The 4 Ways to Feed Yourself on a Thru-Hike: Gas Stations, Mail Drops, Dehydrators, and Dealer’s Choice
Whether you're a Mountain House fanatic or dehydrate your entire menu yourself—here's how to keep your energy levels stable on trail.
Beginner Skills
Ready to take the leap from car camping and day hikes to overnight backpacking? Feel prepared for your first multi-day backcountry adventure with advice from our trail experts written specifically with the new backpacker in mind. We’ll teach you the beginner skills you need to plan your trip, pack appropriately, navigate the trail, hike with kids, set up your campsite, poop in the woods and more.
The Total Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking
Dayhikes are wonderful, but you’ve decided to make the leap and sleep outside. No car, no campground, just you, your hiking partner, and a tent. Here’s how to pull off your first backpacking trip without a hitch.
Latest in Beginner Skills
Ask a Thru-Hiker: How to Hitchhike Safely
We've been warned against hitchhiking our entire lives—but on a long trail, sometimes it's the best option.
Leave No Trace: The Hiker’s Guide
We could all tread a little lighter on the trail. Learn what to do—and what not to do—in this round-up of Leave No Trace tips, tricks, and stories.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What Do I Need to Know About Leave No Trace?
Most thru-hikers are careful about LNT rules—but a few scofflaws can make us all look bad.
Don’t Make These 5 Common Leave No Trace Mistakes
Forgetting to plan ahead, leaving social trails, and 3 more ways errors backpackers make.
Yes, You Can Hike Off-Trail Without Wrecking the Environment
We talked to Leave No Trace about the best ways to bushwhack.
Stop Wrestling With Your Tent: Here’s What Beginners Need to Know About Setting Up Camp
Perfect your camping setup with these tips.
Stop Tossing and Turning: Use Science to Sleep Like a Rock in the Backcountry
Can science—and a fine-tuned gear setup—help you sleep better? Let's give it a try.
How to Choose Your First Campsite
Find the perfect spot to pitch your tent with these tips.
10 Foolproof Tips For Camping With Kids
Camping with kids can be unpredictable and messy. But, with a lot of love (and sometimes, a little blackmail), it can be a lot more fun.
What Is Thru-Hiking?
We dive deep into this backpacking cultural phenomenon.
How to Tie Hiking Boots and Avoid Injuries
Keep your feet snug and comfortable with these step-by-step directions for common hiking boot lacing techniques.
16 Ways to Be (and Feel) Less Gross on Your Next Backpacking Trip
Stay fresh, whether you’re out for a few miles or a few thousand.
This Is a Record-Setting Thru-Hiker’s Best Advice for Beginners
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the most popular columns from thru-hiker Liz "Snorkel" Thomas.
Stay Safe by Learning to Predict the Weather in the Backcountry
Harness the power of observation and the fundamentals of meteorology to make short-term forecasts on your next hike.
Is Sleeping Naked Really Warmer?
It sounds ridiculous, but some backpackers swear they sleep warmer when they slide into their sleeping bags in the buff. We get to the naked truth of it.
Layering for Winter Hikes: How to Dress for Warmth on the Trail
Master the art of layering to keep comfy all winter.
The Secrets to Booking Those Really Coveted Campsites (Which You Should Be Doing ASAP)
It’s February, which means you’d better start reserving campsites for August now. We have a few tips for you.
How To Treat a Sprained Ankle in the Backcountry
In the backcountry, a rolled ankle can spell trouble. Learn how to tell minor sprains from major injuries and what to do if you’re hurt.