In this issue

SMOKE EATERS ON THE FRONT LINES
Climate change has led to more frequent and devastating wildfires, requiring war-like tactics to fight. Follow a crew of firefighters on the flaming front of 2020’s largest blaze.
BY LANCE GARLAND

TOMORROW’S HEROES
Meet the new wave of hikers working to fight the effects of our warming planet—and trek the trails that inspire them.
BY STEVE JOHNSON

Kilimanjaro: But First, Soccer

Our writer sought meditation on Africa’s tallest peak. What she found was something even more meaningful: fun.

5 mins

Thru-Hiking Back to Myself

Patricia Cameron set out to hike the 486-mile Colorado Trail to raise awareness for her nonprofit. She ended up finding out even more about her personal strengths.

1 min

Stop and Smell the Wildflowers

Hiking is about living in the moment, not speed.

3 mins

Learning Who I Am Not, the Hard Way

One hiker finds his limits in Mexico’s Tararecua Canyon.

6 mins

Unquarantine Your Muscles

Your body may have changed during a year of staying home. And even if your physical fitness has remained constant, your neurological connections may have weakened from a lack of stimuli. It’s time to shake off the sluggishness with this workout designed to get your body moving. Include it in your exercise routine every other week.

4 mins

Samaritan Search and Rescue

In June of 2020, ultrarunner Jeremy Humphrey used his intimate knowledge of his local mountain range to rescue a missing hiker.

3 mins

Smoke Eaters On The Front Lines

The new era of wildland firefighting is a war with no end in sight.

10+ mins

From The Ashes

Just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, a fire ecologist reckons with damage and recovery after last year's calamitous wildfires.

7 mins

Tomorrow's Heroes

These 10 hikers are making a big difference

10+ mins

Edgar McGregor - Climate Activist

Two years ago, Edgar McGregor, 20, decided he’d seen enough litter. The epiphany came as he hiked Eaton Canyon Trail in his favorite Los Angeles area park. As soon as he was out of the woods, he grabbed a 5-gallon bucket and started picking up trash. He’s now notched more than 650 near-consecutive days of service, picked up thousands of pounds of garbage, and earlier this year, finally declared Eaton clean (for the moment). His work garnered widespread praise, including a shout-out from youth climate activist Greta Thunberg. But McGregor is just getting started.

3 mins

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Backpacker Magazine Description:

The Outdoors at Your Doorstep
Backpacker connects with 1.1 million readers for whom outdoor adventure is the centerpiece to a vibrant, experiential lifestyle. Within the pages of Backpacker, readers find the very best in close-to-home trip ideas and done-in-a-day adventures that they can easily schedule into their busy lives. But beyond hiking and backpacking, Backpacker features the latest in a wide variety of outdoor sports, including cycling, fly-fishing, mountain biking, trail running, rock climbing and more.he Outdoors at Your Doorstep
Backpacker connects with 1.1 million readers for whom outdoor adventure is the centerpiece to a vibrant, experiential lifestyle. Within the pages of Backpacker, readers find the very best in close-to-home trip ideas and done-in-a-day adventures that they can easily schedule into their busy lives. But beyond hiking and backpacking, Backpacker features the latest in a wide variety of outdoor sports, including cycling, fly-fishing, mountain biking, trail running, rock climbing and more.he Outdoors at Your Doorstep
Backpacker connects with 1.1 million readers for whom outdoor adventure is the centerpiece to a vibrant, experiential lifestyle. Within the pages of Backpacker, readers find the very best in close-to-home trip ideas and done-in-a-day adventures that they can easily schedule into their busy lives. But beyond hiking and backpacking, Backpacker features the latest in a wide variety of outdoor sports, including cycling, fly-fishing, mountain biking, trail running, rock climbing and more.