The 6 Best Budget Tents on the Market
Sleep well and spend less with these budget two-person tents, all under $250.
Oregon Hiker Dead in Suspected Cougar Attack
If confirmed, the death would be state's first recorded mountain lion fatality.
Karel Sabbe Breaks Appalachian Trail Speed Record
Finishes supported hike in 41 days, 7 hours, and 39 minutes.
Walmart Opened an Online Gear Shop, and Black Diamond Sent Them a Cease and Desist
Demands big-box chain stops using company's images and logo
Tourist Wades Into Stream Full of Brown Bears to Take a Selfie
Faces criminal charges along with two other visitors after incident in Katmai National Park and Preserve.
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.
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The Most Underrated Leaf Hikes in New Hampshire
The only thing better than hiking in one fall foliage hot spot? Hiking in two. Or three—or four. Use this itinerary to stage a road trip through New Hampshire’s White Mountains to reach the area’s most underrated treks for fall color.
To Avoid Mt. Rainier's Crowds, Go Off Trail
Venture off the path to find solitude in one of America’s busiest parks.
Hiking the Tuckerman Ravine Trail on Mount Washington
Bag the most famous peak in the Presidential Range in a long day, or spend a weekend enjoying the views on this classic 7.8-mile summit route.
Ditch the Crowds at Moab's Jeep Arch
While the crowds hit Arches National Park, take a detour for a taste of sweet fall solitude.
Leaf Peep in Private at Mt. Grace State Forest, Massachusetts
Catch some September green before the crowds arrive.
One Big Adventure: Climbing Wyoming's Grand Teton
This climber's peak should be on every hiker's life list.
Go Off Trail in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness, Arkansas
Get off the beaten path in the Ozarks.
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?
Fly Fishing is Your Ticket to Bonding With the Backcountry
Learn more about what goes on beneath the surface by casting a line.
Confessions of a Reluctant Highpointer
More people have climbed Mt. Everest than have highpointed every state in the U.S. But does that mean it's really hard or really crazy—or both?
Everything I Need to Know I Learned in the Mountains
Editor-in-Chief Dennis Lewon reflects on an alpine education.
The Complete Peakbagging Packing List
Start here when packing your bag for a full day of rocky summits.
How to Prevent and Treat Blisters on the Trail
Tired of red, stinging blisters three miles into every ten-mile trek? Us too. That’s why we’ve brought together the best blister prevention tips and tricks for keeping you and your feet happy on any trip.
10 Lessons I Learned Camping With My Kids
Youngsters can hike further than they think (bribes help).
The Top 52 Hiker Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
These mistakes are as common as can be—but you don't need to make them.
How to Recognize and Identify Animal Tracks on the Trail
Want to know what kind of wildlife has been hiking on your favorite trail? The answer is right in front of you. Learn to recognize animal tracks, and you'll be able to see for yourself.
Should Hikers Let Their Dogs Off Leash?
Before you let your dog roam free, you have some important questions to answer.
4 Arm Exercises Every Backpacker Should Know
Get those noodles ready for hoisting heavy packs, hauling your body over boulders, and poling through tough terrain.
How to Use a Compass
Make sure you never get lost again by mastering the underappreciated art of navigating with a compass and map.
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.
Lost in the Rainforest
David Tamowski, 58, was alone in the New Zealand bush for 10 days in April 2015.
12 Edible Bugs That Could Help You Survive
People around the globe eat insects. If you’re in a survival situation, these might just get you through it. Here’s how to choose which edible bugs you should eat for dinner, if it comes to that.
