Outdoor advocates celebrated the removal of a budgetary measure that would have sold off federal land across Utah and Nevada, even as they expressed concern about other elements that expanded drilling and mining near national parks.
The decision, which allows “wild camping” to continue in Dartmoor National Park, puts an end to three years of legal wrangling that pitted hikers against a pair of wealthy landowners.
Deaths from extreme heat are climbing—and hikers are especially vulnerable. Here's what you need to know about keeping yourself safe during the hottest months of the year.
Answer a few quick questions and let Backpacker tell you which of the world's bear species most closely matches your personality.
In 1957, a sloth bear in Mysore, India caused the deaths of at least 12 people and injured 24 more. In this Bear Month podcast, the hosts of Tooth and Claw delve into why—and discuss what it and similar incidents can teach us about one of the world’s lesser-known bear species.
If you'd rather tote a little extra weight for a more livable sleeping experience, then the Marmot Limelight 3 may be for you.
From now until June 15, we're partnering with Tooth and Claw podcast to bring you the best trail tales, survival stories, and practical advice about our ursine neighbors.
Plus more takeaways about this year's NOBO hikers from data gathered at AT Basecamp.
The Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie finds a sweet spot between weather resistance, comfort, and light weight.
Rescuers in Arizona braved a storm to save a hiker who became stranded after cairns led him astray.
CleanTrek founder John McShane wants to clean up America's trails—and he thinks his new invention could help do it.
Black Diamond's Distance series excel on fast-paced missions in tricky terrain—and right now, you can get them at a steep discount.
Visitors will need reservations beginning on Memorial Day weekend, with bookings opening up on May 6.
Take-anywhere tamales, burly radios for the backcountry, and one great guidebook: Here's the gear we loved this month.
Whether you're an absolute beginner or a trained artist, the Sketchbook app is a free and easy way to capture your favorite memories on the trail without carrying any extra weight.
It may be featherweight, but the Granite Gear Blaze 60L can handle up to 50 pounds of gear comfortably.
Feel like your hikes have gotten too focused on end goals and not enough on enjoying the journey? Montana's vast American Prairie says it has the solution.
A PCT hiker spent an hour "death-gripping" an unstable cliff in southern California before rescue personnel managed to pluck her off.
From bold new long trails to incredible physical feats to the people who make our hikes possible, these are some of the best stories ever to come out of the world's longest trails.
Weeks after closing the Fiery Furnace due to staffing issues, Arches National Park officials announced that the popular red-rock hiking destination would reopen starting April 15.
Don't let the gram-counting around ultralight gear intimidate you. Slimming down your pack's weight is easier than many beginners think.
Don't waste the late spring and summer warm-up hiking yourself into shape (or rehabbing a fresh injury). Instead, prep for some of the best months of the year with these expert-approved workouts.
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Jacket is about a half-pound and packs to the size of a water bottle, but feels warmer than that.
If you're thinking about experimenting with a floorless shelter, the Sierra Designs High Route packs down to the size of a Nalgene but punches above its weight in livability.
Small backpacking brands are bracing for rising costs and tough choices as tariffs hit materials and manufacturing, putting consumers on the hook.
Chosen from hundreds of applicants to the Carson City to Canada Quest, Julianne Mahoney and Audrey Payne embrace the challenge of hiking from Nevada to the Canadian border along the Pacific Crest Trail.
The only legal trail to the shoreline of Crater Lake will close after this summer and will stay shuttered for three years, the National Park Service says.
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a fixture on trails short and long—and right now, you can save $100 off its full price.
From a trail runner made for the toughest terrain to an app that literally forces you to "touch grass," this is the gear that got the Backpacker editors outside this month.
With its 33-millimeter stack height, the Altra Olympus is a solid choice for rooty, rocky trails.
The steep, 1.2-mile trail to Hanging Lake is a popular dayhike for Coloradans and visitors alike.
Nearly three months after the only road to Olympic National Park's Hoh Rain Forest washed out, Washington has announced it will set aside more than $600,000 from the state's Strategic Reserve to pay for repairs.
If you're an REI member who hasn't used your annual coupons yet, you can get the Therm-a-rest Vesper 20 quilt for nearly half off.
Just weeks after the NPS axed more than 1,000 permanent employees, the White House has reportedly instructed the agency to cut 30% of its payroll.
Everyone has a favorite national park. But when it comes to hiking, some just do it better than others.
With a stable, body-hugging design and enough room for your water, snacks, and layers, the Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest 5.0 is an ideal pack for trail runners and fast-moving hikers alike.
The Jetboil Zip is a stripped-down cousin to the company's larger models.
An ultralight first-aid kit, a cheap pair of gloves, and a luxe sleeping pad: This is the gear that's getting our editors through the tail end of winter.
After the largest layoffs in the history of public lands and with the high season—and fire season—around the corner, park and forest rangers and other federal employees say they’re worried about what comes next.
From nutrition myths to getting protein, our experts break down how to stay fueled and feeling good on your next big hiking trip.
Don't feel like shelling out for a carton of Grade A? These egg-free breakfasts are nutritious, camp-ready, and perfect for powering a day on the trail.
The MSR Hubba Hubba is a lightweight 3-season backpacking tent that's suitable for beginners and seasoned hikers alike—and right now, it's downright cheap.
Taranaki is an ancestor to nearby Maori groups and a popular hiking and skiing destination for visitors. Under a law passed unanimously by New Zealand's parliament, it now owns itself.
By working on your cardiovascular endurance you can up your mileage without hating your life.
New Hampshire Fish and Game said that the two hikers from Massachusetts were experienced and well-equipped, but encountered “unforeseen conditions.”
Strong legs make for easy miles. Get yours ready for your next big trip with this advice.
Testers compared the Hoka One One Speedgoat to a full-suspension 29er mountain bike.
Top-shelf winter layers, perfect backcountry powder skis, and a FOMO-inducing, trip-generating collection of travel inspo: This is the gear that got our editors outside this month.
In a statement on Monday, the Canada Border Services Agency noted that the U.S. prohibits southbound PCT thru hikers from crossing into Washington from British Columbia.
Altadena Mountain Rescue is urging hikers to stay out of closed areas after the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles—but says it's already preparing to rescue the ones who don't listen.
The Helio LX Pressure Shower is a smart approach to cleaning off people, pets, and dishes on basecamping trips—and right now, you can get it at a steep discount.
Don't waste your half-used hand warmers. Save them for later with this trick instead.
This do-anything mid may just rekindle your love for the category—and it's on sale now.
Backpacking in the snowy season doesn’t need to be an ordeal. We polled our colleagues to find out their best gear tips for packing for snowy adventures.
Not bringing ice cleats or crampons on an icy hike can be frustrating at best, and deadly at worst. Here's how to know what you need—and some staff-tested recommendations fo what to buy.
On January 7, Kai Cranmore was on a dayhike near Pacific Palisades with a group of his friends when one of them smelled smoke. Minutes later, they were fleeing as a wildfire spread through the canyon around them.
The MSR Access 2 is a light(ish) weight option for backpackers looking to make miles in full winter weather.
Hoarding gear, hiding our injuries, and packing way, way too much candy: These are the bad habits we have no intention of losing this year.
From an old-school hot toddy to a boozy take on the PSL, these perfect hot drinks from the Backpacker archives are ready to ring in the new year with you at your backcountry shindig.
From making your own shoes to making miles, these are our favorite skills stories that appeared in Backpacker in 2024.
Check out Adam Roy's author page.
From extreme ultralight tactics to the fate of a decades-old, Instagram-famous trail, these were the biggest controversies we wrote about this year.
From a spin around a local trail to a hike toward a Wonder of the World, these were our editors' favorite treks this year.
Last month, two Las Vegas hikers tackled 11,916-foot Mt. Charleston via the 16-mile South Loop Trail, one of them in a pair of Crocs. It went fine—until the snow began to fall.
Made the butt of jokes and relegated to the discount aisle post-holiday, fruitcake may be the most disrespected confection of the Christmas season. But backpackers in the know understand this treat’s true power.
From a headlamp to a pint-size Nalgene to a combo bandana/pack towel, these affordable last-minute holiday gifts are here to save the day.
Eight years after the White House slashed its size by more than 85%, the recently-restored Bears Ears National Monument may be back on the chopping block—and legal experts say the entire national monument system could be in jeopardy alongside it.
Take your holiday celebrations outside this year with this gear, from a set of solar-powered string lights to a fire pit that fits on your pack.
From shelters to packs to gadgets, these 50 pieces of gear helped us go further, see more, and have more fun last year.
Could your worst miles create your best memories? After a hike on a rocky Pennsylvania segment of the Appalachian Trail, our editor ponders.
After two near-misses in the mountains north of Vancouver, a search and rescue team is urging hikers to research routes they find online more carefully.
With a touchscreen, built-in flashlight, breadcrumb feature, and unbelievable battery life, the Garmin fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar Edition has the chops to handle the roughest backcountry navigation.
From an all-time favorite tent to a lightweight backpack that can handle a serious load, this editor-approved gear is on sale for at least 50%—and up to 70%—off today.
A super-light sleeping pad, a weight-saving gadget, and an editor-approved quilt are all on sale at a discount right now.
An ultra-warm winter boot, a "heavenly" deck of cards, and a running vest that's up for anything: This is the gear that kept us moving this month.
Check out Adam Roy's author page.
The featherweight Gossamer Gear LT5s are on sale right now.
From a $30 titanium pot to a $1,300, sub-6-pound raft, this is what’s on our editors’ wishlists this holiday season.
More than 80 firefighters and emergency personnel are currently working on the Butternut Fire in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
From an insulated bootie that can handle the rigors of the outdoors to a super-light, super-plush mummy bag, these are the deals we're most excited about from REI's big sale.