4 Incredible Kaua’i Hikes (That Aren’t the Kalalau Trail)
There’s more to this Hawaiian island than its most famous trail—and with Na Pali Coast State Park closed indefinitely, there’s never been a better time to sample the best hikes Kaua’i has to offer.
New York's Girl Scout Troop 6000 is Taking Girls from Homeless Shelters to Summer Camp
A year-old organization seeks to give some of NYC's most underprivileged girls a way to experience the wild.
Wyoming Announces Grizzly Hunt Near Yellowstone and Grand Teton
Hunters will be able to kill a total of 22 bears.
Penn State Bans Outing Club From Leading Hikes
For almost 100 years, Pennsylvania State University's Outing Club has led students on backpacking and paddling trips. Now, the university says its trips pose an "unacceptable level of risk."
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
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Love to hike? So do we. Backpacker is your go-to source for information about hiking trails, trail recipes, survival skills, and all other kinds of backpacking knowledge. Check out our reviews of tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, hiking boots, and other backpacking gear, or just lose yourself in stories from the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.
4 Incredible Kaua’i Hikes (That Aren’t the Kalalau Trail)
There’s more to this Hawaiian island than its most famous trail—and with Na Pali Coast State Park closed indefinitely, there’s never been a better time to sample the best hikes Kaua’i has to offer.
3 Urban Hiking Trails for City Dwellers
Redefine “close to home” on these three trails within city limits.
The Local's Guide to Hiking Alaska's Chugach National Forest
As a gateway to the Chugach National Forest, a trip to Cordova is a primer in hiking southern Alaska
Fish and Game Warns Homeowners to Watch Out for Bears
Springtime means black bears are increasingly crossing paths with people
The 11 Best Wild and Scenic River Trips in America
Get ready for the ultimate summer on the water with these 11 trips down National Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Aim High: Backpacking the John Muir Wilderness
Find your own secret spot on this trek through the Sierra.
Jolie Varela on Indigenous Women Hike and the John Muir Trail's Real Name
"The healing is going to start with the women. In indigenous culture, women are a huge part, and it’s got to start with us out on the land."
The Man Who Hiked it All
Photographer Bart Smith has hiked nearly every mile of every National Scenic and National Historic Trail.
Why Hells Canyon is Better Than the Grand Canyon
When it comes to backpacking destinations, Hells Canyon takes the cake.
Rangers and Bear Researchers Share Their Best Grizzly Encounters
While thousands of people flock to U.S. national parks each year in hopes of seeing a bear, spotting one out in its element is just another day in the office for some employees.
Could the Great Plains Trail Become America's Next Great Long Path?
America’s next long trail should cross the Great Plains, says the path’s pioneer, Steve Myers. Will hikers share his vision?
An Explorer Confronts His Last Canyon
After a lifetime plumbing the backcountry of the Southwest, David Roberts finds himself face to face with mysteries past and present.
Bear Movies, Ranked by Realism
Killer grizzlies and cuddly teddies make for good movie fodder, but are they accurate? Our scout goes on a cinematic journey to find out.
How to Identify, Avoid, and Treat Poison Ivy
Learn how to treat poison ivy exposure and avoid it altogether, and brush up on the science behind the backcountry's least-loved vine.
How to Remove and Treat Thorn, Splinter, 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.
What Should I Eat on a Thru-Hike?
There's calorie density, nutritional profile, and bulk to consider. But it has to taste good, too.
The 6 Best Ways to Trip and Fall on the Trail
Everyone does it. But it takes a special kind of hiker to make tripping look good.
How to Shoot Better Adventure Photos
Great photography is more accessible than ever, thanks to affordable camera tech. But you still need the know-how to use it.
3 Exercises to Injury-Proof Your Joints
Strengthen joints and banish sprains for good.
3 Perfect Stuffed Fruit and Veggie Recipes You Need to Try
Turn up the fun factor with stuffed fruits and veggies. Best part? No dishes required.
Trapped in a Canyon With a Broken Leg
Brigham Holladay, 26, fell while trying to escape a slot canyon near Utah’s Goblin Valley State Park in March 2018.
Rangers and Bear Researchers Share Their Best Grizzly Encounters
While thousands of people flock to U.S. national parks each year in hopes of seeing a bear, spotting one out in its element is just another day in the office for some employees.
Up Close and Personal With Grizzlies
After a 30-year career managing an Alaskan wildlife sanctuary, Larry Aumiller's advice for keeping bears and people safe seems unconventional: get used to each other.
10 Things to Shout at a Bear That Aren't "Hey Bear!"
Mix up your bear calls with our expert suggestions.
Ask a Bear: Why Do You Rub Your Back on Trees?
Our resident bruin answers all your questions in 'Ask A Bear.'
Ask a Bear: How Smart Are You?
Our resident bruin answers all your questions in 'Ask A Bear.'
