Why Chihuahuas Are the Best Trail Dogs
Backpackers carry ultralight tents, backpacks, and quilts. Is it really so weird to hike with an ultralight dog?
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7 Steps to Bombproof Your Tent
Your tent will withstand anything with these tips.
Sponsored Content
The Brand Helping You Escape
Make great boots. Inspire people to use them. Here’s how.
Your Next Ultralight Pack Could Be from a Hunting Brand
A new crop of brands are creating specialized ultralight gear for hunters—and they’re making inroads with backpackers too.
Can We Please Just Share the Trail?
As multiuse trails get more crowded, we can all do our part to avoid conflict.
President Biden Just Created Two New National Monuments
One of the world’s largest Joshua tree forests is now federally protected
Want To Hike Better? You Need To Breathe Better
Are you in good shape but still struggling with steep hikes? The culprit could be how you're breathing.
Illegal Guide Whose Client Died in Buffalo National River Receives Probation
Jeffrey Johnson received two years probation, must pay restitution and fines, and will serve a two-year ban from the Buffalo National River.
Two Hikers Dead After Flash Flooding in a Utah Slot Canyon
Heavy rains in the western U.S. caused a deluge that killed two hikers and forced the rescue of 10 others.
A Bystander Saves a BASE Jumper’s Life
A climber in the right place at the right time leads a daring rescue of a BASE jumper stranded high on a cliff.
Ultralight Packs Are Getting a Running Vest-Inspired Makeover
Vest-style straps can make frameless packs carry better than ever.
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 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
The Ultimate Smokeless Fire Pit Showdown
Which of these popular aprés accessories burns brighter?
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
The Easiest 14ers in Colorado
If you're new to Colorado's 14ers or simply looking for a day hike into the clouds, try these (relatively) easy adventures on Colorado's tallest mountains.
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
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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