Birding While Black
A group of scientists wants your help to make the outdoors welcoming and safe for Black people.
![Said to be the finest mountain scenery in the US, this 211-mile trail should definitely be on your bucket list. It runs mostly in conjunction with the Pacific Crest Trail, and often has mild, sunny weather. You will need a wilderness permit, but it’s worth it to venture through Yosemite, John Muir Wilderness, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Park. [image: Rick McCharles / Flickr]](https://www.backpacker.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_faces:center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTQ0OTE0MTY1MDA0NzA3NTU3/john-muir-trail-pacific-crest-national-scenic-trail-california.jpg)
Birding While Black
A group of scientists wants your help to make the outdoors welcoming and safe for Black people.
Colorado Via Ferrata to Open With Social Distancing Measures
Ouray's "iron way" is one of just a few in North America—but it's not immune to the current pandemic.
Walmart Launches its Own Line of Technical Backpacking Gear
Since its acquisition of Moosejaw in 2018, the retail giant has been working on a performance-oriented yet wallet-friendly collection for new hikers just getting into the game. But will backpackers bite?
Here's What it's Really Like to Work in Polar Bear Country
Polar Bears International's Geoff York has been studying Arctic wildlife for more than 20 years. In that time he's had some magical moments—and a few close shaves.
Get Out More: Become a BACKPACKER Basecamp Member
Get the tools you need to get outside. Join Basecamp for access to an exclusive video skills library, gear deals, special guides, giveaways, a members-only community, insider tips, and more!
The 9 Best Hiking Jackets of 2020
Rain, sleet, snow, wind: These are our favorite shells of the season for any weather.
The 11 Best Hiking Backpacks of 2020
Our testers found load haulers for every trip and hiker. Pick your favorite and start making your packing list.
The 10 Best Tents of 2020 for Backpacking
Find the perfect shelter to match the perfect spot.
The Best Winter Camping Gear for Sleeping in the Snow
Want to get outside this season? These 9 products can help you do it more comfortably and safely than ever before.
The 10 Best Hiking Boots and Shoes of 2020
Treat your feet with these trail runners, mid-cuts, and a favorite hiking sandal.
Editors' Choice Awards 2020: The Best Gear of the Year
Backpacks, a sleeping pad, an ultralight jacket, and one very special organization: These are our 9 favorite things this year.
The 7 Best Sleeping Bags of 2020
Sleep better and more comfortably with these synthetic and down sacks.
The 3 Best Sleeping Pads of 2020
You deserve to relax. Snooze better than ever before with our favorite sleeping pads of the year
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.
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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Seven Campsites with Guaranteed Solitude
Escape the headlines—and the rest of the population—at one of these seven sites.
See Fossils on These 3 Impressive Hikes
Discover forgotten worlds on these three fossil-rich dayhikes.
Member Trip Report: Highline Trail, High Uintas, Utah
A Basecamper takes his first solo on a 5-day, 31-mile trek.
Discover the Secrets of the Texas Hill Country
Just half an hour north of Austin, a constellation of parks clings to the edge of a chain of clear blue lakes. At night, turn your eyes from the Hill Country’s quiet forests to the dark skies above for a stellar show. You’re far from the city now.
Find Your Way Through Canyon Country
Routefinding in Canyonlands National Park can be a challenge, but the rewards are always worth it.
How a New Website is Making Hiring a Guide Easier Than Ever
57Hours is a one-stop-shop for booking adventures with experts.
The 5 Best Bear Buffets You Can Hike
Spot some bruins and sample the goods at these Bearpacker Magazine-approved destinations.
Words Aren't Enough This Time
Supportive social media posts are a start. But as the country protests yet another Black man’s murder, the outdoor industry has to take a stronger position against structural racism.
The AT Thru-Hiker’s Decision: Get Back on Trail or Call it Quits
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, hundreds of long-distance hikers paused their trips on the Appalachian Trail and headed home. Now, as states begin the process of reopening, the wisdom of getting back on the path is up for debate.
The Backpacking Scientists Who Are Watching a Glacier Die
Three scientists chronicle life, death, and the last stand of the Grizzly Glacier.
11 Classic Outdoor Memoirs to Inspire Your Next Adventure
Travel postponed? Live vicariously through these adventurous sagas instead.
Here's What it's Really Like to Work in Polar Bear Country
Polar Bears International's Geoff York has been studying Arctic wildlife for more than 20 years. In that time he's had some magical moments—and a few close shaves.
In Search of the Spirit Bear
Kermode bears, British Columbia’s white bears, may be in decline as salmon populations drop. What do we lose if one of the world’s most striking bears disappears?
Introducing BEARPACKER Magazine
This week, we're paying homage to our favorite backcountry fauna with bear science, safety, and advice. Dive in and get to know the original masters of staying at home.
10 Indoor DIY Projects for Backpackers
Stuck inside? Then it's the perfect time to tackle one of these indoor DIY projects to set yourself up for a great hiking season.
Thru-Hiking with a Baby is an Exercise in Patience—and Endurance
Are the difficulties of taking a toddler on a 200-mile hike worth the rewards?
Summer's Here. Hike Naked.
If you want to appreciate how your body feels, rather than looks, on the trail, you have to let it all hang out.
3 Exercises to Prevent Back and Shoulder Pain
Those familiar aches that arise from hauling a heavy pack can force you into bad posture and take all the fun out of hiking. Fight load fatigue by strengthening the muscles that surround your spine, hips, and shoulders
Backyards Gone Wild: How To Camp At Home
If you have a yard or even a balcony, you have a campsite. Here are 8 ways to make the most of very close-to-home camping.
Basecamp Recipe Box
Submit your best trail recipe here for the Basecamp Recipe Box
3 Cold-Soaked Backpacking Recipes You Can Make Without a Stove
Cold soaking is a popular no-cook method among weight-conscious hikers. But ditching your stove doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor.
Behind the Scenes: The May/June Covers
Photographer Chris Burkard talks about his process and how the May/June cover shot came together.
Out Alive: Fall From a Cliff
When Shaina Maytum was 21, a slip in the desert left her broken, alone, and unable to move.
Here's What it's Really Like to Work in Polar Bear Country
Polar Bears International's Geoff York has been studying Arctic wildlife for more than 20 years. In that time he's had some magical moments—and a few close shaves.
PODCAST: How to Stay Safe Around Bears
Are bears dangerous? Not if you plan ahead. Learn to stay safe in bear country with these tips from researcher Tom Smith.
PODCAST: Staying Safe in Bear Country
Bear researcher and expert Tom Smith weighs in on what we know about bear behavior and how to stay safe when you're on the trail
PODCAST: Tragedy on the Appalachian Trail, Part 2
The thru-hiking community knew that "Sovereign" was bad news. Why wasn't anyone able to stop him?
Introducing BEARPACKER Magazine
This week, we're paying homage to our favorite backcountry fauna with bear science, safety, and advice. Dive in and get to know the original masters of staying at home.
Ask a Bear: What if You Have a Cub Due During Hibernation?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Ask A Bear: How Do You Avoid Freezing To Death In Hibernation?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
