Beginner Skills

Turn snowy hikes into (responsible) treasure hunts by learning to recognize wildlife prints

How to find the right camp for your kids—and how to know if they're ready.

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

First of all, should you?

Yes, hiking is wonderful and nature is grand. But when you’re walking for months at a time, you will eventually get bored. Our thru-hiker explains how to deal with trail fatigue.

Thru-hiking a long trail is hard enough without constantly second-guessing yourself along the way. Our writer shares her strategies for banishing worries before and during your hike.

Bringing the wrong kind of clothes or food is a quick ticket to a hefty pack—but don’t go too far.

A hiker's conservation sin leaves him lost.

We've created a plan to help you upgrade your trail time in all the ways that matter: bigger views, more solitude, easier miles, and more. Don’t hang up your boots until you’ve mastered this definitive list of 10 skills and life-altering experiences.

You can do it! Here’s how—with tips from Scott and Jenny (and Raven and Evergreen) Jurek.

The backcountry doesn't close when its cold outside. Make the most of the snowy season with our help.

You spend your weekends in the wilderness. For these professionals, it's a living.

What do you do when you've packed too much fuel for your camp stove? Definitely don't pour it on the ground.

15 expert tips on how to winterize your cold-weather camping game, thrive and survive. Keep your core (and your gear) warm in the coldest weather with this ultimate guide.

Close a wound, remove a tick, prevent poison ivy rash, and more essential tips.

From navigation to staying dry to predicting the weather, our primer will have you dialed.

We'll show you how to be ready for the the trail in 20 minutes, guaranteed. Now gear up.

Venturing beyond the lift line? Here's what to bring, courtesy of professional skier Jess McMillan.

Youngsters can hike further than they think (bribes help).

Before you let your dog roam free, you have some important questions to answer.

Make sure you never get lost again by mastering the underappreciated art of navigating with a compass and map.

Tired of premade beef stew? Try these Egyptian-, Bolivian-, and French-inspired dishes on your next trip.

Learn how to pack your backpack properly, comfortably and conveniently to make your next multi-day hike a gem.

With blazes blanketing much of the western US, we sourced some expert tips for staying safe on the trail.