Skills

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

Master every detail of far-flung adventure–from visas to vaccinations–with these time-tested tips from guides and veteran globetrotters.

The Gray Whale swims thousands of miles to mate- and you were complaining about picking up the dinner bill.

The smart, social, and friendly mountain gorillas take the heavyweight title.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

Another dead Denali wolf. A battle for the soul of wild Alaska. Our reporter visits America's most iconic wilderness for the inside story of a park under siege.

Plan and cook for a group with these time-tested tips.

This easy reader trip will keep you feeling fresh and clean on the trail

Solve winter routefinding challenges with these expert tips.

Follow this winter workout and conquer the steeps come spring.

Have one of these three common health problems? Stay safe on the trail by taking sensible precautions.

Don't settle for a hunk of ice-hard jerky when the mercury plummets. A hard day of winter hiking or snowshoeing should be followed with a piping-hot stew.

Frostbite is bad news. Learn how to safely treat frozen feet.

More than just a hammock for your burrito ingredients, tortillas are very versatile.

Get over the hangover and go big this year. Then make it a tradition

Study shows that a head cold doesn't reduce performance or recovery

20 minutes to get the blood and body parts moving will keep you in the game

Slim your way through the holidays with this simple diet

Study shows that depriving the brain of carbs leads to memory loss

Where to go when you want to shop right

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

A test can now tell you if you have what it takes. It'll also tell you if your kid has it too.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Depending on how hard you play, a high-quality, whole foods diet may slow you down

A plan to save the fitness I've got and maybe grow a little stronger

When senior editor Tracy Ross investigated Denali's wolf controversy, she expected to see a dead wolf--but not a skinned one. Go behind the scenes with video filmed in the field and an interview with Ross on the experience.

Author Tracy Ross discusses her feature story "Dogs of War" devoted to the debate raging in Alaska over the famed Toklat wolf pack.

A new job requires a new fitness plan

Eat like a pro with our recipes for every course.