Essential Electronics for Backpacking
These smart gadgets help you make the most of your hike without keeping you too connected.
These smart gadgets help you make the most of your hike without keeping you too connected.
Ready for those mad-dash days when you need to get from your car into your kids’ school or go on a quick grocery store run? No? Well, the cold weather is almost here — and you’ll be ready with the warm and insulated vests detailed below. These vest brands are universally associated with quality. Here are two of our favorite vests that absolutely don't disappoint.
Be prepared for a variety of emergencies. Whether you need a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use first aid kit for the trail, a larger first aid kit for the car, camping, or bigger groups, or a multifunctional kit for surprises, we’ve found the best picks for you.
On the coldest of days, these well-designed mitts shelter your digits from all the elements so you can get out and stay out.
Smart hikers and backpackers know that stylish, reusable, classy metal bottles are where it’s at. With these BPA-free offerings, your water tastes sweet, you can keep your cool drinks cool and hot drinks hot, and you aren’t creating more plastic waste. Plus, a good reusable bottle won’t leak in your pack, stands up on its own without tipping, and can take the dings you’ll inevitably dish out when you accidentally fumble it into the talus on mile 10.
Multi-tools come in all shapes and sizes, from pocketknives to, well, Transformers (if you believe in intergalactic shape-changing alien robots). It’s great to have a one-tool-solves-all device handy on the trail and at camp, for quick repairs, jury-rigging shelter, and any other needs you have in the field. One excellent camping-themed combo we’ve seen is the axe-plus-saw, which lets you use one, single tool to collect and trim firewood, clear downed trees or branches from the trail or 4WD roads, and even do yardwork without having to keep going back to the toolshed for just the right implement. Plus, the weight savings of having to carry only one tool instead of two (or more) are notable in already laden packs.
Unique design makes these layers extra-breathable.
No matter who you're shopping for, we've got you covered with 2019's best holiday gifts for hikers, in every price range.
Lacking inspiration in your life? Look no further. These accounts will enrich your feed with enchanting landscapes, creative artwork, activism and authentic stories that are sure to leave you feeling encouraged and energized.
Bring the world into focus with these backcountry-ready optics. A good set of binoculars is the perfect item to have in your pack when out on the trail. They can help you scout out trail conditions ahead, give you an up-close view of the wildlife and wilderness surrounding you, and pull the cosmos closer at night. Buying binoculars can be perplexing, so to help make things easier, we suggest focusing on getting a set of optics that have at least an 8X magnification—that will bring something 400 yards away to 50 yards. For an objective lens, shoot for at least 40mm—the larger the lens the wider your field of vision and the brighter an object will be. Besides that, you want something that is durable, weatherproof and has a lens coating to protect them from accidental scrapes. Here are three reasonably-priced sets that we love.
Most breathable
Warmest glove
Best protection
Best dexterity
Get toasty from the inside out with these hot beverages.
Change your perception of canyoneering by doing it in a cave.
Warmest boot
Best value boot
Best fit
Best traction
Best support
Best value insulated jacket
Most comfortable
Lightest jacket
Best warmth-to-weight
Most durable puffy jacket
Best weatherproofing
Most versatile jacket
Warmest jacket
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Wind, rain, snow: No matter the weather, these jackets are ready to help you get outside and hit the trail.
Women's boot pick
Not sure what kind of adventure lies ahead? Pick a pack that lets you do anything.
Best shoulder-season pad
Best tent for mountaineering
Strongest tent
Best all-around sleeping bag
Best value sleeping bag
Warmest sleeping bag
Southbound quotas and restrictions on hiking through the Sierra will both be coming to the Pacific Crest Trail next year.
A versatile layering piece that's perfect for shoulder season.
It was Ansel Adams's favorite park for a reason: Catch the best scenery and the best miles on these six trails.
Best protection
Killer deal
Best protection
Best features
Most versatile
Best mobility
Best value
Best for fast-and-light touring
Most breathable
Lightest
A forgotten WAG bag leads to a smelly situation on Mt. Whitney.
Ryan Osmun, 35, took a wrong step while hiking in Zion National Park in February and spent 10 hours stuck in the mud.
Immerse yourself in ancient myths and one of the last refuges for Europe’s wolves on a hike through the Transylvanian Alps.
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.
This boot offers superb traction and solid weatherproofing.
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
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.
We do need to prioritize the parks, but not among each other, writes former National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis.
Fat Bear Week may be over, but there are plenty more fat bears to catch on Explore.org's livestream.
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.
The brand is set to return in late October.
This boat packs up small but goes big on the water.
See unique rock formations and fall asleep to a cascading river on this 3-day trip.
When the apples fall, the cider flows. Reward yourself with fresh brews near these three hikes.
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.
Your feet deserve a little downtime. Pamper them with these 5 post-hike pairs.
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.
Floyd the 190-pound mastiff required a litter carry from Salt Lake County Search and Rescue personnel
This top does it all thanks to smart design and premium materials.
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.
From fiery leaves to warm springs, these trails show off the season from all its angles.
Need a boost up the mountain? Your pooch has stoke to spare.
With little preparation, any fit canine can handle the alpine. Here's what you need to know.
This bomber boot offers tons of protection and comfort.
The climbs on the Black Forest Trail are serious—but then again, so is the scenery.
Find quiet eastern forests and expansive vistas on this two-day, 21.8-mile trek through the Pemigewasset Wilderness.