Prosecutors in Colorado claim that a state park ranger searched for information about abdominal anatomy and injury payouts online before stabbing himself and trying to pass it off as an attack.
In the wake of a fatal snakebite on a Tennessee trail, Editor-in-Chief Adam Roy dives into one of their most common causes.
Plus tips on how to spend your golden years on the trail.
This family-friendly hike packs a visual punch. In less than an hour, you'll pass shaded forest paths, expansive overlooks over the lakeshore, and much more.
More than half of people in the U.S. recreated outdoors in 2024 according to a new report from the Outdoor Industry Association, with Black and Hispanic participants driving the biggest gains.
The ultrarunner completed the 272-mile trail in 3 days, 18 hours, and 29 minutes, breaking the overall supported FKT by more than 2 and a half hours.
Give your sleeping bag, puffy, and layers an end-of-summer deep clean without leaving them damaged.
Whatever your group size or experience level, these insider suggestions will help you plan the best Minnesota hiking adventure
Why waste time pre-packaging trail food when you can purchase a feast along the way?
Here's everything backpackers need to know about air travel with hiking gear.
Feeding bears can lead to aggression and dangerous encounters between them and humans—and the National Park Service caught visitors in the Smokies doing in three times in one week
These easy tips will have a huge impact on your quality of life on the trail
A canyoneer spent some 48 hours nestled in a dark, wet cave behind a raging waterfall before rescuers managed to hoist him out.
Officials believe at least 200 people may have been exposed to rabies while visiting a hotel in Grand Teton National Park.
The pups were rescued off of Mount Princeton after hiking up with their owner.
Watch as Associate Editor Emma Veidt walks through her gear closet and answers some questions.
Why would a lightweight backpacker willingly add a kettle to their load? Backpacker Editor-in-Chief Adam Roy makes his case for his new favorite swap.
Finally an ultralight kit that won't turn your savings into dust. Here's where to start.
Quilts have a bad reputation as a chillier, less comfortable alternative to sleeping bags. But our gear editor thinks most campers should be using them most of the time.
A hiker in Tennessee passed away late last week after suffering a snakebite a half-mile into a local trail.
Colorado's highest peaks saw an estimated 265,000 hiker-days in 2024, far short of the pandemic-era record, but a gain over 2023.
Resist the siren call of pumpkin spice season: You've still got two weeks left until Labor Day. From sneaking in one last trip to brushing up on your campfire skills, here's how hikers should spend the rest of their summer.
No TSA fuss, no parking lot madness. Take the rail to these four hiking towns flush with beautiful trails.
Cutting your pack weight can make for a more fun experience on the trail—to a point. From backpacking with no backpack to trying the Triple Crown without a sleeping bag or tent, we share four stories of hikers who pushed ultralight to uncomfortable—and occasionally dangerous—places.
The province’s premier ordered restrictions on non-essential activities in wooded areas amidst Canada's second-worst fire season on record.
These multiday trails offer scenic nature in a convenient package.
The Granite Gear Virga 2 is an affordable frameless pack, and right now it's on sale for 30 percent off.
Hikers in the U.S. rarely have to worry about paying for the cost of their own rescue. But that isn't true everywhere—and in some cases, the bill can be very, very big.
Work up a thirst—and then toast the outdoors—on the Smokies’ top hikes, rides, and more
Discover the best adventures—and places to celebrate them—in this remote and wild Texas park
The best hikes to work up a thirst—and where to toast your adventures—in the granite wonderland
Where to work up a thirst—and toast your adventures—in America’s first national park
On a recent hike of the Trans Catalina Trail, I left camp around 11 a.m. each day. And I loved it.
A day on the trails would lead to a period of foot and ankle soreness afterward. That is, until this tool came into my life.
The discovery of an abandoned camp full of garbage, food, and ditched gear led Badlands to dispatch first responders and issue a stern message.
My backcountry teapot doesn’t save weight—but it saves my sanity.
It’s not just the smooth outsole to watch out for: midsole collapse is the secret stride disrupter.
Yes, there are hazardous creatures out there in the woods. But that doesn’t mean you need to fear them. From rattlesnakes to alligators, here’s what you need to know about some of the wild’s most infamous creatures and what to do if you see them.
I was a nutrition snob. Then I learned how to meld pleasure with practicality in my backpacking food stash.
These shorter Adirondack trails near popular towns and lakes all offer stunning views and some fun, punchy climbs.
A high tide at Point Reyes trapped two 18-year-old hikers on a beach with no way to retreat.
The British Columbia man emerged from the animal encounter relatively unscathed.
With simple ingredients and easy prep, these budget-friendly meals are ready to keep you satisfied on your next backpacking trip.
Move over, dehydrator. Homemade freeze-dried meals last longer, are lighter, and are more versatile—and assuming you hike enough, they could save you big bucks in the long run, too.
Italy's mountains have seen an increased number of deaths this summer as hot weather drives hikers towards higher altitudes.
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The Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum has all the features of a much heavier backpacking tent tucked into a sub-two-pound package.
On the formidable hike to Washington's Three Fingers Lookout, both risk and reward abound.
There’s nothing sweeter than foraging for your trail snacks. Here's how to recognize four common wild fruits.
Only one of these sub-three ounce slip-ons is worth taking on your next hike.
The market for ultralight gadgets has exploded in recent years. Has innovation gone too far?
Grippy shoes, quality sun layers, and an ultralight backpack that can handle a load: This key gear made our adventures better this month.
28-year-old Andrew James McGann was arrested and charged with killing Cristen Amanda and Clinton David Brink while the couple was hiking with their daughters at Devil's Den State Park.
On trails today, low-cut shoes are king. But the hiking boot still has its place.
The ability to unlock multisport adventures gave one hiker renewed verve for the trail.
CDT hikers have reported disconcerting run-ins with “Cottonmouth” for years.
If summertime outdoor workouts have you melting by the time you've completed your warm up, you need these indoor alternatives.
The mercury's on the rise. Hiking in these conditions can be costly, but here's how you can go about it safely.
Two separate parties had to spend the night on Katahdin's Knife Edge before rescuers could reach them.
This Editors' Choice winner guarantees warm, comfortable nights for side sleepers. And it can be yours for a fraction of the price.
A father of three is dead shortly after attempting the 29,032-foot "Everesting" challenge in Wyoming.
Because her injuries prevented her from getting off-trail herself, officials used a high-tech drone to help track her down.
Jasper, Alberta, turned wildfire into a tourist opportunity for hikers. Here's what happened when our writer took a trip up north.
They call it 'sport mode' for a reason
A 31-year-old hiker in Washington State is lucky to be alive after suffering serious injuries in a fall. His screams for help led to a rescue.
Located in the Yellowstone’s Porcelain Basin, the new thermal feature is believed to have appeared on Christmas Day
The child was hiking on a popular trail with their family when the mountain lion attacked.
For now, the new rival to Ultra will be found only on Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs.
For one hiker, balancing time for the trail with the obligations of a job and fatherhood means relying on ungodly amounts of caffeine.
Summer hikes call for seasonal treats.
What to do when you find a creepy parasite engorging itself on your blood.
A video of a crowd of bears purportedly leaving Yellowstone went viral on social media. Now wildlife biologists and park officials are stuck debunking the influencer who posted it.
On via ferratas, climbers use permanently-installed iron rungs and cables to ascend soaring cliffs without the need to carry heavy rock climbing gear. Want to try one? Here's what you need to know.
National park officials euthanized the adult sow after weeks of concerning behavior.
And it’s even better when you make it yourself.
Hiking is no place for the fashion police.
There are so many amazing hikes to choose from in the Green Mountain State. Here are our favorites—ranging from quick dayhikes to multi-week backpacking trips.
Reports of thru-hikers facing rejection and even detention at the U.S. border have left some backpackers questioning whether to cancel their long-planned trips.
The cardinal rule of hiking with your dog: don't take them up any mountain you can't get them down.
I can live with a sub-par tent or a Walmart shell. But cheap shoes? That’s a trip-ruiner.