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Leave No Trace Confessional: I Pooped in Front of an Audience
A forgotten WAG bag leads to a smelly situation on Mt. Whitney.
Trapped in Quicksand
Ryan Osmun, 35, took a wrong step while hiking in Zion National Park in February and spent 10 hours stuck in the mud.
The Vampire Trail
Immerse yourself in ancient myths and one of the last refuges for Europe’s wolves on a hike through the Transylvanian Alps.
National Park Service Reverses Decision to Allow ATVs in Utah Parks
Nearly a month after announcing it would allow off-road vehicles in Utah's parks, the National Park Service announced on Friday that it would maintain the rule banning the machines.
What We're Testing Now: Merrell Zion Mid Waterproof
This boot offers superb traction and solid weatherproofing.
Catch Blazing Fall Colors on the Fiery Gizzard Trail
Step into a riot of gold and red foliage less than two hours from Chattanooga on the Fiery Gizzard Trail in South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee
How to Dehydrate Anything
Dehydrating your own backpacking food opens up a world of gourmet possibilities for fueling up on the trail. Here's how to make your favorite foods backcountry-friendly with advice from Good To-Go founder Jennifer Scism.
Opinion: Wrongheaded “Rightsizing” of the National Parks
We do need to prioritize the parks, but not among each other, writes former National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis.
Let's All Ignore Our Work and Watch These Polar Bears Instead
Fat Bear Week may be over, but there are plenty more fat bears to catch on Explore.org's livestream.
The New Wilderness Classics: 9 Books That Will Change How You Look at the Outdoors
From a hermit’s three-decade sojourn in the wilderness to a geographer’s dive into the racial history of the outdoors, these titles bring a new perspective to the adventure canon.
Ibex Outdoor Clothing to Relaunch Less Than Two Years After Shutting Down
The brand is set to return in late October.
Gear of the Week: Oru Kayak Inlet
This boat packs up small but goes big on the water.
Hike Arkansas' Ouachita Mountains on the Little Missouri Trail
See unique rock formations and fall asleep to a cascading river on this 3-day trip.
The 3 Best Apple Cider Hikes for the Harvest Season
When the apples fall, the cider flows. Reward yourself with fresh brews near these three hikes.
Explore Deep Forest in the Shining Rock Wilderness, North Carolina
Pisgah National Forest blankets the southern Appalachians, and at the heart of all that greenery there’s a backwoods gem—a forest within a forest. The 18,479-acre Shining Rock Wilderness protects an East Coast paradise of waterfalls, mountaintop views, and remote trails.
The 5 Best Recovery Shoes for Backpackers
Your feet deserve a little downtime. Pamper them with these 5 post-hike pairs.
3 Exercises to Get Fit for Paddling
You train your legs for the trail, right? Now do the same for your upper body and make your days on the water easier. Bonus: These exercises work the same muscles that help you carry a heavy pack.
Utah SAR Team Rescues Giant, Tired Dog From Mountain
Floyd the 190-pound mastiff required a litter carry from Salt Lake County Search and Rescue personnel
Gear of the Week: Ortovox Fleece Light Grid Jacket
This top does it all thanks to smart design and premium materials.
Opinion: It's Time to Start Closing National Parks
National Parks may be America’s best idea, but we’ve created more preserves than we can take care of. It’s time to rightsize the system.
There’s More to Fall Than Changing Leaves—and These Hikes Prove It
From fiery leaves to warm springs, these trails show off the season from all its angles.
When Your Dog Is Your Best Peakbagging Partner
Need a boost up the mountain? Your pooch has stoke to spare.
Turn Your Dog into the Ultimate Adventure Buddy
With little preparation, any fit canine can handle the alpine. Here's what you need to know.
Deal of the Month: Oboz Wind River III
This bomber boot offers tons of protection and comfort.
Test Yourself in the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania"
The climbs on the Black Forest Trail are serious—but then again, so is the scenery.
Score Mountaintop Views on the Bondcliff and Lincoln Woods Trails
Find quiet eastern forests and expansive vistas on this two-day, 21.8-mile trek through the Pemigewasset Wilderness.
Here’s What Flatlanders Need to Know About Hiking at Altitude
Less oxygen? No problem. Crush your alpine goals—whether ski-touring in winter or hiking in summer—with these tips from Peter Hackett, MD, founder of the Institute for Altitude Medicine.
DPS Alchemist Wailer 100 RP / Alchemist Yvette 100 RP
You won't find a smoother ride in the backcountry.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Exped Downmat XP 9
Snow on the ground? Snow problem with this heavy-duty sleeping pad.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Osprey Kamber 42/Kresta 40
A full-featured ski pack that has the storage you need
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Fleece Hoodie
There's no such thing as a "perfect" insulating midlayer, but this is as close as we're going to get.
The 5 Best Deals From REI's End of Season Sale
It's not the holiday season yet, but you can still spoil yourself by grabbing these discounted products.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Montbell Ignis Down Parka
This weather-resistant puffy keeps the heat in and the precip out.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Smith 4D Mag
The increased field of vision in these goggles helped us get a whole new perspective.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Sweet Protection Ascender MIPS
Protect your head with this versatile, tough helmet.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: MSR Lightning Ascent
These mountain-ready snowshoes are easy to use in any temperature.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Flylow Siren Bib
Say goodbye to baggy touring pants once and for all.
Our Editors Test Gear (and Themselves) in Banff National Park
We headed to Alberta to try out the year's greatest gear—and got in an all-time ski trip along the way.
20 Fall Hikes You Can Do Right Now
Catch the best of the season all across the country.
6 Eastern Fall Hikes to Catch Epic Colors
With its mixed hardwood forests, the east coast has some of the country's best fall leaves. See them before they're gone on these six hikes.
How To Maximize the Benefits of Trekking Poles
We explored the Austrian hills with Komperdell’s famed mountaineer Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner to get the inside scoop.
All Hail Holly, Queen of Fat Bear Week
In a nail-biting finale on Tuesday, Holly clinched the title of Katmai's Fattest Bear
See a Perfect Sunset in Sequoia National Park, California
Private lake views and a show are a good enough reason to visit the Hamilton Lakes Basin.
Hike Midwestern Forest in Afton State Park, Minnesota
Forest meets prairie meets river in this northern haven.
Hit Backcountry Lakes and Rivers With This Perfect 6-Piece Paddling Kit
Gear up for trips on all types of water.
Editors' Choice Snow 2019: Mountain Hardwear Trango 2
No storm can flatten this bomber tent.
How Do the Fat Bears Get So Fat, Anyway?
The chubby champions of Fat Bear Week pack on hundreds of pounds in a few short months. How they do it comes down to a magical combination of location, experience, and timing.
Gallery: Hiking Catalonia
The editors of BACKPACKER spent a week trekking from refuge to refuge in the mountains of Catalonia. It wasn't just a trip down the trail: It was a trip into ancient history.
Trekking the Pyrenees in Aigüestortes i Estanyde Sant Maurici National Park, Catalonia
Explore the alpine for endless vistas, mountains galore, and a touch of class.
Hike the Medieval Villages of Catalonia
Trek through villages that still have one foot in the past
The Appalachian Trail is Going to the Supreme Court
The nation's highest judiciary will decide whether a new pipeline can cross the AT as planned.
Europe’s Next Hiking Destination: Catalonia
You don’t need to stay in Barcelona to experience the rich history of this region in Spain.
The BACKPACKER Editors Hike Catalonia
Get a glimpse of our gear testing trip through the Spanish Pyrenees.
Catalonia's Caves Are a Window Into the Past
Step inside a medieval cave dwelling and step back into history.
In Catalonia, Backpacking Meals Are a Little Different
Catalans are famously good hosts. I'll drink to that.
America's Oldest National Park is Getting its First Female Chief Ranger
Sarah Davis will assume the post in Yellowstone this December.
Insider's Guide: The Grand Canyon
From dayhikes to weekends to weeklong hikes, our Grand Canyon experts will have you ready to hit this natural wonder in no time.
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Fleece Hoodie
There's no such thing as a perfect midlayer, but the All-Paca Fleece Hoodie comes awfully close.
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: MSR Lightning Ascent Snow Shoes
This simplified snowshoe excelled in difficult conditions.
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: Sweet Protection Ascender MIPS
This dual skiing/climbing helmet is a huge leap forward for the category.
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: Montbell Ignis Down Parka
Once our gear testers tried on this parka, they didn't want to share.
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: Mountain Hardwear Trango 2
The worst storm of our testing careers couldn't break this bomber tent.
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: Smith 4D Mag Goggles
A wide field of vision and premium optics make these goggles a must-buy.
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: EXPED Downmat XP9
A good night's sleep starts with a good pad—and they don't get much better than this.
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: Osprey Kamber 42
Every detail on this dialed-in ski pack helps you get to your gear more quickly and easily.
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: Flylow Siren Bib
These women-specific ski pants fit right and have enough storage for your essentials.
Editors' Choice 2019 Snow: DPS Wailer Alchemist 100 RP / Alchemist Yvette 100 RP
We've been fans of the Wailer since it came out in 2011, and this is the best version yet.
3 Lightweight Backpacking and Hiking Shells to Stash in Your Daypack
Carry one of these barely-there jackets, and you'll be equipped for the next rainy day.
Man Falls Into Scalding Water Near Yellowstone's Old Faithful, Suffers Severe Burns
Authorities say that alcohol was likely involved in the accident.
The Best Women's Hiking and Backpacking Apparel of 2019
Time to upgrade your trail outfit? Check out this season's best apparel to boost your backcountry comfort.
Marmot Women’s Trail Bender Tights
Best leggings
Columbia Northern Comfort Midlayer Shirt
Most versatile top
Title Nine Grace Long Sleeve Top
Best long sleeve
Conner Hats Bird and Feather Wool Hat
Best sun hat
Kari Traa Sol Bra
Best bra
October Member Gear Discount
This month's exclusive discount is brought to you by Duckworth