Corey Buhay

A couples counselor explains why the trail can strain relationships—and how to keep it from happening to you.

Many hikers overpack water, a bad habit that translates to pounds of unnecessary weight. Experts explain how much you really need.

Are you in a temporary rut—or do you have a case of catastrophic burnout that only a long walk in the woods can cure? Two career coaches weigh in.

Level-up your carrying comfort with these top-performing daypacks.

Lighten your load with these minimalist-minded multiday packs.

Our favorite packs were comfortable against our bodies, lifted the load right off our shoulders, and had the features we reached for over thousands of miles.

We all have bad hiking habits. These are the ones guides say they notice most often—plus how to kick them for good.

Getting stopped up during a backpacking trip is a common—and uncomfortable—experience.

We polled hundreds of hikers about their partner pet peeves. Do you have any of these habits?

Even the longest hikes are too short to spend worrying about how you look.

Some cooking hacks are easy. Some are delicious. This particular one is neither.

Carbs are one of the hardest nutrients to get right on the trail. We interviewed two experts to learn the facts.

Hiking dietitians weigh in on how to meet your fueling needs without hauling the whole fridge.

Why waste time pre-packaging trail food when you can purchase a feast along the way?

You’re on the priority list. You just might come after their tent.

Finding love on the trail isn’t easy. Here are 19 lines that probably won’t make it any easier.

Smart updates to the Gregory Paragon/Maven make this previous Editors’ Choice Award Winner comfier than we thought possible.

Extreme adjustability and a cushy ride made the Talon/Tempest 33 our favorite day hiking pack of 2025

Here’s how to train your muscles and your mental game for some of backpacking’s biggest cruxes.

Can’t take it anymore? We can't either. Step up to the void and scream it out on these six trails. 

Back sleepers tend to have an easier time catching Zs while camping, but doing so doesn't always come naturally.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Buy new backpacking gear? In this economy?

Plan your next summer escape around these parks, where high latitudes and high altitudes are still keeping temps cool.

From a tricked-out watch to a simple yet versatile tarp, these are our editors' top gear picks for July.

Yes, canoeing is in the Olympics—and the races are happening now. Here's what to expect, plus how to watch the races for yourself.

After setting a new co-ed record in Colorado, this hiking couple shares their secrets for stronger trail partnerships.

From WAG Bags to surface deposits to everything in between, we ranked every way to poop in the woods and determined what those methods say about you.

Cool off fast and stay safe in a heat wave with these pro-level strategies.

From a stink-proof sun hoody to women's pants that actually let you pee freely, these are our editors' top gear picks for June 2024.

Hike hard, brunch harder.

Celebrate the summer solstice on any of these long dayhikes.

This June 19, national parks are waiving entry fees for all visitors in honor of the Juneteenth holiday.

Check out Corey Buhay's author page.

Revolutionize the way you hike with these 7 affordable must-haves.

The Interlaken Fire likely resulted from a campfire that was abandoned days before the embers caught flame.

Local pack-maker Mystery Ranch is offering free repairs for any brand pack all weekend long.

Our hiking dietician puts these eight nutrition myths to rest.

Backpacker editors go head to head on the most controversial of feminine hygiene accessories.

It’s pretty dang comfy to hike in, too.

A helmet built for late-season ski tours, a waterproof case built for early-season paddles, and a pair of hiking pants that's comfortable almost anywhere: This is the gear our editors rocked this month.

Spoiler alert: You're going to need a tampon.

Colorado wildlife experts weigh in on whether it's safe to vape in the backcountry.

Touch the sky and test your mettle on these hair-raising hikes.

A hiker decided to leap the 5-foot gap from a clifftop to a hoodoo near Moab, Utah. It didn’t end well. 

Starting this fall, backpackers will have to pay a new fee to hike California's popular Lost Coast Trail. For some, it will triple the cost.

Mystery Ranch’s Radix carries serious cargo without a weight penalty.

Most backcountry lightning education—including what you may have learned as a kid—is antiquated. Here’s your overdue expert update.

If there’s one thing we’re passionate about, it’s setting things on fire in the name of science.

Ultralight hiking sandals are great camp shoes that can still handle the rigors of life on the trail, but they can be expensive. We tested four designs for making our own.

Choosing not to thru-hike was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made.

Catholes are still the gold standard according to Leave No Trace—but maybe they shouldn't be.

Dreaming of doing a thru-hike? You can get a taste of the experience on these three-day treks that travel an entire trail, terminus to terminus.

On a slow-paced trip to Colorado's Ice Lakes, one hiker comes to terms with the value of doing nothing.

When it comes to bragging, actions speak louder than words. Show off your expertise to your hiking partners with these tips.

Drifts got you down? Use these tips to travel efficiently in even deep pow.

Our testers put 15 cold-weather rucksacks through the wringer—and crowned six champions

Meet the pack sleek enough to turn our backpacking princess into an ultralight convert.

Social media and hiking can mix—as long as you're intentional about your usage.

On England's 102-mile Cotswold Way, a hiker sets herself up to fail—and ends up surprised by how things turn out.

Witnessing a friend’s nearly fatal fall made one hiker rethink the way she talks about mistakes.

In June of 2022, 62-year-old Dan Wenker fell into a moat in the Tetons, breaking his leg. His climbing partner helped save his life.

Follow these tips to help you get into the zone and unlock your true potential.

Reap all the physical and mental advantages of mindfulness without ever setting foot inside a class.

Erratic, joy-filled exercise could make you a fitter—and happier—athlete.

For one hiker, the secret to recovering from a chronic overuse injury was falling in love with hiking in the muck.

One-way hiking means never seeing the same spot twice, but you need to have your car shuttle logistics dialed. Follow these 10 tips to shuttle like a pro.

Faced with risk and loss in the mountains, our writer grapples with what it means to lead a life well-lived.

Getting injured isn’t the end of the world (we promise). Here’s how to keep from spiraling.

From tiny pocket knives to freeze-dried foods, these ultralight-friendly gifts are best presented in a sub-1-ounce merino sock.

Burnout can affect participants of any sport—including hiking. Here’s how to identify, prevent, and cure hiking burnout.