The Painful Science of Getting a Blister
Whether because of poorly-fitting shoes, moisture, or just bad luck, every hiker’s tangled with those raw, fluid-filled bumps. Science can tell you how they form—but can it stop you from getting them?
First Aid & Safety
Carrying the right first aid and safety gear can make all the difference in a backcountry emergency. Our gear experts field test the latest and best backcountry first aid and safety gear in every backcountry condition imaginable to help you decide what to always keep in your first aid kit.
Latest in First Aid & Safety
The Best Sunscreen Sticks for Any Outdoor Activity
Perfect for the on-the-go adventurer, these portable sticks make sunscreen application—and reapplication—easy
Should You Ski With an Avalanche Airbag?
We take a deep dive into a popular avalanche safety device.
Adventure Medical Kits Backyard Adventure Kit
The best kid-friendly med kit of 2021.
The Best Helmets for Ski Touring
These brain buckets provide lightweight protection on backcountry adventures.
Zamst JK-2 Knee Brace
You can say goodbye to pounding knee pain on downhills with this brace.
Wilderness First Aid Training Master List
Check out these companies to find training near you.
Gear Review: Adventure Medical Kits' S.O.L. 3 Survival, Medical & Gear Repair Pak
A first aid kit that can handle way more than blisters.
Gear Review: Z-Medica QuikClot Sport
Stop big bleeds fast.
Gear Review: Adventure Medical Kits Day Tripper
A handy, all-inclusive first aid kit
Ultralight First-Aid
Build your own superlight first aid kit
March 2008 Essentials Review: First-Aid Kits
Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by Julia Vandenoever's author page.
Gear: Accessories
From water purifiers to first-aid kits, these accessories are also essentials.