10 Perfect Hiker Gifts That Cost $25 or Less
Yes, a $25 tchotchke can be an indispensable backcountry tool.
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5 Hiker Gifts for Less Than $20
Our hiking columnist knows firsthand that buying gifts for the hiker in your life can induce anxiety. These affordable finds from independent companies can’t miss.
Got a Partially-Filled Fuel Canister? Here’s How to Measure It.
No more running out of gas in the middle of cooking with these methods.
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5 Regions to Experience Switzerland’s Alpine Flora
From stunning alpine routes to the environments where high-altitude herbs thrive, tap into the healing power of nature in the mountains of Switzerland
The Cost of a Smokies Permit Is About to Double for Thru-Hikers
The increase is part of a larger program of fee hikes aimed at covering costs as visitors soar.
An Offensive Grand Canyon Landmark Now Has a New Name
Indian Garden will be known as Havasupai Gardens following a government decision.
Why Should You Choose Garmin's inReach Messenger Over the Mini 2?
Garmin's new small satellite communication tool is simpler, but it's their new app that makes the real difference
Yellowstone Identifies Man Whose Foot Was Found Floating in Hot Spring
National Park Service doesn't suspect foul play in the death of Il Hun Ro.
These 20 Pieces Of Gear Changed Backpacking Forever
Through the past five decades, there have been a lot of trend-setters and trailblazers. These are the best of backpacking.
10 Perfect Holiday Gifts to Get a Backpacker in 2022
Outdoorsy folks get stoked on gear year-round, but the holidays are a chance to surprise your favorite trailblazer with the latest and greatest items for their gear closet.
This Reusable Ziploc Bag Is Changing How I Cook in Camp
Goodbye clunky plastic containers and disposable packaging: This is how I'm rehydrating my meals from now on.
Member Exclusives
Stories, gear reviews, hiking guides, and more just for Outside+ members.
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Fitness
The Best Hiking Workouts for Every Fitness Level
Reality check: Hitting the gym is the quickest way to hike farther, easier, faster, and pain-free. Get into a routine—or take yours to the next level—with these smart workouts for three different levels.
The Best Hikes
The Best Hikes in Colorado
Lace up your boots for a hiking destination that includes Rocky Mountain vistas, alpine lakes, wind-swept sand dunes, and memorable urban parks.
Backpacking Skills
Learn How to Use a Compass and Never Get Lost Again
Make sure you never get lost again by mastering the underappreciated art of navigating with a compass and map.
Gear Round-Ups
The Best Backpacking Kitchen Gear of 2022
Feast-making cookware that won’t slow you down
Trail Guides
The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows
The Narrows at Zion National Park offers an incredible adventure in America's most amazing slot canyons. Here's how to safely explore them.
Survival Skills
How to Remove and Treat Thorns, Splinters, and Other Prick Wounds
Nature can be brutal. Learn how to to deal with wounds from all kinds of thorns, spines, splinters, shards, quills, needles, and anything else that might get under your skin when you’re on the trail.
Classic Destinations
Experience Deep Backcountry on the Appalachian Trail’s 100-Mile Wilderness
Hike some of the East Coast's wildest wilderness on the AT.
Backpacking Gear
Best Backpacking Tents of 2022
Find shelter from the storm with these excellent backpacking tents.
Long Trails
100 Years Ago, the Appalachian Trail Was One Man’s Dream. Now, It’s Everyone’s.
Benton MacKaye's original proposal for the Appalachian Trail came out 100 years ago. While the trail may have changed, the appeal hasn't.
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Out Alive
Real people who survived the unsurvivable
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Impossible Odds
Two friends, 8,000 trail miles, one year
Featured Story
A.T. Phone Home: Backpacker Wants Your Appalachian Trail Stories
Have a tale from the AT? We want you to give us a call—literally.
From Grandma Gatewood‘s walk to Bill Bryson‘s misadventures to the Instagram hiking heroes of today, some of backpacking’s most compelling stories have originated on the Appalachian Trail. Whether it’s for 3 months or a weekend, everyone who sets foot on this path has their own tale: a bear encounter, a spectacular sunrise, or an unforgettable night with a shelter full of new friends. Now, Backpacker wants to help you tell yours. All you need to do is leave us a message.
This season, we’re highlighting ordinary AT hikers’ extraordinary stories. Here’s how it works: give us a call at 303-253-6424 and leave us a message with your name and a story from your section hike or thru-hike. Anything is fair game: we’re looking for your best moments, your worst moments, a story about your tramily, your favorite summit, an experience that got your pulse pounding, a tale about the friendly space alien you met along the way, or just how the trail has changed your perspective. We’ll pick our favorites and feature them on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for everyone to enjoy. Our only requirement: that it’s out of this world.
Tell us your Appalachian Trail story at 303-253-6424
FAQ
Where will you share these stories?
We’ll share our favorite stories from A.T. Phone Home on Instagram and Facebook, and may also feature them on our site, podcasts, and other social media platforms.
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