The 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
In a park like this, there's a lot of competition for the 'best trail' title. These are the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
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Bear Spray Could Save Your Life. Here’s How to Use it Right.
No deterrent has as good of a record in grizzly country as bear spray. But if you're counting on it to save your life, you need to know how to use it—and most hikers don't.
Two Hikers Reported Their Friend Dead. It Turned Out They Were Just on Mushrooms.
New York state authorities received a report that a hiker had died in the Adirondacks’ High Peaks. When a ranger showed up, he found one very alive hiker—and his two friends, who were allegedly tripping on psilocybin and having an extremely bad time.
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in May 2025
Never-blister socks, a perfect trail tee, and more: This is the gear that Backpacker's editors loved this month.
11 Signs Your Partner Loves Their Gear More Than You
You’re on the priority list. You just might come after their tent.
Perfect Your Camp Pizza With This Expert Advice
Don't wait until you get back to the trailhead to grab your slice. Instead, cook your own backcountry pizza with this advice.
What Do Bear Biologists Think About ‘Grizzly Man’? We Asked One.
Check out Emma Veidt's author page.
These DIY Cookies Have More Protein Per Ounce Than Lenny and Larry’s
High-protein treats have earned a place in many hikers' packs. But you don't need to wait until your next stop in town to grab a fresh one. Here’s how to make your own protein-rich cookies on the trail.
The Backpacker Editors’ 8 Favorite Memorial Day Deals from REI’s Sale
Trail runners, a budget bag, and a high-end tent: These are the deals we’re excited about.
The 15 Best Memorial Day Deals on Backpacking Gear You Can Buy Right Now
Memorial Day deals? More like Memorial Day steals. Stock up on tents, packs, and more with these Backpacker-approved discounts.
What Kind of Bear Is Best? An Expert Ranks Every Species In The World.
It's time for a showdown as Jeff Larson, co-host of Tooth and Claw podcast, ranks the world's bear species. Which ones are just OK, and which is his number-one, all-time favorite animal?
Wildlife
The Cocaine Bear Trailer Is Wild. The Real Story Is Weirder and Sadder.
Cocaine Bear's first trailer shows a bloodthirsty, intoxicated bruin rampaging through the forest. But how much of the based-on-a-true-story movie is real?
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 Joshua Tree National Park
Full of rock scrambles, cactus clusters, and desert views for days, Joshua Tree National Park is the southwest at its finest.
Backpacking Skills
Why You Should Use Trekking Poles
Ending too many hikes with sore, wobbly legs? Trekking poles can help you make it that extra mile.
Gear Round-Ups
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
Hike Mauna Kea: The Expert Guide to Hiking Hawaii’s Highest Point
Ready to hike to the highest point in Hawaii? Ascend Mauna Kea's volcanic slopes to a summit high above the clouds. This challenging day hike is among the most spectacular on the planet.
Backpacking Gear
10 Backpacking Gear Tips We Learned the Hard Way
Get the most out of your backpacking equipment with this sage advice.
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
The Best Places to Hike in 2023
This is the year to dream big. With the world's last destinations finally reopening to visitors, now's the time to plan a life-list hike that you'll never forget. Even better: Backpacker's done the work for you.
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