Andrew Skurka is a professional backpacker and author of The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide.
There's no right way to backpack, but there is a right way to prepare for trips with different objectives.
The deep snowpack is great news for farmers and residents of these semiarid states, but it will create unique conditions and hazards for backpackers in the High Sierra and southern Rockies.
Backcountry meals should generally stay in the backcountry. This peanut-noodle recipe is an exception.
You’ve set up camp for the night and cooked dinner. Now what should be done with the Snickers, salami, peanut-noodle dinners, and the other calories that will sustain you for the remainder of your...
Loksak Opsak bags are tough, lightweight, and reasonably priced.
The Suunto 9 Baro is a legitimate flagship product—it improves upon or rivals the performance and features of previous generations, like the Ambit3 and Spartan.
This summer, I tested eight pairs of poles representing a range of prices, features, and designs.
The FK poles are stronger and stiffer than any trekking or ski pole that I have ever used, while also being among the lightest. They are an absolute joy to use.
The Spot X retails for $250, weighs 6.7 ounces, and features a 2.7-inch dot-matrix illuminated screen and physical QWERTY keyboard. It looks like an orange BlackBerry with an oversized antenna.
The Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air is a very lightweight and comfortable sleeping pad that is best suited for weight-conscious backpackers who want quality sleep in the backcountry.
The Packa excels for hiking on-trail in calm weather and cool to warm temperatures. It seems tailor-made for conditions on the Appalachian Trail.
A loop through Yosemite could just be the finest high-altitude thru-hike in the country.
Andrew Skurka tested the Osprey Exos/Eja backpack while guiding overnight trips in Rocky Mountain National Park. These are his thoughts.