Hiking
About
Hiking is one of the simplest, most rewarding outdoor activities anyone can do. It doesn’t take much — just a good pair of shoes and an idea of where you want to go or what you’d like to see. Maybe you want to hike up a mountain just to see the morning sunrise – or perhaps you’re considering tackling the Pacific Coast Trail. Whatever your interest level, we’ve got all the best gear and advice to keep you enjoying your hikes.
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.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort owners sell to local families, keeping resort hyper-local indefinitely
Jackson Hole's owners decided to sell shares to local families, almost ensuring no big resort conglomerate will ever get its hands on the property.
These are the most affordable times to visit the most popular U.S. national parks
With a little planning, you can avoid large crowds and high costs when visiting U.S. national parks. Learn the best times to visit popular parks in the country.
This revolutionary device might make snorkeling more like scuba diving
The Scorkl 2.0 Electric will let you snorkel and do boat maintenance tasks with a lot more freedom.
Costco has a secret online store, Costco Next, that any member can access – here’s how
Did you know Costco has a secret online store named Costco Next? It's true! Here's how to access it
How to poop in the woods: A guide for when nature calls when you’re out in nature
The next time you're on a hike and your bowels come a-knockin', you'll wish you'd have read this guide on how to poop in the woods like a pro.
Hiking poles 101: All the different kinds — and our top picks
When searching for the best trekking poles, this is what you need to know.
How to treat a snake bite when you’re stuck in a worst-case scenario
A snake bite can be terrifying, but as long as you stay calm and follow these doctor-approved first aid tips, you'll live to hike another day.
We tested all of Outdoor Vitals’ lightweight hiking clothes: Here’s our verdict
We tested lightweight hiking gear from the Utah brand Outdoor Vitals. Here's what we thought of it.
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.
Here’s your camping and outdoor guide for the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest camping opportunities are many and wonderful. Here are a few of its most renowned outdoor spots.
Good news: Why we’re likely to get a new Apple Watch Ultra this year
The impending release of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in 2023 appears to be a reasonable assumption supported by credible sources.
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.
Vans UltraRange review: Putting the hiking (and real) worlds on notice
Are Vans UltraRange solid hiking shoes? We review the latest from the street-shoe mainstay.
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.
Here’s why you should be using AllTrails+ to find new outdoor adventures: Review
Is the AllTrails app worth it? Should you get AllTrails+? We’ve got the answers.
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.
Why you should visit the Everglades (and our top tips for a memorable adventure)
Get a taste of Everglades National Park from Loop Road, a scenic drive that you can travel on foot, by bicycle, or from a motor vehicle.
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.
2 popular national parks want your opinion about proposed fee increases and reservation changes
Two popular national parks — Bryce and Zion — are considering various fee increases and changes to reservations, and want your opinion.
Climate change is real: Know about hiking trail closures and conditions before you set out
Is your trail closed? If you are planning on hiking or backpacking, find out what conditions your trail is in and if it is open this season.
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.
Video: Scared camper narrates his encounter with a mama bear and her cubs
This hiker manages to stay calm and keep his head in the face of one of the most terrifying experiences many hikers face: a family of bears on the trail.
The 5 most beautiful waterfalls to visit in America — add these spots to your bucket list
If you're an avid hiker or simply a nature enthusiast, here are our top 5 waterfalls to visit in America before you die.
See a rock cairn? Push it over, Yosemite National Park says
Park officials at Yosemite are now encouraging everyone to knock cairns over as part of the "Leave No Trace" ethics of visiting these protected areas.
These are the fantastic trail running brands you should be wearing
These are the brands you should be wearing this year, whether you're training for your first park run or you're a seasoned ultramarathon runner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where will the next U.S. national park be?
The 64th and newest National Park will be here soon. Here are the candidates and what the naming process is like.
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