Hiking and Backpacking
Archive
This time the former AT record holder is heading southbound and shooting for a time of under 40 days
Challenge yourself, choose your own pace, and embrace nature all by yourself
And what to do when your fitness level doesn’t match your adventure partner’s
Can I cut switchbacks? What about smoking on the trail? And what do I do with all those rocks?
It takes patience and some trial and error to make new trail buddies
“You always think you’ll save the ones you love when the moment comes. But he didn’t save her.”
Create the ultimate wet-weather defense system with these six waterproof items
Because sometimes, you just want to get away from it all
No two waterfalls are exactly alike, but these will always capture our imagination
Sleeves still play an important role against the elements, even when it’s hot
That shiny sheet of plastic you have wadded up at the bottom of your daypack can help you stay alive. Will it help you stay comfortable? That’s a different story.
Take a break from NPS crowds by visiting these lesser-known designations, which we chose based on spectacular scenery, great hiking trails, and unique features.
Public lands have become more trodden and restrictive, but the pandemic-era craziness might not last
We’re eyeing these steals at Huckberry’s annual Summer Sale, which lasts now through July 26
You’re dead set on walking every inch of a trail, but your partner doesn’t mind skipping a section or two. How do you compromise?
History tells us why skiing—and the outdoors in general—lacks diversity. Thanks to the work of dedicated groups, this is slowly changing.
When hikers have leftover food or gear, they don’t trash it. They drop it in a box for the next person who needs it, forming a beautiful network of anonymous interdependence.
After a year spent inside with too much time on his hands, a writer survives two days in the woods with only the equipment available to his hobbit alter ego—rapier and lute included
Exercise may not be enough to make up for thru-hikers’ bad diets, a new paper suggests
On a backpacking trip through Utah’s Buckskin Gulch with ultralight gear legend Glen Van Peski, our writer learns about the Crotch Pot, an Oscar-winning actor’s anti-snoring technique, and that there’s a whole lot of shit you don’t need when you’re on the trail 1,000 miles from home
Master the shakedown for a smoother trek
Acadia National Park in Maine boasts 150 miles of trails on its official maps, but that’s only a part of what once existed. Matthew Sherrill tagged along with a couple of local history obsessives to explore some of the dozens of unmarked paths that lead to what were once major attractions—places some want to stay a secret.
Gates of the Arctic in northern Alaska is one of the last truly wild national parks. There are no roads or trails, and the park boasts the stunning Brooks Range, six wild and scenic rivers, and gets fewer than 3,000 visitors a year. Our 62 Parks columnist was awestruck by her 39th stop on her quest to visit every national park in the U.S.
From a long-distance thru-hike to exploring an urban park in your backyard, here's everything you need to know
Thanks to these boots, hiking went from painful to pure bliss
Chickfly’s innovative zipperless fly makes for pee freedom
We’ll be combing the site for the steepest discounts, so you don’t have to
Save on hiking and camping equipment with Amazon’s biggest sale of the year
Which backpack is right for you? Wes Siler is here to explain how they work.
All the essentials for crushing long days on the trail
Why reaching outdoor nirvana means journeying far from the beaten path
Having a disability and staging epic adventures can go hand in hand. You just have to be willing to ask for a little help.
We asked movers and shakers in different corners of the outdoor world about what people can do to make certain spaces and sports more welcoming for all
Whether you’re just dipping your toe in the water or pushing the outer limits of adventure sports, you can use this handbook for decades to come. Enjoy technical tips and words of wisdom from the pros, ranging from ways to stay warm while cold-weather camping to nurturing the inspiration to get out there every day.
If you're just getting started on the trails, don't be overwhelmed. This 101 guide breaks down where to go, what to wear, and everything you need to know to stay safe and have fun out there.
You deserve better than freeze-dried stroganoff
Now’s a great time to save a few bucks on hiking gear
The remarkable survival story of Claire Nelson, whose solo hike in the desert turned into a desperate fight for her life
In an excerpt from his latest book, ‘Freedom,’ the celebrated nonfiction writer describes a journey along Pennsylvania’s train tracks with friends he met while reporting on the war in Afghanistan
Every woman who hikes has been the target of mansplaining—and outdoor writers and editors are no exception
Gear up for summer adventures with these killer deals
Keen's Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain describes how he got into the shoe business.
The research and development designer shares her story and inspiration
Top-notch gear for wrangling singletrack adventures
What to do when a significant other, or a friend, doesn't respect your decisions
For two years, I logged nearly 70 snack varieties in a spreadsheet on my search for the perfect adventure snack
When a group of friends decided to tackle Sentiero Italia, one of the world’s longest and forgotten trails, they had no idea that 1,500 others would join them along the way
In March, Emily Ford became the first woman to complete Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail in winter. She’s also become an unintentional ambassador of the outdoor industry’s quest for inclusivity.
After experiencing loss, a new mother races through grief at the edge of the world
Hiking can be a blast, but it won’t be if you're struggling every few feet. Here’s how to get ready for trekking, from easy day hikes to the longest thru-hikes in the world.
Sometimes the biggest threat in the wilderness is another human
Not much tops seeing the the massive glaciers and vast empty wilderness in Glacier Bay—that’s the verdict of our 62 Parks Traveler about the 33rd stop on her quest to visit every national park in the U.S.
Mother’s Day is May 9. She deserves some sweet outdoor gear.
After the year we just had, she deserves something nice
What happens when a lifelong fraidy-cat sets out into the wilderness alone?
A little TLC can add years of life to your favorite hikers
It might not be time to head out on a big excursion yet, but it's a great time to get inspired.
Finding hiking pants for my curvy body was a lifelong struggle, until I tried Fjällräven’s High Coast Lite trousers
Staying in hiking shape during the off-season is a serious challenge, but it’s not impossible
Totally normal ways to keep the conversation moving
It breathes and wicks sweat better than any other midlayer I’ve tested
Lots of people say they hike to change their lives. For some, that starts by changing their love lives.
The Ombraz Leggero forgoes sidearms for an innovative nylon strap, which is both good and bad
When you stop resisting the information sharing that causes crowd flocking, you can use it to create advocates who will protect the trails
Don't let cold weather stop you from exploring. These eight trails in some of our favorite national parks may be even better in the winter.
Fill your thermos and bring these warm mixed drinks along for après-ski, socially distanced happy hours, and cold-weather tailgates
The Stone Glacier X-Curve conforms to the shape of a human back with unprecedented comfort
More often than not, our biggest adventures are nothing like we expect them to be—in the best of ways
A collaboration with 'The Dark Divide' on how to recreate safely
Whether you're shopping for others or yourself, these sales are the best opportunities to save big on gear this year