Zoe Gates

Why even bag it if you’re not going to carry it out?

You don’t need to be fluent in hiker lingo to hit the trail—but it does help to understand guidebooks, trip reports, and your fellow trekkers around camp.

Big adventures don’t need big price tags.

The backpacking community is a tenacious one. From alligator attacks to danger in the national parks, these 7 stories made our hair stand on end—and taught us a few things about how to stay alive when things go south outdoors.

Most of us won’t make it to either pole in this lifetime. But we can still learn some tricks from those who have.

'Tis the season for a wintry multisport adventure. Here’s how to take to the ice safely.

Only a handful of other thru-hikers have completed the big three in one year.

Hiking for your tree is your family’s new favorite holiday tradition.

No more running out of gas in the middle of cooking with these methods.

Hiking is hard, but it shouldn’t be painful. Focus on the fun by achieving all-around fitness and preventing common aches.

You don't need to white-knuckle your way through your dream high-altitude trip. Here's how you can feel your best.

Shorter days are no problem with these night hiking tips.

Knowing the difference between fact and fiction might just save your life.

Hikers shelled out for parking and a new pay shuttle at Quandary Peak in 2022.

How hiking with my canine companion gave me a new perspective on adventures.

Park officials issued the closure for the safety of visitors and bears.

The market is flooded with various styles of filter. Here’s how to pick.

These easy breakfast ideas let you fuel up and break camp without firing up the stove.

The King of Brooks Falls prevailed for his second title at Fat Bear Week.

Why is the world so taken with Katmai National Park and Preserve’s pre-hibernation faceoff?

Philip Carcia trekked nearly 2,000 miles over 90 days—all in his backyard mountain range.

Hikers around the globe can agree on one thing: Snacks are essential.

A 22-year-old died in camp in the Absaroka Mountains on Tuesday evening.

One hiker combines her loves of cooking and backpacking.

Completing America's most popular long trail is a major time commitment.

Perfect your camping setup with these tips.

Find the perfect spot to pitch your tent with these tips.

Don't let a busted jacket, tent, or pack ruin your trip. Follow these steps to get your zipper working like new.

Scanning the closet but not sure what to pick? We've got you covered from head to toe. Here's what to wear hiking in every season.

From location to decoration and everything in between, these tips will make your campsite the most tricked-out on the mountain.

Winter is the perfect time to learn how to track animals. Get started with these tips.

Tasty enough for food bloggers, but portable enough for the trail: These homemade hiking snacks will quickly replace any pre-packaged bars from the store.

We collected all of your burning questions and consulted our field experts on everything from winter gear to screaming barfies to hibernation.

Stay upright no matter how icy or snowy the trail conditions get this winter. The key: carefully select what you're wearing on your feet.

Get into the winter spirit with 11 custom recipes for the most classic backpacking dessert.

Check out Zoe Gates's author page.

Make a home for the night wherever there's snow with these blueprints to snow caves, trench shelters, and quinzees.

Sammy Potter and Jackson Parell finished their record-setting hike on October 22, 2021.

The trail is your happy place. Here's how you can keep it that way for others, too.

For this 100-year-old park ranger, the history she teaches visitors is close to home.

It may be taboo in daily life, but talking about poop is inevitable for any overnight hiker.

The solo hiker used the deterrent and escaped with relatively minor injuries.

Summer is hot. The desert is hotter. Hiking unprepared could cost you your life.

Ready to spend your first night out but don’t know where to start? We've got you covered.

You might be ready for the trail, but your shiny new boots probably aren’t. Here’s how to get them prepped for adventure.

These facts about America's parks will blow your mind.

The trail is calling. Pack these essential items and go.

Grizzly and black bears have killed five people in North America over the last five months. Is this cause for concern?

Chewing is overrated. Meet your new favorite, slurpable hiking snacks.

Hiker attacked after dog chases bears, authorities say.

Beachgoers caught footage of four furry visitors picnicking and cooling off under the summer sun.

Hike faster, stronger, and farther with our favorite leg workouts.

The campers were asleep in their tent when a bear attacked for unknown reasons.

Hikers can find good food and hospitality in the newly-designated AT Community.

So you’re not into hiking-specific workouts. How much do your other activities really help when it comes time to hit the trail?

Here are the products that help Zoe Gates mow down the miles.

No one likes getting belly troubles from drinking dirty water. Ward them off with these simple strategies.

Trees are remarkable. Wow your hiking partners with these fun facts.

You might not know this about lightning—don't put yourself at risk.

A footbridge on this San Diego Trail would prevent more hikers from befalling a similar fate, and honor their son.

Nature is wild. Wow your hiking partners with these fun facts.

Ultrarunner Jeremy Humphrey could move effortlessly through the mountains. But when a hiker went missing in his home range, he decided to put his skills to a higher use.

Check out Louisa Albanese's author page.

Say goodbye to mildew when you give your water bottle proper care.

Enjoy the sunshine with these shades.

Every woman who hikes has been the target of mansplaining—and Backpacker editors are no exception.

Recover better with these tips to use a foam roller and give your muscles some TLC.

Cryptobiotic soil is essential to arid ecosystems. Here’s how to protect it.

Optimize your diet and nutrition and you'll feel fresh, hike strong—and leave the Hiker Hobble behind for good.

One of our favorite backpacking snacks gets a bagel-themed makeover.

Take back winter fun—no matter the weather—by learning how to keep your feet warm.

Six reasons why you should always pack a ski strap on winter trips.

A hike a week can change your life.

What does it take to plan a for a record-setting thru-hike attempt? A Calendar-Year Triple Crown hopeful spills.

Up your photography game with this expert advice.

Keep this essential gear item in tip-top shape.