Skills

Make more while carrying less with this compact cook kit from MSR.

These lightweight utensils from Hyalite Equipment are functional and fashionable.

Never take more than you need with this compact cookstove from Liberty Mountain

Never be at a loss for flavor when using this bottle set from GSI Outdoors.

Feel like you have an entire kitchen in your arsenal with this versatile stove from Optimus

Keep it simple with this recipe to spice up freshly caught fish.

Take your fish seriously with this recipe for Planked Salmon.

Slurp up satisfaction with EBC soup.

Bring the ocean to the forest with Klondike Thai Peanut Shrimp.

Enjoy healthy eating with this veggie-infused stir fry.

Having trouble deciding? Enjoy these miscellaneous recipes on any occasion.

Take Appalachian Trail Jerky along for a sweet and spicy burst of energy.

Opt for this healthier, freshly seasoned Wild Turkey Jerky.

The Sierra Szechwan Chicken Salad provides a healthy option that satisfies.

Bring the written word to life with these featured Master Class backcountry dishes.

Eat fresh with this hook-to-table recipe for Poached Trout.

Travel the world from the comfort of your campfire with these globally-inspired Foil Packets.

Enjoy better sandwiches and sides with these easy on-the-trail bread recipes.

Take your trail meals up a notch with this easy Indian Fry Bread.

Fry up your own breakfast biscuits with this easy recipe.

Leave the marshmallows at home with this classy bread on a branch recipe.

Impress your friends with this cocktail party quality bruschetta.

Bring comfort food to the outdoors with these tasty onion rings.

Eating can be tasty and fun with these make-your-own sushi rolls.

Snack in style with these easy-to-make savory dates.

Make your backcountry meal into a feast with these four great appetizers.

Get a trip planner, online, and print maps in one bundle from Trimble Outdoors.

Be prepared for trips of all lengths with this first aid kit from REI.

Here's our favorite pictures from this month's photo contest. Vote for your favorite to help us choose the winner. The winning photo will be published in Backpacker's June issue and the winner will receive a Tamron zoom lens*.

We tallied your votes: These are the country's top 10* gear stores. (And tips for getting the most bang for your buck when you visit.)

Are you blowing big bucks driving to your favorite hike? Use these gas-mileage-boosting tips so you can get to more trailheads for less money.

Add 10-degrees of warmth to your sleeping bag with this simple DIY project.

You want your kiddos to enjoy the outdoors – camping, hiking, biking, etc. – as much as you do. Northwest editor Michael Lanzas has 10 tips on how to accomplish that – and have fun along the way.

Here's our top ten favorite pictures from this month's photo contest. Vote for your favorite to help us choose the winner. The winning photo will be published in Backpacker's May issue.

An expert bootfitter can help. Here's how Phil Burgess of Ski Stop in Westwood, MA, a certified fit expert, helped one editor overcome a chronic and debilitating fit problem.

Revive waterproof jackets, salvage a wet map, get better backcountry sleep, and organize your gear. By Sarah Maurer

Cocoa packs high energy and healthy antioxidants, and our testing revealed the best-tasting, most-meltproof varieties for the trail.

Use this no-cost, do-anywhere training program to enhance hiking strength and speed this spring.

Find your personality type and trips that match your adventure style.

Hold these poses post-workout to elongate muscles and flush lactic acid.

Use these controlled movements to warm up pre-hike and -workout.

Need some inspiration for killing a serious backcountry chocolate craving? Look no farther, you've clicked into a chocoholic's dream.

See more wildlife, climb more peaks, and hike more miles with these tips that'll help every adventure traveling backpacker raise their game.

Your region's go-now guide: Explore New York City, hike four states in 24 hours, and perfect days in NC, GA, and NH.

Your region's go-now guide: Perfect days in Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and Tulsa.

Why should a backpacker want anything other than a tent? Michael Lanza can think of five good reasons.

Humans weren't built to sleep on snow. Defy nature and sleep soundly with these winter camping tips.

In and out of the wilderness, food is important for survival. Don't screw it up with these winter cooking tips.

Hiking through the snow is beautiful, but not exactly easy. Use these tips to make your winter traverse all the more pleasant.

Especially in winter, getting there is half the battle. Find your way through the white with these tips.

The best defense is a good offense. Employ these tips before you ever leave home.

Our five-part plan to staying warm and well-fed in cold weather.

A chocolate bar that benefits hiking trails? Yes, please!

A two-ounce, packable kit to quickly mend your pad, tent, bag, or shell in the field.

Yes: You should be eating eggs on the trail. Here are 7 great ways to do it.

One simple blade that gets the job done.

Java-lovers rejoice: drip coffee in the backcountry.

The best vessel you ever splurged on.

Going where no stove has gone before, this wood-burner also charges your electronics.

Bring home cooking to the outdoors with these backcountry innovations.

We're matching your needs with our expertise and making over six lucky readers with new skills and gear to get more out of their trail time.

261 reviews and camping tips

What bugs can tell you about finding your way.

We're gearing up for some massive giveaways in 2013 to celebrate BACKPACKER's 40th anniversary.

Don't click away yet: Cheese and chocolate make for a delicious and well-rounded taste combination.

Check out Tracy Ross and Rachel Zurer's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

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..

Camp-friendly salami, summer sausage, and jerky recipes

When stiff heavyweight hiking boots or ski boots give you painful heel blisters, moleskin just isn't thick enough to relieve the pressure. MacGyver your way to relief with this clever remedy.

We sampled 50 jerkies, salamis, and summer sausages to find the tastiest and longest-lasting. Here’s how to choose, use, and make trail-worthy meats.

Strengthen your lower back for a more comfort on the trail.

Build a strong core for better injury prevention.

Build your pack-hefting back and core.