Skills

How focused exercise helped one hiker return to the trails without going under the knife.

Firestarting gets the-step-by-step treatment in Nate Summers’s compelling new treatise.

Whether you’re trekking along a ridge or standing on top of a summit, a fear of heights can cause you to freeze up. Don’t let it ruin your hike.

Hiking muscles feeling rusty? Give them the love they deserve.

Preparing for the Big E took every ounce of dedication I had—but the lessons I learned didn’t stop there.

Recover better with these tips to use a foam roller and give your muscles some TLC.

Little-known fact: The symptoms of chronic giardiasis can mimic gluten intolerance. How can hikers tell the difference?

My first thru-hike attempt didn’t end the way I wanted. Here are the lessons I’ll bring to my next one.

Bringing your little nugget into the woods for the first time can be intimidating. Follow these tips for a safer, less stressful family adventure.

Cryptobiotic soil is essential to arid ecosystems. Here’s how to protect it.

Suffering a major injury can keep us from fully committing to the things we enjoy. Taking the time to care for yourself pays off.

What happens when you introduce condiments to your dehydrator? We head to the kitchen to see if molecular gastronomy can work for hikers, too.

Don't be fooled: Hypothermia can happen in the summer or the winter. Learn how to prevent and treat a dropping core body temp.

Forget bears and lightning: The most common and dangerous backcountry hazard is a river crossing—especially during the spring melt, when backcountry waterways run high and rough. Follow these tips to learn to do it safely.

See the trail in a new light when you bring a pad and pencil.

Gymnasts can land backflips on balance beams four inches wide. Their secret: training barefoot.

Optimize your diet and nutrition and you'll feel fresh, hike strong—and leave the Hiker Hobble behind for good.

One of our favorite backpacking snacks gets a bagel-themed makeover.

Too cold to catch some rest? This simple hack provides a long-lasting boost of warmth—and works as well at home as it does on the trail.

Use these proven methods to make sure your first romantic camping foray into the wilderness isn't your last.

Take back winter fun—no matter the weather—by learning how to keep your feet warm.

The longer you stay out, the more likely you are to see significant precip. You can get by with less protection in warmer weather, but in temps below about 65°F, you’ll need to suit up to stay safe. Here’s how to dress for the occasion.

Go further—and hurt less—with the right preparation for a big trip.

Coming out of the woods tired and dirty is a rejuvenating experience. But it's possible to overdo a good thing. Take care of yourself on your next hike with these five simple quality-of-life hacks, and you'll reap the benefits.

Spending a day on the trail is one thing, but for those who have never camped before—or don't do it often—letting their guard down and snoozing in the great outdoors is a big leap. Make it a little easier with these tips.

Put a backcountry spin on a fast food cult favorite.

Seek out splashes of color amid pale winter landscapes with these five cold-loving birds.

Your feet carry you every step of the way, so don’t neglect them in your training. This workout hits every major muscle group while building foot strength, which improves mobility and balance and safeguards against common injuries. Complete this circuit once a week along with a cardio and strength regimen, and allow yourself at least six weeks to train before a big hike.

Ever dreamed of working as a photographer, wildland firefighter, or gear designer? Six pros tell you what it takes to get their careers.

A hike a week can change your life.

Warm up with this recipe for apple cider with a kick.

Elevate your standard Ramen with this savory sauce that comes together in minutes.

Cold fingers and toes cause quick misery in the backcountry. The key to feeling as warm as possible is keeping your digits toasty. Take care of your hands and feet and you’ll have a much more pleasant winter camping experience.

Wow your hiking partners with this simple yet delicious dessert.

The fourth season’s rewards—unparalleled solitude and otherwordly views—don’t come easy. Use this advice from Colorado ski guide Mia Tucholke to handle the cold and witness the season’s splendor.

Two fair-weather enthusiasts tear down their fear of the fourth season.

Whether it’s a moderate overnight load or 45 pounds of expedition gear, the moment you put on a pack your body must acclimate to additional pressure on your joints, muscles, and spine. Add these exercises to your workout routine to feel like a champ no matter how much you're carrying.

Hit the trail with your dog and you’ll find you’re both happier and healthier.

In winter, consuming hearty, nutrient-dense foods goes a long way toward keeping you warm. Stoke your inner furnace with these three energy-packed recipes.

We all need a little something to munch on while we wait for the chili to rehydrate. These tasty, easy-prep apps might just be the most memorable part of the meal.

Up your photography game with this expert advice.

Taking a dip in a backcountry lake? Stop and think about what you're wearing.

A longtime hiker faces her fears to level up her adventure resume.

Reap the bounty of nature’s pantry by learning to identify and responsibly harvest wild edibles on the trail or in your neighborhood.

It can't all be sunsets and bear encounters. Thru-hikers spend most of their time doing one thing: walking.

Are you packing the best fuel?

Escape the gym with these movement-based routines designed to take your workout outdoors.

These moves will help you make an injury-free transition to lightweight hiking shoes without risking a sprain.

There are many challenges to backpacking, but packing your sleeping pad shouldn't be one of them.

Thru-hiking lingo isn’t just code, it’s a window into how people backpack.

Making art on the trail helps you appreciate the landscape in a new way.

Is all that extra breathability worth exposing your feet to sun, bugs, and toe stubs?

Want to go really, really light? Take a hint from a guy who finished the Long Trail in less than 5 days.

The trail is for everyone. Experience it your way by learning your limits and planning ahead.

Before you hit the trail, try these exercises to build leg strength and stamina.

Get inspired by the everyday, every day.

Are you prepared to deal with injury or illness in the backcountry?

Work! Altitude! Traffic! Sometimes it seems like the universe is conspiring against your hiking plans. Here's how to subdue those hazards and 18 other trip killers to keep your weekends sacred.

BACKPACKER wants to hear how you're handling the pandemic.

Sleeping the sand? Pack these 10 items to ensure a good time.

Does “go big or go home” hold up on a dawn-to-dusk mission?

Looking for the fastest route to deep backcountry? Lace up your sneakers, ditch the heavy pack, and run your favorite trails with advice from Gina Lucrezi, two-time winner of the Leadville Silver Rush 50 and holder of the women’s fastest known time on Mt. Whitney’s Standard Route (5 hours, 29 minutes, 22 seconds car to car).

It's the perfect time to tackle one of these indoor DIY projects to set yourself up for a great hiking season.

Taking a kid along on a 211-mile hike takes more than a little practice. Is it worth it?

If you want to appreciate how your body feels, rather than looks, on the trail, you have to let it all hang out.

You don’t have to go far to enjoy camping season: If you have a yard or even a balcony, you have a campsite. Here are 8 ways to make the most of very close-to-home camping.

Submit your best recipe to share with the Basecamp community.

Cold soaking is a popular no-cook method among weight-conscious hikers. But ditching your stove doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor.

Experiment with three wild recipes.

Anyone else feeling a little rusty? Brush up and win big with these virtual outdoor challenges. Fire up your camp stoves, we’re bringing backcountry skills right to your home.

Make sure you’re prepared for your next trip into bear country.

Epic views and all-time sunsets: See the wilderness through a BACKPACKER photographer's eyes.

Stay ready for the trails with these simple exercises you can do at home.

Turn your daily dairy into a tangy, protein-packed snack that's ready for the backcountry.

Practice mindfulness to experience the healing of nature from home.

Enjoy the wildlife right outside your window.

Up your fitness the easy way with these simple exercises.