Confessions of a Reluctant Highpointer
More people have climbed Mt. Everest than have highpointed every state in the U.S. But does that mean it's really hard or really crazy—or both?
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The Best Peaks in America
We asked readers to pick the best mountain in their state. This is what they said.
Hike Like a Local in Atlanta
Atlanta has plenty of nicknames, but the best one is The City in a Forest. Atlanta urban center boasts a higher density of tree cover than almost any other major city in the country—meaning quality trail time is hardly farther than your doorstep.
Plan for Power Line Across Kennebec Gorge Remains Controversial
A green electricity proposal finds fierce critics among Maine's wilderness lovers.
Passaic County Park Gets Hiker-Friendly Upgrades
Highlands Preserve's new bridge improves access to its trail network and beyond.
Cross the "Virginia Triple Crown" Off Your Hiking Bucket List
The saying goes, "Virginia is for Lovers," but it could just as easily be "Virginia is for outdoor lovers."
The Man Who Hiked it All
Photographer Bart Smith, 58, has hiked nearly every mile of every National Scenic and National Historic Trail designated under the National Trails System Act. We caught up with him before his latest outing—a 3,700-mile trip on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail—to talk about the hiker mind, trail magic, and seeing the elephant.
The Second Annual BACKPACKER Cover Contest
Submit your photo below for a chance to be on the BACKPACKER cover!
The Best Hiking Boots for Backpackers
Need a little extra support on the trail? These mid-cut boots are here to help.
For Thru-Hikers, This Year's Dry Winter Means Water Woes
With snow totals in the western US bleak, seasonal water sources are drying out—and that’s bad news for the backpackers who rely on them.
Renewable Energy Plan Would Build Power Lines across Maine Wilderness
A proposal to bring Canadian hydropower to Massachusetts would require cutting through a swath of pristine North Woods.
The 4 Best Knives and Multitools of 2018
From fixed-blade knives to versatile multitools, these are the top tools for backpackers.
6 Women Adventurers Who Are Changing the World
These explorers’ exploits go beyond just summiting a mountain: They're using the outdoors to preserve Native culture, protect the environment, and more.
Presentation: Thru-Hiking & Bikepacking the Triple Crown
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
The 7 Best Sleeping Bags of 2018
Bed down better in the backcountry by picking one of these comfy bags.
Editors’ Choice 2006: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
Cutting-edge technology, category-defining comfort, and exceptional value earn these 12 new products the BACKPACKER seal of approval.
Editors’ Choice 2002: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
After a gnarly hike down California's Lost Coast, these pieces shone.
Editors’ Choice 2001: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
Lightweight cookware and a revolutionary headlamp are among the highlights of this look back at 2001's best equipment.
Editors’ Choice 1998: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
Socks with frying pan technology, a pack built like a taco, boots that would make Darth Vadar smile. Innovation abounds in this year's "Best New Gear" Awards.
Editors' Choice 1996: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
After 18 days near the Arctic Circle, these boots, socks, packs, canoes, and more came out on top.
Editors’ Choice 1993: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
To find out where marketing hype ends and true excellence begins, we trolled the aisles at trade shows last fall (where new gear debuts) and drew up a list of likely candidates. Then we took samples into the woods and beat the heck out of them. When the dust settled, the survivors made it onto this year's best-of-the-breed list.
Conservation Groups Oppose Hotel on Mt. Washington
The proposed Skyline Lodge would sit 1,000 feet from the New Hampshire summit.
New York City's Top 5 Dayhikes
The best Big Apple escapes, as selected by BACKPACKER Local scout Justin Bailey.
Atlanta's Top 5 Dayhikes
The best local trails, as selected by BACKPACKER Local scout Stan Gentry.
Right to Roam: In Scotland, Hikers Can Go Anywhere
The U.S. may have pioneered land protection, but Scotland leads the charge when it comes to accessing wild terrain. Can we learn from one of the most hikeable countries on Earth?
AMC Book Club
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
Meet the 9-Year-Old Hiker Who Just Finished the Triple Crown
Christian "Buddy Backpacker" Thomas finished his hike of the CDT this month—making him the youngest person to finish America's three most famous long trails.
America’s Best Huts: Doyles River Cabin
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
America’s Best Huts: Roan High Knob Shelter
Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee
Boston College Grad Smashes AT Speed Record
Joe McConaughy, a former cross-country runner known as Stringbean, finished the trail with a 37-hour push.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What Are The Wildest Food Challenges?
You could eat a half-gallon of ice cream in one sitting, or hike 100 miles eating only Pop-Tarts: On a long trail, anything goes.
Thru-Hike Basics
Check out BACKPACKER Contributors and Editors's author page.
5 Threatened National Monuments to Backpack While You Still Can
The federal government is considering changes to national monuments around the country. Hike these trails to get a ground-level view of what's at stake.
Brave the White Mountain Superhike
Forget the comfort zone. Let ambition be your guide.
Atlanta Accounting Firm Hiking All of Georgia's AT
The firm Bennett Thrasher has organized a series of summer hikes for employees covering 79 trail miles.
Quadriplegic Woman Tackles PCT Thru-Hike
Computer-powered leg braces help Stacy Kozel cover up to 30 miles a day.
Hiker's Body Found Near Amicalola Falls State Park
Foul play is not suspected in the death of the 54-year-old Kentucky man.
How to Layer For Hiking: Insulation
Your warming layers can be different materials and thicknesses, but each one does the same thing: trap body-warmed air. Learn which ones are best suited to which conditions, and never be too cold—or too hot—again.
The Insider's Guide to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Get to know Maine's brand new national monument with a little help from an insider.
The Fight Against a Hotel on Mount Washington
When the owner of the Mount Washington Cog Railway announced plans to build a hotel near the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak, local hiking groups went to war.
Loudoun Heights Loop, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, West Virginia
Explore a confluence of American history and Appalachian landscapes.
Oboz Crest Low BDry
Most durable
Will Ryan Zinke Save the Outdoors—or Ruin Them?
The new Secretary of the Interior says he'll never sell America's public lands—but his record on wilderness, drilling, and "local control" has many advocates worried.
To Go Faster, Hike in the Zone
Put in enough miles, and feet hike on their own.
10 Unforgettable Trips to Make a Backpacker for Life
Go hiking at one of these ten reader-suggested destinations, and you'll never stop.
January 2017 Table of Contents
Check out lara's author page.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: Hiking Around the World
Travel the world or go for a long walk? You don't have to choose.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: Planning a Mid-Career Thru-Hike
Quitting your job for the trail doesn't necessarily spell doom for your career.
The 2016 Holiday Gift Guide
From clothing to coffee to climbing gear, here are 33 perfect gifts for the hikers on your list.
November 2016 Table of Contents
Suit up for winter with our semiannual gear guide.
Remembering Donn Fendler, the Boy Who Survived 'A Mountain in Maine'
For nine days in 1939, the search for a nine-year-old New York boy captivated America.
The 20 Best Colleges for Hikers
Education and recreation meet on these campuses, with thriving outdoor programs and nearby trails and mountains.
Obama Declares New Katahdin Woods and Water National Monument
Controversial new unit established on eve of NPS's 100th birthday.
Thru-Hiking 101 Online Course
Want to go on a thru-hike but not sure where to start? Take our course to learn how.
Protecting the Future of Our National Parks
It’s not all sunsets and s’mores. If the parks are going to last another century, we need to renew our effort to protect and preserve them. From garbage to global warming, here are the challenges—and solutions—ahead.
Out Alive: Attacked in the Woods
Deep in the Virginia woods, David Stephen Wingfield's father fights off an unseen assailant. But the truth is stranger than he could have imagined.
New York, NY: Movement for Migration (Stokes State Forest, NJ)
Amble past amber maples on Kittatinny Ridge as golden eagles and hawks soar overhead on this overnight loop. BY KATRINA ROSSOS
Paddling and Hiking North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest
Looking for a multisport trip? You couldn't do better than this stretch of wilderness on the east coast.
Ask a Thru-Hiker: What’s the Triple Crown of Hiking?
Ticking these three prestigious trails off your list is worth the time—but it'll take a lot of it.
June 2016 Table of Contents
Experience and appreciate a century of parks in our National Park Service special Centennial issue
Out Alive: Free Falling in a Utah Canyon
Niki Rellon, 40, fell 45 feet during a canyoneering expedition in November, 2013.
Asheville, NC: Hike with Elk (Cataloochee Divide Loop, Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
While Great Smoky Mountains might be the most visited park in the system, Cataloochee is far from the crowds—with a bit of luck, you can see as many elk as people.
8 Gadgets and Apps for Thru-Hikers
Hitting the trail? These products will help keep you just the right amount of connected.
Inside the AMC's Controversial Plan to Build a New Hut
Sparkling Cascade would be the Appalachian Mountain Club's first new hut in fifty years. But some locals — and a state agency — are coming out against it.
The 12 Best Books and Movies About Thru-Hiking
Thinking of hiking a long trail or just love dreaming about it? Curl up with one of these dozen stories.
Portland, Maine: South Branch Mountain Loop
Find complete solitude and expansive views on one of Baxter State Parks lesser known and lesser traveled loop hikes.
Warrior Hike's Sean Gobin Nominated for CNN “Hero”
Network to announce winner on December 6
The NPS100 Road Trip Gallery
Check out 100parks's author page.
Hiking the A.T. in a Day
How’s this for a speed record? In June, BACKPACKER readers hiked almost 2,000 miles in 24 hours. One participant reflects on the unprecedented event.
Southbound on the PCT: A Passion Pursued
Our field scout is about to embark on a yearlong journey of a lifetime.
How to Hike as a Couple Without Destroying Your Relationship
Three couples who survived thru-hikes – and one who didn’t – share their tips for remaining united on the trail.
18 Tips From Female Solo Hikers
These six long-distance trekkers have no problem hitting the trail alone—and often prefer it. We rounded up their best tips for female solo hikers.
How To Not Get Pee On Your Shoes | Video
For women, peeing outdoors is a fine art. We asked a dozen female outdoor experts for their best tips on keeping their shoes splatter-free.
Pro Tips: Deal With Your Period While Camping | Video
That time of the month is never fun, but it can feel extra annoying to deal with your period in the backcountry. Nine expert ladies share their best tips.
Why Women Shouldn't Worry About Hiking Alone
Many people fear that women hiking alone are particularly vulnerable to getting lost, hurt, assaulted, or raped in the wilderness. They're wrong.
The Best Peakbagging Dayhikes
Pack long summer days with more summits—and be home for dinner—with these three essential peakbagging missions.
10 Ways to Support the National Parks
Want to support your favorite park? Go beyond a simple donation.
PCT Week Three: Pushing Limits
Finally getting trail legs on the Pacific Crest Trail.
18 National Parks Your Kids Will Love
Share America’s best idea with your children at these parks any adventurous family will love.
9 Reasons to Join the Summer's Biggest Hiking Party
Register for our 24-hour thru-hike AT in a Day on August 20, 2016 and be part of something huge.