Hiking & Backpacking

How to Pack a Picnic for a Day Hike

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

4 comments

Forget trail mix and beef jerky - go gourmet... more »

How to Assess Weather Patterns for Avalanche Conditions

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

When assessing the avalanche hazard for a large area, weather patterns are one of your best initial clues. Being aware of significant weather events prior to your backcountry travel will greatly increase your knowledge of the snowpack... more »

How to Build a Nature Trail

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

0 comments

Getting out in nature is an excellent way to build muscle, increase endurance, lose weight and clear the mind. Building a nature trail is a great way to get plenty of vigorous outdoor exercise while creating something that will give you a sense ... more »

How to Buy a Backpacking Sleeping Bag

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

1 comments

Keep yourself warm and comfy in those cool climes with a sleeping bag that suits you and your sleeping habits... more »

How to Buy a Walking Stick

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

People decide to buy a walking stick for many different reasons. Some may want to use it for hiking while others use it to help with a problem with balance. Walking sticks, also known as trekking poles, are made of many different types of wood. ... more »

How to Buy an Internal-Frame Backpack as a Gift

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

1 comments

An internal-frame backpack makes a great gift for either the outdoor enthusiast or the world traveler. There are lots of packs out there, but you can find the right pack using these simple steps... more »

How to Buy Gaiters

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

Gaiters are a useful piece of backpacking apparel for keeping snow, rain, sand and dirt out of boots and for insulating the ankles and lower legs. They are especially good for off-trail (cross-country) travel to keep debris out of boots... more »

How to Choose the Safest Route up a Hillside or Mountain

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

yep.. more »

How to Climb Mt. Fuji

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

Standing at 3,776 meters, Mt. Fuji is Japan's highest mountain. Old Japanese proverbs say that it is only the fool who doesn't climb Mt. Fiji, and from the view at the top, you can see why... more »

How to Find True North Without a Compass

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

Being lost in the woods is not a pleasant feeling, and being lost without a compass is worse. There are many different ways to find true north without a compass, and they will all be accurate enough to get you to safety (many accurate to within a ... more »

How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

The Continental Divide Trail lives up to its name by running from Mexico through the United States to Canada. This hiking trail provides an arduous journey professional hikers from around the world by covering more than 3,000 miles. You need to ... more »

How to Hike the Narrows in Zion

By hikernb

0 comments

One of the unique features of the amazing Zion National Park is something called the Narrows. It’s 16 miles long and you’re looking straight up at canyon walls where the Virgin River has been carving for thousands of years. The river is still ... more »

How to Identify Animal Tracks While Hiking

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

Hiking and identifying animal tracks can be both fun and challenging. In order to see animal tracks or evidence of animals on the trail, the hiker must be very aware. Looking down at the trail is important, but looking in other places can tell ... more »

How to Keep Your Head Warm When Backpacking in the Winter

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

More than 30 percent of your body heat is lost from the head. Keep your head warm in even the most severe conditions by using the same layering system you would with the rest of your body... more »

How to Layer Clothing for a Walk in the Snow

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

When you see everything covered in snowy white, you may be drawn to the outdoors for a winter walk. However, energetic walking can change your temperature from cold to hot, so be sure to dress properly to get the best possible enjoyment from your ... more »

How to Lead a Backpack Trip

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

1 comments

Your friends must have a lot of faith in you if they choose you to lead them into the wilderness. Squash the drill sergeant fantasy, and take into consideration the needs and wants of the entire group... more »

How to pack for a summer day hike

By sherrietaylor

0 comments

There are a few things you can pack for a summer day hike to make it more enjoyable. You can add a few small items and if you get lost or have to spend the night you will be better prepared... more »

How to Prevent Blisters While Hiking

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

Nothing ruins a great hike faster than a blister. Blisters are caused by friction created when your foot rubs against parts of your boot, stones or other small items that may make their way into your boot. With a few simple adjustments, you can ... more »

How to Rent Canyoneering Equipment in Zion, Utah

By RedheadWriting

0 comments

Whether you're new to canyoneering or an old hand at the sport, there are several outfitters in the Zion, Utah area that can assist you with canyoneering gear for your chosen excursions. Use the below list as a guide for choosing an outfitter in ... more »

How to Tie a Monkey's Fist Knot

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

0 comments

The Monkey Fist Knot was first used in sailing to add weight to the end of a rope when throwing it. This rope knot is also used in rock climbing and hiking when throwing a rope over or around sturdy trees or rocks. Tying a Monkey Fist Knot is ... more »

How to Use a Water Filter When Hiking

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

Hiking can bring on a whole new set of challenges, including the dilemma of finding safe drinking water. Lakes and streams alongside your hiking trails can be tempting, but they may contain parasites or harsh contaminants. A water filter can ... more »

How to Use Adjustable Trekking Poles

By Allen R. Smith

0 comments

Adjustable trekking poles are widely used while hiking to provide added efficiency and balance while on the trail. Trekking poles are also useful when crossing streams or terrain with difficult footing. Made by a number of manufacturers, all ... more »

How to Assess Terrain for Avalanche Danger

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

Learning about terrain evaluation is an important aspect of backcountry travel. In some cases, there will be a large difference in snowpack stability within only a few yards. Being familiar with hazardous terrain allows you to address other ... more »

How to Avoid Blisters when Hiking

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

0 comments

Blisters are a common and serious problem when backpacking or hiking. Learn how to prepare for and avoid the onset of blisters so that your backpacking trip can be a safe and enjoyable one. You need to pay attention to the basics--footwear and ... more »

How to Backpack in the White Mountains

By Christopher Miller

0 comments

Home to some of the most dramatic vistas and peaks on the Eastern seaboard, the White Mountains are a spectacular place to hike and enjoy the remnants of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Like most alpine environments, the White ... more »

Check Out All Categories

Articles in Hiking & Backpacking