View Full Version : What is the best Magazine?
BuckeyeBill
01-15-2013, 15:58
WHat is the best magazine to subscribe to for hiking and backpacking information?
I don't know if it is considered the best, but I do enjoy it. Simply called "Backpacker". I have picked up a few good things from it.
hikerboy57
01-15-2013, 16:48
WHat is the best magazine to subscribe to for hiking and backpacking information?
better off with online sources like this one.
i consider backpacker magazine "hiker porn"its only good cause you're starved for hiking reading. i just breezed through the entire issue at barnes and noble today in about 5 minutes. dont waste your money.and they have an online version:www.backpacker.com.
And if you decide you liked it, if you join/ donate with the National Hiking Society, they subscribe you with Backpacker for a year in addition to their own magazine. Two birds, one stone I suppose. Hopefully that is helpful to you :)
RedBeerd
01-15-2013, 16:58
I have a Backpacker subscription. I like it for the most part..although there is rarely information I find extremely useful or relevant to me personally. I read on here more..Backpacker has been demoted to the shelf above the porcelain throne.
Go to appalachiantrail.org and find the link to back issues of AT Jouney's. It might not be what you are looking for, but it's required reading all the same.The ATC will send you a subscription when you support them with a very reasonable membership rate.
And if you decide you liked it, if you join/ donate with the National Hiking Society, they subscribe you with Backpacker for a year in addition to their own magazine. Two birds, one stone I suppose. Hopefully that is helpful to you :)
DITTO!
Yes, some months I spend only 5 minutes with it, but other months, I do find more. Plus, it is great to pass on to friends just getting into backpacking! It really helps motivate them!
When I first started hiking I really enjoyed and looked forward to the arrival of each issue of Backpacker. But now that I have more experience and know more, I believe HB is right about online resources. They just are able to go a lot deeper, and like here at White Blaze you can focus on the AT with a great forum for asking/answering questionss. And do not forget the entertainment value of the fourm.
Take a look at TrailGrove Magazine. It's online and free. Here is the link. http://www.trailgroove.com/content.php
max patch
01-15-2013, 23:13
Backpacker.
Ignore the cool kids here who bash it.
Lone Wolf
01-15-2013, 23:15
Backpacker is a rag.
Take a look at TrailGrove Magazine. It's online and free. Here is the link. http://www.trailgroove.com/content.php
Great articles, awesome photos and "real world" gear reviews. Good stuff.
Go to appalachiantrail.org and find the link to back issues of AT Jouney's. It might not be what you are looking for, but it's required reading all the same.The ATC will send you a subscription when you support them with a very reasonable membership rate.
As an ATC member I get and enjoy AT Journey's, and recommend it for interesting stories about the AT. But it really does not provide much "hiking and backing information" that the OP was looking for.
Feral Bill
01-16-2013, 00:29
Take a look at TrailGrove Magazine. It's online and free. Here is the link. http://www.trailgroove.com/content.php I have not heard of this before. Many thanks.
BuckeyeBill
01-16-2013, 01:01
Thanks for the information. I am going to check out the links you all gave and see what I can find.
fredmugs
01-16-2013, 08:19
Backbacker is great for the ads. If you're a complete noob you could learn a few tips.
mtnkngxt
01-16-2013, 09:01
Backpackinglight has some cool articles and trip reports to help pass the time.
Omaha_Ace
01-16-2013, 12:09
I subscribe to Backpacker, mainly as a "wish list" for travel spot sources and for articles on new gear. But as far as skills it is really basic - most of the stuff in there I knew before I got my Eagle Scout award or figured out via trial (and trail) and error in the backcountry.
I subscribe to Backpacker, mainly as a "wish list" for travel spot sources and for articles on new gear. But as far as skills it is really basic - most of the stuff in there I knew before I got my Eagle Scout award or figured out via trial (and trail) and error in the backcountry.
My thoughts exactly.
fins1838
01-18-2013, 08:02
Maxim......oh wait
stuthetraveler
01-18-2013, 08:13
I like Backpacker magazine and write for them on occasion. That and other outdoors magazines are good for general info and trip ideas but if I'm seriously researching a trip... I come to the message boards like these and ask the experts!
Maxim......oh wait
I remember that piece about the girl in the bikini that wore asolo boots on the shoot and described how they have given her tremendous ankle support. I found it to be extremely informative.
BuckeyeBill
01-20-2013, 02:48
well thanks everyone. I am a reader and I have been reading everything i can get my hands on about the AT.
Monkeywrench
01-20-2013, 07:11
I have a Backpacker subscription. I like it for the most part..although there is rarely information I find extremely useful or relevant to me personally. I read on here more..Backpacker has been demoted to the shelf above the porcelain throne.
Backpacker was such a great magazine when it first came out, until Rodale bought it.
I get it only because it comes "free" when you join AHS. I wouldn't bother with it otherwise.
nitewalker
01-20-2013, 07:35
Backpacker.
Ignore the cool kids here who bash it.
i agree. there is always something to learn in backpacker.
I agree with Monkeywrench. Used to be a great publication when Bill Kemsley was the publisher. Went down hill fast after he sold it. Now it is mostly only good for high-end advertising and exotic trip ideas. I refuse the subscription from AHS when I join, no sense wasting the paper and fuel to send it to me. On occasion I glance through it at B&N. If you can get some copies from the early days, they would make excellent reading.
I'll check out Mag's link. I generally trust and agree with his view on things.
Sorry Ace, guess I should give you credit as well, since you were the first to post the link.
coach lou
01-20-2013, 09:19
I have given up trying to scan every issue of 40 years of Backpacker/Wilderness camper, to put in the Cafe' library. It is still availible to any Youth Paramilitary organization that could need it. Just PM me.:)