Skills

Learn to produce cascade shots that do justice to the real thing.

Our veteran hiker takes on the ultimate tricky guest: her never-been-backpacking, 64-year-old father.

The military has spent years studying the best way to move under a load (aka “rucking”). Here are 5 military rucking rules that translate well to hikers.

What to know, how to plan, and the best parks for tying the knot.

See more on a fast-and-fun blitz through the mountains with advice on how to prepare your legs, care for your feet, and refuel along the way.

It's easier than you'd think to eat paleo on the trail. These 9 paleo snack and meal recipes will have you focusing on the scenery, not your food.

A Yosemite park ranger shares his tips for getting the coolest job in the outdoors.

Did you know these little conveniences existed? Use them to create the best backpacking meals ever.

You've heard of food and wine pairings, but what about drink and place pairings? Match your morning brew to your campsite for a gourmet trailside treat.

Yes, spring weather can be wet. No, you shouldn’t stay indoors. Hit the trail with tips from Matt Schonwald, a rainy-day pro at Washington’s Back Country Adventure Guides.

It might not be Yellowstone, but the Inland Northwest provides plenty of opportunities to view some of the continent’s most majestic wildlife.

Can a needle newbie sew a DIY backpack that promises to save weight and money?

Add these versatile, lightweight ingredients to your pack to upgrade your backpacking meals.

Taking great nature photos is hard. These apps can help.

Forage away, but whatever you do, don't ingest any of these killer plants.

Practice at home, zoom in, and follow these other simple rules to score an intimate shot that captures an animal’s character.

Are your photos legal? Do you need a permit? We talked to lawyers and rangers to get the real scoop on national park photography rules.

Knots are a backpacker's best friend. Learn how to tie 8 essential knots with our step-by-step tutorials.

Do the hard work at home, then carry this luxurious meal base for a fun, easy first-night treat. We’ve given you four variations, but the trail potatoes possibilities are endless.

This easy, three-ingredient dessert is perfect for a backcountry birthday. Sub in dried cherries or blueberries for a different twist.

Learn these three knots to improve the pace and ease of setup on your hammock camping trips.

Say bye to the days of "I know it's in here somewhere." Because less mess in your gear closet means more hiking.

Stephen Matera spent 20 years dialing the cameras, lenses, and accessories he brings backpacking. We got him to open his pack and tell us what’s inside. Plus: His favorite gear, biggest mistakes, and more.

The best camera is the one you have with you. Shoot better photos by learning to use your phone's full capabilities.

Professional photographer Dan Holz shares his hard-won tips on how to protect your camera while backpacking any weather, even without a waterproof camera.

Professional outdoor photographer Ben Herndon shares his hard-won tips on building a career as an adventure photographer. Plus: His biggest mistakes, favorite gear, and more.

Start right with this bargain kit—helmet, harness, shoes, rope, and belay device—assembled by the editors of Climbing magazine.

This starter setup costs less than $1,300 and will last for years.

From feeling too tired to eat to finally giving up on personal hygiene, if you've been on a backpacking trip, you know what we're talking about here.

Just because you haven't showered in 5 days doesn't mean you can't feel like a million bucks. Use these 9 tips to stay fresh in the wilderness.

Thinking about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or other long-haul route? Don't miss these tips for lady backpackers from a Colorado Trail thru-hiker.

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!

Wouldn't it be great to have an outdoorsy BFF? Check out these places to meet new friends to hike with.

Backpack into the heart of Sequoia National Park to the beautiful snow-melted Pear Lake in Tokopah Valley.

Have a bun in the oven and love hiking? Here are some tips to continue hiking throughout pregnancy.

Jump into the way-back machine and check out this packing advice from November 1977.

Busting common myths about stretching, caffeine, and more.

Quick-and-easy trail food doesn’t have to be bland. Mix up some flavor-packed spice blends at home to kick your cooking to a new level of yum.

Toasting spices is a time-honored way to guarantee an even bigger flavor burst. Bonus: Hearty quinoa is a complete protein.

People are always impressed with this authentic-tasting Indian dish. Don’t tell ’em how easy it is.

This Buckeye favorite has rich mole flavors without being especially hot. It’s thinner than normal chili, and usually served over hot dogs or spaghetti.

Yeah, yeah, any workout is good fitness. But we think you'll agree: Hiking is just BETTER.

Upgrade your fitness by tackling one of these tough, close-to-home training hikes.

Don’t let mud season slow you down. Ultrarunner Jerry Armstrong shares his tips for staying out no matter the weather.  

Limber up with these ten essential stretches for hikers.

Prepare for the long haul with advice from Appalachian Trail speed record-holder Jennifer Pharr Davis.

Pick one of these 10-minute techniques to work on every day, and in no time, you'll be in your best trail shape ever.

Choose the best backpacking food with these simple tips from an expedition meal-planner.

Under a blanket of white, even familiar views can turn otherworldly. Here’s how to bring that fleeting beauty home.

6 key pieces of gear that go from gym to trail.

In hiking, as in life, clear goals are key to success. Here's how to set better hiking goals so you can complete the backpacking trips of your dreams.

Go beyond granola bars and make these energy-rich essential foods part of your trail diet.

Develop better flexibility and strength with these yoga poses for hikers and trail runners.

Learn these key hiking fitness principles to get the most out of your time on the trail.

What's your limit for endurance hiking? You won't until you push far beyond what you thought was possible. That's when things get interesting.

Choose your adventure - pack animal style.

Learn three different positions for answering nature's call in the backcountry.

On expeditions, the scent of fresh-baked bread is an unimaginable luxury. Here’s how to whip up a loaf.

Check out Casey Lyons's author page.

Bucket lists aren't just about views. Make a point to hear these 4 amazing animal sounds in the wild.

Why solo hiking lets you see the wilderness (and yourself) in a new way.

It looks sci-fi, but this optical phenomenon is entirely earthly, and yours to capture—if you’re ready for it.

Follow these 3 rules for the best walk of your life.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Learn to identify the terrain hazards of glaciers to stay safe in ice country.

Yes, you have to forego boil-in-a-bag convenience. But you won't regret the effort after eating this five-star spread.

This gourmet entree is high-end eatery good, but easy to make over a campfire.

This easy-prep appetizer is frontcountry fine, but easy enough to make at your campsite.

Forage wild berries and then use this guide to prepare killer backcountry meals.

Adapt this classic dessert for the backcountry.

Essential winter camping tips from a polar explorer.

Can our guy construct a winter shelter that’s strong, roomy, and warm? (Hint: No.)

Float through winter with tips from Heather Balogh, BACKPACKER’s lead snowshoe tester.

Don’t settle for chocolate. With a little work and planning, your backcountry dessert can be as grand as the scenery.