How to Do Everything

There are two ways to learn backpacking skills: 1) The hard way–in which you find out what a rattlesnake looks like when it’s about to sink its fangs into your ankle; and 2) the easy way–in which you learn from others’ mistakes. 

That’s what we’re here for. Pitching a tent in hurricane-force winds? We’ve done it. Losing dinner to a pack of hungry raccoons? Ditto. Spending an hour desperately trying to get a fire started? Check. Leave trial-and-error for the fun skills, like perfecting your margarita recipe. When it comes to essential wilderness techniques, we’ll show you how to do it right. The best part: There’s no test. Until you encounter that rattlesnake, of course.

Hike Better

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

Camp Better

Find water anywhere, make a fire in five minutes, learn secrets for battling mosquitoes, and master more essential skills. Read more.

Cook Better

Eat like a pro on the trail with our recipes for every course. Read more.

Pack Faster

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

Stay Healthier

Hike farther, faster, and pain-free with these training tips and exercises. Read more.

Fix Injuries

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

Hungry to learn more? Sign up for Backpacking 101, an online course from AIM Adventure U that teaches everything new hikers need to explore the wilderness on foot.