Skills

Many people fear that women hiking alone are particularly vulnerable to getting lost, hurt, assaulted, or raped in the wilderness. They're wrong.

If you're already a backpacker or hiker, you should be able to continue backpacking while pregnant. Here's some advice to get you going.

Love to catch, afraid to cook? This foolproof method is for you. Bring some bread to mop up what’s left of the juices.

This grown-up treat makes an awesome dessert, but also goes well with pancakes or oatmeal.

Yes, it’s heavy, but if your fire is hot enough to fully burn the husks and cobs, this crowd-pleaser is totally worth packing in.

Prep these at home for a delicious first-night treat.

Master exposing these high-constrast scenes to capture the outdoors at its best.

I tried outdoor experiences in Girl Scouts—and learned they were no fun. But thanks to new efforts, there’s still hope for the Brownies of the future.

Geocaching is a high-tech, GPS-enabled scavenger hunt—and getting started is easy.

Great outdoor gear doesn't have to cost a mint. Follow these five easy tips to fill your closet without emptying your wallet.

Rocks that look like sculptures deserve photos that look like art.

No forecast? No problem. Make your own with tips from our team of meteorologists.

Get fit—and have fun—on steep and technical terrain.

This hot, salty starter would be at home in a bar.

Primal meets gourmet with campfire cooking. Learn the key techniques for success with this Trail Chef primer on campfire cooking basics.

Fresh accessories help upgrade the backcountry version of this classic Middle Eastern meal. Got leftovers? One word: breakfast. 2 servings

East meets South in this filling finger food. Option: Sub in tofu for a vegetarian version of these chicken tacos.

Go beyond ramen to fulfill your noodle cravings. By skipping the fish sauce, this popular Thai treat works even for day seven.

These breakfast sammies are grab-and-go perfection. Croissants are actually very rugged when flattened a bit, and they elevate every filling.

This delicious snack is quick enough to whip up mid-hike, and doubles as a sandwich spread.

Once you make your own real honey mustard, you'll never go back—addiction guaranteed.

Yes, you can have this living room luxury in the wilderness.

Don’t let nay-sayers stop you from going exploring with your infant.

It’s messy, noisy, and twice the hassle of hiking by yourself. But take your toddler on the trail, and the memories will last you the rest of your life.

Want to pass on your love of hiking to your munchkins? Start them early.

Join the standup paddleboard craze and enjoy an above-water vantage for everything from rising trout to streamside wildlife.

Is hiking without a headlamp a midsummer night’s dream—or a nightmare?

Get fit for your next adventure even while you're stuck in town with these tips from a pro trainer.

Cross-training at the gym got you in a monotonous slump? Give these 10 summer sports a try for a fun way to boost your backpacking game.

[Sponsored] The steeper the climb, the higher the peak, the more accomplished you feel.

Get a better night's sleep with a clutter-free, well-situated shelter.

Show off your friends’ alpine accomplishments with shots that capture the full glory of a trip to the mountains.

Are outdoors workouts the key to fun fitness for hikers? Our man tries a new fitness philosophy in an effort to ditch the gym forever.

Get in touch with your inner hunter-gatherer and have the best backcountry dinner that's entirely from nature. It's the ultimate survival test.

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.

Make plans to be in the backcountry for these awe-inspiring night sky events this season.

Looking for a national park-inspired read this summer? Look no further.

Death, taxes, and blisters? Not so fast. Here are ten ways to avoid every backpacker's pet peeve.

Start your day off right with these hearty, filling meals that still leave you plenty of time to hit the trail early.

There’s no mess with this easy-to-eat treat (unless you let a photographer make it)—the toppings are inside.

Kale provides a nutritional boost and fiber, while cheese adds a salty kick and a bit of protein.

This lazy breakfast is ideal for a cold morning when hands and tummies need warming.

The classic yogurt and granola breakfast bowl goes hot.

Who hasn't dreamt of working in a national park? Make it happen with one of these fulfilling career paths.

Get ready for adorable: These are the 10 cutest animals in the national parks, according to our scientific rankings. You know you can’t resist.

Never hike alone again with this handy guide to convincing key people in your life to hit the trail with you.

Mind the inedibles when you’re snacking at the backcountry buffet.

BACKPACKER Trail Chef Jennifer Bowen has 20 years of culinary experience, including cooking for trail crews in the high country of Yosemite. Follow her tips for better meals on every trip.

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.