Skills

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

Nature calls, even in the wilderness. We've found 5 products that will make your outdoor bathroom runs easy, hygienic, and safe.

Set Goals Just Beyond Your Comfort Level

Don't want to get lost? Heed this advice on four trail situations that routinely cause problems.

Clear out your car before heading into the woods.

You can do a lot in 50 seconds

GoLite founder finds out that it's really hard.

New features and web-based tools enable Backpacker's passionate online community to share trips, post pictures, and get the latest in gear reviews and adventure news and content.

Why spend time on a treadmill. Live instead.

A salad a day is one man's dietary salvation

No gyms, no weights–and, with our easy-to-follow plan–no bonking on the trail.

Research shows that the Golden Years are Truly Gold

The perfect workout maybe your backyard

Which is best for trail readiness?

New studies slam water’s perceived health benefits

Advice on kids and herbs at altitude.

Learn the mountaineer's secret for hiking up steep, high-altitude terrain.

Camp like a pro with 83 field-tested tips and techniques from experts who earn their paychecks in the backcountry.

How can I comparison-shop for a guided trek in Alaska?

He'd toss the titanium stove and build a big fire. Our man enrolls in a traditional guide school and learns how to survive - and think - like an American original.

To acquire stamina, you gotta sufer

Here's how Aron Ralston, Ed Viesturs, Les Stroud, and others get out and back again–and how you can, too.

GoLite founder's 40-day wonder workout

Take care of these gatekeepers to your active future

The Emotional Side to Injury Recovery

Is the end of muscle fatigue upon us?

A Quick Change in Climate Does a Mountain Guy In

These dozen creatures are threatened by global warming.

Scientists say Nebraska's wild prairies could become the Western Hemisphere's largest sandbox in as few as 30 years.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

A for and against look at heli-hiking

You're lost, hungry, and starting to shiver: Time to play squirrel.

Recover from high-mileage days with these before-and-after stretches.

Last fall, we showed you the many ways that climate change is altering the wild places we love. Now, a look at what BACKPACKER is doing to reduce the magazine's impact.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

Check out Katie Herrel's author page.

With more features, a new look, and the most informative content this side of the trail, the new Backpacker.com is amped up with the best in adventure, gear, travel, skills, and survival on the web.

Mosquitoe bites can be simply annoying or dangerous depending on where you are. Learn how to fend off their attacks.

Not sure how to eat right on the trail? You're in luck. We've taken the liberty of coming up with the perfect plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—for just about every situation. So break out your inner chef and get cooking. You'll be eating like royalty in no time.

When cooking in the backcountry, don't leave home without...

Learn how you can help combat climate change by researching everything from Alaska's Bering Glacier to tracking pumas in Argentina through citizen scientist programs

Learn your black bears from your brown bears then figure out how to keep them away from your camp.

On the trail and at the campsite, there's plenty you can do to leave nature...natural.

GORP is great...for a snack. Backpacker offers some pointers on keeping your energy up while on the trail.