2022

Want to hike without crowds? See jaw-dropping vistas without torching your quads? Check out these dayhikes and backpacks.

Hiker claimed self-defense; bear was roughly 100 feet away.

Next time you have to resupply your gear, make one of these swaps to reduce your waste and impact on the planet.

On Thursday, they finished the last leg of the triple crown, but they’re not done yet

As someone who’s confronting his own age, I appreciate seeing an older guy hold it down. That’s why I’m cheering for 480 Otis this Fat Bear Week.

A group of researchers from University of California, Irvine investigated the link between SAR incidents, park visitation, and Twitter posts. Their conclusions could inform how hikers portray their own adventures—and view those of others—online

Catch the Perseids with these smart skywatching tips.

Joe McConaughy sets a new Fastest Known Time on the 223-mile John Muir Trail.

They’re 1,706 miles in and this is what they like most

A complete list of everything the new record holder carried and wore

On Sunday night, British hiker Josh Perry decimated the trail’s long-standing self-supported records after chasing Timothy Olson’s 2021 time

San Diego is more than great views of the Pacific. These trails will take you through canyons, alpine, waterfalls, and more.

In summer, or shoulder season for that matter, there’s not much better than a water-view hike or one that ends up at a beach for lounging and swimming.

Two men defaced the popular Moran Point overlook, and photographers caught them in the act

Despite their eponymous appearance, cow chips, a rich cookie, taste divine.

Park received 1.46 inches of rain, out of an annual average of 1.9 inches.

Whether for breakfast, lunch, or an after-dinner treat, these make-ahead crepes add a touch of class to any campsite.

Dan Durston dreamed up his innovative tent design while thru-hiking in Canada.

“Um, don’t do drugs kids (and don’t start spiders on fire during a drought),” Utah governor Spencer Cox tweeted Tuesday

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

Your thru-hike is supposed to be the trip of a lifetime. So why is your mind wandering to literally anywhere else?

Redwood National Park officials cite damage visitors have caused to forest.

Driven by closures and new parking rules, hikers spent 27% fewer days hiking the state's highest mountains in 2021 than they did in 2020.

Fires have killed at least four people so far; backpackers face extensive closures.

Both of these shoes are beloved by long-distance hikers. Which is right for you?

Is the PürTrek pole-filter mashup a brilliant idea or a Frankensteinian mess?

Too many rocks? Not enough people? Illustrator Amber Share says bring it on.

The first woman to tick all of the United States' National Scenic Trails spent 20 years on her quest.

Last week my house burned to the ground, and if that’s not bad enough, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder

According to law enforcement in Curry County, Oregon, local residents tied a suspected arsonist to a tree after he got “combative”

Hatchets, saws, and axes have a place—and it's not in the backcountry.

Smart watches, bucket hats, and car camping showers: These are the products that helped us adventure over the past month.

Will oversee projects in Denali, including $91 million bridge construction.

Check out Lee Welton's author page.

From "good old raisins and peanuts" to trail mixes spiced with hot peppers, Michigan cherries, beer nuts, and dried carrots, the ultimate backwoods snack comes your way, courtesy of Backpacker readers.

Officials said the bear visited the Montana campsite an hour before the attack.

Incident follows deaths at White Sands, Grand Canyon; another hiker passed away in Badlands on Wednesday.

Strong opinions abound in the ultralight community. That doesn’t mean they’re always right.

Sure, electrolyte drink mixes are going to keep you hydrated. But which ones actually taste good?

A double-wall tent, camp sandals, and cushier trail runners were among the changes Patricia “Blackpacker” Cameron made once she hit the PCT.

Empowerment self defense classes focused on the outdoors are teaching women to feel safe in the wilderness.

The artist’s first-ever Web3 collection tells the story of his own journey into the outdoors

A detailed look at Outside Inc.’s first foray into Web3 and how it might improve our digital health and overall wellbeing

No foul play suspected in the death of section hiker Michael Charles Lombardo.

Peanut-pushing is a 93-year-old tradition on Pikes.

Area bears have reportedly become more aggressive in seeking human food in recent years.

Tribe will submit petition for renaming to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

Want to make your hike better? A little time before you depart will save you a lot of hassle later.

Backpacking really isn’t that complicated. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Bad weather. A heavy pack. Blisters. Bears. Hazards big and small can sabotage any trip. Avoid common mistakes with these 100 tips and tricks for planning, hiking, and camping, and make your first—or next—trek problem-free.

Check out Elizabeth Kwak-Hefferan's author page.

Check out Elizabeth Kwak-Hefferan's author page.

Escape the dog days with these deliciously cool trails.

Read these tips from expert soloists to gauge your readiness and learn how to enjoy an unfettered adventure.

Voluntary policy change follows increase in reports of human-bear incidents along trail.

When a massive flood wrecked the Yellowstone area—and derailed her backpacking plans—Maggie Slepian had to contend with the ways the changing climate is already affecting hiking's most storied spaces.

Paralyzed in a cycling accident, endurance athlete Jared Fenstermacher begins an Appalachian Trail comeback quest rolling, stepping, scooting, being carried, and crawling—but never giving up.

Feeling entranced by the cosmos? See the heavens like you've never seen them before by getting deep into the wild.

Use long exposures to reveal the beauty of celestial motion.

Cave divers Rick Stanton and Dr. Richard Harris, two of the most influential rescuers from the Thai Cave Rescue, disclose how their pursuit of an unusual and dangerous hobby made them some of the only people anywhere who would have a chance to save the lives of 12 boys and their coach. 

Firefighters have battled to save Mariposa Grove, home to some of the world’s largest sequoias, from the blaze.

Find shelter from the storm with these excellent backpacking tents.

A British tourist trekking in Kyrgyzstan was enveloped by a massive slide. Rather than take cover, he filmed the whole thing.

A new slogan gets straight to the point.

Scott Benerofe finished a rare and daunting southbound winter thru-hike of the AT. His self-proclaimed normalcy about the endeavor suggests such treks might not stay so rare for long.

An unidentified hiker went missing in California while retracing the footsteps of Jonathan Gerrish and Ellen Chung, who died with their one-year-old daughter of heat exposure and dehydration in 2021.

Alternate entrance open to commercial groups.

Stop settling for the same blah menu. With these tips, all hikers can prepare trailside Michelin-star-worthy meals. Even the lazy ones.

As it turns out, you can't believe everything you see online.

Dyneema couture anyone?

Trauma specialist and psychologist Dr. Alison Roy is confronted with helping her own family heal in the aftermath of a vicious, rabid animal attack.

Knowing how to prevent and treat burns should be in every backpacker's toolkit.

It's nice to have friends on the trail. But in the end, everyone there is chasing their own dream.

Yes, you can find snake repellent on shelves. It won’t keep snakes away from your campsite.

The encounter, which sent a 71-year-old visitor to the hospital, follows another injury near Giant Geyser on Monday.

When hiking becomes cool, it loses something sacred.

Andrew Devers survived 9 days near the Pratt River Trail in Washington by drinking stream water and eating berries. But the biggest threat to his own survival and only hope turned out to be himself.

More than 100 rescuers responded up to successfully rescue the stricken hikers.

Is it really an adventure if you have it planned to the mile? Patricia "Blackpacker" Cameron explains why she's playing it loose on the Pacific Crest Trail.

And the apparel manufacturer joins a growing number of companies that have pledged to cover travel costs for employees who must go to a different state to seek abortion care.

One hiker combines her loves of cooking and backpacking.

Wildlife agency warns residents not to leave food in cars.

A two-year ban bars campers from overnighting on the famous peak—and officials may push it even further.

The world’s first national park will reopen this week after the devastating floods. Here's what you can expect.

Rescue teams endured 80-mile-per-hour gusts and snow to reach the injured hiker, who was attempting a Presidential Traverse.

In 2013, Mary Grimm got lost amid whiteout conditions on Mt. Hood. She spent six days alone before anyone found her.

We dug up an old recipe from our archives and gave it another try. Here's which flavors stood the test of time, and which you should leave on the shelves.

If your feet ever become numb while hiking, don't worry. This common hiking ailment has a few potential causes and easy fixes.

Almost 9.5 million acres in 13 western states are permanently inaccessible to the general public because they're surrounded by private land. BLM director Tracy Stone-Manning wants to keep chipping away at them, acre by acre.

Incident comes days after US Forest Service warned campers about food-conditioned bears.

It's been six months since the first NPS director in five years stepped into office facing $22 billion in deferred maintenance. This is what he's accomplished so far—and what's still coming.

From the Wonderland Trail to the Wave, many of the most spectacular places in the United States are only available to people willing to go through a permit lottery. For Maggie Slepian, it’s just not worth the hassle.

Each year, more families seem to earn attention by taking to long trails with small children. What are their motivations, and is it bad for the kids?

Leapfrogging, following benchmarks, and more.

Dogs can get hurt on the trail just like you. Here's how to treat 5 common problems.

In 2013, Mary Grimm got lost amid whiteout conditions on Mt. Hood. She spent six days alone before anyone found her.

On a hike in New Mexico, an outdoor writer gets a new perspective on a trail and the legacy of the people who made it.

These four load-haulers are bringing the retro design into the modern era.

The park will remain closed to incoming visitors through at least Wednesday.

Tags along Yosemite Falls Trail prompt National Park Service to ask for help identifying suspects.

A mountain named for a U.S. Army officer who led a massacre against local tribes has received a new moniker.

Mother calls report "extremely upsetting" but calls on hikers and mountaineers to continue search.

Think all cheese delivery services taste the same? Not a chance.

A new order from Interior Secretary Deb Haaland reverses a Trump-era policy that prevented national parks from banning plastic bottles.

Perfect for the on-the-go adventurer, these portable sticks make sunscreen application—and reapplication—easy

A routine flight turns into a fight for life.

Hikers in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest Asked to keep a lookout for bold bruins.

With Death Valley and the Grand Canyon expecting a sweltering heat wave, hikers will need to take precautions.

Attracted by the smell of engine components and fluids, marmots regularly crawl under car hoods in search of something to nibble. Sometimes, they're still there when the cars leave.

Snakes and heat shouldn't keep your little one locked inside all summer. Here's how to keep them safe in the backcountry.

Patricia “Blackpacker” Cameron has a family and a job running an outdoor-equity-focused nonprofit, so taking three months off for the hike of a lifetime was anything but simple. She explains how she did it.

Waves swept two hikers out to sea on the Northern California coast last week.

Waterproof bags, lightweight tees, and spring shells: These are the products that helped us adventure over the past month.

If you haven’t snagged a reservation to the growing list of timed-entry parks, it might seem like a trip there this summer is out of the cards. But fret not—we found some legal ways to visit.

For years, trail runners have been the footwear of choice for gram-counters. New boot designs aim to change that.

Deaf people look for community on the trail, just like all backpackers. But some hearing hikers don’t know how—or don’t care enough—to bridge the gap.

Paul “Grandmaster” Classen suffered severe injuries in plunge; cause of incident still unclear.

Hit the trail, clean it up, or just party.

Hiking big miles every day can make your legs tired and crispy. Not if you've prepared. Here's how to develop invincible trail legs.

You don’t need to “get in shape” to enjoy hiking season. Here’s how to savor it from the start.

REI and Exped’s ultra-cush foam sleeping mats go head-to-head.

And what to do when you get athlete’s foot on your pack.

A wildfire season that took off weeks earlier than normal has left hikers limited options to leap ahead or re-route

Rattlesnakes bite 150,000 pets each year in the U.S. These innovative rattlesnake training courses could save you and your canine companion.

Tag 50 of Appalachia’s highest peaks on this 343-mile route.

Bring home dreamy after-dark photos of your starlit camp.

Kathryn Miles’s new book, ‘Trailed,’ investigates the killings of Julie Williams and Lollie Winans in Shenandoah National Park 25 years ago—and asks difficult questions about safety in nature

Seven climbers from the Full Circle Everest team reached the peak on Thursday

Think top-shelf gear is a must in the backcountry? We put some budget items to the test to find out.

The three men are also banned from entering the national parks for one year.

Lace up your boots for a hiking destination that includes Rocky Mountain vistas, alpine lakes, wind-swept sand dunes, and memorable urban parks.

Takeaways from a thoughtful life spent outdoors.

Gram-counters can seem obsessive, but these quirks are rooted in practicality.

Four mouthwatering recipes for people with a sweet tooth

Add four low-carb recipes to your trail cookbook

Our resident bruin answers all your questions in 'Ask A Bear.'

Ditching the baggage and streamlining your life can be easier said than done.

You really want more granola? Get your carbs in a tasty, new way.

Second soldier injured in encounter; wildlife officials searching for bear.

Night is falling, and you’re far from the trailhead without a tent. Time to build your own all-natural Airbnb.

Pare down your kit by leaving your stove and fuel at home.

Backpackers often turn their noses up at the Havasu Falls and Horseshoe Bends of the world. But that’s elitist, and it ignores one important fact besides: these places are gorgeous.

The theft took place between 2017 and 2018, but the park didn't realize it had happened until a social media follower recently spotted it.

Stowaway Gourmet has changed the calculus for what a dehydrated meal can taste like.

Bear not a threat to people, wildlife authorities say.

Don't let a small scrape send you off trail in the hut for some antibiotics. You can prevent getting an infected cut with these tips.

An affidavit filed as part of an ongoing lawsuit has revealed that the treasure was apparently found in Yellowstone—and park officials are fighting to keep the exact location a secret

You Are Here inspires hikes from your local hill to the Himalaya.

Whether you have a day, a weekend, or a whole week, there's a hike for you in Glacier National Park.

Staying safe in bear country is important, but you know what’s more important? Looking cool in front of your friends.

We're partnering with Modern Adventure to take you to the best trails anywhere, from Everest to Alaska to the French Alps.

Short answer: It depends. Here’s everything that goes into your regular hiking pace.

Our national parks are overcrowded, especially in summer. One solution is to create more of them. Here are the regions that get our votes.

Should you climb a tree to get away from a bruin? Do bear bells really attract bears? We tackle these questions and more.

Most people who start a long trail won’t finish it. But when you’ve built your identity around perseverance, what does it mean to throw in the towel?

Yes, it's time-consuming and expensive. But you don't want to be unprepared when a wilderness emergency strikes.

Don’t visit Canyonlands without it.

Get the summits on these "iron ways", no climbing experience necessary.

Take a walk on the wild side in the Pacific Northwest, exploring endless dayhikes and backpacking trips across Oregon.

If you can get along in a two-person tent, you can get along anywhere.

Sometimes you're compatible as friends, but not hiking partners. These tips will preserve your relationship and keep it off the trails, for good.

No, you don't have to hang up your pack for good. Recovery is possible, but here's what you have to prioritize before hitting the trails.

Whether you're a Mountain House fanatic or dehydrate your entire menu yourself—here's how to keep your energy levels stable on trail.

Nine international spicy stews go head to head.

From an ultralight, ultrapackable drybag to a calf-saving compression sleeve, this gear kept our editors happy, healthy, and out on the trail.

Hikers heading into tick territory on the East Coast are most at risk of the uncommon Powassan virus.

We've been warned against hitchhiking our entire lives—but on a long trail, sometimes it's the best option.

The visitor took a tumble into a latrine while trying to retrieve her cell phone.

Bears don't just call North America home. Branch out and hike their homes in Asia, South America, the Arctic, and beyond.

A comfortable carry comes down to finding your perfect rucksack.

Irrigation is the most important step you can take to prevent a cut from going south.

Cottage gear-makers are flocking to yet another cutting-edge fabric designed for boat sails.

A group of dedicated trail lovers are working to protect America’s favorite wilderness footpath from the hordes of people who walk it each year

Most thru-hikers are careful about LNT rules—but a few scofflaws can make us all look bad.

Several hikes share a confession, and we're here to dole out penance—and advice.

Gear is no good without the knowledge to use it. But with a little practice, these products can still help you limit your impact.

Forgetting to plan ahead, leaving social trails, and 3 more ways errors backpackers make.

We talked to Leave No Trace about the best ways to bushwhack.

We may not have iPhones or Tinder, but bears have plenty of ways of letting each other know what's up.

Looking for a furry friend? A tame bear is definitely not it.

Wasp spray: great for wasps, not so great for bears.

At age 8, I went to a junior ranger camp that did everything wrong. Ten years later, the lessons they taught me paid off.

Got a burning ursine question? Ask our resident bruin expert in our 'Ask A Bear' column.

Someone on the plane told me I could die in my new home of Kodiak, Alaska, home to one of the world's largest bear subspecies. Instead, I adapted.

Can the most common bear deterrent work in heavy wind and sub-zero temperatures? A group of researchers set out to test it.

Perfect your camping setup with these tips.

Surprise her with thoughtful pieces of gear for her adventures.

Prep for this no-mess treat is more complicated than boiling water—barely.

Get to know your rainbows from your double rainbows from your moonbows.

Get to know one of the most spectacular long trails in the U.S. with the creators of THRU | The Pacific Northwest.

Take a sneak peek at what might become your favorite piece of apparel next season.

At these dark-sky destinations, the stars are out of this world.

These gaping glacier cracks are dramatic—and deadly. Here's how they form, plus three safe places to see crevasses up close.

Is quicksand as big of a threat as Hollywood tells us it is? Zion's chief park ranger gave us the truth (and tips on escaping quicksand...just in case).

Though microbursts are rare and usually fairly short-lived, these vertical hurricanes can cause extensive damage.

Hike into the epicenter of a cataclysmic explosion in New Mexico's Valles Caldera.

The science behind the sky's natural fireworks display–and how to see it.

To see how animals stay cool in a hot climate, just look up.

From the northern lights to glacial crevasses, science meets spectacle in these fascinating features.

From the world-famous Old Faithful to Iceland's original Geysir, geysers have a way of captivating people's imaginations with their geothermal torrents. Here's everything you ever wanted to know about the science and safety of them.

It’s not just a bag. It’s a lifetime’s worth of beauty sleep. Learn what features you need, shop accordingly, and keep your bag in good repair, and it’ll keep you sleeping soundly.

Home is where you stake it out. Understand the ins and outs, pick the right shelter, and treat it like you would your bedroom.

Understanding suspension and construction is key to finding the right fit—and proper maintenance and repair will ensure your load-hauler lasts thousands of miles.

Footwear tech is more complicated than it looks. Maximize your mileage by learning how to pick the right boots and make them last.

Can science—and a fine-tuned gear setup—help you sleep better? Let's give it a try.

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

The miles are low and the rewards are sky-high on these perfect first hikes.

Get the most out of your backpacking equipment with this sage advice.

Take your first steps into the world of backpacking with these one-night trips, full of mountain views, wildlife, and even glaciers.

Bad weather, horrendous blisters, endless hills—it’s all fun if you look at it the right way.

The easiest way to lighten your pack isn’t to buy new gear, but to leave a few things you already have behind.

You don’t have to learn the hard way, because we already did.

Being alone in the wilderness doesn't have to be frightening. With these tips, you can fine-tune your mind for an empowering solo journey.

Camping with kids can be unpredictable and messy. But, with a lot of love (and sometimes, a little blackmail), it can be a lot more fun.

Green Mountain National Forest will acquire more than 2,000 acres to provide a buffer around the United States’ oldest continuously-used footpath.

Can a novice navigator make the leap to confident cross-country hiker?

Kickstarting a workout habit starts with reexamining your motivations.

Colorado Springs makes for an unforgettable gateway into the Rocky Mountains’ Front Range.

For how dangerous the backcountry can be, it's sometimes the smallest accidents that become the biggest injuries. Stay safe with these tips.

Stay itch-free this summer with these guide-tested tips.

Cryptocurrency and the technology around it has gained a reputation as an environmental disaster. Armed with computer savvy and more efficient tech, a new class of conservation groups think it could be a force for good.

A 40-year-old hiker passed away after an apparent encounter with a bear in the Absaroka Mountains.

For many bears, winter means hibernate or die. Here's what they do to survive. Plus: how climate change puts newborn cubs in danger.

Over a 30-mile hike through the High Sierra, a father and son reflect on belonging in the wilderness.

Michigan’s idyllic national park promises rocky shorelines, aromatic pine forests, beautiful lighthouses, and more moose than humans.

Ready to cross one of the most scenic canyons on Earth? We've got you covered.

Creaky joints? Learn how to strengthen your knees with these supine leg lifts, best performed with 3- to 5-pound ankle weights.

Bear bells are still common sights in Yellowstone and other bruin-heavy parks—but the science behind them is spotty. Our resident bruin answers all your questions in in Ask a Bear.

Through two breakups, career changes, and more, the Beaten Path has been a welcome constant—and a yardstick for just how much everything else has shifted.

Only one smoky bean bowl earned top marks.

In the wilderness, it isn't cheap, paracord-wrapped hatchets and trenching tools that we need to survive. It's each other.

Ten trails. Ten unmatched miles each. Get maximum bang for each boot step on hikes that our most-traveled contributors call their all-time favorites.

You only think you know Leave No Trace's guidelines. See the ones that didn't make the cut.

It’s light enough, durable enough, comfortable enough, and more than cheap enough.

On a trip up Mt. Rainier's Disappointment Cleaver route, Cherlyn Eliza remembers that only your skills and your heart matter to the mountain.

Electronics can make our hikes easier and more safe. But we may have gone too far.

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

Plot out a long hike too much, and it starts to feel like work. But there’s a better way.

At one of the most beautiful parks in the northwest, this hiker went outside on their own terms.

When Edgar McGregor decided to clean up Eaton Canyon, he started a quest that spanned 2 years and thousands of pounds of trash.

In a wilderness emergency, the tiniest details can be a matter of life and death. After a pair of accidents leave one one young adventurer injured and another deceased, Hayden Seder ponders the difference a stroke of luck can make.

Featherweight gear takes a lot of the pain out of carrying a load. But when it breaks in the middle of a long hike, it puts that pain right back in again.

Keep your cool in the backcountry—no matter how high the mercury climbs—with these key lessons from one of the hottest places on Earth.

Forest Service shutters campsites and shelters over a 13-mile stretch after receiving reports of multiple aggressive bruins.

Despite warnings, rules, and common sense, tourists in Yellowstone keep approaching bears and bison.

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

Bear spray is a weapon, created to fend off one of the planet’s biggest predators. So you’d be surprised how many people think that they're supposed to spray it on themselves.

Georgia’s most infamous bruin—and the true-crime saga around him—is getting the Hollywood treatment in a new Elizabeth Banks-produced film. But the real tale is almost too wild to believe.

Bear attacks on humans are exceedingly rare—but they do happen.

Jobs, trips, moves: Every time I tried to hit the trail with my dad, life got in the way. Then something happened that made me realize just how much time I had wasted.

What does hiking 800 miles in less than two weeks do to your body? Ultrarunner and FKT holder Joe McConaughy hit the Arizona Trail to find out.

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

I grew up hiking in the White Mountains. But I never fully appreciated them until I moved away.

In November, Colorado will make history when it lets voters decide whether to reintroduce gray wolves. But the discovery of the state’s first confirmed pack in nearly a century is casting an old debate in a new light.

After campers left garbage strewn across one of the Appalachian Trail's most popular sites, guides, educators, and social media influencers ponder how we can do better.

In a remote corner of Montana, backpackers and wildlife advocates clash over the future of a bear population hanging on for dear life.

Take off for one of these forested hikes to find some respite from the summer heat beneath the trees.

Work! Altitude! Traffic! Sometimes it seems like the universe is conspiring against your hiking plans. Here's how to subdue those hazards and 18 other trip killers to keep your weekends sacred.

Kermode bears, British Columbia's famous white bears, may be in decline as salmon populations drop. What do we lose if one of the world’s most striking animals disappears?

Nearly a century ago, Peter Parsons made long trail history before there were long trails.

Less oxygen? No problem. Crush your alpine goals—whether ski-touring in winter or hiking in summer—with these tips from Peter Hackett, MD, founder of the Institute for Altitude Medicine.

Navigation tips from an Appalachian Trail pro.

Like your life and limbs intact? Then you'd better get skilled before visiting these trails.

Turn up the fun factor with stuffed fruits and veggies. Best part? No dishes required.

Mix up your bear calls with our expert suggestions.

With a bit of luck, you can see nature’s most electric light show.

Learn how to stay safe in bear country from myth-busting scientist Tom Smith.

Trading your boots for a boat? Heed these hints to makes sure you’re never up a creek without a paddle.

Drowning in beauty

A soup-to-nuts guide that'll get you through the supermarket and on the trail faster than you can say "express lane."