Mud Season Is Coming. Are You Ready to Survive It?
First step: Accept that mud is inevitable on any trail.
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The 6 Best New Year’s Resolutions for Peakbagging Hikers
Need a hiking resolution for 2025? Pick one of these lists.
The 10 Best Trips Stories We Ran in 2024
From unforgettable dayhikes to crowd-free international treks, these were the best trips we wrote about this year.
This Hated Holiday Food Is the Ultimate Hiking Snack
Made the butt of jokes and relegated to the discount aisle post-holiday, fruitcake may be the most disrespected confection of the Christmas season. But backpackers in the know understand this treat’s true power.
How Boomers Reshaped Backpacking—and What Happens When We’re Gone
The most dominant group in hiking history is fading to gray. But they’re not disappearing just yet.
A Nonprofit’s Land Purchase in Appalachia Ensures Permanent Land Protections
The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy just purchased a parcel of land to permanently protect a small region south of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
6 Great Voids to Scream Into This Election Season
Can’t take it anymore? We can't either. Step up to the void and scream it out on these six trails.
Do Hikers Have to Pay for Search and Rescue?
Getting carried or helicoptered off a mountain is already stressful, but the idea of paying for the privilege is enough to set any hiker’s teeth on edge. And while most subjects of a wilderness rescue will never face a bill or a fine, there are a few exceptions.
A Closure on the Last Stretch of the PCT Finally Reopens to Thru-Hikers
The Easy Fire closed the section of trail leading to Hart’s Pass in late July, threatening to block hikers' route to the finish.
5 Berry-Picking Hikes Where You Can Forage Right Now
These trails are currently laden with ripe fruit, but the foraging season won't last long.
Teacher Finds Bear in Classroom Munching on Kids’ Granola Bars
The bear came in through the window, cracked open the kids' earthquake emergency kits, and started devouring granola bars.
Meet the 4-Year-Old Who Has Climbed More Mountains Than You
After spending her infant years ascending all of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks in a carrier, Lydia Pearson recently accomplished the challenge on her own two feet—summiting all 48 of them
7 Life-Changing Pieces of Hiking Gear Under $5
Revolutionize the way you hike with these 7 affordable must-haves.
Ramp Up Your Camp Meals With Appalachia’s Most Pungent Onion
This odiferous allium pops up annually in Appalachia throughout April and May and its allure is as palpable as its taste is polarizing.
Ask A Bear: Where Do You Stand on The ‘Man or Bear’ Viral TikTok Debate?
Would you rather be stuck in the woods with a man or a bear? Here's what our resident bruin would prefer.
The Best Women’s Hiking Shirts for Sweat, Sun, and Wind
Nine testers donned dozens of tops to find the best shirts, midlayers, and wind shells for hiking.
The Best Women’s Hiking Pants for Fit, Stretch, and Durability
Eight testers ran, trekked, and squatted in dozens of products to find the best bottoms for hiking.
This Lightweight Hauler Can Handle 50-Pound Loads
Mystery Ranch’s Radix carries serious cargo without a weight penalty.
Is It Obnoxious to Sing While You Hike?
Our etiquette columnist weighs in on a contentious but common trail occurrence.
On a 1,000-Mile Trek Through Alaska, I Learned What Gear I Really Needed
Self-described Luddite Michael Engelhard preferred to ditch the gadgets and improvise what he required instead. Would a super-size adventure change how he packed?
15 Reasons to Never Date a Hiker
Their idea of a nice dinner is buying the expensive dehydrated meal, cuddling on a sleeping pad is awkward, and don’t get us started on their feet: There are a lot of great reasons to date a hiker, but there are also a lot of reasons not to.
The 101 Best Miles of Hiking in the National Parks
America’s national parks boast thousands of stunning trail miles, but some are just a hair more amazing. Find the top 101 miles in the entire system on these 16 hikes.
The Bad Hiking Habits We’re Keeping in 2024
New year, new us? Not quite. From hiking crowded trails to carrying gear we know we will never use, here are all the bad habits we plan to keep nursing this year.
Backpacker’s 5 Top Trips Stories of 2023
Want to hike in Middle Earth? Turns out you just need to go to this park in Ohio. Plus: What we think could be the new Triple Crown trails.
These 5 Outdoor Gift Certificates Are Perfect Last-Minute Presents for Hikers
Sure, you could send the hiker on your list cash—but these digital gift cards will show them you know what they’re about.
A Rescue Gone Wrong
In 1982, a daring rescue mission changed Joe Lentini's life forever. What began as a noble effort by Mountain Rescue Service volunteers took an unforeseen turn, leaving profound and lasting echoes in the lives of all involved.
Spooky Ghost Stories from 6 Haunted U.S. National Parks
A searching mother, a headless gunslinger, a mysterious light to show you the way: these national parks are home to hair-raising tales
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Vote Now on the 2023 Defender Service Awards Finalists
The top nonprofits win a customized Land Rover Defender 130 and a pile of cash. Cast your vote starting on September 15 to help choose this year’s winners.
The Gear That Backpacker’s Editors Loved in August 2023
From a bulletproof pair of rain pants to a sunscreen stick that helped us stay scorch-free, this was the gear we depended on in summer's final stretch.
The 10 Most Beautiful Hikes in U.S. National Forests
Our national forests are brilliant, underappreciated, and uncrowded compared to most national parks. Here’s the intel on where to hike in these stunning landscapes.
21-Year-Old Man Collapses, Dies While Hiking in New Hampshire
The cause of death has not yet been released.
Sponsored Content
5 Nonprofits Making the World a Better Place
Winners of the Defender Service Awards save bears, train service dogs, feed people in need, and more. Meet last year’s honorees—and learn how to enter the 2023 contest now!
2073 Could Be Paradise for Backpackers—or a Hiking Hell
It's been 50 years since we published the first issue of Backpacker. What will the backcountry look like in another half-century? Our editor speculates.
New Hampshire’s Bad Search and Rescue Policy May Be About to Get Even Worse
New Hampshire is one of the only states in the nation that regularly makes hikers it deems negligent pay for their own rescue. Now, legislators are considering suspending their driver's licenses if they don't pay. It's a dangerous policy, our editor says.
Years After My Mentor Died in the Backcountry, I Retraced His Final Footsteps
Faced with risk and loss in the mountains, our writer grapples with what it means to lead a life well-lived.
This Is the Best Winter Ever to Visit Yosemite National Park. Here’s Why.
“Conditions are amazing right now,” says Cory Goehring, lead naturalist for the Yosemite Conservancy, the park’s nonprofit partner. “Yosemite has transformed into a winter wonderland.”
10 Perfect Holiday Gifts to Get a Backpacker in 2022
Outdoorsy folks get stoked on gear year-round, but the holidays are a chance to surprise your favorite trailblazer with the latest and greatest items for their gear closet.
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
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.
How I Fell in Love With Hiking in the Rain
Humans, like trees, grow best in damp soil.
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.
I Don’t Want to Hike the PCT. And That’s OK.
Is a hiking resume complete without a long-distance thru-hike?
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.
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
14 Camping Skills All Backpackers Should Know
Check out Elizabeth Kwak-Hefferan's author page.
Tips and Tricks for Visiting a National Park Without a Reservation
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.
It’s Time to Face It: There’s Privilege in Thru-Hiking
Hiking a long trail is a challenge no matter who you are. But not everyone is equally able to make the compromises it requires.
The 15 Best National Park Campsites in America
At these creekside, shorefront, and mountaintop spots, the views are so gorgeous that you may never want to go to sleep.
A National Park Ranger Reveals the Secrets of the Job
True tales from the front lines—and behind the scenes—of America's national parks.
The 52 Biggest Hiking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
These hiking mistakes are as common as can be—but there's no excuse for making them.
Bask in the Fall Glory on These 7 Perfect Autumn Leaf Hikes
Hit up one of these 7 hikes for a late-season color show.
The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer
Stay cool: These 20 backcountry tarns, lakes, ponds, and other assorted bodies of water are perfect year-round, but come into their own as temperatures heat up.
The 12 Best Hiking Gifts Under $25 of 2021
On a budget or looking for that last little item to finish off your shopping list? These inexpensive gifts punch far above their price.
The 26 Best Gifts for Backpackers of 2021
From freeze dryers to dog vests to waterproof packable backpacks and everything in between, we gathered the gifts that will make the 2021 holiday season the best yet.
These 5 Spooky Hikes are Way Scarier Than a Haunted House
Ghosts, serial killers, and abandoned towns: These spooky-season hikes hit harder than your average Halloween attraction.
Avoid These 10 Beginner Hiker Blunders for a Better First Day Out
We've made the mistakes so you don't have to.
No, Speed Hikers Aren’t “Missing the Point”
There's nothing wrong with a leisurely hike. But when hikers sneer at people who choose to go fast, they prove that they don't get it.
One of the Best Thru-Hikes in America is Hidden in the Ozarks
Why this lesser-known trail in northern Arkansas should be your next thru-hike.
Hike Mount Washington — The Most Dangerous Small Mountain in the World
One of the windiest hikes in the world is no slouch on views, either.
Spending Time Above Treeline? This is the Gear You’ll Need to Enjoy the Alpine.
These products will keep you protected and prepared on high-alpine treks.
A Bear Lover’s Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Forget Yellowstone or Yosemite: One of the highest concentrations of bears in the U.S. lives right here in the Appalachians.
Forest Road Wilderness: Why You Should Try Bikepacking
More miles means there's more to see when you go bikepacking off the grid.
Explore New River Gorge, America’s Newest National Park
With more than 100 miles of hiking trails, there’s no shortage of exploring to be done in this West Virginia getaway, which became America’s 63rd national park in December 2020. A local shows you how it’s done.
Why Is it So Hard to Honestly Portray Backpacking on Social Media?
Hiking isn’t all gorgeous sunsets and glowing campfires, but you wouldn’t know that from looking at Instagram. And for people just getting into backpacking, that matters.
Hike the USA: 10 Once-in-a-Lifetime Trips Every Backpacker Should Do
You don’t need to renew your passport to make memories this year: Get out and get hiking with these phenomenal, uncrowded destinations.
The Best Plus-Sized Women’s Hiking Apparel for Winter
The trail is for all shapes and sizes, and these designers know it.
The Best Gifts for Ultralighters of 2020
Help the gram-counter on your list go lighter and faster.
The Long Haul
What does it take to plan a for a record-setting thru-hike attempt? A Calendar-Year Triple Crown hopeful spills.
The 6 Best Light Hiking Boots of 2020
We used to have to choose between supportive boots and light ones. No more. These six models are agile enough for day missions and casual outings, but will keep your feet happy as the miles pile up.
Tecnica Plasma Mid
Best Fit
What’s In My Pack: Speed Hiker Joe McConaughy
Want to go really, really light? Take a hint from a guy who finished the Long Trail in less than 5 days.
Packing for a Pandemic Thru-Hike
Hiking a long path is hard. As Patricia Cameron discovered while getting ready for the Colorado Trail, doing it in the era of COVID-19 adds a whole new level of difficulty to the process.
Chase the Sunrise in West Virginia's New River Gorge
Spy animals and one beautiful dawn by carefully timing your hike along the Grandview Rim Trail.
Leap Into Spring On These 10 Hikes
Where to get out now
Meet The Newest Members of the Get Out More Tour
Check out Backpacker Magazine's author page.
BlackYak Brava
Most breathable shell
20 Bucket List Hiking Trips to Take in 2020
This is your year. Start planning one of these life-list hikes and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The 11 Best Gifts for Expert Hikers of 2019
Help the hardcore backpacker on your list make their gear lighter, better, or just more fun with these 11 trail-ready gifts.
Lasting Trekking WHI
Best value
Explore Deep Forest in the Shining Rock Wilderness, North Carolina
Pisgah National Forest blankets the southern Appalachians, and at the heart of all that greenery there’s a backwoods gem—a forest within a forest. The 18,479-acre Shining Rock Wilderness protects an East Coast paradise of waterfalls, mountaintop views, and remote trails.