Save Your Feet: How to Prevent Foot Problems
You think thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is a long walk?
Gear
Gear
Jacket Review: EMS Thunderhead
You don't have to be a direct Mayflower descendant to appreciate a little Yankee thrift with this rain shell
Apparel Review: Arc'Teryx Switchback Pants
Look chic when you head for the alpine life.
Jacket Review: GoLite Phantom
Racing a storm to a peak is no time to whip out an inferior rain shell.
Jacket Review: Sierra Designs Hurricane LT
This super-compact and affordable shell is perfect for the Southwest
Accessory Review: Sea to Summit Trekking Umbrella
You won't miss a thing with this piece of raingear.
Boot Review: Vasque Velocity
Pillows underfoot might be softer, but they won't last like these cushy shoes.
Salomon XA Pro 2
One of the lightest shoes in the test scores big with trail runners.
Boot Review: 6 Fast-Track Shoes
Ready, set, go. You'll literally run down the trail with these featherweight kicks.
Boot Review: Scarpa Alpha
No toes will be lost in these mountaineering boots.
Boot Review: Merrell Torque
Not a speed demon? These traditionalists are great for light hiking.
Boot Review: Tecnica Tricon
Ventilation and traction are a nice combo, but stability doesn't match the best.
Boot Review: Dunham Trail Mix
Even big guys with wide feet will feel agile with these supportive shoes.
Backpack Review: Exped Adventure Dry Pack
Stop lugging extra water weight. This pack comes with downspouts.
Boot Review: Montrail Masai
Let others wilt in the heat; your feet are air-cooled by these ventilated runners.
Common Sock Materials
Get the lowdown on what your socks are made of.
Gear TLC: Make Your Socks Last
Get more mileage from your stockings, on the trail and in the wash
Jacket Review: MontBell Thermawrap
This is one of the lightest three-season sleep systems we've seen
Offshore GPS: How to Navigate in the Water
New tools for water navigation: Strap one to your thwart, and you'll never paddle in circles again.
Sleeping Bag Review: EMS Mt. Light 20
This bargain bag could turn car campers into ultralight zealots.
Boot Review: Montrail Java GTX
These shoes can handle any terrain.
GPS Fast Fixes
Don't let your GPS unit stump you. Try one of these suggestions to get your unit trail ready.
A Cure For Latitude And Longitude: Using UTM Coordinates
Learn this mapping technique for better off-trail travel.
GPS Basics
What's GPS, how does it work and will it help you? Find answers to these questions and more!
Boot Review: L.L. Bean GTX Leather Cresta Hikers
They're not fancy, but they do the job.
Boot Review: Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimble
Boots ideal for summer fast-packing
Boot Review: Kayland Contact 1700
A boot that actually improves your agility
Boot Review: Lowa Biomex Vertex
New technologies make this pair of boots a standout.
Boot Review: Garmont Dakota Plus
Want a midweight that can tread in heavyweight terrain?
Boot Review: Asolo Fugitive
A top all-purpose midweight boot
Boot Review: Dunham Waffle Stomper Premier
A long lasting, hard working boot
Boot Review: Salomon Pro Trek 6 GTX
A well valued boot, great of every level of hiking.
Boot Review: Cabela's Perfekt Hiker
The cork-bed of your sandals in a boot.
Boot Review: Crispi All-Over Running
While these shoes aren't for running they are great on the trail or on the town.
Boot Review: Boreal Tundra
Boreal gives us a boot that provides stability and waterproofing.
Boot Review: La Sportiva Monarch Crest
Become geckolike the minute you slide into these shoes.
Boot Review: Asolo FSN 95
Given an Editors' Choice Award in 2001, this boot continues to be a great value.
Boot Review: Montrail D7
Whether you're on rocks or a grassy trail, you're sure to love these boots.
Boot Review: Teva Haze
Hike on the trail then run on the road with these versatile shoes.
Boot Review: Tecnica Vortex Mid TCY
Light and supportive all in the same package
Boot Review: Scarpa Light Ascent
These aren't Elvis' blue suede shoes.
Boot Review: Salomon Expert Low
Not the best for long days and heavy loads, but great for fastpacking.
Boot Review: Merrell Torque
If a short trip is your plan, grab these boots and go.
Boot Review: Five Ten Via Ferrata
Snow-covered trails are no match for this shoe
Boot Review: Garmont Nagevi XCR
You won't find a better all-purpose lightweight boot.
Sleeping Bag Review: Kelty Light Year 25
The comfortably roomy cut pleased all testers.
Sleeping Bag Review: REI Sub Kilo +20
This compact bag might leave you dodging cold spots during cold nights.
Get A Spine
No frame, no pain--if you try these simple backpack solutions.
Repack Your Bag
Sometimes gaining balance is as simple as adjusting the load in your pack.
Stone Cold Campers
They kill swiftly and silently. They flit like ghosts through enemy forests. And they will brew you a fine cup of cowboy coffee. Meet America's deadliest hikers as we hump ruck with the Special Forces.
How Pete Stays Dry (Beginner Skills) (Destinations Stories) (Skills) (Survival) (Weather)
3 waterproof secrets from veteran mountaineer Pete Takeda
Getting Navy SEAL Gear
How to acquire your very own Navy SEAL Protective Combat Uniform.
Maryland, Blackwater River
Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.
Oregon, Silver Falls State Park (Adventure Travel) (Destinations Stories) (Oregon) (Weather)
The beauty of this hike comes alive with the rain.
Utah, Glen Canyon
Receding water levels mean more miles of choice desert hiking and kayaking.
Stinky Bag No More
Make your sleeping bag smell laundry fresh.
Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Paddle blue inlets too new for any topo.
That Zesty Taste
Liven up your purified water.
Jiffypop Pan
This classic snack offers more then just a tasty treat for backpackers.
South Is Thata Way
Determine direction without your compass.
One Good Thing About Golfing
Who would have thought a piece of golf equipment could be really useful to backpackers?
Ultralighter's Pad
Here's the best way to make a lightweight and inexpensive camping mattress.
Think Outside The Bottle
10 surprising uses for your water bottle.
Make your trekking poles last forever
Try these easy cleaning tricks to keep using your hiking poles out on the trail longer.
Homemade, High-Tech Gear
A do-it-yourself guide for sewing space-age hats and other performance outdoor gear.
10 Best Bird Watching Hikes In America
Spring is for the birds. Here's where to find a flock near you.
How To Waterproof Your Boots
Waterproof boots can make the difference between a sick hike and a miserable slog.
Dead Flashlight Battery Blues
Keep your flashlights and headlamps alive longer with these trail tips.
Gear For A Dayhike (Food) (Skills)
10 essentials for long day adventures
Hot, Light, And Cheap: Homemade Camp Stove Contest Winners
The best ultralight cookers built by BACKPACKER readers.
Turn Small Sacks To Favorite Packs
Nine features that can turn a small sack into your favorite backpack.
Hiking And Kayaking Russia's Lake Baikal
Visitors to Siberia's Lake Baikal encounter endless coastline, brown bears, and exotic hiking to last a lifetime.
Kayaking Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula
Endless varieties of coral and birds await when you kayak the blue waters of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
The Science Behind Trekking Poles
Now here's scientific proof that trekking poles are a hiker's best friend.
Quick Tip: Rainfly Right (Skills)
Quick tips to set your tent with the right rainfly.
Field Fix: Tent Poles Apart
Tackle your tent pole problems with this quick tip.
Quick Tip: Tarp Tactics (Skills)
Tarp tips for the tactical hiker.
Understanding GPS
Using your GPS is easier than you think.
Rainy Day Skills (Skills)
To stay dry in a downpour, carry the right wet-weather gear and know how to use it.
How To Speak GPS
Common GPS terms you should know.