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Whether you're after a caffeinated alpine start or a lazy brunch, we’ve found the best cookware for your wild culinary adventures.

Staffing cuts at federal agencies and slashed budgets are slowing down maintenance efforts on the long-distance trail.

Maximize your dog’s active years with advice from veterinarians and high-quality nutrition

The decision, which allows “wild camping” to continue in Dartmoor National Park, puts an end to three years of legal wrangling that pitted hikers against a pair of wealthy landowners.

Established last year, North Dakota’s Three Affiliated Tribes National Park blends culture with history and geographical beauty—and when it comes to hiking, its caretakers have big plans.

The outdoors is never far away in Chattanooga

From all-in-one systems to pocket-sized powerhouses, these are the best burners for whipping up a meal in the wilderness

Deaths from extreme heat are climbing—and hikers are especially vulnerable. Here's what you need to know about keeping yourself safe during the hottest months of the year.

Answer a few quick questions and let Backpacker tell you which of the world's bear species most closely matches your personality.

Lisa Benish found her calling introducing kids in Virginia’s rural coal country to the joys of backpacking and nature.

You won't have to sacrifice beauty for solitude on these crowd-free national park hikes.

It might not be a “technical fabric,” but linen is the best choice for scorching, dry climates.

In 1957, a sloth bear in Mysore, India caused the deaths of at least 12 people and injured 24 more. In this Bear Month podcast, the hosts of Tooth and Claw delve into why—and discuss what it and similar incidents can teach us about one of the world’s lesser-known bear species.

Trailfunds aims to get hikers more involved with the nonprofits that stweard the trails they love.

If you'd rather tote a little extra weight for a more livable sleeping experience, then the Marmot Limelight 3 may be for you.

With the Madison Gulf Trail footbridge in New Hampshire's White Mountains unsafe to use, hikers now face a detour that eliminates 4.3 grueling but beloved miles of the AT—and officials will need to decide whether to make an exception to wilderness rules to allow for it to be replaced.

The grizzly—the first since 2017 to be trapped and killed for safety reasons—repeatedly broke into bear-proof dumpsters to gain access to human food.

After testing 23 bags and quilts, these seven rose to the top of the ranks.

Officials in Aspen recorded nearly twice as many bear encounters as usual this spring. Could it be an early indicator of a busy bear season in the high country?

Bears have some of the strongest stomachs in the animal world. But that doesn't mean they can eat anything with no consequences.

In order to save polar bears and preserve the Arctic, the tourism industry has to change. Here’s how.

For the first half-century after its founding, Glacier National Park didn’t see a single fatal bear attack. On August 12, 1967, that changed when food-conditioned grizzlies killed two campers 10 miles apart. Bear biologist and host of Tooth and Claw podcast Wes Larson reflects on the legacy of the ‘Night of the Grizzlies.'

On a journey up the Appalachian Trail, Maggie Slepian learned just how hard it can be to weather other people's judgement—and how difficult it is to stop worrying about it.

Plus more takeaways about this year's NOBO hikers from data gathered at AT Basecamp.

The Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie finds a sweet spot between weather resistance, comfort, and light weight.

Rescuers in Arizona braved a storm to save a hiker who became stranded after cairns led him astray.

A year after Hurricane Helene knocked down thousands of trees, flooded miles of trail, and heavily damaged some of the Appalachian Trail's most beloved towns, hiker Grayson Haver Currin headed back to see whether it had recovered.

CleanTrek founder John McShane wants to clean up America's trails—and he thinks his new invention could help do it.

Smart updates to the Gregory Paragon/Maven make this previous Editors’ Choice Award Winner comfier than we thought possible.

When should you prioritize your safety over your desire to finish your hike? Always. Six hikers explain how they knew it was time to call it.

Lottery losers can still have a great trip to Zion National Park on these five trails.

The White House released its budget request for 2026, and the plan calls for the Park Service to hand over control of some federal parklands to states

Hike alongside basalt cliffs, through lush meadows, and between tiny towns in this lesser-traveled region of Ireland.

Black Diamond's Distance series excel on fast-paced missions in tricky terrain—and right now, you can get them at a steep discount.

We put the latest, lightest pad pumps to the test.

When you're traveling on firm snow, an ice axe is an essential piece of gear. A certified mountain guide tells us why.

Cinnamon, the black bear, is a known presence around Kings Beach, but had never before broken into Tahoe Time Ice Cream & Coffee Shoppe.

Lighten your load with these minimalist-minded overnight packs.

Visitors will need reservations beginning on Memorial Day weekend, with bookings opening up on May 6.

Take-anywhere tamales, burly radios for the backcountry, and one great guidebook: Here's the gear we loved this month.

Extreme adjustability and a cushy ride made the Talon/Tempest 33 our favorite day hiking pack of 2025

You'll find wildlife, rugged trail miles, and scenery for days on this remote, point-to-point hike.

When this Backpacker editor joined the magazine's annual trip to Nepal, she was excited about the trail itself. What delighted her more were the high-altitude dance parties, game nights, and the moments of connection between the miles.

Since a massive storm ravaged the AT in September 2024, hikers have worried the iconic trail may be unusable in 2025. To find out, we sent a veteran thru-hiker to do its worst-hit miles.

Level-up your carrying comfort with these top-performing daypacks.

Whether you're an absolute beginner or a trained artist, the Sketchbook app is a free and easy way to capture your favorite memories on the trail without carrying any extra weight.

Over the years, we've written countless stories about survival. These are a few that we will never forget.

Park officials had written that the campground would close "indefinitely" for unspecified reasons.

How can a backpacker make the most of a night in town? Residents share their best tips.

The kids of the Mountaineers Adventure Club are tackling serious peaks—all between classes and homework.

A $2.4 million grant will go towards maintenance, reconstruction, and stewardship across the state.

When one mom took her family on the nocturnal trail less traveled, could nature help her daughter overcome a fear of the dark?

It may be featherweight, but the Granite Gear Blaze 60L can handle up to 50 pounds of gear comfortably.

Feel like your hikes have gotten too focused on end goals and not enough on enjoying the journey? Montana's vast American Prairie says it has the solution.

This fall, we're going to Nepal twice for service and trekking trips. There are still spots open for you to join us.

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 shoes and boots. 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.