Deal of the Week: Klymit Inertia X Frame Sleeping Pad
This futuristic-looking pad slashes weight, but not comfort.
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BACKPACKER is Going Climate Neutral
We're not just going to talk the green talk, but walk it as well.
Intro to GPS Navigation
Whether you’re just getting into using a GPS to navigate in the backcountry, or have had a unit for a year but still don’t fully understand how to use it, BACKPACKER’s intro to GPS navigation online course is the place to start.
Intro to GPS Navigation: Plan a Route at Home
Whether you’re just getting into using a GPS to navigate in the backcountry, or have had a unit for a year but still don’t fully understand how to use it, BACKPACKER’s intro to GPS navigation online course is the place to start.
Intro to GPS Navigation: Sight and Go
Whether you’re just getting into using a GPS to navigate in the backcountry, or have had a unit for a year but still don’t fully understand how to use it, BACKPACKER’s intro to GPS navigation online course is the place to start.
Intro to GPS Navigation: Measuring Distances
Whether you’re just getting into using a GPS to navigate in the backcountry, or have had a unit for a year but still don’t fully understand how to use it, BACKPACKER’s intro to GPS navigation online course is the place to start.
Essential Knots
Tired of staring at knot illustrations to teach yourself?
Essential Knots: Using Tarps
Tired of staring at knot illustrations to teach yourself?
Essential Knots: Types of Rope
Tired of staring at knot illustrations to teach yourself?
Essential Knots: Big Knots
Tired of staring at knot illustrations to teach yourself?
Essential Knots: How to Cut Rope
Tired of staring at knot illustrations to teach yourself?
Essential Knots: How to Coil
Tired of staring at knot illustrations to teach yourself?
4 Discount Camping Gear Picks to Grab at Backcountry's Winter Yard Sale
Upgrade your sleeping bag, tent, or happy hour for less.
The Best Gear to Crush Long Hikes
Hike farther, carry less with these picks for long trails and other extended adventures.
Here’s How the Presidential Candidates’ Public Lands Plans Stack Up
While Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden have spoken at length about fighting climate change, conservation groups say their plans for America’s public lands are big on promises and short on details.
4 Portable Camping Games You Can Play in Your Tent
Downtime in camp has never been so fun.
Deal of the Week: Grand Trunk OneMade Double Hammock
Score a bargain on elevated sleeping for two.
SCARPA Maestrale XT
Most stable ski boot
Full Tilt Ascendant
Most versatile ski boot
Dynafit TLT8 Expedition
Best all-around
Gear Library Request Form
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
The 6 Best Deals to Help You Gear Up for Spring
Grab these steep discounts on jackets, tents, shoes, and more at REI's Spring clearance sale.
Big Agnes Salt Creek SL2
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
MSR Front Range Tarp Shelter
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
Patagonia Ascensionist 55
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
Jack Wolfskin Orbit 32 RECCO
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
Mountain Hardwear AMG 105
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
Thule Versant 60L
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
Alps Mountaineering Peak 45
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
Deal of the Week: REI Co-op Revelcloud II Jacket
$50 will buy you one of the best packable, do-anything puffies on the market.
Mountainsmith Zerk 40
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
Gregory Paragon 48 / Gregory Maven 65
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
Hide Out in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness
Follow the trail of 19th-century robbers in Arizona.
The Traditional Calendar Makes No Sense for Hikers. But This One Does.
Goodbye, spring, summer, fall, and winter. Backpackers need new seasons that help us understand what actually matters: daylight.
March Member Gear Discount
This month's exclusive discount is brought to you by Mountainsmith.
Go Hut to Hut on Glaciers in the Canadian Rockies
Looking for a family vacation no one will ever forget? Follow photographer Kennan Harvey's lead and take the kids on the Wapta Traverse, a tour of the best that a Rocky Mountain winter has to offer. He recounts the trip in his own words.
How to Stay Alive in Avalanche Terrain, Courtesy of the Pros
Four professional avalanche forecasters share their tips and gear picks for staying safe on a backcountry ski tour.
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Kor Preshell
Save big on this light-yet-mighty windbreaker.
Supreme Court Hears Opening Arguments on Proposed Appalachian Trail Pipeline
On their first day in court, lawyers for environmental groups and a pipeline developer debated a central question: Is the Appalachian Trail land?
The Best Emergency Glow Sticks
Long-lasting and easy-to-use, glow sticks are a must-have for emergency preparedness. These convenient lights normally measure about six inches long and can bring up to 12 hours of light, making them a smart item to keep handy for late-night hikes, backpacking trips, blackouts, or any times when you want to be prepared for the unexpected. To help you find the right set of glow sticks, we’ve pulled together four great options spanning different colors, durations, and prices. Read on for our picks.
Explore the Appalachian Trail in 3D
See the peaks, parks, and hotspots of America's most storied long trail in this interactive 3D map from BACKPACKER.
Aspiring Thru-Hiker's Body Found on AT Approach Trail
A North Carolina man's hike was cut tragically short on the way to the Appalachian Trail's southern terminus this week.
5 Backpacking Gear Deals You Can Grab for 50% Off Today
Get a trekking pole, a versatile backpack, a high-end ski boot, and more at a steep discount.
Savor the Silence in Wahweap Canyon
This collection of bright white sandstone spires isn't officially part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument anymore, but it's as spectacular as ever.
G3 Minimist Universal
Packable climbing skins
Deal of the Week: Osprey Poco AG Plus Child Carrier
Get this full-featured kid transporter at a discount.
Thru-Hiker Heroes: Will "Akuna" Robinson
Akuna's path to the Triple Crown led through battles with PTSD, a failed attempt on the PCT—and a few life-changing friendships.
Thru-Hiker Heroes: Andrew “Reptar” Forestell
Whether it's a relationship or a round-the-world trip, sometimes plans fall apart. If you're Reptar, you just pack your bags and roll with it.
Mountain Goats, Lightning Storms, and Trail Magic: Zelzin “Quetzal” Aketzalli’s CDT Journey
She came to the US to hike the best long trails it had to offer. Now, the first known Mexican national to finish the Triple Crown wants to bring the thru-hiking experience back home.
Meal Planning for Thru-Hikes
Power your thru-hike with the right food, snacks, and resupplies for the long haul.
Find Your Perfect Long Trail Pace
Hike with efficiency, speed, and intention, and you’re sure to accomplish your thru-hiking goals. Here’s how to plan your pace and fight lollygagging tendencies to reach the terminus before winter does.
How to Train for a Thru-Hike
Go from couch potato to trail monster with these simple tips from a personal trainer.
The Ultimate Continental Divide Trail Packing List
Gear up for the United States' toughest long path with these expert picks.
The Ultimate Pacific Crest Trail Packing List
Headed out on the Pacific Crest Trail? Expert thru-hikers Liz “Snorkel” Thomas and Nathan Pipenberg break down the gear you’ll need.
The Ultimate Appalachian Trail Packing List
Get ready for your AT thru-hike with this gear checklist from expert thru-hikers Liz "Snorkel" Thomas and Nathan Pipenberg.
mountainFLOW Skin Wax
Eco-friendly wax
Walk Otherworldly Terrain at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
It looks like Mars, but this scenery is all Earth.
See a Rare Double Arch in the Red River Gorge
Everyone knows that the southwest is arch country. But one of the best examples is in the Kentucky woods.
Take a Load Off in Little Big Econ State Forest, Florida
You deserve this: Find a private slice of paradise in this hammock-camping hotspot.
30 Hazardous Hikes (That You Should Do Anyway)
From grizzlies to falling rocks to maze-like canyons, you'll want to come prepared for these tricky trips.
Killer Trips: Weather
Heading out on one of these hikes? Keep an eye on the forecast.
Killer Trips: Wildlife
Be careful of the local fauna on these six spectacular but hazardous hikes.
Killer Trips: Gravity
You'd better not be afraid of heights if you're going to tackle one of these airy trails.
Killer Trips: Terrain
The scenery here is awesome—but it can be deadly, too.
Baffin Cush
Best hut slipper
Rab Hot Socks
Best for car campers
Exped Down Sock
Best bootie for cold sleepers
A Proposed Copper Mine Could Poison Boundary Waters. This Teenage Activist Is Fighting Back.
Joseph Goldstein decided that while he was fighting cancer, he’d also fight to protect his favorite wilderness. Now, Congress is introducing a bill to do just that.
Give Solar Lights to Kids in Nepal
Join BACKPACKER’s disaster relief efforts and support education in Nepal.
40 Below Camp Booties
Best for tent campers
Western Mountaineering Standard Down
Best overall down booties
Gear Editor's Picks: The 5 Best Insulated Jackets
Stay warm this winter in our gear editor's favorite puffies.
Podcast Bonus Content: Buried in a Rockslide
See exclusive photos and videos as you listen to season 2, episode 5 of Out Alive
Want to See Angkor Without the Tourists? Take a Hike.
Explore ancient temples and dodge hungry monkeys on this lesser-known route around Angkor Thom.
WATCH: Rockslide in Grand Teton National Park
Watch as giant boulders rain down near a group of hikers
WATCH: Rockslide in Grand Teton National Park
Watch as giant boulders rain down near a group of hikers
The 10 Best Hut Hikes For Cozy Winter Nights
Head into the wilderness without the hassle of a four-season tent.
Deal of the Week: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Sleep warm on this ultralight, compact, insulated sleeping pad, now available for 32% off.
The 11 Best Outdoor Valentine’s Day Gifts of 2020
Shopping for that outdoor lover in your life? These 10 items can add romance to a day hike, the campground or a remote hut.
Hike the Grander Canyon
What's deeper than the Grand Canyon and has one-tenth as many visitors? Head to Texas to find out.