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Katmai's famous Fat Bear Week contest is about to celebrate its tenth anniversary—but for the first time, its biggest star is nowhere to be found. We pay tribute to a true champion.

Two of the most popular ultralight brands make very similar packs—at least on paper. Our side-by-side test reveals the winner.

Here's why I'm bringing an inner tube, playing cards, and all the snacks on my next backpacking trip.

The Jones Ultra Re-Up Down Recycled Jacket was one of our favorite insulated pieces last year, and now it's on sale for 30% off.

Ultrarunner Tara “Candy Mama” Dower shaved 13 hours off Karel Sabbe’s previous record for hiking the iconic route

Park officials are warning hikers to be wary of bears during their fall "feeding frenzy" after a grizzly injured a man on the Highline Trail

We asked our readers about their favorite backpacking gear that's not on the market anymore. From ultralight tents to boots both light and burly, this is what they said.

Don't just chuck it in the trash. Here's the right way to get rid of your spent bear spray.

National Park Service says that it was "proud" to support effort to change name of Clingmans Dome back to Kuwohi.

Accidental beacon activations take a toll on rescue teams—but they are avoidable.

After our editor encountered a hiker in a concerning state on Mt. Whitney, she knew she had to step up.

Helmets are considered required equipment on some peaks and trails across the U.S. Here’s how to tell if you really need one.

A stuff sack full of clothes is often the last obstacle holding back new ultralighters.

Take it from me. By now, I've become an expert relocator.

Bear-proof lockers might look like garbage cans, but hikers really should know better.

The Mountain Hardwear Meridian 2 is the cheapest and most spacious tent in our test this year—and right now, it’s on sale for 30% off.

Sometimes, imposing limits on a hike can open up a whole new world of discovery.

There are lots of trails to pick from in Joshua Tree. Here are three local's favorites.

For years, tensions have run high between AT thru-hikers and rangers in Baxter State Park. One hiker wonders, could moving the terminus solve the problem?

Kirk S. Thomas Olsen went missing during a solo backpacking trip in the park late last month.

Pet owners have long been able to vaccinate their dogs against Lyme disease. Soon, a promising vaccine could give hikers the same protection.

After counting switchbacks, I like to count sheep.

Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t known for its secluded trails. Head to the west side, however, and you can have these nearby trails all to yourself.

This all-purpose trail performer fuses running and hiking features into a versatile, technical mainstay for year-round outdoor adventures

The company is filling a void in the world of adventure travel.

The long trail legend reflects on her mind-blowing unsupported hike of the 800-mile Arizona Trail in May of 2024.

With its new Campfield campground in Washington, Japanese gear brand Snow Peak is hoping to introduce visitors to a more elegant and immersive philosophy of sleeping outside. Will Americans bite?

Pack strap bottles aren’t a gimmick. They’re a gift from the trail gods—and one of the few modern pack updates that dramatically improve the backpacking experience.

A suspected Norovirus outbreak is the likely culprit of the incidents that closed the Kalalau Trail.

We’re still carrying a torch for these 12 off-the-market shelters, packs, snacks, and more.

Hydration is one of the first principles of backcountry survival. Here's how to do it safely.

Authorities are considering whether to file charges against a man whose suspected harassment of the bear led to the fatal encounter.

At 101, Kelty is one of the oldest outdoor industry pioneers alive today.

Yosemite Valley is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the country. Hike in peace on these trails just a short drive away from the park's crowds.

Colorado Fourteeners Initiative points to closures, population growth patterns, and aging baby boomers as possible reasons behind trend.

With clever design, the LOFI stove brings ultralight efficiency to the humble wood burner.

Strength training is critical for hikers. And most of us are doing it wrong.

From flash flooding to excessive heat, some experts say climate-fed weather patterns may be contributing to deaths in one of America’s most popular national parks.

Long beloved by thru-hikers, Knorr Pasta and Rice Sides are a great option for any backpacker on a budget. It doesn't hurt that they taste good, either.

It's undeniably the best time of the year. Don't miss the season's beauty on these fall leaf hikes all around the country.

Coveting gear all summer? Now’s the time to buy.

Get some solid Z's even when you’re sticky and sweaty.

Enter for a chance to win the ultimate road-trip essentials prize package

Hike, bike, paddle, swim, fish, snorkel, camp—do it all in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

The Easy Fire closed the section of trail leading to Hart’s Pass in late July, threatening to block hikers' route to the finish.

If you focus on recovery and stay patient, you can be back on the trail with a fully repaired ACL in a matter of months.

Two Italian alpinists filmed as a serac crumbled from a mountaintop toward their tents on their K2 expedition. 

Walking from terminus to terminus is a thru-hiker’s dream, but what about when circumstances—or a really cool side trail—lead you on a detour?

From a consummate day pack to a handy sleeping pad coupler, these are our editors' top gear picks for August.

Lake Tahoe—the largest alpine lake in North America—has hundreds of miles to hike. Here are the best of them for the whole family.

These trails are currently laden with ripe fruit, but the foraging season won't last long.

A corporate retreat went bad this week after a 15-person hiking group left one of their own behind on Colorado’s 14,231-foot Mt. Shavano.

Expert travelers share their advice on packing, route planning, and more

Embrace the dad-core vibes, and a 5-liter waist pack may just be the MVP of your gear closet.

The $100 million gift from the Lilly Endowment could fund infrastructure and education projects.

If off-the-beaten-path is on your agenda, Eastern Montana has you covered

Seek out challenging waters with powerful experiences that both test your limits and offer a way to protect our oceans—then follow them with a wine that’s done the same

Diversifying your footwear keeps your feet dry, comfortable, and healthy. What else could you want?

Freestanding tents are typically considered the gold standard in backpacking shelters. But in some cases, non-freestanding models can be worth the weight savings.

Cross the whole length of New Zealand's two main islands on this 1,900-mile thru-hike.

You don't have to shiver in your sleeping bag or cram into a tent just because you’re outside the industry standard for height.

Put traction into action exploring the most rugged hiking routes in the country

From showering less to sleeping on the floor, thru-hikers confess to the unusual habits they brought home from the trail.

The Canadian woman was found safe after spending four days lost in the Colorado Mountains.

Want in on one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets for urban hiking? Head to Minneapolis.

NoSo Patches simplify DIY fabric repair with a stick-on application that extends the life of your favorite gear and apparel while adding personal flair

Some hikers swear by using a tent footprint. But are they really necessary?

Escape the beach-bound tourists on a local's favorite trails.

The new book Walk, Ride, Paddle documents Senator Tim Kaine's years-long triathlon through his home state.

On a long hike, Snickers, GORP, and instant coffee can start to become as draining as the miles. Here are five—admittedly fancy—alternatives we love.

There's a lot more to it than just “protecting food from wildlife."

Gluten-free backpacking doesn’t have to be hard. Do it right with these tips and recipes.

Although experts aren’t yet certain why the arch fell, they have some good guesses.

The bear came in through the window, cracked open the kids' earthquake emergency kits, and started devouring granola bars.

A safe place to sleep, a good library with air-conditioning, and a bar that feels familiar? These are just some things that make a town on trail feel ideal. 

Buy new backpacking gear? In this economy?

Take this trip through the Mountain State for hiker-approved trails, adventure towns, and restaurants.

A veteran Tacoma driver’s hard-earned tips to help you stay organized, reduce stress, and maximize your time outside

You may not have the speed or style of an Olympic athlete, but you can still enjoy a day on the water with this top paddling equipment.

Olympic paddling got you stoked? Plan your own trip somewhere more stunning than Paris.