Backpacking

You've planned for weeks, taken time off work and organized all your gear for several days of hiking through the wilderness. Now comes the moment of truth: fitting it all in your backpack. 

In established campgrounds, picking a site is easy – usually just selecting the numbered parking spot and plunking down a tent. But stray from the beaten path and the question of where to spend the night can get a bit more complicated. Here are eight things to consider.

The big backpacking trip is coming up, and of course you packed your tent. But did you bring your toothbrush? Here are 10 easily-overlooked (but do-not-forget!) items to put on a list before you head outside on your next adventure.

Winter backpacking puts a unique twist on the summer version of the activity. Yes, it's cold but it's nothing that being prepared can't remedy.

Backpacks are one of the most fundamental pieces of outdoor gear. No other device lets you carry all the items that you need to be comfortable and equipped outdoors. Packing all of this stuff into one pack might seem daunting, but it's an easy process if you follow a few basic rules. Whether you're using a large expedition model or a small, urban daypack, here are some important steps to follow when packing a backpack:

When you’re traversing hills and valleys on a backpacking trip, it’s great to take a breather every so often to enjoy a delicious snack and refuel your body for the climbing, descending and sweating that lies ahead.

Thinking about hiking the Appalachian Trail, the 2,180-mile path that stretches across 14 states, from Georgia to Maine? You're not alone.

Getting away from it all to recharge the soul's batteries takes some dedication. If you really want to connect with the natural world, you'd be hard pressed to find and an activity more invigorating than backpacking. Yet, one factor that deters many would-be backpackers is the surrender of comfort.

It can be hard to eat well when you’re on a backpacking, hunting or fishing trip. Typically, the most abundant convenient and cheap grub options during your travels involve mountains of sodium and a deep fryer, which can leave you feeling lethargic and sick to your stomach.