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.
Displaying 1521 - 1600 of approximately 1712 results
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.
JR Stockwell is the King of the Mountains
If there was a championship of local hiking, New Hampshire native JR Stockwell would be a lock for first place—except he never tells anyone about his singular adventures in the White Mountains.
You’re Doing it Wrong: Gear
Your gear is your lifeline. Pack it right and maintain it correctly for a fun, hassle-free trip.
Alleged AT Killer Not Competent to Stand Trial
James L. Jordan will be transferred to a psychiatric facility.
Hike of the Week: Tablerock Mountain, NC
Capture some of North Carolina’s best views as you hike into the Linville Gorge Wilderness on this spring-perfect trek.
2019 Get Out More Tour Schedule
Backpacker's Get Out More Tour is coming to a place near you!
BACKPACKER's 5 Favorite Hikes of 2018
From Catalonia to California, our staff picks their top trails of the year.
3 Exercises to Train for Carrying Heavy Packs
Whether you need to carry a full load of winter gear or just an extra camp chair, train your muscles to take the weight with these three exercises.
Why Hikers Should Know Their Plants
Find home anywhere, one leaf at a time.
The Best Reader Photos from National Summit Day
Relive our celebration of peaks with these mountaintop shots.
How to Train for Steep Hikes
Push through big climbs and banish quad burn by increasing your lactate threshold.
The 11 Best Wild and Scenic River Trips in America
Some of the best wilderness in the country has no trail at all. Grab a paddle and get ready for the ultimate summer on the water with these 11 trips down National Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Why Hells Canyon is Better Than the Grand Canyon
When it comes to backpacking destinations, Hells Canyon takes the cake.
Editor’s Note: Why We Need to Tell Women’s Stories
This week, BACKPACKER is putting the focus on the women of hiking. Guest editor Kassondra Cloos explains why that matters.
Editors’ Choice 1994: The Best Backpacking Gear of the Year
From burly leather boots to a useful multitool, these are our favorite pieces of gear this season.
2018 Get Out More Tour Retail Schedule
Backpacker's Get Out More Tour is coming to a shop near you!
What New Offshore Drilling Means for National Parks
The Department of the Interior's plan to open up more of America's waters for drilling has conservation groups worried, but the government agency in charge says their concern is misplaced. What does the future hold for coastal parks?
Evening Snowshoe Tour
Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.
The 4 Best Sunrise Hikes to Celebrate Daylight Savings Time
Yes, 'springing forward' means it's dark an hour later. But that just means you've got more time to catch the sunrise from one of these four perfect lookouts.
Colorado Kid Breaks Record for Youngest Triple Crown Hiker
Nine-year-old Christian "Buddy Backpacker" Thomas completed the Continental Divide Trail this year to claim the title.
Not In Boston, But: Hiker Rescues Rooster on the AT!
Heather Bolint, 1,124 miles into her hike, came across a fancy rooster near the Mason-Dixon Line. She carried him 42 miles to safety.
Are You Brave Enough for These 4 Haunted Hikes?
Destinations Editor Maren Horjus shares four spooky, Halloween-ready tales from her new book, Haunted Hikes.
"Redlining" the White Mountains Becomes More Popular
More and more people are hiking all 1,420 miles of AMC's "Guide to the Paths and Camps in the White Mountains."
The Most Popular Program in the Outdoors is in Danger
The Land and Water Conservation Fund has bought land for national parks and long trails, and doesn't cost taxpayers a thing. So why does the White House want to cut it?
The Best Day Hikes in America: Mt. Rogers via Massie Gap
Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia
The Backcountry Swimming Hole User's Manual
How do you find the best secret spots to take a dip? When is it OK to go naked? Backpacker answers all your summer swimming questions.
Make Hiking Great Again
Putting one foot in front of the other isn’t the most extreme activity, but damn if the original outdoor pursuit isn’t the sexiest.
Hike: Wachusett Mt. to the White Mountains Series, Mt. Galehead
Check out BACKPACKER Contributors and Editors's author page.
How to Beat the Cold While Hiking in Winter
Keep yourself (and your supplies) from freezing this winter with tips from Philip Werner, an Appalachian Mountain Club leader and founder of sectionhiker.com
Ask a Thru-Hiker: Tips for a College Student
Dreaming of tackling the AT after graduation? Liz "Snorkel" Thomas has some advice.
West Virginia – Wardensville and the Lost River Trading Post
Check out Morgan Tilton's author page.
A Kid's First Journey in Ed Abbey's Utah
In Canyonlands’ backcountry, a family learns that the wonder of our parks belongs to anyone who goes looking for it.
America's Next National Park
There are more than just 59 beautiful wild lands in the States. But which areas have the best shot at earning coveted national park status?
Pass/Fail: Hammock Camping
If you’ve come across campers hanging blissfully above the cold, hard ground, you might have wondered: How hard can it be? Our scout finds out.
May 2016 Table of Contents
Learn to control your mind, explore the Gates of the Arctic, survive with tent poles, and more in this issue.
Brave the "World's Worst Weather" on the Crawford Path
East Coast Alps, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
The Ultimate 64-Hour Weekend: Blitz the Border of the Carolinas
Three parks, two state, one weekend: You’ll accomplish a lot in this Charlotte-based weekend mission.
Boston, MA: Mt. Washington in Winter
Get the closest to the Alps without leaving the States—by traversing the Presidentials, including Mt. Washington, in winter. BY RYAN WICHELNS
What Happens When You Hike Every Day for a Month?
With a high school reunion coming and a gut to lose, our writer tries to remake himself on the trail.
4 Ways to Make Packing Out TP Less Gross
Yes, the idea of carrying out your nasty, used toilet paper is a little gross. But in many places, it's also the right thing to do. Here are some tips to make it painless and smell-free.
Skier's Paradise: Backcountry Hut & Yurt Destinations
Maximize your winter fun with a backcountry basecamp where you can spend all day skiing or snowshoeing, and all evening lounging by the fire.