For These Refugee Women, the Trail is a Sanctuary
The outdoors are powerful medicine—and the Refugee Women’s Network is helping displaced hikers get back to it.
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Skip the Christmas Tree Farm and Go to the Forest Instead
Hiking for your tree is your family’s new favorite holiday tradition.
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in November 2022
Affordable earbuds, slimming thermals, and an eye-popping camping blanket: Here’s what our editors brought with them on their fall adventures.
How to Start Foraging Mushrooms Without Dying or Accidentally Tripping
Still settling for those tasteless supermarket white button mushrooms? Expand your palate with these ’shrooms found in the U.S.
Backpacker Dies of Apparent Hypothermia in Zion Narrows
One visitor died and another required medical attention after attempting to tackle a popular trail in unusually cold conditions.
The Science Behind Adrenaline, Your Survival Secret Weapon
Adrenaline can be a life-saver. But how does it work?
Sponsored Content
First Look: CASIO PRO TREK PRG340
Adventure-ready features and planet-friendly materials make this watch a win-win
5 Hiker Gifts for Less than $20
Our hiking columnist knows firsthand that buying gifts for the hiker in your life can induce anxiety. These affordable finds from independent companies can’t miss.
Got a Partially-Filled Fuel Canister? Here’s How to Measure It.
No more running out of gas in the middle of cooking with these methods.
Sponsored Content
5 Regions to Experience Switzerland’s Alpine Flora
From stunning alpine routes to the environments where high-altitude herbs thrive, tap into the healing power of nature in the mountains of Switzerland
The Cost of a Smokies Permit Is About to Double for Thru-Hikers
The increase is part of a larger program of fee hikes aimed at covering costs as visitors soar.
Member Exclusives
Stories, gear reviews, hiking guides, and more just for Outside+ members.
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Fitness
The Best Hiking Workouts for Every Fitness Level
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.
The Best Hikes
The Best Hikes in Colorado
Lace up your boots for a hiking destination that includes Rocky Mountain vistas, alpine lakes, wind-swept sand dunes, and memorable urban parks.
Backpacking Skills
Learn How to Use a Compass and Never Get Lost Again
Make sure you never get lost again by mastering the underappreciated art of navigating with a compass and map.
Gear Round-Ups
The Best Backpacking Kitchen Gear of 2022
Feast-making cookware that won’t slow you down
Trail Guides
The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows
The Narrows at Zion National Park offers an incredible adventure in America's most amazing slot canyons. Here's how to safely explore them.
Survival Skills
How to Remove and Treat Thorns, Splinters, and Other Prick Wounds
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.
Classic Destinations
Experience Deep Backcountry on the Appalachian Trail’s 100-Mile Wilderness
Hike some of the East Coast's wildest wilderness on the AT.
Backpacking Gear
Best Backpacking Tents of 2022
Find shelter from the storm with these excellent backpacking tents.
Long Trails
100 Years Ago, the Appalachian Trail Was One Man’s Dream. Now, It’s Everyone’s.
Benton MacKaye's original proposal for the Appalachian Trail came out 100 years ago. While the trail may have changed, the appeal hasn't.
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Out Alive
Real people who survived the unsurvivable
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Impossible Odds
Two friends, 8,000 trail miles, one year
Featured Story
A.T. Phone Home: Backpacker Wants Your Appalachian Trail Stories
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.
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