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When a normal trip turned strange, one hiker found himself transfixed by the paranormal.

Stay found, shaded, and hydrated with this hot-weather kit.

Sweet chocolate is the perfect companion to Mexican spices in this comforting and lightweight recipe.

Ward off the chill of fall backpacking with a cup of steamy, savory soup.

Environmental activists are pursuing legal steps that would allow natural entities to sue in their own defense through a human spokesperson. But maybe it’s the conversation, and not the law, that matters most.

Picture the Alps without the crowds, and you have Island Lake.

This 12.1-mile overnight bags a Catskills Peak on the way to your lean-to camp spot.

With Biden’s oil and gas moratorium derailed, Bears Ears is back on the chopping block. Here’s the latest.

It may be taboo in daily life, but talking about poop is inevitable for any overnight hiker.

After a two decade deadlock, now is the time to take a stand around plane and helicopter tourism.

General Sherman isn’t taking any chances.

A 0°F down bag for under $200 has us resting warm into the fall.

If you toss and turn in your tent all night, try these snooze-inducing tools.

If you don't pay attention to your hiking socks, you could find your trip going sideways. Just ask thru-hiker Sammy Potter.

Thanks to hard work from Forest Service crews, one of Colorado’s most beloved hikes is back in business.

All but 5 of California's national forests will reopen earlier than expected.

After two decades of contention, the EPA asked a court to restore environmental protections to Alaska’s Bristol Bay last week, shutting down a proposed gold mine that could have wreaked havoc on area ecosystems.

As if 412 miles of cave wasn't enough...

When you’re hiking 8,000 miles in a single year, your gear needs to work. This is what Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell, the youngest hikers ever to finish the Triple Crown in a calendar year, brought.

Low impact does not mean low intensity. Try these exercises to stop huffing and puffing on the trail.

You'll need to know your way around a tide chart—and be comfortable with rugged terrain. But a hike down California's Lost Coast Trail is worth the trouble.

The positive impact of Polartec’s textile and fabric innovations—from the invention of fleece to technologies for all conditions—cannot be overstated

With more than 17,000 feet of elevation change in 25 miles, this hike will push you to your limit.

Finally, skin-tight shorts that are actually breathable, don't chafe, and have legit storage options.

The hiking community has long praised Earl Shaffer for being the first person to complete the iconic trail in a single push. But one man wants us to take a closer look at Shaffer’s claims.

These waterside trails are half beach vacation, half hiking trip.

The hiking community has long praised Earl Shaffer for being the first person to complete the iconic trail in a single push. But one man wants us to take a closer look at Shaffer’s claims.

A ferocious fire season forced the closure of California’s national forests and put lives and property at risk. For a group of unlucky thru-hikers, it has also spelled the end of a dream.

The Lumma disc is the answer.

This supportive boot is primed for heavy packs and long miles.

So fresh and so clean.

Knowing how to identify these five common venomous snakes, found across the United States, can save you stress on the trail. 

There's nothing wrong with a leisurely hike. But when hikers sneer at people who choose to go fast, they prove that they don't get it.

An 18-mile paved trail will run from St. George to Zion National Park and offer parking lots, bathrooms, benches, and more. But you'll be waiting for a while.

Pick up the pace and cover more distance with this gear designed for speed.

Political appointees more than doubled the number of wolves hunters will be allowed to take during an upcoming hunt, over the objections of state wildlife scientists. Now, environmentalists are fighting the decision in court.

Travelers must get vaccinated before entering the region, but it’s unclear how officials will enforce the rule

In August 2021, five-year-old Harvey Sutton became one of the AT’s youngest successful thru-hikers. Here’s how mom and dad helped him pull it off.

A lot of ultralight packs skimp on organizing features to save weight. Not the Six Moon Designs Flight 30 Ultra.

Humans have unmatched power to alter natural landscapes. Let’s use it for good

Clinics in Colorado and beyond are offering hikers the chance to get their Covid jab—plus free entry to parks, fishing and hunting licenses, and more.

Is your motivation running dry? Try one of these strategies to recharge it.

Insomnia can stop you from enjoying a trip to the fullest. Fight it with this advice.

Get a hearty dose of fruit and vegetables right on the trail.

The pair made it out unharmed after an ordeal in the Pine Mountain Wilderness.

Learn to identify, treat, and avoid shin splints for happier hiking.

Save a bunch on two standout all-around multiday packs.

The Sierra Designs Alpenglow is made to help you get a good night’s sleep.

Authorities theorize that toxic algae might be behind incident.

Cliff falls are the second most common ways people die in one of America’s most dangerous national parks.

With the state’s forest closures set to run through September 17, southbound PCT hikers could be out of luck for the season.

If first trips have something in common, it’s that they go sideways pretty often. Here are a few important lessons readers and editors have learned along the way.

Taking your first unguided step onto a big mountain is a leap of faith. Backpacker editor (and retired guide) Shannon Davis tells you how to do it right.

On a trip up Mt. Rainier's Disappointment Cleaver route, Cherlyn Eliza remembers that only your skills and your heart matter to the mountain.

Legislation introduced by Representative Joe Neguse would seek finish the CDT by its 50th birthday.

He averaged about 10 miles every day, but still had the energy to play freeze tag at night.

This portable fire box makes campfire cooking safe and easy.

Forest Service plans closure through September 17 as Caldor Fire threatens South Lake Tahoe.

Our favorite weight-saving products from this month’s Outdoor Retailer show

When upgrading your kit becomes a way to ignore your problems.

For decades, hikers have debated the benefits of filters. Here's where we land.

Where there’s a blade, there’s a way. Use these techniques to carve, chop, scrape, and signal your way out of trouble.

You don’t need a rope and harness to explore nature’s labyrinths. Fall is prime time in canyon country—take advantage of the dry weather and take your hiking to a new level.

We're making it easy to plan and prepare for autumn trips with this list

This durable sleeping bag will take you right into shoulder season.

These new map overlays will help you safely plan your hikes around fire season.

Electronics can make our hikes easier and more safe. But we may have gone too far.

This simple, packable accessory expanded my culinary horizons.

The solo hiker used the deterrent and escaped with relatively minor injuries.

A proposal to build a new conservation-focused jobs program could have big repercussions for how we hike.

A new long trail is always something to celebrate—and this one is an all-timer.

With record-breaking heat grounding helicopters, the future of search and rescue—and park access—could be in danger.

Hunters and anglers say other outdoor users need to step up as the costs of conservation skyrocket

Experience the beauty of fall foliage in Minnesota with these bucket list hikes

Bring a little autumn flavor right to the trail with this easy backcountry pie recipe.