Car camping is great, but hiking on trail to get to a remote backcountry camping destination is a different experience. The solitude of the wilderness combined with the beauty of a remote destination is relaxing and adventurous. Before you hit the trail for a backpacking adventure, make sure you have all the backpacking gear that you'll need for a comfortable trip, check out the top destinations for a backpacking trip and make sure you are mentally and physically prepared.

Backpacking for Beginners | Expert Advice: 5 Tips for Backpacking | Backpacking Gear Checklist | Backcountry Gear Reviews | How to Get Started Hiking | What to do in a Wilderness Emergency | What is Wilderness? | Top 5 US Wilderness Areas | Best National Parks to Pitch a Tent

1. Backpacking for Beginners

If it's your first time going backpacking, you might be wondering how to fit all your camping gear into a little backpack, or you might wonder what you'll need to take with you and how to get started. Yikes, there is a lot to learn, but we have the backcountry basics covered so you can get started backpacking.More »

2. Expert Advice: 5 tips for Backpacking

Who better to learn about backpacking than a professional backpacking guide? Melanie Webb from Sol Fitness Adventures offers fitness advice, wilderness tips and common sense reminders for backpackers of all ability levels. She's been backpacking almost her entire life and is a certified fitness trainer, stand up paddle instructor, bicycling tour leader and backpacking guide.More »

3. Backpacking Gear Checklist

They key to a successful backpacking trip is having the right gear, but not having to much! It's an art form getting all your camping gear into a backpack, but the lighter the pack, the more comfortable you'll be. You really don't need a boom box, razor or slippers when you are backcountry camping. Or maybe you do? This checklist will help you pack the essentials for your next backcountry camping trip. Once you are set with the essentials, then you can decide what luxury items will fit it in!More »

4. Backpacking Gear Reviews

Speaking of camping gear, there's a lot of backpacking equipment out there and most of it isn't cheap. We've tested tents, backpacks, water purifiers and other backpacking gear and gadgets, so you know what is the best equipment within your budget. And don't forget to add to our reviews of equipment you've tried and tested.More »

5. What is Wilderness?

Wilderness is a term that is widely used to describe nature and wilde environments, but in the Untied States we have designated wilderenss areas that are managed by federal agencies. The Wilderness Act of 1964 designated natural areas to be protected for wildlife and conservation and many wilderness areas provide recreation opportunites.More »

6. Top 5 U.S. Wilderness Areas

There are more than 700 designated wilderness areas in the United States, but the readers nominated there favorites. The best wilderness areas are destinations for camping or wildlife viewing, hiking or conservation. The Top 5 Wilderness areas include Ansel Adams Wilderness in California, Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, Glacier Peak Wilderness in Washington, Mingo Wilderness in Missouri, and Sycamore Canyon Wilderness in Arizona.More »

7. Best National Parks to Pitch a Tent

Ever since the National Park System was created in 1916, outdoors enthusiasts have enjoyed the parks for camping and recreation. The Top 5 parks as voted by the readers are Glacier National Park, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone and Yosemite.More »

8. Top 5 National Parks in Canada

Canada is known worldwide for its rugged coastlines, tall mountain peaks, and beautiful meadows, streams and lakes. The national park system in Canada is one of the best in the world and the readers selected their favorite parks, which includes, Banff, Georgian Bay, Kootenay,Prince Edward Island and Terra Nova.More »

9. Wilderness Emergency 101

The last thing anyone wants to think about is the worst case scenario, but if you are heading into the backcountry you'll need to be aware of what to in an emergency. While most backpacking trips will be safe and fun, be sure to know emergency basics before you hit the trail.More »

10. Hiking Basics

Backpacking is essentially hiking, but with the added element of camping in the backcountry. Before you go backpacking, you'll want to be a proficient hiker. Once you've mastered the hike, take a backpack and go over night. We've covered the basics how to get started.More »