Backcountry Skating Is Your New Favorite Winter Sport
'Tis the season for a wintry multisport adventure. Here’s how to take to the ice safely.
Multisport Skills
Backpacking leads us to amazing places we otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience, and sometimes these special locations allow for off-trail activities. Enhance your next backpacking trip by trekking to a mountain lake for a day of backcountry fishing or by climbing a technical roped route to bag your next peak. Learn essential multisport skills with fishing, rock climbing and water sport tips and how-tos from the editors at Backpacker Magazine.
What I Wish I Knew Before My First Mountaineering Trip
Here's what a lifelong backpacker learned when she ventured into bigger terrain.
Latest in Multisport Skills
Start Packrafting Now With This Best-in-Class Gear
Not satisfied with stopping at the river’s edge? Unlock new wilderness with this lightweight waterfaring setup.
How to Packraft Your Way to Multisport Adventure
Can a group of novice packrafters make it out of Canyonlands in one piece?
Backcountry Skiing: The Backpacker Guide to Chasing Wild Snow
Like the backcountry in the summer? You'll love it in the winter. Take your first steps into the world of backcountry skiing the safe and fun way with this advice from Backpacker.
Why Do So Many Thru-Hikers Become Trail Runners?
Many of the skills involved with long hiking also lend themselves to going faster on trails.
Afraid of Getting Stuck? Here’s How to Drive the Gnarliest Roads to Trailheads
Don't get stuck in the mud. Learn to evaluate road hazards, overcome obstacles, and navigate the unpaved passages between your front door and your next adventure.
Backcountry Fly Fishing Is Easier Than You Think
Why settle for just one pastime? Add a sport that’s simultaneously exciting and relaxing to your backpacking trips by catching your first trout.
Master Rocky Ascents With These 6 Steps to Safe Rock Scrambling
Going off-trail on steep, rocky terrain? There's a way to do it safely.
How to Safely Summit Rainier Without a Guide
Taking your first unguided step onto a big mountain is a leap of faith. Backpacker editor (and retired guide) Shannon Davis tells you how to do it right.
How to Conquer Your First Slot Canyon Without Dying
You don’t need a rope and harness to explore nature’s labyrinths. Fall is prime time in canyon country—take advantage of the dry weather and take your hiking to a new level.
Pass/Fail: Master Glacier Travel
A longtime hiker faces her fears to level up her adventure resume.
How to Start Trail Running
Looking for the fastest route to deep backcountry? Lace up your sneakers, ditch the heavy pack, and run your favorite trails with advice from Gina Lucrezi, two-time winner of the Leadville Silver Rush 50 and holder of the women’s fastest known time on Mt. Whitney’s Standard Route (5 hours, 29 minutes, 22 seconds car to car).
Why You Should Start Snowshoeing This Winter
Going slow on the snow can help you relish the smallest details.
Hit Backcountry Lakes and Rivers With This Perfect 6-Piece Paddling Kit
Gear up for trips on all types of water.
Pass/Fail: SUP Into Camp
It’s just like backpacking, but with a paddleboard instead of boots. Right?
How to Start Canoe Camping
Grab a paddle to access quiet coves, mirror lakes, or exhilarating rapids. Best part: You can pack like you’re car camping when you trade boots for a boat.
How to Play Backcountry Bocce
The best backpacking game is the one you don't have to carry.
Master the Basics of Backcountry Ski Touring
See more—and have more fun—this winter with these gear and technique trips.
Backcountry Skiing 101: Plan a Tour on CalTopo
Learn how to find a great backcountry skiing zone and create a custom map with this guide to CalTopo.
Pass/Fail: Pull a Sled
Snow opens up new options for hauling gear, but that doesn’t always mean you should use them.
How to Hike Mountains (Safely!) in Winter
Who needs an off-season? Take on the challenge with Colorado mountain guide Jason Antin's top tips for alpine travel in the fourth season.
Pass/Fail: Go Bikepacking
Triple the mileage with next to nothing on your back? A longtime hiker tries two-wheel camping to figure out the catch.
Pass/Fail: Become a Local
Whether you’re visiting a mountain town or moving in, it’s only natural to want the natives to accept you. But how far out of your comfort zone are you willing to go to get there?
Fly Fishing is Your Ticket to Bonding With the Backcountry
Learn more about what goes on beneath the surface by casting a line.
Kokopelli Rogue-Lite
This is one tough packraft.
How to Have Fun in a Canoe
Can a landlubber learn to paddle—and like it?
You: 1. Rain: 0.
Don’t let Mother Nature keep you inside. Take it from these pros who adventure rain or shine. With their tips, there’s no such thing as bad weather.
How to Canoe Camp
Trading your boots for a boat? Heed these hints to makes sure you’re never up a creek without a paddle.
Kokatat Poseidon
Customizable PFD
Seal Line Bulkhead Compression Drybag
Best storage
Bending Branches Expedition Plus
Canoe paddle
AIRE BAKraft Hybrid
Self-bailing packraft
Old Town Predator PDL
Leg-powered paddlecraft
Red Paddle Co Explorer
Packable SUP
Dagger Stratos 14.5L
Touring kayak
Sea Eagle TC16 Travel Canoe
Inflatable Canoe
Harmony Stowaway Beach Cart
Load-bearing Cart
Climbing the Grand Teton For a Cause
There’s no surer way to ensure a successful trip than hitting the mountains for charity.
SUP the Backcountry
Join the standup paddleboard craze and enjoy an above-water vantage for everything from rising trout to streamside wildlife.
How To Go Fly Fishing | Cheat Sheet
Need an excuse to spend all day exploring an idyllic mountain stream? Grab a rod and get hooked on fly fishing with these 10 tips to get you started.
The Best Beginner Rock Climbing Gear of 2015
Start right with this bargain kit—helmet, harness, shoes, rope, and belay device—assembled by the editors of Climbing magazine.
The Best Beginner Canoeing Gear of 2015
This starter setup costs less than $1,300 and will last for years.
Harmony Genesis PFD
This PFD offers flotation and fit without spendy extras.
Bending Branches Loon 54 Paddle
It’s exactly what an entry-level paddle should be: simple, light, and affordable.
SealLine HP Waterproof Map Case
Keep your maps and permits dry and organized in these clear urethane cases.
SealLine Boundary Portage Pack
Portages are easier with this giant, tough, leakproof dry bag.
Mad River Journey 167 Canoe
A new three-layer material makes the Journey 167 canoe family-tough and budget-friendly.
The 3 Best Ski Helmets For $100
The best skiing helmets are equal parts warm, breathable, and streamlined—but you shouldn’t have to break the bank to get one. Our backcountry skiing expert rounded up the best brain buckets for an easy $100. Money in the bank!
Catch a Golden Trout
Check out Casey Lyons's author page.
Traverse a Glacier Safely
Learn to identify the terrain hazards of glaciers to stay safe in ice country.
Master Class: Explore Slot Canyons
Use canyoneering techniques to hike, scramble, and swim through a red-rock wonderland.
Rent or Own? Making Gear Choices
Don't (always) shell out for specialty gear.
Gear Review: Wenonah Royalex Spirit II Canoe
Paddle through any conditions with this durable canoe from Wenonah.
Gear Review: Immersion Research Long Sleeve Zephyr Paddling Jacket
Stay dry and comfortable with this breathable paddling jacket from Immersion Research.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Airpurge Dry Compression Sacks
Combine all the benefits of a dry bag and compression sack and you get the Airpurge Dry Compressions Sacks from Outdoor Research.
Gear Review: Bending Branches Sunrise Glass Kayak Paddle
Go lightweight with this adjustable kayak paddle from Bending Branches.
Gear Review: Perception Expression 11.5 Sea Kayak
Get flexibility for a bargain with this sea kayak from Perception.
Gear Review: Kokatat Maximus PFD
Re-think your preconceptions with this comfortable PFD from Kokatat.
Gear Review: Innova Swing II Inflatable Kayak
This inflatable kayak from Innova combines storage benefits and a hard-shell-like deck.
Gear Review: Sperry Top-Sider SON-R Sounder Shandal
Grip and draining combine in this hybrid shoe from Sperry Top-Sider.
Gear Review: Wilderness Systems Zephyr 160 Sea Kayak
This sea kayak from Wilderness Systems gives you the comfort and storage space necessary for a multi-day journey.
High Country Fly Fishing Gear
If you're hiking deep into the mountains where lakes abound, you're missing the boat if you don't catch your supper. Here are seven items that perform and pack well for excellent backcountry fly fishing..
Heroes: Kyle Maynard, 26
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is plenty hard with two strong legs. Imagine crawling to the top, like the first congenital quadruple amputee to reach the summit.
Gear Guide 2012: Old Town Saranac 160 XT Canoe
This budget-friendly boat made from durable thermoformed polyethylene offers a plush ride for everyday paddling.
Gear Guide 2012: Kokatat Aries Life Vest
The low-profile, adjustable PFD features soft, PVC-free foam, which molds around your body for custom-fit-like comfort.
Gear Guide 2012: Wenonah Super Seat Canoe Chair
Keep your butt happy on long canoeing trips with this add-on seat.
Gear Guide 2012: AIRE Outfitter II Inflatable Kayak
An inflatable kayak with multiday gear-carrying capacity and legit whitewater stability
Gear Guide 2012: Alpacka Denali Llama
A one-person pack raft
Gear Guide 2012: Nova Craft Prospector 17 Expedition Canoe
A 17-foot boat for paddlers who rank long-haul performance over short-course speed.
Outdoor Retailer Roundup: Climbing Gear
Shoes that stick, rope worth investing in, and a Grigri 2 overhaul.
Ultimate Adventure Handbook: Explore a Slot Canyon
Explore wildly sculpted rock.
True Tales: Uncontrolled Slide Down an Icy Slope
A summer snow slope gives this reader the scare of his life.
Ski Strong: Kick Turn Like a Pro
Perfect this move for on-a-dime turns in steep, rugged terrain.
Ski Strong: Descend with Control
Stay safe with these six ski-down tips.
Ski Strong: Adjust Your Ski Poles
Use telescoping shafts for stability on any angle.
Ski Strong: Ski Any Snow Conditions
Change your technique and style to manage any snow conditions.
Select a Safe Route: Watch the Weather
All conditions affect avy potential. Check forecasts and assess risk.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide: Mountaineering Gear
All the top mountaineering gear, picked for you by the editors of Climbing magazine.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Ice Gear
We teamed up with sister publication Climbing to bring you the best ice climbing gear.