Project Vertical Summits Mt. Rainier
The Bight Gear + BACKPACKER test team climbed Mt. Rainier in July. All four of the contest winners made the summit—and added to Bight Gear’s 100 million feet of vertical testing.
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Go Trekking With BACKPACKER
We've partnered with three great organizations to help you see the world, from Utah to Nepal.
PODCAST SEASON FINALE: The Science of Survival
Are we wired to get out of dangerous situations alive? We talked to the experts.
5 Essential Sierra Hot Springs Every Hiker Should Visit
Match a hard hike with the best cure for aching muscles on these essential trips.
My Love Affair With the Lost Coast
Everyone has their own special slice of the backcountry. For BACKPACKER Editor-in-Chief Dennis Lewon, it's a slice of beach in Northern California.
Deal of the Month: Mountain Hardwear Quasar Lite II
Get a do-it-all shell for more than half off.
What We’re Testing Now: Geyser System
Get a shower wherever you are.
Careful Out There: Deadly Falls, Family Reunions, and Metallica
Your survival and accident report for the week of July 29th to August 5th
3 Foam Roller Stretches to Beat Sore Hiking Muscles
Use pressure-point stretching, known as myofascial release, to loosen key hiking muscles and boost recovery.
How to Start Canoe Camping
Grab a paddle to access quiet coves, mirror lakes, or exhilarating rapids. Best part: You can pack like you’re car camping when you trade boots for a boat.
Every Hiker Should Help Build a Trail
Use some elbow grease to give back to the land you love.
Facebook Live: Eco-friendly Hiking Shoe
Check out Eli Bernstein's author page.
7 Guides Choose Their Favorite Outdoor Gear
Here's what the pros use every day on the trail.
August Member Gear Discount
This month’s exclusive discount brought to you by Eddie Bauer
How Jeff Garmire Slew Three Long Trail Speed Records in One Year
In just over three months, hiker Jeff Garmire took down FKTs on the Pinhoti Trail, the Arizona Trail, and the Long Trail. He breaks down one big season.
The Best Gear for Camping in a Storm
There’s no such thing as bad weather if you have good gear—and tequila.
The Best Family Camping Gear Kit
Just pack up your kids and go camping. It’ll get easier—and more fun—with practice.
Gear of the Week: Epic Provisions Meat Bars
These flavor combos will help you fight bar fatigue.
Editor's Note: Don't Rush Through Summertime
Yeah, going fast can be great. But this summer, slow down to savor the little things.
Get the Best Out of Estes Park This Summer
Navigate this Rocky Mountain hideaway and beat the crowds to mountain adventure.
Careful Out There: Yaks, Slot Canyons, and the Into the Wild Bus
Your survival and accident report for the week of July 22nd to July 29th
'Into The Wild' Bus Claims Another Life
Belarusian hiker drowns en route to landmark near Denali National Park.
Meet Me Here: a Map, a Watch, and a Surprise
Emma’s friend set her up with a ViewRanger map and let the app guide her to a backcountry surprise.
2020 National Summit Day Photo Contest
Tag your images @backpackermag and #nationalsummitday for a chance to win a BACKPACKER Magazine Basecamp Membership for one year.
Exercises for Backpackers: Assisted Pistols and Hanging Knee Raises
Ease into pistol squats with this smart variation and build up core strength with a hanging exercise.
How to Fit Your Backpack
Dial in your carry system with these tips from BACKPACKER's gear editor.
How to Make Pizza in the Backcountry
You can't get delivery on the trail, so do the next best thing and make it yourself. Learn to make a personal pizza on your camp stove with Senior Digital Editor Adam Roy
10 Pro Tips for Camping in the Rain
Outsmart the weather with these tricks from our experts.
6 Kid-Tested Water Shoes for Your Family's Summer Adventures
Our fleet of little feet put these shoes through the paces.
Hiking Mt. Holyoke Range and J.A. Skinner State Parks
Discover pastoral views and rustic cabins in Massachusetts.
Project Vertical Tops Out Rainier
The winners of our Project Vertical contest spent months training for their climb—and it just paid off.
The Four Best Sun Shirts for Summer Hiking
Beat the heat with these light, protective layers.
New Hampshire Hiker Sets Epic, 576-Summit Speed Record on White Mountains Grid
On July 7th, Philip Carcia set a new FKT for a punishing, obscure challenge: 48 peaks over 4,000 feet, summited every month of the year.
Gear of the Week: Black Diamond Rhythm Tee
This stretchy merino top will never hold you back on the trail.
Careful Out There!
Your survival and accident report for the week of July 15th to July 22nd
Facebook Live: GPS Watch Testing
Gear editor Eli Bernstein takes you behind the scenes in our latest watch test.
NEMO Hornet Elite 2P
Featherweight tent
Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow
Luxury accessory
Western Mountaineering AstraLite Quilt
Cozy comforter
The Drybag That Saved My Hike
I wasn't ready for an emergency—but my gear was.
Chased by a Flash Flood
For J.P. Rose, 34, and Christina Fialho, 35, an idyllic dayhike in the Caribbean in 2017 turned into a nightmare.
Opinion: Blaze the Continental Divide Trail
Some hikers grouse that blazing the CDT and other wild western trails will ruin them—but that’s exactly the problem with doing nothing.
BACKPACKER Digital Edition Instructions
Check out BACKPACKER Editor's author page.
Yosemite Will Restore Historic Landmark Names After Settling Lawsuit
Former concessionaire Delaware North wanted $50 million for intellectual property.
Marmot Will Add Plus Sizes to Apparel Line
Brand will carry women's sizes to 3X in tops and 22 in bottoms, with men's offerings coming next fall.
Facebook Live: Editor-in-Chief Dennis Lewon
Check out Dennis Lewon's author page.
Pass/Fail: Hike With Wet Feet
Can two hikers keep their feet happy while splashing through creeks for days?
The Best Canister Stoves for Backpackers
Our favorite canister stoves hit a sweet spot between performance, weight, and packability. For soloists and small groups, kitchen duty doesn’t get any easier.
MSR WindBurner
Best stove for bad weather
GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp
Value canister stove
SOTO Amicus
Lightest stove
Jetboil Flash
Best all-around
Primus Power Trail
Fastest stove
The Insider's Guide to Glacier National Park
You don’t need us to sell you on this park’s glacier-gouged peaks, kaleidoscopic wildflower displays, and A-list megafauna. But secret trails and tips? We got those.
4 Mountaintop Lookout Towers You Need to Hike
Score bird’s-eye views over valleys and mountains on these four treks to summit lookouts.
REI to Stock CamelBak Again After Parent Company Sells Gun Brands
The retailer hasn't offered Vista Outdoor's products since last March.
Hikers Set New Speed Record for Climbing Adirondacks’ High Peaks
Two personal trainers from New York City shaved 14 hours off the record time for self-supported hike to all 46 summits
How Did the Appalachian Trail Murder Suspect Slip Through the Cracks?
Before deputies arrested him for the slaying of a veteran, James “Sovereign” Jordan was well-known to law enforcement and hikers along the Appalachian Trail for his erratic and threatening behavior.
Ranger Randy Morgenson's Epitaph in the Sky
An obscure peak in the High Sierra preserves the legacy of a beloved ranger and beckons more to its granite summit.
Hike the New, Improved Timberline Trail
After a decade of detours, the loop around Mt. Hood is complete and better than ever.
Bust Stress with a Plan-Free Park Day
Even with no agenda, a spontaneous day trip serves up many rewards
3 Killer Peanut Butter Recipes for Your Next Backpacking Trip
This backpacking staple can do more than make sandwiches.
Cool, the Bears in Colorado Are Stealing Cars Now
Bruin shifts car into neutral, crashes it.
Alpine Fitness: Carry a Heavy Pack
These exercises will make your first day on the trail a breeze.
Alleged AT Killer Not Competent to Stand Trial
James L. Jordan will be transferred to a psychiatric facility.
Meet the Artist: Nikki Frumkin
Frumkin’s the kind of artist who shouts “Stop the car! I need to paint!”
How to Tie a Stopper Knot
Learn to tie this essential knot for rappelling safely
Gear of the Week: UCO Sprout Mini Lantern and Magnetic Lanyard
A nifty light source that's at home wherever you camp.
10 Perfect Father's Day Gifts for Dads Who Hike
From a comfy chair that's light enough for a daypack to a full-size camp kitchen, this gear is ready to upgrade any dad's next trip.
Basecamp Membership Sweepstakes
Enter to win below
Gear Editor’s Pick: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist Cookset
Everything you need for a backcountry feast
What We’re Testing Now: Mammut Ducan Spine 50-60
This pack’s suspension helps the load move with you.
Letter From the Editor: Youth Movement
Give kids a chance, and you might be surprised by what they can do.
The Best Gear From Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2019
We scoured the largest outdoor industry trade show in the world—here are the most innovative products.
Drink Safely in the Backcountry
Follow these guidelines so you don't have to cut your trip short.
LNT Confessional: I Exploded a Can of Tomatoes in a Campfire
Tomatoes: tasty food, lousy fireworks.
43 Ways to Have Your Best Summer Ever This Year
From swimming holes to wild berries, it’s prime time for hikers. Tick off these 43 trips and experiences to make the most of the season.
Mountain Hardwear Cuts Chemicals From New Tents
The company is taking a risk in removing toxic flame retardants from its tents. Will the rest of the industry follow?