For versatility and affordability, nothing beats a tarp. With an 8-by-10-foot piece of nylon, some paracord, stakes, a trekking pole, and a little ingenuity, you can make a shelter to withstand any weather.
We're not going to lie to you: This is bad.
One backpacker shares her secret to maintaining a decades-long hiking streak.
Prepare the first meal of the day at home and you'll start hiking sooner—and have on-the-go snacks.
Are mother and son ready to trade the crib for a tent?
The classic Pacific coast waterfall is the destination; the 15-mile round-trip hike through evergreen forests, coastal grassland, and beachside cliffs is the journey.
On April 20, all national parks in the U.S. will offer free admission. Skip the lines with our guide
Gear Editor Eli Bernstein takes us through what to look for when shopping for a pack.
What happens when a D1 athlete turns her attention to the trail? A lot of fast miles.
This lightweight blade plays well on the water.
Climb through Douglas firs and sword ferns to reach this 3,205-foot summit.
Turn a day at the beach into a trip to the magical world of ocean life.
For early thru-hikers, steep hills and long distances were only part of the challenge.
Join Backpacker’s Get Out More all star ambassador Randy Propster for an engaging 75-minute seminar full of trail tested tips, regional trip advice and outdoor gear!
Backpacker's Get Out More Tour is coming to a place near you!
See if you have the knowledge to ID the lower 48's bruins.
Say good-bye to food overflows and ineffective bear bags, and fend off unwanted visitors with these tips.
Todd Orr, a veteran member of the Montana Forest Service was attacked by a grizzly bear. Twice.
Naturalist Casey Anderson put preaching into practice when charged by a grizzly while making a video about how to properly deploy bear spray.
Fire seasons are getting worse and longer, and humans aren’t the only ones affected. When the forest burns, what happens to its inhabitants?
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
How much do you really know about the creatures that you're sharing the wilderness with?
Make trip planning easy with these readymade itineraries.
Taking a dog on a bear-frequented trail heightens your risks. Stay out of trouble with these 5 tips for hikers with canine companions.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Our resident bruin expert answers all your questions in our 'Ask A Bear' column.
Growing up at the beach gave me a love for nature, and a desire to protect it. Now, I want to pass that on.
This affordable light outshines its price tag.
You don’t have to be a planner to start a thru-hike, but you’ll turn into one if you want to finish. Such is the wisdom of Amanda “Zuul” Jameson, who has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, and Grand Enchantment Trails and now helps fellow trekkers dial in their gear.
Does the peacefulness of solo hiking translate into a social setting?
Happy feet make for a happy hiker. Pamper them with these four pairs.
Go up, up, and away with a light harness, a versatile shoe, and more.
Do your shoes actually fit properly? We asked Oboz how to know you’re getting the right fit before you hit the trail with your brand-new hiking boots.
The answer is more nuanced than one might think.
Climb Wa‘ahila Ridge below Mt. Olympus for some of the island's best views.
Most durable sock
Most comfortable sock
Lightest poles
Breathable helmet
Featherweight harness
Most durable carbon poles
Versatile belay device
Most versatile
Best traction
Best all-round multitool
Best socks for trail running
Bargin shoe
Most durable knife
Best gadget
Best fitting sock
Acting Secretary Bernhardt has years of experience in government—and longstanding professional ties to the oil industry. As the Senate considers his nomination, we break down his history.
A month of travel through Nepal proves just as enriching as second grade math, science, English, and history. Maybe more.
“We never thought it would be explicitly necessary to state that it is illegal to land a helicopter in the middle of the fields and begin hiking off trail. We were wrong."
Want to get one of the most popular peaks in the world to yourself? As Sarah Lee learned, it's all a matter of timing.
Every piece of gear starts off new and shiny. But then come the miles. And the rocks. And the sun and the rain and the marmots. The stuff that lasts becomes part of our trip memories, intertwined with the journey. We keep using these things because we love them—and we love bucking our throwaway culture. Guides, editors, and testers share some all-time favorites here, and we hope your shiny new gear will someday look the same.
Best for minimalists
Best for small faces
Greenest
Best deal
Best insulation
Best all-around reservoir
Most comfortable
Best all-around
Most versatile reservoir
Best bottle lid
Most versatile
Best kids pack
Best kids sleeping bag
Best child carrier
Best kids boots
Best kids puffy
Best kids baselayers
Best kids accessory
Best kids sunglasses
Best ride
This boot excels in technical terrain.
Find fields of poppies on this spring-perfect hike in the Chino Hills outside Lake Elsinore.
From eye protection to bibs to energy chews, we reach for these products again and again.
Get the whole family excited about the outdoors by spotting newborn animals in the wild.
Lightest sleeping pad