All Content

Is the versatility worth the weight?

A solid pack is the cornerstone of any multiday trip. Choose the right one with this list of the top backpacking packs on the market right now.

Our all-time favorite three-season tents can handle anything you throw at ‘em

This year, National Park Week runs from April 19 to 27.

On a long trail, you’ll likely want to thumb a ride eventually. Here’s how to do it tactfully and safely.

Vancouver Island's premier coastal trail has a reputation for being tough and rewarding. Take this advice from someone who's hiked it.

A PCT hiker spent an hour "death-gripping" an unstable cliff in southern California before rescue personnel managed to pluck her off.

From bold new long trails to incredible physical feats to the people who make our hikes possible, these are some of the best stories ever to come out of the world's longest trails.

I sort of failed on my quest to hike one of the southwest's less-backpacked parks. Learn from my mistakes.

For over 17 years, trail angels Barney and Sandy Mann gave PCT thru-hikers an unofficial orientation before they set off from the southern terminus. This talk undoubtedly changed trail culture forever—and saved lives.

National Park Service officials temporarily closed two trails at Lake Mead over the weekend after two high-profile rescues there.

Some are blooming now, and others don't reach their peak until early fall.

They may be cute, but chipmunks, mice, and other small animals will steal your chow and ruin your pack in the process. Here’s how to stop them in their tracks.

Weeks after closing the Fiery Furnace due to staffing issues, Arches National Park officials announced that the popular red-rock hiking destination would reopen starting April 15.

Our all-time favorite UL tents can handle a border-to-border thru-hike and weigh less than most sleeping bags.

After five rescues in winter conditions in less than a month, Mount Rainier officials are reminding hikers and skiers that it's still winter up high.

Don't let the gram-counting around ultralight gear intimidate you. Slimming down your pack's weight is easier than many beginners think.

Our team of 15 testers laced up over 40 pairs hiking boots and shoes. These are our top picks for any adventure.

31 boots and shoes hit the trail. These 9 stayed in regular rotation.

Don't waste the late spring and summer warm-up hiking yourself into shape (or rehabbing a fresh injury). Instead, prep for some of the best months of the year with these expert-approved workouts.

The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Jacket is about a half-pound and packs to the size of a water bottle, but feels warmer than that.

We tested 31 filters in rushing mountain streams and scummy lakes to vet our top picks.

If you're thinking about experimenting with a floorless shelter, the Sierra Designs High Route packs down to the size of a Nalgene but punches above its weight in livability.

Dozens of hikers were forced to stay the night along the Kalalau Trail after rain caused flooding in the region.

37 testers put 52 hardshells to the test this year. These are their favorites.

Small backpacking brands are bracing for rising costs and tough choices as tariffs hit materials and manufacturing, putting consumers on the hook.

This is your official invitation to join us on our life-list service and trekking trips to Nepal this fall.

Chosen from hundreds of applicants to the Carson City to Canada Quest, Julianne Mahoney and Audrey Payne embrace the challenge of hiking from Nevada to the Canadian border along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Take it from someone who has done it all. Here are the CDT's highlights, in the form of geysers, peaks, and lakes.

45 jackets hit the trail. Only eight made it to the winners’ circle.

Looking for luxe hot springs, private via ferratas, and backcountry mountaineering? Find them at the eight best wilderness retreats in North America.

The only legal trail to the shoreline of Crater Lake will close after this summer and will stay shuttered for three years, the National Park Service says.

Eight great sunset hikes, plus tips on how to capture those red, gold, and orange memories for a lifetime.

The tent that launched a whole new generation of backpackers is now more comfortable, convenient, and protective than ever

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy—the nonprofit that supports the United States’ most iconic footpath—turns 100 this year. To celebrate, AT thru-hikers Mary Beth "Mouse" Skylis and Grayson Haver Currin pick the 100 best miles of trail, spread out over 19 bite-size sections.

Our testers put everything from budget aluminum poles to the fanciest carbon we could find through the wringer. These are our favorites.

After months of uncertainty, the Trump administration has approved a new pilot reservation system for Yosemite.

The NB Air is our new top pick for overnighters and other short trips.

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a fixture on trails short and long—and right now, you can save $100 off its full price.

Prevent a costly vet bill by identifying hazards before your pup gets a foxtail up her nose or cactus spine in her paw.

Former pastry chef Baylee Chapo's trick to keeping hiking snacks interesting? A piping bag.

From a trail runner made for the toughest terrain to an app that literally forces you to "touch grass," this is the gear that got the Backpacker editors outside this month.

With the park left severely shorthanded due to staff cuts, officials have closed the Fiery Furnace hike until further notice.

Here's what a lifelong backpacker learned when she ventured into bigger terrain.

We trekked deep into canyons, forests, and mountain valleys to test these life-saving devices.

First step: Accept that mud is inevitable on any trail.

From long-trail heroes to quirky characters to nail-biting tales of danger, these stories are some of the best pieces of hiking writing ever composed.

Sometimes, when you follow a path back through history, you learn about human folly, nature's indifference, and how far some people go to survive.

Two gearless "castaways" hike the Shipwreck Trail and discover that you can get on what the Pacific throws on shore, if you're creative with sea trash and have faith that Providence will provide.

With the help of a dog named Orient and a lot of determination, Bill Irwin became the first blind person to complete the Appalachian Trail.

The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park is around 30-square miles of rugged, remote red-rock canyon, twisted into a nearly impenetrable labyrinth. Writer David Sumner dives in feet-first in this 1982 story from the Backpacker archives.

"From this trip, I thought, self-reliance might grow. If it did, exploring would not be far behind."

With its 33-millimeter stack height, the Altra Olympus is a solid choice for rooty, rocky trails.

This awkwardly shaped hunk of iron is your key to building stability, power, coordination, and an indestructible core.

14 testers vetted dozens of blades and tools. These nine are a cut above the rest.

For 100 years, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has helped maintain and manage the world's most famous long trail. Through its new consulting service, it hopes to help build a few new ones.

Find your footing—both on and off the trail—with the help of these expert postpartum tips and exercises.

This basic piece of gear can make or break your hiking experience.

Despite pleas from park staff and congresspeople, Yosemite’s timed entry system is still in limbo after the Interior Department paused it last month.

Olympic National Park’s Enchanted Valley transports hikers to another world via the East Fork Quinault River Trail.

The steep, 1.2-mile trail to Hanging Lake is a popular dayhike for Coloradans and visitors alike.

Nearly three months after the only road to Olympic National Park's Hoh Rain Forest washed out, Washington has announced it will set aside more than $600,000 from the state's Strategic Reserve to pay for repairs.

Two thru-hiking moms share their top tips for backpacking with little ones.

If you're an REI member who hasn't used your annual coupons yet, you can get the Therm-a-rest Vesper 20 quilt for nearly half off.

After Hurricane Helene wrecked a bridge that allowed hikers to cross the Nolichucky River in Tennessee, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and a local guiding company arranged a ferry service to help hikers cross safely.

Many hikers hold misconceptions about tourniquets. But learning to use one properly could save your life.

Yes, I know it's a controversial opinion. But even on my lightest and fastest trips, I've found that ditching bottles for a bladder is a better, smoother way to hike.

Jetboil’s best-selling Fast Boil System just got even better with a one-step ignition and smart enhancements

Plus, vet-approved tips for safely introducing your pup to a hiking backpack.

Just weeks after the NPS axed more than 1,000 permanent employees, the White House has reportedly instructed the agency to cut 30% of its payroll.

Escape to Lake County with tips from a local, and find the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation

Everyone has a favorite national park. But when it comes to hiking, some just do it better than others.

Get better Zs with this advice from two seasoned sleep experts

On your next adventure, go deep, not just high.

Tip #1: Stage your trip in Mariposa County, home to the iconic national park and a hiking destination and multisport paradise in its own right

Without federal funding and support from agency partners, trail stewardship organizations are struggling to keep maintenance projects afloat.

Whether you’re about to begin your first thru-hike or finish your tenth, these are the questions strangers will ask you. And these are some of the ways we’ve fantasized about answering them.

When two hikers took a long tumble off the Tahquitz Mountain Trail, it was the beginning of an epic ordeal for them and their rescuers.

Fend off fatigue by eating enough of the essential macronutrient.