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.