Zoe Gates

From a tricked-out watch to a simple yet versatile tarp, these are our editors' top gear picks for July.

Think a tarp is a backpacking non-essential? Think again.

From WAG Bags to surface deposits to everything in between, we ranked every way to poop in the woods and determined what those methods say about you.

Packing food for a backpacking trip can be a challenge—this method offers one solution.

From a stink-proof sun hoody to women's pants that actually let you pee freely, these are our editors' top gear picks for June 2024.

Celebrate the summer solstice on any of these long dayhikes.

Unplugged thru-hikes are increasingly rare—but not extinct. Here's how to thru-hike without a smart phone.

The 16-ounce version of everyone's favorite bottle has a surprising number of uses.

Our editor tried out this ultralight hack to see whether it was worth a few grams.

Backpacker editors go head to head on the most controversial of feminine hygiene accessories.

A helmet built for late-season ski tours, a waterproof case built for early-season paddles, and a pair of hiking pants that's comfortable almost anywhere: This is the gear our editors rocked this month.

Barney "Scout" and Sandy "Frodo" Mann are veritable PCT legends. Now, they're passing the torch.

You might think those dried chili macs in your garage last forever. Not so fast.

Need a caffeine fix? This method beats brewing a cup of joe on the trail.

Kindly trail angels often provide free food for thru-hikers. Who’s allowed to indulge?

From a perfect set of running shorts to a grid fleece that can do, well, anything, this is the gear that helped us hit the trail this month.

For thru-hikers, there’s nothing better than stumbling upon refreshments partway through a long day. But do trail angels need to babysit their gifts?

Our etiquette columnist weighs in on a contentious but common trail occurrence.

A cozy fleece cap, a lightweight multitool, and a personal safety tool our editor always carries: Here's the gear that kept us moving on the trail this February.

If your life partner is also your hiking partner, you'll express love by popping blisters, planning trips, and sharing M&M's.

A viral video showed a group of thru-hikers ordering food delivery to the trail. Is there any harm in a little self-indulgence?

A winterized trail runner, vegan candy, and a fast-and-light hydration pack: This is the gear that kept us moving this month.

You have gotten so smelly before, you've stopped noticing. You have a "nice" pair of Lone Peaks for when you want to look presentable. You own too many sporks. If this sounds like you, then congratulations: you are definitely a hiker.

Putting up your own tent inside a communal shelter may sound cozy, but it takes up room and can be frustrating to weary hikers who just want to get some rest. Is there ever a situation where it’s all right to do?

If you want to hike to one of these iconic destinations, you'll have to plan ahead.

A rescue crew who found the deceased hiker got benighted after dangerous conditions kept them on the mountain after dark.

New year, new us? Not quite. From hiking crowded trails to carrying gear we know we will never use, here are all the bad habits we plan to keep nursing this year.

The retailer launched its “Politics Escape Pack” for hikers who just need a break from the news cycle.

What’s one more vehicle at a bustling trailhead? Our columnist weighs in.

In 1982, a daring rescue mission changed Joe Lentini's life forever. What began as a noble effort by Mountain Rescue Service volunteers took an unforeseen turn, leaving profound and lasting echoes in the lives of all involved.

Search and rescue workers save lives—but they pay a price to do it. From time away from family to the trauma of getting close to death, come with us as we discover the difficult truth behind the headlines.

Tim Watts took an unexpected fall when he lost consciousness during a multi-pitch climb in Yosemite. His story unfolds against the rugged walls of this iconic valley, highlighting the challenges of the remarkable efforts of those who rushed to aid him.

Climb into the heart of Rocky Mountain Rescue to uncover the rigorous training, unwavering dedication, and gripping tales from volunteers who brave Colorado's Front Range and Rockies.

As fall gives way to winter, these smart pieces of gear are keeping us outside.

Can you educate other hikers without being a mansplainer? Our ethics columnist weighs in.

We sat down with this year’s PCT correspondent to learn about the highlights (and lowlights) of his hiking season.

Could an AI chatbot be a weekend adventurer's new best friend?

Our ethics columnist weighs in on hiking with a four-legged friend.

Four hikers reveal every morsel that's fueling them for thousands of miles.

Our ethics columnist addresses a common hiker dilemma.

Park officials say requiring visitors to make reservations for Mount Rainier National Park would help cut down on crowding and protect natural resources—but one major hiking organization opposes the change.

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.

Food trends and tastes have changed over the last 50 years—and backpacking fare is no exception.

We narrowed down the best of the best of America’s favorite trail snack.

As multiuse trails get more crowded, we can all do our part to avoid conflict.

Nothing says “I love you” like charcuterie and mountain views.

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.

Don't just throw your tent down on the first flat spot you see (it's probably the trail). Instead make your first night in the backcountry perfect 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.

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.