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Monthly Issue

Backpacker Magazine May 2015 Table of Contents

The country's best local hikes; America's youngest thru-hiker; hydration packs reviews; and more great content from the May 2015 issue of Backpacker.

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Features

Your Daily Tread
Lace up your boots: Here’s our new list of must-do hikes within a few hours’ drive of 12 major American cities. Edited by Casey Lyons

Kindergarten Can Wait
Thru-hiking a 2,000-mile trail might be one of the toughest feats of endurance in the outdoors. Just don’t tell this five year old. By Bill Donahue

The Upgrade: Gear Closet
Big space or small, get organized with these expert tips. By Maren Horjus

Catch Me If You Can
Our man journeys to the maze-like canyons around Navajo Mountain on the trail of a Diné headman who evaded the U.S. Army and became a legend. By David Roberts

The Play List

This month’s top trips and picks

The Experience: First Night of the New Season
It might be chilly—but you won’t regret it.

Done in a Day: Adrenaline Hikes
Thrill seekers will love these four scrambly trips.

Life List: Scotland’s Top Long Trail
Wander through the legendary highlands.

Insider’s Guide: Great Basin, NV
Ancient pines and alpine lakes await in America’s quietest national park.

Weekends
Hike part of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail in North Carolina, create your own path in Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park, and explore South Dakota’s badlands.

Skills

Stay Dry in a Storm
Enjoy spring rain with these expert tips.

Cheat Sheet: Navigation
8 ways to stay on track

Pass/Fail: Make a DIY Pack
Sewing your own gear is about as hard as it sounds.

Trail Chef: 3-ingredient Meals
Easy has never been so tasty.

Photo School: Wildlife Portrait
Zoom in on animals.

Survival

Out Alive: Hypothermic
An Alaska hiker pulls through a blizzard—barely.

Saved By: Trees
Make shelter, fire, and more with this abundant resource.

Den Mother: Snake Bite
Handle backcountry venom.

Gear

Hydration Packs
6 field-proven picks

Hammocks
Ultralight to ultra-stormproof

Field Notes
Tester picks and tips

Cover

Cathedral Peak, Yosemite National Park, CA, by Grant Ordelheide.

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

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