Skills

The internet is in a panic over a huge invasive plant that can cause severe burns and temporary blindness. Here's what hikers should keep in mind.

Learn how to treat poison ivy exposure and avoid it altogether, and brush up on the science behind the backcountry's least-loved vine.

Nature can be brutal. Learn how to to deal with wounds from all kinds of thorns, spines, splinters, shards, quills, needles, and anything else that might get under your skin when you’re on the trail.

There's calorie density, nutritional profile, and bulk to consider. But it has to taste good, too.

Everyone does it. But it takes a special kind of hiker to make tripping look good.

Great photography is more accessible than ever, thanks to affordable camera tech. But you still need the know-how to use it.

Strengthen joints and banish sprains for good.

Turn up the fun factor with stuffed fruits and veggies. Best part? No dishes required.

Can a landlubber learn to paddle—and like it?

Get a backwoods kind of quiet—even when you drive there.

Trail art or nuisance? We answer your questions about backcountry sculpture.

Gear up for the United States' toughest long path with these expert picks.

There are many kinds of bears in the world. Which matches your personality?

Avoid common mistakes with these tips and tricks for planning, hiking, and camping, and make your first—or next—trek problem-free.

Tyvek Home Wrap is a DIY backpacker’s dream. It’s cheap, sturdy, waterproof, and it weighs about .2 ounce per square foot—ideal for making your own A-frame tarp tent.

Few devour distance like Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy, who holds the overall speed record on the Appalachian Trail. Here are his tips for wringing more miles out of the day.

Are hiking dresses, skirts, and kilts more than a novelty? I freed my legs to find out.

Packing a backpacker for a multi-day trip can be tough. Here's a guide to getting it right the first time.

Build up your abs for better balance and all-day comfort on the trail.

Protein helps your body maintain muscle mass, prevents next-day soreness, and sustains energy. Pack it in with these filling, recovery-boosting recipes.

A hiker makes a Leave No Trace confession, and we're here to dole out penance—and a piece of advice.

Ditch summer camp for these five excellent adventures, where young women gain wilderness skills and the confidence to use them from real outdoor role models.

While it’s nice to share, you don’t want to share with a bear.

One option: Skip it entirely.