Backpacker [1-year]

Even with these criticisms it is still a great magazine. If you like to do stuff outdoors in any season I highly suggest it. It will open your eyes to other activities you can try, places you can go, and gear you can use.

I've only been a reader for one year, but over the course of that year I've been nothing but impressed by this magazine. I just renewed my subscription for a second year.


A 10 star publication   August 24, 2002
 18 out of 19 found this review helpful

This is the most complete publication for any walker, hiker, backpacker that we have found and the August 2002 interview with Colin Fletcher reminded me of why we subscribe and look for each new issue with such intense anticipation.

The Departments are: Backtalk where readers provide their feedback, Signposts which deals with politics and social news stories of interest to the readers, Body Language which deals with mind body spirit aspects of the sport.
Wild Things which is subtitled The Nature of It All. Moveable Feast which deals with food and has some great recipes that are not only healthy but taste awesome. In the August issue they have a great Almond Bar recipe.

Week End Wilderness is the section where they list great week end outings in various parts of the country. Outfitting is all about clothing choices that make walking, hiking etc enjoyable and safe.

Get Out More 2002 is a section where readers share places they have hiked and what made it special. Know How is about what it says.......Skill techniques and tips. Like leaving the tent behind and saving the extra weight and sleeping under the stars in a better warm sleeping bag set-up. Backcountry is about tales from the trails.

The Special Section carries feature articles on backpacking and things like kayaking, snow trips, fishing and backpacking etc. As well as issues like new equipment and hidden away places for hiking that most people ignore.

It is simply the best magazine on the subject and one any serious hiker, walker, backpacker all seasons enthusiast will have in their home.


The only choice really   July 5, 2002
 14 out of 14 found this review helpful

No other outdoor magazine comes close to Backpacker to answer the questions of where to go and what to take. There are more destination suggestions in a year than one could ever visit in a lifetime, all with accompanying directions, notes, climate, visitation levels, etc.

When it comes to gear, the editors work hard to keep quality AND cost in mind and are careful to test less-well-known, but worthy brands. This is a departure from other outdoors mags that seem to sell recommendations to high retail price manufacturers. Backpacker even did a review of the gear available in large discount stores...


Great for Planning   October 26, 2001
 25 out of 25 found this review helpful

I love to pick up this magazine and dream. It seems that every month there is a trail somewhere in the world that they review that I'd like to hike. But hiking isn't this magazine's only focus. I also appreciate the equipment reviews. They usually will run the products they review through a real world test, making the results easier to understand and believe. Plus, there are frequently articles about issues outdoor enthusiats care about. Articles about scenic photography, articles about wildland politics, and articles about outdoor adventurers are all included. But, above all, this magazine is a great one to browse through when you want to think about being somewhere else!