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.
Displaying 961 - 1040 of approximately 1673 results
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.
More is Better: A Love Letter to Long Distance Hiking
For long-haul hikers, time has a way of putting things into perspective.
6 Tips to Hike Monster Miles
See more on a fast-and-fun blitz through the mountains with advice on how to prepare your legs, care for your feet, and refuel along the way.
Heaven Sent
For almost two decades, Donna Saufley opened her home to PCT thru-hikers at the legendary "Hiker Heaven." But was this trail angel a victim of her own success?
Washington, D.C.: Mt. Rogers
By Matt Mills
Q&A with Lazy Hiker Brewmaster Noah McIntee
BACKPACKER got the scoop from the brewmaster of new Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. in Franklin, NC.
Redford and Nolte Take 'A Walk In the Woods'
The adaptation of Bill Bryson's beloved AT memoir gets its first trailer.
Sweet Layers: Stay Warm, Stay Cool, Stay Outside
Behold, the year's best new base layers.
AT in a Day: FAQ
Answers to your AT in a Day FAQs
Amateur Hour: First Night of the Season
The early season wilds might be cold, but getting out there is always worth it.
11 Incredible Outdoor Moms
Moms can do anything. These amazing adventurers prove it.
Walking Off The War
The Warrior Hike helps vets transition back to civilian life via thru-hiking.
Bergans of Norway Torfinnstind
This softshell is good for hiking, biking, running, and climbing, and even works as a midlayer.
Sierra Designs Tensegrity 2 FL
This two-person tent’s innovative shape provides outstanding headroom and unobstructed views.
Bun In the Oven: Pregnant Hiking
Have a bun in the oven and love hiking? Here are some tips to continue hiking throughout pregnancy.
8 Challenges Worth Training For
From an Antarctic marathon to the roof of Africa, here are 8 challenging hikes we can all aspire to.
Join BACKPACKER magazine on a Trip to New Zealand
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Hike Like a Pro
How do you get good at hiking? Hike a lot. And we haven't met anyone who's logged more miles than Cam Honan.
Millinocket, ME: Debsconeag Loop
Cross the northeast’s wildest moose country beneath fall’s fiery canopy.
New Wilderness Board Game Appeals to Backpackers
Perfect for rainy days in the tent.
Weekends: Mt. Pleasant, Virginia
Tour the best of the Appalachians on this easy two-nighter.
A Ghost Among Us
One woman's journey to the brink of what's possible on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Hike Forever
After four decades of backpacking and climbing in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, 75-year-old Joe Kelsey is living proof that, while time may stop for no one, it might just slow down for hikers.
The 12 Best Fall Leaf Hikes to See Color This Autumn
Grab your camera and hike to leaf-lover paradise this autumn.
The Best Ghost Town Hikes in the U.S.
These eerily beautiful ghost towns—complete with abandoned mines and train depots—add historical interest to nearby hikes.
25 Heat-Busting Hikes
Cool off this summer with these shade-filled trails and swimming holes.
Search Resumes for Missing AT Thru-Hiker
Geraldine Largay, a.k.a. "Inchworm" was last seen on July 22, 2013.
Never a Dull Moment
The past couple of weeks have taken us on route that could best be described as a toddlers scribbles on a map.
Exploring New Terrain
This past week took us to states that we’d never explored before – Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Solo-Hiking Alaska's Brooks Range
An interview with thru-hiking phenom Kristin Gates
May 2013 Table of Contents
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Lost & Found
John Donovan disappeared in a high-elevation blizzard, leaving rescuers and friends stumped. But his backpack contained a miracle clue.
Editors' Choice 2013: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
From a bomber ultralight tent to the best GPS watch we've seen, here are the 15 products that passed the ultimate field test.
50 Views, 50 States – The Best Views in the United States
We asked guidebook writers, backpacker field scouts, landscape photographers, and other local experts nationwide to rule on the sweetest backcountry vista in their corner of the union.
Thru-Hiking Los Angeles: 200 Miles, 312 Stairways, 3,000 Intersections
Check out Dan Koeppel's author page.
Shenandoah National Park: Little Hogback to Overall Run Falls
Take this 8.8-mile out-and-back dayhike or overnight to escape high-season crowds; it stitches together a lesser-known route leading to a photo-worthy waterfall.
Philadelphia: Pinnacle and Pulpit Rocks
This sometimes-steep 6.8-mile loop climbs hillsides carpeted with mountain laurel and hardwoods to two sweeping vistas overlooking the Lehigh and Cumberland Valleys.
Charlottesville: Three Ridges Loop
Enjoy a quiet weekend on this 12.3-mile loop to creekside campsites, a sea of mountains, and an excellent waterfall in the 4,608-acre Three Ridges Wilderness.