Backpacker [1-year]

Every month I look forward to receiving Backpacker,and usually read every word of it (except the annual Gear Issue, in which I tend to cherry-pick information that's of interest). There's also a down side, however, as I always read the trip descriptions, gaze at the enticing photos, and find myself pining to get out and do every trip described (and more), which can be frustrating! Anyone with even a remote interest in getting out and enjoying the wilderness on foot will find inspiration here.

This magazine is even more than I thought it would be. It covers so many aspects of hiking that there isn't room to list them all. I would also recommend this to any outdoor enthusiast.

This is a great way to lose those extra pounds, while having fun.Keeping your mind busy planning the trip,getting there;and your every move along the trail.

Backpacker was the PREMIERE outdoor adventure magazine until it changed hands from Rondale press. Now it is a shell of its former self. Still better than the fashion-puke rags that claim to be adventure mags like Outside and anything with "Mens" in the title. A few less ads would make the magazine better, but for those who complain about the political edge, Backpacker has a long tradition of EXCELLENT outdoors-related political commentary. Backpacker reviews have always been spot on and I have never been dissatisfied by any of their recommendations. Worth a cheap subscription price.

The free "Best Trails in America" that is offered on this page is inspiring and useful. I was almost tempted further until I read about the auto-renewal policy and sending former subscribers to a collection agency. I suppose their auto-renewal is also subject to automatic rate increases too? Maybe they want my credit card so they can do it all on their own with the notification that never arrived (I can just hear, "oops our systems malfunctioned" or "something must've happened with your mail-or email". Maybe they'll even email the "courtesy" auto-renewal notice with the new price from a server that results in it getting caught in the spam filter? Maybe they don't even send a "courtesy" auto-renewal notice--I just decided against a virus protection software package today because they auto-renew every year at the going rate without any notice unless I cancel.

I decided to tell them to: Take a hike and not with my money! I try not to support nasty businesses, and I imagine more and more people will feel the same as the weigh every expenditure.