Hiking 101

Get the most out of your backpacking equipment with this sage advice.

It’s not just a bag. It’s a lifetime’s worth of beauty sleep. Learn what features you need, shop accordingly, and keep your bag in good repair, and it’ll keep you sleeping soundly.

Home is where you stake it out. Understand the ins and outs, pick the right shelter, and treat it like you would your bedroom.

Understanding suspension and construction is key to finding the right fit—and proper maintenance and repair will ensure your load-hauler lasts thousands of miles.

Footwear tech is more complicated than it looks. Maximize your mileage by learning how to pick the right boots and make them last.

Can science—and a fine-tuned gear setup—help you sleep better? Let's give it a try.

The miles are low and the rewards are sky-high on these perfect first hikes.

Take your first steps into the world of backpacking with these one-night trips, full of mountain views, wildlife, and even glaciers.

Bad weather, horrendous blisters, endless hills—it’s all fun if you look at it the right way.

You don’t have to learn the hard way, because we already did.

Being alone in the wilderness doesn't have to be frightening. With these tips, you can fine-tune your mind for an empowering solo journey.

Camping with kids can be unpredictable and messy. But, with a lot of love (and sometimes, a little blackmail), it can be a lot more fun.

For how dangerous the backcountry can be, it's sometimes the smallest accidents that become the biggest injuries. Stay safe with these tips.

Spending a day on the trail is one thing, but for those who have never camped before—or don't do it often—letting their guard down and snoozing in the great outdoors is a big leap. Make it a little easier with these tips.

Humans are notoriously bad at judging risk—and in the backcountry, that can screw up your priorities in a big way. Get them straight with this advice from our trail-tested team.