Your pants are good for more than shielding you for the elements. Learn how to use them as an emergency life preserver in this video.
How to responsibly store, equip, release, and dispose of bear spray.
Learn what to put in a bear canister–and where to hide it–to keep your meals safe.
It's OK to admit it: you've logged hundreds of miles in the backcountry without really knowing how to use your compass and topo map together. Watch our video tutorial to catch up on this essential backpacking skill.
Whether you're solo or with a group, the BACKPACKER editors show you how to safely cross a raging river–no bridge necessary.
Associate photo editor Genny Fullerton shows you how to use a histogram on your DSLR.
Assistant Map Editor Kim Phillips shows you how to us a GPS and digital camera to map your trail and document your hike in this video tutorial.,Kim Phillips shows you how to us a GPS and digital camera to map your trail and document your hike in this video tutorial.
...by watching our many mistakes. Assistant editor Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan plays guinea pig.
Learn how to get down safely when you've climbed into a dangerous position.
