All Content

In Snohomish County, discover an adventure paradise in every season

In 2025, three hikers will complete the rare Border-to-Border Calendar-Year Triple Crown. And they aren't stopping there.

Even the most experienced hikers can fall victim to a “reach the top at all costs” mentality in the mountains. But when conditions change, summit fever can be deadly.

After receiving a call about a trio of struggling hikers on Mt. Monadnock, rescuers found two people who had fallen into a brook—one of them intoxicated—and one who was trying to help.

We taste-tested Stowaway Gourmet’s new 2026 offerings, from an andouille-loaded jambalaya to a parfait that finally gets dehydrated yogurt right.

Some are dark. Some are thought-provoking. Some are just bizarre. These are the most-read hiking news stories Backpacker published this year.

Fifty years of investment has brought massive transformation along the Appalachian Trail—and fueled tensions between some businesses and volunteers. Can they learn to coexist?

Check out Adam Roy's author page.

Just 13.6 percent of hikers are using bear canister while nearly a third sleep with their food, The Trek's annual Appalachian Trail survey found.

Nothing's as good as the real thing, but if you're stuck inside this winter, these treadmill workouts will keep you trail-fit all the same.

When Phoenix firefighters realized they wouldn't be able to reach a trapped hiker until the morning, they used a drone to drop supplies on the mountaintop where he was stuck—a first for the department.

Since Continental Divide Trail's official designation in 1978, it hasn't had an official continuous footpath. This act wants to change that.

From discount trail runners to gadgets, these are some of our favorite gifts you still have time to get.

Marmot's durable Tungsten tents are workhorses suitable for any level of hiker, and it's not too late to grab one by Christmas.

Yes, a knife is one of the Ten Essentials. But when it comes to picking a blade, you need far less than many hikers think.

Although authorities haven't formally identified the deceased, the Inyo County Sheriff's Office said that the clothing on the body appears to match what they believe 21-year-old hiker Joseph Brambila was wearing when he disappeared.

Winter hiking doesn't have to be uncomfortable. Not entirely, anyway. For less than $20, these accessories can help make it almost cozy.

Where we live, temps are dropping fast. Skip the cold-season slog and chase warm trails and long days below the equator.

Whether you're headed to the Pacific Crest or the Florida Trail, long trail alumni have something to teach you. Here, backpacker writers share their best thru-hiking wisdom from a collective 11,000 miles of walking.

Yes, you need to eat differently on winter hikes than on summer ones—but the best foods might not always be what you think.

From sauce packets to empty gelato containers, there are plenty of useful gifts for the crusty hikers in your life that cost exactly nothing.

From holiday treats to a full-featured headlamp to an earth-friendly sleeping pad, these last-minute gifts have big impact and only cost a little cash.

Don’t fall victim to the holiday hibernation: With these simple, outdoor-specific exercises, you can keep or improve your trail fitness for spring.

In a court filing, the Center for Biological Diversity says the government broke the law when it put the pictures of the president and George Washington on the 2026 park passes.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's annual survey found hikers' tally of bear encounters rose by 75 percent, while the eastern seaboard remained the biggest source of AT thru-hikers.

A little precipitation doesn't have to ruin a good hike. Here's how a Washingtonian prepares for the rain.

One uber-lightweight piece of foam can really improve your comfort in the backcountry. Here's why our editor loves hers.

With the right system in place, dogs make the cuddliest tentmates. Here's how to set your pup up for success on their first overnight.

Hakone delivers big views, quiet forests, and historic footpaths without demanding a full itinerary. Here are four trails that show off the region’s best.

Austin Dirks was on a 20-mile section hike of the Hayduke Trail when he stepped in what looked like normal desert sand. A few minutes later, he says, he was stuck up to his knees and struggling to get out.

From pocket-size accessories to dream tents and packs, we've pulled together the season's most sure-fire gifts for every kind of hiker.

First launched 19 years ago, Six Moon Designs' Gatewood Cape is a combo rain cape, pack cover, and floorless shelter that comes in at just 11 ounces. How does it stack up in 2025?

You won't find a lighter mat than the 2.7-ounce Gossamer Gear Thinlight.

Plantar fasciitis is extremely common, and yet experts don’t always agree on how to treat it. Here’s how to sort fact from fiction.

Our testers braved gale-force winds, feet of new snow, and a night in a ghost town to find the ultimate snowshoes for every kind of terrain.

The incident is the fourth confirmed case of rabies in the state's southwest this year.

In the two decades, since her murder, police have never identified a suspect in the death of Louise Chaput. Now, they're hoping members of the New Hampshire hiking community could help to change that.

Hiker hangtags will read 2,197.9 miles in 2026.

Some of the biggest hazards to your gear’s longevity aren’t on the trail—they’re inside your house. Dodge these traps to keep your sleeping bag, hydration gear, outerwear, and more in working order for next season and years to come.

Want to save on your hiking wardrobe? Then you need to know how to deploy your dollars.

Dr. Morgan Brosnihan has helped thousands of backpackers on the PCT. Here's how she recommends staying injury free mile after mile.

Death Cab for Cutie, My Morning Jacket, Cage The Elephant, and other musical acts to take the main stage in Denver May 29-31, 2026

From blizzard-ready tents to sleeping bags that can handle the coldest nights, this is the gear you can count on this season.

Don't hang up your boots for winter yet. Spend the fourth season LASH-ing your way through the most scenic parts of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Texas Parks and Wildlife officials are opening the new Palo Pinto Mountains State Park on New Years day to a select few guests.

Winter sleeping bags aren't usually affordable—but right now, you can grab the reliable, durable Marmot Mad River 0 for a third off its list price.

The Norwegian brand says the rest of the industry gets moisture wicking all wrong.

The brand packed all its latest tech into a new Mini, but the upgrade might not be for everyone.

Darning is a sewing technique that uses just a needle and thread to repair small holes in fabric.

Can our senior editor recreate her freeze-dried noodle dish of choice on the cheap? Only one way to find out.

From hammocks to headlamps, now is the time to snag backpacking gear at budget prices.

There are a lot of great deals for hikers today, but at half-off, Big Agnes's "crazylight" Fly Creek HV 1 Carbon might be the best.

It's never too late to learn something new, especially when that something is how to enjoy a walk in the woods. Start with this advice from hikers who started in their 50s or later.

Score up to 50 percent off on everything from tents to trail shoes this Cyber Monday.

The standard holiday festivities are fine, but they're even better in the woods, in national parks, and in caves.

Short days got you down? Keep the hiking spirit alive with this Bingo game.

From flashy trail apparel to desert-ready hiking sandals, this is the gear that kept our editors moving this month.

The 32-year-old man told his children that the 9-mile trek was the ‘trip of a lifetime’ before ascending into foul weather.

No one collects more detritus than the gear editor. But where to put it all?

The hikers in your life definitely have these midlayers bookmarked for their wish lists. Here's why.

From a beginner-friendly backpack to a tent any ultralighter can appreciate, these are some of our best picks for shopping for a backpacker.

International visitors will pay significantly more to visit some popular national parks next year, while annual passes rise to $250 for non-US residents.

Will your next hike take you high? Practicing how you breathe—yes, you heard that right—could help you stay strong.

A tent that's not built for the conditions can turn your chill winter camping trip into a disaster. Here's why and how to figure out if your shelter is ready for the challenge.

Our all-time favorite four-season tents can handle anything you throw at em’.

Authorities said conservation officers were still looking for the animal and urged local residents to avoid the area where the attack occurred.

Amidst an active search for missing hiker and law professor Charles Hosch, law enforcement is requesting that hikers steer clear of Blood Mountain.

From gear to gadgets, these are the ten best gifts for the weight-weenie in your life.

Don’t put your climbing rope, hiking shoes, and mountain bike in storage just yet—Chattanooga is extending their seasons

The Marmot Guides Down Hooded Jacket puts the “puffy” in puffy jacket.

Check out Zoe Gates's author page.

Keep your favorite backpacker well fed, from cooksets to organic meals and portable seasoning shakers.

Madison "Peg Leg" Blagden battled injury and weather to become the first woman to complete a border-to-border Calendar Year Triple Crown.

No need to muscle through the fourth season anymore. These tips don't take much work and keep you feeling cozy all night long.

A small-but-mighty headlamp, portable water treatment, and more pocket-sized gifts for your favorite hiker.

Thaw out this winter on these easy, breezy coastal hikes.

Our top picks for trail life, including an annual national parks pass, ultralight pillow, and convenient filter system.

From a coffee upgrade to a perfect coat, these are our editors' personal picks for the best outdoor gifts of the season.

U.S. attorney says people caught with cannabis in national parks and other federal lands will once again face "rigorous" prosecution after DOJ rescinds policy of ignoring low-level offenses.

We break down the federal government's closure of Monument 102, the official southern end of the Arizona Trail.