The hardwood forests, scalped cliffs, and sandstone caves of northern Alabama are good any time of year, but they’re hard to beat with fall’s mild temperatures and electric foliage. It’s time to reap the rewards of the South’s best season.
Find the best wildflowers, dayhike, and more that this corner of Montana has to offer.
We love the power of nature as much as anyone. But sometimes, the only thing better than camping is not camping.
Sacred paths the world over help hikers discover deeper truths about the world and themselves. But what truly makes a path transformative? Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan treks a new 170-mile loop in Montana in search of the pilgrimage she needs.
Best for Mountaineering
Lightest
Most breathable
Best weight-to-features
Year-round performer
Eco-friendly windshell
Best Summer Softshell
Best Leg Protection
Best Buy
Most Versatile
Best Value
One of our favorite waterproof, breathable fabrics gets an eco-friendly upgrade.
This midweight top performs well above its price tag.
Wear it all winter and still smell as good as you look.
High-tech fabric delivers the year’s best warmth-to-weight ratio.
Technical performance meets luxe comfort.
An innovative pouch means ultimate comfort for dudes.
Special wool and a boot-friendly cut make these ski-ready in most conditions.
This women’s pick pulls off flattering and functional.
This wool/synthetic blend works as a four-season midlayer.
Stay drier, longer in this highly protective shell.
This versatile hybrid is airier than most softshells.
Fight the chills in this warmer-than-it-looks softie.
Get solid winter protection at a great price.
This light and breathable shell is a true year-rounder.
Get a full-featured, premium fabric winter shell for less than $300.
This winter workhorse delivers uncommon comfort and protection.
This forcefield has the test’s best protection-to-weight ratio.
Super-durable fabric makes this the go-to shell for the worst gear thrashers.
Need burly, never-wets-out performance for punishing winter weather? This is your shell.
Powder seekers will love this durable shell.
Smart features make this the bargain of the year.
You don't need snow (or a trust fund) to enjoy this legendary ski town.
Sample a smorgasbord of mountains from this chill California outpost.
Bald eagles, skiing, and mountain biking galore: It doesn't get much better than this outdoor paradise.
In Homer, playing outside is a way of life.
With two national parks and endless wilderness nearby, this may be America's best-situated adventure town.
Explore Arizona's red rock country.
Hike to a giant stone wall, and take a dip afterward.
Why Crested Butte? Because it's crowded with wildflowers, not people.
Get a tour of the best that the Adirondacks have to offer in this upstate destination.
Sneak in the side door to Great Smoky Mountains.
West Virginia's coolest trail town is a great place to refuel on pancakes—and a great place to earn them.
This gateway to the Apostle Islands is a haven for paddlers.
It’s not all sunsets and s’mores. If the parks are going to last another century, we need to renew our effort to protect and preserve them. From garbage to global warming, here are the challenges—and solutions—ahead.
Looking for a multisport trip? You couldn't do better than this stretch of wilderness on the east coast.
Like spice? Then you'll love this hot-sweet trail snack.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this fiber-packed power-up.
Save money and eat better with these DIY trail snacks.
Passing around the flask makes you a good friend. Whipping up one of these wilderness-ready cocktails from top bartenders? That makes you a legend.
After losing the trail, can this wayward hiker find her way back?
The sand beckons—but don't just throw down your towel and soak up the sun.
The reefs and jungles of Mt. Alava are ripe for an off-beat trip.
Towering cacti and no crowds make this a perfect hike for getting away from it all.
Walking in this gypsum dunefield is hard—but it's worth the trouble.
Reef Bay & Brown Bay, Virgin Islands NP
The plains meet the bottomlands in this unique ecosystem.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Sequoia National Park, California
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Acadia National Park, Maine
Yosemite National Park, California
Olympic National Park, Washington
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Lava Beds National Monument, California
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Three different fabric weights combine to deliver a premium all-conditions baselayer.
This ultralight baselayer kept testers comfy and dry well into summertime—and it’s eco-friendly.
This pullover combines a super-soft feel with maximum range of motion.
Natural bamboo charcoal fibers make it the quickest-drying, most breathable baselayer in our test.
This quick-drying wool baselayer’s double-sided fabric delivers great wicking, insulation, and durability.
A cozy PJ feel meets powder-friendly design in a baselayer adored by backcountry skiers.
The merino/polyester construction of this baselayer top offers cold-busting insulation.
These six long-distance trekkers have no problem hitting the trail alone—and often prefer it. We rounded up their best tips for female solo hikers.