Backpacking
About
When it’s time to leave Outlook, Teams, Slack, and the rest of your connected life behind, many prefer backpacking. Whether you’re a well-traveled backpacker or new to the hobby, this is your destination for backpacking essentials, the best gear on the market, and tips that will make your time in the backcountry even more enjoyable.
Time to wake up: Climate change gave us our hottest summer ever and the Earth is in meltdown, U.N. says
Climate change is real. We just experienced the hottest summer on record, and scientists say our climate is breaking down.
Take your favorite tipple from town to trail with the best camping flasks of 2023
From stainless steel to plastic and packable, the best camping flasks let you unload the weight and keep the drinks flowing on the trail. Here are our top picks.
These are the best tactical pants for all of your outdoor adventures
Men like to touch grass. Getting out in the great outdoors is made easier with these best tactical pants for men.
When you need the very best EDC knife, these 8 knives make the cut
The best EDC knives come in all shapes, styles, and sizes, but these top-of-the-line blades are our favorite go-to picks.
Yellowstone river mountain whitefish should not be eaten, but rainbow trout are fine, authorities say: Here’s why
Yellowstone river train derailment has contaminated some fish species, but rainbow trout are fine.
Gear up at the best locally owned outdoor stores in the U.S.
Forget the online mega retailers. We've rounded up our picks for the 14 best outdoor stores — all small and locally owned — in the U.S.
This new Patagonia jacket is the first GORE-TEX jacket to feature 100% recycled, pfc-free GORE-TEX fabrics
GORE-TEX has released its first 100% recycled laminates to work with its PFC-free membrane, and unsurprisingly, Patagonia is the first to adopt this eco-tech.
To avoid a bear attack, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed a road
Bears foraging for food caused park rangers at the Great Smoky Mountains national park to close a road
How well does your home state rank for adventure? Study reveals the best and worst states
Wyoming, Montana, and Utah stand out as the top states for thrilling outdoor experiences, offering opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and camping.
Pack your multiday backpack for comfort with our guide
You will barely notice a well-packed bag on the trail, but a badly packed one will leave you in physical pain. Here's how to pack a backpack for hiking.
7 wild edible plants every outdoor enthusiast should know about
In this article, we'll highlight some edible plants that grow wild around much of the United States. But make sure that you identify these plants properly
Altitude sickness: What you need to know about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention
High elevation might make you sick. Find out how you know and what to do if you get it.
You know you should avoid poison ivy, but stay away from these 5 plants, too
Here are 5 plants that you should avoid. Understanding what these plants look like, symptoms, and remedies can help you have a rash-free summer.
What is REI Co-Op? Everything you need to know about REI’s in-house gear brand
REI's own REI Co-Op-branded gear flies under the radar, even though it offers similar quality and innovation to better-known premium alternatives for less.
These are the essential outdoor knots that every outdoorsman should know
Every outdoorsman needs to know how to tie a knot for all occasions. Here are our most important outdoor knots for camping, backpacking, and survival.
Getting a backcountry permit for Grand Canyon National Park just got a whole lot easier
Grand Canyon National Park will upgrade its permitting process to allow most backcountry campers to pay for and reserve their spots completely online for 2024.
This video shows just how fast a bear attack can happen
Watch as a grizzly bear takes its anger out on this camera and see how fast a bear attack can happen.
Hydration is vital for summer adventures: How to safely collect water on the trail
Unless you weigh yourself down with gallons of water, you will have to refill on the trail. Here's how to do so safely.
How to treat scorpion stings: 4 essential things you should do
Scorpion stings can be treated at home. Clean the wound, apply a cold compress, take pain relievers, and seek medical attention for severe symptoms.
7 telltale signs it’s time to put the ‘backpacker’ life behind you
Backpack traveling tends to be a young person's game. Here are a few signs that it's time to travel like a grownup, and tips on how to do it.
Zion National Park: Our guide to exploring Utah’s incredible outdoors
Utah is a wonderland of gorgeous vistas, remote wilderness, and abundant outdoor sports. See what the Greater Zion region of this beautiful state has to offer.
Want to take photos of bears? A wildlife photographer reveals the do’s and don’ts to follow so no one gets hurt
By adopting Karen Blue’s mindset of care while photographing wildlife, future generations can also enjoy the beauty of North America’s magnificent creatures.
Want to climb to the top of the world? Here’s how long it takes to climb Mount Everest
From landing in Nepal to standing on top of the world, how long does it take to summit Mount Everest?
A beginner’s guide to moving fast and light on the trail
Here's everything you need to know to enter the world of fastpacking.
Insta360 X3 action camera review: Is it worth it?
Whether capturing the ski slopes, a black diamond ridge on your bike, or the perfect campsite, relive the action and favorite moments with the Insta360 X3.
Tick safety 101: How to safely remove ticks (and avoid them in the first place)
Going out for a hike and worried about ticks? We give you some tips on how to avoid ticks while hiking to prevent Lyme disease.
Here’s everything you need to pack for a trip to Yellowstone National Park
Just like Old Faithful, these essential items can always be counted on to ensure a safe and fun adventure trip to Yellowstone National Park in 2023.
Everyday carry all-stars: Upgrade your gear with these best-in-class, fast-action flipper knives
If you’re looking to upgrade your EDC, here are the best flipper knives that anyone would be proud to carry in their pocket.
Stock your on-the-go outdoor kitchen with the best camping cookware
Unsure of how to cook outdoors? Check out our easy-to-use cooking gear list for both campers and backpackers, which will bring out your inner gourmet chef!
Stock up on hiking and camping gear at the best places to shop for outdoor equipment deals
Most outdoor gear nowadays is designed to last for years, even decades, of use. Here are five of the best places to stock up on dirt-cheap camping gear.
Learn to tie (and untie) a double figure-eight knot
Learn how to tie the double figure-eight knot, perhaps the most secure knot in the world.
How to pack a tent in a backpack: A pro guide for beginners in 6 easy steps
When you’re out for an overnight hike in the wilderness, you want to be amply prepared for the experience. Here's a guide for how to pack a tent in a backpack.
Learn to tie the clove hitch for when you need a secure, adjustable knot
The clove hitch is the ultimate answer when it comes to tying an adjustable knot. Our guide teaches you to tie this hitch to a fixed point and for a carabiner.
How to waterproof a jacket in 3 simple steps
Waterproofing your jacket can transform a comfortable wardrobe staple into the ultimate waterproof rain jacket, and it’s really not as hard as you might think.
Learn to tie a square knot to secure loads when you’re out camping
There are a lot of knots that any boater or outdoorsman needs to know. The square knot will help with tying bundles or packages.
Upgrade to the best warm-weather hiking gear of 2023
We’ve rounded up the best new gear for hiking (and camping and kayaking and whatever else you’re getting into) this spring and summer.
Get the best nature apps for identifying unknown plants and critters right from your smartphone
If you're insatiably curious about the natural world, these mobile nature apps will help you identify almost any unknown plant or critter.
Keep clean anytime, anywhere with the best portable showers for camping
A portable camping shower can get you clean with minimal effort and water. We’ve found the 10 best models worth shopping in 2023.
Review: Does the iPhone 14 Plus live up to its outdoorsy reputation?
Apple has marketed the iPhone 14 as the ideal phone for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Our review takes a look at its travel chops.
Snowsports
Camping
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