2022
Stories
POSTs
Fallen Into An Ice Cave
In this episode of Out Alive, join friends Dan and Jim as a routine glissading in the Tetons swiftly turns perilous, plunging one into the concealed depths of a hidden ice cave.
Are the Animals Sick of Us?
During a summer of unnerving animal encounters making headlines, we dive in with bear experts Dr. Tom Smith and Wes Larson and explore this wild narrative.
Stabbed by a Trekking Pole in the Wind River Mountains
In the remote expanse of the Wind River Mountains, an ultra runner's routine training turns into the ultimate test of his endurance after a devastating mishap with his trekking pole.
Why Extreme Heat is Nature’s Stealthiest Killer
As temperatures worldwide continue to soar, it's time to understand the insidious danger of extreme heat.
Hit by Rockfall Deep in a Cave
Venture into an intense survival story in a cave so deep and treacherous that explorers must rely solely on their own wits
Should You Drink Pee to Stay Alive? We Asked an Expert.
Unveiling the truth: Should you drink your own pee to survive? Expert Jessie Krebs separates fact from fiction, delivering insights for life-or-death decisions in the wild.
A Deadly Rescue on Mount Rainier
Survival, courage, and tragedy intertwine on Mount Rainier in this riveting episode of Out Alive. Join us as we recount a daring rescue, honor a fallen hero, and explore the thin line between triumph and disaster in the face of unimaginable odds.
Pack Like Your Life Depends On It with Jessie Krebs
Uncover the secrets of survival packing essentials with renowned survivalist Jessie Krebs as she shares her expert tips and strategies.
What Are the Most Dangerous National Parks? One Story Got it Wrong.
A widely-circulated article ranks parks by the total deaths they saw in a ten-year period. But those numbers don’t tell the real story.
Lessons From the Arctic: Eric Larsen on Surviving Cancer
In the face of a daunting cancer diagnosis, polar explorer Eric Larsen discovered unexpected solace and strength in the lessons he had learned from polar exploring.
10 Backpacking Gear Tips We Learned the Hard Way
Get the most out of your backpacking equipment with this sage advice.
Knees Are a Hiker’s Weak Link. Here’s How to Strengthen Yours.
Creaky joints? Learn how to strengthen your knees with these supine leg lifts, best performed with 3- to 5-pound ankle weights.
How to Get Fit for Hiking Fast
Ramp up your speed for hiking, trail running, and reaching the views faster with this all-in-one cardio and stabilizing workout.
Four Nights Lost in the Cold
Lost in the Pecos Wilderness with her aid dog, Shannon Baruth faced extreme weather conditions for four nights. Together, they fought to make their way back to safety.
Signal Fire Strategies: Dos and Don’ts for Survival
In this episode of Out Alive Survival Shorts, we discuss the crucial role of signal fires in emergency situations, using a real case story to highlight important dos and don'ts. Former Air Force SERE instructor Jessie Krebs offers expert analysis and practical tips on site selection, fuel choice, smoke color, and other factors critical for survival
Battling the Brain: A Neurological Illness Backcountry Skiing
In this episode, you'll hear an incredible story of survival from the Editor-in-Chief of Backpacker magazine. While backcountry skiing on a glacier in British Columbia, he developed a rare brain virus that left him struggling with double vision and other neurological symptoms.
Ask a Bear: Why Do Grizzlies Have Humps?
Our readers have a personal question for our bear columnist: What's that hump on your back for?
Ask a Bear: What Happens If You Wake Up Early?
Every winter, bears tuck into their dens for their annual beauty sleep. But what happens if they wake up early?
Unleashing the Secrets of Search and Rescue (SAR) Dog Training
From tracking scents to navigating treacherous terrain, we'll learn about the rigorous training and specialized skills of SAR dogs and the incredible bond that forms between handler and canine.
A Bystander Saves a BASE Jumper’s Life
A climber in the right place at the right time leads a daring rescue of a BASE jumper stranded high on a cliff.
Forest Bathing Is Your Ticket to Wellness—and Better Hiking, Too
A slow walk through the woods has psychological and physiological benefits—and it could teach you a few things about hiking, too.
Backpacker’s Top Ultralight Hiking Stories of 2022
From what to buy to what to leave behind, our ultralight columnist offered up essential advice this year.
Dr. Bronner’s Says Hikers Can Use Their Soap for Anything. I Tried it.
Washing your face or bowl with Dr. Bronner's? Sure. Using it to cure congestion? Maybe. Using it as toothpaste? Hmm.
Backpacker’s Most-Read Survival Stories of 2022
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.
The 6 Most Popular Backpacker Essays of 2022
Take a walk in another hiker’s boots in these insightful pieces.
10 Interesting Ways to (Almost) Die in the Wilderness
Cautionary tales from the official journal of the Wilderness Medical Society
A Relocated Bear Walked 1,000 Miles Back to Its Favorite Campsite
This bruin’s journey across four states is a reminder that hikers and campers should be extra careful with food and trash
The 7 Best Hikes Backpacker’s Editors Did in 2022
From a section of the Oregon Coast Trail to an Alaskan backcountry adventure, these were our editors' favorite trails this year.
How a 13-year-old Saved His Dad’s Life
When Charlie Finlayson was just 13 and alone with his dad David deep in the backcountry, his father suffered a horrific injury from a rockfall. But Charlie, despite being forced to make decisions way beyond his age and experience, never doubted that his father could survive and that he could help him. Thanks to his unwavering faith, Charlie and David pulled off the impossible.
Lost in Plain Sight
A pair of hunters wearing camouflage become lost for six days in Alaska. Help is tantalizingly close but just out of reach, as rescuers are unable to see them.
I Fought Off a Grizzly
Jeremy Evans takes us through a first-hand account of the catastrophic injuries he sustained after being mauled by a grizzly bear while deep in the Canadian backcountry.
Want to Make Your Next Hike Cozy AF? Embrace the Art of Hygge.
Winter backpacking doesn't have to be about suffering. For cheerful cold-weather trips, we can learn something from the Danes.
10 Ultralight Stocking Stuffers for the Trail Trash in Your Life
From tiny pocket knives to freeze-dried foods, these ultralight-friendly gifts are best presented in a sub-1-ounce merino sock.
A New Hampshire Hiker Fell to His Death While Snapping a Photo
An experienced 59-year-old hiker and Mount Washington Cog Railway engineer passed away after tumbling from a cliff in the White Mountains.
I Went Winter Backpacking With a Polar Explorer. It Changed How I Hike.
Most of us won’t make it to either pole in this lifetime. But we can still learn some tricks from those who have.
The Best U.S. National Parks for Northern Lights Hunting—and Why This Is a Good Year to See Them
You don't have to fly to Iceland, Greenland or Norway to experience the bright-green glow of the northern lights. You can chase the show in our national parks: in Alaska, yes, but also the contiguous U.S. Better yet, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are increasing as we march toward what is known as solar maximum, which will peak in 2025.
3 Super-Simple Gourmet Hot Cocoa Recipes for Backpackers
Nothing says down-home comfort better than a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Assemble these easy recipes at home to upgrade a classic drink.
Unlicensed Guide Convicted Over Hiker’s Death on Buffalo National River
A Bentonville, Arkansas man who led a 31-person hike along the Buffalo National River where one participant died will face sentencing in March.
Part 2: Injured on Rainier in a Storm, Survival Seemed Impossible
In the second of a two-part episode, listen to a terror-filled tale on one of America's deadliest peaks.
You May Have Bought Your Last Women’s Sleeping Bag
Led by one of the outdoors' biggest retailers, some manufacturers may soon ditch women's and men's sleeping bags for nonbinary ones made to fit a wide variety of bodies.
How Colorado Plans to Make Wolf Reintroduction a Success
Wolves in Colorado should benefit both humans and the ecosystem, but can they survive the culture war? A new draft plan outlines how the state plans to protect both them and livestock.
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Is So Big, Even the Grizzlies Seem Small
On a rafting trip down the Kongakut River, a photographer experiences a landscape that's as spectacular as it is endangered.
Try These Four Drills This Winter For Complete Spring Trail Fitness
Want to ensure a fun, productive, and injury-free spring? Try these drills, which you may already know from your high-school sports days.
Joshua Tree National Park and a Local Tribe Will Collaborate Under a New Stewardship Agreement
Twenty Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians is the first Native group to ink an agreement with the park.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: Should I Flip-Flop?
Travelling a long trail end to end isn't the only way to thru-hike.
Backcountry Skating Is Your New Favorite Winter Sport
'Tis the season for a wintry multisport adventure. Here’s how to take to the ice safely.
Meet the High School Teacher Who Finished the Entire Triple Crown in a Calendar Year
Only a handful of other thru-hikers have completed the big three in one year.
You Love Backpacking. This Holiday Season, We Want to Help You Support It.
Give back to the community that's given us so much by supporting these four great organizations.
A Stranded Hiker Reportedly Survived for Two Weeks on Half a Jar of Salsa
An injured hiker got a lucky break when two campers heard him screaming for help. As it turned out, he had been waiting for a while.
Backpacking is the Sport of the Average (or Below-Average) Athlete
The trail is for everyone, even—especially—those of us who always got picked last in gym class.
Going to the Smokies? We Made You a Playlist.
Want a national park to visit this winter? Great Smoky Mountains is your place. Download this playlist for maximum vibes.
The Cocaine Bear Trailer Is Wild. The Real Story Is Weirder and Sadder.
Cocaine Bear's first trailer shows a bloodthirsty, intoxicated bruin rampaging through the forest. But how much of the based-on-a-true-story movie is real?
Skip the Christmas Tree Farm and Go to the Forest Instead
Hiking for your tree is your family’s new favorite holiday tradition.
Down on Hiking? You Might Be Burned Out
Burnout can affect participants of any sport—including hiking. Here’s how to identify, prevent, and cure hiking burnout.
How to Start Foraging Mushrooms Without Dying or Accidentally Tripping
Still settling for those tasteless supermarket white button mushrooms? Expand your palate with these ’shrooms found in the U.S.
For These Refugee Women, the Trail is a Sanctuary
The outdoors are powerful medicine—and the Refugee Women’s Network is helping displaced hikers get back to it.
Backpacker Dies of Apparent Hypothermia in Zion Narrows
One visitor died and another required medical attention after attempting to tackle a popular trail in unusually cold conditions.
The Science Behind Adrenaline, Your Survival Secret Weapon
Adrenaline can be a life-saver. But how does it work?
5 Hiker Gifts for Less than $20
Our hiking columnist knows firsthand that buying gifts for the hiker in your life can induce anxiety. These affordable finds from independent companies can’t miss.
Got a Partially-Filled Fuel Canister? Here’s How to Measure It.
No more running out of gas in the middle of cooking with these methods.
10 Perfect Hiker Gifts That Cost $25 or Less
Yes, a $25 tchotchke can be an indispensable backcountry tool.
The Cost of a Smokies Permit Is About to Double for Thru-Hikers
The increase is part of a larger program of fee hikes aimed at covering costs as visitors soar.
An Offensive Grand Canyon Landmark Now Has a New Name
Indian Garden will be known as Havasupai Gardens following a government decision.
How to Tell If a Bear is About to Charge You on the Trail
Animal attacks are rare, but it's best to arm yourself with knowledge and know-how before you step foot in the backcountry. Here's how to know when four common animals are about to get defensive.
Yellowstone Identifies Man Whose Foot Was Found Floating in Hot Spring
National Park Service doesn't suspect foul play in the death of Il Hun Ro.
These 20 Pieces Of Gear Changed Backpacking Forever
Through the past five decades, there have been a lot of trend-setters and trailblazers. These are the best of backpacking.
This Reusable Ziploc Bag Is Changing How I Cook in Camp
Goodbye clunky plastic containers and disposable packaging: This is how I'm rehydrating my meals from now on.
Hikers Rejoice: Yosemite is Nixing Reservations Next Year
The park is giving up on its 3-year-old timed entry program, but says it's still committed to finding ways to keep visitor numbers manageable.
This Hiker Just Completed the 6,800-Mile Great Western Loop in Less than 200 Days
Nick “Chezwick” Gagnon became the fastest person to circumnavigate the enormous route, which takes in sections of five major thru-hikes
Is Military-Grade Backpacking Gear Any Different Than the Stuff at REI? We Tested Some to Find Out.
These made-in-the-U.S.A. layer, packs, and boots are designed to stand up to the rigors of combat. But how do they stand up to civilian hiking gear?
How to Trick Yourself Into Liking Cold Weather
Go from shivering basketcase to four-season badass in eight easy steps.
“Don’t Go Winter Camping,” and 5 More Brilliant Winter Camping Hacks to Help You Stay Warm
Camping in winter will never be comfortable. Camping in winter will never be entirely safe. Sorry, we totally forgot where we were going with this.
Building a Trail is Hard—and Dangerous—Work. Here’s How Crews Stay Safe.
Digging, lifting, and sawing in the hot sun take a toll on the body.
Injured on Rainier in a Storm, Survival Seemed Impossible
Listen to a hair-raising account of terror and salvation on one of America's deadliest peaks.
Want a Backpack? How About a Sandwich? This Combo Gear Store-Deli Will Sell You Both.
We appreciate a good post-hike (or pre-hike, or mid-hike) sandwich. Soon you'll be able to find one—plus a pair of hiking boots, a stove, or whatever else you need—at The Happy Goat.
I Fell In Love With a Picture of Greenland. Seeing It in Person Blew My Mind.
In pictures, Greenland’s backcountry ski terrain looks spectacular. In person? It’s even better.
Grizzlies Vanished From the Cascades Decades Ago. The Feds Want to Bring Them Back.
Seven years after the Trump administration ordered an end to it, the National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service announced they would once again investigate bringing grizzlies back to the mountains of north-central Washington.
This New Law Could Revolutionize How We Save Endangered Species
Check out Adam Roy's author page.
How to Suffer Less On The Trails
Hiking is hard, but it shouldn’t be painful. Focus on the fun by achieving all-around fitness and preventing common aches.
Hike Solo (and Keep Your Sanity)
Prepare your mind and body ready to fend for yourself in the backcountry.
Get Fit for Your First 100-Mile Backpacking Trip
Here’s how to prep your body for linking big days.
Crush a High-Altitude Trek
You don't need to white-knuckle your way through your dream high-altitude trip. Here's how you can feel your best.
Zion National Park Just Found Toxic Bacteria on Two of Its Most Popular Hikes
The National Park Service has advised hikers to avoid direct exposure to water colonized by cyanobacteria.
7 Incredible Trips to Gift the Hiker in Your Life This Year
Forget a new tent: Backpacker's editors sound off on the trips they'd like someone to buy them in 2023.
Try Night Hiking Once and You’ll Fall in Love With it Forever
Shorter days are no problem with these night hiking tips.
Bored Of Your Go-To Trail? So Was I. Here’s How I Learned To Love It Again.
After a decade in Seattle, I grew tired of the Cascades. After gaining a new perspective, I love them more than ever now.
50 Years Later, Backpacker’s Founder William Kemsley Still Dreams of the Trail
"Nature is not a hobby to me, or even something I really think about. It’s simply part of who I am."
Was Backpacking Better in the “Good Old Days”? Let’s Debate.
Backpacking’s changed a lot over the years. Is its heyday behind us, or is it yet to come?
“Wilderness” Is a Dangerous Idea. Here’s Why.
Contrary to popular belief, wilderness is a made-up concept. Here’s why it could be harming our planet.
The National Park Service Warns Visitors: Don’t Lick the Toads
Sonoran desert toads are one of the largest species of toads in North America, and threatened across parts of their range. Unfortunately for them, some national park visitors have discovered that they also get people high.
My Coworkers Are Polar Bears. Here’s What It’s Like.
After some amazing interactions with polar bears, Alysa McCall of Polar Bears International decided to dedicate her career to conserving this animal and its ecosystem.
Course Correction: Backpacker Owns Up to Our Worst Advice
Some advice doesn’t age well. It’s time for an upgrade.
I Tried to Sew My Own Ultralight Tent. Here’s How it Went.
Backpackers were once big on making their own gear. Do those projects hold up today?
Don’t Fall for These 8 Common Survival Myths
Knowing the difference between fact and fiction might just save your life.
I Went on a Commercial Backpacking Trip and Loved Every Minute of it
Highlander's hiking events draw dozens of hikers together for an organized multiday trip with all the trappings of a race. One of our editors tried it—and found a lot to love.
The Most Experienced Hikers Make the Dumbest Mistakes
Beginner hikers often overpack and overprepare. But as Maggie Slepian learned the hard way, experienced hikers have their own special way of messing up.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What Do Hikers Owe Trail Angels?
They offer rides, places to stay, food, and more, and never ask anything in return. But thru-hikers still owe a debt of gratitude to trail angels. Here are some ideas on how to repay it.
Max Patch Was the Appalachian Trail’s Most Gorgeous Campsite—and it Could Be Again
After a group of campers left one of the Appalachian Trail's most beautiful sites covered in trash, the Forest Service banned camping there. But did it go too far? One local argues for a course correction.
Man Sentenced to 23.5 Years in Prison for Shooting Rocky Mountain National Park Ranger
Daron Marquel Ellis pleaded guilty in the November 2021 incident.
Going to Yosemite National Park? We Made You a Playlist.
Yosemite is beautiful in the fall and winter. Download this playlist and get after it.
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in October 2022
A shoulder-season jacket, a bright-as-daylight headlamp, and a device to keep your devices safe: Here’s what our editors brought with them on their fall adventures.
How to Hike Ultralight When its Cold Out
Leave the conventions behind with these five shoulder-season gear tips
One of America’s Least-Visited National Parks May Start Requiring Reservations
Following a boost in visitation, Isle Royale National Park is seeking public comment on a plan to begin requiring visitors to reserve campsites in advance.
One of Colorado’s Most Popular Fourteeners Made $222K From Hikers This Year
Hikers shelled out for parking and a new pay shuttle at Quandary Peak in 2022.
Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. These Photos Prove It.
In celebration of 50 years of trail beta and inspiration, we look back on our favorite spots through the moments we chose to capture.
The West Coast Trail Is a Beautiful Hike With a Horrifying History
Canada’s most revered backpacking trail was born out of a ghastly misfortune
Swedish Fish Are the Ultimate Backpacking Candy
These little Scandanavian gummies have earned a permanent place in our packs. Why? Let us count the ways.
The Palisade Glacier Is the Southernmost Glacier in America. How Long Will it Last?
In California's Big Pine Lakes basin, you can find the southernmost glacier in North America, for now.
Getting a Dog Taught Me to Love the Outdoors All Over Again
How hiking with my canine companion gave me a new perspective on adventures.
Hungry Bears Cause Trail Closures in the Smokies
Park officials issued the closure for the safety of visitors and bears.
Tired of Exercising For Hours? Try These Quick Cardio Workouts
Stop picking between your fitness and your free time. These aerobic conditioning workouts are just as effective and take less than an hour.
Hyperlite’s New Unbound Kit Is an All-in-One System for Ultralight Thru-Hikers
Skip the ounce-counting with a new tent, quilt, and pack from one of ultralight’s best-loved brands.
Stop Wasting Money on Energy Gels and Make Your Own
Making your own energy gels is as easy as making a smoothie
Emergency Winter Shelter Tips from an ‘Alone’ Contestant
Need a backcountry overnight dwelling in a crisis? Survival skills instructor Jessie Krebs has you covered.
How the Pros Make Your Favorite Backpacking Meals
Hours of testing, tasting, and innovating goes into these freeze-dried backpacking pouches
Finding a Campsite in Shenandoah National Park Just Got Easier. Thank Technology.
A new alert system will let hikers keep tabs on first-come, first-serve sites.
How I Fell in Love With Hiking in the Rain
Humans, like trees, grow best in damp soil.
Yellowstone Is Having Its Slowest Year in More Than a Decade
The park’s low visitor counts follow a series of flooding-caused closures.
The Great British Baking Show’s S’mores Are a Crime and We Need to Talk About It
As defenders of all things outdoors, we can’t let Paul Hollywood’s weird marshmallow hockey pucks stand.
The Historic Trans Bhutan Trail is Now Open to Hikers
After decades of disrepair, the path reopened to adventurous trekkers.
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.
What Type of Water Filter is Right for You?
The market is flooded with various styles of filter. Here’s how to pick.
How to Pay Your Trail Dues
We all use the trails—but very few hikers take the time to help keep them clean, safe, and maintained. Here's how you can join them.
Don’t Cook Breakfast In Camp. Try This Instead.
These easy breakfast ideas let you fuel up and break camp without firing up the stove.
5 Pieces of Gear to Help You Sneak a Hike Into Your Non-Hiking Trip
From a minimalist pair of trail runners to a two-in-one water filter, this gear is ready to help you turn your next family reunion or business trip into a memorable hiking adventure.
Wyoming Wrestler Jumps on Grizzly Bear to Save His Friend
Bear attacks are rare, even in areas with high grizzly concentration. These teammates say it's a "miracle" that they made it out alive.
Ecologist Allie Weill on Wildfire and Hiking in “Phoenix Landscapes”
This trailblazing fire ecologist is making a difference in the world of hiking and land regeneration.
A Deadly Earthquake on Mt. Everest
When Svati Narula agreed to spend a season as part of a communications team at Mt. Everest basecamp she thought there would be a buffer between hers and the perils of Everest’s high slopes. But she would find there was no safe distance from the worst disaster in Mt. Everest’s history.
We Ranked the Outdoor Gear in Rings of Power
Galadriel—we’ve got notes
Are 4,000-Footers Tougher to Hike Than Fourteeners? We Debate.
Can the East's small but rugged mountains unseat the Rockies' biggest peaks?
Texas Hiker Tries, Fails to Outrun Bison in Harrowing TikTok Video
Rebecca Clark broke down the incident and emergency response in an update on the social network.
The Painful Science of Getting a Blister
Whether because of poorly-fitting shoes, moisture, or just bad luck, every hiker’s tangled with those raw, fluid-filled bumps. Science can tell you how they form—but can it stop you from getting them?
Visitors Have Been Waiting Up to 5 Hours to Get Into Arches National Park
Timed entry may be over for the year, but so many people have visited this week that the park has been reaching capacity by 8:30 or earlier.
How to Sneak a Hike Into Your Non-Hiking Vacation
Yes, you might have to get up early. But put in the effort to fit some trail time into your vacay, and you'll have a chance to sample hikes you might otherwise never do.
This 71-Year-Old Hiker Just Completed the Pacific Crest Trail
Jon Anderson overcame temporary snowblindness to complete the 2,650-mile journey from Mexico to Canada
Ending Every Backpacking Trip With Chapped Lips? Here’s Why.
As winter approaches, the air gets harsher and harsher for our delicate lip skin. Protect it with these tips.
A Hiker Was Trapped in the Wilderness with a Broken Leg. She Was Saved by a Woman on a Train.
The hiker had broken her leg and been stuck in the wilderness overnight when she crawled to a spot in view of the train.
The Forest Service Has a Plan for the Pacific Northwest Trail—and It Wants Your Input
USFS will take public comment on its comprehensive plan for one of the least-travelled National Scenic Trails through October 30.
Impaled by a Tree Branch
Peter Agricola was mountain biking near his home in Norfolk, Massachusetts when went over the handlebars on a downhill and landed chest-first on a downed log.
All Hail 747, The Fattest Bear
The King of Brooks Falls prevailed for his second title at Fat Bear Week.
The Implausible Fame of Fat Bear Week
Why is the world so taken with Katmai National Park and Preserve’s pre-hibernation faceoff?
This $27 Backpacking Tent Costs Less Than a Tank of Gas (and Yes, We Tried It and It Works)
The Sierra Designs Crescent 2 is beginner-friendly two-person shelter, and right now it's more than 50% off.
Fat Bear Week is Here. We Chose Our Favorites to Win.
Our editors sound off on the bears dominating our brackets.
Stung by A Scorpion
When a rafter was stung by a scorpion, she assumed she’d be fine. Then she lost her ability to see or speak clearly.
I Survived Being Lost For Nine Days
In June 2021, Andrew Devers disappeared after setting out for a dayhike in Washington’s Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
After Hurricane Ian, Florida National Parks Reopen With Restrictions
Hikers can now visit the Sunshine State's national parks and preserves, but some are still reeling from the storm.
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in September 2022
Check out BACKPACKER Editors's author page.
The North Face Is Renaming Its “Sherpa” Fleece
Will now be known as "high pile," company announces.
How Does the ’70s’ Lightest Backpacking Gear Stand Up to Today’s?
We combed through vintage magazines and catalogs to find out how low you could go back in the day.
The Sierra’s Rae Lakes Are Spectacular—and More Fun With New Friends
A basin of beauty resides in the middle of Kings Canyon National Park.
What I Did This Summer: One Hiker’s Successful Quest to Complete 650 Trails in the White Mountains
Philip Carcia trekked nearly 2,000 miles over 90 days—all in his backyard mountain range.
We Asked 5 Appalachian Trail Hikers What Their Favorite Piece of Gear Was
After 2,194.3 miles, this is the equipment that they loved the most.
As Adventure Travel Explodes, Guides Say Goodbye to the Dirtbag Life
Outfitters step up to provide career and financial stability for guides—from health insurance to 401ks to paid time off—as demand for outdoor experiences skyrocket.
Going to Zion National Park? We Made You a Playlist.
Load up this Spotify playlist and get going.
Feeling Sore After a Long Hike? Time to Hit the Gym.
Feeling achy and serotonin-depleted after a couple months on the trail? This gym workout will help you out.
Make Your Own Retro Backpacking Gear With These DIY Projects
If hikers five decades ago could make their own gear, so can you.
What You’re Made Of
While snow climbing, William Toor and Mariella Colvin fell nearly 1,000 feet down a couloir in Rocky Mountain National Park.
It’s Time To Vote For Your Favorite Fat Baby Bear
March Madness < Fall Fatness. Voting for the biggest bear at Katmai National Park starts this week.
Mountain Lion Euthanized After Attacking Trail Runners in Utah
Authorities tracked down and killed the cougar following an encounter that left one woman with minor injuries.
Can You Take a Cat Backpacking? I Tried it and Found Out.
Can our scout coax his feline friend into becoming a true trail companion?
The Best Hikes in the Berkshires
Explore the natural side of New England with year-round dayhikes, waterfall treks, and backpacking trips in the scenic Berkshires.
The Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
Full of rock scrambles, cactus clusters, and desert views for days, Joshua Tree National Park is the southwest at its finest.
The 8 Best Softshells of Fall 2022
Our testers weathered alpine gusts, freak downpours, and rough granite slabs to find the very best softshells. Eight jackets rose to the top.
Two Years After the “Massacre on Max Patch,” the Mountain Is Healing
One of the most popular spots on the Appalachian Trail, Max Patch, is better off now than it has been in years.
Attacked by an Alligator
A first-hand account of an alligator attack in Florida.
5 Exercises To Improve Your Muscle Mobility
Do these exercises regularly to widen your range of motion to feel your best on the trail and avoid injuries.
It’s Time for a Mountain Dew Smackdown
Our soft-drink warriors both believe this sugary, caffeine-packed soda is the perfect refreshment after exercise or adventure. (Hmm. OK.) They disagree about flavors, and be warned: it might get loud.
Soon, You Won’t Need a Reservation to Get Into These Parks Anymore
With the summer high season wrapping up, a variety of national parks are lifting reservation requirements for a while.
How Do Trees Talk? We Found Answers To All Your Nature Questions.
As hikers, we spend a lot of time in nature. Impress your hiking partners with these answers to commonly asked questions.
Is Hiking Good for Your Health? We Got an Expert’s Opinion.
The body does weird stuff on the trail. We rounded up the experts to answer our burning questions about hiker physiology.
You Had Questions About Your Gear. We Have Answers.
Are women's sleeping bags really warmer than men's? How long can I keep a down sleeping bag stuffed before it's ruined?
The Secret to a Great Backcountry Cocktail? Your Dehydrator.
You can't dry out alcohol (yet), but you can cut weight without cutting flavor by sticking all the other ingredients for this backcountry old-fashioned in a dehydrator.
The Secret to Eating Better in the Backcountry? Master the Dehydrator.
A home dehydrator might be the handiest kitchen tool you never knew you needed. Upgrade your backcountry cooking with these drying (and rehydrating) tips.
This Man Mapped Every Bathroom Break on His Thru-Hike of the AT
The results, however hilarious, remind us how hikers destigmatize the body
Want to Build Your Backpacking Skills? Hike Alone.
You've learned the basics and know enough to keep yourself safe. Want to take the next step toward honing your backcountry skills? Maggie Slepian explains why hitting the trail alone is the way to do it.
How To Keep Electronics From Weighing You Down on the Trail
Backcountry tech is more abundant than ever, but it can add up quickly in an ultralight kit.
What’s in a Record-Setting John Muir Trail Speed Hiker’s 4-Pound Pack?
For his 3-day, fastest known time-setting hike of the JMT, Jeff Garmire had one rule: bring as little as he could carry and still make it to the finish.
Yvon Chouinard No Longer Owns Patagonia
The company's founder has given away the business, placing ownership in a trust and vowing to spend an estimated $100 million a year to fight climate change
High Alpine Amnesia
A firsthand account of a free-solo accident in the Sierra Nevada.
The Best Fly Fishing Gear for Backpacking
The next time you find yourself camping by a wild body of water, catch your own dinner with this packable fly fishing gear
How to Treat Allergic Reactions in the Backcountry
Check out Christopher Tedeschi's author page.
Body of Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Recovered from Connecticut River
Joe “Kanga” Harvey appears to have drowned in the Connecticut River on the border of Vermont and New Hampshire.
I Don’t Want to Hike the PCT. And That’s OK.
Is a hiking resume complete without a long-distance thru-hike?
Jeff Garmire’s New FKT on the John Muir Trail Came Down to a Desperate Final Sprint
Three days: That's how long it took endurance athlete Jeff Garmire to finish the John Muir Trail. But from health scares to falling asleep while hiking, it was anything but a casual stroll.
We Need Your Support to Help Big City Mountaineers Introduce More Youth to the Joys of Nature
Each year, Big City Mountaineers changes thousands of kids’ lives by bringing them on their first outdoor adventures. You can make it happen for another.
The Mountains Show No Mercy
On the "easy" climbs up Mexico's volcanoes, ignorance and arrogance can be deadly. A classic story from the Backpacker archives.
The Best Gear for Taking a Kid Backpacking
Heading into the wilderness with your hiker-in-training? This gear will make the trip as fun for you as it is for your little one.
The New Apple Watch Ultra Might Replace Your Garmin, Sleep-Tracker, and Dive Computer All at Once
The Ultra gets a titanium case, sapphire face, significantly better battery life, and better GPS and off-grid route-tracking features, making it a much more robust backcountry tool
Two Unprepared Hikers in New Hampshire Needed Rescue. Officials Charged Them With a Crime.
Hikers pled guilty to reckless conduct following off-trail rescue in Franconia Notch.
Retrieve It or Leave It? Here’s What Editors Would Save from a Trailhead Toilet.
People keep falling into outdoor latrines while rescuing lost phones. Our editors list the belongings they would fish out of an outdoor crapper—and which ones they’d leave behind.
These Post-Hike Drinks Skip the Booze, But Not the Satisfaction
Alcohol-free doesn't have to mean tasteless. These drinks satisfy your beer craving without the buzz.
Attention Hikers: Mount Rainier Is NOT Erupting
After locals sighted a plume above the summit of Tahoma, the National Park Service rushed to reassure its social media followers.
Patagonia’s New Fast-And-Light Vest Pack Is Best in Class
For carrying weight while moving quickly in the mountains, the Slope Runner Exploration 18L is our new favorite vest-pack hybrid
What Hiking in One of the World’s Harshest Deserts Taught Me About Surviving Heat
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.
Bad News for Pacific Crest Trail Hikers: The Northern Terminus Is Closed Due to Wildfires
No reroute is currently available.
Want to Hike the Appalachian Trail’s Most Photographed Spot? Take the Bus.
Volunteers hope a new bus to the McAfee Knob trailhead will cut down on congestion.
Spiced Apple Crisp Is the Fall Backpacking Dessert You Can Eat for Breakfast
This sweet crumble pulls double duty.
The Best Hiking Snacks from Around the World
Hikers around the globe can agree on one thing: Snacks are essential.
5 Pieces of Ultralight Gear that Can Survive Multiple Thru-Hikes
Lightweight gear has a reputation for fragility, but there are exceptions to the rule.
Hike the State Parks: 14 Fantastic Destinations Backpackers Need to Know
Let the crowds stampede the national parks—in the U.S., you’re never far from state lands that boast sublime beauty, natural seclusion, and endless adventure. These 14 just scratch the surface.
Solo Hiking Will Change Your Life. Are You Brave Enough to Let It?
Backpacking by yourself unlocks a powerful wilderness experience. If you’re scared to solo, you’re on the right track.
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in August 2022
Fanny packs, bear spray, and camp stoves: These are the products that helped us adventure over the past month.
An Ode to the Best Pair of Hiking Boots I’ll Ever Wear
I came for their looks. I stayed for their all-day comfort and all-terrain performance.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What’s the Best Job if I Want to Hike More?
Thru-hiking is for everyone—but if you really want to build your life around the trail, some careers make it easier than others.
Go Ahead, Hike in a Sports Bra
Feel like you couldn’t possibly bare skin in the shape you’re in? All the more reason to try.
This 49-Mile Paddle Through the Everglades Is an Epic Coastal Adventure
Kayak to pocket beaches and Gulf islands in south Florida.
Turning Back Early Doesn’t Make You a Quitter. In Fact, It Could Save Your Life.
You know what's worse than not reaching the summit? Getting caught in a thunderstorm.
Get Stronger and Faster With Loaded Pack Training
You don't have to spend hours and hours on the trail to get prepared for your next big hike. It's more efficient to train with a loaded pack.
Utah Sues to Shrink Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante Again
Suit seeks return to reduced Trump-era boundaries.
Don’t Kick a Football Off a Colorado Fourteener
Don’t whack a golf ball off one either, or chuck a Frisbee, or do anything else that jeopardizes the safety of your fellow hikers
Where To Hike If You Want to Avoid Bears
Maybe you don't want to carry a bear canister, or you're just naturally a quiet person. Either way, these trails are for you.
Hiker Found Dead After Flash Flood Strikes Zion Narrows
Rescuers found Jetal Agnihotri, 29, on fourth day of search.
Your Life List Hike is Overrated
When there’s nothing to write home about, you might be doing it right.
It’s Not Too Late For An End-of-Summer Trip. Here’s How to Nab One.
Everything you need to find a last-minute backpacking adventure before the leaves turn and the air turns frosty.
Whats the Weirdest Luxury Item You’ve Ever Taken Backpacking? We Asked Our Editors.
A disco ball, frozen lobster tails, a cat: We polled editors about the strangest gear they had ever packed for a trip.
The Inflation Reduction Act Is a Huge Investment in Backpacking
From funding for conservation projects to mitigating wildfires, public lands win big.
Six Ultralight Ways To Get Your Coffee Fix
Yes, Starbucks Via will do the trick. But is it the best way for gram-counters to get caffeinated?
Hate Hiking in a Group? Here’s Why You Should Do it More Often.
Some backpackers are just dedicated soloists. But as our writer discovered on her first big group trip, sometimes there's magic to hitting the trail with some new friends.
Bryce Canyon Hikes: 12 Trails for Your Next Trip
Forget Zion and Canyonlands; this desert gem has something for every hiker among the hoodoos and bristlecone pines
Great Smoky Mountains Unveils New Parking Fees for Visitors
While the park still doesn’t have an entrance fee, it’s going to get a little more expensive soon.
Canadian Hiker Facing Charges After Shooting Black Bear in Jasper National Park
Hiker claimed self-defense; bear was roughly 100 feet away.
5 Easy Swaps You Can Make to Be More Eco-Friendly On The Trail
Next time you have to resupply your gear, make one of these swaps to reduce your waste and impact on the planet.
Cal “Starburst“ Dobbs Becomes the First Reported Publicly Trans Triple Crowner
On Thursday, they finished the last leg of the triple crown, but they’re not done yet
Otis, the King of the Fat Bears, Is Proof that Getting Old Isn’t a Death Sentence
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.
Could Social Media Be Landing Hikers in Danger? This Study Suggests So.
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
How to Watch This Year’s Biggest Meteor Shower
Catch the Perseids with these smart skywatching tips.
“Stringbean” Joe McConaughy Sets New John Muir Trail FKT
Joe McConaughy sets a new Fastest Known Time on the 223-mile John Muir Trail.
We Asked 6 PCT Hikers What Their Favorite Piece of Gear Was
They’re 1,706 miles in and this is what they like most
The Pacific Crest Trail Has a Stunning New FKT
On Sunday night, British hiker Josh Perry decimated the trail’s long-standing self-supported records after chasing Timothy Olson’s 2021 time
The Best San Diego Hikes for Your Next Coastal Adventure
San Diego is more than great views of the Pacific. These trails will take you through canyons, alpine, waterfalls, and more.
Officials Seek “Absolute Idiots” Who Were Photographed Vandalizing the Grand Canyon
Two men defaced the popular Moran Point overlook, and photographers caught them in the act
These No-Bake Trail Cookies Taste Delicious and Look Like Literal Sh*t
Despite their eponymous appearance, cow chips, a rich cookie, taste divine.
Death Valley’s Visitor-Trapping, Car-Wrecking Flood Was Its Second-Wettest Day on Record
Park received 1.46 inches of rain, out of an annual average of 1.9 inches.
Here’s What Hikers Need to Know About Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire season is getting longer and more intense. What does that mean for backpackers who have to breathe the smoke it generates?
The Secret to These Backpacking Crepes? Pre-Make Them.
Whether for breakfast, lunch, or an after-dinner treat, these make-ahead crepes add a touch of class to any campsite.
How the X-Mid Became the Most Sought-After Ultralight Tent
Dan Durston dreamed up his innovative tent design while thru-hiking in Canada.
A Hiker Tried to Burn a Spider. He Allegedly Sparked a Wildfire Instead.
“Um, don’t do drugs kids (and don’t start spiders on fire during a drought),” Utah governor Spencer Cox tweeted Tuesday
NOLS Student Dies by Lightning Strike
A 22-year-old died in camp in the Absaroka Mountains on Tuesday evening.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: Help! I’m So Bored on the Trail.
Your thru-hike is supposed to be the trip of a lifetime. So why is your mind wandering to literally anywhere else?
Hikers Are Now Banned from the World’s Tallest Tree
Redwood National Park officials cite damage visitors have caused to forest.
Hiker Traffic on Colorado Fourteeners Plummeted in 2021
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.
60 Pacific Crest Trail Hikers Rescued from Fire Near Oregon Border
Fires have killed at least four people so far; backpackers face extensive closures.
Trail Runner Showdown: Altra Lone Peak 6 vs. Brooks Cascadia 16
Both of these shoes are beloved by long-distance hikers. Which is right for you?
Subpar Parks Makes Art Out of Hilariously Bad National Park Reviews
Too many rocks? Not enough people? Illustrator Amber Share says bring it on.
Arlette Laan’s 16,000-Mile Journey to Hike All of the National Scenic Trails
The first woman to tick all of the United States' National Scenic Trails spent 20 years on her quest.
Looking Toward the Fire from My Front Yard, I Thought, This Is Going to Burn My House Down
Last week my house burned to the ground, and if that’s not bad enough, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder
A Man Suspected of Starting Wildfires in Oregon Ended Up Tied to a Tree
According to law enforcement in Curry County, Oregon, local residents tied a suspected arsonist to a tree after he got “combative”
Going Camping? Leave the Hatchet at Home
Hatchets, saws, and axes have a place—and it's not in the backcountry.
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in July 2022
Smart watches, bucket hats, and car camping showers: These are the products that helped us adventure over the past month.
Brooke Merrell Is Denali National Park’s First Female Superintendent in 105 Years
Will oversee projects in Denali, including $91 million bridge construction.
Skip the Weight Machines and Do These Exercises To Hike Stronger
Check out Lee Welton's author page.
The Ultimate Trail Mix: 14 Hikers Share Their Recipes
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.
Grizzly Fatally Mauled Woman In Rare Predatory Attack, Report Concludes
Officials said the bear visited the Montana campsite an hour before the attack.
National Park Officials Warn of Summer Heat After Series of Hiker Deaths
Incident follows deaths at White Sands, Grand Canyon; another hiker passed away in Badlands on Wednesday.
Five Common Ultralight Maxims and When to Ignore Them
Strong opinions abound in the ultralight community. That doesn’t mean they’re always right.
We Put 23 Electrolyte Drinks to a Taste Test. Here Are the Best Ones.
Sure, electrolyte drink mixes are going to keep you hydrated. But which ones actually taste good?
I Thought I Had My Thru-Hiking Setup Dialed—and Then I Started the Pacific Crest Trail
A double-wall tent, camp sandals, and cushier trail runners were among the changes Patricia “Blackpacker” Cameron made once she hit the PCT.
Self Defense Training is Empowering These Women to Get Outdoors
Empowerment self defense classes focused on the outdoors are teaching women to feel safe in the wilderness.
How Moving into a Tent Changed Everything for Nighttime Photographer Malik Martin
The artist’s first-ever Web3 collection tells the story of his own journey into the outdoors
Can an NFT Get More People Outside? The Outerverse Passport Aims to Find Out.
A detailed look at Outside Inc.’s first foray into Web3 and how it might improve our digital health and overall wellbeing
“Tough-as-Nails” Appalachian Trail Hiker Found Dead in Tent in Virginia
No foul play suspected in the death of section hiker Michael Charles Lombardo.
The Nuttiest FKT Ever: Man Pushes Peanut Up Pikes Peak With Nose
Peanut-pushing is a 93-year-old tradition on Pikes.
Starting Today, Hikers Will Need to Carry Bear Canisters in the Desolation Wilderness
Area bears have reportedly become more aggressive in seeking human food in recent years.
A “New” Name for Clingmans Dome? Cherokee Tribal Council Votes to Restore Native Moniker
Tribe will submit petition for renaming to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.