Skills

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.

This fun treat is no-bake, dead easy, and oh-so addictive.

The scariest trails, spookiest tales, and tastiest recipes for October backpacking.

The only thing you'll regret about taking the brood backpacking is not doing it sooner - and more often.

You know that feeling: the hush and sway of a forest towering stories above you. Now bring it home.

Great food doesn’t have to mean slaving away over the camp stove. Here are four delectable dishes that slash cleanup from the to-do list.

Attention ultra-lazy cooks: This no-mess meal raises the bar on instant mashed potatoes.

Upgrade this no-mess pasta dish by roasting the olives and sausage ahead of time. Or don't--it'll still be delicious.

Backpacking with your best friend? Keep him—and others—safe with these tips.

Consider this list merely a starting point for this fun take on Spanish small plates. Raid your pantry for other ideas, and don’t forget to bring some sherry to sip on the side.

Even without a stove, there's no need to skip your coffee; mint tea adds depth to this cold brew.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

This simple, no-mess meal is hearty, tasty, and oh-so-easy.

Skip the camp clean-up by letting plastic bags do all the work.

Hiking's best season is here, and we've got everything you need to make the most of it.

Here's the gear we used to make the next-level camp food in our story Hike Hard, Eat Well.

Summer's blooms can last forever - if you know how to capture them.

Whip up this easy trail meal for luxurious fine dining under the stars.

Good old raisins and peanuts feeling…well…old? Mix it up with one of these innovative combos. Jealous friends guaranteed.

Take your camp food to the next level with these essential items.

What’s better than a perfect alpine sunset? Seeing it doubled. Here’s how to nab the shot.

How to fix zippers, wash a sleeping bag correctly, waterproofing and make boots last.