Want to Hike Better? You Need to Learn to Walk Better.
Yes, there's a better way to put one foot in front of the other. Improve your stride, trek farther, and end leg and back pain with our guide to the new science of healthy hiking.
Yes, there's a better way to put one foot in front of the other. Improve your stride, trek farther, and end leg and back pain with our guide to the new science of healthy hiking.
From dayhikes to weekends to weeklong hikes, our Grand Canyon experts will have you ready to hit this natural wonder in no time.
Close a wound, remove a tick, prevent poison ivy rash, and more essential tips.
From navigation to staying dry to predicting the weather, our primer will have you dialed.
We'll show you how to be ready for the the trail in 20 minutes, guaranteed. Now gear up.
Find water anywhere, make a fire in five minutes, learn secrets for battling mosquitoes, and master more essential skills.
New science seeks to quantify how wild spaces can treat widespread mental health issues. In the wake of a personal struggle, writer Annette McGivney gets a firsthand look.
Optimism isn’t a weather forecast.
Yes, there's a better way to put one foot in front of the other. Improve your stride, trek farther, and end leg and back pain with our guide to the new science of healthy hiking.
Humans did it for thousands of years. But is barefoot walking right for you? The experts sound off.
Are you dealing with aches and pains? The problem could be right on your feet.
Is there a right way to experience our most iconic preserves? As backcountry trail running and multisport recreation boom, park managers are playing catch-up.
On the eve of his retirement, Bil Vandergraff, Grand Canyon’s most experienced search-and-rescue ranger, sits down for a career debriefing and explains why you should absolutely hike in wet cotton and never leave home without cold pizza.
Get crowd-free, after-work views; see the Superstition's greener side; and overnight in a heavenly oasis on Phoenix's best local hikes.
Upgrade your lunch break; visit a lush state park; and get Big Bend-style views without the drive on three of Austin's best local hikes.
The perfect combination of protection, support, weight, and comfort.
The price-to-performance ratio is off the charts.
Enjoy the best of both worlds: enough flex for a natural stride and the support for big-trip loads and terrain.
This boot eats up big miles, no matter how heavy your pack.
It breathes and flexes like a trail runner, but the rugged outsole is all boot.
A bargain-priced boot that doesn't settle.
Bomber materials and construction shine in a technical, off-trail backpacking boot.
If your foot is extra wide or super skinny, or if you have a protruding bunion, this is the boot for you!
This stretchy vest is made of sheeps wool and will keep your bodies core warm when it's cool outside.
Here lies a fleece fabric that's the most wind-resistance out of 10 vests we've tested.
This vest packs down tiny and works best when you're on the move.
This vest is packed down tiny, and delivers maximum core warmth.
Improve your balance and save your knees.
Improve your balance and save your knees.
Improve your balance and save your knees with this bargain set of trekking poles from Mountainsmith.
Trekking poles from MSR you can adjust one-handed.
If you can use a lighter you can adjust these trekking poles from Leki.
The space-saving and inexpensive mug by Stanley.
Stay hydrated on the trail with these innovative filters and containers.
The differences between nylon and polyester workout gear.
Two his-and-her options for trail shorts and tops.
This super soft synthetic crew shirt has excellent wicking and quick-drying properties.
A stink-free wool baselayer that's perfect for multiday backpacking trips.
The Voodoos cast a three-part spell of comfort, durability, and function.
This souped-up windshirt is the latest iteration of the DriClime.
Add 10-degrees of warmth to your sleeping bag with this simple DIY project.
A hair-raising tale of wilderness terror that will haunt your backcountry dreams
Cut weight and boost comfort with the best new ounce-shaving load haulers—tested and rated by tough-on-gear Grand Canyon National Park rangers.
A versatile pack that can be pared down or bulked up depending on your load and the terrain.
The lightest ultralight pack we tested.
A roomy and comfortable ultralight bag.
An "ultralight" pack that can handle up to 40 pounds.
A top performing pack that's only $160.
Dangerously thirsty in the desert?
Get light yet supportive shoes that stand up to the worst boot-chewing terrain–and satisfied our crew of Grand Canyon rangers and guides.
These cushy dayhikers are perfect for hiking with light loads.
This light hiker is practically abrasion resistant thanks to the thick pig suede upper.
This light hiker can carry up to 50 pounds!
A Five Ten shoe that excels at scrambling and smearing.
Bootlike support and traction with trail-runner shock absorption and weight.
Your favorite parks, weekend getaways, peak ascents, campsites, and more in the Southwest.
Your favorite Southwest hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.
Soak up high-desert views amid the Lone Star State's tallest peaks.
Heading into rough terrain? Our crew of Grand Canyon rangers and guides abused nine pairs of boots for four months. Only five survived.
For lightweight stability these boots can't be beat.
Rocks, cacti, and clay were no match for these boots.
For less than $150 bucks you get a whole lot of boot.
Super tough boots that are also super comfortable.
Discover aspens and alpine hiking, plus views of the Grand Canyon, on this trek up Arizona's 12,633-foot highpoint.
Lighten your load with a warm-weather bag that packs small bug goes big on comfort.
This quilt/sheet combo covered a range of temperatures.
Even during a damp, tentless night our tester stayed dry.
This affordable bag is great for above-40s temps.
800-fill down keeps this bag toasty, while breathable nylon shell fabric and a two-way zipper prevents stuffiness in warmer temps.
The best view in the Grand Canyon can't be seen from the rim. Brave the trek to Royal Arch, hidden deep in the gorge, and your world will never look the same.
Get technical layers that work everywhere from hotel bars to high-mountain trails. Our testers vetted more than 50 products from the Alps to the Andes to bring you these top systems.
A great pair of versatile leather boots that handle most conditions well.
The BACKPACKER ladies tested made-for-trail clothes that can double as street wear–wherever the streets may be.
These lightweight and tough nylon pants will do the trick
A functional shirt that will keep you dry and comfortable while looking stylish all the while
A quick-drying, simple cap for any global traveler
Try these breathable nylon shorts for steamy hikes.
Add this comfy fleece hybrid when those temps start to drop
Plenty of cargo space, an adjustable hood and great air flow, you may never have to take this coat off
Block out the rays with these stylish shades.