One Couple. 12 Miles. Zero Trails.
Can a novice navigator make the leap to confident cross-country hiker?
Can a novice navigator make the leap to confident cross-country hiker?
Why go high? Because going down is so much fun.
Time to upgrade your trail outfit? Check out this season's best apparel to boost your backcountry comfort.
Best leggings
Most versatile top
Best long sleeve
Best sun hat
Best bra
Best trousers
Best t-shirt
There’s no such thing as bad weather if you have good gear—and tequila.
Climb Wa‘ahila Ridge below Mt. Olympus for some of the island's best views.
Best for small faces
Greenest
Best deal
Best all-around
Find fields of poppies on this spring-perfect hike in the Chino Hills outside Lake Elsinore.
Climb above Phoenix for an aerie-like view over the valley.
Finally, a pair of rainpants you won't be afraid to wear all day.
The best parts about these new-school shades are what they don't have.
This sun shirt is a soft alternative to wearing sunscreen.
Score an aerie overlooking the Buffalo River Valley to yourself when you visit Whitaker Point in the offseason.
Walk among giants on this quiet hike past the Grove of Titans and other 300-foot-tall redwood trees.
Savor views of the Sierra Estrella and Mazatzal mountain ranges on this close-to-home leg-burner.
Visit Georgia's best section of the Appalachian Trail in winter for a crowd-free experience and Blue Ridge vistas frosted in white.
See arches and sea stacks—and no people—when you visit the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in winter.
In winter, one of Sequoia National Park's most popular spots gets a much-needed dose of solitude
Get a new perspective on an iconic view when you look through Canyonlands National Park's famous Mesa Arch in winter.
You don’t have to go far away to get far away in the perfect national park for winter.
Trek deep into the heart of the mountains to find an ancient city.
Editors' choice for infinite smoothness while skiing from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Editors' choice for sun coverage from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Editors' choice for a fast-transition boot from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Editors' choice for a featherweight ski binding from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
This shoulder-season cruiser delivers you to some of the best views in West Texas.
Wander through the world's largest gypsum dune field in New Mexico.
Redefine “close to home” on these three trails within city limits.
Protect your peepers with the best sunglasses of the year.
On a four-day traverse through the spectacularly glaciated Coast Mountains, the BACKPACKER team learns—and embraces—the four steps of overcoming adversity.
Protect your eyes with these enlightened picks.
Mileage monster
Best value
Best all-around
Women’s pick
Best protection
Easiest lens swap
Best anti-fogging tech
Anti-fogging potion
Best freerider
Destinations Editor Maren Horjus shares four spooky, Halloween-ready tales from her new book, Haunted Hikes.
Technical T-shirt
Midlayer
Most breathable
Best Mobility
Bargain pick
Most comfortable
Quick-dry
Introduce your brood to some of America's greatest peaks and wildernesses.
Visit forests and rivers on these incredible hikes.
Trek through the country's heartland with your miniatures.
Explore the desert with your little ones.
Revel in high, snowy peaks and deserted coastlines on these youngster-friendly treks.
Introduce your little ones to the Rockies on these incredible treks.
Best lens
Eco Pick
Bargain
Most versatile
Best for water
Trail runner’s pick
Only have a few days? Sample the best of the Pacific Crest Trail on this bite-size trip.
These goggles fit seamlessly with all helmets.
They offer the best field of vision.
One lens to rule them all.
Get the best bang for your buck.
These shades transform into glacier goggles.
These lenses offered the best clarity.
Walking is effortless with these futuristic boots.