Beginner Skills

Tips on packing and planning for your first night under the stars.

Stay warm and fight the rain with three simple projects using this waterproof/breathable material.

Why should a backpacker want anything other than a tent? Michael Lanza can think of five good reasons.

Humans weren't built to sleep on snow. Defy nature and sleep soundly with these winter camping tips.

Hiking through the snow is beautiful, but not exactly easy. Use these tips to make your winter traverse all the more pleasant.

Especially in winter, getting there is half the battle. Find your way through the white with these tips.

The best defense is a good offense. Employ these tips before you ever leave home.

Our five-part plan to staying warm and well-fed in cold weather.

A chocolate bar that benefits hiking trails? Yes, please!

Yes: You should be eating eggs on the trail. Here are 7 great ways to do it.

We perked more than 100 caffeinated cups to find the best trail-brewtechnique. Here’s how to choose your method, gear, and grounds.

Multitasking dads will love this easy-sipping cup.

A rugged battery pack that will let him stay charged up and connected.

Turn an iPod into a campground sound system.

A camp throne built for long-term schlepping and chilling.

Haul your little one in this lightweight and customizable backpack kid carrier.

Extend your backpacking season: Here's how to stay warm and protect your gear.

Use these tricks to get your kids begging for another trip outside.

Take your backpacking to the next level. Our experts craft custom plans for readers who asked for help with navigation, winter camping, thru-hiking, and more.

Serve a 5-star meal that matches the scenery.

Goose down booties with a nylon shell that pack down super small.

Blisters are the most common on-trail injury, but blisters are also easy to prevent.

Your action plan to make high summer hiking and camping enjoyable.

Are plastic bags an immortal evil or a hiker's best friend?

When you're lost, your initial decisions will make the difference.

Transform your gear closet with 11 money-saving tips.

Bake without an oven! Build your own spice kit! A DIY guide to dining while summer camping.

From picking the right campsite to stargazing like a pro, these summer camping tips will ensure a restful overnight.

Once you've left camp, these tips and techniques will make your on-trail miles more enjoyable.

With a little pre-planning you can hit the trail and beat the crowds all summer long.

When your normal menu consists of overnight adventures, it's easy to forget key items that can derail your plans. These hints can help.

Don't own a massive pack for your big annual adventure? Here's how to make it all fit.

10 tips to make an average hike extraordinary

Our favorite toddler-hauler

The best way to tote your infant on a hike

Stop trailhead snafus with this pretrip checklist.

BACKPACKER's camping experts are coming soon to an outdoor shop near you. Learn what you can expect from this dynamic couple and their Get Out More clinics.

You'll be the life of the campfire with a few tips from the pros.

The most dangerous mistakes are the ones you don't recognize.

Don't let different hiking speeds tear your group apart.

How your cell phone calls for help even when you don't have service

How to light an expert blaze every time

Why Aron Ralston's survival required more than a multi-tool

Hit the ground hiking with this off-season checklist.

If Miss Manners backpacked, she'd agree with us.

Even the best backpack isn't comfortable if you don't fit and adjust it correctly. To start: Pick a pack that's the proper gender and general size for you. For example: women's small or men's medium.

A propane system that takes camp cooking to a whole new level.

Gear, gizmos, and doodads you never should buy

There are two basic ways of melting water: passive and active.

Site your stove a few steps from your tent, so you can conveniently melt snow or brew drinks. If you're camping in the same spot for several days (and in deep snow), dig out a snow kitchen.

Why you don't need to worry about snakes, spiders, and bears...and what you should worry about instead

Quick tips for your transportation of choice.

Meet our four cold-weather experts.

Pack this essential kit to handle your unpredictable gear mishaps.

Don't leave home without these winter camping essentials.

Our pros tell you how to set up a deluxe–yet weatherproof–winter basecamp.

Life's too short to be a three-season hiker. Follow these expert tips on staying warm, picking your route, and cooking savory meals--and add winter's deep solitude and frozen dreamscapes to your adventure calendar.

This thermos converts into an insulated mug whenever you're ready for a warm drink.

Boil water in minutes with this cookware.

I've made the mistakes so you don't have to.

Cut camp boredom with these playing cards.

Get out more this winter with the right pair of 'shoes.

You took the quiz - now see how you fared.

Are you overspending on gear? Here's how to get the right stuff at the right price.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

It's skis! It's a snowboard! It's a splitboard!

How 10 grassroots innovators are helping kids get active outdoors

No one takes a to-go cup on the trail. Unless it's one of these hardy thermoses or hot/cold bottles.

Upgrade any camp dinner with this medium-bodied wine.

A fork, knife, and spoon for the green and ultralight crowd.

The best instant coffee ever

A disposable grill for backcountry feasts

The perfect solo cookset

The ultimate winter camp shoe

Final words on the luxury side of winter

Rocky Mountain Editor and survival blogger Steve Howe gets you out of the house on your first winter camping trip with this seven-part how-to guide.

Cross the steeps safely and avoid avalanches with these guide-approved tips.

It's a big step. Here's how to do it right.

Plan right and you're bound for the best winter camping experience possible.