If you head out onto the trails, into the backcountry, or to any remote area, making a plan and itinerary — and sharing it — is the most important safety measure you can take, above any piece of gear ...

Backpacker magazine has launched "The Backpacker Survival School" iPad app, giving users essential interactive audio/visual survival advice. Caught in an avalanche? Attacked by a bear? Here's your ...

When you start the transition from traditional to ultralight backpacking, survival gear is usually the first thing to go. Signaling mirror? Extraneous. Extra paracord? Too heavy. Fire starters? Pshh.