Skills

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.

Your imagination is required to think about the future of our wilderness.

Animals are on the move in fall. Here's how to spot them on our next outing.

Let the sunlight stream in so your campmates look the way they feel: alive, refreshed, and free.

What to think about when shopping for winter sleeping gear.

In an excerpt from the new book The Art of Adventure, BACKPACKER's photo editor reflects on the magic of outdoor images—and the best ones that can never be printed.

How do you get good at hiking? Hike a lot. And we haven't met anyone who's logged more miles than Cam Honan.

Cool, clean, and treat with advice from Buck Tilton, Backpacker’s Medicine Man.

Bold flavors for the backcountry.

Jerky as an inspired way to treat meat and a great conduit for flavors.

Light and easy to carry, but with gourmet flavors.

Quick-prep, three-ingredient dinners.

No oven? No problem. Make cookies, muffins, bread, and more with these backcountry techniques.

Upgrade traditional no-bake cheesecake with a cascade of Oreos.

It only tastes fancy.

This doughy dessert could also be great for breakfast.

Chocolate bars are easily packable and versatile.

Can a food-hanging skeptic quickly secure her smellables from marauding bears—without going crazy in the process? Our scout set out into the night with a rope and stopwatch to find out.

From trail mix to trout, upgrade every meal with this guide to recipes, cooking skills, and nutrition.

Check out Elizabeth Kwak-Hefferan's author page.

Check out Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan's author page.

Mix up your oatmeal for a savory and delicious twist.

How to stay organizied and prepared for your backcountry cooking.

Almonds are a super backpacking snack and this cocoa-dusted recipe makes for a satisfying desert.

This dish is packed with protein and vitamins A & C.

Fast and easy food for your hike.

Paleo snacks pack a nutritional punch.

Bars are an easy way to fuel your body.

Cooking trout over a campfire is amazing with this great recipe.

How many day's before you food becomes a bio hazard while hiking?

This dish is salty and crunchy and full of anti inflammatory properties.

Tuna can be served in so many ways, check out these three amazing meals.

This super-easy, pudding-based treat just might ease your day-three ice cream craving.