Skills

Just because you're in the backcountry doesn't mean you don't need cookware. Here, some essentials to make you king of trail kitchen.

From cocktails to coffee, these recipes and tips will keep you quaffed no matter what.

Finish your meal off right with these treats for the trail.

Taste-test one of our Readers' Choice Recipe finalists

Add support and reduce swelling in 5 easy steps.

Learn how to improvise a splint with common backpacking gear.

From splinting a broken leg to duct taping a bloody wound, the BACKPACKER First Aid Center is an invaluable resource for backcountry first aid.

Stabilize an injured leg with a sleeping pad and a few T-shirts.

Learn how to fix this common hiking ailment correctly and you'll be back on the trail in no time.

Here's how to stop the bleeding, close the wound, and prevent infection.

Cozies made for camping comfort

Here's what 2,000-plus miles does to your system–and how to get the same results at home.

On the trail, when you're snacking is just as important as what you're consuming.

Learn to read a stream and snag the big fish.

Try these 10 tips for cross-country travel.

These potato cakes are heavy on the carbs–and taste.

Spice up boring potatoes with some summer sausage, brown sugar, and tomatoes in this Italian-inspired dish.

The wasabi adds a kick to instant potatoes, while the salmon is a perfect protein source.

No more plastic bags or map cases, these waterproof, and tear-resistant topos will last a lifetime.

Don't let the these light weight stuffsakcs fool you, they keep your gear dry in the wettest conditions.

Batter up for these trail-ready pancakes.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

3 ways to make your high-tech apparel perform better and last longer.

This versatile headpiece is half fleece, half microfiber–it can even double as a pillow.

Keep a group of peakbaggers safe with these field-proven tips.

This gluten-free variation on the traditional recipe serves up superlight cakes.

From toppings to cleanup, these four tips will enhance the perfect lazy-morning camp breakfast.

Learn how to repair a rip in your favorite jacket in three easy steps.

Packing smart is the easiest way to go ultralight. Use these tips and you'll be set.

Be ready for humidity; hot temps; storms; bugs galore Look for waterproof/breathable shells; synthetic, quick-drying fabrics; well-ventilated shelters

Expect hot, sunny days; chilly nights; dry conditions; sharp and abrasive terrain Get warm, wicking fabrics; breathable footwear; durable gear; minimalist shelter

Expect intense cold and wind; sudden storm bursts; steep and rocky scrambling. Get down insulation; sturdy shelter; supportive footwear.

If you're planning to try ultralight in the summer, in a rainforest, in the desert, or in an alpine environment check out these must-take lists.

These readers had their cameras out and ready to capture the perfect moment.

Fuel the morning's hike with this superhearty meal.

Three pack-friendly snacks that soothe tired, overworked muscles.

P&J is for amateurs. This spiced up sandwich is just what your taste buds need on the trail.

Take your ol' ham and cheese up a notch with this concoction.

Take your tuna to the next level with this gourmet sandwich.

All you need is toilet paper and a little olive oil.

Take that grizzly print hope with you with this fool-proof technique.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Ideal appetizers, perfect wine pairings, desserts, and advanced techniques.

Expect torrential rains; wet snow; big temp swings Get synthetic insulation (it's warmer when wet); breathable shells; quick-drying fabrics; waterproof footwear; well- ventilated shelters with big vestibules for gear and cooking

Easy, lightweight recipes. Plus quick ways to stay full and happy without hauling extra weight.

Ultralight defined. Plus, the most popular pieces of gear people either love or hate.

Your pack's excess straps weighing you down? Cut 'em off. Plus how to maximize the gear you do bring.

Leave this gear on the bedroom floor.

Learn what gear to ditch and what to keep so you don't sacrifice comfort. Plus, a little lightweight reading material.

Get started with these three simple tips.

Want to hike farther with less effort this summer? It's easy–just cut your pack weight in half with our foolproof 33-tip plan.

This featherweight pot is great for solo pasta lovers.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Meal-by-meal tips to please the whole family

Scenario: The camp cupboard is bare, but the fridge is full of leftovers. Solution: These tasty dumplings.

Scenario: You want to eat gourmet, but only have 10 minutes to shop. Solution: This pasta dish featuring salami and diced 2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes.

Scenario: No grocery in sight, only a gas-station convenience store Solution? This tasty Ramen meal

Everything you need to eat well in the backcountry.

Feeling inspired by your hike? Here's how to protect more land.

From dumplings to pasta, check out these three recipes for on-the-go goodness.

A little thought and planning in the office can put you on the trail earlier than everyone else. Get started with this primer from productivity experts.

Craving a slice? Get your fix in the backcountry with these easy stovetop recipes.

Treat dental problems–from minor to major–with these tips.

Wow your friends with this campfire cooking trick.

Improve the basic pie with cornmeal crust and fresh basil sauce.

The stats and assumptions behind our grading system for the August 2009 story.

Search-and-Rescue guru Robert Koester creates a quick profile of the average victim and his behavior.

Going ultralight may be the ultimate get-out-quick scheme: It took me all of 60 minutes to shop and pack for a 5-day hike and all of 10 minutes to pitch or pack up my simple camp.

The secret to long-term health and fitness? Reap backpacking's many benefits–a strong heart, lean muscle, superior endurance–through every stage of your life. Here's how.

When runoff turns a nice stream nasty, use these tips to cross safely.

Elk meat makes for a leaner, more tender–and always organic!–trail snack.

Say goodbye to rock-hard, overpriced, gas-station jerky with this cheap and easy recipe.

These tasty nutritional all-stars offer a bounty of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and good-for-you fats. Here are a backpacker's four best bets.

Boost your summit chances and beat lightning storms with a smooth early-morning start.

Take a fatherless herd boy from poverty-wracked Swaziland, endow him with an indomitable will and a few wealthy friends, give him the lungs of Ed Viesturs, and you have...

Top off your meal with this simple and delicious dessert.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

This legit 20° kids' bag will keep your little ones toasty in the backcountry.

With under five minutes of prep time needed, these apples will please anyone.

Make planning easy by using the same basic ingredients for two tasty meals