Rachel Zurer

Goodbye, spring, summer, fall, and winter. Backpackers need new seasons that help us understand what actually matters: daylight.

Eliminating entrance fees probably won’t change the economics behind a park visit—but it just might change how we think and feel about the experience.

Dreaming of a truly long hike someday? Don't limit yourself to the famous options like the Appalachian Trail. Take this quick quiz to find out which trek is really right for you.

A sure way to make a two-week vacation more exciting? Bring a backpack but no plans.

New research shows that women are less likely to see themselves as leaders in the outdoors. That's everyone's loss.

Let’s set the record straight on some of the hiking world’s worst myths about women. First one: It’s not just men who believe these things.

More than half of women say they use toilet paper after peeing outdoors. We say it's an unnecessary hassle. Try one of these alternatives.

Introducing your honey to backpacking? Follow these tips. Getting introduced? Hand this advice over.

Roxanne Fleming took her first hike at age 57, then went to Everest Basecamp and summited the Grand Teton. Here’s her best advice for late bloomers.

If you're already a backpacker or hiker, you should be able to continue backpacking while pregnant. Here's some advice to get you going.

We talked to CamelBak CEO Sally McCoy, who’s been backpacking since she was 5, about how her wilderness experiences have shaped her leadership and career.

I tried outdoor experiences in Girl Scouts—and learned they were no fun. But thanks to new efforts, there’s still hope for the Brownies of the future.

Backpacking will help you find the ideal mate—and help keep you happy together on life’s long path.

Our veteran hiker takes on the ultimate tricky guest: her never-been-backpacking, 64-year-old father.

We tested every new camp stove, cook pot, and more to bring you these 8 top picks in backcountry camp kitchen gear.

Our crew of pro testers review their top picks for the best new women's hiking clothes, including pants, shirts, jackets, sports bras, and more. Plus: Top trends in women's hiking apparel this year.

Obama's new "Every Kid in a Park" program will provide free admission for kids starting with the 2015-2016 school year.

Today's young whippersnappers will never experience these backpacking frustrations of yesteryear.

Gear junkies of the world, unite! We can stop anytime, we swear...

A family-size collapsible pot, a new $40 canister stove, the ultimate pot-licking spoon, and more of the hottest new camp kitchen trends from the Outdoor Retailer show.

It's the quintessential outdoor job: guiding clients on hiking and climbing trips around the world. Melissa Arnot dishes on what she loves about her life in the mountains.

Running a gear company's product categories means lots of research, coordinating with a big team, a new challenge every day—and of course, some field testing.

Choose the best backpacking food with these simple tips from an expedition meal-planner.

In hiking, as in life, clear goals are key to success. Here's how to set better hiking goals so you can complete the backpacking trips of your dreams.

New Zealand’s Ivory Lake Hut is a true gem. All you have to do is get there.

It looks sci-fi, but this optical phenomenon is entirely earthly, and yours to capture—if you’re ready for it.

A national park vacation is great, but the real fun starts when you get to call the park home.

Follow these 3 rules for the best walk of your life.

Take a hikers-only route to one of the world's best archeological sites.

Patience, persistence, and a smart plan of attack can make a difference.

Experts are hopeful for wilderness expansion in the future, but there are some concerns.

Who says you have to work hard for the best scenery? New Zealand’s great walks deliver life-list terrain with perks for beginners and experts alike.

The rocks at Racetrack Playa move on their own. Now scientists know why.

The backcountry stove market is heating up! We tracked down six brand-new options for cooks of every kind, plus one revolutionary pot.

A hair-raising tale of wilderness terror that will haunt your backcountry dreams

Trek among giraffes, rhinos, lions, and elephants in one of the world's premier wildlife parks.

This culture activist is bringing diversity to the outdoors.