This Lightweight Hauler Can Handle 50-Pound Loads
Mystery Ranch’s Radix carries serious cargo without a weight penalty.
Displaying 1521 - 1600 of approximately 1735 results
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.
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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.
While California’s storms were devastating in many parts of the state, they blew epic snow and adventure opportunities into the park. Waterfall viewings are off the charts, there are fewer crowds, and conditions are primo for backcountry exploring.
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.
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.