how to

Corey Buhay uses her dental hygiene expertise and resourcefulness to show us how to use a twig as a toothbrush.

No one likes smelly clothes! Corey Buhay shows us how to wash clothes in the wild with just a few easy to pack items.

Boogie your way out of trouble with the hypothermia dance. Corey Buhay, Backpacker's own Warmth Expert, teaches you how.

BACKPACKER's Deputy Editor Casey Lyons explains best practices for packing your backpack.

Whether you take your kids out with you or adventure on your own, being an outdoor mom is full of rewards. Our panel of experts shares their best tips.

For women, peeing outdoors is a fine art. We asked a dozen female outdoor experts for their best tips on keeping their shoes splatter-free.

That time of the month is never fun, but it can feel extra annoying to deal with your period in the backcountry. Nine expert ladies share their best tips.

Learn how to tie a girth hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a girth hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie an overhand knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie an overhand knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a square knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a square knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a taut line hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a taut line hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a taut line hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a bowline knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a bowline knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a bowline knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a bowline knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a sheet bend knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a sheet bend knot with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a clove hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to tie a clove hitch with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

Repair your busted canister stove ignitor with these helpful DIY tips.

Repair your busted canister stove ignitor with these helpful DIY tips.

Save money and be prepared for anything with a DIY repair kit.

Save money and be prepared for anything with a DIY repair kit.

Keep your liquid fuel camp stove running smoothly with this step-by-step troubleshooting guide.

Keep your liquid fuel camp stove running smoothly with this step-by-step troubleshooting guide.

Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.

Check out Backpacker Editors's author page.

Keep your leather boots in top shape with an easy DIY treatment.

Keep your leather boots in top shape with an easy DIY treatment.

Busted tent pole? Here's how to fix it fast.

Busted tent pole? Here's how to fix it fast.

Busted tent pole? Here's how to fix it fast.

Bolster your boot with this DIY protective toe cap.

Bolster your boot with this DIY protective toe cap.

Don't go boot shopping just because of a worn-out heel. Repair a hiking boot fast with this at-home fix.

Repair tent mesh in the field or at home with this handy DIY method.

Repair tent mesh in the field or at home with this handy DIY method.

It only takes 2 seconds to repair a zipper slider yourself. Here's how to do it.

It only takes 2 seconds to repair a zipper slider yourself. Here's how to do it.

Patch holes in your clothing fast with this easy DIY fix.

Patch holes in your clothing fast with this easy DIY fix.

Give your jacket extra waterproof protection with this easy DIY method.

Give your jacket extra waterproof protection with this easy DIY method.

Get your zipper back on track with an easy fix from BACKPACKER's gear editor.

Get your zipper back on track with an easy fix from BACKPACKER's gear editor.

Repair a sleeping bag hole with this 5-minute fix from BACKPACKER's gear editor.

Repair a sleeping bag hole with this 5-minute fix from BACKPACKER's gear editor.

Would you resort to cannibalism if your life depended on it? A shocking number of our readers said "yes." Our expert shows you how to do the unthinkable.

Learn how to get down safely when you've climbed into a dangerous position.

Broken a bone in the backcountry? Here's how to make a splint with what's right in your pack.

Hypothermia can set in in as little as 30 minutes--and can kill. Here's your plan of action if your partner is suffering from the symptoms.

Got duct tape? You can make a quick pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from harm.

Learn to build an emergency shelter with the materials around you in a couple of simple steps.

Use this technique to sharpen your knife with nothing but a rock.

Wind can destroy your fire or create a serious forest fire hazard. Here's how to windproof it.

Wind can destroy your fire or create a serious forest fire hazard. Here's how to windproof it.

A lot of unexpected things burn long and hot enough to get your fire going. Here are six that you can make at home and pack with you.

A lot of unexpected things burn long and hot enough to get your fire going. Here are six that you can make at home and pack with you.

Only one match left? Here's how to get a campfire going.

Only one match left? Here's how to get a campfire going.

Put this backpacking-favorite libation to work in getting a fire going.

Put this backpacking-favorite libation to work in getting a fire going.

Learn about the three layers: base, mid and outer shell.

Take your fresh-caught trout to the next level with this recipe from Charlie Borrowman, cooking instructor for Wolf College at Washington.

Bold flavors, spices, and heat take this dish to the next level.

This decadent breakfast treat will make your morning. Learn how to make it here, courtesy of American Alpine Institute's Andy Stephen.

Avoid these common mistakes, and you'll impress your friends with plenty of tasty, easy-prep meals.

Understand the three main performance categories.

Never hit the trail without this sticky wonder.

Use this versatile goo for fixes, upgrades, and more.

Throw a couple in your survival kit. Here's why.

Learn how to pack, plan, and feed your crew for a weekend with this handy guide.