Skills

Deaths from extreme heat are climbing—and hikers are especially vulnerable. Here's what you need to know about keeping yourself safe during the hottest months of the year.

When should you prioritize your safety over your desire to finish your hike? Always. Six hikers explain how they knew it was time to call it.

When one mom took her family on the nocturnal trail less traveled, could nature help her daughter overcome a fear of the dark?

On a long trail, you’ll likely want to thumb a ride eventually. Here’s how to do it tactfully and safely.

They may be cute, but chipmunks, mice, and other small animals will steal your chow and ruin your pack in the process. Here’s how to stop them in their tracks.

Don't let the gram-counting around ultralight gear intimidate you. Slimming down your pack's weight is easier than many beginners think.

Don't waste the late spring and summer warm-up hiking yourself into shape (or rehabbing a fresh injury). Instead, prep for some of the best months of the year with these expert-approved workouts.

Prevent a costly vet bill by identifying hazards before your pup gets a foxtail up her nose or cactus spine in her paw.

Here's what a lifelong backpacker learned when she ventured into bigger terrain.

First step: Accept that mud is inevitable on any trail.

This awkwardly shaped hunk of iron is your key to building stability, power, coordination, and an indestructible core.

Find your footing—both on and off the trail—with the help of these expert postpartum tips and exercises.

Two thru-hiking moms share their top tips for backpacking with little ones.

Many hikers hold misconceptions about tourniquets. But learning to use one properly could save your life.

Plus, vet-approved tips for safely introducing your pup to a hiking backpack.

Fend off fatigue by eating enough of the essential macronutrient.

Here’s how to train your muscles and your mental game for some of backpacking’s biggest cruxes.

Prevent injuries and move more efficiently on the trail with this simple, hiker-friendly Pilates sequence.

Training can get you far, but these techniques will make you a better hiker without hitting the gym.

Practice these for hanging gear, tensioning guylines, and joining ropes.

From nutrition myths to getting protein, our experts break down how to stay fueled and feeling good on your next big hiking trip.

Don't feel like shelling out for a carton of Grade A? These egg-free breakfasts are nutritious, camp-ready, and perfect for powering a day on the trail.

By working on your cardiovascular endurance you can up your mileage without hating your life.

Strong legs make for easy miles. Get yours ready for your next big trip with this advice.

Canister stoves and cold temps don’t always mix. Here’s how to make your stove more efficient when the mercury drops.

Properly washing waterproof gear can help it last longer and perform better. But do you really need to shell out on specialized wash?

Looking for alternatives now that REI has canceled its class and trips offerings? These organizations do it best.

Don't waste your half-used hand warmers. Save them for later with this trick instead.

Not bringing ice cleats or crampons on an icy hike can be frustrating at best, and deadly at worst. Here's how to know what you need—and some staff-tested recommendations fo what to buy.

For hikers, toenail injuries are rites of passage, but they often indicate something wrong. Here's how to prevent bruised and injured toenails.

Couldn't get the PCT permit you were banking on? You still have options. From prepping for a fast-paced hike to skipping the Sierra to waiting for cancellations, here's what you can do.

Hoarding gear, hiding our injuries, and packing way, way too much candy: These are the bad habits we have no intention of losing this year.

From an old-school hot toddy to a boozy take on the PSL, these perfect hot drinks from the Backpacker archives are ready to ring in the new year with you at your backcountry shindig.

From making your own shoes to making miles, these are our favorite skills stories that appeared in Backpacker in 2024.

Your gear puts up with a lot of abuse on the trail. Here’s how to minimize the impact to make it last longer.

Leukotape changed the way one longtime backpacker deals with blisters.

Transform leftovers into a protein-packed trail snack.

More and more manufacturers are transitioning to “forever chemical”-free water-repellent treatments on their shells.” But while those new outer layers are better for the environment and human health, they need to be washed twice as often to keep them performing at their peak.

You only need three pieces of gear to prep your muscles for peaks.

Just because the mercury's dropping doesn't mean you need to start lugging a heavy pack. We collect our best tips for backpacking light in the fourth season.

Left holding the (candy) bag after not enough trick-or-treaters came to your house? Make the most of it with these creative s'mores recipes.

Extend the life of this crucial piece of gear with these tips for care and cleaning.

Don't shove your warm-weather gear in the back of the closet for winter. Here's how to ensure you're ready to hit the trail as soon as spring arrives.

Hikers have to clean up after dogs—why don’t equestrians have to do the same?

Experience fall splendor with the Colorado Mountain Club's top autumn adventures, from colorful road trips to scenic hiking and biking across the state

While bear spray is an effective deterrent, it's bred a false confidence among hikers that can be harmful to both humans and bears. Wildlife biologist and podcaster Wes Larson explains.

This kind of overuse injury can present itself in many ways. Steer clear of injury with these tips.

Instagrammers are swapping marshmallows for cheese. We think you should, too.

Want to eat like the famous bears of Fat Bear Week? Here are six salmon-packed recipes that will have you feeling like a bruin along the Brooks River.

Like humans, dogs have accidents in the backcountry. So what do you do if your canine hiking companion is in distress?

Back sleepers tend to have an easier time catching Zs while camping, but doing so doesn't always come naturally.

Don't just chuck it in the trash. Here's the right way to get rid of your spent bear spray.

Helmets are considered required equipment on some peaks and trails across the U.S. Here’s how to tell if you really need one.

Bear-proof lockers might look like garbage cans, but hikers really should know better.

Strength training is critical for hikers. And most of us are doing it wrong.

Get some solid Z's even when you’re sticky and sweaty.

If you focus on recovery and stay patient, you can be back on the trail with a fully repaired ACL in a matter of months.

If off-the-beaten-path is on your agenda, Eastern Montana has you covered

Put traction into action exploring the most rugged hiking routes in the country

Some hikers swear by using a tent footprint. But are they really necessary?

Gluten-free backpacking doesn’t have to be hard. Do it right with these tips and recipes.

A veteran Tacoma driver’s hard-earned tips to help you stay organized, reduce stress, and maximize your time outside

Is there any room for creative expression on the trail—or are hidden treasures still just trash?

Financing a thru-hike can be expensive. But is it OK to ask others for help?

Reluctant to hire a guide? You could be missing out.

There's no better way to test the strength or compatibility of a relationship than to take it on the trail. Here’s how to use a hike to evaluate a new partner.

Yes, you can hold down a stable career and hike six months out of the year. Three enterprising thru-hikers share their secrets.

If the rising temperatures have you clamoring to stay inside until fall, you can adapt your body with these techniques thrive on the trail.

Packing food for a backpacking trip can be a challenge—this method offers one solution.

Cool off fast and stay safe in a heat wave with these pro-level strategies.

A new study compared three popular camp stoves—and found that one produced much more carbon monoxide than the others.

Our writer dove into the inner workings of the Backpacker’s Pantry factory to learn the tricks of the trade.

Stomach flus are on the rise in national parks and on long trails. A wilderness EMT and WFR instructor shares how to cope. 

Lyme disease is one of the most debilitating tickborne illnesses. But a cure could be on its way.

Hike hard, brunch harder.

These four ultra-affordable backpacking meals make it easy to fill your belly on a budget.

I used to think my melanoma diagnosis meant I had to stop spending time outdoors. Here's how I've learned to protect myself without giving up hiking.

Want to go the distance without committing to the trailhead buzzcut? We got you.

Use this series of ankle, calf, quad, and core exercises to keep track of your training, and you'll have trail-proof muscles in a matter of weeks.