Quiz: Would You Survive?
The wilderness can be deadly if you don't know what you're doing. Take our test to rate your survival—and learn a few skills that might save your hide.
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The Best Kids Gear of 2018
The days of cheapo kids gear are over. Hook the little ones up with the same kit mom and dad have.
National Parks to Raise Fees by $5 this Summer
Public outcry pushed the NPS from its original proposal to charge $70 admission at the 17 most popular parks.
The Best Headlamps for Backpackers
Let these versatile lights illuminate your path.
Historic Welch Ditch Trail to Reopen in Clear Creek Canyon
The path will be part of the in-progress Peaks to Plains Trail.
Trail Conference Celebrates Appalachian Trail's New York Origins
The original stretch of the AT in Bear Mountain State Park turns 95 this year.
C.C. Cragin Reservoir Closed Due to Low Water Levels
The reservoir, which is only 22 percent full, is shuttered for the foreseeable future.
Lake Mead to Close Two Trails for Summer
The Goldstrike Canyon and Arizona Hot Spring Trails will shut down on April 15 and May 15, respectively.
The 4 Best Hiking Socks of 2018
They're the unsung heroes of your hikes. Keep your feet dry, comfortable, and blister-free with the best hiking socks of 2018.
Winter Returning to the Sierra this Week
A late-season storm could drop up to 18 inches of snow in places.
Mountain Bike Shop Opening in the Smokies
The popularity of the new Fire Mountain Trail System drew Motion Makers Bicycle Shop to Cherokee, NC.
Forest Service Warns Campers: Be Careful with Fire this Weekend
Predicted strong winds combined with dry conditions raise the risk of wildfire for the next few days.
Hunter Mountain to Add New Ski Trails, High-Speed Lift
The Hudson Valley resort will debut five new runs in time for next season.
Flood-Damaged Boulder County Trails to Reopen Soon
The Boulder Falls and Anne U. White Trails were closed after 2013's major floods.
Hike: Jackson, Pierce & Eisenhower
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Earth Day Lecture: Dudley Dudley
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SoCal's Wildflowers a Letdown this Year
Lack of rain means there are fewer blooms than last year's impressive show, but there are still places to catch the spring color.
Earth Day Festival: Bee Empowered
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Marathon Hike: Forest Hills to Heartbreak Hill
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How to Pack a Bear Canister
While it’s nice to share, you don’t want to share with a bear.
6 Women Adventurers Who Are Changing the World
These explorers’ exploits go beyond just summiting a mountain: They're using the outdoors to preserve Native culture, protect the environment, and more.
Survive This: A Plunge into Raging Whitewater
Learn to battle your way out of a raging river—and find a safe spot to crawl to shore—with these tips.
White Mountain NF Approves First Tree Skiing Zones
The forest will develop backcountry skiing areas on Bartlett and Baldface Mountains.
Class: Hiking with Dogs
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Mountain Rescue Aspen Member Killed in Avalanche
The skier was caught in a slide outside the Aspen Highlands ski area boundary.
National Park Quilt Show Coming to Will County
A collection of 177 park-themed quilts will be on display in June and July in several forest preserve sites.
Enter To Win a Xero Terraflex and Trail Running Package
Get the lightweight, trail-gripping comfort TerraFlex shoes for your next off-road adventure.
Time to Vote: Which Park Should Get $20K?
Voters will decide which of three Chicago park projects will win the grant.
5 Easy Ways to Deal With Your Period in the Backcountry
One option: Skip it entirely.
Editor’s Note: Why We Need to Tell Women’s Stories
This week, BACKPACKER is putting the focus on the women of hiking. Guest editor Kassondra Cloos explains why that matters.
Survival Quiz: Can you save your partner?
Sure you can patch up minor injuries, but will your knowledge be enough if your partner’s life is at stake?
Washington Local Leaves $1 Million to National Parks
Gift comes from estate of Bette Wallace.
Angeles National Forest Lowers Fire Danger
Area receives normal precipitation for first time since January.
Colorado State Parks Encourage Visitors to Leave No Trace
With visitation booming, public lands reemphasize low-impact hiking.
Camera Traps Capture Rare Flying Squirrel in Chicago
First sighting since project began eight years ago
Help Wanted: Boston Nudist Camp Searching for Lifeguard
Dyer Woods seeking new staff member.
Queer/Trans Nature Stories
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Ladies Hike: White Mountains
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Family Hiking Info Session
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5K/Chili Cook-Off
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US Forest Service Career Info
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The Snow-Yo Is the Worst Part of Hiking in Spring
When your spring bounces from t-shirt weather to snow in the space of a day, getting ready for the trail is a challenge.
This Sleepy Bear in Glacier National Park is All of Us
Getting up in the morning is hard. Getting up in April is harder.
Arizona Trail Association Announces AZT in a Day
Open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders
Introducing the #NoSponsor Heroes of Backpacking
They go above and beyond for the love of the trail. Now, BACKPACKER is shining the spotlight on them. Tell us who we should feature next.
6 Mistakes Beginner Outdoor Writers Make
Want to write about your adventures for a living? Avoid these common mistakes.
Slopes
Make your Apple Watch into a ski day-tracking command center with this free app.
Deal of the Week: Big Agnes Tumble 3 mtnGLO Tent
Never get blinded by a tentmate’s headlamp again.
Bavarian Backpacks: Deuter Does It Again With Its New Aircomfort Sensic System
With the Futura, you can marvel endlessly at natural wonders along the trail without feeling like you need to rush on or drop your pack.
The Ultimate Survival Sweepstakes
Enter to win the ultimate survival gear pack, plus a VIP trip for 2 to the Bear Grylls Survival Challenge.
Elevate Your Backpacking Game With These 9 Gear Picks
Cairn’s subscription boxes regularly deliver the latest gear right to your doorstep.
What the New Federal Infrastructure Plan Means for Backpackers
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and the president have a plan to tackle the National Park Service's $11.7 billion maintenance shortfall. But it could come at the expense of other public lands.
The Best Climbing Gear of 2018
Get high with the best gear for going vertical.
The 5 Best Backpacking Accessories of 2018
The best outdoor products you never knew you needed
The Best Backpacking Electronics of 2018
These smart gadgets help you make the most of your hike without keeping you too connected.
The 4 Best Sunglasses of 2018
Protect your peepers with the best sunglasses of the year.
Lake Crescent Road Construction to Cause Delays this Year
Major road work is scheduled for US Highway 101 and East Beach Road this spring and summer.
SoCal Eagle-Counting Program Draws Huge Interest
Dozens of volunteers show up to help monitor the bald eagle population at six California lakes.
Yosemite's Bridalveil Fall Area to Get a Makeover
The $13 million project will expand the parking lot, improve trails, and add flush toilets to the popular attraction.
Biologists' Whale Study Thwarted by Hungry Sharks
Georgia Wildlife scientists hoped to study a humpback whale found dead off the coast last month, but a pack of sharks had other plans.
Plan to Divert Millions to Conservation Clears State Senate
Georgia's proposal would earmark a portion of sales tax on outdoor gear to funding trails, parks, and other open spaces.
California Grandma Survives 10 Days Stuck in the Sierra
The woman ate crumbs and drank snow after her car got stranded in a remote Nevada County location.
Roads Opening for Spring in Coconino & Apache-Sitgreaves NFs
Warm, dry weather means winter closures are lifting across the national forests.
Officials Suspect Arson in Joshua Tree NP Fire
The 2.5-acre blaze badly damaged the historic Oasis of Mara.
Saguaro NP Admission Free on March 31
Saturday's fee-free day honors Cesar E. Chavez Day.
Hike: Middlesex Fells, Malden
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Ski Tour: Oakes Gulf
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Mud Season Celebration & Egg Hunt
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History Hike: Stonewall Secrets
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It's Bear Safety Season in the Cascades
The #1 tip from biologists to protect awakening black bears: Take down your bird feeder.
Editors' Choice Gold 2018: Garmin Oregon Series
One GPS unit to rule them all.
Editors' Choice 2018: Gregory Baltoro 65 / Deva 60
Carry anything, anywhere.
Editors' Choice 2018: Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights
Close-fitting performance matches the trail step for step.
Editors' Choice 2018: Garmin VIRB 360
The future of trip videos looks like this.
Editors' Choice Gold 2018: Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Cushion
Your socks should last at least as long as your boots.
Editors' Choice 2018: Gossamer Gear Mariposa
This minimalist pack is made for mowing down the miles.
Editors' Choice 2018: La Sportiva Trango Tower GTX
Mountaineering boots have never been this comfortable.
Editors' Choice 2018: Jetboil JetGauge
Finally, a foolproof way to measure the fuel level in canisters.
Editors' Choice 2018: Helen Knows Best Extreme Weather Lip Balm
Defend your lips with this silky-smooth, cooling formula.
Editors' Choice Hall of Fame: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Classic style meets modern performance.