Survival School: Start a Fire With Whiskey
Put this backpacking-favorite libation to work in getting a fire going.
backpacker magazine
backpacker magazine
Survival School: Start a Fire With Whiskey
Put this backpacking-favorite libation to work in getting a fire going.
Survival School: Purify Water With a Plastic Bag
Boiling water is a guaranteed way to purify it, but in a survival situation, you probably won’t have a pot and stove. Here’s how to heat your water with just a plastic bag and a fire.
Get Out More: Sleep Warmer
Our team shows you how to stay cozy on cold backcountry nights.
Get Out More Tour
Find out more about the Get Out More Tour - coming to a city near you!
Get Out More: How to Layer Your Clothing
Learn about the three layers: base, mid and outer shell.
Make Lemon Herb Trout
Take your fresh-caught trout to the next level with this recipe from Charlie Borrowman, cooking instructor for Wolf College at Washington.
Make Salmon Curry
Bold flavors, spices, and heat take this dish to the next level.
The Ten Essentials
Don't leave home without the 10 most important items in your pack.
Get Out More: What to Eat on the Trail
Use a simple calculation system to figure out how many calories you need to consume while on the trail.
Get Out More: How to Keep Your Gear Dry
Learn how to keep your pack and gear dry.
Make Delicious French Toast
This decadent breakfast treat will make your morning. Learn how to make it here, courtesy of American Alpine Institute's Andy Stephen.
Out Alive: Survive A Grizzly Attack
One couple's harrowing escape from a predatory bear.
Out Alive: Survive A Grizzly Attack
One couple's harrowing escape from a predatory bear.
Out Alive: Swept Away
As water crashes through a 70-foot-high slot canyon, three hikers have to make the ultimate choice to survive.
Gear Review: EMS Traverse Tent
See why this dependable year-round shelter shined with our testers.
Don't Get Lost
Our Get Out More team has five easy tips for staying on course in the backcountry.
Gear Review: Scarpa Zen Pro
This versatile hybrid features to-the-toe lacing, a softshell tongue, and thick suede leather.
Voormi High-E Hoodie
Rocky Mountain wool made this versatile layer a top pick for our testers.
Gear Review: Spyder Nordwand Ski Pants
The three-layer construction of these ski pants offers good breathability and waterproofness.
Crux Plasma Puffy Jacket
This jacket is “epically warm."
Gear Review: Zeal Penny Lane Sunglasses
Testers praised the fit and coverage of these glasses—from sweaty, 120°F descents into the Grand Canyon to a cold summit near Yellowstone.
Gear Review: Dynafit TLT6 Ski Boots
A lightweight ski boot with downhill precision.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Beta LT Shell Jacket
Durability and light package make this jacket shine.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Equipment Anthem Backpack
Our team loved this stabilty of this pack for carrying skis and tools, and raved about the back panel that zips open.
Gear Review: Big Agnes Shovelhead Puffy Jacket
Big Agnes brings their sleeping bag tech to puffy jackets.
Gear Review Black Diamond Factor MX Ski Boots
A bona fide touring boot with solid downhill performance.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Ice Pack
This pack is waterproof, practically weightless for the size, and as far as we could tell, indestructible.
Flylow Lab Coat
A breathable fortress that's perfect for powder hounds.
Mountain Hardwear Grub Glove
These convertibles combine the best of mittens and gloves.
Gear Review: Fjallraven Akka Endurance 2 Tent
A shelter built to withstand the worst weather on Earth.
Easton Torrent 2P
A four-season tent with all-around excellence.
Gear Review: Freewater GPS Sandals
The most supportive, comfortable sandals we've found in years.
Gear Review: Oakley Airbrake Snow Goggles
Oakley’s Switchlock Technology makes swapping lenses a cinch–even while wearing gloves.
Salomon Tour Jacket
This fully water-proof, breathable hardshell skips the bells and whistles and straight-up performs.
Tarptent Scarp 1
At 2 pounds, 15 ounces, this ultralight tent impressed.
Gear Review: The North Face Banchee
This multiday pack is perfect for type As who love organization, ventilation, and maximum adjustability.
Gear Review: REI Dash 2 Tent
A two-person shelter that's perfect for couples who want a superlight tent with freestanding, two-door performance.
Survival Lab: Make a Snow Anchor
Think a Snickers bar can hold your weight? Our man puts desperate-times deaden to the test.
Gear Review: Patagonia Rock Craft Pants
"The best pants I've worn in two decades," says our tester. Here's why.
Smith Pivlock Approach Sunglasses
Our testers loved the performance of these next-gen interchangables.
Smith Pivlock Approach Sunglasses
Our testers loved the performance of these next-gen interchangables.
Gear Review: Solo Stove Titan
This wood burning stove that makes cooking a joy.
How to Plan Food for a Week
Avoid these common mistakes, and you'll impress your friends with plenty of tasty, easy-prep meals.
How to Choose Climbing Shoes
Understand the three main performance categories.
10 Ways to Use Duct Tape
Never hit the trail without this sticky wonder.
10 Ways to Use Seam Grip
Use this versatile goo for fixes, upgrades, and more.
10 Ways to Use a Tampon
Put one in your survival kit. Here's why.
10 Ways to Use a Condom in the Backcountry
Throw a couple in your survival kit. Here's why.
10 Ways to Use a Bandanna
It's the most versatile piece of fabric you own. Here's why.
How to Plan a Weekend Menu
Learn how to pack, plan, and feed your crew for a weekend with this handy guide.
Editors' Choice 2014: Leatherman Juice S2
Pack this do-it-all tool on every trip.
Editors' Choice 2014: Western Mountaineering Alpinite Sleeping Bag
Impeccable craftsmanship and top-shelf materials make this bag a perennial favorite.
Editors' Choice 2014: Halfpops
Sorry trail mix, our snack bag is full.
Editors' Choice 2014: Mountain Hardwear Optic 2.5
Enjoy the best of indoor/outdoor living.
Editors' Choice 2014: Big Agnes Double Z Sleeping Pad
Snooze sounds on the most plush backcountry sleeping pad we've ever seen.
Editors' Choice 2014: GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition
Shoot with the most versatile POV camera on the market.
Editors' Choice 2014: Montbell Down Hugger 900 #2
Innovative sewing techniques deliver a whole new level of ultralight comfort.
Editors' Choice 2014: Marmot Essence Shell
There's always room to pack this featherweight, bombproof shell.
Editors' Choice 2014: Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed
This revolutionary sack throws out the zipper, adds a blanket-like quilt, and increases the comfort exponentially.
Editors' Choice 2014: L.L. Bean Trekker 25
This versatile pack works eqally well for big dayhikes and whirlwind travel.
Editors' Choice 2014: Kelty TN 2 Tent
Starlight means lightweight in this view-friendly tent.
How to Measure Your Torso
Learn this easy measurement and get the right size pack.
How to Tie a Bowline Knot
Learn this useful knot in a few easy steps.
How to Make a Repair Kit
Fix anything with this lightweight, DIY kit.
How to Pack for a Weekend
Upgrade your trips with these key luxuries for short trips.
How to Tie a Clove Hitch Knot
Learn this useful knot in a few easy steps.
How to Adjust a Pack
Improve comfort and stability.
How to Treat Knee Pain
Improve comfort on trail and in camp.
How to Pack for a Weeklong Trip
Save weight by leaving these key items behind on long journeys.
How to Make a First-Aid Kit
Treat wounds, sprains, and more with this lightweight, DIY kit.
How to Pack For a Dayhike
The 11 things you should have with you on any hike
How to Get Boots that Fit
Improve all-day comfort and prevent blisters with these key tips.
How to Choose the Right Tent
Ask yourself these key questions before buying a new shelter.
How to Make a Survival Kit
Be prepared for backcountry accidents with this lightweight, DIY kit.
How to Prevent Blisters
Keep your feet happy with these key tips.
Down vs. Synthetic Insulation
What fill is right for you? Here's how to choose.