The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in June 2025
Summer's here, and from a pocket-size caffeine spray to trail-to-town footwear that's ready to travel, this is the gear that's getting us out there.
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Celebrate ‘Outdoor Independence Day’ on July 6. Here’s Why.
July 6 is the anniversary of the Oregon Beach Bill, one of the boldest public lands laws in American history, and it's a reminder that when we fight for public access to the outdoors, we can win.
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The Family-Friendly Way to Explore Banff National Park
Escape the summer crowds at Banff Sunshine Village with unforgettable alpine hikes for all ages
Why Hasn’t Anyone Come Up with a Better Water Filter Design?
A confluence of form factors, tech, and knock-offs have led to a muddled market for one of the most important pieces of gear a hiker will ever own.
Watch: Hikers Narrowly Escaping Rockfall is the Scariest Thing We’ve Seen This Week
A near-miss on a popular Utah trail serves as a reminder to stay alert in the area.
A “Criminal” Grizzly Moved to a Bearless Island, Igniting a Fierce Debate About His Future
Tex the grizzly already had multiple relocations on his record and a history of breaking into fishing boats and following hikers in British Columbia when he swam to bear-free Texada Island. Now, locals, provincial officials, and First Nations leaders are divided over what to do.
It’s Fine to Date Someone Who Doesn’t Hike
Your partner doesn't hike. So what?
Deal of the Week: A Beginner Backpacking Package for Under $500
This Backpacker-tested tent, sleeping bag, pad, and backpack is everything a new hiker needs to hit the trail—and right now it's a steal.
These Trail-Baked Cinnamon Rolls Will Make You a Camp Cooking Legend
Check out Sienna Fry's author page.
Helicopter Rescues Trapped Teenage Hikers from “Most Dangerous” Fourteener in Colorado
Capitol Peak is widely considered the most serious of Colorado’s highest peaks and has been the site of numerous fatal incidents over the years.
I Used to Judge Trekking Pole People. Now I Am One.
The equipment I didn't know I needed saved my long hike.
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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