A group of researchers from University of California, Irvine investigated the link between SAR incidents, park visitation, and Twitter posts. Their conclusions could inform how hikers portray their own adventures—and view those of others—online
As someone who’s confronting his own age, I appreciate seeing an older guy hold it down. That’s why I’m cheering for 480 Otis this Fat Bear Week.
Bigfoot sightings continue to capture the imagination of monster-lovers everywhere. Despite being particularly unphotogenic, we've gathered ten of the best-known photos of the elusive simian.
Catch the Perseids with these smart skywatching tips.
Joe McConaughy sets a new Fastest Known Time on the 223-mile John Muir Trail.
They’re 1,706 miles in and this is what they like most
A complete list of everything the new record holder carried and wore
On Sunday night, British hiker Josh Perry decimated the trail’s long-standing self-supported records after chasing Timothy Olson’s 2021 time
San Diego is more than great views of the Pacific. These trails will take you through canyons, alpine, waterfalls, and more.
In summer, or shoulder season for that matter, there’s not much better than a water-view hike or one that ends up at a beach for lounging and swimming.
Two men defaced the popular Moran Point overlook, and photographers caught them in the act
Stories, gear reviews, hiking guides, and more just for Outside+ members.
Join Outside+ See AllWe reviewed 341 pieces of gear. But these ones stood above.
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.
Lace up your boots for a hiking destination that includes Rocky Mountain vistas, alpine lakes, wind-swept sand dunes, and memorable urban parks.
Make sure you never get lost again by mastering the underappreciated art of navigating with a compass and map.
Feast-making cookware that won’t slow you down
The Narrows at Zion National Park offers an incredible adventure in America's most amazing slot canyons. Here's how to safely explore them.
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.
Hike some of the East Coast's wildest wilderness on the AT.
Find shelter from the storm with these excellent backpacking tents.
Benton MacKaye's original proposal for the Appalachian Trail came out 100 years ago. While the trail may have changed, the appeal hasn't.
Real people who survived the unsurvivable
Two friends, 8,000 trail miles, one year
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.
