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Outdoor Research Crocodiles
These gaiters check all the boxes.
SteriPEN Ultra
Purify water fast.
Petzl Tikka
You won’t find a more reliable headlamp.
Kahtoola Microspikes
Slip no more.
Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack
Nobody likes a wet blanket.
Garcia Backpackers’ Cache
Bears get hiker hunger, too.
Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
Treating water doesn’t get much simpler than this.
Kinco 1927KW Lined Pigskin
Utility meets necessity.
Crocs Classic Clog
There’s still no more practical camp shoe.
Gregory Baltoro 65/Deva 60
No load is too heavy for this comfy suspension system.
Mammut Trion Light 38+
Pack as much or as little gear as you need for alpine ascents.
Kelty Gunnison 2.3
Stretch your dollars—and your legs.
Mountain Hardwear Trango 3
Feel secure in this three-person tent when the biggest storms roll in.
Western Mountaineering Lynx GWS
A warm bag is good, but a dry one is better.
The North Face Cat’s Meow
Few synthetic bags will last this long.
prAna Halle Pants (m’s Stretch Zion)
Set your legs free.
Patagonia R1 Hoody
You may never take this midlayer off.
My First Mountain Lion
A wild cougar makes a big impression, especially when you're alone.
My First Backcountry Rescue
Spend enough time adventuring and chances are you'll require some assistance.
My First Time Hiking With a Hangover
Hangovers are bad enough in the frontcountry, but one reader must finish his hike anyway.
My First Time Using Bear Spray
A reader visits a notorious site in Glacier National Park—and comes back with a story of his own.
Backpacker Reviews "Stranded With a Million Dollars": Week 3
In which our millennial heroes steal each other’s potatoes.
Scott Pruitt’s EPA Could Spell Disaster for Backpackers
As attorney general of Oklahoma, Scott Pruitt sued the EPA over its rules. Now he’s in charge of the agency, and America’s national parks will likely have smoggier views and dirtier rivers to show for it.
The Pipeline That Could Change the Appalachian Trail Forever
The Mountain Valley Pipeline would run along the Appalachian Trail for almost 100 miles. Trail advocates say it’s a disaster in the making.
Backpacker Reviews "Stranded With a Million Dollars": Week 2
In which our millennial heroes lose their shoes and spend $5,000 on a pizza
Editors' Choice Gold Award 2017: Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack
When you want an extra pack but don’t want to carry an extra pack, take this featherlight bag.
Editors' Choice Gold Award 2017: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 4
The most livable group tent out there gets better.
Editors' Choice Green Award 2017: Columbia OutDry Extreme ECO Jacket
One of our favorite waterproof/breathable fabrics gets an eco-friendly upgrade.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Voormi River Run Hoodie
This superlight merino/synthetic top works in all temps.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Katadyn BeFree
This no-fuss filter fixes every problem with squeeze hydration.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Arc’teryx Bora AR
Banish sore hips and pack sway with a new hipbelt that moves with you in all directions.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Good To-Go Oatmeal
The backpacker breakfast staple gets a long-overdue upgrade.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Mountainsmith Slingback Chair
Save weight and money with this minimalist recliner.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Helinox Chair Zero
Stay high and dry with a chair that’s so light you’ll never want to leave it behind.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: Rab Kinetic Plus
Full storm protection was never this stretchy.
Editors' Choice Award 2017: REI Co-op Magma 850
If you’ve been waiting to get a premium down bag because of price, stop waiting.
Editors' Choice 2017: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
After thousands of hours of testing and a five-day trek through Colombia, these 11 products have earned a place in our pack.
Sponsor Content: Home Sweet Adventure
Travel the country with all the creature comforts of home
For National Parks, Helicopter Tours Are a Noisy Problem
At Glacier and other national parks, tourist flights are drowning out the silence that some hikers look for. A 17-year-old law could change that—if it weren’t trapped in a bureaucratic spat.
Will Ryan Zinke Save the Outdoors—or Ruin Them?
The new Secretary of the Interior says he'll never sell America's public lands—but his record on wilderness, drilling, and "local control" has many advocates worried.
How to Survive With Snowshoes
Traditional or modern, snowshoes can do a lot more than help you float on powder.
Battle the Chill With These 4 Perfect Soup Recipes
Upgrade a cold campout with a recipe that warms the insides.
Protect Your Dog From These 5 Dangers on the Trail
An outdoor jaunt with Fido could turn into the hike from hell if you’re not on the lookout for these possible hazards.
5 Florida Hikes to Help You Escape the Winter
Sick of the snow? South Florida is your ticket to sun, warmth, and wildlife.
Backpacker Reviews "Stranded With a Million Dollars": Week 1
In which we meet our would-be survivalists, and judge them.
Trails Closed After Booby Traps Injure Runner
Authorities are investigating who hid 60 spikes in a North Carolina park.
Watch "Stranded With a Million Dollars" With Backpacker
MTV's newest survival reality series asks millennials to survive for 40 days in pursuit of a cash prize. Obviously, we had to weigh in.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What Are The Best Long Trails I Can Do Over a Vacation?
Reality check: Not everyone can quit their jobs to hike the PCT. But if you have a week or two of vacation, you can complete one of these.
Backcountry Snowboarders Caught in Avalanche, Then Attacked by Moose
A trio of riders in Colorado saw their day go from bad to worse when they survived a slide only to be charged by a moose.
Outdoor Retailer Will Leave Utah Over Public Lands Dispute
Announces move after contentious call with Governor Gary Herbert
Outdoor Industry Clashes Over Utah Boycott
Patagonia and other companies quit a tradeshow in the state in protest of Utah's public land policies. But REI and others say they won't go.
The Best Standard Ropes for Climbing
They don’t call it the “standard” just because. A standard climbing rope is generally 60 meters, and it’s advised you don’t purchase anything shorter—in fact, many climbers these days use 70-meter or even 80-meter lead lines. With different colors, diameters, and fall ratings, there’s a dynamic (lead and toprope) climbing rope for you. Below, you’ll find our top three standard rope selections to consider before your next climbing excursion.
Best Women’s Windbreakers
Windbreakers are a must in every layering system—they’re light, water resistant, and of course, block the breeze. But with so many options available, it’s hard to choose the right one . Lightweight or full-featured? Trim cut or full length? Selecting the right jacket will prepare you for all conditions, and give you years of use. We love windbreakers for their versatility, flexibility, and reasonable cost. Lucky for you, we did the research so you don’t have to.
The Best Camping Towels
A good camping towel often surprises us by how much we end up using it on a trip. Need to dry off after jumping in the lake? Or clean up the camp dishes after a meal? Pull out the camping towel! It’s a key part of keeping clean and comfortable outside. When trying to find the best camping towel for your style, you’ll want to consider its size, weight, packability, dry time, and comfort. To help you choose the right one, we’ve rounded up three of the best options out there.
Patagonia Boycotts Outdoor Retailer Over Utah Bears Ears Resolution
Won't return to country's largest outdoor trade show.
The Best Comfort Thru-Hiking Gear
Luxe gear for hikers willing to carry a little more.
The Best Budget Thru-Hiking Gear
Thrifty options that get the job done.
What Does the “War on Wolves Act” Mean For Predators in America?
A recently introduced bill would strip gray wolves of federal protection in four states. What comes next depends on who you ask.
House Drops Plan to Sell Public Lands
In Instagram post, sponsor Jason Chaffetz says he'll withdraw bill.
The Best Ultralight Thru-Hiking Gear
Featherweight picks for gram-counters.
ULA Rain Kilt
Check out Laurel "Lollygag" Reisman's author page.
Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka
Check out Roger "Greg from Wild" Carpenter's author page.
Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite
Check out Clint "Lint" Bunting's author page.
Uniqlo Ultralight Down Jacket
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Black Diamond Trail Back
Check out Chris "Wolverine" Hillier's author page.
ZPacks Hexamid Solo
It's everything you need on a light-and-fast hike, and nothing you don't.
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2
Check out Laurel "Lollygag" Reisman's author page.
Tarptent Rainbow
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Thermarest Neoair XTherm
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Gossamer Gear Nightlight
Check out Clint "Lint" Bunting's author page.
Katabatic Alsek 22
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Western Mountaineering UltraLight
Check out Laurel "Lollygag" Reisman's author page.
Enlightened Equipment Prodigy
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Osprey Atmos AG 65
Check out Liz "Snorkel" Thomas's author page.
Dirty Girl Gaiters
Check out Amanda "Zuul" Jameson's author page.
Swing Trek Liteflex Umbrella
Check out Clint "Lint" Bunting's author page.
SmartWater
Check out Laurel "Lollygag" Reisman's author page.
ZPacks Arc Blast
Check out Laurel "Lollygag" Reisman's author page.