12 Secret National Park Hikes That Should Be On Your Bucket List
The perfect dozen: Embark on one of these 12 treks, and turn America's most iconic preserves into your own private paradise.
Praise to 409 Beadnose, the Fattest Bear
Meet the champion chub conqueror of Katmai National Park’s Fat Bear Week 2018.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is Dead—and the National Parks Could Pay the Price
The closure of one of Zion's most popular trails is a preview of what's in store for U.S. national parks if the public lands funding program isn't renewed.
Grizzly Hunt Canceled After Federal Court Intervenes
Wyoming, Idaho would have offered up to 23 bears to hunters.
A 1,200-Mile Wilderness Trip Down the Proposed Border Wall
Wildlife biologist Ben Masters's new short film delves into what's at stake for animals and outdoor lovers.
The 13 Best Hiking Jackets of 2018
A good shell protects you from rain, snow, wind, and more. Grab one of these to keep the weather out.
The 7 Best Sleeping Bags of 2018
Bed down better in the backcountry by picking one of these comfy bags.
The 12 Best Tents of 2018
Big or small, your tent is your home in the backcountry. Get the perfect one with these picks from the experts at BACKPACKER.
Editors’ Choice 2018: The Best Backpacking Gear of The Year
A lightweight backpack, custom-molded boots, and the best lip balm we've ever tried: meet our favorite gear of the season.
The Best Gear for Adventure Travel
These travel essentials are fit for the trail, the plane, and everywhere in between.
The Backpacker Gear Hall of Fame
Testers share their all-time favorite packs, bags, tents, and more.
Find Gear Reviews By Popular Brands
Wilderness First Aid Basics
Don't venture out without knowing how to take care of yourself in the woods.
Outdoor Photo School
Stop being envious of other people’s great shots and create some of your own.
Backcountry Navigation
Even in today’s high-tech world, your smartphone will only get you so far.
Thru-Hiking 101
This six-week online class covers everything you need to know to plan and finish the long-distance hike of your dreams.
Sign up for our weekly trips, skills, gear and survival newsletters.
8 Classic National Park Hikes Ever Backpacker Should Do
It's hard to find an ugly spot in the national parks. But these eight hikes take it to the next level, with gorgeous scenery and wildlife. Go for a walk.
Hike New York's Homegrown Long Path
Step off the subway and into a wilderness sparkling with lacy waterfalls and craggy summits—all thanks to the Long Path, a 358-mile work in progress.
12 Secret National Park Hikes That Should Be On Your Bucket List
The perfect dozen: Embark on one of these 12 treks, and turn America's most iconic preserves into your own private paradise.
The 10 Most Dangerous Hikes in America
Like your life and limbs intact? Then you'd better get skilled before visiting these trails.
9 Astonishingly Hard Hikes (That You Should Do Anyway)
These 9 difficult hikes will challenge even the toughest backpackers.
3 Spooky Ghost Town Hikes to Get Your Heart Pounding
Walk through history—and spice up your campfire stories—on these three hikes through abandoned communities.
The Best Fall Leaves Are Beneath Your Feet
Maples and aspens are nice, but you better look down if you want to see fall's best color show.
Hike Into Fall in Big Bend National Park
In West Texas, autumn is when the hiking really starts to get good.
9 Astonishingly Hard Hikes (That You Should Do Anyway)
These 9 difficult hikes will challenge even the toughest backpackers.
The Best Fall Leaves Are Beneath Your Feet
Maples and aspens are nice, but you better look down if you want to see fall's best color show.
Quiet is Endangered—so Sanctuaries of Silence Preserved it in Virtual Reality
In an age where noise pollution is omnipresent, Global Oneness Project’s new film urges viewers to learn how to listen again.
The Ecosystem of a Family Camping Trip
Like nature, it's all to easy to throw a road trip with the kids off-balance.
Head to Nepal With BACKPACKER to Trek for a Purpose
Join me on a trek in Nepal, and let’s show how hiking and helping go hand in hand.
This Women-Run Guide Service is Changing Himalayan Trekking in India
Because of her gender, no trekking agency in Ladakh would give Thinlas Chorol a chance. So she decided to create her own.
Pass/Fail: Become a Local
Whether you’re visiting a mountain town or moving in, it’s only natural to want the natives to accept you. But how far out of your comfort zone are you willing to go to get there?
15 Cold-Weather Camping Tips to Keep You Warm While You Sleep
15 expert tips on how to winterize your cold-weather camping game, thrive and survive. Keep your core (and your gear) warm in the coldest weather with this ultimate guide.
Pass/Fail: Bake in the Backcountry
The challenge: Make a dozen cupcakes with an ultralight stove.
How to Do Everything: First Aid & Health
Close a wound, remove a tick, prevent poison ivy rash, and more essential tips.
How to Do Everything: 9 Tricks Every Hiker Should Know
From navigation to staying dry to predicting the weather, our primer will have you dialed.
How to Do Everything: Stop Muscle Cramps, Blisters, Rolled Ankles, and More
Hike farther, faster, and pain-free with these training tips and exercise.
How to Do Everything: Pack Faster
We'll show you how to be ready for the the trail in 20 minutes, guaranteed. Now gear up.
How to Do Everything: Camp Better
Find water anywhere, make a fire in five minutes, learn secrets for battling mosquitoes, and more.
How to Do Everything: First Aid & Health
Close a wound, remove a tick, prevent poison ivy rash, and more essential tips.
Grizzly Hunt Canceled After Federal Court Intervenes
Wyoming, Idaho would have offered up to 23 bears to hunters.
Eating Mice and Building Traps: What it Takes to Survive in the Wilderness
The best way to ensure survival in the wild? Learn how to live like a hunter-gatherer.
The Hiker's Guide to Staying Hydrated and Treating Dehydration
A hydrated hiker is a happy hiker. Feel good and crush miles with these tips for identifying and avoiding dehydration.
The 10 Most Popular Survival Stories from BACKPACKER
From strandings at sea to grizzly attacks, we collect our readers' favorite tales from the brink.
Stranded in the Alpine Zone
Shuei Kato, 37, survived wind, cold, and hallucinations for four days in the Colorado backcountry in October, 2017.
National Parks Road Trip: Family Camping With Bears
Camping in bruin country can bring out any parent's inner grizzly.
What Really Happens When You Trigger an SOS?
Emergency notification devices, such as the Garmin inReach Mini, can save lives in the backcountry. Learn how they facilitate a rescue.
