ULA Circuit
Check out Amanda "Zuul" Jameson's author page.
All Content
Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer
Check out Amanda "Zuul" Jameson's author page.
Get Out More Tour 2017 Retail Tour Schedule
Join Backpacker’s Get Out More all star ambassador Randy Propster for an engaging 75-minute seminar full of trail tested tips, regional trip advice and outdoor gear.
Get Out More Tour 2017 Festival Tour Schedule
Join Backpacker’s Get Out More all star ambassador Randy Propster for an engaging 75-minute seminar full of trail tested tips, regional trip advice and outdoor gear.
In Alaska, Climate Change is Already Affecting How People Play
Looking for proof of climate change? Just head up to America’s largest state, where park managers, scientists, and climbers say they’re already dealing with the effects of a warming Earth.
Moose Falls Into Idaho Family's Basement
Animal appears to have been searching for food in deep snow.
Robot Helicopters Could Rescue You From the Backcountry Soon
A new class of autonomous aircraft could make wilderness search and rescue easier and cheaper than ever before.
Inside the National Park Service’s Twitter Rebellion
Usually, the NPS stays out of the political crossfire. Not this week.
Climb for a Cause With Backpacker and Big City Mountaineers
Have an adventure with a Backpacker editor, and make the world a better place.
Easy Long-Haul Recipes for Long Trail Hikers
These hiker-friendly meals—with the right ratio of carbs/fat/protein—belong on any trail menu.
To Go Faster, Hike in the Zone
Put in enough miles, and feet hike on their own.
10 Unforgettable Trips to Make a Backpacker for Life
Go hiking at one of these ten reader-suggested destinations, and you'll never stop.
How to Take a Toddler Backpacking Without Losing Your Mind
The trail can be a challenging place for parents and kids. Set aside your expectations of how a hike should go and learn what you can.
Sponsor Content: Alton Richardson’s Casio ProTrek Adventure Video
Alton Richardson shows you how his ProTrek keeps him safe and helps to achieve his goals behind-the-scenes.
The Dogs of Outdoor Retailer
Some were big. Some were little. A few were celebrities. Meet the furry attendees of the outdoor industry's biggest tradeshow.
How to Treat Injuries on a Long Hike
Months on the trail can throw even the most prepared body out of whack. Follow these hard-earned tips from thru-hikers so these six common hiking injuries and illnesses don’t kill your trip.
How to Stay Energized on a Thru-Hike
Seven rules to keep you going all day, every day.
January 2017 Table of Contents
Check out lara's author page.
Tested: The Best Shelters For Winter Camping
Tent, igloo, or quinzhee? Our testers head out into the cold to settle the debate.
The Ten Best Canned Beers for Hikers
Upgrade your next trip with one of these tasty, trail-friendly brews.
Pioneer Cabin Tree Collapses
Giant sequoia falls in storm.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: Hiking Around the World
Travel the world or go for a long walk? You don't have to choose.
Eagle Point Minnesota
Check out Stephen Sebestyen's author page.
Hiking Minnesota's Superior Hiking Trail
The scenic 310+ mile trail is perfect for hikes of all lengths and adventures of all sizes.
The First Annual Colorado Trail Fest
In September, we gathered backpackers from around the country for the best hiking party the country had ever seen. And in 2017, we're doing it again.
White House Declares Bears Ears and Gold Butte National Monuments
Protects 1.65 million acres, including Native American archeological and sacred sites.
The 2016 Colorado Trail Fest
Take a look inside BACKPACKER and Mountain Hardwear's group hike and party.
Three Incredible Long Trails That Are Far Off the Beaten Path
Find solitude on thru-hikes with A-list scenery and B-list crowds.
Hiking Canada’s Great Divide Trail, North America’s Loneliest Long Trail
Few blazes, fewer trail angels: Canada’s Great Divide Trail offers a rare chance to go back in time and experience the birth of a thru-hike.
The Best Trail Towns for Thru-Hikers
Long-trail hikers agree: These are the best places to spend a zero day.
The Best Places to Eat on America's Long Trails
Sate your hiker hunger with these fan favorites.
Trail Angels Terry “Scout” Adams and Dan “Birdman” Rovnak Are Feeding the AT
In a cabin in the Maine woods, two men cook up "the best trail magic" of the entire Appalachian Trail.
How Do You Track Down Your Appalachian Trail Buddies? Check The Hiker Yearbook.
By putting real names to trail names, The Hiker Yearbook is helping AT hikers keep in touch.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: How Can I Avoid Being Struck by Lightning?
Your chances of being struck by lightning are higher than you think. Minimize them with these tips from thru-hiker Liz "Snorkel" Thomas.
2016 Holiday Gift Guide
No matter who you're shopping for, we've got you covered with 2016's best holiday gifts for hikers, in every price range.
Hike the Pacific Crest Trail Through Lindsey Fox's Amazing Watercolors
Most thru-hikers use blogs and Facebook to stay in touch with home. Miyagi used watercolors.
Pass/Fail: Thru-Hike the Pacific Crest Trail Without a Stove
Can our PCT thru-hiker give up hot meals for 2,650 miles?
A Challenge for PCT Hikers: Take Your Time in Oregon
Oregon harbors some of the greatest gems on the Pacific Crest Trail—but you’ll never know it if you don’t take your time.
Holiday Giveaway 2016
Check back every day this week for a chance to win a new prize.
The Best Weekend on the PCT: Old Snowy to White Pass, Washington
Only have a few days? Sample the best of the Pacific Crest Trail on this bite-size trip.
Could an Alaskan Oil Pipeline Become America's Next Great Long Trail?
The Trans-Alaska Trail would be America’s wildest path—if a determined group of Alaskans can make it happen.
Advice From a Hiker Who Finished the Pacific Crest Trail
We sent Amanda “Zuul” Jameson to the PCT to share what it’s really like to live the life of an end-to-ender.
How Three Thru-Hikers Helped Clean Up America's Long Trails
The Packing It Out crew hauled thousands of pounds of trash off the AT and PCT over the last two years. If we all followed their lead, perhaps there’d be nothing left to pick up.
Returning to "Real Life" After Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
The hardest part of hiking from Mexico to Canada? Coming home.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: Planning a Mid-Career Thru-Hike
Quitting your job for the trail doesn't necessarily spell doom for your career.
Paul Evans Never Hiked the Appalachian Trail. But His Boots Did.
They say you can learn something by walking in another man’s boots. On the Appalachian Trail last summer, hikers learned what happens when you carry them.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: Do I Have to Pay Trail Angels?
They don't charge for their help—but that doesn't mean you don't owe them.
The Best Winter Camping Gear of 2016
Defy the snow with these nine new winter camping essentials.
How to Beat the Cold While Hiking in Winter
Keep yourself (and your supplies) from freezing this winter with tips from Philip Werner, an Appalachian Mountain Club leader and founder of sectionhiker.com
Reciting Poetry on the Trail
You don’t need to be an English major to make poetry part of your next hike.
8 Creative Ways to Build Hiking Fitness This Winter
Start spring in better shape than ever by working on your weaknesses.
Casio WSD-F10 Smart Outdoor Watch
This smartwatch is primed for crushing some trail.
goTenna
It lets you text your friends in the backcountry.
Lander Neve Cables
These ultradurable cables pack small and withstand abuse.
Suunto Ambit3 Vertical
Finally, a full-featured GPS watch that cares about vert as much as you do.
Garmin Oregon 750t
This compact touchscreen GPS unit is beautifully simple.
The Best New Outdoor Tech of Winter 2016
Do gadgets belong in the backcountry? When they help you play harder, they do.
Billy Goat’s Never-Ending Thru-Hike
For almost three decades, George “Billy Goat” Woodard has hiked roughly 150 days per year. Where will his journey take him next?
The 3 Best Dune Hikes
Wander through the sand on these three impressive trails.
Nike Khyber
These goggles fit seamlessly with all helmets.
Native Upslope
They offer the best field of vision.
Dragon Alliance X1
One lens to rule them all.
Revo Traverse
These shades transform into glacier goggles.
Hobie Polarized Cruz-R
Get the best bang for your buck.
Vuarnet 02
These lenses offered the best clarity.
Outdoor Research Lodestar Sensor
Backcountry rippers dug this versatile glove.
Seirus Solarsphere Brink
Innovative insulation kept testers’ hands toasty.
Montane Endurance Pro Mitt
Call it storm armor for your paws.
Merino Wool ¾ Buff
Check out Josette Deschambeault's author page.
Dale of Norway Glittertind Hat
Check out Josette Deschambeault's author page.
Giro Zone Helmet
Check out Josette Deschambeault's author page.
SmartWool NTS Mid 250 Balaclava
Check out Josette Deschambeault's author page.
SmartWool PhD Outdoor Mountaineer
This sock was designed with the ski tourer in mind.
Bridgedale Control Fit II
This light sock doesn’t skimp on features.
Patagonia to Donate 100% of Black Friday Sales to Charity
Gross proceeds from stores and site to go to grassroots environmental groups
The 2016 Holiday Gift Guide
From clothing to coffee to climbing gear, here are 33 perfect gifts for the hikers on your list.
Hike a Long Trail—Even if it Takes a Lifetime
It takes most thru-hikers around five months to finish the Appalachian Trail. It's taken Casey Lyons sixteen years—and counting.
Carrying a Guitar on an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike
Six months on the AT means a whole lot of time for singalongs under the stars. But as Case Conover discovered, taking along an instrument on America's most famous walk isn't easy.
November 2016 Table of Contents
Suit up for winter with our semiannual gear guide.
The Best Snowshoes of Winter 2016
Push your hiking season into the winter with these trail-ready snowshoes.