Boston, MA: Distance Dreaming (Long Trail)
Experience thru-hiking fever (and New England hardwoods) on this section of the historic Long Trail across Glastonbury Mountain. BY RYAN WICHELNS
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Sacramento, CA: See the Forest for the Trees (Bigfoot Trail)
Wend beneath sugar pines, Pacific yews, mountain hemlocks, and Shasta firs on this remote section of the Bigfoot Trail in Northern California. BY LAURA LANCASTER
Minneapolis, MN: Light Up Your Life (Superior Hiking Trail)
Sample the 310-mile Superior Hiking Trail on this overnight past Oberg Mountain and Lake Agnes. Fall bonus: Northern Lights. BY KATHLEEN FERRARO
The BACKPACKER Photo Contest
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Sponsor Content: Win the Ultimate HydraPak Hydration Backpacking Kit!
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Enter To Win a Big Agnes Shovelhead Hooded Jacket + Rattlesnake SL3 mtnGLO™ Tent
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The Best Hiking Boots of Winter 2016
This footwear can do everything you need in winter, and more.
The Best Pants of Winter 2016
Skirt, puffy, softshell: The choice is yours.
The Best Baselayers of Winter 2016
From warm wool to sweat-wicking synthetics, your baselayer matters. Start with one of these.
Primus Winter Gas
Press your light-duty canister stove into the shoulder season.
Official Rules: #PetzlNightLife Headlamp Giveaway
Read the rules carefully for the #PetzlNightLife Headlamp Giveaway
Exped Down Booty WB
A two-part booty system keeps feet warm and dry.
The Best New Hiking Jackets of Winter 2016
Keep out the rain with a hardshell or stay toasty with a down puffy: No matter what kind of jacket you need, you'll find it on our list.
America's Best State Parks: Falling Water
Silver Falls, Oregon
America's Best State Parks: Vanishing Act
Sinks Canyon, Wyoming
America's Best State Parks: Floral Extravaganza
Roan Mountain, Tennessee
America's Best State Parks: Wildlife Mecca
Antelope Island, Utah
Adidas Outdoor Terrex X-King
Deep lugs make these the most mud-worthy running shoes we tested.
Salewa Vultur Vertical GTX
Boots this supportive shouldn’t be this comfortable.
LOWA Innox GTX Ice QC
These are the comfiest hikers we tested, thanks to a flexible sole and fleece lining.
Oboz Bridger 8” Insulated BDry
One of our favorite all-arounders gets winterized.
Vasque Snowburban Ultradry
These insulated hikers kept our toes warm on frigid peaks.
Mountain Standard Thermal Henley
This midweight top performs well above its price tag.
Arc’teryx Satoro AR Zip Neck shirt LS
Wear it all winter and still smell as good as you look.
ExOfficio TermA ¼ Zip
High-tech fabric delivers the year’s best warmth-to-weight ratio.
Halti Pinta Top and Pant
Technical performance meets luxe comfort.
MyPakage First Layer Pant Pro
An innovative pouch means ultimate comfort for dudes.
VOORMI ¾ Length Thermal II Bottoms
Special wool and a boot-friendly cut make these ski-ready in most conditions.
WoolX Merino Wool Tunic Top
This women’s pick pulls off flattering and functional.
Marmot Powertherm ½ Zip
This wool/synthetic blend works as a four-season midlayer.
Skhoop Supreme Gore Thermium Short Skirt
Who says you can’t wear a skirt in winter?
Patagonia Nano Puff Pants
Ounce for ounce, there’s no warmer option.
Stio Environ Pant
Women reached for these hardshells, thanks to the thoughtful tailoring and top-shelf breathability.
Outdoor Research Prusik Pant
These pants stand up to all conditions and activities.
Mammut Ultimate Alpine SO Hooded Jacket
Stay drier, longer in this highly protective shell.
Marmot Corsair
This versatile hybrid is airier than most softshells.
Ternua Yangra
Fight the chills in this warmer-than-it-looks softie.
White Sierra Glacier Point II
Get solid winter protection at a great price.
Adidas Terrex Fastr GTX Active Shell
This light and breathable shell is a true year-rounder.
REI Stormrealm
Get a full-featured, premium fabric winter shell for less than $300.
Brooks-Range Armor Jacket
This winter workhorse delivers uncommon comfort and protection.
Black Diamond Helio Alpine
This forcefield has the test’s best protection-to-weight ratio.
Montane Endurance Pro
Super-durable fabric makes this the go-to shell for the worst gear thrashers.
Columbia OutDry EX Diamond Snow Shell
Need burly, never-wets-out performance for punishing winter weather? This is your shell.
Mountain Hardwear Exposure Parka
Powder seekers will love this durable shell.
Sponsored By REI: Patagonia Nano Puff
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Mishmi Takin Nimba
Smart features make this the bargain of the year.
Patagonia Stretch Nano Storm
The Nano-Air gets a weatherproof shell.
Big Agnes Shovelhead Hooded Jacket
A beloved puffy armors up.
RAB Alpha Direct Jacket
Here’s a new idea: nothing between you and your insulation.
Montane High Q Luxe Pro Pull-on
Smart features make this an all-day insulation piece.
Arc'teryx Proton LT Hoody
Stay cool on hard-charging trips.
Sponsored By REI: Mammut Wenaha
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How to Cross a Frozen Lake
Sometimes it’s the fastest way. Often it’s the prettiest. And in places like the Great Lakes region, ice creates temporary routes only winter adventurers get to explore. Stay safe with tips on assessing ice and preparing for self-rescue.
Go Backpacking in Africa's Alpine Zone
In Ethiopia, the Bale Mountains’ glacier-carved plateaus and canyons teem with rare wildlife.
3 Perfect Ways to Upgrade Your Ramen
How do you turn cheap packages of instant noodles into priceless backpacking meals? Step 1: Throw away the seasoning packets. Step 2: Follow these recipes from Chef Glenn McAllister.
Katmai Crowns its 2016 Fat Bear Champion
480 Otis scores a comeback win.
America Needs More Monuments
President Obama is creating national monuments at an unprecedented rate. Will that be enough to save America's last best places?
Surviving the Death March
All hikes end. Sometimes that's a blessing.
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew
The perfect backcountry cuppa maximizes convenience and taste.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
This multipurpose mat makes winter better.
Black Diamond First Light Hoody
If a puffy is the sum of all its parts, there’s no better insulated jacket.
Petzl LEOPARD FL
Lightweight crampons that actually pack small? It can’t be.
G3 Ion LT 12 Bindings
These brakeless bindings shed grams.
Black Diamond Helio Fixed Length Carbon Pole
Swing weight matters, which is why we love these featherlight poles.
Remembering Donn Fendler, the Boy Who Survived 'A Mountain in Maine'
For nine days in 1939, the search for a nine-year-old New York boy captivated America.
QALO Rings
The wedding ring gets an adventure upgrade.
Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket
Stretch your money and your arms with this new down puffy.
Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket & Bib
This softshell performs like a hardshell—or is it a hardshell that performs like a softshell?
Tecnica Zero G Guide Pro Boot
This super-stiff, aggressive boot is the lightest ever in its category.
Columbia Outdry EX Gloves
Sweaty hands are no match for these waterproof/breathable gloves.
Arc'teryx Procline Carbon Boot
It’s a one-boot quiver for alpinists.
The Finish Line of the Pacific Crest Trail
After 148 days on the trail, our correspondent finishes the walk of her life.
October 2016 Table of Contents
Learn to secure your tent, take your cat on a hike, or survive with just a rock in our October issue.
On the Final Stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail
With the finish line just a few days away, our PCT correspondent mulls over what that means.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: Tips for a College Student
Dreaming of tackling the AT after graduation? Liz "Snorkel" Thomas has some advice.
Dealing With Aches and Pains on a Thru-Hike
With the finish line of the Pacific Crest Trail fast approaching, our correspondent deals with an uncooperative body.
Pacific Crest Trail: Rain, Rain, Go Away
People said that Washington would be rainy. People were right.
Senioritis Sets in on the Pacific Crest Trail
With 300 miles to go until she reaches the border, our correspondent finds the trail isn't getting any easier.
10 Perfect Peakbagging Trips
What’s better than climbing one peak? Climbing two. Or three—or five. Head to one of these summit-blessed basecamps and go up until your legs give out.