Skills

Get stronger and hike longer with a workout that matches your physique.

What to know about hiking with asthma

Stay fit and healthy with these static and dynamic stretches, and secrets from Yosemite National Park wilderness ranger Mark Fincher.

These 4 red-hot recipes will warm you faster than any campfire.

Should outdoor education be a top priority in public schools?

July to mid-September is prime time for heavy rains in the Southwest, where fast-rising water in narrow canyons can turn trickling streams into deadly torrents. Don't get swept away.

Drat, I was wrong on this one

Billions of players worldwide can't be wrong

Research uncovers a big difference between outdoor fans and gym rats

A successful failure often trumps simple success

Running again after a year feels great

And other ways to prevent tick-borne infections

Having trouble getting motivated? These soldiers toughen you up with their custom can't-quit tips.

Whether you're going ultralight or ultra gourmet, it's crucial to pour the right cuppa joe.

We'll show you how to adapt you favorite bar food for the trail: Mushroom-Asiago Veggie Burgers, Spicy Sweet Potato Fries, Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip, and Toasted Tortilla Chips.

3 key skills for getting off the trail without getting off course

This reader recommends packing hospital scrubs when camping.

You'll need strategy, luck, and a little guile to reserve a spot at the country's most popular parks this summer. Here's how to game the (permit) system.

Will my vacation to a national park help them?

Head to the RMNP for the highest designated camp–find out where below.

Before you hit the trail, take my 5-step quiz to find out if you're primed for action or disaster

Only the white, middle-aged, and well-off appear engaged in sports

Both elite athletes and weekend hikers benefit from a taper

In this exclusive Q&A, Steve Friedman talks about trying out the techniques of TV's survival show hosts Bear Grylls and Les Stroud in the (real) wild.

If you can imagine it, we've seen it-and offered expert analysis. From avalanches to volcanoes, this archive contains step-by-step plans for escaping a slew of mishaps that can befall weary travelers.

A winning proposal helps an ultramarathoner finish Leadville

Study shows that regular jogs push back old-age disabilities

Or, how a bike race reminded me that you need to always eat for the future

Every year I'm pleasantly reminded that good training plans work

More evidence that suburbia blows

A summer pick-me-up for all

A researcher concludes that $4/gallon gas can help curb America's obesity epidemic

You won't believe what some people blame for their extra flab

Another excuse to drink more coffee has arrived

Survey ranks the activity behind snowboarding and sledding as the most dangerous

4 Tips for an Active Fourth of July

4 Japanese meals adapted–and enhanced–for the trail

Nothing motivates like a fitness reality check

Stock your kitchen with everything you need to eat like a champ

Check out Dougald McDonald's author page.

Follow this reader tip to custom-build your own backcountry cutting board.

Any suggestions for making my 5-year-old's first backpacking trip a success?

Stay cool with expert tips for boiler days.

To tell the difference between a bad bump and a life-threatening blow, follow these crucial steps.

Does your pack's lid pocket resemble a junk drawer? To help you eliminate the mess–and find stuff fast when you need it–we created lightweight, custom systems to store and organize two vital stockpiles: gear repair tools and emergency provisions.

It's hard to beat a campfire after a long day on the trail. Here's how to enjoy the moment even when conditions are against you.

Sure, you know the mantra "leaves of three, let it be." But that warning alone doesn't help you detect those irritating plants that change colors, grow as vines, or mimic harmless species. Heed these tips to keep your summer itch-free.

Top alpine skiers endure altitude sickness and won't do anything about it

A study finds that people with easy access to public parks and lands exercise less

New research unearths more benefits to getting outside

A sports-nutrition trend gets called out

Fitness depends on who you surround yourself with

Now I know why I stay in shape

Want to hike farther, explore tougher terrain, and carry big loads without bonking? To achieve your biggest backcountry goals, you have to change how you eat.

Get trail-fit in six weeks with this simple exercise plan.

Achieve peak performance on the trail with our complete guide to training and eating like a backpacker.

Long-distance runner Russell Secker feels your foot pain–and he knows how to get rid of it.

You can't hike with a bum ticker–follow these heart-healthy strategies to stay on the trail longer.

A hiker cannot live on water alone. Next time out, try these coffee, tea, and wine updgrades.

4 hook-and-cook dinners just waiting to be caught

Add fresh-caught trout to the menu with these 6 easy steps.

Need to start a fire fast? Try a flammable cupcake.

Fly-fishing is part meditation, part ultralight technique (catch, don't carry, your dinner), and all fun.

Tired of commuting in a car around our national parks? Catch the best backcountry bus.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors's author page.

I'm on assignment for a week

No, I'm not kidding

There is no straight answer to the benefits of taking supplements

Got chronic back pain or knee pain? Try losing your shoes

From planning to execution, we've got 11 ways to become a better leader both on the trail, and off.

Get ready for spring with 3 joint-specific routines.

The latest health news reveals that ankle injuries are more common than you'd think. Here's some beta.

Full schedule? Here's how to work in working out.

What to grab when you need a boost

Wild parsnip, burdock, and wild carrot grow throughout North America. Learn when and where they're prime for picking.

3 tasty, filling trailside finds that could save dinner–even your life.

4 strategies to feel and smell better

Air travel advice from an FAA expert

6 trail-tested tips to guarantee your friend's first trip isn't his last