Hiking and Backpacking
Archive
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
A hot beverage can make the difference between enjoying yourself and freezing your ass off on a cold-weather adventure. Here's everything you ever wanted to know about how to use this humble and inexpensive game changer this season.
The pandemic has robbed kids of vital socialization with friends—and put even more emphasis on the importance of spending time with them in nature. But what happens when your child is a nonstop yakker on the trail?
A pair of protective, breathable, comfortable bottoms is foundational to any adventure kit. We're here to help you find ones with the right features and fit.
A new review sifts through the evidence for and against hiking with poles
Kyle Burgess was on a trail run when he came upon a protective mama mountain lion. Using his phone, he filmed her as she escorted him away from her cubs for six terrifying minutes. He had no idea he’d just shot internet gold.
It's the lightest backpacking meal—and one of the easiest and tastiest
Fed up with packed trails and parking lots, small groups of people have begun to summit in the dark
We asked a professional chef and a nutritionist to evaluate ten meals. Here's what rose to the top.
Grizel is using her rising social media profile to spark a more nuanced conversation on nature's power to heal
'Ode to Desolation' introduces us to Jim Henterly, who spends his summers stationed at the historic Desolation Peak Fire Lookout
Make the most of the warm days with these river and lake essentials
'Common Ground,' narrated by photographer Jimmy Chin, reminds us that turning a passion for the outdoors into action requires a plan
Liz "Mercury" Anjos just completed a mid-pandemic thru-hike of the AT—with the help of a small, dialed support squad and a van named Pegasus
A fun trip can turn to crap fast if you don't come prepared
It's all about making sure they have fun on the trail
'A Grand Journey' follows Kira Brazinski, a pro adaptive athlete on a quest to conquer her childhood dream of climbing the Grand Teton
There is a direct correlation between a successful adventure and the amount of food you bring with you
Science says the HoverGlide reduces vertical forces by more than 80 percent. But what does it actually feel like?
An off-trail adventure through perhaps the prettiest chunk of the lower 48
It's a comfortable and stylish fabric, and it actually keeps you cool when it's hot—what’s there to hate?
The knife edge of Switzerland's Hardergrat is 16 miles long with more than 10,000 feet of vertical gain
AdvenChair 2.0, coming out late this year, will allow more people to experience more wilderness
Simple, free ways to improve your experience next time
How I became the best version of myself by embracing bibs
Follow these steps to spend less time stressing over the details and more time on the trail
Booking apps, glamping, and tricked-out Sprinter vans: over the past decade, life under the stars has been upgraded. Here's your up-to-date guide for enjoying the ultimate socially distanced weekend.
These innovative technical pieces make wilderness camping more fun and less work
Thru-hiker traffic on this western trail is growing faster than the volunteer community's ability to handle it
Want to see some wildlife in New England? Moose are your best bet. Here's where to find them—and get some great outdoor adventuring while you're at it.
There's way more to this area than just the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Non-thru-hikers, pack your bags.
The anonymous finder now has a million-dollar headache
I went out for a hike and forgot to put on you-know-what. When we crossed paths, was it really necessary to hit me with your self-righteous wrath?
In his latest video for Backpacking TV, Eric Hanson breaks down what kind of shoe might be the right choice for your hiking style
Kicks to keep feet fresh no matter what your mileage
Shed a little light on your campsite
Just say no to chalky bars and gritty shakes
For Warren Doyle, who has thru-hiked the trail nine times, it comes down to mental—as much as physical—preparedness
The new men's Saxx Kinetic HD Briefs got a serious upgrade from the previous model—and they're way better for high-output activities
In the South, a series of hostels have welcomed hikers, defying trail closures and guidelines. They say they're acting on behalf of their communities.
Wander amid 200-million-year-old stone logs in Arizona. It's our 62 Parks Traveler's ninth stop on her journey to visit every U.S. national park in a year.
I watched 40-plus hours of thru-hiking vlogs. These are the ones that are worth your time.
Here are four items they keep coming back to
Getting the right gear can make your experience outdoors that much better. This year, do the same for Mom and gift something that she'll love—and use—for years to come.
A checklist of essential skills, concepts, and definitions
Walking away from the adventure of a lifetime is hard, but it makes coming back to it especially rewarding. Here, five thru-hikers share their stories of failing and coming back for more.
With 43,000 feet of elevation gain, 91 miles above 10,000 feet, and 63 summits, the route is not to be taken lightly. Brendan Leonard recounts one of his favorite adventures from the past decade.
How to build a system of equipment that will offer direction in wild landscapes
Hostels are closing, volunteers are staying home, and trail organizations are advising hikers to cancel their plans