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Discover Harsh Beauty at Spring Draw Creek, Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Explore Badlands National Park's trailless interior on a backpacking trip along Spring Draw Creek.
Inside a Backcountry Photographer’s Pack
Stephen Matera spent 20 years dialing the cameras, lenses, and accessories he brings backpacking. We got him to open his pack and tell us what’s inside. Plus: His favorite gear, biggest mistakes, and more.
Hiking New Zealand: The Route to the Best Backcountry Hut in the World
New Zealand's Ivory Lake Hut is a true gem. All you have to do is get there. Check out these stunning photos from the route.
Field Scout's Update on the Appalachian Trail
Our contributor checks off the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail—69.6 miles in.
Evolv Cruzer
Sticky climbing rubber and an EVA midsole make this shoe at home on the crag or trail.
Patagonia Nano-Air Vest
Get core warmth without bulk.
Black Diamond Ember Power Light
We used this new take on the old school light as a backup for headlamps and also to revive dead smartphones on multiday trips.
NEMO Equipment Wagontop 4P
A lavish palace that packs down smaller than other family tents.
Optic Nerve V12
Usually you have to choose between max coverage and visual clarity in shades. The V12 offers both.
Exped Ergo Hammock Combi
The king of comfort in all temps.
Sierra Madre Research Adventura Combo
A three-part system: the hammock, a pair of slings, and the versatile Nubé shelter.
Exped Scout Hammock Combi
A superior safe haven from bugs.
Grand Trunks Ultralight Travel Hammock
This 12-ounce polypropylene perch disappears into any pack and takes only two minutes to hang.
Bergans of Norway Rondane 12
A unique strap configuration obliterates pack sway and jiggle. Plus: great price.
Mt. Rainier National Park Halts Wonderland Trail Reservations
The park cut off permit applications after receiving a record number of requests.
How to Take Better Smartphone Pictures
The best camera is the one you have with you. Shoot better photos by learning to use your phone's full capabilities.
Yellowstone National Park: Beaver Ponds Loop
Hike past expansive beaver ponds and prime elk habitat on this loop through Yellowstone’s scenic northwest corner.
Charlotte, NC: Living History Farm, Kings Mountain
Explore well-preserved Living History Farm on this short hike near Charlotte.
Las Vegas, NV: Little Zion
Visit Little Zion in Red Rock Canyon for sandstone canyons, springs, waterfalls, and massive ponderosa pine trees.
Charlotte, NC: Robinson Rockhouse Ruins, Reedy Creek
Enjoy a short hike to 200-year-old ruins along Reedy Creek on the Robinson Rockhouse Trail in Charlotte.
Charlotte, NC: Pilot Mountain Grindstone Trail
When you're in need of some amazing views, and willing to drive for them, hit the Grindstone Trail on Pilot Mountain outside Charlotte.
Inspiring John Muir Trail Photos
If this trail wasn’t already on your bucket list, we guarantee it will be now.
Before the PCT: The Huge Questions
What everyone asks about the Pacific Crest Trail, and what I want to know.
Las Vegas, NV: Hidden Forest Cabin
Leave the desert scenery behind as you hike beneath twisted rock spires and towering ponderosa pines en route to the Hidden Forest Cabin. This hike can be done in a day or as an overnighter.
How to Protect Your Camera: Outdoor Photography 101
Professional photographer Dan Holz shares his hard-won tips on how to protect your camera while backpacking any weather, even without a waterproof camera.
Spokane, WA: Colfax Trail
Trace the path of the Palouse River through a basalt canyon on the 3.1-mile Colfax Trail south of Spokane.
Charlotte, NC: McMullen Creek Greenway
This close-to-Charlotte hike takes you along McMullen Creek via fun, bike-friendly boardwalks.
Spokane, WA: Enchanted Ravine Loop
Weave through a maze of rock formations on this 2.6-mile loop in the Dishman Hills on the outskirts of Spokane, Washington.
Charlotte, NC: Lake Shore Trail, Lake Norman
Stroll 4.8 miles along Lake Norman on the Lake Shore Trail about an hour from Charlotte.
Moab, UT: Corona Arch
Yes, you should visit Arches, but don't pass up stunning Corona Arch outside Moab. Bonus: You'll get views of the Colorado River and Bootlegger Canyon.
Hiking to Everest Base Camp
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter is hiking to Everest Base Camp this week. Follow her progress here with live updates and photos.
Spring Canyon Hikes in the Inland Northwest
It's spring! The high country trails may still be covered in snow, but drop down into one of the Inland Northwest's many scenic canyons and you'll find warmer temps, blooming wildflowers, and abundant wildlife.
Spokane, WA: Trails and Ales with the WTA
Trails and Ales provides a fun, informal opportunity to meet other hikers and learn about opportunities for outdoor volunteering in Spokane.
Appalachian Trail Gear List
Our contributor compiles gear for a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.
Chris Morgan's Favorite Wildlife Photos
Ecologist and adventure photographer Chris Morgan shares some of his favorite wildlife photos from his travels to the Arctic, the Cascades, and more.
Stunning Backcountry Campsite Photos
Warning: May induce jealousy and an uncontrollable urge to hit the trail. Blame our friends at Tandem Stills+Motion for sharing these sweet campsite photos.
Grand Gulch, UT
Take in breathtaking views, stunning rock formations, and historical ruins on this 5-night itinerary.
Walking Off The War
The Warrior Hike helps vets transition back to civilian life via thru-hiking.
Bighorn Sheep Released into Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon NP
California is trying to bolster the population of the fragile species.
SCARPA Recalls F1 EVO Ski Boots
The company voluntarily recalled the boots due to a potential injury hazard.
How to Be a Professional Photographer
Professional outdoor photographer Ben Herndon shares his hard-won tips on building a career as an adventure photographer. Plus: His biggest mistakes, favorite gear, and more.
The Best New Hiking Boots of 2015
Waterproof. Breathable. Tough. The best new hiking boots of 2015 prove that when it comes to footwear, you really can have it all.
Arc'teryx Bora 2 Mid
We all know that layering systems are the way to go for protecting your body through a variety of conditions—these boots will do the same for your feet.
La Sportiva Bushido
This trail runner is perfect for runners who favor a minimalist feel and goat-like grip for moving fast over rough terrain.
Dynafit Pantera
Runners who prefer cushioning and protection for long mountain runs will love these trail runners.
La Sportiva LS Trango Cube GTX
The heavy-duty Trango boot is stiff enough for ice climbing, yet nimble enough for long mountain approaches.
Hanwag Cengalo GTX
The unrivaled support and precision lacing in these heavy-duty boots kept our feet and ankles happy on long, all-season tours above treeline.
Salomon S-Lab X Alp Carbon GTX
This is the first ever low-cut mountaineering boot.
Salewa Alp Flow Mid GTX
The miraculously universal fit of this mid-duty boot means killer comfort over long miles.
Five Ten Camp Four
The high, wraparound rand on these mid-duty boots is tank-tough.
Helly Hansen Rapide Mid Mesh HT
This mid-duty hiker serves up a whole lotta boot for the money.
LOWA Renegade Deluxe GTX Mid
The premium leather upper on this mid-duty hiking boot molds to your foot.
Vasque Breeze 2.0 Low
Torsional stiffness and superior support help this low-cut hiker perform like a bigger boot.
Columbia Conspiracy III
This shoe is a light hiker and a trail runner in one.
adidas Outdoor Terrex Scope High GTX
Get a winning combination in this hiking boot: sticky Stealth rubber underfoot with a durable, protective upper on top.
Merrell Capra Sport Low
Ventilated mesh uppers make these hikers ideal for hot weather.
Under Armour SpeedForm XC
This is the lightest, toughest, and least expensive trail-running shoe we tested.
The North Face Ultra Cardiac
This is our one-shoe solution for trail and road running.
Hoka One One Mafate Speed
These trail runners swallow bumps on rough trails and save your joints on long runs.
Brooks Running PureGrit 3
The midsole on these trail runners adapts to hard and soft footstrikes.
Pearl Izumi EM Trail N2
Like Goldilocks would have said: The cushion on these trail runners is just right.
The Best Sleeping Bags and Pads of 2015
We took these bags below their temperature ratings to find out just how warm they really are. Bottom line: We lost sleep so you won't. Hit snooze with one of these toasty sacks (and cushy pads).
Exped SynMat HyperLite
This sleeping pad offers big-time warmth but packs down almost as small as a beer can.
Therm-a-Rest Evolite
This sleeping pad has all the appeal of old-school self-inflators—roll it out and watch the pad do all the work—but compresses to half the size of its predecessors, thanks to some new-school tricks.
Eddie Bauer First Ascent Airbender
This three-season bag and integrated pad create a lightweight, toasty sleep system that punches above its weight.
Kelty Dualist 22
This three-season bag features a combo of down and synthetic insulations and an attractive price tag.
Marmot Scandium 20
This three-season bag will let you press deep into shoulder season.
Sea to Summit Spark Sp III
Premium materials and efficient design give this three-season bag one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios we’ve seen.
Feathered Friends Flicker 20
Most ultralight sleeping bags are one-trick ponies. A full-length center zip and other features boost the Flicker’s versatility.
Millet Alpine LTK 800
The minimalist design of this two-season bag translates to excellent packability and low weight, all at a reasonable cost.
NEMO Equipment Tango Solo
Bedding down in this rectangular bag is like sleeping with your comforter at home.
Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed Duo
Frankly, our reasons for liking this two-person sleeping bag aren’t suitable for a family magazine. Use your imagination.
The North Face Inferno -20
Jumping into this sleeping bag on a cold night is as cozy as relaxing on a bearskin rug by the fire.
A Dictionary of Common Gear Terms
Denier? Fill power? Midsole? Here's your handy dictionary for deciphering commonly-used gear terms.
The Best Hiking Shells of 2015
From feature-rich to feather-light, we rounded up the best new shells that'll keep you dry this season.
The Best Beginner Rock Climbing Gear of 2015
Start right with this bargain kit—helmet, harness, shoes, rope, and belay device—assembled by the editors of Climbing magazine.
The Best Beginner Canoeing Gear of 2015
This starter setup costs less than $1,300 and will last for years.
Black Diamond ATC-Guide Belay Device
We liked this standard tube-style belay device's auto-blocking mode.
Petzl Contact 9.8 Climbing Rope
This climbing rope offers top-notch durability, handling, and versatility.