After Brain Surgery, Nature Gave Her Peace. Now, Crystal Gail Welcome Gets Others Outside.
After finding her love for the trail, Welcome used hiking to process some of the most challenging moments of her life.
After finding her love for the trail, Welcome used hiking to process some of the most challenging moments of her life.
If you had to choose only a bottle or reservoir, which would it be?
Authorities theorize that toxic algae might be behind incident.
Taking your first unguided step onto a big mountain is a leap of faith. Backpacker editor (and retired guide) Shannon Davis tells you how to do it right.
Erika Jostad will take up the post immediately.
This descent into this Wind River Range highlight is one no hiker will ever forget.
The Roofnest Falcon XL is simple to set up and offers plenty of livable space.
From indestructible socks to mood-boosting snacks, these are what made the cut.
Check out Shannon Davis's author page.
Thomas has thru-hiked more than 20 long trails, including the Pacific Crest, Continental Divide and Appalachian Trails (the Triple Crown). On top of that, she set a fastest known time on the AT for an unsupported woman and has completed dozens of urban thru-hikes as well. Now, she's joining Backpacker as a contributing editor. Here’s some of Thomas’s best advice and insight fed by more than 20,000 trail miles.
BACKPACKER is committing to making a better world for all hikers.
Two fair-weather enthusiasts tear down their fear of the fourth season.
The results of this fall’s election could change the outdoors for a long time. Make a plan and make your voice heard.
A globetrotter reflects on a place that stopped him in his tracks.
With even local trails getting clogged, our editor has some advice for you that he hoped he’d never have to give.
We're not just going to talk the green talk, but walk it as well.
The most memorable trails can be the hardest to find. New Editorial Director Shannon Davis reflects on a trip through canyon country.
Take your pick of adventures from this major ferry stop about three hours from Natales: Beach camp next to a private glacier or paddle to a gem lake.
Escape to trekking and horseback riding nirvana on Patagonia's high plains.
Explore peak-lined Chilean waters by boat or by foot—in solitude.
Explore Chile's mind-bending terrain without joining the throngs on the popular trekker circuit. On this paddle/hike/horse adventure, you'll have glacier-chiseled fjords, sky-piercing mountains, and best-ever camping all to yourself.
The perfect spring skiing glove.
The perfect glove for those who demand everything.
Enemies: Wind, sweat, water. This gloves fights them all.
There is little these hearty gloves can't handle.
Warm doesn't have to mean weight.
Need your hands? You need these.
Keep your noggin' warm or protected with these three hats and two helmets.
An all-weather helmet with a unique double venting system.
A helmet that's tough, but that you can forget you're wearing.
A slim, 100-percent polyester skull cap.
A classic Norwegian wool hat with Teflon-treated yarn for enhanced water resistance and the windproof Gore liner.
"It's a parka for your melon!"
The ultimate boot for the long approaches and class 3+ scrambles.
This culture activist is bringing diversity to the outdoors.
A lightweight trail runner that hits a sweet spot of precision, comfort, and protection.
A 10-piece multitool that weighs only 2.3 oz.
Turn an iPod into a campground sound system.
Student and president of the Hiking Club at the University of Colorado, Boulder
A lightweight, crag-tested collection for new climbers
An affordable starter kit for backcountry anglers
A shoe that easily transitions from gym to sport climbing to bouldering to multipitch routes.
A super safe helmet that you forget you're wearing
Big and beefy carabiners
A harness that's great for both beginners and experts
Deemed a 'go-to workhorse rope' by the editors of Climbing Magazine
A duffel, shirt, and water purification system that make the life of an adventure traveler that much safer and easier.
The ultimate splitboard set-up
Keep your digits warm through any cold-weather outing.
Thanks to specially treated leather on the palms and fingertips, these gloves are gadget friendly...but still warm.
Two-layer insulated mitts lined with both synthetic fill and fleece.
Great winter climbing gloves thanks to a Gore-Tex lining and EVA padding across the knuckles.
Leather/softshell gloves that weigh less than a Clif bar.
These all-purpose gloves cost less than $90.
Climb dunes, find instant solitude, camp atop riverside bluffs, ascend to surprising above-treeline views, and hike along the St. Croix River.
This region's top mapper has notched 20 bag nights and 200 trail miles in 9 states this year scouting trails for BACKPACKER. Here are three of his favorite routes.
Ventilate your tent to avoid this danger.
This polyester jersey is loose and meshy while still being a great sun barrier.
Tryout tips from a Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. Veteran
Every backpacker dreams of a glory job in the outdoors. Senior Editor Shannon Davis heads to Mt. Rainier--and a grueling tryout with premier guide operation RMI--to find out what it takes to make the grade.
Hike these long trails in Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and head south to Texas to see Horned Lizards.
Discover east Texas's longleaf pine forest; see the Boundary Waters on foot.
Sometimes, it's the little things that count.
Keep all your equipment in one place with this durable ski and snowboard bag.
Ditch your hiking boots for these fleece-lined slippers and relax.
Keep your fingers warm and functional this winter with these five digit warmers.
Gloves that are rugged and cheap.
Gloves made with thermal-reflective Omni-Heat lining.
Tuck chemical handwarmers in these mitts for long-lasting heat.
Tough gloves that still let you use your fingers for delicate tasks.
The best gloves for wet and cold we tested.
Cut your tool bag in half with this compact multi-tool.
Cut camp boredom with these playing cards.
Fight rough effects on your skin with this moisturizing climbing salve.
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