Hike of the Week: Mesa Arch
Get a new perspective on an iconic view when you look through Canyonlands National Park's famous Mesa Arch in winter.
Why We Can’t Log Our Way Out of Wildfires
Trying to prevent forest fires with more logging may only make them worse, fire ecologists say. Will the federal government listen?
Joshua Tree National Park Officials Backtrack on Plan to Close Park
National Park Service had said it would shut out visitors while it assessed impact from off-road driving and damage to vegetation.
Yosemite Announces Trail Closures After Visitor Death
Cites safety, human waste as factors in decision to close paths amid shutdown.
The Government Shutdown is Trashing National Parks—Literally
Overflowing toilets and accumulating garbage are turning Yosemite and other popular destinations into smelly landfills.
The 3 Best Softshell Jackets of 2018
Stay warm and cozy with the season's best softshell jackets.
The 4 Best Backpacks of Winter 2018
Haul your layers, equipment, and more with these full-featured packs.
The 8 Best Hardshell Jackets of 2018
Stay warm and dry with this season's most bombproof shells.
The Best Winter Camping Gear of 2018
Get out and stay out with these tents, bags, and pads for sleeping in the cold.
The 7 Best Hiking Boots and Shoes of Winter 2018
Sleet and snow are no match for this blizzard-ready footwear.
Editors' Choice: The Best Gear of Winter 2018
Our top picks for fall and winter camping and adventuring.
The Best Adventure Travel Gear of 2019
These products will hold up to whatever the world has in store.
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.
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Hike of the Week: Mesa Arch
Get a new perspective on an iconic view when you look through Canyonlands National Park's famous Mesa Arch in winter.
The Ultimate Continental Divide Trail Packing List
Gear up for the United States' toughest long path with these expert picks.
The Ultimate PCT Packing List
Headed out on the Pacific Crest Trail? Expert thru-hiker Liz “Snorkel” Thomas breaks down the gear you’ll need.
The Ultimate Appalachian Trail Packing List
Get ready for your AT thru-hike with this gear checklist from expert thru-hiker Liz "Snorkel" Thomas.
Arizona Keeps the Grand Canyon Running Amid Government Shutdown
While most national parks cut services, it will be (mostly) business as usual at the Big Ditch.
BACKPACKER's 6 Favorite Hikes of 2018
From Kenya to California, our staff picks their top trails of the year.
Exploring Sandstone Cathedrals in the Grapevine Mountains
You don’t have to go far away to get far away in this winter-perfect national park.
Why We Can’t Log Our Way Out of Wildfires
Trying to prevent forest fires with more logging may only make them worse, fire ecologists say. Will the federal government listen?
Take Your Kid for A Hike—Any Hike
A mom learns something new about her son on the short, crowded trail to the summit of Oahu’s Diamond Head.
Record-breaking Kids of 2018 and Beyond
From big fish caught to big mountains summited, kids can do the darndest things.
Quality Time Is the Best Holiday Gift
When all you want for Christmas is to be outside with your family.
This is Why We Backpack
One reason we love backpacking is because it’s hard—but those lessons shouldn't end when we get back to the car.
This Holiday Season, Make a New Tradition Outdoors
Whatever you celebrate, do it up different.
The Secret to Sleeping Outside? Get the Right Bag.
A backcountry neophyte discovers the importance of buying the right bedding.
The Bootmaster is Back
Nearly four decades after wowing a generation of hikers with his original boot, Randy Merrell went back to the workshop to release a modern version.
Planning for Your Kid's First Summer Sleepaway Camp
How to find the right camp for your kids—and how to know if they're ready.
How to Lighten Your Pack
Whether you’re walking thousands of miles or just a few, every ounce counts. Keep your pack weight down with this seven-step process from expert thru-hiker Liz “Snorkel” Thomas.
The Ultimate Continental Divide Trail Packing List
Gear up for the United States' toughest long path with these expert picks.
The Ultimate PCT Packing List
Headed out on the Pacific Crest Trail? Expert thru-hiker Liz “Snorkel” Thomas breaks down the gear you’ll need.
The Ultimate Appalachian Trail Packing List
Get ready for your AT thru-hike with this gear checklist from expert thru-hiker Liz "Snorkel" Thomas.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: How Do I Choose a Hiking Partner for a Long Trail?
First of all, should you?
Ask a Thru-Hiker: How Should I Deal With Boredom on the Trail?
Yes, hiking is wonderful and nature is grand. But when you’re walking for months at a time, you will eventually get bored. Our thru-hiker explains how to deal with trail fatigue.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What Can I Do in January to Prep for a Long Hike?
The trails are still covered in snow, but it’s not too late to start getting ready for your first thru-hike.
How to Build a Backpacking Survival Kit
Build the perfect survival kit for any hike by following these simple principles.
Out Alive: Caught in a Whiteout
Dylan “Flip” Zitawi, 25, and Colton “Rook” Lulfs, 21, spent 60 hours in a snow pit near Indian Pass, Washington, when a blizzard struck in 2017.
Backpacker's Bible: 10 Skills Every Backpacker Needs to Know
We've created a plan to help you upgrade your trail time in all the ways that matter: bigger views, more solitude, easier miles, and more. Dont hang up your boots until youve mastered this definitive list of 10 skills and life-altering experiences.
6 Backcountry Dangers to Watch For on the Trail
From bear tracks to brewing winter storms, keep an eye out for these signs of hazardous things coming.
Game: Survive a Wilderness Blizzard
Test your winter survival strategies for a chance to win a free class from AIM Adventure U.
Survival: The Most Dangerous Game
Do you have what it takes to survive? Learn how to live through everything the wilderness can throw at you—then test your skills.
Frostbitten and Stranded
When Eric LeMarque was rescued off California’s Mammoth Mountain in 2004, he had no way of knowing the hardship was just beginning.
Mauled by a Mountain Lion
How do you move on after a cougar tries to kill you? Following an attack in 2004, Anne Hjelle got back on the trail.
