All Content

Shoulder season is around the corner and the days are getting longer—which means it's high time to start thinking about what you need to replace or upgrade to be ready to hit the trail when the snow melts and the mud dries. Save big—up to 30% off—on past-season styles with these smart picks from Backpacker.

Run by the St. Louis-based organization Black People Who Hike, the #OurStory series will air three times a week through Black History Month.

A spate of avalanche deaths across the Rockies is pushing the US towards one of its worst seasons in recent memory—and it’s mostly experienced skiers getting caught. What’s behind the spike?

The longer you stay out, the more likely you are to see significant precip. You can get by with less protection in warmer weather, but in temps below about 65°F, you’ll need to suit up to stay safe. Here’s how to dress for the occasion.

Stay light on your feet with these cushiony, comfy trail runners.

That scenic path you’re hiking didn’t spring up out of nowhere. We talked to trail designers to find out what goes into creating a hike.

Ultralight backpackers have more options than ever now—and gear seems to be getting lighter every year. Two ultralight specialty manufacturers explain how they make packs and shelters that cut weight without falling apart on the trail.

National parks will require masks in visitor centers, busy trails, and overlooks, agency says.

Amid the vast plains and prairies of Kansas, find an unexpected expanse of rugged geological formations well worth visiting.

One of the companies behind the famous furniture and home goods brand is committing to keep a nearly 11,0000-acre slice of Georgia woods conserved and open for campers.

Go further—and hurt less—with the right preparation for a big trip.

Coming out of the woods tired and dirty is a rejuvenating experience. But it's possible to overdo a good thing. Take care of yourself on your next hike with these five simple quality-of-life hacks, and you'll reap the benefits.

Gear Editor Eli Bernstein details what goes in to choosing our favorite winter products.

On this short overnight into a remote corner of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you’ll see a lot more than wildlife.

Uphill Lean-to is the perfect basecamp to nab a collection of Adirondack High Peaks, including Mt. Marcy, the state’s crown jewel.

Follow BP Field Scout Korey Peterson's two-day route through the Dakota Badlands.

A backpacker contemplates the challenges of Calendar Year Triple Crown on the eve of his 8,000-mile hike.

In order to limit crowds and enforce social distancing, Zion will require riders on the park’s shuttle to reserve tickets.

Six reasons why you should always pack a ski strap on winter trips.

Starting on February 8, Yosemite will cap visitor numbers by requiring day-use permits, and reservations for this year's annual spectacle are expected to sell out.

A recent court decision struck down permit requirements for commercial filming and photography in the national parks. One land manager considers just how bad it could get.

Check out Chris Meehan's author page.

Spending a day on the trail is one thing, but for those who have never camped before—or don't do it often—letting their guard down and snoozing in the great outdoors is a big leap. Make it a little easier with these tips.

Humans are notoriously bad at judging risk—and in the backcountry, that can screw up your priorities in a big way. Get them straight with this advice from our trail-tested team.

Fallen trees and heavy snow will keep Yosemite National Park shuttered until "at least" February 1.

Backpackers have a habit of glorifying the big adventures. But the little ones can be just as sweet.

The Forest Service is postponing plans to transfer a sacred site in the Tonto National Forest to a mining company while plaintiffs argue their case.

It’s time to extend the same respect we have for the land to all the people who use it.

Meditations on a special place in the desert southwest.

Stay warm and dry this season with these top snowshoeing gear picks.

Nasty weather and cold temperatures make cutting your base weight in winter a challenge. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done—just ask winter Pacific Crest Trail hikers Justin “Trauma” Lichter and Shawn “Pepper” Forry.

Proclamation could be first step to restoring national monuments to their original sizes.

Hiking isn’t all gorgeous sunsets and glowing campfires, but you wouldn’t know that from looking at Instagram. And for people just getting into backpacking, that matters.

Bringing a rocker on a car-camping trip is ultimate comfort. We asked readers for their thoughts on three new chairs from GCI.

Find alpine bliss halfway through this snowshoe beneath an active volcano in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Rue McKenrick would hike the perimeter of the country to demonstrate our nation’s unity—if only he and the country could hold together long enough for him finish.

Put a backcountry spin on a fast food cult favorite.

Seek out splashes of color amid pale winter landscapes with these five cold-loving birds.

The climb up this legendary peak's volcanically shifting landscape is never quite the same, no matter how many times you do it.

Your feet carry you every step of the way, so don’t neglect them in your training. This workout hits every major muscle group while building foot strength, which improves mobility and balance and safeguards against common injuries. Complete this circuit once a week along with a cardio and strength regimen, and allow yourself at least six weeks to train before a big hike.

Score the best deal we’ve seen yet on one of our favorite packs of 2020.

With Covid cases hitting all-time highs, the nonprofit is still urging thru-hikers to stay home.

Taylor Gibler, 26, barreled towards frozen peril after stumbling on Mt. Baker in June of 2020.

After years of demonstrations and congressional battles, the sale of oil drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge finally went ahead on January 6—and almost no one bit.

BACKPACKER is committing to making a better world for all hikers.

Choosing a go-to sleeping bag can be a daunting task, but we’re about to make your life easier. After testing the field’s top 38 models, we’ve determined that these six cocoons are the tops for three-season warmth and comfort.

A new initiative launching this week seeks to create a program to fund outdoor recreational and educational activities for underserved youth around the United States.

Dial in perfect backcountry sleep for the majority of the hiking season with the best three-season sleeping bag for you.

Fewer than 4 percent of people who apply for a permit to hike The Wave get one. A new rule change from the Bureau of Land Management would triple that number—but environmental groups warn it could come at the expense of the scenery itself.

Spend anywhere from a few memorable hours to a few remarkable days circumnavigating one of these ten lakes.

You don’t need to travel far to try something new. Redline your state, see a celestial show, or get to know your local wildlife with these 8 ideas.

Make memories without the crowds on five spectacular treks that aren’t household names.

Thousands of people hike the Colorado Trail every year, but India Wood had a bolder idea: Hike a 732-mile diagonal, from corner to corner, straight across the state. It would take dozens of maps to do it—and help from a few new friends.

Ever dreamed of working as a photographer, wildland firefighter, or gear designer? Six pros tell you what it takes to get their careers.

You don’t need to renew your passport to make memories this year: Get out and get hiking with these phenomenal, uncrowded destinations.

The Pacific Crest Trail Association and Forest Service announced this week that they will issue permits for the 2021 season, but are still asking hikers to delay their trips if possible.

A hike a week can change your life.

This full-featured pack won over an ultralighter.

Get up to get down with this thrill-inducing gear.

The New River Gorge became the United States’ 63rd national park with the passage of the year-end omnibus spending bill.

Outdoor recreation is getting a little more representation in government.

Warm up with this recipe for apple cider with a kick.

These light, comfortable daypacks will feel even better at this price.

Spend a weekend exploring an unexpected Nebraska wilderness on this route from one of our Backpacker Field Scouts.

Basecamp member Brent Umphlett and his brother spent five days exploring Colorado's Weminuche Wilderness.

After years of slashed environmental regulations, the United States’ public lands need a friend—and hundreds of U.S. representatives, tribal leaders, and even celebrities think Rep. Deb Haaland could be it.

Keep the tunes rolling on long trail days with one of our favorite sets of earbuds.