The Government Just Finalized its Plan to Shrink Bears Ears
Environmentalists and native groups attack plans to open up former monument lands for drilling and mining.
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The Best Ultralight Gear from REI's Winter Clearance Sale
Cut down your pack weight but not your bank account with these 7 perfect packs, sleeping bags, tents, and more.
Smith Level/Liberty
Feature-rich helmet
Black Diamond JetForce Tour 26L
Easy avalanche pack
The North Face Summit L3 Down Hoodie
Heat-hoarding jacket
Dehydrate Your Trail Food
Who says you need water in your food? Dehydrate your vittles and you'll carry less weight, save money, and eat better.
February Member Gear Discount
This month's exclusive discount is brought to you by Swiftwick.
What Happens When an Outdoor Social Media Whiz Targets Climate Change?
The Outdoor Advocacy Project wants to give every hiker the tools to advocate for the environment—and today, on the last day of the US outdoor industry's biggest trade show, it's hitting the streets.
This New Development Could Change the Grand Canyon Forever
A developer is fighting wilderness advocates over a proposal to add hotels, shopping, and new residences to an area in the Kaibab National Forest near the Grand Canyon’s southern rim. If it wins, opponents say, it will cost tribes, hikers, and the ecosystem dearly.
PODCAST: Buried By a Rockslide
Falling rock leaves a hiker injured and trapped miles from help in the latest episode of Out Alive.
Deal of the Week: Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
You need power. This headlamp has it—for 30% off.
PODCAST: Trapped on Mount Rainier
Four climbers struggle to survive as they face life-threatening conditions in the alpine.
Hults Bruk Jonaker
Best hatchet
Full Windsor The Muncher
Lightest multitool
Gerber Center-Drive Plus
Most versatile multitool
Leatherman FREE T4
Most user-friendly multitool
Bubba Sculpin Pocket Knife
Best value knife
Benchmade 535GRY Bugout
Lightest knife
Deal of the Week: Sierra Designs Tuolumne Sweater
This versatile, comfortable jacket is on sale starting at 68% off.
The 4 Best Satellite Communicators for Backpackers
The latest generation of satellite communicators is better than ever, ensuring that you can stay informed, connected, and safe wherever you go. Here are our favorites.
Somewear Global Hotspot
Easiest to use
Bivystick
Biggest battery
Garmin inReach Mini
Best in test
SPOT X
Most affordable
Discover a Winter Wonderland in the Porcupine Mountains
Do winter camping the luxe way with a wood-stove-heated hut in Michigan.
Everglades Hiker Bitten by Alligator
Park biologists are investigating the incident.
Deal of the Week: Julbo Coast Sunglasses
These wraparound shades handle mountain glare and sea spray without looking too technical.
Snowshoe to Paradise (Literally) in Mount Rainier National Park
Find otherworldly snow formations just a few hours outside Seattle.
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2
Home sweet home
Ultralight Adventure Equipment Ohm 2.0
Pack animal
Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32°F Quilt
Backcountry bed
Altra Lone Peak 4.0
Foot soldiers
Men Sentenced to Ten Days in Jail for Walking on Old Faithful
Rangers remind visitors to stay off thermal features.
1,000 Mile Test: Black Diamond Guide Gloves
These gloves have taken a beating—but they're still ready to go.
Teenage Snowboarders Burned Homework to Survive
A helicopter found the boys after they spent a night lost in the snow outside Canadian resort.
5 Thru-Hikers on What the Trail Taught Them
Thru-hikes are transformative experiences. Here, five long trail alums share the wisdom of those miles.
Search for Big Cats in the Jungles of Belize
Venture through the world’s oldest jaguar preserve to Victoria Peak in a vibrant Central American jungle.
The Florida Trail is the Perfect Winter Hike
When most other long trail systems are in hibernation, Florida’s premier path is coming into prime time. Stretching over 1,000 miles from the cypress forests of the Everglades to the sandy Gulf Coast beaches of Pensacola, the Florida Trail runs the gamut of the Sunshine State’s diverse natural landscapes. Hit the highlights on one of these three sections.
Yet Another Court Has Ruled Against an Appalachian Trail Pipeline
Dominion Energy suffers another setback in its quest to run a natural gas pipeline under the AT
The National Park Service is Culling Mountain Goats in Grand Teton This Week
Temporary closure and hunt aims to protect bighorn sheep.
Outdoor Shaming Needs to Stop
Online bullying isn’t going to make our public lands better, says writer Morgan Sjogren.
Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails
These ten point-to-point treks pack the payoffs of a thru-hike, but they're hikeable in a week.
Point 6 Zip Front Top
Most durable wool
Ortovox 230 Merino Competition Zip Neck
Best for expeditions
Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal ¼ Zip
Best cold-weather wicking
Was This Swedish Immigrant the First Continental Divide Thru-Hiker?
Nearly a century ago, Peter Parsons made long trail history before there were long trails.
Gear of the Week: The North Face Homestead Super Dome 4
This superlivable tent is great for families.
Explore White Sands, America's Newest National Park
Giant gypsum dunes and winter temperatures in the sixties are only some of the draws for this preserve.
20 Bucket List Hiking Trips to Take in 2020
This is your year. Start planning one of these life-list hikes and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Hiker Who Never Left
When CDT thru-hiker Cionnaith "Lucky" O'Dubhaigh stopped to resupply in Lake City, Colorado, he was just looking for a short rest. Instead, he stayed and turned his new home into one of the best trail towns in the country.
Man Survives 11 Days in the Grand Canyon
Rangers evacuated a hiker on Friday from wintry conditions
Score Winter Beach Time on Hunting Island, South Carolina
Grab a site in the dunes and go camping with the palm trees and the sea turtles.
Turn Up the Heat at Goldmyer Hot Springs
Hike to total relaxation in Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
The 5 Best Post-Holiday Gear Deals
Start your year off right by saving big on great gear.
Pinned to a Mountain By a Storm
Mountaineers Yevgeniy Krasnitskiy (39), Vasily Aushev (35), Constantin Toporov (37), and Rus Khasbulatov (33) survived a days-long storm on Mt. Rainier in June 2019.
Leave No Trace Confessional: I Trampled an Alpine Meadow
An early-season snow sends a hiker into delicate territory.
A Sneak Peak at 2020
Here's a members-only sneak peak at what we've got cooking in this new year.
3 Decadent Camping Desserts That Aren’t S’mores
Just because you're packing in dinner shouldn't mean you have to skip the best course. These sweet treats are well worth the extra ounces.
How to Hike More Mindfully
A strong body helps you get out into nature, but a well-trained mind makes the time count. Use these three exercises to derive more rejuvenation from your next hike.
The Best BACKPACKER Longform Stories of 2019
From a father-daughter journey on the PCT to a man's love affair with a California mountain, these were the stories that moved us this year.
Ridge Merino Aspect Highneck
Women's baselayer pick
Outdoor Research Vigor Quarter Zip
Most versatile top
Gore Wear X7 Partial Gore-Tex Unfinium Tights
Most versatile bottoms
3 Hikes to Find Rare Snow
Strap on your snowshoes and step into one of these unexpected winter destinations.
Why You Should Start Snowshoeing This Winter
Going slow on the snow can help you relish the smallest details.
Trekking the Edge of the World on Navarino Island
Navarino Island is remote and rugged, with unforgiving weather. But its beauty is revealed to those willing to battle the elements.
Gear of the Week: Smart Bottle Double Wall Outdoor Series
These water containers are durable, light, and packable.
Member Exclusive: Explore Utah’s Canyon Country in 3D with BACKPACKER’s First-Ever Interactive Story
Follow along on one of our biggest trips of the year.
Explore Bears Ears National Monument in 3D
Follow along with BACKPACKER's 2019 Editors' Choice trip in this interactive story.
Join BACKPACKER in Nepal in Fall 2020!
Check out BACKPACKER Editors & Contributors's author page.
Win a Trip to Bolivia!
Enter for your chance to deliver clean water to families and go trekking through the Andes Mountains of Bolivia.
CBD 101: What You Need To Know
Find in-depth answers to important CBD related questions in our user-friendly online guide.
Deal of the Month: Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Sleeping Pad
This thick pad provides lots of warmth, and at 50% off, it couldn't be a better deal.
RECIPE: Backcountry Lasagna
A hiker's spin on the Italian classic.
RECIPE: Cashew Curry Couscous
Low on ounces, high on satisfaction.
RECIPE: Mixed Berry Crumble
Dessert on the trail has never been easier.
Sun-dried Tomato Couscous
Easy, light, and delicious.
Aloha Trail Mix
Trail mix never tasted so good.