Videos & Photos

An ultralight shelter that's affordable.

An 800-fill-down puffy that packs small and is under $200.

Maximum warmth, minimum weight Maximum warmth, minimum weight.

An ultralight water purifier that eliminates all microorganisms, leaves no aftertaste, and works fast.

Editor-in-Chief Jon Dorn pushes himself to the max in the name of sports science.

Skiing in the backcountry generally requires different skis, boots, and bindings than skiing at a resort. Tracy Ross walks you through the basics.

Don't waste time peeling layers on and off. Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter shows you how to maximize the venting power of what you're already wearing.

Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter walks you through the array of puffy jacket options on the shelves.

Chocolate fondue for the backcountry that's mess-free and delicious.

Don't try this at home: See BACKPACKER's editor-in-chief's gonzo 21-hour hike with a friend into the Grand Canyon, rim-to-rim-to-rim.

On his third day lost in Idaho's Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness, BACKPACKER contributor Jim Thornton finally finds a potential way home. But fear, exhaustion, and an incoming winter snowstorm threaten to derail his progress.

Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter names these First Ascent pants as her favorite.

On his second day lost in Idaho's Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness, BACKPACKER contributor Jim Thornton battles cold temperatures, conflicting routes, and the onset of genuine fear.

After 8 years, this tent is still the best deal out there. Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Dorn shows you why.

On his first day lost in Idaho's Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness, BACKPACKER contributor Jim Thornton confronts dwindling water supplies and the daunting task of getting un-lost.

These perfect pots have stood the test of time and earned our coveted Editors' Choice Gold Award.

BACKPACKER editors cap their Swiss gear-testing trip with a climb of the 13,474-foot Monch.

This uncommonly comfortable boot tackles the biggest terrain in our video review.

The best instant coffee ever. See our video review from the base of the Eiger.

Carry the biggest loads with shocking comfort with this backpack that loads like a suitcase.

Cook anywhere, anytime with this innovative ultralight stove.

Hike far and fast in these light, versatile hybrid hiking boots.

Get ready for the hike of a lifetime as our editors take you up the best trail in the Alps. Get ready for the hike of a lifetime as our editors take you up the best trail in the Alps. (Download the tracklog for this hike here!)

Attention, ultralighters who want a legit two-person tent: This is it.

If you use trekking poles, you should use this tent.

Settle the wool-versus-synthetic debate once and for all: Get the best of both.

Make your iPhone trail-ready with this protective case that doubles as a rechargeable battery pack.

Turn a disposable lighter into a weatherproof flamethrower.

These alternative energy snacks combine buffalo meat and cranberries.

Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter demonstrates the basic clothing to wear on top to stay comfortable in any conditions.

Rocky Mountain editor Steve Howe helps you pick the right jacket for any weather condition or exertion level.

Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter reviews the Exped Alpine...from the base of the Eiger.

Witness the effects of climate change on this challenging trek in the Delta Mountains.

Rocky Mountain Editor Steve Howe dispels a few camping myths and drops some dirtbagging tips in this primer.

Editor in Chief Jonathan Dorn heads deep into the Alaskan backcountry to fish the most bountiful streams in the world.

Live from Alaska's Castner Glacier, Rocky Mountain editor Steve Howe shows you the basics for putting on crampons

Use this fun and fruity backcountry recipe to make a tasty dessert that the kids (and you) will love

Spice things up around the campfire with this take-out style meal in the backcountry

Spice things up around the campfire with this take-out style meal in the backcountry

Can any hiking boot survive 15 minutes in a cement mixer filled with rocks, sticks, dirt, and bricks? Gear Lab aims to find out.

Who wants a mountain tent that buckles under pressure? Not us--so we blasted four top tents with a carwash pressure washer to see which one comes out on top.

Can any sleeping bag survive getting squished by a 4,000-pound car? Find out in this video.

Yes, we know that dragging a pack down dirt road at 60 mph is excessive. No, that won't stop us from doing it anyway to find out which top packs can survive a serious case of road rash.

You heard us right: Wow your campmates with this classic gourmet dessert made right outside your tent.

You heard us right: Wow your campmates with this classic gourmet dessert made right outside your tent.

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns joins us to talk about the people, places, and lasting importance of his latest project, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea."

Explore homesteads and winding ridgelines on this classic 50-mile trek.

Our Trail Chef shows you how to make no-mess backcountry pancakes using–you heard us right–beer.

Our Trail Chef shows you how to make no-mess backcountry pancakes using–you heard us right–beer.

Meet the ultimate GPS: simple enough for beginners, powerful enough for experts. Rocky Mountain Editor Steve Howe gives you the tour.

If you've caught a fish in the backcountry but forgot the pan, don't despair: Trail Chef shows you how to improvise a skillet with a rock. Also, learn Trail Chef's Spicy Southwest Marinade--perfect for any food with fins.

If you've caught a fish in the backcountry but forgot the pan, don't despair: Trail Chef shows you how to improvise a skillet with a rock. Also, learn Trail Chef's Spicy Southwest Marinade--perfect for any food with fins.

Backcountry fishing is easier than ever thanks to new lightweight, compactable rods. Our contributor gets you started with a how-to on setting up your rod and reel, plus the basics of casting.

BACKPACKER staffers tackle paddling, mountain biking, trail running, and road biking races during the Ultimate Mountain Challenge at the Teva Mountain Games in Vail, CO. See how our team did at the games.

Explore the quieter side of Rocky Mountain National Park with writer Dougald MacDonald on this historically inspired route up Longs Peak.

Watch as BACKPACKER weighs in on the newest trend in protein rich and ultralight hiking snacks. You guessed it: Bugs. On the menu: Raw scorpions, tarantulas, and other crawly creatures.

BACKPACKER editors get muddy and bloody while ascending the slippery Lockwoods Chimney, a half-climbing-half-caving route cut deep into the craggy Welsh mountainside.

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.

Because you can't get delivery on the trail

Follow writer Kelly Bastone on a long-forgotten trail on Yosemite North Rim's for eagle eye views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and more.

Fry bacon and eggs in a bag with Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan and this unconventional camp cooking technique.

Fry bacon and eggs in a bag with Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan and this unconventional camp cooking technique.