Skills

This guide covers ski gear for telemark, alpine touring, backcountry touring, and rugged Nordic touring.

No crowds, no bugs: Winter camping holds rewards aplenty– once you master the gear and skills required to thrive in frigid climates.

These recipes are fortified with extra warmth and calories for winter camping.

Get the gear you'll need to stay warm and happy on a winter backpacking trip.

Learn how to cook, make water, and...go to the bathroom when the backcountry is a winter wonderland.

Learn how to choose between a tent and a snow cave. Plus the best ways to travel in the snow.

Winter camping requires extra planning and gear. But it's well worth the effort.

You'll never use zip-top plastic bags again after trying these Pacific Outdoor PU-coated nylon storage bags.

This Talus face mask mixes your hot breath with the cold outside air to keep your face warm and snot free.

For sledding or glissading, the TSL Quickie is a speedy descent.

These Black Diamond crampons are low profile and razor sharp.

This Mammut transceiver has three antennae and an internal compass.

This Wild Country helmet offers full coverage against falling rock and ice, and it's under $60.

This 8mm Edelweiss rope is great for glacier crossings.

The ABC Guide harness is lightweight and utilitarian.

Heading out into the woods this weekend? Stock up on scary ghost stories and frightening trail tales in our special Halloween section.

Stuffed with 750-fill down, this camping pillow gives you 5 inches of pure comfort and support.

Learn how to take the perfect fall foliage photo with our tutorials and slideshows.

From beer pancakes to on-the-go tiramisu, our resident Trail Chef will have your mouth watering in no time.

Transform boring old instant potatoes into spicy, hearty meals.

With more than 200 murders recorded here, it's no wonder the Chisos Mountains are named for ghosts.

With 25+ years of nature photography experience, Paul Rezendes has amassed quite a few fall foliage photos. Here are BACKPACKER's favorites.

Associate editor Shannon Davis shows you how to revive dull points right here.

Need to recharge with something tasty? These savory snacks will do just that.

Whip up a four start meal with these trail side recipes.

Start the day right with these out-of-the-ordinary breakfast treats.

We'll show you how to be the ultimate trail chef in no time with these tips.

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.