Guides and How-To's

There’s a big difference between hiking a famous, well-marked trail and navigating real wilderness on your own.

Discover the ultimate Backpacking Checklist to ensure a seamless adventure. This Backpacking Checklist covers gear, food, and safety for a stress-free trip.

Backpacking is an exciting way to explore the world, meet new people, and challenge yourself.

A sneak peek at one of the most important sections inside The Backpacker’s Ten Course.

A sneak peek at one of the most important sections inside The Backpacker’s Ten Course. When people think about backpacking, they picture gear, tents, and trail miles. But ask any experienced hiker what really determines your pace, your clarity, and your resilience out there — and they’ll point to one thing: Food & Fuel. Inside the course, the Food & Fuel section breaks down everything you need to eat well, cook efficiently, and protect yourself (and wildlife) while you're dee

A trip plan is your first signal flare. It speaks when you can’t. It’s the bridge between your world at home and the wilderness you’re entering.

A backpack isn’t just storage—it’s your mobile life-support system.

There’s a reason fire has always been a survival benchmark—it’s equal parts comfort, utility, and morale booster.

It’s easy to get flustered when the bugs get bad. But don’t let them break your stride.

Early fall comfort is about controlling sweat by day and protecting warmth at night.

Somewhere in the back of your mind, you’re already aware: this is going to be more than a walk in the woods.

Black bears are the quiet ghosts of the Appalachian Mountains—rarely seen, always present.

Backpacking is one of the rawest, most honest tests of mental resilience.

Knowing how to hang a bear bag the right way protects your meals and reduces the chance of unwanted wildlife encounters.

Your Backpacking Trip Is Your Own

The bandanna. This lightweight, versatile square of fabric is the unsung hero of the trail, capable of transforming into a tool, a comfort, or even a lifesaver.

That’s why adaptability is one of the most important skills a backpacker can develop.

Backpacking is an exhilarating adventure that brings you closer to nature and lets you soak in breathtaking landscapes. However, after a long trek, many people focus solely on the thrill of the journey and overlook the critical recovery stage. Proper recovery can make a world of difference in how quickly you're ready for your next outdoor escapade. Let’s look at ways to bounce back effectively after your backpacking trips. Feet First: The Foundation of Recovery Your feet endu

This checklist helps backpackers ensure they have the right equipment for different conditions while maintaining a balance between necessity

A solid navigation setup is key to staying on course in the wilderness.