no matter the weather—by learning how to keep your feet warm.
6 Ways a Ski Strap Can Save You in Winter
Six reasons why you should always pack a ski strap on winter trips.
The Long Haul
What does it take to plan a for a record-setting thru-hike attempt? A Calendar-Year Triple Crown hopeful spills.
How to Sharpen and Maintain Your Backpacking Knife
Keep this essential gear item in tip-top shape.
Want to Make the Outdoors Better This Black History Month? Support These Groups.
They're fighting the good fight to create a more welcoming and racially just outdoor community.
4 Delicious Dandelion Recipes for Aspiring Foragers
Experiment with three wild recipes.
4 Portable Camping Games You Can Play in Your Tent
Downtime in camp has never been so fun.
Spice Up Your Next Long Hike With These 10 Ultralight Recipes
These recipes will fuel you for the long haul.
How Do the Fat Bears Get So Fat, Anyway?
The chubby champions of Fat Bear Week pack on hundreds of pounds in a few short months. How they do it comes down to a magical combination of location, experience, and timing.
4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know
For versatility and affordability, nothing beats a tarp. With an 8-by-10-foot piece of nylon, some paracord, stakes, a trekking pole, and a little ingenuity, you can make a shelter to withstand any weather.