The 4 Ways to Feed Yourself on a Thru-Hike: Gas Stations, Mail Drops, Dehydrators, and Dealer’s Choice
Whether you're a Mountain House fanatic or dehydrate your entire menu yourself—here's how to keep your energy levels stable on trail.
Whether you're a Mountain House fanatic or dehydrate your entire menu yourself—here's how to keep your energy levels stable on trail.
Nine international spicy stews go head to head.
From an ultralight, ultrapackable drybag to a calf-saving compression sleeve, this gear kept our editors happy, healthy, and out on the trail.
Watch as the Moon family talks about raising their daughter on the road
Watch as the Moon family sets out on a camping adventure in the all-new Toyota Tundra
Hikers heading into tick territory on the East Coast are most at risk of the uncommon Powassan virus.
In July 2013, Matt Dyer was lucky enough to see a polar bear in Canada’s Torngat Mountains. His good fortune ended there.
We've been warned against hitchhiking our entire lives—but on a long trail, sometimes it's the best option.
The visitor took a tumble into a latrine while trying to retrieve her cell phone.
Bears don't just call North America home. Branch out and hike their homes in Asia, South America, the Arctic, and beyond.
A comfortable carry comes down to finding your perfect rucksack.
Irrigation is the most important step you can take to prevent a cut from going south.
Cottage gear-makers are flocking to yet another cutting-edge fabric designed for boat sails.
The remote Crazies are a playground for more than just humans.
We could all tread a little lighter on the trail. Learn what to do—and what not to do—in this round-up of Leave No Trace tips, tricks, and stories.
A group of dedicated trail lovers are working to protect America’s favorite wilderness footpath from the hordes of people who walk it each year
Most thru-hikers are careful about LNT rules—but a few scofflaws can make us all look bad.
Several hikes share a confession, and we're here to dole out penance—and advice.
Gear is no good without the knowledge to use it. But with a little practice, these products can still help you limit your impact.
Forgetting to plan ahead, leaving social trails, and 3 more ways errors backpackers make.
We talked to Leave No Trace about the best ways to bushwhack.
We may not have iPhones or Tinder, but bears have plenty of ways of letting each other know what's up.
Looking for a furry friend? A tame bear is definitely not it.
Wasp spray: great for wasps, not so great for bears.
At age 8, I went to a junior ranger camp that did everything wrong. Ten years later, the lessons they taught me paid off.
Got a burning ursine question? Ask our resident bruin expert in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Someone on the plane told me I could die in my new home of Kodiak, Alaska, home to one of the world's largest bear subspecies. Instead, I adapted.
Can the most common bear deterrent work in heavy wind and sub-zero temperatures? A group of researchers set out to test it.
Perfect your camping setup with these tips.
Surprise her with thoughtful pieces of gear for her adventures.
A hike through Panama’s Parque Internacional La Amistad highlights wonders, both of the natural world and within the hikers themselves.
Prep for this no-mess treat is more complicated than boiling water—barely.
In 2013, Mary Grimm got lost amid whiteout conditions on Mt. Hood. She spent six days alone before anyone found her.
Get to know your rainbows from your double rainbows from your moonbows.
Get to know one of the most spectacular long trails in the U.S. with the creators of THRU | The Pacific Northwest.
Want to avoid growing a science project in your water bottle or hydration bladder? We’ve got the cleaning tips and tricks to keep them squeaky clean.
Take a sneak peek at what might become your favorite piece of apparel next season.
At these dark-sky destinations, the stars are out of this world.
These gaping glacier cracks are dramatic—and deadly. Here's how they form, plus three safe places to see crevasses up close.
Is quicksand as big of a threat as Hollywood tells us it is? Zion's chief park ranger gave us the truth (and tips on escaping quicksand...just in case).
Though microbursts are rare and usually fairly short-lived, these vertical hurricanes can cause extensive damage.
Hike into the epicenter of a cataclysmic explosion in New Mexico's Valles Caldera.
The science behind the sky's natural fireworks display–and how to see it.
To see how animals stay cool in a hot climate, just look up.
From the northern lights to glacial crevasses, science meets spectacle in these fascinating features.
From the world-famous Old Faithful to Iceland's original Geysir, geysers have a way of captivating people's imaginations with their geothermal torrents. Here's everything you ever wanted to know about the science and safety of them.
We all start somewhere. In Hiking 101, you'll get a leg up with beginner advice, skills, trips, and more from Backpacker's experts. Start strong—or just brush up on the basics.
It’s not just a bag. It’s a lifetime’s worth of beauty sleep. Learn what features you need, shop accordingly, and keep your bag in good repair, and it’ll keep you sleeping soundly.
Home is where you stake it out. Understand the ins and outs, pick the right shelter, and treat it like you would your bedroom.
Understanding suspension and construction is key to finding the right fit—and proper maintenance and repair will ensure your load-hauler lasts thousands of miles.
Footwear tech is more complicated than it looks. Maximize your mileage by learning how to pick the right boots and make them last.
Can science—and a fine-tuned gear setup—help you sleep better? Let's give it a try.
Don't just throw your tent down on the first flat spot you see (it's probably the trail). Instead make your first night in the backcountry perfect with these tips.
The miles are low and the rewards are sky-high on these perfect first hikes.
Take your first steps into the world of backpacking with these one-night trips, full of mountain views, wildlife, and even glaciers.
Bad weather, horrendous blisters, endless hills—it’s all fun if you look at it the right way.
The easiest way to lighten your pack isn’t to buy new gear, but to leave a few things you already have behind.
You don’t have to learn the hard way, because we already did.
Being alone in the wilderness doesn't have to be frightening. With these tips, you can fine-tune your mind for an empowering solo journey.
Camping with kids can be unpredictable and messy. But, with a lot of love (and sometimes, a little blackmail), it can be a lot more fun.
Green Mountain National Forest will acquire more than 2,000 acres to provide a buffer around the United States’ oldest continuously-used footpath.
Can a novice navigator make the leap to confident cross-country hiker?
Kickstarting a workout habit starts with reexamining your motivations.
Watch the new documentary from Athletic Brewing Company that chronicles Hardrath’s record-breaking feat
Apparel-makers are turning to ever-more exotic materials in the search for planet-friendly fibers. But whether your fleece is made from wildflowers or recycled water bottles, the truth may not be as green as you think.
Colorado Springs makes for an unforgettable gateway into the Rocky Mountains’ Front Range.
For how dangerous the backcountry can be, it's sometimes the smallest accidents that become the biggest injuries. Stay safe with these tips.
Stay itch-free this summer with these guide-tested tips.
From weight changes to growing feet, hiking 2,000 miles can have a big impact on you physically.
Have a tale from the AT? We want you to give us a call—literally.
After striking out on his first attempt, the author returns to Greece's most famous mountain determined to make the summit.
Knowing fact from fiction can help you avoid—and survive—a 54,000℉ strike.
Dotted, dashed, and curvy. Red, blue, and brown. All these colors and styles criss-cross a topo map. Here's what they mean.
Our parent company is launching a new NFT project, the Outerverse, to promote sustainability and get people outside
Go way beyond Slim Jims with these flavorful, make-ahead snacks.
No dehydrator? No problem. Jury-rig your oven to make this tangy, smoky snack at home.
When the memories of combat refused to fade, a former army medic found healing in thru-hiking.
Shake off your winter hiking slump with these early-season destinations.
Buying the Inheritance Pass? Better write it into your will.
These packs look simple, but making them work on the trail can be complex.