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Survival 101: Make a Solar Still
No water? No problem.
The Best Piece of Gear I'll Never Use
I've never triggered my personal locator beacon. But I'm going to keep carrying it all the same.
Meet the Artist: Heidi Nisbett
As she thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, Nisbett grew to love long stretches of hiking through green tunnels.
Navigate Like a Pro
Navigation tips from an Appalachian Trail pro.
PODCAST: Mauled By a Grizzly
Your chances of being attacked by a bear are around one in two million. Todd Orr was mauled by one twice in a single day. Listen to his story in the latest episode of our podcast.
Hike of the Week: Tablerock Mountain, NC
Capture some of North Carolina’s best views as you hike into the Linville Gorge Wilderness on this spring-perfect trek.
Hike Like a Local in San Francisco's Golden Gate National Recreation Area
See butterflies, redwoods, whales, and some of the most beautiful coastline any major metro area has to offer.
See a Magical Crater Lake—and an Active Volcano—on Mt. Rinjani in Indonesia
Get up close and personal with a force of nature.
What Could Americans Learn From the Way Koreans Hike?
South Koreans hike in droves. And they like it that way. An American who craves solitude joins the party.
Meet the Artist: Latasha Dunston
Denver artist Latasha Dunston paints details she would have missed with photographs.
Meet the Artist: Dave Bonan
As Bonan draws the world around him, he becomes intensely curious about the way it works.
How to Choose the Right Backpack
Finding the right backpack isn’t always a quick or easy process, but you’ll thank yourself later for investing the time now.
BACKPACKER Editor Dennis Lewon Picks His Favorite Budget Gear
Spend less, hike more with a system that prioritizes affordability and durability.
Protect Your Gear In These 3 Extreme Environments
Don’t let fear of ruining your belongings keep you from getting out.
Get the Shot With This Hike-Ready Photography Kit
Channeling your inner Jimmy Chin is easier than ever thanks to light, affordable camera gear. Here's what you need to get started in adventure photography.
PODCAST: Stranded on a Ledge
A fatal accident is the beginning of a six-day-long wilderness ordeal in the second episode of BACKPACKER's Out Alive podcast.
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail, CA
Get up close and personal with North America’s tallest waterfall and Yosemite Valley’s greatest hits on this 20.6-mile loop.
FBI Agent: Appalachian Trail Murder Suspect Threatened to Burn Hikers Before Attack
Alleged killer played guitar, argued with victims, affidavit says.
Vote now for your favorite trail-inspired design
The winning design will be printed on a t-shirt benefitting The Conservation Alliance.
5 Things You Should Never Forget to Pack for Summer Backpacking
These must-haves for hiking and backpacking season can make or break your trip.
One Hiker Killed, One Injured in Attack on Appalachian Trail
Suspect arrested as section of Appalachian Trail closed through Sunday morning.
The First Public Lands Plan of the 2020 Race Is Out. Here’s What It Means for Hikers
Senator Elizabeth Warren is the first presidential contender to come out with a comprehensive set of public lands policy proposals – here’s what they could mean for your future trips.
Lost, Injured, and Cold
For George Brown, 68, a morning trail run in August 2018 became more than 40 hours stranded in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness with a broken leg.
This Six-Year-Old Climbed Whitney
Eva Luna Harper-Zahn kicked off her alpinism career with the Lower 48’s highest peak.
National Summit Day FAQs
You have questions about National Summit Day on August 1, 2020. We have answers.
When the Mayor of the Mountain Disappeared
On California’s Mt. Baldy, Sam Kim found spirit, grace, and fulfillment summit after summit after summit.
LISTEN: Out Alive, Backpacker’s Survival Podcast
The wilderness is full of dangers. This podcast tells the stories of the people who survived them.
The End of Wildlife
A new report from a UN committee says that one million species worldwide are threatened with extinction by humans. What does that mean for the wilderness experience?
The 20 Best Waterfall Hikes in the United States
No two waterfalls are exactly alike, but these will always capture our imagination.
The Hiker's Code of Conduct
The longest government shutdown in history reminded us how we can be better stewards of our national parks—and each other.
The 9 Best Mother's Day Gifts for Hikers
Forget the flowers: Show Mom you care with a gift that helps her hit the trail (and recover from it).
Hike of the Week: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, TX
Enchanted Rock is the second-largest granite batholith in the country. Don’t know what a batholith is? Find out by hiking up one.
How This Palm-Sized Device Saves Lives
A personal locator beacon could be the difference between coming home or not.
Top 4 Camper’s Delights found in an RV
Celebrate the glamorous side of camping.
Go With Those In The Know
Get the scoop on upstate Pennsylvania from Pine Creek Outfitters.
Explore Pine Creek Pennsylvania
New adventure company Crooked Roots Adventures is getting people out on the river.
Sea to Summit Ultralight Sleep System Sweepstakes
Get the sleep you’ve been dreaming of.
6 Reasons Why Your Next Trip Should Be an RV Road Trip
Getting there is all of the fun.
Hike of the Week: Looking Glass Rock, NC
This classic hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains packs it all: a cascading stream, tunnels of rhododendron, and panoramic views, all only 45 minutes from Asheville
Have Family Fun all Spring, No Matter the Weather
Finding adventure inside and outside will keep the kids entertained all season long.
The 5 Best Windshells for Hikers
These featherweight windshells ensure that the weather doesn’t blow your plans away.
Arc’teryx Incendo SL/Cita SL
Lightest windshell
Patagonia Houdini Air
Warmest windshell
Ortovox Merino Windbreaker
Most comfortable
Montane Lite-Speed
Best protection
adidas Agravic Windweave Jacket
Best all-around
The 7 Best Daypacks for Every Kind of Hike
From quick jaunts to the biggest days, these packs will keep you comfortable no matter how heavy (or light) your load.
Fjällräven Keb Fleece Hoodie
This do-anything layer is durable enough to handle years of abuse.
Deuter Trail Pro 36 / 34 SL
Most versatile
Mystery Ranch Scree 32
Best access
JanSport Tahoma 27
Best value
Hydro Flask Journey Series 20L
Best hydration pack