Beginner Skills

My first thru-hike attempt didn’t end the way I wanted. Here are the lessons I’ll bring to my next one.

Bringing your little nugget into the woods for the first time can be intimidating. Follow these tips for a safer, less stressful family adventure.

Optimize your diet and nutrition and you'll feel fresh, hike strong—and leave the Hiker Hobble behind for good.

Too cold to catch some rest? This simple hack provides a long-lasting boost of warmth—and works as well at home as it does on the trail.

Take back winter fun—no matter the weather—by learning how to keep your feet warm.

The longer you stay out, the more likely you are to see significant precip. You can get by with less protection in warmer weather, but in temps below about 65°F, you’ll need to suit up to stay safe. Here’s how to dress for the occasion.

Coming out of the woods tired and dirty is a rejuvenating experience. But it's possible to overdo a good thing. Take care of yourself on your next hike with these five simple quality-of-life hacks, and you'll reap the benefits.

Spending a day on the trail is one thing, but for those who have never camped before—or don't do it often—letting their guard down and snoozing in the great outdoors is a big leap. Make it a little easier with these tips.

Ever dreamed of working as a photographer, wildland firefighter, or gear designer? Six pros tell you what it takes to get their careers.

Cold fingers and toes cause quick misery in the backcountry. The key to feeling as warm as possible is keeping your digits toasty. Take care of your hands and feet and you’ll have a much more pleasant winter camping experience.

The fourth season’s rewards—unparalleled solitude and otherwordly views—don’t come easy. Use this advice from Colorado ski guide Mia Tucholke to handle the cold and witness the season’s splendor.

Two fair-weather enthusiasts tear down their fear of the fourth season.

Taking a dip in a backcountry lake? Stop and think about what you're wearing.

It can't all be sunsets and bear encounters. Thru-hikers spend most of their time doing one thing: walking.

There are many challenges to backpacking, but packing your sleeping pad shouldn't be one of them.

Thru-hiking lingo isn’t just code, it’s a window into how people backpack.

Is all that extra breathability worth exposing your feet to sun, bugs, and toe stubs?

Want to go really, really light? Take a hint from a guy who finished the Long Trail in less than 5 days.

The trail is for everyone. Experience it your way by learning your limits and planning ahead.

Work! Altitude! Traffic! Sometimes it seems like the universe is conspiring against your hiking plans. Here's how to subdue those hazards and 18 other trip killers to keep your weekends sacred.

It's the perfect time to tackle one of these indoor DIY projects to set yourself up for a great hiking season.

Taking a kid along on a 211-mile hike takes more than a little practice. Is it worth it?

If you want to appreciate how your body feels, rather than looks, on the trail, you have to let it all hang out.

Hike with efficiency, speed, and intention, and you’re sure to accomplish your thru-hiking goals. Here’s how to plan your pace and fight lollygagging tendencies to reach the terminus before winter does.

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

An early-season snow sends a hiker into delicate territory.

Start reconnecting with Mother Earth by learning to forage your dinner in the wild.

A forgotten WAG bag leads to a smelly situation on Mt. Whitney.

With little preparation, any fit canine can handle the alpine. Here's what you need to know.

Doing a number two outside can be a fraught topic for kids. But it doesn't have to be.

Find trail bliss with expert advice from Hike It Baby's Jessica Carrillo Allatorre

Choose the right challenge with expert advice from Family Channel editor, Lisa Jhung

Expert advice on choosing trails for families with babies to teenagers, and all ages in between.

Get your teens psyched on hiking with expert advice from BACKPACKER Editor-in-Chief, Dennis Lewon

Experience begets skill—and blind spots, ruts, and inefficient routines. Just because you’ve taken to doing something one way doesn’t mean it’s the right way. From crossing a river to leading a group, there’s a better way.

Unlearn your bad hiking habits today with these simple, instant changes to your routine.

Plan your trips better and enjoy yourself more.

Battle blisters and learn to pack a sensible first aid kit.

The wilderness can be a hazardous place, but the biggest danger to you is, well, you.

Stay away from bears and show some respect for the humble mouse.

Your gear is your lifeline. Pack it right and maintain it correctly for a fun, hassle-free trip.

Can two hikers keep their feet happy while splashing through creeks for days?

Even with no agenda, a spontaneous day trip serves up many rewards

Tomatoes: tasty food, lousy fireworks.

How to make it more bonding than battle zone.

Use these tips and trips to find backcountry peace and quiet, no matter where you live.

Finding adventure inside and outside will keep the kids entertained all season long.

For versatility and affordability, nothing beats a tarp. With an 8-by-10-foot piece of nylon, some paracord, stakes, a trekking pole, and a little ingenuity, you can make a shelter to withstand any weather.

Are mother and son ready to trade the crib for a tent?

Turn a day at the beach into a trip to the magical world of ocean life.

Say good-bye to food overflows and ineffective bear bags, and fend off unwanted visitors with these tips.

You don’t have to be a planner to start a thru-hike, but you’ll turn into one if you want to finish. Such is the wisdom of Amanda “Zuul” Jameson, who has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, and Grand Enchantment Trails and now helps fellow trekkers dial in their gear.

Don’t stay inside just because it's messy outside But you can make cleanup easier with these simple tips.

Make the most of every outing by knowing what your kids can and can’t do.

If you want a great family camping vacation in summer, you'd better make reservations in winter.

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.

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.

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 lucky professionals, it's a living.

What do you do when you've packed too much fuel for your camp stove? Definitely not this.

Go ahead, get cozy: These expert tips will help you winterize your cold-weather camping game. Keep your core (and your gear) warm in the coldest weather with this ultimate guide.

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

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

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

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

Staying clean on the trail might feel like a waste of time—it's just a little stench, right? But for just a few grams, you can bring everything you need to stay not-gross between trailheads.

Dogs can be excellent company on outdoor adventures, but only if you plan properly. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know, bring, do, and avoid to optimize the fun for both you and your pet.

When you're putting your body through the strain of 5 months on the trail, you need to take care of it.

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

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

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

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.

One option: Skip it entirely.