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.
Videos & Photos
Videos & Photos
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.
Gear Pro: Outfit Yourself for a Day Hike
Everything you need for a typical spring day hike.
Treasure Island: Canada's Haida Gwaii
See exclusive photos of our man's trip to this exotic island off the coast of Canada.
Gear Pro: British Columbia Gear Testing
An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a BACKPACKER gear testing trip.
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.
How to Load a Pack
Stay comfortable on the trail with the ABCDs of packing.
How to Choose the Right Sleeping Bag
Ask yourself these questions before buying a new bag.
10 Amazing Cave Hikes in the U.S.
Adventures abound, both above and below ground.
Gear Pro: Weekend Hike Essentials
These 7 items make a killer kit for your spring weekends..
The 6 Most Dangerous National Parks
National parks are pretty safe, but some carry more risk than others.
9 Signs You're an Old School Backpacker
Fads come and go, but you've been a backpacker through it all. Here are a few signs you're a diehard dirtbag.
The Beautiful North Cascades
Take a breathtaking photographic tour of of Washington's Cascade Range.
2014 Reader Photo Contest Winners
Check out adufoe's author page.
Gone Girl: Photographs from the Search for Aubrey Sacco
Author Tracy Ross shares her personal photos and reflections from her trip to Nepal with Aubrey Sacco's family after the trekker's disappearance.
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.
10 Trails to Cure the Winter Blues
Cabin fever got you down? These trails are even better in the cold weather months.
7 Ridiculously Expensive Pieces of Gear
You'll need a whole lot of disposable income to nab any of these big ticket items.
Even More Great Books for the Trail
Readers weigh in with their picks for the best outdoor books of all time.
Great Outdoor Books for the Trail
Whether read before the trek, during the adventure, or after it's over, these books remind us why we love the wild.
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.