How to Load a Pack
Stay comfortable on the trail with the ABCDs of packing.
backpacker magazine
backpacker magazine
How to Choose the Right Sleeping Bag
Ask yourself these questions before buying a new bag.
The Greatest Bear Video of All Time
Yeah, we said it. Watch how bruins go about their daily lives and, what happens when you disrupt their routine. Bottom line: Don't mess with the bear.
Tasmanian Adventure: Hiking Walls of Jerusalem National Park
Join the BACKPACKER editors on a trek through Tasmania.
Survival Lab: Caveman Skills
Learn to make basics tools with what you can find in the backcountry.
Hiking Skills: Learn the Rest Step
Use this technique to conserve energy and hike for hours on end.
Adventure Travel Tips
Our editors drop some basic adventure travel knowledge while on a recent trek to Chile.
Make a Homemade Repair Kit
Kristin Hostetter shows you how to put together a repair kit for the trail.
Photo Skills: Learn to Use a Histogram
Associate photo editor Genny Fullerton shows you how to use a histogram on your DSLR.
Gear Review: Westcomb Switch LT and Fuse LT Hoody
See why we love this do-anything shell.
Editors' Chioce Awards 2012: Smith I/O Goggles
Learn what made these goggles stand out from from the pack from Dennis Lewon.
Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket
Executive Editor Dennis Lewon shows off the Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket
Winter Skills: Pick a Winter Pack
Learn to pick the winter pack that's right for you with contributing editor Kelly Bastone.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Tecto FL Jacket
Tester Ted Alvarez reviews the Arc'teryx's minimalist jacket with Gortex Active Shell.
Editors' Choice Gold: Snow Peak Double
Our editors labeled this the sweetest cup on the planet. Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter tells you why.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs DriDown Cal 30
Watch our tester's review of this latest DriDown-filled bag from Sierra Designs.
Gear Review: Sea to Summit Micro MC III 20
Our tester breaks down the pros and cons of this bag from Sea to Summit.
Gear Review: North Face Vibera Boot
Our tester breaks down this versatile boot from The North Face.
Gear Review: L.L. Bean Down Mummy 20 Sleeping Bag
Check out this video review of the latest bag with water-resistant down.
Gear Review: Kelty Ignite 20 Sleeping Bag
Check out the latest sleeping bag from Kelty.
Big Agnes Belly Ache Mountain 17
Check out this review from our in-the-field bag tester.
Backcountry Bartender: Fusions
Add a new dimension to your backcountry cocktail repertoire.
Backcountry Bartender: Gimlets
Learn to mix a classic gimlet, trail-style.
Backcountry Bartenter: Alpine Punch
Learn to whip up a this delicious cocktail concoction in the backcountry.
Learn to Pick a Tent
Editor-in-Chief Dennis Lewon shows you how to pick the tent that's right for you.
Climbing Mt. Rainier
Strap on your crampons as we head to the summit of famed Mt. Rainier.
Learn to Calibrate Your GPS
Make sure you stay on track with this step-by-step guide to calibrating your GPS unit.
Survival Lab: Emergency Whistle Test
Drop Dead Ted puts all sorts of survival whistle options to the test.
Gear Review: Terramar TXO 1.0 Body-Sensors Crew
Check out this quick-dry and wicking baselayer.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Archer 2 Tent
Our editors loved this top-notch tent from Mountain Hardwear
Gear Review: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Stargazer Tent
A wet weather tent that won't make you feel claustrophobic.
Gear Review: REI Revelcloud Hoodie
A highly stuffable, lightweight puffy jacket from REI.
Behind the Scenes: Making the 2012 Survival Cover
A behind-the-scenes look at shooting the 2012 Survival Cover with photographer Bud Force.
Gear Review: Zamberlan 298 Tundra Hiking Boot
If you need a high mileage boot with plenty of support try the 298 Tundra from Zamberlan.
Gear Review: Lowa Focus Hiking Boot
This boot feels like a dayhiker - light and fast - but with the support of a moderate boot.
Survival Lab: Make a Failsafe Firestarter
DIY firestarter - perfect for camping.
Gear Review: Soto WindMaster Stove
A little stove that can handle big wind gusts.
Gear Review: Marmot Stride Jacket
A highly packable windshirt that's extremely comfortable.
Grand 2 Grand Ultra Race
Watch as two BACKPACKER staffers toil through this grueling ultra hike.
Gear Review: Osprey Volt 60 Backpack
An easily adjustable pack for a comfortable fit.
Gear Review: The North Face Conness Backpack
"This is the best-fitting pack I’ve ever used," said our tester after hauling it on a bevy of summer trips.
Gear Review: Thermarest Antares Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag and sleeping pad combined in one!
Gear Review: Polarmax AYG
A highly wicking baselayer from Polarmax.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Transonic Hardshell Jacket
A jacket that breathes - no matter the conditions.
Gear Review: First Ascent Igniter 15 Sleeping Bag
This DWR-coated synthetic bag is highly packable and quick drying.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Equipment Bolt 24 Daypack
This lightweight, rugged pack handles dense loads better than any daypack.
Gear Review: Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR
This all-around mid duty point was and Editors' Choice Award pick in 2013.
Gear Review: Nemo Nocturne 15 & 30
This Editors' Choice Award-winning sleeping bag has a revolutionary shape for roll-around comfort.
Gear Review: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Accelerant Jacket
This Editors' Choice Award-winning jacket is a year-round favorite.
Gear Review: Black Diamond Equipment ReVolt Headlamp
This Editors' Choice Award-winning headlamp allows for rechargeable or standard batteries.
Gear Review: Asolo Athena Hiking Boot
These women's-specific kicks were a favorite amongst testers.
Gear Review: The North Face Summit Series Anti-Matter Softshell
This softshell packs a double punch with waterproofing and breathability.,See what our testers thought of this jacket from the North Face.
Gear Review: Big Sky Soul Tent
Go lightweight with this freestanding solo tent.
Gear Review: GoLite Z10 Sleeping Bag
This down bag delivers on warmth and packability.
Gear Review: Rab Myriad Hardshell
This breathable shell with keep you warm and dry in all conditions.
Editors' Choice 2013: Pentax K-30 DSLR Camera
Weather-proofed DSLR camera so you don't have to worry.
Gear Review: The North Face Verto Micro Hoodie Jacket
This versatile jacket will keep you warm - and cool - year round.
Gear Review: Asolo Drifter GV Boot
These sturdy boots are nimble enough for short trail runs.
Editors' Choice 2013: Big Agnes Scout UL2 Tent
Go lightweight without sacrificing features with this Big Agnes tent for two.
Make a Cook Kit for Big Groups
Become a camp cook extraordinaire when you put together your own big group cook kit.
Editors' Choice 2013: Adventure Appetites Reindeer Gouda Scramble Wrap
Take camp food to a whole new level with this flavorful wrap from Adventure Appetites.
Gear Review: Tifosi Dolomite 2.0 With Smoke Polarized Fototec Lens Sunglasses
Save your vision without interfering with the scenery with these lightly tinted shades from Tifosi.
Gear Review: Skirt Sports Adventure Girl Skirt
Stay comfortable and look stylish with this practical trail skirt from Skirt Sports. Stay comfortable and look stylish with this practical trail skirt from Skirt Sports.
Gear Review: Adidas Outdoor Terrex Zupalite Softshell
Stay protected from the elements with this ultralight adidas softshell.
Gear Review: WPR Point and Shoot Cameras
Our rugged tests put cameras against the elements.
Gear Review: Eureka! Midori 2 Tent
This roomy tent from Eureka! is a killer deal.
Editors' Choice 2013: Garmin fenix GPS Watch
Bring the best of fitness watches into the backcountry with this long-lasting GPS watch from Garmin.
Gear Review: Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife
Be prepared for any situation with this light-weight survival knife from Gerber.
Editors' Choice 2013: LifeProof iPhone Case
Take your iPhone anywhere with this light and durable LifeProof case.
Gear Review: Mountainsmith Lariat 65 Pack
Load up in comfort with this well-padded, heavy-duty pack from Mountainsmith.
Gear Review: REI Crestrail 70 Pack
Keep all your gear organized with this multi-pocket design from REI. Deputy editor Anthony Cerretani shows off the attributes of this load-hauler.